Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

An Investigation Of Health Problems Among Female Hairdressers In Western Australia, Mary O'Loughlin, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2012

Female hairdressers in Western Australia were surveyed to determine the occurrence of health problems that may be associated with their work environment. The cohort of 238 hairdressers reported poor health behaviours including a poor dietary and fluid intake; a high prevalence of smoking; and a low level of glove usage when undertaking wet work and handling non-discolouring chemicals. Younger hairdressers were found to be most at risk of increased respiratory illness, musculoskeletal problems, skin conditions, bowel issues and general poor health. When compared with data obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH), younger hairdressers reported a higher …

Limitations Associated With The Pooling Of Historical Data Sets: An Analysis Of Dust Monitoring Data Collected At A Typical Remote Australian Mine 2004 - 2008, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2012

Dust monitoring data collected over a period of 5 years at a remote Australian mine site were pooled in order to create a large data set for analysis. Results adjusted for a 12-hour shift were compared to exposure standards and 90% of the respirable and 97% of the inhalable dust samples were found to be within the exposure standards. Median values appear to better describe exposures than the mean which is influenced by outliers. There was a declining trend in respirable dust results over time. However, inhalable dust levels remained fairly constant over the sampling period. Inhalable dust levels were …

A Theory Of The Mind As A Complex System, Craig Speelman, Kim Kirsner, Stephan Halloy

Research outputs 2012

Five principles of skill acquisition are presented based on a review of research on human learning and expertise. Essentially these principles state that practice leads to faster and more efficient uses of knowledge. This enables faster performance and results in less demand on mental resources. In turn these outcomes enable higher level behaviours to be attempted. Ultimately skills are developed through refinement of many component processes. A theory of the mind is proposed that borrows from theories of complex adaptive systems. In this theory, the mind is conceived of as consisting of agents that compete for resources associated with processing …

The Development Of An Interdisciplinary Research Agenda At Ngala: An Innovative Case Study, E Bennett, Y Hauck, S Bindahneem, Vicki Banham, M Owens, L E Priddis, G Wells, W Sinclair, L Shields

Research outputs 2012

Background Ngala is an early parenting, not-for-profit organisation in Western Australia (WA). Research academics from three universities in Perth had been involved in separate research activities over recent years at Ngala. During 2007, a strategic decision was made to forge formal links and articulate an interdisciplinary research framework to promote a research culture amongst Ngala practitioners. Aim To describe an organisational case study of the development of an interdisciplinary research agenda within Ngala. Methods Collaborative methods were used. An action learning project was undertaken over a two-year period with the involvement of researchers, managers and practitioners across the five disciplines …

The International Effort: Building The Bridge For Translational Medicine: Report Of The 1st International Conference Of Translational Medicine (Ictm), Xiaoming Chen, Roland Andersson, William Cs Cho, David Christiani, Richard Coico, Jeffery Drazen, Markus Ege, Thomas Fehniger, Hongwei Gao, Kunlin Jin, Michael N. Liebman, Elena Lopez, Giuseppe Marraro, Gyorgy Marko-Varga, Francesco M. Marincola, Laurentiu M. Popescu, Claudio Spada, Aamir Shahzad, Ena Wang, Wei Wang, Xiangdong Wang, Yong-Xiao Wang, Jinglin Xia, Jia Qu

Research outputs 2012

Background : Supported by the International Society for Translational Medicine (ISTM), Wenzhou Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, the International Conference on Translational Medicine (ICTM) was held on October 22–23, 2011 in Wenzhou, China. Nearly 800 registrants attended the meeting, primarily representing institutes and hospitals in Europe, The United States of America, And Asia, and China. The meeting was chaired and organized by Dr. Xiangdong Wang, Xiaoming Chen, Richard Coico, Jeffrey M. Drazen, Richard Horton, Francesco M. Marincola, Laurentiu M. Popescu, Jia Qu and Aamir Shahzad.

Findings : The meeting focused on the communication of …

Lsk Derived Lsk– Cells Have A High Apoptotic Rate Related To Survival Regulation Of Hematopoietic And Leukemic Stem Cells, Cong Peng, Yaoyu Chen, Yi Shan, Haojian Zhang, Zhiru Guo, Dongguang Li, Shaoguang Li

Research outputs 2012

A balanced pool of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in bone marrow is tightly regulated, and this regulation is disturbed in hematopoietic malignancies such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here we show that the Lin⁻Sca-1⁺c-Kit^- (LSK⁻) cell population derived from HSC-containing Lin⁻Sca-1⁺c-Kit⁺ (LSK) cells has significantly higher numbers of apoptotic cells. Depletion of LSK cells by radiation or the cytotoxic chemical 5-fluorouracil results in an expansion of the LSK⁻ population. In contrast, the LSK⁻ population is reduced in CML mice, and …

