ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1869-4461
Current Organisations
University of the Sunshine Coast
,
University of Adelaide
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 12-2003
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 31-12-2020
DOI: 10.3390/NU13010138
Abstract: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular disease involving permanent focal dilation of the abdominal aorta (≥30 mm) that can lead to catastrophic rupture. Destructive remodeling of aortic connective tissue in AAA contributes to wall stiffening, a mechanical parameter of the arterial system linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Since aortic stiffening is associated with AAA progression, treatment options that target vascular inflammation would appear prudent. Given this, and growing evidence indicating robust anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties for long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), this study evaluated the impact of these nutrients (1.8 g/day for 12 weeks) on indices of vascular stiffness in patients with AAA. At baseline, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx75) were significantly higher in patients with AAA compared to control participants (PWV: 14.2 ± 0.4 m.s−1 vs. 12.6 ± 0.4 m.s−1, p = 0.014 AIx75: 26.4 ± 1.7% vs. 17.3 ± 2.7%, p = 0.005). Twelve-week LC n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly decreased PWV (baseline: 14.2 ± 0.6 m.s−1, week 12: 12.8 ± 0.7 m.s−1, p = 0.014) and heart rate (baseline: 63 ± 3 bpm, week 12: 58 ± 3 bpm, p = 0.009) in patients with AAA. No change was observed for patients receiving placebo capsules. While this raises the possibility that LC n-3 PUFAs provide improvements in aortic stiffness in patients with AAA, the clinical implications remain to be fully elucidated.
Publisher: University of the Sunshine Coast
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.25907/00071
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-0044
DOI: 10.1097/01.BRS.0000164102.31726.0A
Abstract: A prospective in vivo animal study. To determine whether infection in the juvenile spine influences spinal development. Discitis is thought to occur in children when blood-borne infection penetrates the highly vascular immature disc. The condition generally resolves without apparent complication, but little is known about the long-term effects on the growing spine. Twenty-nine 6-week-old lambs underwent discography at multiple lumbar levels using radiographic contrast deliberately inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis. No antibiotics were given. Plain radiographs were taken at intervals up to 52 weeks after inoculation for morphometric analysis of the vertebral bodies and discs, and the lumbar spines were prepared for histology. Sixteen of 44 inoculated discs showed radiological evidence of discitis between 2 and 6 weeks after inoculation. Disc height and disc area were significantly reduced from 2 weeks, and did not recover during the study period. Vertebral body dimensions and overall lumbar spine length were not significantly affected. Infection of juvenile ovine discs impedes disc development but has no significant effect on vertebral body growth.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2006
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-08-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-12-2022
DOI: 10.1111/TME.12845
Abstract: To investigate the blood supply contribution of older donors in five Asia Pacific regions. Older people are often the largest blood user group. Thus, as the population ages blood supply needs increase. Minimum and maximum donation age criteria potentially constrain the size of the donor pool. Haemoglobin values and demographic frequency analytics (sex, age and blood type) were analysed on blood donors aged 60 years or more, from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea over 12 months. Data on 434357 donations was analysed. ABO Rh(D) frequencies of older donors matched that of national frequencies. Older donors were a disproportionately smaller proportion of the total donor pool for each country. Indonesia was the only region with no maximum age limit. Median haemoglobin for older males ranged from 14.2 to 14.8 g/dl and for females 13.1 to 13.9 g/dl. The frequency of female donors was between 15% and 33% of older donors. Older donors had higher donation frequency and lower deferral rates. Older donors are loyal and regular donors but under‐represented in all regions studied. They could help meet future blood supply needs, especially post‐menopausal female donors. Studies including ferritin levels are needed to determine if upper age limits can be safely modified.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2006
DOI: 10.1007/S10787-006-1503-Y
