Are women nursing academics represented in university leadership positions?

The nursing workforce constitutes the largest professional health workforce in Australia. Nursing is traditionally a female dominated profession. This study reviewed Australian universities that provide entry to practice nursing education. The study identified the distribution of females and males in leadership in nursing education, the positioning of the discipline in the university, and where nurses occupy leadership roles above the nursing discipline (faculty/college). Of the 37 universities that offered entry to practice nursing, more females were evident. However, more men were evident in academia than the proportion of men in nursing outside of the academic setting. Leadership nomenclature varied within each nursing discipline group reviewed. This study demonstrated that the number of nursing academics has decreased since the late 1990’s. The nursing workforce is still a significant contributor to the academic workforce and yet numbers of nurse academics working in roles senior to their discipline were few. This paper discusses how the nursing workforce as predominantly female, has implications to both females and males, and may impact opportunities for leadership and promotion to senior roles

The Effects of 3-Weeks of Aerobic Exercise in Heat on Fitness and PGC1a in Females

The effects of exercise training in the heat are well documented in men. However, the effects of exercise training in the heat in women have not received as much attention. We have previously reported a blunted rise in PGC1α in men after acute aerobic exercise in the heat. Purpose: To determine the impact of three weeks of aerobic exercise training in the heat compared to training in room temperature on thermoregulation, PGC1α mRNA response, and aerobic capacity in women. Methods: Twenty-three untrained college aged females (24±4 yoa, 168±5 cm, and 67.3±11.2 kg) were randomly assigned to 3 weeks of aerobic exercise training in either 20°C (n=12) or 33°C (n=11). Results: VO2max in room temperature conditions increased with training (2.57±0.35 to 2.71±0.32 L·min-1, p=0.01), but independent of temperature condition (p=0.821). HR decreased with training (152±16 to 140±0.13 bpm, p\u3c0.001), but was independent of temperature condition (p=0.341). Sweat rate increased with training (0.655±0.192 to 0.775±0.212 L·hr-1, p=0.006) and was higher in 33°C (0.835±0.144 L·hr-1) than 20°C (0.605±0.132 L·hr-1, p\u3c0.001). PGC1α mRNA increased with an acute exercise bout before (1.01±0.10 to 4.96±2.08 fold, p\u3c0.001) and after training (1.07±0.10 to 3.21±1.39 fold, p\u3c0.001) and had a smaller response after training than before training (p=0.005), but there were no differences between temperature groups (p=0.661). Conclusions: Women can increase aerobic fitness and maintain their exercise induced PGC1α mRNA response in the heat equally to that of room temperature conditions. This response contrasts with the blunted PGC1α mRNA response and VO2 max alterations previously observed in men

Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Gene Response to Carbohydrate Feeding During Exercise in the Heat

Background: Heat stress down-regulates mitochondrial function, while carbohydrate supplementation attenuates the exercise induced stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis in humans. The effects of exogenous carbohydrate during exercise in the heat on metabolic mRNA have not been investigated in humans. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of exercise with and without carbohydrate supplementation on skeletal muscle metabolic response in the heat. Methods: Eight recreationally active males (4.05 ± 0.2 L.min-1) completed 2 trials which included 1 hr of cycling at 70% workload max and 3 hr recovery in a hot environment. Both trials were conducted in a climate controlled environmental chamber (38°C and 40% RH). The trials differed by the consumption of either a 6% carbohydrate (CHO) containing beverage (8 ml.kg-1.hr-1) or placebo (P) during exercise in random order. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before exercise, immediately post-exercise and at the end of the 3 hr recovery period. Muscle was analyzed for muscle glycogen and mRNA related to metabolic and mitochondrial development (MFN2, PGC-1α, GLUT4, UCP3). Expired gases were measured to determine whole body substrate use during exercise. Results: Carbohydrate oxidation and muscle glycogen utilization did not differ between trials, whereas fat oxidation was elevated during exercise in P. Exercise caused an increase in PGC-1α, and GLUT4 (P \u3c 0.05) independent of exogenous carbohydrate provision. Carbohydrate consumption attenuated the mRNA response in UCP3 (P \u3c 0.05). Conclusions: This study indicates that the provision of exogenous carbohydrate attenuates the stimulation of mRNA expression of UCP3 following exercise in the heat

