Illawarra Health Research Articles

815 Australian Surgery Trainee Education for Contemporary Airway Management of OSA: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract Introduction In Australia, ASOHNS delivers no formal curriculum for training of OHNS, or levels of competency required, to assess and treat complex OSA patients. Australian OHNS trainee confidence, knowledge and exposure to complex multi-level OSA surgery is lacking. Lack of exposure to sufficient complex OSA surgery case load has been identified as a major weakness in training within a recently published international survey. This study was a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of Australian OHNS trainee exposure to education materials compared with no exposure, on Sleep Surgery specific examination performance (multiple choice and short written answer). Methods 70 accredited and 45 unaccredited OHNS trainees were invited to participate in this trial. Participants were randomly assigned to Sleep Surgery educational material exposure or no exposure to those materials. Those randomized to the exposure group were provided educational material and were given 2 weeks exposure time prior to the exam. Each participant then complete an online examin, consisting of 40 multiple choice questions and 1 short answer question (marked by a field expert). Differences between exposure and control group means were tested using independent t-tests. Results 24 trainees were allocated to exposure and 22 to control. 33 participants attempted the examination. The were no significant differences between groups in the multiple choice (mean difference 1.3 ± 1.6 [3.3%], p=0.41) or written exam test scores (mean difference 1.8 ± 1.2 [9.0%], p=0.14). Accredited trainees performed better in the written exam (mean difference 2.6 ± 1.1 [13.0%], p=0.03). The mean test score in a separate exploratory group of 2 sleep fellowship trained OHNS was considerably higher in both exams. Conclusion This study suggests that exposure to formal education material may improve understanding of sleep surgery. Accredited trainees performed better than unaccredited trainees but the difference was small. Poor test performance in both groups may indicate further formal sleep surgery teaching is required in the ASOHNS training curriculum. Further research is required to identify the best ways possible to educate OHNS trainees in the complex and nuanced decision making required for OSA patients. Support (if any) Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute Grant 2019.

First person – Shannon McMahon

First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Shannon McMahon is first author on 'DNAJB chaperones suppress destabilised protein aggregation via a region distinct from that used to inhibit amyloidogenesis', published in JCS. Shannon is a PhD student in the lab of Heath Ecroyd at Molecular Horizons and the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, investigating whether the intrinsic proteostasis machinery can be manipulated to combat neurodegenerative diseases.

First person – Rebecca San Gil

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Rebecca San Gil is first author on ‘Neurodegenerative disease-associated protein aggregates are poor inducers of the heat shock response in neuronal cells’, published in JCS. Rebecca conducted the research described in this article while a PhD student in Heath Ecroyd's lab at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia. She is now a Fight MND Early Career Research Fellow in the lab of Adam K. Walker at the Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, investigating the cell and molecular processes that regulate protein aggregation and enhance neuronal survival in neurodegenerative diseases.

Trends in unplanned readmissions over 15 years: a regional Australian perspective.

Objective The aim of this study was to assess 15-year trends in unplanned readmissions in an Australian regional health service. Methods Drawing on data held in the Illawarra Health Information Platform (IHIP), this longitudinal retrospective study of adults admitted to hospital between 2001-02 and 2015-16 assessed rates of unplanned all-cause readmissions within 30 days ('early') and 1-6 months ('late') following discharge. Rates were compared over time and between patient groups. Results Age-adjusted early readmission rates declined over the 15 years by an average of 1.3% per annum, whereas late readmission rates increased by an average of 0.6% per annum. Together, there was an overall decline in readmission rates. The entire decline in early readmission rates and a reversal of the increasing trend in late readmission rates occurred since 2010-11. Similar trends occurred across age groups, but were most pronounced among those aged ≥75 years. Conclusions The decline in readmissions since 2010-11 suggests that the region has achieved improvements in discharge planning and in continuity between hospitals and community-based care. These improvements have occurred across broad patient groups. The longitudinal and linked data held in the IHIP provides a unique opportunity to examine patterns of service utilisation at a regional level. What is known about the topic? Published reports of longitudinal trends in readmissions are typically limited by short study periods and narrow criteria used to define study populations and readmissions. Australian longitudinal data suggest rates of early readmission have remained relatively unchanged in recent years, despite the focus on readmission rates as a metric to assess the quality and continuity of care. What does this paper add? This unique longitudinal study reports on long-term readmission trends over 15 years to hospitals within a single geographic area, with trends reported for both early (30-day) and late (1- to 6-month) readmissions by age group and major diagnostic categories. The findings reflect more complex patterns than are typically reported in cross-sectional and more limited longitudinal studies. What are the implications for practitioners? The results suggest improvements at a regional level that may be associated with care during the initial hospitalisation and discharge (reflected particularly in early readmissions) and in the community (reflected particularly in late readmissions). Future investigations will explore specific patient groups and the effects of specific initiatives, services and models of care to better predict those at risk of readmission and to inform translation locally and further afield. The relationship between readmissions and the use of ambulatory services (primary care, emergency department and out-patient) also warrants further investigation.