Biomedical Image Signal Processing For Reflection-Based Imaging, Paul Jansz, Steven Richardson, Graham Wild, Steven Hinckley

Research outputs 2012

Optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound and other reflection based biomedical imaging technologies involve image signal processing that is primarily a filtering, digitizing and summing process so that the tissue cross-section can be visualized. In particular, in OCT, a series of adjacent one dimensional in-vivo axial interferograms (A-scan) are summed to form a two dimensional (B-scan) reflection map or reflectogram. Further graphical combinations can add adjacent B-scan together to form three dimensional C-scans. A physician can make a subjective interpretation and evaluation from the B and/or C-scans that may lead to actions impacting on the patient’s prognosis. More objective information can …

The Fate Of Frozen Human Embryos When Transferred Either On The Day Ofthawing Or After Overnight Culture, Yanhe Liu, Kellie Peirce, Kailin Yap, Kate Mckenzie, Jay Natalwala, Vince Chapple, Margo Norman, Phillip Matson

Research outputs 2012

Objective: To study the performance of thawed zygotes and cleavage stage embryos transferred either on the day of thaw or after overnight culture. Methods: A retrospective study of 864 frozen embryo transfer cycles. Cryosurvival rates per thawed embryo and implantation rates were analysed for embryos frozen on Day 1, Day 2 or Day 3 relative to oocyte collection (Day 0) and transferred on the day of thaw or after overnight culture, together with clinical pregnancy rates and prevalence of multiple gestations. Results: Survival of Day 3 embryos was significantly lower than those frozen on Day 1 (P=0.017) or Day 2 …

Human Semen Can Be Air-Dried Prior To Testing For Sperm Dna Fragmentation With The Halosperm® G2 Kit, Kailin Yap, Phillip Matson

Research outputs 2012

Objective: To explore a method of semen storage prior to assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation. Methods: This study examined a simplified alternative of air-drying semen on a microscope slide and reconstituting in seminal plasma prior to assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation using the halosperm® G2 kit. Results: It showed that semen could be air-dried and stored overnight at room temperature with no detrimental effect on DNA quality. A significant correlation between results existed for 20 semen samples both air-dried and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen (r=0.982, P=0.000). A mean difference between the results of only −1.98% confirmed the effectiveness of air-drying …

Changes In Upper Body Concentric Mean Power Output Resulting From Complex Training Emphasizing Concentric Muscle Actions, Daniel Baker

Research outputs 2012

Contrasting resistance complex (CRC) training is the alternating of sets of heavier and lighter resistances in an effort to evoke an acute increase in power output while lifting the lighter resistance. The effectiveness of CRC has been well established in elite athletes when researchers utilize an optimal manipulation of training variables but equivocal for other studies that have used a very heavy resistance to “stimulate” the neuro-muscular system. It was theorized that very heavy resistances could conceivably fatigue the processes associated with the stretch-shorten cycle (SSC). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of CRC when utilizing …

Anthropometric Characteristics, Upper-Body Strength, And Sprint Paddling Performance In Competitive Surfers, Jeremy Sheppard, Mark Osborne, Dale Chapman, Mark Andrews

Research outputs 2012

The present study examined the potential differences in anthropometric characteristics, upper-body strength, and sprint paddling performance between youth and senior competitive surfers. Twenty competitive male surfers (19.1±6.8 years, 168.2±11.3 cm, 61.7±13.6 kg) were assessed for stature, mass, arm-span, ∑ 7 site skinfold thickness, Lean-Mass Ratio (LMR, ∑ 7 site skinfold/kg body-mass), pronated pull-up 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) and sprint paddling performance from a stationary start to 15 m. Independent t-tests were used to compare potential differences between youth (n:10) and senior group (n:10) of competitive surfers, with Cohen’s Effect Size (d) applied to reflect the magnitude of any differences …

Acute Effects Of Three Different Stretching Protocols On The Wingate Test Performance, B L Franco, G R Signorelli, Gabriel Trajano, P B Costa, C G De Oliveira

Research outputs 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of different stretching exercises on the performance of the traditional Wingate test (WT). Fifteen male participants performed five WT; one for familiarization (FT), and the remaining four after no stretching (NS), static stretching (SS), dynamic stretching (DS), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). Stretches were targeted for the hamstrings, quadriceps, and calf muscles. Peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and the time to reach PP (TP) were calculated. The MP was significantly lower when comparing the DS (7.7 ± 0.9 W/kg) to the PNF (7.3 ± 0.9 W/kg) condition (p < 0.05). For PP, significant differences were observed between more comparisons, with PNF stretching providing the lowest result. A consistent increase of TP was observed after all stretching exercises when compared to NS. The results suggest the type of stretching, or no stretching, should be considered by those who seek higher performance and practice sports that use maximal anaerobic power.

