Flinders University

About: Flinders University is a education organization based out in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 12033 authors who have published 32831 publications receiving 973172 citations. The organization is also known as: Flinders University of South Australia.

Synovial tissue research: a state-of-the-art review

Abstract: The synovium is the major target tissue of inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis. The study of synovial tissue has advanced considerably throughout the past few decades from arthroplasty and blind needle biopsy to the use of arthroscopic and ultrasonographic technologies that enable easier visualization and improve the reliability of synovial biopsies. Rapid progress has been made in using synovial tissue to study disease pathogenesis, to stratify patients, to discover biomarkers and novel targets, and to validate therapies, and this progress has been facilitated by increasingly diverse and sophisticated analytical and technological approaches. In this Review, we describe these approaches, and summarize how their use in synovial tissue research has improved our understanding of rheumatoid arthritis and identified candidate biomarkers that could be used in disease diagnosis and stratification, as well as in predicting disease course and treatment response.

Relative Hyperglycemia, a Marker of Critical Illness: Introducing the Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio

Abstract: Context: Hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: We examined whether critical illness is more strongly associated with relative or absolute hyperglycemia. Design: The study was an observational cohort study. Patients and Setting: A total of 2290 patients acutely admitted to a tertiary hospital. Main Outcome Measure: The relative hyperglycemia (stress hyperglycemia ratio [SHR]) was defined as admission glucose divided by estimated average glucose derived from glycosylated hemoglobin. The relationships between glucose and SHR with critical illness (in-hospital death or critical care) were examined. Results: In univariable analyses, SHR (odds ratio, 1.23 per 0.1 increment [95% confidence interval, 1.18–1.28]; P < .001) and glucose (odds ratio, 1.18 per mmol/L [1.13–1.23]; P < .001) were associated with critical illness. In multivariable analysis, the association was maintained for SHR (odds ratio, 1.20 per 0.1 increment [1.13–1.28]; P < .001), b...

Cracking the nut of health equity: top down and bottom up pressure for action on the social determinants of health.

Abstract: The Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) was established to advise on ways in which understanding of the social determinants of health can affect practical action to improve population health equitably. This paper considers the factors that are necessary to encourage governments to adopt policies that aim at doing this. It argues that knowledge, while essential, is insufficient. Governments need a commitment to the values of fairness and justice and an ability to cope with the complexity of responding to social determinants beyond exhorting individuals to change their behaviour. The role of civil society is crucial in advocating for governments to do this. The presence of linking social capital is also crucial to creating a social and political environment in which fairness is promoted. A case study of the poor health status of the Aboriginal peoples in Australia is used to illustrate the importance of social capital.

Reliability and relative validity of a child nutrition questionnaire to simultaneously assess dietary patterns associated with positive energy balance and food behaviours, attitudes, knowledge and environments associated with healthy eating

Abstract: Food behaviours, attitudes, environments and knowledge are relevant to professionals in childhood obesity prevention, as are dietary patterns which promote positive energy balance. There is a lack of valid and reliable tools to measure these parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and relative validity of a child nutrition questionnaire assessing all of these parameters, used in the evaluation of a community-based childhood obesity prevention project. The development of the 14-item questionnaire was informed by the aims of the obesity prevention project. A sub-sample of children aged 10–12 years from primary schools involved in the intervention was recruited at the project's baseline data collection (Test 1). Questionnaires were readministered (Test 2) following which students completed a 7-day food diary designed to reflect the questionnaire. Twelve scores were derived to assess consumption of fruit, vegetables, water, noncore foods and sweetened beverages plus food knowledge, behaviours, attitudes and environments. Reliability was assessed using (a) the intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence intervals to compare scores from Tests 1 and 2 (test-retest reliability) and (b) Cronbach's alpha (internal consistency). Validity was assessed with Spearman correlations, bias and limits of agreement between scores from Test 1 and the 7-day diaries. The Wilcoxon signed rank test checked for significant differences between mean scores. One hundred and forty one students consented to the study. Test 2 (n = 134) occurred between eight and 36 days after Test 1. For 10/12 scores ICCs ranged from 0.47–0.66 (p 0.05) for 10/12 (test-retest reliability) and 3/7 (validity) scores. This child nutrition questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to simultaneously assess dietary patterns associated with positive energy balance, and food behaviours, attitudes and environments in Australian school children aged 10–12 years. Thus it can be used to monitor secular changes in these parameters and measure the effectiveness of this and other obesity prevention projects with similar aims.