First person – Natalie Farrawell

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping early-career researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Natalie Farrawell is the first author on ‘SOD1A4V aggregation alters ubiquitin homeostasis in a cell model of ALS’, published in Journal of Cell Science. Natalie is a Senior Research Assistant in the lab of Justin Yerbury at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Australia, investigating the molecular processes underpinning amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with a particular emphasis on protein misfolding, protein aggregation and inclusion formation.

Impact of Walnut Supplementation on Dietary Change for Weight Loss

BackgroundWeight gain is a consequence of total energy intake, but at the population level, consuming foods, such as nuts appears inversely associated with increasing weight. The reasons for this are unclear, but they could be examined in the context of dietary advice for weight loss. In this study we hypothesized that including walnuts in dietary advice influenced other food choices and overall weight loss.ObjectiveTo examine the impact of consuming walnuts in a weight loss intervention on body weight and consumption of key foods.MethodsTo examine the impact of actual walnut consumption, data from the intensive phase of the Health Track lifestyle intervention trial was analyzed. A per protocol analysis was conducted excluding non‐compliers to supplementation. Participants were overweight and obese adults (25–54yrs) from the Illawarra region of NSW, Australia. Participants were randomized to receive either general dietary advice (usual care, C), individualized dietary advice (intervention, I), or individualized advice including a supplement of 30g walnuts/day (IW). Changes in body weight, and intake of key foods were compared between study groups.ResultsData was available on n=263 participants with n=74 who were compliant to the walnut supplementation. Walnut consumers achieved the greatest weight loss (IW: −2.45kg [−5.23 – −0.48], I: (−2.00kg [−4.00 – −0.35], C: −1.60kg [−2.50 – −0.10]. Weight loss was significantly greater in the IW group than C (P=0.012). IW also reported significantly greater increases in intakes of fruit products and dishes (P=0.043) and decreases in intakes of discretionary foods/beverages than C (P=0.022).ConclusionsIn addition to individualized dietary advice, consuming 30 grams walnuts/day may lead to greater weight loss and more favorable changes in food choice.Support or Funding InformationThe Health Track study was funded by the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and the California Walnut Commission.

Indicators of a health-promoting local food environment: a conceptual framework to inform urban planning policy and practice.

Global obesity prevalence has risen dramatically over the past 30 years in both adults and children.1 This presents a major public health challenge because of its contribution to chronic disease and inequities in the distribution of obesity within populations.1 Obesity arises from the energy imbalance associated with dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviours.1 Builtenvironment attributes (land use, density, transport) appear to influence these behaviours.2 While associations between builtenvironment attributes and physical activity are well established,2 the relationship between the built environment and dietary behaviour is less well understood and evidence is inconsistent.

Transient Loss of Ventricular Pacing Capture Caused by Vagal Induced Ventricular Refractoriness: A Novel Mechanism for Pacemaker Failure in Vasovagal Syncope.