Practicing Field Hockey Skills Along The Contextual Interference Continuum: A Comparison Of Five Practice Schedules, Jadeera Cheong, Brendan Lay, J. Robert Grove, Nikola Medic, Rizal Razman

Research outputs 2012

To overcome the weakness of the contextual interference (CI) effect within applied settings, Brady (2008) recommended that the amount of interference be manipulated. This study investigated the effect of five practice schedules on the learning of three field hockey skills. Fifty-five pre-university students performed a total of 90 trials for each skill under blocked, mixed or random practice orders. Results showed a significant time effect with all five practice conditions leading to improvements in acquisition and learning of the skills. No significant differences were found between the groups. The findings of the present study did not support the CI effect …

Evidence For A Non-Genomic Action Of Testosterone In Skeletal Muscle Which May Improve Athletic Performance: Implications For The Female Athlete, J R Dent, D K Fletcher, Michael Mcguigan

Research outputs 2012

This review will focus on the proposed second mode of testosterone action (now termed non-genomic) that appears to occur independently of the traditional transcriptional mechanism in mammalian skeletal muscle cells which may enhance skeletal muscle contractile properties. This mechanism of testosterone action differs from the traditional pathway, originating at the cell membrane, having a rapid onset of action, requiring second messengers to execute its effects and is insensitive to inhibitors of traditional androgen receptor action, transcription and protein synthesis. Importantly, unlike the traditional action of testosterone in skeletal muscle, this non-genomic pathway is shown to have a direct acute effect …

Factors Associated With Myopia In School Children In China: The Beijing Childhood Eye Study, Qi Sheng You, Li Juan Wu, Jia Li Duan, Yan Xia Luo, Li Juan Liu, Xia Li, Qi Gao, Wei Wang, Liang Xu, Jost Jonas, Xiu Hua Guo

Research outputs 2012

Purpose: To assess factors associated with myopia in school children in rural and urban parts of Greater Beijing. Methods: The Beijing Pedriatic Eye Study was a population-based cross-sectional study, in which one school of each level (primary, junior high, senior high) was randomly selected from nine randomly selected districts out of 18 districts of Greater Beijing. The children underwent non-cylcoplegic refractometry and their parents an interview. Results: Of 16,771 eligible students, 15,066 (89.8%) children (7,769 (51.6%) girls) participated, with 8,860 (58.8%) participants living in the rural region. Mean age was 13.263.4 years (range:7–18 years). In multivariate analysis, prevalence of myopia …

Prevalence And Factors Associated With Hepatitis B Immunization And Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Beijing, China, Chao Wang, You Xin Wang, Xiao Jie Huang, Xia Li, Tong Zhang, Manshu Song, Li Juan Wu, Juan Du, Xiao Qin Lu, Shuang Shao, Fei Fei Zhao, Michele Ball, Hao Wu, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2012

Background: Among the Chinese population of 1.3 billion, there are an estimated 93 million carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for HBV infection; however, the prevalence of HBV immunization and infection among Chinese MSM remains undetermined. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1,114 eligible participants was conducted in Beijing, China. Multiple methods were used to recruit study participants. Demographic information and potential correlated factors were collected by questionnaire. Additionally, blood specimens were collected and tested for sexually transmitted infections and serologic markers of hepatitis B immunization and infection. Results: Laboratory …

Profiling Plasma Peptides For The Identification Of Potential Ageing Biomarkers In Chinese Han Adults, Jiapeng Lu, Yuqing Huang, Youxin Wang, Yan Li, Youjun Zhang, Jingjing Wu, Feifei Zhao, Shijiao Meng, Xinwei Yu, Qingwei Ma, Manshu Song, Naibai Chang, Alan H. Bittles, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2012

Advancing age is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer, and shows significant inter-individual variability. To identify ageing-related biomarkers we performed a proteomic analysis on 1890 Chinese Han individuals, 1136 males and 754 females, aged 18 to 82 years, using weak cation exchange magnetic bead based MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. The study identified 44 peptides which varied in concentration in different age groups. In particular, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA1) concentration gradually increased between 18 to 50 years of age, the levels of fibrinogen alpha (FGA) decreased over the same age span, while albumin (ALB) was significantly degraded in middle-aged individuals. In addition, …

