Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Derivation Of A Prototype Asthma Attack Risk Scale Centred On Blood Eosinophils And Exhaled Nitric Oxide, Simon Couillard, Annette Laugerud, Maisha Jabeen, Sanjay Ramakrishnan, James Melhorn, Timothy Hinks, Ian Pavord

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Reduction of the risk of asthma attacks is a major goal of current asthma management. We propose to derive a risk scale predicting asthma attacks based on the blood eosinophil count and exhaled nitric oxide. Biomarker-stratified trial-level attack rates were extracted and pooled from the control arms of the Novel START, CAPTAIN, QUEST, Benralizumab Phase 2b, PATHWAY, STRATOS 1-2 and DREAM trials (n=3051). These were used to derive rate ratios and the predicted asthma attack rate for different patient groups. The resultant prototype risk scale shows potential to predict asthma attacks, which may be prevented by anti-inflammatory treatment.

Combination Fixed-Dose Β Agonist And Steroid Inhaler As Required For Adults Or Children With Mild Asthma: A Cochrane Systematic Review, Iain Crossingham, Sally Turner, Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Anastasia Fries, Matthew Gowell, Farhat Yasmin, Rebekah Richardson, Philip Webb, Emily O'Boyle, Timothy S. C. Hinks

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

In people with mild asthma poor adherence to regular therapy is common and increases the risk of exacerbations, morbidity and mortality. The use of fixed-dose combination inhalers containing an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and a fast-acting β2-agonist (FABA) is established in moderate asthma, but they may also have potential utility in mild asthma.

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of single combined FABA/ICS inhaler only used as needed in people with mild asthma. Design and setting: Cochrane meta-analysis of available trial data.

Participants:

Children aged 12+ and adults with mild asthma. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Airways Trials …

Myokine Expression And Tumor-Suppressive Effect Of Serum Following 12 Weeks Of Exercise In Prostate Cancer Patients On Adt, Jin-Soo Kim, Rebekah Louise Wilson, Dennis Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvao, Elin S. Gray, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose:

Although several mechanisms have been proposed for the tumor-suppressive effect of exercise, little attention has been given to myokines, even though skeletal muscle is heavily recruited during exercise resulting in myokine surges. We measured resting serum myokine levels before and after an exercise-based intervention and the effect of this serum on prostate cancer cell growth.

Methods:

Ten prostate cancer patients undertaking androgen deprivation therapy (age, 73.3 ± 5.6 yr) undertook a 12-wk exercise-based intervention including supervised resistance training, self-directed aerobic exercise, and protein supplementation. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and muscle strength by the one-repetition maximum …

Associations Of Fat And Muscle Mass With Overall Survival In Men With Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis, Pedro Lopez, Robert U. Newton, Dennis R. Taaffe, Favil Singh, Laurien M. Buffart, Nigel Spry, Colin Tang, Fred Saad, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

To systematically review and analyse the associations between fat and muscle mass measures with overall survival in men with prostate cancer.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from inception to December 2020, while abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) conferences were searched from 2014 to 2020. Eligible articles examined the association of body composition measures, such as fat mass (e.g., fat mass, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and …

Exercise Intervention And Sexual Function In Advanced Prostate Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Daniel A. Galvão, Dennis R. Taaffe, Suzanne K. Chambers, Ciaran M. Fairman, Nigel Spry, David Joseph, Robert U. Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ. Objectives: Treatments for prostate cancer such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), surgery and radiation therapy can adversely affect sexual, urinary and bowel function. Preliminary research has demonstrated the efficacy of exercise to preserve sexual function in men with localised prostate cancer receiving ADT, though this has yet to be investigated in a metastatic setting. We examined the effects of a 12-week exercise programme comprising resistance, aerobic and flexibility training on sexual health and function in men with advanced prostate …

Detection Of Clinical Progression Through Plasma Ctdna In Metastatic Melanoma Patients: A Comparison To Radiological Progression, Gabriela Marsavela, Ashleigh C. Mcevoy, Michelle R. Pereira, Anna L. Reid, Zeyad Al-Ogaili, Lydia Warburton, Muhammad K. Khattak, Afaf Abed, Tarek M. Meniawy, Michael Millward, Melanie R. Ziman Dr, Leslie Calapre, Elin S. Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

The validity of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as an indicator of disease progression compared to medical imaging in patients with metastatic melanoma requires detailed evaluation.

