A global optimisation approach to classification in medical diagnosis and prognosis
- Bagirov, Adil, Rubinov, Alex, Yearwood, John, Stranieri, Andrew
- Authors: Bagirov, Adil , Rubinov, Alex , Yearwood, John , Stranieri, Andrew
- Date: 2001
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 34th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS-34, Maui, Hawaii, USA : 3rd-6th January 2001
- Full Text:
- Description: In this paper global optimisation-based techniques are studied in order to increase the accuracy of medical diagnosis and prognosis with FNA image data from the Wisconsin Diagnostic and Prognostic Breast Cancer databases. First we discuss the problem of determining the most informative features for the classification of cancerous cases in the databases under consideration. Then we apply a technique based on convex and global optimisation to breast cancer diagnosis. It allows the classification of benign cases and malignant ones and the subsequent diagnosis of patients with very high accuracy. The third application of this technique is a method that calculates centres of clusters to predict when breast cancer is likely to recur in patients for which cancer has been removed. The technique achieves higher accuracy with these databases than reported elsewhere in the literature.
- Description: 2003003950
- Authors: Bagirov, Adil , Rubinov, Alex , Yearwood, John , Stranieri, Andrew
- Date: 2001
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 34th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS-34, Maui, Hawaii, USA : 3rd-6th January 2001
- Full Text:
- Description: In this paper global optimisation-based techniques are studied in order to increase the accuracy of medical diagnosis and prognosis with FNA image data from the Wisconsin Diagnostic and Prognostic Breast Cancer databases. First we discuss the problem of determining the most informative features for the classification of cancerous cases in the databases under consideration. Then we apply a technique based on convex and global optimisation to breast cancer diagnosis. It allows the classification of benign cases and malignant ones and the subsequent diagnosis of patients with very high accuracy. The third application of this technique is a method that calculates centres of clusters to predict when breast cancer is likely to recur in patients for which cancer has been removed. The technique achieves higher accuracy with these databases than reported elsewhere in the literature.
- Description: 2003003950
Assessing health risk of reclaimed water using human cell culture
- Ackland, Margaret, Michalczyk, Agnes, Freestone, David, Stagnitti, Frank
- Authors: Ackland, Margaret , Michalczyk, Agnes , Freestone, David , Stagnitti, Frank
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Water Vol. 37, no. 8 (2010), p. 49-53
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: For risk analysis of reclaimed water, current animal and toxicity testing may not detect subtle effects such as interactions that could contribute to complex diseases such as cancers that develop over a long period of time. There is a need for assays that can be validated against known human physiological processes. We have previously validated sensitive human cell culture assays for their responsiveness to agents that induce carcinogenesis in vivo. In this initial study we analysed the effects of three batches of reclaimed water on human colonic cells. At concentrations of up to 10-fold, they had no significant effect on the cellular markers, indicating an overall lack of biological activity. The assay has potential but needs to be refined to maximise its sensitivity.
Health workers' perceptions of psychosocial support services for cancer patients in rural Victoria
- Authors: Lee, Jillian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cancer Forum Vol. 31, no. 2 (2007), p. 94-98
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Literature attests to the fact that psychosocial needs for cancer patients are not being adequately addressed. The tools, frameworks and guidelines developed, reflect differing professional perspectives and models of disease. Most studies have usually looked at what is happening from the patient and family's viewpoint in terms of medical and other needs. New national initiatives in psychosocial care include the organisation of nationwide practitioner workshops to encourage the implementation of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Psychosocial Care of Adults with Cancer. These guidelines focus mainly on the emotional and existential areas of need. The aim of this study was to: understand how a diversity of approaches and professional perspectives play out in everyday practice within a rural context; see how issues of distance and access affect this process; and highlight the deficiencies in the delivery of psychosocial services for cancer patients in rural Victoria. The study involved 59 questionnaire respondents (a 71% response rate), from which two interviews and six focus group discussions were drawn. Key findings were: regional and metropolitan hospitals and specialists not referring for support services; private patients missing out; general practitioners not referring to support services; late referrals to palliative care and district nursing; haphazard continuity of care for support needs of patients; and disputed responsibility for initial assessment.
- Description: C1
- Authors: Lee, Jillian
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Cancer Forum Vol. 31, no. 2 (2007), p. 94-98
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Literature attests to the fact that psychosocial needs for cancer patients are not being adequately addressed. The tools, frameworks and guidelines developed, reflect differing professional perspectives and models of disease. Most studies have usually looked at what is happening from the patient and family's viewpoint in terms of medical and other needs. New national initiatives in psychosocial care include the organisation of nationwide practitioner workshops to encourage the implementation of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Psychosocial Care of Adults with Cancer. These guidelines focus mainly on the emotional and existential areas of need. The aim of this study was to: understand how a diversity of approaches and professional perspectives play out in everyday practice within a rural context; see how issues of distance and access affect this process; and highlight the deficiencies in the delivery of psychosocial services for cancer patients in rural Victoria. The study involved 59 questionnaire respondents (a 71% response rate), from which two interviews and six focus group discussions were drawn. Key findings were: regional and metropolitan hospitals and specialists not referring for support services; private patients missing out; general practitioners not referring to support services; late referrals to palliative care and district nursing; haphazard continuity of care for support needs of patients; and disputed responsibility for initial assessment.
