Student evaluation of teaching: Reactions of Australian academics to anonymous non-constructive student commentary.

Within Australian higher education, student evaluation of teaching (SET) is regularly conducted and data are utilised for quality control and staff appraisal. Within current methodologies, students can anonymously provide further feedback as written commentary. There is now growing evidence that, once this narrative becomes derogatory or abusive, it may have the potential to create harm. To investigate staff reactions to receiving anonymous non-constructive commentary, a one group point in time design was constructed, and a survey conducted. Participants (N = 741) from a broad cross-section of Australian universities responded to Likert questions asking about their reactions. A significant impact was revealed according to age for mental health, stress and professional confidence, with younger and tenured academics indicating the most vulnerability. There were no differences across gender. Non-health disciplines with teaching loads greater than 50% reported an impact of anonymous SET on mental health and professional confidence. Being casually or seasonally employed or from an ethnic background was shown to have a significant effect on professional confidence. Findings suggest that the potential for higher education academics to be harmed via this process is a continued risk and highlights the need for review and reform of SET systems and protocols

Intermittent and graded exercise effects on NK cell degranulation markers LAMP‐1/LAMP‐2 and CD8+CD38+ in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis

There is substantial evidence of immune system dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) but little is understood of exercise training effects on lymphocyte function in this illness. This study investigated whether graded and intermittent exercise improved CD8+ lymphocyte activation and natural killer cell degranulation markers compared to no exercise. Twenty-four chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients (50.2 ± 10 year) were randomized to graded exercise (GE), intermittent exercise (IE) or usual care (UC) groups; a control group (CTL) of 18 matched sedentary non-CFS/ME participants were included for immunological variable comparisons. Main outcome measures were pre- and postintervention expression of CD3+ CD8+ CD38+ and CD3CD16+ 56+ CD107a+ (LAMP-1) CD107b+ (LAMP-2) and aerobic exercise capacity. The postintervention percentage of NK cells expressing LAMP-1 and -2 was significantly higher in IE compared to UC, and higher in GE compared to UC and CTL. LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 expression (absolute numbers and percent positive) increased significantly pre-to-postintervention for both GE and IE. Preintervention, the absolute number of CD8+ CD38+ cells was significantly lower in CTL compared to UC and IE. There were no significant pre- to postintervention changes in CD8+ CD38+ expression for any group. Aerobic exercise capacity was signifi- cantly improved by GE and IE. Twelve weeks of GE and IE increased the expression of NK cell activation and degranulation markers, suggesting enhanced immunosurveillance. Low-intensity exercise may also reduce CD8+ CD38+ expression, a marker of inflammation. Both GE and IE improved exercise capacity without worsening CFS/ME symptoms, and more robust trials of these exercise modalities are warranted

Learning through reflection. SPROUT : a schema to teach reflective practice

Incorporating reflection into practice is an essential acquired skill and has been linked to the strengthening of professional identity, where the ability to reflect is essentially the development of self-awareness; a way of thinking and ultimately learning from experience. The authors introduce the acronym SPROUT as a structure for higher education students who are learning to be reflective learners. The acronym represents a schema for written and oral approaches and is designed to support professional development in multiple contexts. SPROUT is formed by combining the initial letters of the component words and serves to simplify the complexity of a multipart process to be enacted when being reflective. As a mnemonic device SPROUT represents Situation, Past experience, Read and Refer, Other influences, Understanding and Take it Forward. Following the implementation of SPROUT with a 1st year Bachelor of Nursing cohort, reflective scripts were reviewed for content and quality. Additionally educators provided feedback. Preliminary conclusions about the efficacy of this approach for learning to be reflective suggest that students were demonstrating a developing self-awareness

Graded vs intermittent exercise effects on lymphocytes in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Purpose: There is increasing evidence of immune system dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) but little is known of the regular exercise effects on immune cell parameters. This pilot study investigated the effects of graded and intermittent exercise on CD4+ lymphocyte subset counts and activation compared to usual care. Methods: 24 CFS patients (50.2 +/- 10 yr) were randomised to Graded exercise (GE), Intermittent exercise (IE) or usual care (UC) groups; 18 sedentary non-CFS participants (50.6 +/- 10 yr) were controls (CTL) for blood and immunological comparisons. Outcome measures were pre- and post-intervention flow cytometric analyses of circulating lymphocyte subset cell counts, expression of CD3+, CD4+, CD25+ and CD134+, full blood counts and V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak Results: Pre-intervention, CD3+ cell counts and expression of CD4+, CD25+, CD134+ and CD4+CD25+CD134+ were significantly lower in GE, IE and UC compared to CTL (f \u3c 0.05). Total lymphocyte concentration was significantly lower in GE and IE groups compared to CTL. There were significant post-intervention increases in (i) expression of CD4+ and CD4+CD25+CD134+ for GE and IE, but CD25+ and CD134+ for IE only; (ii) circulating counts of CD3+ and CD4+ for GE, and CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD3+CD4+CD8+, CD3-CD16+CD56+, CD19+ and CD45+ for IE; (iii) neutrophil concentration for GE; (iv) V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and elapsed test time for IE and GE, V[Combining Dot Above]Epeak for IE. Conclusions: Twelve weeks of GE and IE training significantly improved CD4+ lymphocyte activation and aerobic capacity without exacerbating CFS symptoms. IE may be a more effective exercise modality with regard to enhanced CD4+ activation in CFS patients