Methods

Here, we carried out a retrospective ctDNA analysis of 108 plasma samples collected at the time of disease progression. We also analysed a validation cohort of 66 metastatic melanoma patients monitored prospectively after response to systemic therapy.

Results

ctDNA was detected in 62% of patients at the time of disease progression. For 67 patients that responded to treatment, the mean ctDNA level at progressive disease was significantly higher than at the time of …

Lipocalin-2 Variants And Their Relationship With Cardio-Renal Risk Factors, Dahui Li, Haoyun Li, Carlie Bauer, Yue Hu, Joshua R. Lewis, Aimin Xu, Itamar Levinger, Yu Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the serum, plasma and urine levels of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) variants in healthy humans and their associations with risk factors for cardiometabolic (CMD) and chronic kidney (CKD) diseases.

Methods:

Fifty-nine males and 41 females participated in the study. Blood and urine were collected following an overnight fasting. LCN2 variants were analyzed using validated in-house ELISA kits. Heart rate, blood pressure, lipids profile, glucose, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), creatinine, cystatin C, and biomarkers for kidney function were assessed.

Results:

The levels of hLcn2, C87A and R81E in serum and urine, but not plasma, were significantly higher in men …

Nurses’ Perceptions Of Factors Influencing Treatment Engagement Among Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review, Amineh Rashidi, Lisa Whitehead, Prachi Kaistha

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Nurses are key to the success of patient engagement, yet we know little about nurses’ perceptions on treatment engagement and how they can contribute to treatment engagement. Qualitative evidence to identify factors that influence treatment engagement among patients with CVD from nurse’s perspective is limited.

Methods:

This systematic review of qualitative research was based on the PRISMA reporting guidelines. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist was used to assess quality by two reviewers independently. Data were collected from Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Embase- Non-Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, were systematically searched from 2001 to …

Analysis Of Circulating Tumour Cells In Early-Stage Uveal Melanoma: Evaluation Of Tumour Marker Expression To Increase Capture, Aaron B. Beasley, Timothy W. Isaacs, Tersia Vermeulen, James Freeman, Jean-Louis De Sousa, Riyaz Bhikoo, Doireann Hennessy, Anna Reid, Fred K. Chen, Jacqueline Bentel, Daniel Mckay, R. Max Conway, Michelle R. Pereira, Bob Mirzai, Leslie Calapre, Wendy N. Erber, Melanie R. Ziman, Elin S. Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

The stratification of uveal melanoma (UM) patients into prognostic groups is critical for patient management and for directing patients towards clinical trials. Current classification is based on clinicopathological and molecular features of the tumour. Analysis of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) has been proposed as a tool to avoid invasive biopsy of the primary tumour. However, the clinical utility of such liquid biopsy depends on the detection rate of CTCs.

Methods:

The expression of melanoma, melanocyte, and stem cell markers was tested in a primary tissue microarray (TMA) and UM cell lines. Markers found to be highly expressed in primary …

Multi-Marker Immunofluorescent Staining And Pd-L1 Detection On Circulating Tumour Cells From Ovarian Cancer Patients, Du-Bois Asante, Michael Morici, Ganendra R. K. A. Mohan, Emmanuel Acheampong, Isaac Spencer, Weitao Lin, Paula Van Miert, Samantha Gibson, Aaron B. Beasley, Melanie Ziman, Leslie Calapre, Tarek M. Meniawy, Elin S. Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Detection of ovarian cancer (OC) circulating tumour cells (CTCs) is primarily based on targeting epithelial markers, thus failing to detect mesenchymal tumour cells. More importantly, the immune checkpoint inhibitor marker PD-L1 has not been demonstrated on CTCs from OC patients. An antibody staining protocol was developed and tested using SKOV-3 and OVCA432 OC cell lines. We targeted epithelial (cytokeratin (CK) and EpCAM), mesenchymal (vimentin), and OC-specific (PAX8) markers for detection of CTCs, and CD45/16 and CD31 were used for the exclusion of white blood and vascular endothelial cells, respectively. PD-L1 was used for CTC characterisation. CTCs were enriched using the …

Eccentric-Only Versus Concentric-Only Resistance Training Effects On Biochemical And Physiological Parameters In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes, Christine Kudiarasu, Wafina Rohadhia, Yoshihiro Katsura, Tomoko Koeda, Favil Singh, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

The benefits of resistance training for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are well documented; however, the effects of exercise with different muscle contraction types such as eccentric versus concentric contractions on physiological outcomes for this population are not clear. This study compared eccentric-only (ECC) and concentric-only resistance training (CON) to test the hypothesis that ECC would be superior to CON to improve insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, body composition, muscle strength and physical function of patients with T2D.