Substrate Use and Biochemical Response to a 3,211-km Bicycle Tour in Trained Cyclists

The purpose of this study was to assess the physiological adaptations in physically fit individuals to a period of intensified training. Ten trained males cycled outdoors ~170 km day−1 on 19 out of 21 days. Expired gas was collected on days 1 and 21 during maximal graded exercise and used for the determination of gross efficiency and whole body substrate use. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and after exercise on days 2 and 22 for the determination of mtDNA/gDNA ratio, gene expression, metabolic enzyme activity and glycogen use. Muscle glycogen before and after exercise, fat oxidation, and gross efficiency increased, carbohydrate oxidation decreased (p \u3c 0.05), and VO2max did not change over the 21 days of training. Citrate synthase (CS), β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (β-HAD) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) enzyme activity did not change with training. CS and β-HAD mRNA did not change with acute exercise or training. COX (subunit IV) mRNA increased with acute exercise (p \u3c 0.05) but did not change over the 21 days. PGC-1α mRNA increased with acute exercise, but did not increase to the same degree on day 22 as it did on day 2 (p \u3c 0.05). UCP3 mRNA decreased with training (p \u3c 0.05). Acute exercise caused an increase in mitofusin2 (MFN2) mRNA (p \u3c 0.05) and a trend for an increase in mtDNA/gDNA ratio (p = 0.057). However, training did not affect MFN2 mRNA or mtDNA/gDNA ratio. In response to 3,211 km of cycling, changes in substrate use and gross efficiency appear to be more profound than mitochondrial adaptations in trained individuals

Metabolic Profile of the Ironman World Championships: A Case Study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the metabolic profile during the 2006 Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Methods: One recreational male triathlete completed the race in 10:40:16. Before the race, linear regression models were established from both laboratory and field measures to estimate energy expenditure and substrate utilization. The subject was provided with an oral dose of (2)H(2)(18)O approximately 64 h before the race to calculate total energy expenditure (TEE) and water turnover with the doubly labeled water (DLW) technique. Body weight, blood sodium and hematocrit, and muscle glycogen (via muscle biopsy) were analyzed pre- and postrace. Results: The TEE from DLW and indirect calorimetry was similar: 37.3 MJ (8,926 kcal) and 37.8 MJ (9,029 kcal), respectively. Total body water turnover was 16.6 L. and body weight decreased 5.9 kg. Hematocrit increased from 46 to 51% PCV. Muscle glycogen decreased from 152 to 48 mmoL/kg wet weight pre- to postrace. Conclusion: These data demonstrate the unique physiological demands of the Ironman World Championship and should be considered by athletes and coaches to prepare sufficient nutritional and hydration plans

Global shortfalls in documented actions to conserve biodiversity

Threatened species are by definition species that are in need of assistance. In the absence of suitable conservation interventions, they are likely to disappear soon1. There is limited understanding of how and where conservation interventions are applied globally, or how well they work2, 3. Here, using information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and other global databases, we find that for species at risk from three of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss—habitat loss, overexploitation for international trade and invasive species4—many appear to lack the appropriate types of conservation interventions. Indeed, although there has been substantial recent expansion of the protected area network, we still find that 91% of threatened species have insufficient representation of their habitats within protected areas. Conservation interventions are not implemented uniformly across different taxa and regions and, even when present, have infrequently led to substantial improvements in the status of species. For 58% of the world’s threatened terrestrial species, we find conservation interventions to be notably insufficient or absent. We cannot determine whether such species are truly neglected, or whether efforts to recover them are not included in major conservation databases. If they are indeed neglected, the outlook for many of the world’s threatened species is grim without more and better targeted action

Maternal and child health nurse screening and care for mothers experiencing domestic violence (MOVE): A cluster randomised trial