- Description: C1
Cancer incidence and soil arsenic exposure in a historical gold mining area in Victoria, Australia : A geospatial analysis
- Pearce, Dora, Dowling, Kim, Sim, Malcolm
- Authors: Pearce, Dora , Dowling, Kim , Sim, Malcolm
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology Vol. 22, no. 3 (2012), p. 248-257
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Soil and mine waste around historical gold mining sites may have elevated arsenic concentrations. Recent evidence suggests some systemic arsenic absorption by residents in the goldfields region of Victoria, Australia. Victorian Cancer Registry and geochemical data were accessed for an ecological geographical correlation study, 1984-2003. Spatial empirical Bayes smoothing was applied when estimating standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for cancers in 61 statistical local areas. The derived soil arsenic exposure metric ranged from 1.4 to 1857 mg/kg. Spatial autoregressive modelling detected increases in smoothed SIRs for all cancers of 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02-0.08) and 0.04 (0.01-0.07) per 2.7-fold increase in the natural log-transformed exposure metric for males and females, respectively, in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas; for melanoma in males (0.05 (0.01-0.08) adjusted for disadvantage) and females (0.05 (0.02-0.09) in disadvantaged areas). Excess risks were estimated for all cancers (relative risk 1.21 (95% CI, 1.15-1.27) and 1.08 (1.03-1.14)), and melanoma (1.52 (1.25-1.85) and 1.29 (1.08-1.55)), for males and females, respectively, in disadvantaged areas in the highest quintile of the exposure metric relative to the lowest. Our findings suggest small but significant increases in past cancer risk associated with increasing soil arsenic in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and demonstrate the robustness of this geospatial approach. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology advance online publication, 21 March 2012.
- Authors: Pearce, Dora , Dowling, Kim , Sim, Malcolm
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology Vol. 22, no. 3 (2012), p. 248-257
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Soil and mine waste around historical gold mining sites may have elevated arsenic concentrations. Recent evidence suggests some systemic arsenic absorption by residents in the goldfields region of Victoria, Australia. Victorian Cancer Registry and geochemical data were accessed for an ecological geographical correlation study, 1984-2003. Spatial empirical Bayes smoothing was applied when estimating standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) for cancers in 61 statistical local areas. The derived soil arsenic exposure metric ranged from 1.4 to 1857 mg/kg. Spatial autoregressive modelling detected increases in smoothed SIRs for all cancers of 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02-0.08) and 0.04 (0.01-0.07) per 2.7-fold increase in the natural log-transformed exposure metric for males and females, respectively, in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas; for melanoma in males (0.05 (0.01-0.08) adjusted for disadvantage) and females (0.05 (0.02-0.09) in disadvantaged areas). Excess risks were estimated for all cancers (relative risk 1.21 (95% CI, 1.15-1.27) and 1.08 (1.03-1.14)), and melanoma (1.52 (1.25-1.85) and 1.29 (1.08-1.55)), for males and females, respectively, in disadvantaged areas in the highest quintile of the exposure metric relative to the lowest. Our findings suggest small but significant increases in past cancer risk associated with increasing soil arsenic in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas and demonstrate the robustness of this geospatial approach. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology advance online publication, 21 March 2012.
A fully automated CAD system using multi-category feature selection with restricted recombination
- Ghosh, Ranadhir, Ghosh, Moumita, Yearwood, John, Mukherjee, Subhasis
- Authors: Ghosh, Ranadhir , Ghosh, Moumita , Yearwood, John , Mukherjee, Subhasis
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 6th IEEE/ACIS International Conference on Computer and Information Science, ICIS 2007, Melbourne, Victoria : 11th-13th July 2007 p. 106-111
- Full Text:
- Description: In pattern recognition problems features plays an important role for classification results. It is very important which features are used and how many features are used for the classification process. Most of the real life classification problem uses different category of features. It is desirable to find the optimal combination of features that improves the performance of the classifier. There exists different selection framework that selects the features. Mostly do not incorporate the impact of one category of features on another. Even if they incorporate, they produce conflict between the categories. In this paper we proposed a restricted crossover selection framework which incorporate the impact of different categories on each other, as well as it restricts the search within the category which searching in the global region of the search space. The results obtained by the proposed framework are promising.
- Description: 2003005429
- Authors: Ghosh, Ranadhir , Ghosh, Moumita , Yearwood, John , Mukherjee, Subhasis
- Date: 2007
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 6th IEEE/ACIS International Conference on Computer and Information Science, ICIS 2007, Melbourne, Victoria : 11th-13th July 2007 p. 106-111
- Full Text:
- Description: In pattern recognition problems features plays an important role for classification results. It is very important which features are used and how many features are used for the classification process. Most of the real life classification problem uses different category of features. It is desirable to find the optimal combination of features that improves the performance of the classifier. There exists different selection framework that selects the features. Mostly do not incorporate the impact of one category of features on another. Even if they incorporate, they produce conflict between the categories. In this paper we proposed a restricted crossover selection framework which incorporate the impact of different categories on each other, as well as it restricts the search within the category which searching in the global region of the search space. The results obtained by the proposed framework are promising.
- Description: 2003005429
Cell culture metabolomics in the diagnosis of lung cancer - The influence of cell culture conditions
- Kalluri, Usha, Naiker, Mani, Myers, Mark
- Authors: Kalluri, Usha , Naiker, Mani , Myers, Mark
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Breath Research Vol. 8, no. 2 (June 2014), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Unfortunately, lung cancer is often diagnosed only when it becomes symptomatic or at an advanced stage when few treatment options are available. Hence, a diagnostic test suitable for screening widespread populations is required to enable earlier diagnosis. Analysis of exhaled breath provides a non-invasive method for early detection of lung cancer. Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by various mass spectral techniques has identified potential biomarkers of disease. Nevertheless, the metabolic origins and the disease specificity of VOCs need further elucidation. Cell culture metabolomics can be used as a bottom-up approach to identify biomarkers of pathological conditions and can also be used to study the metabolic pathways that produce such compounds. This paper summarizes the current knowledge of lung cancer biomarkers in exhaled breath and emphasizes the critical role of cell culture conditions in determining the VOCs produced in vitro. Hypoxic culture conditions more closely mimic the conditions of cancer cell growth in vivo. We propose that since hypoxia influences cell metabolism and so potentially the VOCs that the cancer cells produce, the cell culture metabolomics projects should consider culturing cancer cells in hypoxic conditions.
