Effect of a mass media campaign on ambulance use for chest pain
- Nehme, Zlad, Cameron, Peter, Akram, Muhammad, Patsamanis, Harry, Bray, Janet, Meredith, Ian, Smith, Karen
- Authors: Nehme, Zlad , Cameron, Peter , Akram, Muhammad , Patsamanis, Harry , Bray, Janet , Meredith, Ian , Smith, Karen
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medical Journal of Australia Vol. 206, no. 1 (2017), p. 30-35
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: To evaluate the impact of comprehensive public awareness campaigns by the National Heart Foundation of Australia on emergency medical service (EMS) use by people with chest pain. Design, setting and participants: A retrospective analysis of 253 428 emergency ambulance attendances for non-traumatic chest pain in Melbourne, January 2008 e December 2013. Time series analyses, adjusted for underlying trend and seasonal effects, assessed the impact of mass media campaigns on EMS use. Main outcome measure: Monthly ambulance attendances. Results: The median number of monthly ambulance attendances for chest pain was 3609 (IQR, 3011e3891), but was higher in campaign months than in non-campaign months (3880 v 3234, P < 0.001). After adjustments, campaign activity was associated with a 10.7% increase (95% CI, 6.5e14.9%; P < 0.001) in monthly ambulance use for chest pain, and a 15.4% increase (95% CI, 10.1e20.9%; P < 0.001) when the two-month lag periods were included. Clinical presentations for suspected acute coronary syndromes, as determined by paramedics, increased by 11.3% (95% CI, 6.9e15.9%; P < 0.001) during campaigns. Although the number of patients transported to hospital by ambulance increased by 10.0% (95% CI, 6.1e14.2%; P < 0.001) during campaign months, the number of patients not transported to hospital also increased, by 13.9% (95% CI, 8.3e19.8%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: A public awareness campaign about responding to prodromal acute myocardial infarction symptoms was associated with an increase in EMS use by people with chest pain and suspected acute coronary syndromes. Campaign activity may also lead to increased EMS use in low risk populations. © 2017 AMPCo Pty Ltd. Produced with Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Evidence of direct cardiac damage following high-intensity exercise in chronic energy restriction : A case report and literature review
- Baird, Marianne, Grace, Fergal, Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Graham, Scott, Fleming, Audrey, Baker, Julien
- Authors: Baird, Marianne , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Graham, Scott , Fleming, Audrey , Baker, Julien
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine Vol. 96, no. 27 (2017), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rationale: Following prolonged endurance events such as marathons, elevated levels of cardiospecific biomarkers are commonly reported. Although transiently raised levels are generally not considered to indicate clinical myocardial damage, comprehension of this phenomenon remains incomplete. The popularity of high-intensity interval training highlights a paucity of research measuring cardiac biomarker response to this type of exercise. This a posteriori case report discusses the elevation of cardiac troponins (cTn) associated with short interval, high-intensity exercise. Patient concerns: In this case report, an apparently healthy 29-year-old recreationally active female presented clinically raised cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels (>0.04 ng/mL), after performing high-intensity cycle ergometer sprints. As creatine kinase (CK) is expressed by multiple organs (e.g., skeletal muscle, brain, and myocardium), cTnI assays were performed to determine any changes in total serum CK levels not originating from skeletal muscle damage. Diagnosis: A posteriori the individual's daily energy expenditure indicated chronically low-energy availability. Psychometric testing suggested that the individual scored positive for disordered eating, highly for fatigue levels, and low in mental health components. Outcomes: The current case report provides novel evidence of elevated cTnI occurring as a result of performing short duration, high intensity, cycle ergometer exercise in an individual with self-reported chronically depleted energy balance. A schematic to identify potentially “at risk” individuals is presented. Lessons: Considering this as a case report, results cannot be generalized; however, the main findings suggest that individuals who habitually restrict their calorie intake below their bodies’ daily energy requirements, may have elevated biomarkers of exercise induced myocardial stress from performing high-intensity exercise.
- Authors: Baird, Marianne , Grace, Fergal , Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Graham, Scott , Fleming, Audrey , Baker, Julien
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine Vol. 96, no. 27 (2017), p. 1-7
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rationale: Following prolonged endurance events such as marathons, elevated levels of cardiospecific biomarkers are commonly reported. Although transiently raised levels are generally not considered to indicate clinical myocardial damage, comprehension of this phenomenon remains incomplete. The popularity of high-intensity interval training highlights a paucity of research measuring cardiac biomarker response to this type of exercise. This a posteriori case report discusses the elevation of cardiac troponins (cTn) associated with short interval, high-intensity exercise. Patient concerns: In this case report, an apparently healthy 29-year-old recreationally active female presented clinically raised cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels (>0.04 ng/mL), after performing high-intensity cycle ergometer sprints. As creatine kinase (CK) is expressed by multiple organs (e.g., skeletal muscle, brain, and myocardium), cTnI assays were performed to determine any changes in total serum CK levels not originating from skeletal muscle damage. Diagnosis: A posteriori the individual's daily energy expenditure indicated chronically low-energy availability. Psychometric testing suggested that the individual scored positive for disordered eating, highly for fatigue levels, and low in mental health components. Outcomes: The current case report provides novel evidence of elevated cTnI occurring as a result of performing short duration, high intensity, cycle ergometer exercise in an individual with self-reported chronically depleted energy balance. A schematic to identify potentially “at risk” individuals is presented. Lessons: Considering this as a case report, results cannot be generalized; however, the main findings suggest that individuals who habitually restrict their calorie intake below their bodies’ daily energy requirements, may have elevated biomarkers of exercise induced myocardial stress from performing high-intensity exercise.