BACKGROUND: Mothers are at risk of domestic violence (DV) and its harmful consequences postpartum. There is no evidence to date for sustainability of DV screening in primary care settings. We aimed to test whether a theory-informed, maternal and child health (MCH) nurse-designed model increased and sustained DV screening, disclosure, safety planning and referrals compared with usual care. METHODS: Cluster randomised controlled trial of 12 month MCH DV screening and care intervention with 24 month follow-up. The study was set in community-based MCH nurse teams (91 centres, 163 nurses) in north-west Melbourne, Australia. Eight eligible teams were recruited. Team randomisation occurred at a public meeting using opaque envelopes. Teams were unable to be blinded. The intervention was informed by Normalisation Process Theory, the nurse-designed good practice model incorporated nurse mentors, strengthened relationships with DV services, nurse safety, a self-completion maternal health screening checklist at three or four month consultations and DV clinical guidelines. Usual care involved government mandated face-to-face DV screening at four weeks postpartum and follow-up as required. Primary outcomes were MCH team screening, disclosure, safety planning and referral rates from routine government data and a postal survey sent to 10,472 women with babies ≤ 12 months in study areas. Secondary outcomes included DV prevalence (Composite Abuse Scale, CAS) and harm measures (postal survey). RESULTS: No significant differences were found in routine screening at four months (IG 2,330/6,381 consultations (36.5 %) versus CG 1,792/7,638 consultations (23.5 %), RR = 1.56 CI 0.96-2.52) but data from maternal health checklists (n = 2,771) at three month IG consultations showed average screening rates of 63.1 %. Two years post-intervention, IG safety planning rates had increased from three (RR 2.95, CI 1.11-7.82) to four times those of CG (RR 4.22 CI 1.64-10.9). Referrals remained low in both intervention groups (IGs) and comparison groups (CGs) (<1 %). 2,621/10,472 mothers (25 %) returned surveys. No difference was found between arms in preference or comfort with being asked about DV or feelings about self. CONCLUSION: A nurse-designed screening and care model did not increase routine screening or referrals, but achieved significantly increased safety planning over 36 months among postpartum women. Self-completion DV screening was welcomed by nurses and women and contributed to sustainability. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12609000424202, 10/03/2009

Effects on Oxygen Consumption and Metabolic Gene Expression when Determining Experimental Exercise Intensity Based on Exercise Capacity Tests Conducted in Hypoxic and Normoxic Environments

Abstract: Exercise intensity can be set relative to VO2 max measured during hypoxic or control conditions in studies investigating exercise in hypoxic environments. It currently is not clear which is the most appropriate method. Objective: The objective of this brief report is to determine the response to 1 hour of cycling at 60% of peak power when measured in either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Methods: Eleven recreationally active male participants (24 ± 4 yrs, 173 ± 20 cm, 82 ± 12 kg, 15.2 ± 7.1% fat, 4.0 ± 0.6 L x min-1 VO2 max) completed two 1 hour cycling exercise trials at 60% of peak power followed by 4 hours of recovery in ambient environmental conditions (975 m) and at normobaric hypoxic conditions simulating 3000 m in a randomized counter balanced order. Results: VO2 max was not different between trials in relative (p=0.272) or absolute terms (p=0.105) but peak power at VO2 max was higher in the 975 m trial (288 ± 17 watts) than the 3000 m trial (262 ± 12 watts, p=0.003) corresponding to differences at 60% of VO2 max power. Gene expression of HIF-1α, COX, PGC-1α, HK, and PFK increased with exercise (p\u3c0.05) but did not differ between trials. There was a trend (p=0.072) toward increased muscle glycogen use in 975m. Conclusions: Although there were not statistical differences for muscle markers in the current study, these data should be considered when determining exercise intensity in hypoxia related research

Formulación y Elaboración de una Fécula a partir de Ahuyama (Cucurbita máxima), Banano (Musa sapientum) y Ñame (Dioscorea sp.) para Suplementación Materno Infantil