Focus group interviews with older Australians to explore their awareness of the national age-adjusted dietary recommendations and their suggestions for assisting them to meet these dietary targets

Promoting a healthy, nutritious diet is central to the goal of assisting individuals to age well. This study used focus groups to explore older people’s awareness of the current age-adjusted nutrient recommendations and age-adjusted core food groups, and to capture their views about these dietary guidelines. Thematic analysis was applied to aggregate data into categories of frequently occurring responses. Data were collected from five focus groups: a total of 29 participants, aged 60–98 years of age. Analysis of responses revealed that participants were generally unaware of government-endorsed dietary guidelines or nutrient recommendations for older people. Their suggestions for assisting older people to meet these age-adjusted dietary targets included: targeted media campaigns to raise awareness about older people’s nutrient requirements; the need for practical meal plans that do meet their dietary needs; and the removal of barriers to supermarket food choices, such as problems with opening jars and excessive packaging

Irregularities in red cell distribution width and lymphocyte concentration in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex condition with no clear aetiology. There are inconsistent reports of abnormal red cell indices and variations in some immune cell subsets in CFS patients. Aim: Toexaminehaemato logical and immunological indices and the frequency of irregularities. Methods: Full blood counts and immune cell subsets of 24 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome individuals and 18 healthy, sedentary controls were analysed by cell sorter and flow cytometer. The frequencies of abnormal blood count and immunological indices, and health conditions in both groups were also recorded. Results: Total lymphocyte concentration was below-normal in 33.3% of CFS participants, with mean values significantly lower than the non-CFS group. CFS participants also had a lower CD3+CD4+ lymphocyte count (p \u3c 0.05). Compared to non-CFS, the CFS group had significantly higher frequencies of above-normal red cell distribution width (RDW), above-normal erythrocyte mean cell volume (MCV), previous/current iron deficiency, cardiac symptoms, recurring sore throats and headaches, poor sleep, joint and back pain. Conclusion: Significantly higher frequencies of abnormal RDW, MCV and lymphocyte concentrations in CFS participants may be associated with iron deficiency and immune cell dysfunction

A systematic review of the experience of using second life in the education of undergraduate nurses

The virtual world of Second Life® is an emerging technology that is being considered as a simulation methodology for the education of professionals. Particularly for nursing, the adoption of simulation, although a response to technological advancement, is occurring during changes in population health care needs, the resultant impact on the workforce, and also the changing profile of students. This systematic review aimed to establish the current applications of Second Life in the education of undergraduate nursing students. Databases searched were CINAHL®, Medline®, Education Research Complete™, ERIC™, Computers and Applied Sciences Complete™, and Library, Information Sciences and Technology™. Fourteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evidence identified included the themes of transferability from theory to practice, focus on learner centeredness, and evaluative processes. This review demonstrates that positive learning outcomes are achievable in Second Life. Evaluative research is in an early stage, and further investigation is warranted. [J Nurs Educ. 2015;54(10):572–577.

Symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, body dysmorphic disorder, and eating disorders in a nonclinical population of adult male weightlifters in Australia

Symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, body dysmorphic disorder, and eating disorders in a nonclinical population of adult male weightlifters in Australia. J Strength Cond Res 29(5): 1406–1414, 2015—The current study aimed to (a) determine the rates of symptoms of muscle dysmorphia (MD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and eating disorder; (b) determine the relationships among symptoms of MD, BDD, and eating disorders; and (c) provide a comprehensive comparison of symptoms of MD, BDD, and eating disorders in a nonclinical population of adult male weightlifters in Australia. The participants (N = 648, mean age = 29.5 years, SD = 10.1) participated in an online survey, consisting of Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale, the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire, and the Eating Attitude Test-26. Results indicated that 110 participants (17%) were at risk of having MD, 69 participants (10.6%) were at risk of having BDD, and 219 participants (33.8%) were at risk of having an eating disorder. Furthermore, 36 participants (5.6%) were found at risk of having both MD and BDD, and 60 participants (9.3%) were at risk of having both MD and an eating disorder. Significant correlations and associations were found between symptoms of MD and BDD, and symptoms of MD and eating disorders. Support was provided for the comorbidity of, and symptomatic similarities between, symptoms of MD and BDD, and symptoms of MD and eating disorders. This may reflect a shared pathogenesis between symptoms of MD, BDD, and eating disorders. Strength and conditioning professionals, exercise scientists, athletic trainers, and personal trainers should be aware that adult males who are working out with weights (i.e., free weights or machines) may be at increased risk of having MD, BDD, and eating disorders