Abstract: Discitis, caused by pyogenic organisms, is a potential complication of any procedure which involves entering the intervertebral disc during open or percutaneous procedures. While there are wide variations in the severity of symptoms, the characteristic feature of discitis is the development of increasingly severe back pain, which is not relieved by rest, or narcotic analgesics. While there is a tendency to spontaneous resolution over time, a self-limiting course does not always eventuate. Serious complications resulting from spread of the infective process can lead to vertebral osteomyelitis or to the formation of an epidural abscess with further risk of neural compression. Clinical and experimental evidence now supports the prophylactic use of a suitable antibiotic, but some uncertainties exist about the benefits of antibiotic therapy in treating established discitis. While cephazolin is a widely favoured choice of antibiotic, the timing of its administration to prevent or treat discitis has been complicated by the lack of suitable methods for detecting and measuring the concentration of cephazolin in the plasma and disc in experimental and clinical conditions. This paper describes a high-performance liquid chromatography technique for detecting the antibiotic cephazolin. The results conclude cephazolin can be detected in the plasma and disc after administering an intravenous bolus dose. However, concentration of cephazolin in the outer disc was 12 times greater than that of the inner disc.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 13-09-2017
DOI: 10.1155/2017/9127978
Abstract: In conventional teaching, curriculum design that incorporates formative activities with prompt feedback is proven to have a positive effect on learning outcomes. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence that activities involving e-learning also have this positive effect and this is particularly the case within the discipline of hematopathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of e-learning formative activities in hematopathology and to assess if, by using this resource, learning is enhanced. To address the research question, an e-learning module for anemia was developed to determine if it significantly increased knowledge, expressed by improved grades. Seventy-three students from health science programs that were enrolled in first-year hematology participated in the study. Students were encouraged to participate in two formative activities: one held in class and the other developed online as an e-learning module. Results showed a statistically significant increase in mean summative assessment score ( P = 0.03 ) and final grade ( P = 0.02 ) for students who completed the formative e-learning module. Interactive e-learning modules not only assist with engagement but also significantly improve grade outcomes. From this study, e-learning resources are an option for all educators but, in particular, those who have reduced face-to-face contact hours to teach the basic sciences.
Publisher: University of the Sunshine Coast
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.25907/00119
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-02-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-05-2021
DOI: 10.1002/ASE.2094
Abstract: The impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic has presented challenges in medical education particularly, with development of online learning in a short time period. Notably there has been a significant increase in the use of digital technology applications to meet this challenge. For instance, in the first quarter of 2020 the game‐based software Kahoot! reported a threefold increase in players and a fivefold increase in asynchronous learning globally. However, there is limited research into the use of game‐based digital technology applications such as Kahoot! and the associated learning theories, particularly in histology, anatomy, and medical education. This scoping review explored the utilization, outcome scores, and student perceptions of learning with the application of Kahoot! in histology, anatomy, and medical education. Online databases were used to identify articles published between 2013 and 2021 from which 12 articles were included in the review. The majority of articles supported positive student outcomes including improved collaborative learning, improved knowledge of content, attendance, and participation. Minor negative aspects included increased time on task, overwhelming learning content, and distractions due to gadgets. None of the articles included a control group. The main educational theories identified were active learning followed by social and constructivism learning theory. In light of the Covid‐19 pandemic a rapid and fundamental shift in how digital applications are being used in educational institutions has evolved. Further research on learning frameworks and studies with control groups is required to evaluate Kahoot! as a potentially valuable online application in histology, anatomy, and medical education.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-10-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12909-020-02298-9
Abstract: Benchmarking across and within universities is a common tool to evaluate performance of a program and maintain accreditation requirements. While teaching remains a primary responsibility of many academics, academic research performance is a major contributor towards career advancement and standards in the medical laboratory science profession. While anecdotal evidence suggests academics are active contributors to the evidence base of the profession, there is a high variability in research output in relation to institution and level of appointment. The aim of the study was to benchmark the research track record of Australian medical laboratory science academics and provide insight into how research productivity informs the level of appointment of academics across their career pathway. A bibliographic analysis of Australian medical laboratory science faculty websites and corresponding Scopus citation database profiles was conducted. A description of current research track record and relationships with holding a doctorate, academic appointment level, research and teaching interests, and institutional