Innate-like T cells in patients with cancer
- Authors: Minoda, Yosuke
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Innate-like T cells, including invariant natural killer T (NKT), mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells or g T cells are associated with regulation of anti-tumour responses in humans and mice, although their exact role remains controversial. We have studied innate-like T cells from tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow (BM) derived cells from patients undergoing treatment for cancer and compared their characteristics to cells from healthy donors. We identifed that the overall frequency of innate-like T cells was variably deficient in patients with blood or solid cancers. Interestingly, the deficiency of innate-like T cells appeared to be more severe than that of other T cells suggesting a specific impact. An increased proportion of activated g T cells and MAIT cells suggested they could have a functional role in responses to cancer cells. Despite the deficiency of these subsets in patient tissue samples, we showed that anti-tumour capacity of innate-like T cells was intact as innate-like T cells in most patient groups had a similar cytokine response to stimulation as cells from healthy donors. Finally, we also showed that innate-like T cells appeared not to broadly recognize cancer cells, as no direct impact was identified in their overall frequency or cytokine expression when exposed to autologous tumour cells, cancer lysates or lipids extracted from patient tumours, or colorectal cancer cell lines. This project was aimed at providing an overview of potential defects in innate-like T cells based on my analysis of a wide range of samples in the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI) Tissue Bank. As a result of my studies, we have established a clear understanding of innate cells in cancer, which provides a basis for future studies. Our novel findings include analysis of frequency distribution and functional capacity of MAIT cells in solid tumours other than colorectal cancer and in patients with blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM) or other haematological malignancies, something not previously reported. Taken together, we showed that a deficiency of innate-like T cells is common in patient groups with cancer and could be a risk factor for disease and possibly a target for immunotherapies, but the functional capacity was intact for cytokine responses.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Description: Innate-like T cells, including invariant natural killer T (NKT), mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells or
- Authors: Minoda, Yosuke
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Innate-like T cells, including invariant natural killer T (NKT), mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells or g T cells are associated with regulation of anti-tumour responses in humans and mice, although their exact role remains controversial. We have studied innate-like T cells from tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILS), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow (BM) derived cells from patients undergoing treatment for cancer and compared their characteristics to cells from healthy donors. We identifed that the overall frequency of innate-like T cells was variably deficient in patients with blood or solid cancers. Interestingly, the deficiency of innate-like T cells appeared to be more severe than that of other T cells suggesting a specific impact. An increased proportion of activated g T cells and MAIT cells suggested they could have a functional role in responses to cancer cells. Despite the deficiency of these subsets in patient tissue samples, we showed that anti-tumour capacity of innate-like T cells was intact as innate-like T cells in most patient groups had a similar cytokine response to stimulation as cells from healthy donors. Finally, we also showed that innate-like T cells appeared not to broadly recognize cancer cells, as no direct impact was identified in their overall frequency or cytokine expression when exposed to autologous tumour cells, cancer lysates or lipids extracted from patient tumours, or colorectal cancer cell lines. This project was aimed at providing an overview of potential defects in innate-like T cells based on my analysis of a wide range of samples in the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute (FECRI) Tissue Bank. As a result of my studies, we have established a clear understanding of innate cells in cancer, which provides a basis for future studies. Our novel findings include analysis of frequency distribution and functional capacity of MAIT cells in solid tumours other than colorectal cancer and in patients with blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), multiple myeloma (MM) or other haematological malignancies, something not previously reported. Taken together, we showed that a deficiency of innate-like T cells is common in patient groups with cancer and could be a risk factor for disease and possibly a target for immunotherapies, but the functional capacity was intact for cytokine responses.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Description: Innate-like T cells, including invariant natural killer T (NKT), mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells or
- Akagi, Jin, Skommer, Joanna, Matuszek, Anna, Takeda, Kazuo, Fujimura, Yuu, Khoshmanesh, Khashayar, Kalantar-zadeh, Kourosh, Mitchell, Arnan, Errington, Rachel, Smith, Paul, Darzynkiewicz, Zbigniew, Wlodkowic, Donald
- Authors: Akagi, Jin , Skommer, Joanna , Matuszek, Anna , Takeda, Kazuo , Fujimura, Yuu , Khoshmanesh, Khashayar , Kalantar-zadeh, Kourosh , Mitchell, Arnan , Errington, Rachel , Smith, Paul , Darzynkiewicz, Zbigniew , Wlodkowic, Donald
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Microfluidics, BioMEMS, and Medical Microsystems XI
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Measurement of apoptotic markers in tumors can be directly correlated with the cell cycle phase using flow cytometry (FCM). The conventional DNA content analysis requires cell permeabilization to stain nuclei with fluorescent probes such as propidium iodide or use of a costly UV-excitation line for Hoechst 33342 probe. The access to FCM is also still limited to centralized core facilities due to its inherent high costs and complex operation. This work describes development and proof-of-concept validation of a portable and user-friendly microfluidic flow cytometer (μFCM) that can perform multivariate real time analysis on live cells using sampling volumes as small as 10 microliters. The μFCM system employs disposable microfluidic cartridges fabricated using injection molding in poly(methylmethacrylate) transparent thermoplastic. Furthermore, the dedicated and miniaturized electronic hardware interface enables up to six parameter detection using a combination of spatially separated solid-state 473 (10 mW) and 640 nm (20 mW) lasers and x-y stage for rapid laser alignment adjustment. We provide new evidence that a simple 2D flow focusing on a chip is sufficient to measure cellular DNA content in live tumor cells using a far-red DNA probe DRAQ5. The feasibility of using the μFCM system for a dose-response profiling of investigational anti-cancer agents on human hematopoietic cancer cells is also demonstrated. The data show that μFCM can provide a viable novel alternative to conventional FCM for multiparameter detection of caspase activation and dissipation of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) in relation to DNA content (cell cycle phase) in live tumor cells.