Journal of Cardiovascular ElectrophysiologyVolume 27, Issue 9 p. 1114-1115 EP Image Transient Loss of Ventricular Pacing Capture Caused by Vagal Induced Ventricular Refractoriness: A Novel Mechanism for Pacemaker Failure in Vasovagal Syncope VARUN MALIK M.B.B.S., B.Med.Sci., VARUN MALIK M.B.B.S., B.Med.Sci. Department of Cardiology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorMUAYAD ALASADY F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D., MUAYAD ALASADY F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D. Department of Cardiology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorLEONARD F. ARNOLDA F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D., Corresponding Author LEONARD F. ARNOLDA F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D. larnolda@uow.edu.au Department of Cardiology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong Campus, New South Wales, AustraliaAddress for correspondence: Leonard Arnolda, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Building 32, University of Wollongong Campus, New South Wales 2522, Australia. Fax: 61-2-4221-8130; Email: larnolda@uow.edu.auSearch for more papers by this author VARUN MALIK M.B.B.S., B.Med.Sci., VARUN MALIK M.B.B.S., B.Med.Sci. Department of Cardiology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorMUAYAD ALASADY F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D., MUAYAD ALASADY F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D. Department of Cardiology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorLEONARD F. ARNOLDA F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D., Corresponding Author LEONARD F. ARNOLDA F.R.A.C.P., Ph.D. larnolda@uow.edu.au Department of Cardiology, The Canberra Hospital, Garran, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong Campus, New South Wales, AustraliaAddress for correspondence: Leonard Arnolda, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Building 32, University of Wollongong Campus, New South Wales 2522, Australia. Fax: 61-2-4221-8130; Email: larnolda@uow.edu.auSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 March 2016 https://doi.org/10.1111/jce.12970 Disclosures: None. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume27, Issue9September 2016Pages 1114-1115 RelatedInformation

Immunisation for medical researchers: an ethical and practical imperative.

we believe it is essential that all researchers who have direct contact with participants are fully immunised. Disciplines Medicine and Health Sciences Publication Details Townsend, M. L., Grenyer, B. F. S., Yeo, W. & Wright, I. (2016). Immunisation for medical researchers: an ethical and practical imperative. Medical Journal of Australia, 204 (7), 263-263. This journal article is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/ihmri/775 Immunisation for medical researchers: an ethical and practical imperative Michelle L Townsend PhD Brin FS Grenyer BA(HONS), MSc, PhD? Wilfred Yeo MB ChB, MD, FRACP Ian Wright FRACP 1 School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong. 2 Graduate School of Medicine and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute University of Wollongong, Wollongong. doi: 10.5694/mja15.01179 Participants in medical research are the most valuable resource within health research, and their wellbeing must be regarded as paramount. Australia’s national statement on ethical conduct in human research1 establishes that the burden is on researchers to safeguard the health, wellbeing and autonomy of their research participants. We argue that additional guidance is required in an area that has not been widely considered in the ethical research literature and policy: immunisation coverage of the research team. It is acknowledged that health care workers with immunisation‐preventable disease infect their patients.2,3 There is no reason to believe that researchers are exempt from transmitting these diseases to their participants. There are national guidelines4 that provide evidence‐based recommendations on immunisation for people at occupational risk, but this guidance does not specifically refer to researchers. We present a case study to illustrate the issue. We undertook a cross‐generational longitudinal study examining environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors influencing health and wellbeing across the lifespan. The study, based at a medical research institute, involved recruiting pregnant women in collaboration with the local health district. University researchers sought honorary appointments for recruitment and data collection in the hospital setting, with the expectation that we would be required to prove immunisation currency according to relevant state health policy.5 When the resultant honorary researcher appointment applications were approved we were not required to demonstrate any immunisation status. There may be several reasons for this: first that individuals classifying risk may interpret the rules differently; and second, employment status in clinical research studies with multiple researchers from different organisations is complex. The study researchers reviewed the university immunisation guidelines and found that those on clinical placements in state health facilities required immunisation coverage, but for all others, including researchers, immunisation was voluntary. After careful consideration, we decided that ensuring the research team was fully immunised was the most ethical way to approach our research. In consultation with an infection control specialist at the local health district, we agreed on several immunisations or evidence of serological immunity. To fulfil our responsibilities as ethical researchers, we believe it is essential that all researchers with direct contact with participants be fully immunised, using national guidelines, against relevant diseases. The prevention of avoidable harm would appear to be an ethical imperative, but we can find no consistent guidance in this area for researchers at a national or international level. We suggest that it is appropriate for the National Health and Medical Research Council to consider guidance on immunisation coverage of researchers with direct contact with participants, rather than leaving it to individual research ethics committees.