- Authors: Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Asian Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 25, no. (2017), p. 22-26
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This present study used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the applicability of one-, two- three- and second order Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) factor models, proposed in previous studies, in a group of Malaysian primary school children. These models were primarily based on parent reports. In the current study, parent and teacher ratings of the ODD symptoms were obtained for 934 children. For both groups of respondents, the findings showing some support for all models examined, with most support for a second order model with Burke et al. (2010) three factors (oppositional, antagonistic, and negative affect) as the primary factors. The diagnostic implications of the findings are discussed. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
- Miloyan, Beyon, Pachana, Nancy, Suddendorf, Thomas
- Authors: Miloyan, Beyon , Pachana, Nancy , Suddendorf, Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Gerontologist Vol. 57, no. 4 (2017), p. 619-625
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Anxiety and mood disorders in later life are the focus of an increasing amount of intervention research, however basic mechanisms and paradigms explaining etiology and maintenance warrant further exploration. Research on future-oriented thought patterns associated with anxiety and depression in this age group may prove useful, as these disorders are both characterized by a tendency to generate and fixate on threat-related future scenarios that may or may not materialize. Additionally, depression is associated with a reduced expectancy of positive future events. In this paper, we review the literature relevant to future thinking in anxiety and depression in older adults. We focus on the mental construction and anticipation of negative future events, and their underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. We then consider clinical and research implications of anxious and depressive future-oriented thought patterns for older adults. We believe that more research investigating future-oriented thought patterns associated with emotional disorders in later life could improve conceptualization, measurement, and perhaps potential treatments for late-life anxiety and depression. © 2016 The Author.
- Haitjema, Saskia, van Setten, Jessica, Eales, James, van der Laan, Sander, Gandin, Ilaria, de Vries, Jean-Paul, de Borst, Gert, Pasterkamp, Gerard, Asselbergs, Folkert, Charchar, Fadi, Wilson, James, de Jager, Saskia, Tomaszewski, Maciej, den Ruijter, Hester
- Authors: Haitjema, Saskia , van Setten, Jessica , Eales, James , van der Laan, Sander , Gandin, Ilaria , de Vries, Jean-Paul , de Borst, Gert , Pasterkamp, Gerard , Asselbergs, Folkert , Charchar, Fadi , Wilson, James , de Jager, Saskia , Tomaszewski, Maciej , den Ruijter, Hester
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Atherosclerosis Vol. 259, no. (2017), p. 114-119
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and aims: Haplogroup I, a common European paternal lineage of the Y chromosome, is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease in British men. It is unclear whether this haplogroup or any other haplogroup on the Y chromosome is associated with histological characteristics of the diseased vessel wall in other vascular manifestations of cardiovascular diseases showing a male preponderance. Methods: We examined Dutch men undergoing either carotid endarterectomy from the Athero-Express biobank (AE, n = 1217) or open aneurysm repair from the Aneurysm-Express biobank (AAA, n = 393). Upon resolving the Y chromosome phylogeny, each man was assigned to one of the paternal lineages based on combinations of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the male-specific region of the Y chromosome. We examined the associations between the Y chromosome and the histological characteristics of the carotid plaque and aneurysm wall, including lipid content, leukocyte infiltration and intraplaque haemorrhage, in all men. Results: A majority of men were carriers of either haplogroup I (AE: 28% AAA: 24%) or haplogroup R (AE: 59% AAA: 61%). We found no association between Y chromosomal haplogroups and histological characteristics of plaque collected from carotid arteries or tissue specimens of aneurysms. Moreover, the distribution of frequency for all Y chromosomal haplogroups in both cohorts was similar to that of a general population of Dutch men. Conclusions: Our data show that genetic variation on the Y chromosome is not associated with histological characteristics of the plaques from carotid arteries or specimens of aneurysms in men of Dutch origin. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.
Genetics of blood pressure : Time to curate the collection
- Harrap, Stephen, Charchar, Fadi
- Authors: Harrap, Stephen , Charchar, Fadi
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Editorial
- Relation: Journal of Hypertension Vol. 35, no. 7 (2017), p. 1360-1362
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The genetics of blood pressure (BP) is all about discovery and understanding, but it is certainly not for the faint hearted. Despite heroic effort, the question we posed nearly 15 years ago [1] regarding the whereabouts of BP genes remains largely unanswered.
Hip and knee osteoarthritis affects younger people, too
- Ackerman, Ilana, Kemp, Joanne, Crossley, Kay, Culvenor, Adam, Hinman, Rana
- Authors: Ackerman, Ilana , Kemp, Joanne , Crossley, Kay , Culvenor, Adam , Hinman, Rana
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Vol. 47, no. 2 (2017), p. 67-79
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Although osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been considered a disease of older age, hip and knee OA can and does affect younger adults, with a profound impact on psychosocial well-being and work capacity. Obesity and a history of traumatic knee injury (eg, anterior cruciate ligament rupture and/or meniscal tear) are key risk factors for the accelerated development of knee OA, while structural hip deformities (including those contributing to femoroacetabular impingement syndrome) are strong predictors of early-onset hip OA. In view of these associations, rising rates of obesity and sports injuries are concerning, and may signal a future surge in OA incidence among younger people. Assessment of hip and knee OA in younger people should focus on a patient-centered history, comprehensive physical examination, performance-based measures, and patient-reported outcome measures to enable monitoring of symptoms and function over time. Referral for imaging should be reserved for people presenting with atypical signs or symptoms that may indicate diagnoses other than OA. Nonpharmacological approaches are core strategies for the management of hip and knee OA in younger people, and these include appropriate disease-related education, activity modifcation (including for work-related tasks), physical therapist-prescribed exercise programs to address identifed physical impairments, and weight control or weight loss. High-quality evidence has shown no beneft of arthroscopy for knee OA, and there are no published clinical trials to support the use of hip arthroscopy for OA. Referral for joint-conserving or joint replacement surgery should be considered when nonpharmacological and pharmacological management strategies are no longer effective. © 2017 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
Impact of beta-blockers on cardiopulmonary exercise testingin patients with advanced liver disease
- Wallen, Matthew, Hall, Adrian, Dias, Katrin, Ramos, Joyce, Keating, Shelley, Woodward, Aidan, Skinner, Tina, Macdonald, Graeme, Arena, Ross, Coombes, Jeff
- Authors: Wallen, Matthew , Hall, Adrian , Dias, Katrin , Ramos, Joyce , Keating, Shelley , Woodward, Aidan , Skinner, Tina , Macdonald, Graeme , Arena, Ross , Coombes, Jeff
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics Vol. , no. (2017), p. 1-7
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Summary Background: Patients with advanced liver disease may develop portal hypertensionthat can result in variceal haemorrhage. Beta-blockers reduce portal pressure andminimise haemorrhage risk. These medications may attenuate measures of car-diopulmonary performance, such as the ventilatory threshold and peak oxygenuptake measured via cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Aim: To determine the effect of beta-blockers on cardiopulmonary exercise testingvariables in patients with advanced liver disease. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 72 participants who completed acardiopulmonary exercise test before liver transplantation. All participants remainedon their usual beta-blocker dose and timing prior to the test. Variables measuredduring cardiopulmonary exercise testing included the ventilatory threshold, peakoxygen uptake, heart rate, oxygen pulse, the oxygen uptake efficiency slope and theventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide slope. Results: Participants taking beta-blockers (n = 28) had a lower ventilatory threshold(P <.01) and peak oxygen uptake (P = .02), compared to participants not takingbeta-blockers. After adjusting for age, the model of end-stage liver-disease score,liver-disease aetiology, presence of refractory ascites and ventilatory thresholdremained significantly lower in the beta-blocker group (P = .04). The oxygen uptakeefficiency slope was not impacted by beta-blocker use. Conclusions: Ventilatory threshold is reduced in patients with advanced liver dis-ease taking beta-blockers compared to those not taking the medication. This mayincorrectly risk stratify patients on beta-blockers and has implications for patientmanagement before and after liver transplantation. The oxygen uptake efficiencyslope was not influenced by beta-blockers and may therefore be a better measureof cardiopulmonary performance in this patient population.