Methods:

Adults with T2D (50–79 years) were allocated to the ECC (n = 9) or CON group (n = 9). Resistance …

Higher Habitual Flavonoid Intakes Are Associated With A Lower Incidence Of Diabetes, Nicola P. Bondonno, Frederik Dalgaard, Kevin Murray, Raymond J. Davey, Catherine P. Bondonno, Aedin Cassidy, Joshua R. Lewis, Cecilie Kyrø, Gunnar Gislason, Augustin Scalbert, Anne Tjønneland, Jonathan M. Hodgson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Higher flavonoid intakes are hypothesized to confer protection against type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives:

We aimed to 1) investigate associations between flavonoid intakes and diabetes, 2) examine the mediating impact of body fat, and 3) identify subpopulations that may receive the greatest benefit from higher flavonoid intakes in participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study followed up for 23 y.

Methods:

Cross-sectional associations between baseline flavonoid intake, estimated using FFQs and the Phenol Explorer database, and body fat, estimated by bioelectrical impedance, were assessed using multivariable-Adjusted linear regression models. Nonlinear associations between flavonoid intake and incident diabetes …

Musculoskeletal Responses To Exercise Plus Nutrition In Men With Prostate Cancer On Androgen Deprivation: A 12-Month Rct, Jack Dalla Via, Patrick J. Owen, Robin M. Daly, Niamh L. Mundell, Patricia M. Livingston, Timo Rantalainen, Stephen J. Foulkes, Jeremy L. Millar, Declan G. Murphy, Steve F. Fraser

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose:

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has multiple adverse effects on musculoskeletal health. This 12-month randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of multicomponent exercise training combined with whey protein, calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density (BMD), structure and strength, body composition, muscle strength, and physical function in ADT-treated men.

Methods:

Seventy ADT-treated men were randomized to exercise plus supplementation (Ex + Suppl; n = 34) or usual care (control; n = 36). Ex + Suppl involved thrice weekly progressive resistance training plus weight-bearing impact exercise with daily multinutrient supplementation. Primary outcomes were DXA …

Variation Of Igg N-Linked Glycosylation Profile In Diabetic Retinopathy, Zhiyuan Wu, Huiying Pan, Di Liu, Di Zhou, Lixin Tao, Jie Zhang, Xiaonan Wang, Xia Li, Youxin Wang, Wei Wang, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

The relationship of immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation with diabetes and diabetic nephropathy has been reported, but its role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate and validate the association of IgG glycosylation with DR.

Methods:

We analyzed the IgG N-linked glycosylation profile and primarily selected candidate glycans by lasso (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis in the discovery population. The findings were validated in the replication population using a binary logistics model. The association between the significant glycosylation panel and clinical features was illustrated with Spearman's coefficient. The results were confirmed by sensitivity analyses. …

Predictors Of Endometrial Carcinoma In Patients With Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia At A Tertiary Gynaecological Cancer Centre In Western Australia, Vinita Angeline Rajadurai, Paola Chivers, Chloe Ayres, Ganendra Raj Mohan, Colin John Reid Stewart, Yee Chit Leung, King Man Wan, Paul Andrew Cohen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Aim:

Our objective was to assess clinical and pathological factors associated with a final diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma in patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia with a particular emphasis on the grading of atypia.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective review over five years on patients (N = 97) who underwent hysterectomy for a diagnosis of atypical endometrial hyperplasia at a statewide public tertiary gynaecologic oncology centre. Clinical and pathological characteristics were obtained.