Changing the treatment paradigm: Ex vivo assessment of gemcitabine-eluting degradable polymeric fibres for the treatment of pancreatic cancer

Event Abstract Back to Event Changing the treatment paradigm: Ex vivo assessment of gemcitabine-eluting degradable polymeric fibres for the treatment of pancreatic cancer Simon Moulton1, 2, Amanda Zuzic1, Samantha Wade3, Javad Foroughi1, Morteza Aghmesheh4 and Kara Vine3 1 University of Wollongong, ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Sciences, Australia 2 Swinburne University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Australia 3 University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia 4 Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Area Health District, Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Australia Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a dismal prognosis with a 5-year overall survival of only 1-4%. At first diagnosis, only 20% of PC patients present with primarily resectable (surgically removable) disease, and locally advanced, non-metastatic PC is observed in up to 30-40% of patients. Median overall survival (OS) of primarily resectable patients is 20–24 months, while survival is only 9–13 months in locally advanced PC. Studies suggest that up to 15% of PC patients die with locally advanced PC due to the non-resectable nature of the disease[1]. It is therefore clear that surgical resection is an absolute requirement for achieving long-term survival and/or cure of PC[2]. We hypothesise that the surgical implantation of a degradable drug-eluting polymeric structure, capable of locally administering the anticancer drug gemcitabine (current standard of care for PC) will achieve tumour control and convert non-resectable PC cases to resectable cases to improve overall survival. Therefore the aim of this study was to fabricate and characterise the physicochemical and in vitro biological properties of gemcitabine-loaded wet-spun polymeric fibres for the future development of an implantable drug delivery system capable of improving PC patient survival. Gemcitabine loaded polymeric fibres had a uniform surface area, were internally homogeneous and ranged from 50-120μm in diameter as determined by SEM. Mechanical testing revealed an increase in the young’s modulus when the concentration of gemcitabine was increased, indicating a slight loss in elasticity. Encapsulation efficiency of gemcitabine ranged from 60-90% depending on the type and percent composition of polymer used. The release profiles of gemcitabine loaded fibres displayed burst release, typical for these hydrogel fibres. Approximately 85% of the loaded drug was released in the first 8 hours followed by a sustained, slow release of drug over the next 72 hours. A time dependent inhibition of PANC-1 spheroid growth and decrease in cell viability was observed after incubation with gemcitabine loaded fibres but not control fibres. There was no significant difference in the inhibition of PANC-1 spheroid growth after incubation with 10 μM free gemcitabine or 10 μM equivalent Gemcitabine-loaded fibres indicating bioequivalence. Australian Institute of Innovative Materials; University of Wollongong Science, Medicine and Health Faculty; University of Wollongong Vice Chancellor’s Fellowship; Australian Research Council