- Keating, Shelley, Parker, Helen, Hickman, Ingrid, Gomersall, Sjaan, Wallen, Matthew, Coombes, Jeff, Macdonald, Graeme, George, Jacob, Johnson, Nathan
- Authors: Keating, Shelley , Parker, Helen , Hickman, Ingrid , Gomersall, Sjaan , Wallen, Matthew , Coombes, Jeff , Macdonald, Graeme , George, Jacob , Johnson, Nathan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Liver International Vol. 37, no. 12 (2017), p.1907-1915
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background & Aims: Research in NAFLD management is commonly based on quantitative assessment of liver fat by proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), and translation of this into clinical practice is currently limited by availability and expense. Novel steatosis biomarkers have been proposed for the prediction of liver fatness; however, whether these are suitable for detecting changes in liver fat is unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of these indices, and waist circumference (WC), in quantifying longitudinal change in 1H-MRS-quantified liver fat. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis using data from 97 overweight/obese adults (age: 39.7±11.5 years, body mass index: 30.7±4.4 kg/m2, liver fat: 6.0±4.8%, 65% male) who completed either an 8-week exercise or 12-week nutraceutical intervention, with varying degrees of change in liver fat. Baseline and post-intervention measures were liver fat (1H-MRS), NAFLD Liver Fat Score, Liver Fat Equation (LFE), Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and WC. Results: Only the change in HSI, FLI and WC was associated with change in liver fat; however, correlations were weak to moderate. There was no agreement between the LFE and 1H-MRS for detecting liver fat change. Only change in WC significantly affected change in liver fat (P<.001), and WC AUROC for the presence of steatosis was 0.65 and 0.78 for men and women respectively.Conclusions: Novel indices are limited in their ability to detect longitudinal change in liver fat. Waist circumference may offer modest utility as a surrogate to infer liver fat change with lifestyle interventions.
- Description: Background & Aims: Research in NAFLD management is commonly based on quantitative assessment of liver fat by proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), and translation of this into clinical practice is currently limited by availability and expense. Novel steatosis biomarkers have been proposed for the prediction of liver fatness; however, whether these are suitable for detecting changes in liver fat is unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of these indices, and waist circumference (WC), in quantifying longitudinal change in 1H-MRS-quantified liver fat. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis using data from 97 overweight/obese adults (age: 39.7±11.5 years, body mass index: 30.7±4.4 kg/m2, liver fat: 6.0±4.8%, 65% male) who completed either an 8-week exercise or 12-week nutraceutical intervention, with varying degrees of change in liver fat. Baseline and post-intervention measures were liver fat (1H-MRS), NAFLD Liver Fat Score, Liver Fat Equation (LFE), Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and WC. Results: Only the change in HSI, FLI and WC was associated with change in liver fat; however, correlations were weak to moderate. There was no agreement between the LFE and 1H-MRS for detecting liver fat change. Only change in WC significantly affected change in liver fat (
One session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) every 5 days, improves muscle power but not static balance in lifelong sedentary ageing men : A randomized controlled trial
- Sculthorpe, Nicholas, Herbert, Peter, Grace, Fergal
- Authors: Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Herbert, Peter , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 6 (2017), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Declining muscle power during advancing age predicts falls and loss of independence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve muscle power, but remains largely unstudied in ageing participants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the efficacy of a low-frequency HIIT (LfHIIT) intervention on peak muscle power (peak power output [PPO]), body composition, and balance in lifelong sedentary but otherwise healthy males. Methods: Thirty-Three lifelong sedentary ageing men were randomly assigned to either intervention (INT; n=22, age 62.3±4.1 years) or control (n=11, age 61.6±5.0 years) who were both assessed at 3 distinct measurement points (phase A), after 6 weeks of conditioning exercise (phase B), and after 6 weeks of HIIT once every 5 days in INT (phase C), where control remained inactive throughout the study. Results: Static balance remained unaffected, and both absolute and relative PPO were not different between groups at phases A or B, but increased significantly in INT after LfHIIT (P<0.01). Lean body mass displayed a significant interaction (P<0.01) due to an increase in INT between phases B and C (P<0.05). Conclusions: 6 weeks of LfHIIT exercise feasible and effective method to induce clinically relevant improvements in absolute and relative PPO, but does not improve static balance in sedentary ageing men. Abbreviations: ACSM = American College of Sports Medicine, CON = control group, GP = general medical practitioner, HIIT = high-intensity interval training, HRR = heart rate reserve, INT = intervention group, LfHIIT = low-frequency high-intensity interval training, PAR-Q = Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PPO = peak power output, rPPO = relative peak power output, rPPOFFM = rPPO relative to fat free mass, VO2 max = maximal oxygen uptake. © 2017 the Author(s).