Results:

The rate of concurrent endometrial carcinoma was 34% (n = 33) with most being stage 1A endometrioid. A significant group difference was reported for age at diagnosis (t …

Detect Schools Study Protocol: A Prospective Observational Cohort Surveillance Study Investigating The Impact Of Covid-19 In Western Australian Schools, Marianne J. Mullane, Hannah M. Thomas, Melanie Epstein, Joelie Mandzufas, Narelle Mullan, Alexandra Whelan, Karen Lombardi, Tina Barrow, Sherlynn Ang, Adele Leahy, Ewan Cameron, Leanne Lester, Matt Cooper, Paul Stevenson, Mitch Hartman, Anne Mckenzie, Francis Mitrou, Stephen R. Zubrick, Juli Coffin, Donna Cross, Asha C. Bowen, Peter Gething

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction: Amidst the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the transmission dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to providing peace of mind for the community and informing policy-making decisions. While available data suggest that school-aged children are not significant spreaders of SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission in schools remains an ongoing concern, especially among an aging teaching workforce. Even in low-prevalence settings, communities must balance the potential risk of transmission with the need for students' ongoing education. Through the roll out of high-throughput school-based SARS-CoV-2 testing, enhanced follow-up for individuals exposed to COVID-19 and wellbeing surveys, this study investigates the dynamics …

Vegetable Nitrate Intake, Blood Pressure And Incident Cardiovascular Disease: Danish Diet, Cancer, And Health Study, Catherine P. Bondonno, Frederik Dalgaard, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Kevin Murray, Joshua R. Lewis, Kevin D. Croft, Cecilie Kyrø, Christian Torp-Pedersen, Gunnar Gislason, Anne Tjønneland, Kim Overvad, Nicola P. Bondonno, Jonathan M. Hodgson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Whether the vascular effects of inorganic nitrate, observed in clinical trials, translate to a reduction in cardiovascular disease (CVD) with habitual dietary nitrate intake in prospective studies warrants investigation. We aimed to determine if vegetable nitrate, the major dietary nitrate source, is associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and lower risk of incident CVD. Among 53,150 participants of the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, without CVD at baseline, vegetable nitrate intake was assessed using a comprehensive vegetable nitrate database. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using restricted cubic splines based on multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. During 23 years of …

Effects Of Exercise During Radiotherapy On Physical Function And Treatment-Related Side Effects In Men With Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Oliver Schumacher, Hao Luo, Dennis Taaffe, Daniel A. Galvao, Colin Tang, Raphael Chee, Nigel Spry, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

Radiation therapy is a commonly used treatment for prostate cancer; however, the side effects may negatively affect quality of life and cause patients to be less physically active. Although exercise has been shown to mitigate radiation therapy–related fatigue in men with prostate cancer during radiation therapy, other adverse effects of treatment such as physical deconditioning, urinary symptoms, or sexual dysfunction have not been systematically reviewed in this patient population. Thus, the purpose of this review was to investigate the effect of exercise on physical function and treatment-related side effects in men with prostate cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

Methods

A …

Identifying Critical Features Of Type Two Diabetes Prevention Interventions: A Delphi Study With Key Stakeholders, Jillian C. Ryan, Bonnie Wiggins, Sarah Edney, Grant D. Brinkworth, Natalie D. Luscombe-March, Kristin V. Carson-Chahhoud, Pennie J. Taylor, Annemien A. Haveman-Nies, David N. Cox

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Aims This study aims to identify critically important features of digital type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention interventions. Methods A stakeholder mapping exercise was undertaken to identify key end-user and professional stakeholders, followed by a three-round Delphi procedure to generate and evaluate evidence statements related to the critical elements of digital T2DM prevention interventions in terms of product (intervention), price (funding models/financial cost), place (distribution/delivery channels), and promotion (target audiences). Results End-user (n = 38) and professional (n = 38) stakeholders including patients, dietitians, credentialed diabetes educators, nurses, medical doctors, research scientists, and exercise physiologists participated in the Delphi study. …

Potential Role Of Exercise Induced Extracellular Vesicles In Prostate Cancer Suppression, Ying Zhang, Jin-Soo Kim, Tain-Zhen Wang, Robert U. Newton, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert A. Gardiner, Michelle M. Hill, Dennis Taaffe

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Physical exercise is increasingly recognized as a valuable treatment strategy in managing prostate cancer, not only enhancing supportive care but potentially influencing disease outcomes. However, there are limited studies investigating mechanisms of the tumor-suppressive effect of exercise. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recognized as a therapeutic target for cancer as tumor-derived EVs have the potential to promote metastatic capacity by transferring oncogenic proteins, integrins, and microRNAs to other cells and EVs are also involved in developing drug resistance. Skeletal muscle has been identified as an endocrine organ, releasing EVs into the circulation, and levels of EV-containing factors have been …