P2X7 receptor in skin biology and diseases

The P2X7 receptor is a trimeric ligand-gated cation channel present on immune and other cells. Activation of this receptor by its natural ligand extracellular adenosine triphosphate results in a variety of downstream responses, including the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and cell death. In normal skin, P2X7 is present on keratinocytes, Langerhans cells and fibroblasts, while the presence of this receptor on other cutaneous cells is mainly inferred from studies of equivalent cell types present in other tissues. Mast cells in normal skin however express negligible amounts of P2X7, which can be upregulated in cutaneous disease. This review discusses the potential significance of P2X7 in skin biology, and the role of this receptor in inflammatory skin disorders such as irritant and chronic dermatitis, psoriasis, graft-versus-host disease, as well is in wound healing, transplantation and skin cancer. Publication Details Geraghty, N. J., Watson, D., Adhikary, S. R. & Sluyter, R. (2016). P2X7 receptor in skin biology and diseases. World Journal of Dermatology, 5 (2), 72-83. This journal article is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/smhpapers/3722 Nicholas J Geraghty, Debbie Watson, Sam R Adhikary, Ronald Sluyter Nicholas J Geraghty, Debbie Watson, Sam R Adhikary, Ronald Sluyter, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW 2252, Australia Nicholas J Geraghty, Debbie Watson, Sam R Adhikary, Ronald Sluyter, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong NSW 2252, Australia Author contributions: All the authors contributed to the paper. Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this manuscript. Open-Access: This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Correspondence to: Ronald Sluyter, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia. rsluyter@uow.edu.au Telephone: +61-2-42215508 Fax: +61-2-42218130 Received: September 9, 2015 Peer-review started: September 10, 2015 First decision: November 7, 2015 Revised: November 23, 2015 Accepted: January 27, 2016 Article in press: January 29, 2016 Published online: May 2, 2016

The role of stimulus train length in mismatch negativity (MMN) abnormalities in schizophrenia: A comparison of the 'roving' and 'oddball' MMN paradigms

Event Abstract Back to Event The role of stimulus train length in mismatch negativity (MMN) abnormalities in schizophrenia: A comparison of the 'roving' and 'oddball' MMN paradigms Sumie Leung1, Lisa-marie Greenwood1, Patricia Michie2, 3 and Rodney Croft4* 1 University of Wollongong, School of Psychology, Australia 2 University of Newcastle, School of Psychology and Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health, Australia 3 Schizophrenia Research Institute, Australia 4 University of Wollongong, School of Psychology and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Australia Schizophrenia (SCZ) patients exhibit attenuated mismatch negativity (MMN) relative to controls. Although most MMN studies have employed an oddball paradigm, a 'roving' paradigm has also been used to assess memory trace formation in SCZ, with evidence suggesting that the build-up of this trace is important to the disorder. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this memory trace effect differs between controls and patients, and whether it is a better differentiator of group status than MMN from a traditional oddball paradigm. EEG data from 16 SCZ patients and 11 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recorded during a roving (trains of 4, 8 or 24 standards, prior to a duration-deviant, where each train differed in frequency), and a multi-feature oddball paradigm (Standards - 50ms, 100Hz, 80dB; Duration deviant - 100ms; Frequency deviant - 1100Hz). Peak amplitudes were measured from MMN waveforms (roving and duration oddball only). Memory trace results were analysed with mixed design polynomial contrasts, and paradigm comparisons using mixed design simple contrasts (oddball vs linear; oddball vs quadratic). Roving MMN increased linearly (p=0.008) but not quadratically with train length (combined groups), and overall MMN was reduced in patients (p=0.028). However, the linear increase did not differ between the groups. A quadratic interaction was found (p=0.04), due to greater group differentiation for 8-train MMN. Relative to oddball MMN, no advantage was found in differentiating groups with the linear increase memory trace effect, whereas the quadratic change in MMN over train length was a better predictor of group status (p=0.011). These results suggest that train length is important in SCZ/MMN research, with the train length/MMN relation a better predictor of group status than oddball MMN. Further research is required to clarify the contributing factors to this finding, including the relative importance of standards and deviants to the relation. Keywords: Schizophrenia, MMN, mismatch negativity, Roving, Train length Conference: XII International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON-XII), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 27 Jul - 31 Jul, 2014. Presentation Type: Poster Topic: Memory and Learning Citation: Leung S, Greenwood L, Michie P and Croft R (2015). The role of stimulus train length in mismatch negativity (MMN) abnormalities in schizophrenia: A comparison of the 'roving' and 'oddball' MMN paradigms. Conference Abstract: XII International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON-XII). doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2015.217.00153 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 19 Feb 2015; Published Online: 24 Apr 2015. * Correspondence: Prof. Rodney Croft, University of Wollongong, School of Psychology and Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, Australia, rcroft@uow.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Sumie Leung Lisa-marie Greenwood Patricia Michie Rodney Croft Google Sumie Leung Lisa-marie Greenwood Patricia Michie Rodney Croft Google Scholar Sumie Leung Lisa-marie Greenwood Patricia Michie Rodney Croft PubMed Sumie Leung Lisa-marie Greenwood Patricia Michie Rodney Croft Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