- Authors: Sculthorpe, Nicholas , Herbert, Peter , Grace, Fergal
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 6 (2017), p. 1-8
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Declining muscle power during advancing age predicts falls and loss of independence. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve muscle power, but remains largely unstudied in ageing participants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated the efficacy of a low-frequency HIIT (LfHIIT) intervention on peak muscle power (peak power output [PPO]), body composition, and balance in lifelong sedentary but otherwise healthy males. Methods: Thirty-Three lifelong sedentary ageing men were randomly assigned to either intervention (INT; n=22, age 62.3±4.1 years) or control (n=11, age 61.6±5.0 years) who were both assessed at 3 distinct measurement points (phase A), after 6 weeks of conditioning exercise (phase B), and after 6 weeks of HIIT once every 5 days in INT (phase C), where control remained inactive throughout the study. Results: Static balance remained unaffected, and both absolute and relative PPO were not different between groups at phases A or B, but increased significantly in INT after LfHIIT (P<0.01). Lean body mass displayed a significant interaction (P<0.01) due to an increase in INT between phases B and C (P<0.05). Conclusions: 6 weeks of LfHIIT exercise feasible and effective method to induce clinically relevant improvements in absolute and relative PPO, but does not improve static balance in sedentary ageing men. Abbreviations: ACSM = American College of Sports Medicine, CON = control group, GP = general medical practitioner, HIIT = high-intensity interval training, HRR = heart rate reserve, INT = intervention group, LfHIIT = low-frequency high-intensity interval training, PAR-Q = Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, PPO = peak power output, rPPO = relative peak power output, rPPOFFM = rPPO relative to fat free mass, VO2 max = maximal oxygen uptake. © 2017 the Author(s).
Preventing musculoskeletal injuries among recreational adult volleyball players : Design of a randomised prospective controlled trial
- Gouttebarge, Vincent, Zwerver, Johannes, Verhagen, Evert
- Authors: Gouttebarge, Vincent , Zwerver, Johannes , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Vol. 18, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Both acute and overuse injuries are common among recreational volleyball players, especially finger/wrist, ankle, shoulder and knee injuries. Consequently, an intervention ('VolleyVeilig') was developed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of finger/wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries among recreational volleyball players. This article describes the design of a study evaluating the effectiveness of the developed intervention on the one-season occurrence of finger/wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries among recreational adult volleyball players. Methods: A randomized prospective controlled trial with a follow-up period of one volleyball season will be conducted. Participants will be healthy recreational adult volleyball players (18 years of age or older) practicing volleyball (training and/or match) at least twice a week. The intervention ('VolleyVeilig') consists of a warm-up program based on more than 50 distinct exercises (with different variations and levels). The effect of the intervention programme on the occurrence of injuries will be compared to volleyball as usual. Outcome measures will be incidence of acute injury (expressed as number of injuries per 1000 h of play) and prevalence of overuse injuries (expressed as percentage). Discussion: This study will be one of the first randomized prospective controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention on the occurrence of both acute and overuse injuries among recreational adult volleyball players. Outcome of this study could possibly lead to the nationwide implementation of the intervention in all volleyball clubs in The Netherlands, ultimately resulting in less injuries. Trial registration: Dutch Trial Registration NTR6202, registered February 1st 2017. Protocol: Version 3, February 2017. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Gouttebarge, Vincent , Zwerver, Johannes , Verhagen, Evert
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Vol. 18, no. 1 (2017), p. 1-6
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Both acute and overuse injuries are common among recreational volleyball players, especially finger/wrist, ankle, shoulder and knee injuries. Consequently, an intervention ('VolleyVeilig') was developed to prevent or reduce the occurrence of finger/wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries among recreational volleyball players. This article describes the design of a study evaluating the effectiveness of the developed intervention on the one-season occurrence of finger/wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle injuries among recreational adult volleyball players. Methods: A randomized prospective controlled trial with a follow-up period of one volleyball season will be conducted. Participants will be healthy recreational adult volleyball players (18 years of age or older) practicing volleyball (training and/or match) at least twice a week. The intervention ('VolleyVeilig') consists of a warm-up program based on more than 50 distinct exercises (with different variations and levels). The effect of the intervention programme on the occurrence of injuries will be compared to volleyball as usual. Outcome measures will be incidence of acute injury (expressed as number of injuries per 1000 h of play) and prevalence of overuse injuries (expressed as percentage). Discussion: This study will be one of the first randomized prospective controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention on the occurrence of both acute and overuse injuries among recreational adult volleyball players. Outcome of this study could possibly lead to the nationwide implementation of the intervention in all volleyball clubs in The Netherlands, ultimately resulting in less injuries. Trial registration: Dutch Trial Registration NTR6202, registered February 1st 2017. Protocol: Version 3, February 2017. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Tomitsuka, Eriko, Igai, Katsura, Tadokoro, Kiyoshi, Morita, Ayako, Baba, Jun, Suda, Wataru, Greenhill, Andrew, Horwood, Paul, Soli, Kevin, Siba, Peter, Odani, Shingo, Natsuhara, Kazumi, Morita, Hidetoshi, Umezaki, Masahiro
- Authors: Tomitsuka, Eriko , Igai, Katsura , Tadokoro, Kiyoshi , Morita, Ayako , Baba, Jun , Suda, Wataru , Greenhill, Andrew , Horwood, Paul , Soli, Kevin , Siba, Peter , Odani, Shingo , Natsuhara, Kazumi , Morita, Hidetoshi , Umezaki, Masahiro
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Metabolomics Vol. 13, no. 9 (2017), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction: Adequate amount of proteins from foods are normally needed to maintain muscle mass of the human body. Although protein intakes of Papua New Guinea (PNG) highlanders are less than biologically adequate, protein deficiency related disorders have rarely been reported. It has been postulated that gut microbiota play a role in such low-protein-adaptation. Objective: To explore underlying biological mechanisms of low-protein adaptation among PNG highlanders by investigating metabolomic profiles of faecal water and urine. Methods: We performed metabolome analysis using faecal water extracted from faecal samples of PNG highlanders, PNG non-highlanders and Japanese subjects. We paid special attention to amino acids and other metabolites produced by gut microbiota, as well as to metabolites involved in nitrogen recycling in the human gut. Results: Our results indicated that amino acid levels were higher in faecal water from PNG highlanders than PNG non-highlanders, but amino acid levels did not differ between PNG highlanders and Japanese subjects. Among PNG highlander samples, amino acid levels tended to be higher in those who consumed less protein. Conclusion: We speculated that a greater proportion of urea was excreted to the intestine among the PNG highlanders than other groups, and that the urea was used for nitrogen salvage. Intestinal bacteria are essential for producing ammonia from urea and also for producing amino acids from ammonia, which is a key process in low-protein adaptation. Profiling the gut microbiota of PNG highlanders is an important avenue for further research into the mechanisms of low-protein adaptation.