Oat Intake And Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease And All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Faina Wehrli, Petek E. Taneri, Arjola Bano, Lia Bally, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Weston Bussler, Brandon Metzger, Beatrice Minder, Marija Glisic, Taulant Muka, Hua Kern

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) remain the top disease and mortality burdens worldwide. Oats have been shown to benefit cardiovascular health and improve insulin resistance. However, the evidence linking oat consumption with CVD, T2D and all-cause mortality remains inconclusive. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the associations between oat consumption and risks of T2D, CVD and all-cause mortality in the general population. Five electronic databases were searched until September, 2020. Study specific relative risks (RR) were meta-analyzed using random effect models. Of 4686 relevant references, we included 9 articles, …

An Integrated Multicomponent Care Model For Men Affected By Prostate Cancer: A Feasibility Study Of Truenth Australia, Patsy Yates, Rob Carter, Robyn Cockerell, Donna Cowan, Cyril Dixon, Anne Magnus, Robert U. Newton, Nicolas H. Hart, Daniel A. Galvão, Brenton Baguley, Nicholas Denniston, Tina Skinner, Jeremy Couper, Jon Emery, Mark Frydenberg, Wei-Hong Liu

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an integrated multicomponent survivorship care model for men affected by prostate cancer. Methods: Using a single arm prospective cohort study design, men with prostate cancer were recruited from two regional public hospitals in Australia for a 6-months program that provided information and decision support, exercise and nutrition management, specialised clinical support, and practical support through localised and central care coordination. Carers of the men were also invited to the program. Data were collected from multiple sources to evaluate: (1) recruitment capability and participant characteristics; (2) appropriateness and feasibility of delivering the specific intervention …

The Tumor Suppressor Mir-642a-5p Targets Wilms Tumor 1 Gene And Cell-Cycle Progression In Prostate Cancer, Dianne J. Beveridge, Kirsty L. Richardson, Michael R. Epis, Rikki A. M. Brown, Lisa M. Stuart, Andrew J. Woo, Peter J. Leedman

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

RNA-based therapeutics are emerging as innovative options for cancer treatment, with microRNAs being attractive targets for therapy development. We previously implicated microRNA-642a-5p (miR-642a-5p) as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer (PCa), and here we characterize its mode of action, using 22Rv1 PCa cells. In an in vivo xenograft tumor model, miR-642a-5p induced a significant decrease in tumor growth, compared to negative control. Using RNA-Sequencing, we identified gene targets of miR-642a-5p which were enriched for gene sets controlling cell cycle; downregulated genes included Wilms Tumor 1 gene (WT1), NUAK1, RASSF3 and SKP2; and upregulated genes included IGFBP3 and GPS2. Analysis of …

A Novel Boot Camp Program To Help Guide Personalized Exercise In People With Parkinson Disease, Josefa Domingos, John Dean, Travis M. Cruickshank, Katarzyna Śmiłowska, Júlio Belo Fernandes, Catarina Godinho

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Given the variety of exercise programs available for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), such individuals may struggle to make decisions about what exercise to perform. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness, satisfaction, and preferences regarding participation in a PD-personalized educational and exercise boot camp program. Attendees participated in a four-day program consisting of exercise sessions, workshops, and social activities. We collected demographic and clinical information. We assessed satisfaction and preferences immediately after. At one-month follow-up, participants assessed usefulness and changes in exercise habits. Eight individuals diagnosed with PD, with a mean age of 59.5 ± 6.8 …

Potential Of Sorghum Polyphenols To Prevent And Treat Alzheimer's Disease: A Review Article, Nasim Rezaee, Warnakulasuriya Mary Ann Dipika Fernando, Eugene Hone, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Stuart K. Johnson, Stuart Gunzburg, Ralph Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) and the build-up of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles containing hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. This leads to neuronal damage, cell death and consequently results in memory and learning impairments leading to dementia. Although the exact cause of AD is not yet clear, numerous studies indicate that oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction significantly contribute to its onset and progression. There is no effective therapeutic approach to stop the progression of AD and its associated symptoms. Thus, early intervention, preferably, pre-clinically when the brain is not significantly affected, is a …

