Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education - Research Publications

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    The longitudinal association between physical activity, strength and fitness, and lung function: A UK Biobank cohort study
    Li, LSK ; Cassim, R ; Perret, JL ; Dharmage, SC ; Lowe, AJ ; Lodge, CJ ; Russell, MA (W B SAUNDERS CO LTD, 2023-12)
    BACKGROUND: While physical activity is hypothesized to slow lung-function decline, the evidence is limited at a population level. This study investigated the longitudinal association between physical activity and related measures (grip strength, cardiovascular fitness) and lung function decline. METHODS: 20,111 UK Biobank cohort participants with lung function measures at baseline (2006-2010) and follow-up (2012-2014) were included. Physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire: low, moderate, high categories), grip strength (dynamometer) and cardiovascular fitness (subsample, submaximal stationary bicycle) data were collected. Linear regression was utilized to assess the effect on follow-up FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio (as decline in ml/yr and as z-scores) adjusting for baseline lung function and confounders. RESULTS: After 6.3 years mean follow-up, the decline in mean FEV1 and FVC was 30 ml/year and 38 ml/year respectively (n = 20,111). Consistent low physical activity (across baseline and follow-up) was associated with accelerated decline in FEV1 z-score (-0.119, 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) -0.168, -0.071, n = 16,900) and FVC z-score (-0.133, 95%CI -0.178, -0.088, n = 16,832). Accelerated decline in FEV1 z-scores was observed with decreasing baseline grip strength (-0.029, -95%CI -0.034, -0.024, n = 19,903), and with less strong evidence, decreasing fitness (-0.024, 95%CI -0.070, 0.022, n = 3048). CONCLUSION: This is the largest ever study to date to identify that lower physical activity, grip strength, and potentially cardiovascular fitness over time is associated with accelerated lung function decline. Although the effect sizes appear modest, such changes at population levels can have a substantial overall impact. This study provides evidence for adding 'lung health benefits' to the current physical activity guidelines.
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    Value of Mentor Professional Learning Through a Digital Micro-Credential in a School-University Partnership
    Lang, J ; Acquaro, D ; Anderson, M ; Mandouit, L ; Wilson, E ; Favero, E ; Marlow, E ; Bradbury, O ; Acquaro, D (Springer, 2022)
    Effective school-university partnerships not only play an important role in improving the quality of initial teacher education but have the capacity to positively impact practice more broadly in schools. This chapter explores an innovative approach to school-university partnerships through the development of a digital micro-credential professional learning program for mentor teachers aimed specifically at building mentors’ understanding of evidence-based assessment to support differentiated teaching practice. Through a narrative inquiry approach and the reflections from participating mentors and partnership leaders, the data analysed suggest that there are positive impacts across the partnership’s actors and ecosystem. The micro-credential provides upskilling of mentors that then improves the level of support to pre-service teachers when using data to differentiate their teaching, a key aim for the program. Yet, there are broader impacts of the program across the partnership, including changing teaching practices within the participating schools and implications for the university’s academics and their work with teachers and pre-service teachers.
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    Exploring the function of online narratives to develop critical thinking and localisation of knowledge in an international science program
    Hicks, M ; Tham, M ; Brookes, R (WILEY-BLACKWELL, 2017-03)
    Abstract e‐learning practitioners have long recognised the benefits of using online training to achieve knowledge transfer, less is understood about facilitating the sharing of values, attitudes, critical thinking, and localisation using online platforms. In this article an online learning platform in the context of an international scientific program was evaluated. The platform uses a narrative approach to convey stories with the explicit aim of developing critical thinking and localisation. The platform embeds formative assessment within the stories to transfer the tacit understandings of the program to project site staff. Some of the challenges this approach encounters, particularly with regard to the expression of localisation was explored.
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    Chronic stress induces hypersensitivity of murine gastric vagal afferents
    Li, H ; Buisman-Pijlman, FTA ; Nunez-Salces, M ; Christie, S ; Frisby, CL ; Inserra, A ; Hatzinikolas, G ; Lewis, MD ; Kritas, S ; Wong, M-L ; Page, AJ (Wiley, 2019-12-01)
    Background Stress exposure is known to trigger and exacerbate functional dyspepsia (FD) symptoms. Increased gastric sensitivity to food‐related stimuli is widely observed in FD patients and is associated with stress and psychological disorders. The mechanisms underlying the hypersensitivity are not clear. Gastric vagal afferents (GVAs) play an important role in sensing meal‐related mechanical stimulation to modulate gastrointestinal function and food intake. This study aimed to determine whether GVAs display hypersensitivity after chronic stress, and whether its interaction with leptin was altered by stress. Methods Eight‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress or no stress (control) for 8 weeks. The metabolic rate, gastric emptying rate, and anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviors were determined. GVA mechanosensitivity, and its modulation by leptin, was determined using an in vitro single fiber recording technique. QRT‐PCR was used to establish the levels of leptin and leptin receptor mRNA in the stomach and nodose ganglion, respectively. Key Results The stressed mice had lower body weight and food intake, and increased anxiety‐like behavior compared to the control mice. The mechanosensitivity of mucosal and tension‐sensitive GVAs was higher in the stressed mice. Leptin potentiated mucosal GVA mechanosensitivity in control but not stressed mice. The expression of leptin mRNA in the gastric mucosa was lower in the stressed mice. Conclusions and Inferences In conclusion, chronic stress enhances GVA mechanosensitivity, which may contribute to the gastric hypersensitivity in FD. In addition, the modulatory effect of leptin on GVA signaling is lost after chronic stress exposure.