Responsible gambling among older adults : a qualitative exploration
- Subramaniam, Mythily, Satghare, Pratika, Vaingankar, Janhavi, Picco, Louisa, Browning, Colette, Chong, Siow, Thomas, Shane
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Satghare, Pratika , Vaingankar, Janhavi , Picco, Louisa , Browning, Colette , Chong, Siow , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Psychiatry Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Responsible gambling (RG) is defined as gambling for pleasure and entertainment but with an awareness of the likelihood of losing, an understanding of the associated risks and the ability to exercise control over one's gambling activity. The current study describes a qualitative approach to explore RG among older adults (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore and reports on the cognitive and behavioural strategies employed by them to regulate their gambling. Methods: Inclusion criteria included Singapore residents aged 60 years and above, who could speak in English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil and were current or past regular gamblers. Participants were recruited using a combination of network and purposive sampling. Socio-demographic information on age, age of onset of gambling, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and employment was collected. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was used to collect information on gambling activities and problems associated with gambling behaviour. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 older adults (60 years and above) who currently gambled. The data was analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: This global theme of RG comprised two organising themes: self -developed strategies to limit gambling related harm and family interventions to reduce gambling harm. The basic themes included delayed gratification, perception of futility of gambling, setting limits, maintaining balance, help-seeking and awareness of disordered gambling in self or in others. Family interventions included pleading and threatening, compelling help-seeking as well as family exclusion order. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role that families play in Asian societies in imposing RG. Education of family members both in terms of the importance of RG, and communication of the ways in which older adults can incorporate RG behaviours including the use of exclusion in specific scenarios is important. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Subramaniam, Mythily , Satghare, Pratika , Vaingankar, Janhavi , Picco, Louisa , Browning, Colette , Chong, Siow , Thomas, Shane
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Psychiatry Vol. 17, no. 1 (2017), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Responsible gambling (RG) is defined as gambling for pleasure and entertainment but with an awareness of the likelihood of losing, an understanding of the associated risks and the ability to exercise control over one's gambling activity. The current study describes a qualitative approach to explore RG among older adults (aged 60 years and above) in Singapore and reports on the cognitive and behavioural strategies employed by them to regulate their gambling. Methods: Inclusion criteria included Singapore residents aged 60 years and above, who could speak in English, Chinese, Malay or Tamil and were current or past regular gamblers. Participants were recruited using a combination of network and purposive sampling. Socio-demographic information on age, age of onset of gambling, gender, ethnicity, marital status, education and employment was collected. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was used to collect information on gambling activities and problems associated with gambling behaviour. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 older adults (60 years and above) who currently gambled. The data was analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: This global theme of RG comprised two organising themes: self -developed strategies to limit gambling related harm and family interventions to reduce gambling harm. The basic themes included delayed gratification, perception of futility of gambling, setting limits, maintaining balance, help-seeking and awareness of disordered gambling in self or in others. Family interventions included pleading and threatening, compelling help-seeking as well as family exclusion order. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant role that families play in Asian societies in imposing RG. Education of family members both in terms of the importance of RG, and communication of the ways in which older adults can incorporate RG behaviours including the use of exclusion in specific scenarios is important. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Moran, Corey, Biros, Erik, Krishna, Smriti, Wang, Yutang, Tikellis, Chris, Moxon, Joseph, Cooper, Mark, Norman, Paul, Burrell, Louise, Thomas, Merlin, Golledge, Jonathan
- Authors: Moran, Corey , Biros, Erik , Krishna, Smriti , Wang, Yutang , Tikellis, Chris , Moxon, Joseph , Cooper, Mark , Norman, Paul , Burrell, Louise , Thomas, Merlin , Golledge, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Vol. 37, no. 11 (2017), p. 2195-2203
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Objective-Recent evidence suggests an important role for angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in limiting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study examined the effect of ACE2 deficiency on AAA development and the efficacy of resveratrol to upregulate ACE2 in experimental AAA. Approach and Results-Ace2 deletion in apolipoprotein-deficient mice (ApoE(-/-)Ace2(-/y)) resulted in increased aortic diameter and spontaneous aneurysm of the suprarenal aorta associated with increased expression of inflammation and proteolytic enzyme markers. In humans, serum ACE2 activity was negatively associated with AAA diagnosis. ACE2 expression was lower in infrarenal biopsies of patients with AAA than organ donors. AAA was more severe in ApoE (-/-)Ace2(-/y) mice compared with controls in 2 experimental models. Resveratrol (0.05/100-g chow) inhibited growth of pre-established AAAs in ApoE(-/-) mice fed high-fat chow and infused with angiotensin II continuously for 56 days. Reduced suprarenal aorta dilatation in mice receiving resveratrol was associated with elevated serum ACE2 and increased suprarenal aorta tissue levels of ACE2 and sirtuin 1 activity. In addition, the relative phosphorylation of Akt and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) 1/2 within suprarenal aorta tissue and gene expression for nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 1, angiotensin type-1 receptor, and metallopeptidase 2 and 9 were significantly reduced. Upregulation of ACE2 in human aortic smooth muscle cells by resveratrol in vitro was sirtuin 1-dependent. Conclusions-This study provides experimental evidence of an important role for ACE2 in limiting AAA development and growth. Resveratrol upregulated ACE2 and inhibited AAA growth in a mouse model.