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó en los Laboratorios de la Universidad Tecnológica del Magdalena y se complementó en el Bioterio existente en el Laboratorio de Control de Drogas del ICA, Mosquera (Cundinamarca) y en el Laboratorio de Inmunología en el Hospital San Juan de Dios (La Hortúa), en la ciudad de Bogotá D.E. El objeto fue estudiar la factibilidad de aprovechar tres productos vegetales alimenticios: Ahuyama (Cucurbita máxima); Banano (Musa sapientum) y Reme (Dioscorea 112), propios de la región, y con base en su contenido bromatológico formular y elaborar tres mezclas alimenticias Féculas, tanto con las materias primas desecadas al sol (S), como en estufa (E). Las materias primas obtenidas en el mercado local, se sometieron a dos procesos diferentes de secado: en estufa (E), con aire por convección a 55°C durante cuatro y doce horas, y al sol (S) por once horas. Cada materia prima desecada fue sometida a un proceso de molienda con molino manual Corona y almacenada en bolsas negras de polietileno. Las tres Formulaciones se prepararon con la siguiente distribución porcentual: a) Formulación I (FI), 40% de Ahuyama; 30% de Banano y 30% de Ñame; b) Formulación II (FII), 20% de Ahuyama, 30% de Banano y 50% de Ñame; c) Formulación III (FIII), preparada con 30% de Ahuyama; 50% de Banano y 20% de Ñame. A las tres Formulaciones, tanto con material desecado en estufa como al sol se les efectuó un control de calidad, que comprendió análisis bromatológico, microbiológico, determinación del patrón de aminoácidos no esenciales y esenciales (con base en este patrón se estableció el puntaje o "Score Químico"). También se llevó a cabo un análisis físico-químico (ensayo granulométrico, prueba de dispersión o estabilidad y ensayo de viscosidad). Se realizó un ensayo para establecer la presencia de sustancias anti fisiológicas, con pruebas biológicas en ratones; postulándose la existencia de sustancias anti fisiológicas en el tubérculo Ñame (Dios coree sp), las que deben tener propiedades termolábiles lo cual explicara que no obstante ser consumidos ampliamente en la Costa Atlántica de Colombia no se haya reportado problemas alimenticios por su ingestión. Por otro lado, se obtuvieron buenos resultados con la dieta preparada con la Formulación II Sol, a pesar de contener esta 50% de Ñame, lo que se explica por un efecto protector de los AAE contra dicha acción antifisiológica, la que disminuye a medida que se incremente la calidad de la dieta. La Ahuyama (Cucurbita máxima), presentó los mejores resultados con 7.06% de proteína, siendo su puntaje químico la Treonina (51.22%) y su segundo limitante la Lisina (55.99%). También posee buenas cantidades de calcio, 198.60 mg/100; fósforo, 206 mg/100 g, ambos elementos de vital importancia para el crecimiento de los niños. Con respecto a las formulaciones, el mejor porcentaje de proteína la Formulación I Estufa, FIE (4.16%); con un (63.85%) Treonina, siendo su segundo limitante la Lisina (70.70%). Con respecto a las Formulaciones, el contenido mayor de humedad, Como era de esperarse, lo presentaron las Formulaciones elaboradas con materiales desecados al sol, entre 11.40 y 14.01%. Los resultados de Calcio para las materias primas varían entre 8,40 y 198.60 mg/100 g, y con respecto a las Formulaciones los valores se encuentran entre 46.75 y 85.78 mg/100 g; mineral que es muy importante para el crecimiento de los infantes. Los valores de almidón para las materias primas cubren un intervalo entre 36.51 y 69,30 mg/100 g y para las Formulaciones entre 49.37 y 56.85 mg/100 g por lo cual hay que considerarlos como "Alimentos Energéticos” Se encontró' que el Ñame de secado al sol posee un valor de Lisina total (501.78 mg/gN) superior a la de la leche (496 mg/gN) y al maíz opaco-2 (445.07 mg/gN). En general las materias primas y Formulaciones, tanto al sol como en estufa, poseen valores de este AAE superior res a los de la harina de Trigo (232 mg/gN) y a los de la Avena (159 mg/gN). El Ñame y el Banano desecados al sol (703.78 y 519 mg/gN, respectivamente) al igual que la Formulación II Sol (473.64 mg/g), contienen cifras mayores de Leucina en relación al patrón de la FAO (1973), de 440 mg/gN, al de la Lenteja con 477 mg/gN; Batata con 340 mg/gN y al de Zanahoria, con 276 mg/gN. La relación Leucina/Isoleucina varió entre 1.56 y 1.96, en las materias primas; y entre 1.71 y 1.83, en las Formulaciones. Los valores de Histidina en las materias primas entre 457.39 y 1120 mg/gN y en las Formulaciones entre 501.09 y 612.56 mg/gN, son superiores a los del Trigo (121 mg/gN); Huevo (152 mg/01); Carne (213 mg/gN); Harina de Pescado (161 mg/gN) y Frijol Caupí (Vigna sinensis), con 204 mg/gN. Mediante el ensayo de granulometría se encontró un Módulo Fino (M. F.) de 2.66 para la Formulación I Estufa, con un diámetro (D) promedio de partícula igual a 0.00671 pul. (0.171 mm); FIIIE, M.F. igual a 2.43, D = 0.00521 pul., (0.132 mm); FII5, M.F. = 2.66, D = 0.00597 pul. (0.1516 ima); FIIS M.F. = 2.84, D = 0.00663 pul. (0.1685 mm); la FIIE y FIS, presentaron uh M.F. F 2.72, D = 0.00618 pul. (0.1570 mm), respectivamente, Se encontró un grado de uniformidad que indica que por diez partes de cada Formulación existe una parte gruesa, tres medianas y seis finas, lo que implica que las condiciones de molienda fueron totalmente reproducibles en cada caso