- Description: Measurement of apoptotic markers in tumors can be directly correlated with the cell cycle phase using flow cytometry (FCM). The conventional DNA content analysis requires cell permeabilization to stain nuclei with fluorescent probes such as propidium iodide or use of a costly UV-excitation line for Hoechst 33342 probe. The access to FCM is also still limited to centralized core facilities due to its inherent high costs and complex operation. This work describes development and proof-of-concept validation of a portable and user-friendly microfluidic flow cytometer (
Health effects associated with inhalation of airborne arsenic arising from mining operations
- Martin, Rachael, Dowling, Kim, Pearce, Dora, Sillitoe, Jim, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Martin, Rachael , Dowling, Kim , Pearce, Dora , Sillitoe, Jim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Geosciences (Switzerland) Vol. 4, no. 3 (2014), p. 128-175
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Arsenic in dust and aerosol generated by mining, mineral processing and metallurgical extraction industries, is a serious threat to human populations throughout the world. Major sources of contamination include smelting operations, coal combustion, hard rock mining, as well as their associated waste products, including fly ash, mine wastes and tailings. The number of uncontained arsenic-rich mine waste sites throughout the world is of growing concern, as is the number of people at risk of exposure. Inhalation exposures to arsenic-bearing dusts and aerosol, in both occupational and environmental settings, have been definitively linked to increased systemic uptake, as well as carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health outcomes. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to identify human populations and sensitive sub-populations at risk of exposure, and to better understand the modes of action for pulmonary arsenic toxicity and carcinogenesis. In this paper we explore the contribution of smelting, coal combustion, hard rock mining and their associated waste products to atmospheric arsenic. We also report on the current understanding of the health effects of inhaled arsenic, citing results from various toxicological, biomedical and epidemiological studies. This review is particularly aimed at those researchers engaged in the distinct, but complementary areas of arsenic research within the multidisciplinary field of medical geology. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Martin, Rachael , Dowling, Kim , Pearce, Dora , Sillitoe, Jim , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Geosciences (Switzerland) Vol. 4, no. 3 (2014), p. 128-175
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Arsenic in dust and aerosol generated by mining, mineral processing and metallurgical extraction industries, is a serious threat to human populations throughout the world. Major sources of contamination include smelting operations, coal combustion, hard rock mining, as well as their associated waste products, including fly ash, mine wastes and tailings. The number of uncontained arsenic-rich mine waste sites throughout the world is of growing concern, as is the number of people at risk of exposure. Inhalation exposures to arsenic-bearing dusts and aerosol, in both occupational and environmental settings, have been definitively linked to increased systemic uptake, as well as carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health outcomes. It is therefore becoming increasingly important to identify human populations and sensitive sub-populations at risk of exposure, and to better understand the modes of action for pulmonary arsenic toxicity and carcinogenesis. In this paper we explore the contribution of smelting, coal combustion, hard rock mining and their associated waste products to atmospheric arsenic. We also report on the current understanding of the health effects of inhaled arsenic, citing results from various toxicological, biomedical and epidemiological studies. This review is particularly aimed at those researchers engaged in the distinct, but complementary areas of arsenic research within the multidisciplinary field of medical geology. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Wallen, Matthew, Hennessy, Declan, Brown, Stephen, Evans, Luke, Rawstorn, Jonathan, Wong Shee, Anna, Hall, Adrian
- Authors: Wallen, Matthew , Hennessy, Declan , Brown, Stephen , Evans, Luke , Rawstorn, Jonathan , Wong Shee, Anna , Hall, Adrian
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: European Journal of Cancer Care Vol. 29, no. 4 (2020), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objective: The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and usual care (UC) on cardiorespiratory fitness (peak V̇O2) in cancer patients and survivors. Secondary objectives were to compare the effects of HIIT versus MICT and UC on other cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) indices. Safety and adherence to HIIT were also evaluated. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials were undertaken using eligible studies from electronic database searching (inception—December 2019). Mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were compared and heterogeneity assessed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistic. Results: Twelve eligible studies included 516 participants with post-intervention CPET data. No serious adverse events occurred. Adherence to HIIT ranged between 71.2% and 95.6%. HIIT had significantly higher peak V̇O2 compared with UC (MD = 2.11 ml kg−1 min−1, 95% CI 0.75–3.47, p =.002). No significant difference was found between HIIT and MICT (MD = 2.03 ml kg−1 min−1, 95%CI −0.75–4.83, p =.15). HIIT was more effective than UC to improve peak oxygen pulse (MD = 1.59 ml/beat, 95%CI 0.06–3.12, p =.04). Conclusions: Quantitative assessment of HIIT studies indicates good compliance, with a significant effect on peak V̇O2 and peak oxygen pulse compared with UC in cancer patients and survivors. HIIT demonstrates a comparable effect with MICT to improve peak V̇O2. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
- Description: Western Alliance Academic Health Science Centre , WA-739501
- Corboy, Denise, McDonald, John, McLaren, Suzanne
- Authors: Corboy, Denise , McDonald, John , McLaren, Suzanne
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Men's Health Vol. 10, no. 2 (2011), p. 163-183
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Little research has investigated formal psychosocial support use among men with cancer living in rural areas. The current study investigated perceived barriers to support service use among such men, within the framework of the Behavioral Model of Health Service Use. In a mixed methodology study, 82 men with cancer living in rural Australia were surveyed, and nine of these men, plus three health professionals, participated in semi-structured interviews. Reasons for not participating in formal support were sufficient informal support and subjective judgements about perceived need. Service availability was rarely endorsed by the men as a reason for non-participation, but was emphasised by health professionals. Identifying factors that impede or facilitate service use might enable rural men experiencing cancer-related distress to seek the extra psychosocial support they need. © 2011 by the Men's Studies Press, LLC. All rights reserved.