The association between serum uric acid and blood pressure in different age groups in a healthy Chinese cohort
- Cheng, Wenjuan, Wen, Shiling, Wang, Yutang, Qian, Zhiping, Tan, Yuyao, Li, Hongying, Hou, Yueli, Hu, Haiyang, Golledge, Jonathan, Yang, Guang
- Authors: Cheng, Wenjuan , Wen, Shiling , Wang, Yutang , Qian, Zhiping , Tan, Yuyao , Li, Hongying , Hou, Yueli , Hu, Haiyang , Golledge, Jonathan , Yang, Guang
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 50 (2017), p.1-6
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
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- Description: High serum uric acid (sUA) has been reported to be a risk factor for hypertension however, whether this is the case for all age groups is not clear. We examined the association between sUA concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in different age groups in a cohort of healthy Chinese participants. A total of 1082 healthy participants aged from 41 to 70 years were included. sUA concentration was measured by the uricase-peroxidase method. SBP and DBP were assessed using mercury sphygmomanometry. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg. Hyperuricemia (HUA) was defined as sUA concentration of >7 mg/dL in men and >6 mg/dL in women. The association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP was examined using Pearson's correlation test, multivariate linear regression, and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of hypertension and HUA increased with age (P < .001). Hypertension was more common in participants that had HUA than in those that did not (38.95% vs 30.16%, P = .02). Higher sUA was significantly associated with higher SBP and DBP in the 41- to 50-year-old participants (SBP, β = 0.35, P < .001; DBP, β = .29, P < .001; after adjustment for age, sex, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and fasting plasma glucose). HUA was also a risk factor for hypertension in this age group (odds ratio 1.425, 95% confidence interval, 1.217-1.668, P < .001). There was no association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP in the other age groups. In this population of healthy Chinese participants, sUA concentration was positively associated with hypertension only in the 41- to 50-year-old group. Lowering uric acid in this age group may help to reduce the incidence of hypertension.
- Authors: Cheng, Wenjuan , Wen, Shiling , Wang, Yutang , Qian, Zhiping , Tan, Yuyao , Li, Hongying , Hou, Yueli , Hu, Haiyang , Golledge, Jonathan , Yang, Guang
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Medicine (United States) Vol. 96, no. 50 (2017), p.1-6
- Relation: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: High serum uric acid (sUA) has been reported to be a risk factor for hypertension however, whether this is the case for all age groups is not clear. We examined the association between sUA concentrations and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) in different age groups in a cohort of healthy Chinese participants. A total of 1082 healthy participants aged from 41 to 70 years were included. sUA concentration was measured by the uricase-peroxidase method. SBP and DBP were assessed using mercury sphygmomanometry. Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥140 mm Hg or DBP ≥90 mm Hg. Hyperuricemia (HUA) was defined as sUA concentration of >7 mg/dL in men and >6 mg/dL in women. The association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP was examined using Pearson's correlation test, multivariate linear regression, and logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of hypertension and HUA increased with age (P < .001). Hypertension was more common in participants that had HUA than in those that did not (38.95% vs 30.16%, P = .02). Higher sUA was significantly associated with higher SBP and DBP in the 41- to 50-year-old participants (SBP, β = 0.35, P < .001; DBP, β = .29, P < .001; after adjustment for age, sex, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and fasting plasma glucose). HUA was also a risk factor for hypertension in this age group (odds ratio 1.425, 95% confidence interval, 1.217-1.668, P < .001). There was no association between sUA concentration and SBP and DBP in the other age groups. In this population of healthy Chinese participants, sUA concentration was positively associated with hypertension only in the 41- to 50-year-old group. Lowering uric acid in this age group may help to reduce the incidence of hypertension.
The urban-rural divide : hypertensive disease hospitalisations in Victoria 2010–2015
- Robins, Shalley, Gardiner, Samantha, Terry, Daniel
- Authors: Robins, Shalley , Gardiner, Samantha , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Medical Journal Vol. 10, no. 11 (2017), p. 953-963
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- Description: Background Hypertension is present in 23–32 per cent of Australians, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the country. It is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia and it affects rural populations at a higher rate than urban residents. Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in hypertensive disease hospitalisations across rural and urban Victoria, and to determine predicting variables. Methods Hospital admission data from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 were obtained through the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and other organisations. Data included various patient demographics for each hospital admission entry. The rates of hospitalisation for each Local Government Area were analysed. Further regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between hypertensive disease hospitalisation and various predictor variables. Results From 2010–2015 11,205 hypertensive disease hospital admissions were recorded of which 64.8 per cent were female, 74.7 per cent admissions were at urban hospitals, and 65.0 per cent were public patients. Hospitalisation rates were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and rural residents on average stayed in hospital for longer. Significant predictor variables for hypertensive disease hospitalisation included various indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, GPs per 1,000 population and GP attendance per 1,000 population. Conclusion Hypertensive disease hospitalisation in Victoria continues to rise and rates of hospitalisation of rural Victorians continue to be higher than their urban counterparts. Females were hospitalised almost twice as often as males. Further research is required to identify the specific factors that impede access to health services, particularly in the identified high-risk populations. © 2017, Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Robins, Shalley , Gardiner, Samantha , Terry, Daniel
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australasian Medical Journal Vol. 10, no. 11 (2017), p. 953-963
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background Hypertension is present in 23–32 per cent of Australians, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the country. It is the greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Australia and it affects rural populations at a higher rate than urban residents. Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the differences in hypertensive disease hospitalisations across rural and urban Victoria, and to determine predicting variables. Methods Hospital admission data from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2015 were obtained through the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset and other organisations. Data included various patient demographics for each hospital admission entry. The rates of hospitalisation for each Local Government Area were analysed. Further regression analysis was undertaken to examine the association between hypertensive disease hospitalisation and various predictor variables. Results From 2010–2015 11,205 hypertensive disease hospital admissions were recorded of which 64.8 per cent were female, 74.7 per cent admissions were at urban hospitals, and 65.0 per cent were public patients. Hospitalisation rates were consistently higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and rural residents on average stayed in hospital for longer. Significant predictor variables for hypertensive disease hospitalisation included various indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, GPs per 1,000 population and GP attendance per 1,000 population. Conclusion Hypertensive disease hospitalisation in Victoria continues to rise and rates of hospitalisation of rural Victorians continue to be higher than their urban counterparts. Females were hospitalised almost twice as often as males. Further research is required to identify the specific factors that impede access to health services, particularly in the identified high-risk populations. © 2017, Australasian Medical Journal Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
The y chromosome : A blueprint for men's health?