The Psychosocial Impact Of Rare Diseases Among Children And Adolescents Attending Mainstream Schools In Western Australia, Esther A. Adama, Diana Arabiat, Mandie Foster, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, K. Runions, R. Vithiatharan, A. Lin

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Living with a long-term medical condition is associated with heightened risk for mental health and psychosocial difficulties, but further research is required on this risk for children and adolescents with a rare disease in the educational setting. The aim of this study is to describe parents’ perceptions of the psychosocial impact of rare diseases on their school-aged children in Western Australia. A cross-sectional survey of 41 parents of school-aged children and adolescents diagnosed with a rare disease completed an online questionnaire. Questions related to their perceptions of health-related stigma, bullying, social competencies and mental health difficulties faced by their child. …

Predictive Model And Feature Importance For Early Detection Of Type Ii Diabetes Mellitus, Eric Adua, Emmanuel A. Kolog, Ebenezer Afrifa-Yamoah, Bright Amankwah, Christian Obirikorang, Enoch O. Anto, Emmanuel Acheampong, Wei Wang, Antonia Y. Tetteh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Accurate prediction and early recognition of type II diabetes (T2DM) will lead to timely and meaningful interventions, while preventing T2DM associated complications. In this context, machine learning (ML) is promising, as it can transform vast amount of T2DM data into clinically relevant information. This study compares multiple ML techniques for predictive modelling based on different T2DM associated variables in an African population, Ghana. Methods: The study involved 219 T2DM patients and 219 healthy individuals who were recruited from the hospital and the local community, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical information including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, …

Pleural Fluid Investigations For Pleural Infections, Bapti Roy, Hui Juin Shak, Y. C.Gary Lee

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Over 1.5 million patients are admitted to hospital with pneumonia in the United States each year. Up to 50% of them can develop a parapneumonic effusion which is associated with higher mortality. The incidence of pleural infection continues to rise, particularly in the elderly and those with comorbidities. Parapneumonic effusions cover a spectrum of presentations from a free-flowing 'simple parapneumonic effusion' to a septated 'complicated parapneumonic effusion' (CPE) (usually from bacterial pleural invasion) and 'empyema' (presence of pleural pus). Pleural infection is defined as either CPE or empyema, and usually requires evacuation of the infected fluid. Laboratory investigations play an …

Acceptability And Preliminary Efficacy Of A Web-And Telephone-Based Personalised Exercise Intervention For Individuals With Metastatic Prostate Cancer: The Exerciseguide Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial, Holly E. L. Evans, Daniel A. Galvão, Cynthia C. Forbes, Danielle Girard, Corneel Vandelanotte, Robert U. Newton, Andrew D. Vincent, Gary Wittert, Ganessan Kichenadasse, Suzanne Chambers, Nicholas Brook, Camille E. Short

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Preliminary research has shown the effectiveness of supervised exercise-based interventions in alleviating sequela resulting from metastatic prostate cancer. However, many individuals encounter barriers that limit the uptake of face-to-face exercise. Technology-enabled interventions offer a distance-based alternative. This pilot study aimed to explore the acceptability, safety and preliminary efficacy of a web-based exercise intervention (ExerciseGuide) in individuals with metastatic prostate cancer. Forty participants (70.2 ± 8.5 years) with metastatic prostate cancer were randomised into the 8-week intervention (N = 20) or a wait-list control (N = 20). The intervention arm had access to a computer-tailored website, personalised exercise prescription and remote …

A Species-Wide Genetic Atlas Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Clostridioides Difficile, Korakrit Imwattana, César Rodríguez, Thomas V. Riley, Daniel R. Knight

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and spread of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), the leading healthcare-related gastrointestinal infection in the world. An association between AMR and CDI outbreaks is well documented, however, data is limited to a few ‘epidemic’ strains in specific geographical regions. Here, through detailed analysis of 10330 publicly-available C. difficile genomes from strains isolated worldwide (spanning 270 multilocus sequence types (STs) across all known evolu-tionary clades), this study provides the first species-wide snapshot of AMR genomic epidemiology in C. difficile. Of the 10330 C. difficile genomes, 4532 (43.9%) in 89 STs across clades …