Caracterización de un concreto geopolimérico fibrorreforzado para su aplicación en elementos constructivos

This article presents an analysis of the physical-mechanical characterization of a fiber-reinforced geopolymeric concrete, whose HCV matrix is ​​made up of 90% fly ash (CV) and 10% ordinary portland cement (OPC), using as an alkaline activator a solution composed of silicate and sodium hydroxide (NaOH, Na2SiO3) and water. The reinforcement used was SikaFiber Xorex steel fibers incorporated into the matrix in proportions of 50 and 75 kg/m3. The HCV-50 mix reported a compressive strength of 26.77 MPa at 28 days of curing, classifying it as structural concrete according to NSR-10. At the same curing age, indirect tensile strength of 3.49 MPa, modulus of elasticity of 29.32 GPa, flexural strength of 5.15 MPa and toughness up to cracking deflection (δf) of 1971,9 N.mm were obtained. This mixture, considered optimal, was used in the manufacture of concrete slabs, which presented a rupture deflection δf of 4.45 mm, ultimate deflection of 16.15 mm, maximum load supported 15.6 kN, tenacity of 49464, 8 N.mm up to δf and 145847.3 N.mm up to 3 times δf. The fiber-reinforced geopolymeric material is also proposed to be used in the production of shotcrete (Shotcrete), and in the construction of lightweight tiles. &nbsp;Este artículo presenta un análisis de la caracterización físico-mecánica de un concreto geopolimérico fibrorreforzado, cuya matriz HCV está conformada por 90% ceniza volante (CV) y 10% cemento portland ordinario (OPC), utilizando como activador alcalino una solución compuesta por silicato e hidróxido de sodio (NaOH, Na2SiO3) y agua. El refuerzo utilizado fueron fibras de acero SikaFiber Xorex incorporadas a la matriz en proporciones de 50 y 75 kg/m3. La mezcla HCV-50 reportó una resistencia a la compresión de 26,77 MPa a los 28 días de curado, clasificando como concreto estructural según la NSR-10; a la misma edad de curado se obtuvo resistencia a la tracción indirecta de 3,49 MPa, módulo de elasticidad de 29,32 GPa, resistencia a la flexión de 5,15 MPa y tenacidad hasta la deflexión de agrietamiento (δf) de 1.971,9 N.mm. Esta mezcla considerada la óptima, fue empleada en la fabricación de losas de concreto, las cuales presentaron una deflexión de ruptura δf de 4,45 mm, deflexión última de 16,15 mm, carga máxima soportada 15,6 kN, tenacidad de 49.464,8 N.mm hasta δf y 14.5847,3 N.mm hasta 3 veces δf. El material geopolimerico fibrorreforzado se propone además para ser utilizado en la producción de concreto proyectado (Shotcrete), y en la construcción de losetas aligeradas