characteristics were explored. Quantitative data and frequencies were analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 to benchmark research track records by academic appointment level. There were 124 academics identified from 13 universities who had a teaching and research position in an undergraduate medical laboratory science program in Australia. Academics at the level of lecturer or higher typically held a doctorate (89%). Holding a doctorate strongly influenced the number of publications. The top 20% of researchers authored around half of the overall publications. The majority of academics did not have alignment of their major research and teaching areas however, alignment had no influence on number of publications. There was, however, an inconsistent relationship between metropolitan or regional university location and the number of publications. Data from this study provides academics with benchmarks for the research track record required at each level of appointment. When drawing conclusions on academic progression, promotion and tenure through research track record it would be mindful to assess each on a case by case basis. Institution (metropolitan versus regional) and research interest appears to influence publication number, h -index and citation scores.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 02-2006
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2023
DOI: 10.1111/CCH.13148
Abstract: Increasingly, health services are adopting short‐term consultative therapy models, such as single session therapy, to cope with increased service demands, finite budgets and changing consumer expectations. Within the paediatric sub‐specialty of child development and behaviour, allied health clinicians are central to supporting families to understand their children, provide therapeutic interventions and help achieve optimal developmental and health outcomes. This study aimed to describe parents'/caregivers' engagement during advanced allied health consultations utilizing a single session therapy framework for managing neurodevelopmental and behavioural concerns in children. Between March to June 2021, 14 parents participated in a qualitative study involving focus groups. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to code and interpret the data to understand and explore families' engagement in single session therapy. Three overarching themes relating to parents' engagement during consultations emerged from the data: connection with the clinician, parental attributes and organizational influences. Clinician connection was the prominent construct that enhanced parent attributes and the positive perception of the organization in an ongoing manner. There was a complex interplay between the behavioural and affective components of the clinician, parents and the organization to create mutual presence, valued time, understanding and action. This study demonstrates the importance of clinician connection, parental attributes and organizational influences to enhance engagement in therapeutic consultations. These factors are interrelated and are a complex blend of behaviour and internal states and highly in idualized for each family. Understanding how services can continue to engage families is integral to ongoing sustainability and overall health and well‐being.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-05-2023
DOI: 10.1002/ANZF.1538
Abstract: Single session therapy (SST) has emerging evidence for facilitating meaningful therapeutic change in a small number of consults, rather than more traditional long‐term therapies. This study aimed to explore and describe the parent/caregiver and child experience with advanced allied health practitioners (AAHP) using SST for children with developmental disabilities, by understanding key characteristics of the consultation that led to therapeutic change. Eligible families attending an AAHP outpatient clinic for children with developmental and behavioural concerns participated in one to four SST consultations around their identified areas of need. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 38 parents and 12 children, from 37 different families. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews. Demographic information was gathered through parent interviews and by reviewing hospital records. Four key themes emerged relating to the characteristics of the consultation that led to a positive experience for families: (1) the art of mutual presence (2) the value of time (3) the power of understanding and (4) the trust of action. These attributes were influenced by the overarching complexities of the AAHP, the parent's and child's interpersonal skills, and the organisational mechanisms influencing patient care. Parents and children reported clinical change during the consult through increased understanding, and being heard, valued, and respected for their in idual decisions on how to manage their child's and family's needs. This study provides preliminary evidence that utilising SST for children and families with developmental and behavioural needs facilitates a positive experience valued by families. SST, with a focus on a family's in idual identified areas of concern, was valued and effective when delivered by AAHP. This suggests that SST, when appropriately administered by experienced and trained health practitioners, is useful for families dealing with children with developmental and behavioural challenges.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-07-2006
No related grants have been discovered for Rebecca Donkin.