Increase In Caesarean Deliveries After The Australian Private Health Insurance Incentive Policy Reforms, Kristjana Einarsdottir, Anna Kemp, Fatima Haggar, Rachael Moorin, Anthony Gunnell, David Preen, Fiona Stanley, C. D'Arcy Holman

Research outputs 2012

Background: The Australian Private Health Insurance Incentive (PHII) policy reforms implemented in 1997–2000 increased PHI membership in Australia by 50%. Given the higher rate of obstetric interventions in privately insured patients, the reforms may have led to an increase in surgical deliveries and deliveries with longer hospital stays. We aimed to investigate the effect of the PHII policy introduction on birth characteristics in Western Australia (WA). Methods and Findings: All 230,276 birth admissions from January 1995 to March 2004 were identified from administrative birth and hospital data-systems held by the WA Department of Health. Average quarterly birth rates after the …

The Australian Baby Bonus Maternity Payment And Birth Characteristics In Western Australia, Kristjana Einarsdottir, Amanda Langridge, Geoffrey Hammond, Anthony Gunnell, Fatima Haggar, Fiona Stanley

Research outputs 2012

Background: The Australian baby bonus maternity payment introduced in 2004 has been reported to have successfully increased fertility rates in Australia. We aimed to investigate the influence of the baby bonus on maternal demographics and birth characteristics in Western Australia (WA). Methods and Findings: This study included 200,659 birth admissions from WA during 2001–2008, identified from administrative birth and hospital data-systems held by the WA Department of Health. We estimated average quarterly birth rates after the baby bonus introduction and compared them with expected rates had the policy not occurred. Rate and percentage differences (including 95% confidence intervals) were estimated …

Global Warming And Heat Stress Among Western Australian Mine, Oil And Gas Workers, Joseph Mate, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2012

The earth is currently experiencing a change in its climate which in some areas is resulting in warmer ambient temperatures. Globally the frequency and severity of heat waves have increased over the last few decades leading to an associated increase in the burden of morbidity and mortality associated with heat waves. Global temperatures are predicted to rise even further in the foreseeable future....

Ginger And Osteoarthritis, Tessa Therkleson

Research outputs 2012

Ginger has been used for 1000s of years as a food and medicine; it is likely one of the most ancient remedies valued by humans. Ancient Indian and Chinese cultures reportedly used ginger for a wide variety of conditions and modern day research has found it effective as an anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory agent, when taken internally. Random controlled trials using ginger extract have been found effective in relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the primary cause of musculoskeletal pain and disability in Western cultures. Current management is primarily through the use of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, with cortisone injections and …

The Effects Of The Deflection Point And Shaft Mass On Swing And Launch Parameters In The Golf Swing, Christopher Joyce, Angus Burnett, Stephen Herbert

Research outputs 2012

This study determined whether a higher dynamic deflection point (DDP) was evident when using a driver fitted with a stiff shaft of greater mass and whether between-shaft differences were evident in swing and launch parameters. Twelve elite male golfers had three shots analysed for each of two drivers fitted with “stiff” shafts of different mass (56 g and 78 g). Six swing and launch parameters were measured by a real-time launch monitor and the (DDP) was measured using a motion analysis system. Between-shaft differences were evident for the DDP at maximum, but not at ball impact. Between-shaft differences in swing …

Differences In Risk Factors Between Early And Late Trauma Death After Road Traffic Accidents, Hideo Tohira, Ian Jacobs, David Mountain, Nicholas Gibson, Allen Yeo

Research outputs 2012

We aimed to determine the differences in risk factors between early and late trauma death after road traffic accidents. We identified road traffic accident victims from our trauma registry. We defined death that occurred within five days after an accident and death that occurred between 6 and 30 days as early and late trauma death, respectively. We derived two logistic regression models by using early or late trauma death as an outcome measure. We considered a variable significant at the 5% level; significant variables were considered risk factors for early and/or late trauma death. Overall, there were 1,201 victims; 134 …

Swing And Launch Parameters In Approach-Iron Shots Hit With Varying Height And Trajectory In Golf, Samuel J. Robertson, Angus Burnett

Research outputs 2012

The first aim of this study was to determine whether relationships existed between variability of swing and launch parameters and variability in shot outcome for straight golf shots. The second aim was to determine whether differences existed for swing and launch parameters in shots intentionally played with varying height and trajectory. Elite (n=20) and high-level amateur (n=22) golfers hit; 1) five straight shots of normal height and 2) nine shots of differing height (low, normal, high) and trajectory (straight, draw, fade). Variability of club attack angle, face angle and ball spin axis was significantly associated (p

Self-Revelation In An Online Health Community: Exploring Issues Around Co-Presence For Vulnerable Members, Leesa Costello, Cynthia Witney, Lelia Green, Vanessa Bradshaw