KIBRA rs17070145 polymorphism and resting EEG spectral activity: Biomarkers for reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Event Abstract Back to Event KIBRA rs17070145 polymorphism and resting EEG spectral activity: Biomarkers for reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease Genevieve Z. Steiner1, 2*, Francesca Fernandez-Enright3, 4, Robert J. Barry2 and Emma Barkus2 1 Western Sydney University, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Australia 2 University of Wollongong, Centre for Psychophysics, Psychophysiology, and Psychopharmacology, Australia 3 University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia 4 Schizophrenia Research Institute, Australia KIBRA (KIdney/BRAin) is a cytoplasmic protein encoded by the WWC1/KIBRA gene and is primarily expressed in memory-related regions of the brain (hippocampus, cortex). A functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) (rs17070145) within KIBRA has been associated with memory performance and Alzheimer’s disease risk. Recent work has demonstrated that KIBRA T allele carriers have significantly better episodic memory scores than non-carriers, and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Identifying EEG biomarkers of KIBRA T allele carrier status may further our understanding of the impact of this SNP on neural networks, and early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Sixty-one young adults had their resting EEG activity continuously recorded from 30 scalp sites for 2 minutes with their eyes open. Participants also completed a computerised neurocognitive test battery (CogState), and provided a saliva sample for DNA extraction and analysis. Mean EEG band power was computed across the 2-minute block for delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma. The genotyping for KIBRA rs17070145 polymorphism was performed using Sequenom MassARRAY® genotyping assay. KIBRA T allele carrier status was compared with EEG activity and CogState scores. Delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma bands showed the expected eyes-open resting state topographic distributions. KIBRA T allele carrier status was related to delta and theta only, with greater delta power at the vertex and midline parietal sites, and reduced theta power centrally on the left for T allele carriers. Increased delta levels also improved reaction time in a sustained attention task independent of KIBRA T allele carrier status. Results indicate that delta and theta power are modulated by KIBRA. Given the role of the hippocampal-cortical memory system in the generation of slow wave activity, further work should explore whether KIBRA affects this neural network during cognitive tasks, and whether this activity is associated with Alzheimer’s disease risk. Keywords: Electroencephalography, Delta Rhythm, Theta Rhythm, KIBRA, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), Alzheimer's disease, Memory Conference: ASP2015 - 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Sydney, Australia, 2 Dec - 4 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Psychophysiology Citation: Steiner GZ, Fernandez-Enright F, Barry RJ and Barkus E (2015). KIBRA rs17070145 polymorphism and resting EEG spectral activity: Biomarkers for reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Conference Abstract: ASP2015 - 25th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2015.219.00039 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 26 Oct 2015; Published Online: 30 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Genevieve Z Steiner, Western Sydney University, National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia, G.Steiner@westernsydney.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Genevieve Z Steiner Francesca Fernandez-Enright Robert J Barry Emma Barkus Google Genevieve Z Steiner Francesca Fernandez-Enright Robert J Barry Emma Barkus Google Scholar Genevieve Z Steiner Francesca Fernandez-Enright Robert J Barry Emma Barkus PubMed Genevieve Z Steiner Francesca Fernandez-Enright Robert J Barry Emma Barkus Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention: A pilot study of effects on weight loss