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    Spatial variation in the ongoing and widespread decline of a keystone plant species
    Dickson, CR ; Baker, DJ ; Bergstrom, DM ; Bricher, PK ; Brookes, RH ; Raymond, B ; Selkirk, PM ; Shaw, JD ; Terauds, A ; Whinam, J ; McGeoch, MA (Wiley, 2019)
    Extensive dieback in dominant plant species in response to climate change is increasingly common. Climatic conditions and related variables, such as evapotranspiration, vary in response to topographical complexity. This complexity plays an important role in the provision of climate refugia. In 2008/2009, an island‐wide dieback event of the keystone cushion plant Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae) occurred on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island. This signalled the start of a potential regime shift, suggested to be driven by increasing vapour pressure deficit. Eight years later, we quantified cover and dieback across the range of putative microclimates to which the species is exposed, with the aim of explaining dieback patterns. We test for the influence of evapotranspiration using a suite of topographic proxies and other variables as proposed drivers of change. We found higher cover and lower dieback towards the south of the island. The high spatial variation in A. macquariensis populations was best explained by latitude, likely a proxy for macroscale climate gradients and geology. Dieback was best explained by A. macquariensis cover and latitude, increasing with cover and towards the north of the island. The effect sizes of terrain variables that influence evapotranspiration rates were small. Island‐wide dieback remains conspicuous. Comparison between a subset of sites and historical data revealed a reduction of cover in the north and central regions of the island, and a shift south in the most active areas of dieback. Dieback remained comparatively low in the south. The presence of seedlings was independent of dieback. This study provides an empirical baseline for spatial variation in the cover and condition of A. macquariensis, both key variables for monitoring condition and ‘cover‐debt’ in this critically endangered endemic plant species. These findings have broader implications for understanding the responses of fellfield ecosystems and other Azorella species across the sub‐Antarctic under future climates.
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    Variability of the cortisol awakening response and morning salivary oxytocin in late adolescence
    Van Dam, JM ; Garrett, AJ ; Schneider, LA ; Buisman-Pijlman, FTA ; Short, MA ; Hodyl, NA ; Edwards, HK ; Goldsworthy, MR ; Pitcher, JB (WILEY, 2018-11)
    Exogenously administered oxytocin interacts with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to modulate endogenous cortisol levels, suggesting a synergistic role for these two hormones in the response to stress, cognitive performance and the development of psycho-behavioural disorders. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is considered a reliable measure of HPA axis function in humans. However, the CAR appears to vary considerably from day to day and may be strongly influenced by the anticipated demands of the day ahead. The level of variation intrinsic to the CAR is unclear because few studies have examined the CAR in the absence of daily environmental variation. It is not known whether oxytocin has a similar or complementary awakening response. Therefore, over three consecutive days, we examined 12 adolescents (aged 15-17 years) in a highly-controlled sleep laboratory. Saliva was collected on days 4-6 of a 9-day laboratory visit. Cortisol and oxytocin levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from saliva sampled at 0, 15, 30 and 45 minutes, and 8 and 12 hours post-awakening. CAR magnitude varied between days and was associated with sleep duration and pre-awakening sleep stage. Conversely, oxytocin levels dropped dramatically in the first 15 minutes post-awakening and were highly consistent across participants and days. Older participants had higher awakening oxytocin concentrations. Although cortisol increases and oxytocin rapidly declines upon awakening, their diurnal variation does not appear to be related at basal, peripheral levels, consistent with a previous finding that exogenously administered oxytocin only modulates cortisol under conditions of stress.
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    Supplementary Material: More than Just Learning Discipline Skills: Social Interactions in Science Fieldwork Could Enhance Student Well-Being and Cognition
    Carewa, M ; Ho, S ; Brookes, R (The University of Sydney Library, 2020-01-01)
    Fieldwork is typically used to develop students’ technical skills in a range of scientific domains. Fieldwork may also be particularly conducive for enhancing social learning because of increased opportunities for social interactions. However, few studies have explored the value of students’ social interactions during science fieldwork. This pilot study used a mixed-methods survey to investigate 107 undergraduate students’ perceptions of science fieldwork. Participants had completed science subjects with repeated on-campus fieldwork. The survey questions examined students’ perceptions of the potential influence on their well-being and cognition. Most respondents reported long-lasting benefits to their well-being (57%; 42 students) and/or cognition (69%; 52 students). Commonly reported benefits related to well-being included enhanced enjoyment, relaxation, increased motivation and engagement, and stress reduction. In examining cognition, commonly reported benefits included gaining a deeper conceptual understanding from ‘hands-on’ activities and improved information retention. Whilst a variable response rate must be considered in interpreting our findings, our preliminary results suggest science fieldwork has a broader value to learning and the student experience. Students recognise that the benefits of fieldwork activities extend beyond the development of technical skills. Future studies could further explore how science educators can generate more effective social interactions during fieldwork-based education in science.
