Australian Catholic University

About: Australian Catholic University is a education organization based out in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 2721 authors who have published 10013 publications receiving 215248 citations. The organization is also known as: ACU & ACU National.

Stroll your way to well-being: a survey of the perceived benefits, barriers, community support, and stigma associated with pram walking groups designed for new mothers, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract: In our survey of 500 mothers with children 0-5 years involving telephone interviews (n = 450) and focus groups (n = 50), we showed that 87% of mothers telephone surveyed used a pram for incidental activities, whilst 47% used the pram specifically for exercise Factors preventing mothers exercising more included poor weather, lack of time, and poor quality paths Ninety-two percent of mothers believed that pram walking would increase mental well-being, and 87% felt that it would help to reduce postnatal depression (PND) However, feedback from focus groups expressed less confidence in the program's ability to potentially benefit mothers with PND Programs will have to be marketed carefully to avoid the stigma associated with PND and successfully target mothers at risk

Reflections on self‐determination theory as an organizing framework for personality psychology: Interfaces, integrations, issues, and unfinished business

Abstract: Objective This special issue focuses on self‐determination theory (SDT) as an integrative framework for the wider field of personality research. In this commentary our aims include: reflecting on the utility and strengths of SDT as such a general framework and responding to the various contributions in this issue regarding their use of SDT as a guiding, complementary, or contrasting framework. Methods and Results We describe how SDT has developed organically and conservatively from “within” based on the emerging patterns of evidence, as well through the ongoing challenges from other models and frameworks. We then discuss each of the various contributions to this special issue, addressing themes that include SDT’s breadth of methods, and its relevance to topics such as narcissism, wisdom, individual differences, Big‐Five traits, and the neuropsychology of motivation, among others. Across these discussions, we highlight fruitful avenues for research and cross‐fertilization across the fields of personality, development, motivation, and neuroscience. At the same time, we counter some claims made about SDT, and forward certain cautions regarding the integration of SDT and other personality frameworks and models. Conclusions We conclude by revisiting the value of broad theory, and SDT in particular, for coordinating complex research findings concerning motivation, personality development and wellness across multiple levels of analysis and, perhaps more importantly, for pointing researchers to the right questions within today’s prolific empiricism

Acute Hyperglycemia Impairs Vascular Function in Healthy and Cardiometabolic Diseased Subjects Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract: Objectives— Controversy exists over the effect of acute hyperglycemia on vascular function. In this systematic review, we compared the effect of acute hyperglycemia on endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions across healthy and cardiometabolic diseased subjects. Approach and Results— A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception until July 2014 identified articles evaluating endothelial or vascular smooth muscle function during acute hyperglycemia and normoglycemia. Meta-analyses compared the standardized mean difference (SMD) in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle functions between acute hyperglycemia and normoglycemia. Subgroup analyses and metaregression identified sources of heterogeneity. Thirty-nine articles (525 healthy and 540 cardiometabolic subjects) were analyzed. Endothelial function was decreased (39 studies; n=1065; SMD, −1.25; 95% confidence interval, −1.52 to −0.98; P <0.01), whereas vascular smooth muscle function was preserved (6 studies; n=144; SMD, −0.07; 95% confidence interval, −0.30 to 0.16; P =0.55) during acute hyperglycemia compared with normoglycemia. Significant heterogeneity was detected among endothelial function studies ( P <0.01). A subgroup analysis revealed that endothelial function was decreased in the macrocirculation (30 studies; n=884; SMD, −1.40; 95% confidence interval, −1.68 to −1.12; P <0.01) but not in the microcirculation (9 studies; n=181; SMD, −0.63; 95% confidence interval, −1.36 to 0.11; P =0.09). Similar results were observed according to health status. Macrovascular endothelial function was inversely associated with age, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and was positively associated with the postocclusion interval of vascular assessment. Conclusions— To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind. In healthy and diseased subjects, we found evidence for macrovascular but not microvascular endothelial dysfunction during acute hyperglycemia. # Significance {#article-title-80}