Research outputs 2012

Problem: This paper addresses the implications of working with vulnerable groups in the context of an online health community when members move from co-presence online to co-presence offline. Theoretical Approach: The case study presented in this paper challenges the expectation that self-revelations are usually more common in online environments because of the anonymity and comfort experienced there. Methodology: Taking as its example the events in a research project designed to investigate the relative features of online communities and social network sites by using a ‘netnographic’ approach, this paper examines the introduction of live chat sessions with a view to building …

A Surface Based Approach For Cortical Thickness Comparison Between Pib+ And Pib-Healthy Control Subjects, V Dore, P Bourgeat, J Fripp, O Acosta, G Chetelat, C Szoeke, Kathryn Ellis, Ralph Martins, V Villemagne, C L Masters, D Ames, C 0 Rowe, O Salvado

Research outputs 2012

β-amyloid has been shown to play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In vivo β-amyloid imaging using [11C] Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) positron emission tomography has made it possible to analyze the relationship between β-amyloid deposition and different pathological markers involved in AD. PiB allows us to stratify the population between subjects which are likely to have prodromal AD, and those who don't. The comparison of the cortical thickness in these different groups is important to better understanding and detect the first symptoms of the disease which may lead to an earlier therapeutic care to reduce neurone loss. Several …

Scd1 Plays A Tumor-Suppressive Role In Survival Of Leukemia Stem Cells And The Development Of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, H Zhang, H Li, N Ho, Dongguang Li, Shaoguang Li

Research outputs 2012

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is derived from a stem cell, and it is widely accepted that the existence of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) is one of the major reasons for the relapse of CML treated with kinase inhibitors. Key to eradicating LSCs is to identify genes that play a critical role in survival regulation of these stem cells. Using BCR-ABL-induced CML mouse model, here we show that expression of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (Scd1) gene is downregulated in LSCs and that Scd1 plays a tumor-suppressive role in LSCs with no effect on the function of normal hematopoietic stem cells. Deletion …

Comparative Genomics Of Brachyspira Pilosicoli Strains: Genome Rearrangements, Reductions And Correlation Of Genetic Compliment With Phenotypic Diversity, Luke Mappley, Michael Black, Manal Abuoun, Alistair C. Darby, Martin J. Woodward, Julian Parkhill, A. Keith Turner, Matthew I. Bellgard, Tom La, Nyree D. Phillips, Roberto M. La Ragione, David J. Hampson

Research outputs 2012

Background: The anaerobic spirochaete Brachyspira pilosicoli causes enteric disease in avian, porcine and human hosts, amongst others. To date, the only available genome sequence of B. pilosicoli is that of strain 95/1000, a porcine isolate. In the first intra-species genome comparison within the Brachyspira genus, we report the whole genome sequence of B. pilosicoli B2904, an avian isolate, the incomplete genome sequence of B. pilosicoli WesB, a human isolate, and the comparisons with B. pilosicoli 95/1000. We also draw on incomplete genome sequences from three other Brachyspira species. Finally we report the first application of the high-throughput Biolog phenotype screening …

Drug Education In Victorian Schools (Devs): The Study Protocol For A Harm Reduction Focused School Drug Education Trial, Richard Midford, Helen Cahill, David Foxcroft, Leanne Lester, Lynne Venning, Robyn Ramsden, Michelle Pose

Research outputs 2012

Background: This study seeks to extend earlier Australian school drug education research by developing and measuring the effectiveness of a comprehensive, evidence-based, harm reduction focused school drug education program for junior secondary students aged 13 to 15 years. The intervention draws on the recent literature as to the common elements in effective school curriculum. It seeks to incorporate the social influence of parents through home activities. It also emphasises the use of appropriate pedagogy in the delivery of classroom lessons. Methods/Design. A cluster randomised school drug education trial will be conducted with 1746 junior high school students in 21 Victorian …

Chronic Low Back Pain Is Associated With Reduced Vertebral Bone Mineral Measures In Community-Dwelling Adults, Andrew Briggs, Leon Straker, Angus Burnett, John Wark

Research outputs 2012

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) experienced in middle-age may have important implications for vertebral bone health, although this issue has not been investigated as a primary aim previously. This study investigated the associations between CLBP and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived vertebral bone mineral measures acquired from postero-anterior and lateral-projections, among community-dwelling, middle-aged adults. Methods. Twenty-nine adults with CLBP (11 male, 18 female) and 42 adults with no history of LBP in the preceding year (17 male, 25 female) were evaluated. Self-reported demographic and clinical data were collected via questionnaires. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured in the …