- Maan, Akhlaq, Eales, James, Akbarov, Artur, Rowland, Joshua, Xu, Xiaoguang, Jobling, Mark, Charchar, Fadi, Tomaszewski, Maciej
- Authors: Maan, Akhlaq , Eales, James , Akbarov, Artur , Rowland, Joshua , Xu, Xiaoguang , Jobling, Mark , Charchar, Fadi , Tomaszewski, Maciej
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: European Journal of Human Genetics Vol. 25, no. 11 (2017), p. 1181-1188
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- Description: The Y chromosome has long been considered a genetic wasteland' on a trajectory to completely disappear from the human genome. The perception of its physiological function was restricted to sex determination and spermatogenesis. These views have been challenged in recent times with the identification of multiple ubiquitously expressed Y-chromosome genes and the discovery of several unexpected associations between the Y chromosome, immune system and complex polygenic traits. The collected evidence suggests that the Y chromosome influences immune and inflammatory responses in men, translating into genetically programmed susceptibility to diseases with a strong immune component. Phylogenetic studies reveal that carriers of a common European lineage of the Y chromosome (haplogroup I) possess increased risk of coronary artery disease. This occurs amidst upregulation of inflammation and suppression of adaptive immunity in this Y lineage, as well as inferior outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus infection. From structural analysis and experimental data, the UTY (Ubiquitously Transcribed Tetratricopeptide Repeat Containing, Y-Linked) gene is emerging as a promising candidate underlying the associations between Y-chromosome variants and the immunity-driven susceptibility to complex disease. This review synthesises the recent structural, experimental and clinical insights into the human Y chromosome in the context of men's susceptibility to disease (with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease) and provides an overview of the paradigm shift in the perception of the Y chromosome. © 2017 The Author(s).
- Authors: Maan, Akhlaq , Eales, James , Akbarov, Artur , Rowland, Joshua , Xu, Xiaoguang , Jobling, Mark , Charchar, Fadi , Tomaszewski, Maciej
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: European Journal of Human Genetics Vol. 25, no. 11 (2017), p. 1181-1188
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Y chromosome has long been considered a genetic wasteland' on a trajectory to completely disappear from the human genome. The perception of its physiological function was restricted to sex determination and spermatogenesis. These views have been challenged in recent times with the identification of multiple ubiquitously expressed Y-chromosome genes and the discovery of several unexpected associations between the Y chromosome, immune system and complex polygenic traits. The collected evidence suggests that the Y chromosome influences immune and inflammatory responses in men, translating into genetically programmed susceptibility to diseases with a strong immune component. Phylogenetic studies reveal that carriers of a common European lineage of the Y chromosome (haplogroup I) possess increased risk of coronary artery disease. This occurs amidst upregulation of inflammation and suppression of adaptive immunity in this Y lineage, as well as inferior outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus infection. From structural analysis and experimental data, the UTY (Ubiquitously Transcribed Tetratricopeptide Repeat Containing, Y-Linked) gene is emerging as a promising candidate underlying the associations between Y-chromosome variants and the immunity-driven susceptibility to complex disease. This review synthesises the recent structural, experimental and clinical insights into the human Y chromosome in the context of men's susceptibility to disease (with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular disease) and provides an overview of the paradigm shift in the perception of the Y chromosome. © 2017 The Author(s).
Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor Sclerostin inhibits angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysm and atherosclerosis
- Krishna, Smriti, Seto, Sai-Wang, Jose, Roby, Li, Jiaze, Morton, Susan, Biros, Erik, Wang, Yutang, Nsengiyumva, Vianne, Lindeman, Jan, Loots, Gabriela, Rush, Catherine, Craig, Jeffrey, Golledge, Jonathan
- Authors: Krishna, Smriti , Seto, Sai-Wang , Jose, Roby , Li, Jiaze , Morton, Susan , Biros, Erik , Wang, Yutang , Nsengiyumva, Vianne , Lindeman, Jan , Loots, Gabriela , Rush, Catherine , Craig, Jeffrey , Golledge, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Vol. 37, no. 3 (2017), p. 553-566
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- Description: Objective-Sclerostin (SOST) has been identified as an important regulator of bone formation; however, it has not been previously implicated in arterial disease. The aim of this study was to assess the role of SOST in aortic aneurysm (AA) and atherosclerosis using human samples, a mouse model, and in vitro investigations. Approach and Results-SOST protein was downregulated in human and mouse AA samples compared with controls. Transgenic introduction of human SOST in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice (SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-)) and administration of recombinant mouse Sost inhibited angiotensin II-induced AA and atherosclerosis. Serum concentrations of several proinflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-) mice. Compared with controls, the aortas of mice receiving recombinant mouse Sost and SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-) mice showed reduced matrix degradation, reduced elastin breaks, and preserved collagen. Decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and a reduction in the expression of wingless-type mouse mammary virus integration site/beta-catenin responsive genes, including matrix metalloproteinase-9, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin, were observed in the aortas of SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-) mice. SOST expression was downregulated and the winglesstype mouse mammary virus integration site/beta-catenin pathway was activated in human AA samples. The cytosinephosphate- guanine islands in the SOST gene promoter showed significantly higher methylation in human AA samples compared with controls. Incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells with the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine resulted in upregulation of SOST, suggesting that SOST is epigenetically regulated. Conclusions-This study identifies that SOST is expressed in the aorta and downregulated in human AA possibly because of epigenetic silencing. Upregulating SOST inhibits AA and atherosclerosis development, with potential important implications for treating these vascular diseases.