- Guo, Yu-Fang, Wang, Ke-Fang, Cross, Wendy, Lam, Louisa, Plummer, Virginia, Jing, L.
- Authors: Guo, Yu-Fang , Wang, Ke-Fang , Cross, Wendy , Lam, Louisa , Plummer, Virginia , Jing, L.
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Advanced Nursing Vol. 78, no. 4 (2022), p. 991-1000
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim: To explore the status of quality of life and psychological capital and analyse the different effects of psychological capital on the quality of life of cancer patients with different preferences for nurse spiritual therapeutics. Design: A cross-sectional survey was used. Methods: Two hundred and eight cancer patients were recruited using convenience sampling from a tertiary Chinese hospital, between March and July 2019. Data on preferences for nurse spiritual therapeutics (PNST), psychological capital (PsyCap) and quality of life (QoL) were collected using paper questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression was employed to investigate the different influences of PsyCap on QoL of cancer patients with various levels of PNST. Results: Compared with patients having high PNST, patients with mild-moderate PNST experienced lower self-efficacy, hope, optimism, PsyCap and social/family well-being. PsyCap significantly explained the variance on QoL of patients with various levels of PNST. Age, gender, presence of caregiver were significant factors influencing physical, social/family and emotional well-being of patients with high PNST. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates disparities in PsyCap and QoL between cancer patients with mild-moderate and high PNST. It is essential to be aware of the positive influences of PsyCap on QoL and develop effective interventions for patients to improve their QoL, especially for those with mild-moderate PNST. Impact: It is necessary to realize the benefits of PsyCap on QoL of cancer patients with various levels of PNST. Appropriate training for nurses needs to be developed to promote their spiritual care competencies. Moreover, supportive interventions should be developed for cancer patients to improve their PsyCap and QoL. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Experiences of pelvic floor dysfunction and treatment in women with breast cancer: a qualitative study
- Colombage, Udari, Lin, Kuan-Yin, Soh, Sze-Ee, Brennen, Robyn, Frawley, Helena
- Authors: Colombage, Udari , Lin, Kuan-Yin , Soh, Sze-Ee , Brennen, Robyn , Frawley, Helena
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Supportive care in cancer Vol. 30, no. 10 (2022), p. 8139-8149
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose To explore the experiences of women with breast cancer and pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction and the perceived enablers and barriers to uptake of treatment for PF dysfunction during their recovery. Method Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 women with a past diagnosis of breast cancer and PF dysfunction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed inductively to identify new concepts in the experiences of PF dysfunction in women with breast cancer and deductively according to the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM-B) framework to identify the enablers and barriers to the uptake of treatment for PF dysfunction in women with breast cancer. Results Participants were aged between 31 and 88 years, diagnosed with stages I–IV breast cancer and experienced either urinary incontinence ( n = 24/30, 80%), faecal incontinence ( n = 6/30, 20%) or sexual dysfunction ( n = 20/30, 67%). They were either resigned to or bothered by their PF dysfunction bother was exacerbated by embarrassment from experiencing PF symptoms in public. Barriers to accessing treatment for PF dysfunction included a lack of awareness about PF dysfunction following breast cancer treatments and health care professionals not focussing on the management of PF symptoms during cancer treatment. An enabler was their motivation to resume their normal pre-cancer lives. Conclusion Participants in this study reported that there needs to be more awareness about PF dysfunction in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They would like to receive information about PF dysfunction prior to starting cancer treatment, be screened for PF dysfunction during cancer treatment and be offered therapies for their PF dysfunction after primary cancer treatment. Therefore, a greater focus on managing PF symptoms by clinicians may be warranted in women with breast cancer.
- Authors: Colombage, Udari , Lin, Kuan-Yin , Soh, Sze-Ee , Brennen, Robyn , Frawley, Helena
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Supportive care in cancer Vol. 30, no. 10 (2022), p. 8139-8149
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose To explore the experiences of women with breast cancer and pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction and the perceived enablers and barriers to uptake of treatment for PF dysfunction during their recovery. Method Purposive sampling was used to recruit 30 women with a past diagnosis of breast cancer and PF dysfunction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were analysed inductively to identify new concepts in the experiences of PF dysfunction in women with breast cancer and deductively according to the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour (COM-B) framework to identify the enablers and barriers to the uptake of treatment for PF dysfunction in women with breast cancer. Results Participants were aged between 31 and 88 years, diagnosed with stages I–IV breast cancer and experienced either urinary incontinence ( n = 24/30, 80%), faecal incontinence ( n = 6/30, 20%) or sexual dysfunction ( n = 20/30, 67%). They were either resigned to or bothered by their PF dysfunction bother was exacerbated by embarrassment from experiencing PF symptoms in public. Barriers to accessing treatment for PF dysfunction included a lack of awareness about PF dysfunction following breast cancer treatments and health care professionals not focussing on the management of PF symptoms during cancer treatment. An enabler was their motivation to resume their normal pre-cancer lives. Conclusion Participants in this study reported that there needs to be more awareness about PF dysfunction in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. They would like to receive information about PF dysfunction prior to starting cancer treatment, be screened for PF dysfunction during cancer treatment and be offered therapies for their PF dysfunction after primary cancer treatment. Therefore, a greater focus on managing PF symptoms by clinicians may be warranted in women with breast cancer.
