Geelong Football Club

About: Geelong Football Club is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Wool. The organization has 1503 authors who have published 1826 publications receiving 34162 citations. The organization is also known as: Geelong Cats.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes have additive effects on left ventricular remodelling in normotensive patients-a cross sectional study.

Abstract: It is unclear whether obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), either alone or in combination, induce left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) independent of hypertension. In the current study, we provide clarity on this issue by rigorously analysing patient left ventricular (LV) structure via clinical indices and via LV geometric patterns (more commonly used in research settings). Importantly, our sample consisted of hypertensive patients that are routinely screened for LVH via echocardiography and normotensive patients that would normally be deemed low risk with no further action required. This cross sectional study comprised a total of 353 Caucasian patients, grouped based on diagnosis of obesity, T2D and hypertension, with normotensive obese patients further separated based on metabolic health. Basic metabolic parameters were collected and LV structure and function were assessed via transthoracic echocardiography. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of LVH and diastolic dysfunction. Metabolically healthy normotensive obese patients exhibited relatively low risk of LVH. However, normotensive metabolically non-healthy obese, T2D and obese/T2D patients all presented with reduced normal LV geometry that coincided with increased LV concentric remodelling. Furthermore, normotensive patients presenting with both obesity and T2D had a higher incidence of concentric hypertrophy and grade 3 diastolic dysfunction than normotensive patients with either condition alone, indicating an additive effect of obesity and T2D. Alarmingly these alterations were at a comparable prevalence to that observed in hypertensive patients. Interestingly, assessment of LVPWd, a traditional index of LVH, underestimated the presence of LV concentric remodelling. The implications for which were demonstrated by concentric remodelling and concentric hypertrophy strongly associating with grade 1 and 3 diastolic dysfunction respectively, independent of sex, age and BMI. Finally, pulse pressure was identified as a strong predictor of LV remodelling within normotensive patients. These findings show that metabolically non-healthy obese, T2D and obese/T2D patients can develop LVH independent of hypertension. Furthermore, that LVPWd may underestimate LV remodelling in these patient groups and that pulse pressure can be used as convenient predictor of hypertrophy status.

Spirometry Training Does Not Guarantee Valid Results

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many healthcare professionals performing spirometry in primary care have had less than half a day’s training in spirometry practice, and the validity of the test results is questionable. Longer training periods, with or without follow-up training, may improve test validity. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a 14-hour spirometry training course provides sufficient skill to produce valid results, and if follow-up training improves test validity. METHODS: Nurses and physiotherapists from rural health facilities chosen by their local area health service undertook a 14-hour spirometry course facilitated by respiratory scientists with at least 5 years experience. Participants consented to on-site reviews at 5, 7, and 9 months after the course. Participants were assessed for adherence to American Thoracic Society (ATS) acceptability and repeatability criteria by undertaking an assessment of spirometry on a naive subject and a retrospective review of a selection of spirometry results at each site at each visit. Further education was provided following the reviews at 5 and 7 months. RESULTS: Fifteen participants from 10 sites were available for all 3 visits. The prospective phase revealed poor adherence to ATS criteria at 5 months, though this improved over the study period with follow-up training (40% at 5 months, 67% at 7 months, 87% at 9 months). The retrospective review showed that 37%, 60%, and 58% of the tests at 5, 7, and 9 months, respectively, met the ATS criteria and had correctly selected the best test. CONCLUSION: A 14-hour spirometry training course alone does not provide sufficient skill to perform spirometry to ATS criteria, and short-term follow-up is an essential component for improving test

A systematic investigation into a novel method for preparing carbon fibre–carbon nanotube hybrid structures

Abstract: By electrospraying solvent dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a binder onto carbon fibre (CF), hybrid structures, with an end aim to improve interfacial bonding in composites, were formed. The electrospray parameters controlling the modification of the CNT morphologies were studied. High-speed camera observations found applied voltage was critical for determining spray mode development. Electric field simulations revealed a concentrated electric field region around each fibre. Both voltage and distance played an important role in determining the CNT morphology by mediating anchoring strength and electric field force. The forming mechanism investigation of different surface morphologies suggested that binder with appropriate wetness gives freedom to the CNTs, allowing them to orientate radially from the CF surface. Linear density (LD) measurements and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that a 10 min coating increased the LD of a single CF filament by up to 31.7% while a 1 h treatment increased fibre bundle mass by 1%.

Micro-fabricated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) surfaces regulate the development of marine microbial biofilm communities.

Abstract: This study explored an antifouling (AF) concept based on deployment of microfabricated polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) surfaces with 1–10 μm periodicity corrugated topographies in temperate marine waters. The effect of the surfaces on the development of microbial biofilms over 28 days and during different seasons, including both summer and winter, was examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as well as terminal restriction fragment (T-RF) analysis for phylogenetic fingerprinting. The microscale topography significantly impacted biofilm development by altering the attachment pattern and reducing microcolony formation on the 1, 2 and 4 μm PDMS surfaces. Also, field deployments over 28 days showed a significant reduction in biovolume on the 4 and 10 μm PDMS surfaces despite altered environmental conditions. The microfabricated PDMS surfaces further significantly impacted on the community composition of the biofilms, as revealed by changes in T-RF profiles, at different stages of development. Mor...

The role of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the older patients, 55 years or above.

Abstract: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency can result in symptomatic functional instability of the knee regardless of the patient’s age. We reviewed a single surgeon database of 908 ACL reconstructions carried out in the last 20 years for symptomatic instability. 14 patients were identified who were 55 years or above at surgery (mean: 60 years, range 55–75 years). Patients were evaluated clinically and with clinical outcome scoring and KT-1000 arthrometry assessment. 12 patients (86%) were available to attend for follow-up at a mean 9 years after ACL reconstruction. The median pre-injury Tegner score was 5.5 (range 1–7) and the median pre-operative Lysholm score was 33 (range 15–67). Initially, one patient had a good result but subsequently the patient undergone total knee replacement 5 years after ACL reconstruction. For the remainder, at the most recent review, the median Lysholm score had improved to 79 (range 43–100, P 2 mm difference in only one knee (for which it was known that the graft had failed at 11 years after ACL reconstruction). At review, the same knee was the only one that demonstrated a pivot shift. ACL reconstruction with autograft in the above-55 patient with minimal osteoarthritis is a safe procedure that returns stability to the knee and permits a return to a reasonable level of activity.