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    Novel methods of teaching psychiatry to medical and postgraduate students
    Jayaram, M ; Shields, G ; Buisman-Pijlman, F (LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 2021-09-01)
    Purpose of review Global burden of mental illness remains at an all-time high and provision of timely good quality care is a challenge globally. Current methods of medical and post-graduate education in psychiatry worldwide have been inadequate in treating those with mental illness. Enormous gaps exist in provision of high-quality teaching, particularly in poorer countries with many having no access to ongoing teaching and training. Recent findings Technology and changes to curriculum design have transformed student experiences and highlighted the value of online learning. There are many models to consider from and we describe the development process for these, which also highlight why some can be superior to classroom-based learning. New innovations have significantly enhanced engagement and reach thereby bringing students across the globe into an interconnected community and putting them in touch with world experts. Although some of these options may be expensive, many can be made affordable and accessible. Summary It is possible to use innovations in online education to ensure high-quality teaching is available globally. A high touch model may be suitable when resources permit, and otherwise low touch scalable models provide options for increasing reach. Together, these models provide optimism for improving standards of global psychiatric training.
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    Widespread dieback in a foundation species on a sub-Antarctic World Heritage Island: Fine-scale patterns and likely drivers
    Dickson, CR ; Baker, DJ ; Bergstrom, DM ; Brookes, RH ; Whinam, J ; McGeoch, MA (Wiley, 2021-02-01)
    Under anthropogenic climate change, emerging diseases and pathogens are increasingly prevalent in high latitude and altitude regions that were previously protected by cold winter temperatures. Ongoing island-wide dieback of a foundation species, the cushion plant Azorella macquariensis, on World Heritage listed Macquarie Island provides the first sub-Antarctic example. To better understand the island-wide progression of cushion dieback and its drivers, we established and quantified plant condition classes and measured microclimate across 62 sites. We then tested whether the drivers of cushion dieback were associated with (i) water stress: represented by vapour pressure deficit, wind exposure and gravel content, (ii) pathogen virulence: using freezing days and extreme humidity as empirically supported surrogates, or (iii) both. There was a strong north-south progression in cushion condition, with dieback most active in the centre of the island and advanced in the north. Dieback was most extensive at sites with fewer freezing days and high humidity. Natural southern refugia were explained by the significantly colder temperatures, associated with a north-south temperature gradient. It is expected that under current climate change trajectories, where Macquarie is likely to continue to become warmer and wetter, cushion dieback will remain pervasive, expanding most slowly in the south and potentially outpacing recovery. We emphasise the need for increased awareness to prevent the establishment of pathogens into and across the landscapes of newly susceptible high latitude and altitude regions. Areas of high conservation significance need to be prioritised for management, to prevent further landscape-scale change under current climate trajectories.
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    The Recorded Interaction Task: A Validation Study of a New Observational Tool to Assess Mother-Infant Bonding
    Edwards, H ; Buisman-Pijlman, FTA ; Esterman, A ; Phillips, C ; Orgeig, S ; Gordon, A (WILEY, 2021-03)
    INTRODUCTION: Mother-infant bonding describes the early emotional connectedness between a mother and her infant. The quality of the mother-infant bond early in life is related to the subsequent quality of the child's attachment, the quality of further mother-infant interactions, and various other social outcomes across the child's life span. The Recorded Interaction Task (RIT) was developed to assess mother-infant bonding using observational methods in a naturalistic but standardized setting, thus addressing shortcomings of previous self-report tools. The RIT focusses on the common interaction between mother and infant (aged 2 to 5 months old), during a diaper (nappy) change. The interaction is video recorded and later assessed. The RIT must be validated before it can be used to assess mother-infant bonding in future research or in clinical practice. METHODS: Face and content validity of the RIT were assessed by a panel of 6 experts in bonding and assessment of maternal and infant behavior. The RIT and self-reported Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were administered to 15 mother-infant dyads with the correlation between their scores used to assess convergent validity. RESULTS: Acceptable face and content validity of the RIT was demonstrated. A weak correlation between the RIT and PBQ (r = -0.13) and their subscales (r = -0.22) were observed. A strong correlation between the RIT maternal behavior and infant behavior subscales was recorded (r = 0.69). DISCUSSION: The RIT appears to be a viable tool for the observational assessment of mother-infant bonding. Reliability testing and piloting will be required before the RIT can be used in future research or clinical practice.