Self-assembled peptide habitats to model tumor metastasis
- Al Balushi, Noora, Boyd-Moss, Mitchell, Samarasinghe, Rasika, Rifai, Aaqil, Franks, Stephanie, Firipis, Kate, Long, Benjamin, Darby, Ian, Nisbet, David, Pouniotis, Dodie, Williams, Richard
- Authors: Al Balushi, Noora , Boyd-Moss, Mitchell , Samarasinghe, Rasika , Rifai, Aaqil , Franks, Stephanie , Firipis, Kate , Long, Benjamin , Darby, Ian , Nisbet, David , Pouniotis, Dodie , Williams, Richard
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Gels Vol. 8, no. 6 (2022), p.
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- Description: Metastatic tumours are complex ecosystems; a community of multiple cell types, including cancerous cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells that exist within a supportive and specific microenvironment. The interplay of these cells, together with tissue specific chemical, structural and temporal signals within a three-dimensional (3D) habitat, direct tumour cell behavior, a subtlety that can be easily lost in 2D tissue culture. Here, we investigate a significantly improved tool, consisting of a novel matrix of functionally programmed peptide sequences, self-assembled into a scaffold to enable the growth and the migration of multicellular lung tumour spheroids, as proof-of-concept. This 3D functional model aims to mimic the biological, chemical, and contextual cues of an in vivo tumor more closely than a typically used, unstructured hydrogel, allowing spatial and temporal activity modelling. This approach shows promise as a cancer model, enhancing current understandings of how tumours progress and spread over time within their microenvironment. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Al Balushi, Noora , Boyd-Moss, Mitchell , Samarasinghe, Rasika , Rifai, Aaqil , Franks, Stephanie , Firipis, Kate , Long, Benjamin , Darby, Ian , Nisbet, David , Pouniotis, Dodie , Williams, Richard
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Gels Vol. 8, no. 6 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Metastatic tumours are complex ecosystems; a community of multiple cell types, including cancerous cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells that exist within a supportive and specific microenvironment. The interplay of these cells, together with tissue specific chemical, structural and temporal signals within a three-dimensional (3D) habitat, direct tumour cell behavior, a subtlety that can be easily lost in 2D tissue culture. Here, we investigate a significantly improved tool, consisting of a novel matrix of functionally programmed peptide sequences, self-assembled into a scaffold to enable the growth and the migration of multicellular lung tumour spheroids, as proof-of-concept. This 3D functional model aims to mimic the biological, chemical, and contextual cues of an in vivo tumor more closely than a typically used, unstructured hydrogel, allowing spatial and temporal activity modelling. This approach shows promise as a cancer model, enhancing current understandings of how tumours progress and spread over time within their microenvironment. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Ghosh, Ranadhir, Ghosh, Moumita, Yearwood, John
- Authors: Ghosh, Ranadhir , Ghosh, Moumita , Yearwood, John
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics Vol. 9, no. 3 (2005), p. 244-256
- Full Text: false
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- Description: Advances in machine intelligence have provided a whole new window of opportunities in medical research. Building a fully automated computer aided diagnostic system for digital mammograms is just one of them. Given some success with semi-automated systems earlier, a fully automated CAD system is just another step forward. A proper combination of a feature selection model and a classifier for those areas of a mammogram marked by radiologists has been very successful. However a fully automated system with only two modules is a time consuming process as the suspicious areas in a mammogram can be quite small when compared to the whole image. Thus an additional clustering process can help in reducing the time complexity of the overall process. In this paper we propose a fast clustering process to identify suspicious areas. Another novelty of this paper is a multi-category feature selection approach. The choice of features to represent the patterns affects several aspects of pattern recognition problems such as accuracy, required learning time and the required number of samples. In this paper we propose a hybrid canonical based feature extraction technique as a combination of an evolutionary algorithm based classifier with a feed forward MLP model.