Abstract of a presentation that was present at the NSA 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting, 26-28 November, Hobart, Australia. Disciplines Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences Publication Details Tapsell, L., Batterham, M., Thorne, R., Russell, J. & Humphries, A. (2014). Interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention: a pilot study of effects on weight loss. Abstracts of HSA 2014 Annual Scientific Meeting (pp. 1-1). Australia: HSA. This conference paper is available at Research Online: http://ro.uow.edu.au/smhpapers/2344 INTERDISCIPLINARY LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION: A PILOT STUDY OF EFFECTS ON WEIGHT LOSS L Tapsell, M Batterham, R Thorne, J Russell, A Humphries Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute; School of Medicine, and School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics, University of Wollongong Contact e-mail: ltapsell@uow.edu.au Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to pilot test the effect on weight loss of a novel interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention in the short term. Methods: A 12 week pilot randomised controlled parallel intervention was conducted in 22 adult volunteers (25-54 years; BMI 25-40 kg/m) in Wollongong, comparing usual care (general guidelines with practice nurse) with a novel protocol integrating the efforts of exercise physiologists, dietitians, psychologist and medical practitioners. Detailed protocols were developed, with ethics approval. Statistical analysis was conducted using a linear mixed model (SPSS version 21, IBM corporation Armonk NY). Results: After 3 months the intervention group lost significantly more weight than the control group, adjusted mean difference (AMD) -3.98 kg, 95%CI: -6.17, -1.79; and body fat, AMD -3.25%, 95%CI: -6.05, -0.48. This was reflected in the changes in BMI, (AMD -1.24 kg/m; 95%CI: -2.05, -0.44) and waist circumference, (AMD -5.14 cm; 95%CI: -7.74, -2.53). Conclusions: Even at the level of a pilot study, the novel interdisciplinary approach was more effective at achieving weight loss in the short term compared with usual care. The research provided a sound basis for the longer term 12 month trial. Funding source(s): Illawarra Health and Medical Research

Erythrocyte n-3pufa levels predict inflammatory status in older australians

Erythrocyte n-3pufa levels predict inflammatory status in older australians

The impact of fruit flavonoids from cherries on memory and cognition in older adults with mild to moderate dementia

s / Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism 1 (2014) 1e55 18 Results: Eighty three participants completed the intervention (HP-D 1⁄4 34, HP-S 1⁄4 26, TP 1⁄4 23). Strength increased in all treatment groups, but the increase was significantly less in HP-S compared with HP-D and TP (p 1⁄4 0.006; HP-S, 63.0 ± 23.8%; HP-D, 92.1 ± 40.8%; TP, 92.3 ± 35.4%). There was no difference between HP-D and TP (p 1⁄4 0.99). Lean body mass increased and fat mass decreased (p1⁄4 0.006), with no differential effect between any treatments (p 1⁄4 0.06). Conclusions: Increased intake of soy protein attenuated gains in muscle strength compared with increased intake of dairy protein or a typical protein intake. Funding source(s): Dairy Health & Nutrition Consortium. Concurrent session 5: plant foods THE IMPACT OF FRUIT FLAVONOIDS FROM CHERRIES ON MEMORY AND COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE DEMENTIA K. Caldwell , K. Charlton , S. Roodenrys , M. Batterham, J. Potter , R. Richards , H. Gilbert , O. Morgan . 1 School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Australia; 2 School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia; 3 Statistical Consulting Service, University of Wollongong, Australia; 4 Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Australia E-mail: katherine_caldwell@uow.edu.au (K. Caldwell) Background/Aims: A high consumption of dietary flavonoids, including anthocyanins, show promising results for improving cognitive outcomes, and may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of dementia. We aimed to assess whether further cognitive decline could be delayed or prevented in dementia patients through daily intake of anthocyanin-rich cherry juice. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure and anti-inflammatory effects. Methods:A12-week randomisedcontrolled trial assessedmultiple cognitive outcomes in older adults (n 1⁄4 49) with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s type dementia (70+ years) after consumption of 200mL/day of either cherry juice or a control juice with negligible anthocyanin content. Repeated measures ANCOVA were performed. Blood pressure and inflammatory markers [Creactive protein (CRP), IL-6] were measured at 6 and 12 weeks. Results: Cognitive improvements were seen in tasks relating to verbal fluency (p1⁄4 0.014), short termmemory (p1⁄4 0.014) and long termmemory (p < 0.001) in the cherry juice group. There was a trend for systolic (p 1⁄4 0.038) and diastolic (p 1⁄4 0.160) blood pressure reduction in the intervention group. Markers of inflammation (CRP and IL-6) were not altered in either group. Conclusions: For older adults with dementia, the inclusion of an anthocyanin-rich beverage may be a practical way to improve their total flavonoid consumption, with potential to improve specific cognitive outcomes. Funding source(s): Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute. CELLULOSE CAN ATTENUATE GLUCOSE RELEASE FROM STARCHY FOODS S. Dhital , F.J. Warren , M.J. Gidley . ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls, Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia,