- Authors: Krishna, Smriti , Seto, Sai-Wang , Jose, Roby , Li, Jiaze , Morton, Susan , Biros, Erik , Wang, Yutang , Nsengiyumva, Vianne , Lindeman, Jan , Loots, Gabriela , Rush, Catherine , Craig, Jeffrey , Golledge, Jonathan
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Vol. 37, no. 3 (2017), p. 553-566
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective-Sclerostin (SOST) has been identified as an important regulator of bone formation; however, it has not been previously implicated in arterial disease. The aim of this study was to assess the role of SOST in aortic aneurysm (AA) and atherosclerosis using human samples, a mouse model, and in vitro investigations. Approach and Results-SOST protein was downregulated in human and mouse AA samples compared with controls. Transgenic introduction of human SOST in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice (SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-)) and administration of recombinant mouse Sost inhibited angiotensin II-induced AA and atherosclerosis. Serum concentrations of several proinflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-) mice. Compared with controls, the aortas of mice receiving recombinant mouse Sost and SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-) mice showed reduced matrix degradation, reduced elastin breaks, and preserved collagen. Decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and a reduction in the expression of wingless-type mouse mammary virus integration site/beta-catenin responsive genes, including matrix metalloproteinase-9, osteoprotegerin, and osteopontin, were observed in the aortas of SOSTTg. ApoE(-/-) mice. SOST expression was downregulated and the winglesstype mouse mammary virus integration site/beta-catenin pathway was activated in human AA samples. The cytosinephosphate- guanine islands in the SOST gene promoter showed significantly higher methylation in human AA samples compared with controls. Incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells with the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine resulted in upregulation of SOST, suggesting that SOST is epigenetically regulated. Conclusions-This study identifies that SOST is expressed in the aorta and downregulated in human AA possibly because of epigenetic silencing. Upregulating SOST inhibits AA and atherosclerosis development, with potential important implications for treating these vascular diseases.
A mixed methods case study exploring the impact of membership of a multi-activity, multicentre community group on social wellbeing of older adults
- Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle, O'Sullivan, Grant, Eime, Rochelle, Harvey, Jack, van Uffelen, Jannique
- Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Geriatrics Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-14
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- Description: Background: Social wellbeing factors such as loneliness and social support have a major impact on the health of older adults and can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing. However, with increasing age, social contacts and social support typically decrease and levels of loneliness increase. Group social engagement appears to have additional benefits for the health of older adults compared to socialising individually with friends and family, but further research is required to confirm whether group activities can be beneficial for the social wellbeing of older adults. Methods: This one-year longitudinal mixed methods study investigated the effect of joining a community group, offering a range of social and physical activities, on social wellbeing of adults with a mean age of 70. The study combined a quantitative survey assessing loneliness and social support (n = 28; three time-points, analysed using linear mixed models) and a qualitative focus group study (n = 11, analysed using thematic analysis) of members from Life Activities Clubs Victoria, Australia. Results: There was a significant reduction in loneliness (p = 0.023) and a trend toward an increase in social support (p = 0.056) in the first year after joining. The focus group confirmed these observations and suggested that social support may take longer than 1 year to develop. Focus groups also identified that group membership provided important opportunities for developing new and diverse social connections through shared interest and experience. These connections were key in improving the social wellbeing of members, especially in their sense of feeling supported or connected and less lonely. Participants agreed that increasing connections was especially beneficial following significant life events such as retirement, moving to a new house or partners becoming unwell. Conclusions: Becoming a member of a community group offering social and physical activities may improve social wellbeing in older adults, especially following significant life events such as retirement or moving-house, where social network changes. These results indicate that ageing policy and strategies would benefit from encouraging long-term participation in social groups to assist in adapting to changes that occur in later life and optimise healthy ageing.
- Authors: Lindsay-Smith, Gabrielle , O'Sullivan, Grant , Eime, Rochelle , Harvey, Jack , van Uffelen, Jannique
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Geriatrics Vol. 18, no. 1 (2018), p. 1-14
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Social wellbeing factors such as loneliness and social support have a major impact on the health of older adults and can contribute to physical and mental wellbeing. However, with increasing age, social contacts and social support typically decrease and levels of loneliness increase. Group social engagement appears to have additional benefits for the health of older adults compared to socialising individually with friends and family, but further research is required to confirm whether group activities can be beneficial for the social wellbeing of older adults. Methods: This one-year longitudinal mixed methods study investigated the effect of joining a community group, offering a range of social and physical activities, on social wellbeing of adults with a mean age of 70. The study combined a quantitative survey assessing loneliness and social support (n = 28; three time-points, analysed using linear mixed models) and a qualitative focus group study (n = 11, analysed using thematic analysis) of members from Life Activities Clubs Victoria, Australia. Results: There was a significant reduction in loneliness (p = 0.023) and a trend toward an increase in social support (p = 0.056) in the first year after joining. The focus group confirmed these observations and suggested that social support may take longer than 1 year to develop. Focus groups also identified that group membership provided important opportunities for developing new and diverse social connections through shared interest and experience. These connections were key in improving the social wellbeing of members, especially in their sense of feeling supported or connected and less lonely. Participants agreed that increasing connections was especially beneficial following significant life events such as retirement, moving to a new house or partners becoming unwell. Conclusions: Becoming a member of a community group offering social and physical activities may improve social wellbeing in older adults, especially following significant life events such as retirement or moving-house, where social network changes. These results indicate that ageing policy and strategies would benefit from encouraging long-term participation in social groups to assist in adapting to changes that occur in later life and optimise healthy ageing.
Adolescent pornography use : A systematic literature review of research trends 2000-2017
- Alexandraki, Kyriaki, Stavropoulos, Vasileios, Anderson, Emma, Latifi, Mohammad, Gomez, Rapson
- Authors: Alexandraki, Kyriaki , Stavropoulos, Vasileios , Anderson, Emma , Latifi, Mohammad , Gomez, Rapson
- Date: 2018
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Current Psychiatry Reviews Vol. 14, no. 1 (2018), p. 47-58
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- Description: Background: Pornography Use (PU) has been defined as the viewing of explicit materials in the form of pictures and videos, in which people are performing intercourse with clearly exposed and visible genitals. The prevalence of PU has increased dramatically among adolescents, partly attributed to the wide availability of such online material. Objective: The aim of this systematic literature review is to map the research interest in the field and to examine whether statistically significant results have emerged from the areas of research focus. Methods: To address these aims: a) the PRISMA guidelines are adopted and; b) an integrative conceptualization (derived from the merging of two widely accepted models of understanding of Internet use behaviours) was introduced to guide the synthesis of the findings. Results: In total, 57 studies were integrated into the present literature review. Findings were concep-tualized/ classified into individual, contextual and activity factors related to PU in adolescence. In that context, individual associated factors, such as development, victimization, mental health and religiosity, appear to have primarily captivated research interest demonstrating significant relationships with adolescent PU. Conclusion: Results indicate that more research focus on contextual and activity related factors is required to improve the level of understanding of adolescent PU and to inform a more holistic conceptual framework of understanding of the phenomenon during adolescence that could potentially guide future research.