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003001358
Prior cancer diagnosis and mortality profile in US adults
- Wang, Yutang, Fang, Yan, Sobey, Christopher, Drummond, Grant
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Fang, Yan , Sobey, Christopher , Drummond, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of the Medical Sciences Vol. 365, no. 2 (2023), p. 176-183
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
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- Description: Background: Mortality profiles with multivariate adjustment in patients with a prior cancer diagnosis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate multivariate-adjusted mortality profile in US adults with a prior cancer diagnosis. Methods: This cohort study included 58,109 US adults (5,016 with a prior cancer diagnosis) who attended the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mortality outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the National Death Index records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of prior cancer diagnosis for mortality. Results: This cohort was followed up for 646,033 person-years with a mean follow-up of 11.1 years. Compared with those without cancer, participants with a prior cancer diagnosis had increased crude cumulative mortality rates in each leading cause. Prior cancer diagnosis was associated with a higher multivariate-adjusted risk of mortality from all causes (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.22-1.35), cancer (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.10-2.56), and accidents (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.34-2.68). Prior cancer diagnosis-associated increase in accident mortality appeared only in males and was significant only in non-Hispanic black participants. Prior cancer diagnosis-associated increase in cancer mortality appeared high in non-Hispanic black participants. Conclusions: This study found that patients with a prior cancer diagnosis had higher multivariate-adjusted accident mortality risks, suggesting that oncologists may need to evaluate accident risks in cancer patients and provide preventive interventions in particular for male and non-Hispanic black patients. Increased cancer mortality risk associated with prior cancer diagnosis in non-Hispanic black participants may also need clinical attention. © 2022 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
- Authors: Wang, Yutang , Fang, Yan , Sobey, Christopher , Drummond, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: American Journal of the Medical Sciences Vol. 365, no. 2 (2023), p. 176-183
- Relation: https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/1062671
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Mortality profiles with multivariate adjustment in patients with a prior cancer diagnosis are scarce. This study aimed to investigate multivariate-adjusted mortality profile in US adults with a prior cancer diagnosis. Methods: This cohort study included 58,109 US adults (5,016 with a prior cancer diagnosis) who attended the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Mortality outcomes were ascertained by linkage to the National Death Index records. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of prior cancer diagnosis for mortality. Results: This cohort was followed up for 646,033 person-years with a mean follow-up of 11.1 years. Compared with those without cancer, participants with a prior cancer diagnosis had increased crude cumulative mortality rates in each leading cause. Prior cancer diagnosis was associated with a higher multivariate-adjusted risk of mortality from all causes (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.22-1.35), cancer (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 2.10-2.56), and accidents (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.34-2.68). Prior cancer diagnosis-associated increase in accident mortality appeared only in males and was significant only in non-Hispanic black participants. Prior cancer diagnosis-associated increase in cancer mortality appeared high in non-Hispanic black participants. Conclusions: This study found that patients with a prior cancer diagnosis had higher multivariate-adjusted accident mortality risks, suggesting that oncologists may need to evaluate accident risks in cancer patients and provide preventive interventions in particular for male and non-Hispanic black patients. Increased cancer mortality risk associated with prior cancer diagnosis in non-Hispanic black participants may also need clinical attention. © 2022 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation
Exploring the effects of perioperative and preoperative exercise therapy for prostate, colorectal and breast cancer patients
- Authors: Hennessy, Declan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Cancer is a prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Exercise interventions implemented before, during, or after cancer-based surgeries have shown promising benefits in improving fitness, postoperative complications, and quality of life. This thesis comprises three original research chapters aimed at investigating the effect of perioperative and preoperative 'prehabilitation' exercise in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients. The first study focused on exploring exercise therapy interventions and their impact on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control) revealed a small but significant improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.32; p < 0.05) with exercise interventions, although no significant impact on 30-day postoperative outcomes was observed. In the second study, various exercise types, including aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and mind-body exercises (alone or in combination), were compared in terms of their effect on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control). The network meta-analysis findings indicated that engaging in aerobic exercise alone (SMD = 0.30) or a combination of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises (SMD = 0.57) yielded the most significant improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness. The final study examined the efficacy of pre-surgical aerobic exercise (prehabilitation) therapy in relation to post-operative cardio-respiratory fitness, quality of life, and 30-day postoperative outcomes in the Grampians Region of Victoria. The prehabilitation (PREHAB) group included a supervised aerobic based program which would see patients exercise every two/three days for a minimum of 2 weeks. A total of 11 PREHAB and 9 usual care (UCARE) patients were enrolled and analysed. The study showed that a prehabilitation exercise program resulted in small clinical improvements in some markers of cardio-respiratory fitness (+1.5% and +1.2% for absolute and relative V̇O2peak, respectively) and is safe and feasible. However, no significant improvements were observed in quality of life and 30-day postoperative outcomes. While the overall findings demonstrate some positive effects of perioperative and specifically prehabilitation exercise, it is important to consider the magnitude of these effects and any specific factors contributing to their success, if applicable. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of exercise before, during and after surgery in this patient population.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Hennessy, Declan