Evaluating the usability of a smartphone meals diary

Evaluating the usability of a smartphone meals diary

Exploring individual differences in Affective processing using psychophysiology

Exploring individual differences in Affective processing using psychophysiology

The role of valence and arousal in ‘fear’ conditioning of face processing?

Event Abstract Back to Event The role of valence and arousal in ‘fear’ conditioning of face processing? Emma J. Kornfeld1*, David A. Camfield1 and Rodney J. Croft1 1 University of Wollongong, School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Australia Aims: Fear conditioning provides a useful experimental model for studying the effect of threat-related cues on learning, and faces are often used as conditioning stimuli (CS) because emotional responses to faces are often acquired through conditioning. The present study aimed to further explore how fear conditioning influences subjective (ratings) and objective (event-related potential; ERP) measures of face processing using neutral, pleasant and unpleasant unconditioned stimulus (UCS) presentations paired with neutral faces. Method: 18 undergraduate (9 male) participants rated valence to faces before and after a conditioning task, where Electroencephalograph (EEG) data were recorded while participants viewed faces combined with IAPS images; unpleasant (UP), pleasant (PL), neutral (control; CTL). Each participant received all conditions (counterbalanced). Results: Subjective face ratings indicated that whereas faces became more pleasant for CTL following the conditioning task, they became more unpleasant for PL and UP. Relative to CTL, the N170 was enhanced for both PL and UP images, whereas the N250 was increased for UP only. Conclusions: The current study suggests that conditioning of the N170 is independent of valence, and is rather affected by arousal, whereas the conditioning of the N250 is dependent on valence. Of note is the fractionation of subjective and objective measures, in that subjective ratings matched the N170 arousal effects, but not the N250 valence effects. This raises the possibility that traditional ‘fear’ conditioning paradigms involve multiple conditioning elements, and argues for the need to separate valence and arousal in fear conditioning research. Keywords: N170, N250, Electroencephalography (EEG), event-related potential (ERP), face processing, Fear conditioning Conference: Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Inc, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 26 Nov - 28 Nov, 2014. Presentation Type: Poster Topic: Psychophysiology Citation: Kornfeld EJ, Camfield DA and Croft RJ (2014). The role of valence and arousal in ‘fear’ conditioning of face processing?. Conference Abstract: Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, Inc. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2014.216.00041 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 22 Oct 2014; Published Online: 05 Dec 2014. * Correspondence: Miss. Emma J Kornfeld, University of Wollongong, School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, Australia, emma.kornfeld@student.unsw.edu.au Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Emma J Kornfeld David A Camfield Rodney J Croft Google Emma J Kornfeld David A Camfield Rodney J Croft Google Scholar Emma J Kornfeld David A Camfield Rodney J Croft PubMed Emma J Kornfeld David A Camfield Rodney J Croft Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

5. Area Health Services

Continuing the pattern of recent years, the largest numbers of confinements in 2001 were among mothers resident in the South Western Sydney (12,161, 14.4 per cent) and Western Sydney Health Areas (10,818, 12.8 per cent). These two health areas contributed over one quarter of the State's births. Eighty per cent of confinements were to mothers resident in the metropolitan health areas (including the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra Health Areas), and 19.4 per cent were to mothers resident in rural health areas (Table 20).