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Cancer is a prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Exercise interventions implemented before, during, or after cancer-based surgeries have shown promising benefits in improving fitness, postoperative complications, and quality of life. This thesis comprises three original research chapters aimed at investigating the effect of perioperative and preoperative 'prehabilitation' exercise in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer patients. The first study focused on exploring exercise therapy interventions and their impact on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients. The systematic review and meta-analysis (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control) revealed a small but significant improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.03, 0.32; p < 0.05) with exercise interventions, although no significant impact on 30-day postoperative outcomes was observed. In the second study, various exercise types, including aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and mind-body exercises (alone or in combination), were compared in terms of their effect on cardio-respiratory fitness and 30-day postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients (N= 411 intervention and N= 368 control). The network meta-analysis findings indicated that engaging in aerobic exercise alone (SMD = 0.30) or a combination of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises (SMD = 0.57) yielded the most significant improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness. The final study examined the efficacy of pre-surgical aerobic exercise (prehabilitation) therapy in relation to post-operative cardio-respiratory fitness, quality of life, and 30-day postoperative outcomes in the Grampians Region of Victoria. The prehabilitation (PREHAB) group included a supervised aerobic based program which would see patients exercise every two/three days for a minimum of 2 weeks. A total of 11 PREHAB and 9 usual care (UCARE) patients were enrolled and analysed. The study showed that a prehabilitation exercise program resulted in small clinical improvements in some markers of cardio-respiratory fitness (+1.5% and +1.2% for absolute and relative V̇O2peak, respectively) and is safe and feasible. However, no significant improvements were observed in quality of life and 30-day postoperative outcomes. While the overall findings demonstrate some positive effects of perioperative and specifically prehabilitation exercise, it is important to consider the magnitude of these effects and any specific factors contributing to their success, if applicable. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of exercise before, during and after surgery in this patient population.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
The Fast Cognitive Evaluation (FaCE) : a screening tool to detect cognitive impairment in patients with cancer
- Baghdadli, Amel, Arcuri, Giovanni, Green, Clarence, Gauthier, Lynn, Gagnon, Pierre, Gagnon, Bruno
- Authors: Baghdadli, Amel , Arcuri, Giovanni , Green, Clarence , Gauthier, Lynn , Gagnon, Pierre , Gagnon, Bruno
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Cancer Vol. 23, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most concerning conditions experienced by patients living with cancer and has a major impact on their quality of life. Available cognitive assessment tools are too time consuming for day-to-day clinical setting assessments. Importantly, although shorter, screening tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment or the Mini-Mental State Evaluation have demonstrated a ceiling effect in persons with cancer, and thus fail to detect subtle cognitive changes expected in patients with CRCI. This study addresses this lack of cognitive screening tools by developing a novel tool, the Fast Cognitive Evaluation (FaCE). A population of 245 patients with 11 types of cancer at different illness and treatment time-points was enrolled for the analysis. FaCE was developed using Rasch Measurement Theory, a model that establishes the conditions for a measurement tool to be considered a rating scale. FaCE shows excellent psychometric properties. The population size was large enough to test the set of items (item-reliability-index=0.96). Person-reliability (0.65) and person-separation (1.37) indexes indicate excellent internal consistency. FaCE’s scale is accurate (reliable) with high discriminant ability between cognitive levels. Within the average testing time of five minutes, FaCE assesses the main cognitive domains affected in CRCI. FaCE is a rapid, reliable, and sensitive tool for detecting even minimal cognitive changes over time. This can contribute to early and appropriate interventions for better quality of life in patients with CRCI. In addition, FaCE could be used as a measurement tool in research exploring cognitive disorders in cancer survivors. © 2023, The Author(s).
- Authors: Baghdadli, Amel , Arcuri, Giovanni , Green, Clarence , Gauthier, Lynn , Gagnon, Pierre , Gagnon, Bruno
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: BMC Cancer Vol. 23, no. 1 (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the most concerning conditions experienced by patients living with cancer and has a major impact on their quality of life. Available cognitive assessment tools are too time consuming for day-to-day clinical setting assessments. Importantly, although shorter, screening tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment or the Mini-Mental State Evaluation have demonstrated a ceiling effect in persons with cancer, and thus fail to detect subtle cognitive changes expected in patients with CRCI. This study addresses this lack of cognitive screening tools by developing a novel tool, the Fast Cognitive Evaluation (FaCE). A population of 245 patients with 11 types of cancer at different illness and treatment time-points was enrolled for the analysis. FaCE was developed using Rasch Measurement Theory, a model that establishes the conditions for a measurement tool to be considered a rating scale. FaCE shows excellent psychometric properties. The population size was large enough to test the set of items (item-reliability-index=0.96). Person-reliability (0.65) and person-separation (1.37) indexes indicate excellent internal consistency. FaCE’s scale is accurate (reliable) with high discriminant ability between cognitive levels. Within the average testing time of five minutes, FaCE assesses the main cognitive domains affected in CRCI. FaCE is a rapid, reliable, and sensitive tool for detecting even minimal cognitive changes over time. This can contribute to early and appropriate interventions for better quality of life in patients with CRCI. In addition, FaCE could be used as a measurement tool in research exploring cognitive disorders in cancer survivors. © 2023, The Author(s).
Sustaining work participation across the life course
- Pransky, Glenn, Fassier, Jean-Baptise, Besen, Elyssa, Blanck, Peter, Ekberg, Kerstin, Feuerstein, Michael, Munir, Fehmidah, Boot, C.R.L.
- Authors: Pransky, Glenn , Fassier, Jean-Baptise , Besen, Elyssa , Blanck, Peter , Ekberg, Kerstin , Feuerstein, Michael , Munir, Fehmidah , Boot, C.R.L.
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Vol. 26, no. 4 (2016), p. 465-479
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduction Many disability prevention strategies are focused on acute injuries and brief illness episodes, but there will be growing challenges for employers to manage circumstances of recurrent, chronic, or fluctuating symptoms in an aging workforce. The goal of this article is to summarize existing peer-review research in this area, compare this with employer discourse in the grey literature, and recommend future research priorities. Methods The authors participated in a year-long sponsored collaboration that ultimately led to an invited 3-day conference, “Improving Research of Employer Practices to Prevent Disability”, held October 14–16, 2015, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA. The collaboration included a topical review of the scientific and industry literature, group discussion to identify key areas and challenges, drafting of initial documents, and feedback from peer researchers and a special panel of experts with employer experience. Results Cancer and mental illness were chosen as examples of chronic or recurring conditions that might challenge conventional workplace return-to-work practices. Workplace problems identified in the literature included fatigue, emotional exhaustion, poor supervisor and co-worker support, stigma, discrimination, and difficulties finding appropriate accommodations. Workplace intervention research is generally lacking, but there is preliminary support for improving workplace self-management strategies, collaborative problem-solving, and providing checklists and other tools for job accommodation, ideas echoed in the literature directed toward employers. Research might be improved by following workers from an earlier stage of developing workplace concerns. Conclusions Future research of work disability should focus on earlier identification of at-risk workers with chronic conditions, the use of more innovative and flexible accommodation strategies matched to specific functional losses, stronger integration of the workplace into on-going rehabilitation efforts, and a better understanding of stigma and other social factors at work.
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