Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Pd-L1 Expression On Circulating Tumor Cells May Be Predictive Of Response To Pembrolizumab In Advanced Melanoma: Results From A Pilot Study, Muhammad K. Khattak, Anna L. Reid, James Freeman, Michelle Pereira, Ashleigh Mcevoy, Johnny Lo, Markus Frank, Tarek Meniawy, Ali Didan, Isaac Spencer, Benhur Amanuel, Michael Millward, Mel Ziman, Elin Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: PD-1 inhibitors are routinely used for the treatment of advanced melanoma. This study sought to determine whether PD-L1 expression on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can serve as a predictive biomarker of clinical benefit and response to treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab.

METHODS: Blood samples were collected from patients with metastatic melanoma receiving pembrolizumab, prior to treatment and 6-12 weeks after initiation of therapy. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to identify CTCs and evaluate the expression of PD-L1.

RESULTS: CTCs were detected in 25 of 40 patients (63%). Patients with detectable PD-L1

CONCLUSION: Our results reveal the potential of …

Prospective Reporting Of Injury In Community-Level Cricket: A Systematic Review To Identify Research Priorities, Geordie Mcleod, Siobhán O'Connor, Damian Morgan, Alex Kountouris, Caroline F. Finch, Lauren V. Fortington

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 Sports Medicine Australia Objectives: Cricket is a popular sport enjoyed worldwide. Injuries in cricket are not well understood at community level but are important to understand for prevention to ensure the game continues to be enjoyed safely. This systematic review was designed to assess the quality of data collection and reporting, and to summarise the injury data, in studies of community cricket players. Design: Systematic review. Methods: Nine databases were searched to November 2018 using the terms “cricket*” and “injur*”. A nine-item critical appraisal and three-item likelihood-of-bias evaluation was conducted on included studies. Data completeness was evaluated against …

Prognostic Value Of Hla-I Homozygosity In Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Single Agent Immunotherapy, Afaf Abed, Leslie Calapre, Johnny Lo, Suzana Correia, Samantha Bowyer, Abha Chopra, Mark Watson, Muhammad A. Khattak, Michael Millward, Elin Solomonovna Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background We aimed to assess the impact of genomic human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-I/II homozygosity on the survival benefit of patients with unresectable locally advanced, metastatic non-small lung cancer treated by single-agent programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD1/PDL1) inhibitors.

Methods We collected blood from 170 patients with advanced lung cancer treated with immunotherapy at two major oncology centers in Western Australia. Genomic DNA was extracted from white blood cells and used for HLA-I/II high-resolution typing. HLA-I/II homozygosity was tested for association with survival outcomes. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were constructed to determine whether HLA homozygosity was an …

Effects Of An 8-Week Resistance Training Intervention On Plantar Flexor Muscle Quality And Functional Capacity In Older Women: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Pedro Lopez, Brendan James Crosby, Bruna Patrícia Robetti, Douglas Jean Preussler Turella, Thaís Andréia Schepa Weber, Morgana Lima De Oliveira, Anderson Rech

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 The present study examined 8 weeks of resistance training and its effects on muscle quality measures, plantar flexor muscle strength, muscle thickness and functional capacity in older women. Moreover, we tested if changes in muscle quality were associated with functional capacity. Twenty-four older women (66.3 ± 5.8 years; 69.0 ± 3.0 kg; 25.3 ± 1.4 kg·m−2) were recruited to the study. After completion of the baseline assessment, participants were randomly assigned to either the resistance training (RET, n = 12) or an active control group (CTR, n = 12). Muscle quality was evaluated through muscle echo intensity (MQEI) …

Age And Apoe Genotype Affect The Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity And Power In The Alpha Band, A Marker Of Brain Disease, Jaisalmer De Frutos-Lucas, Pablo Cuesta, Federico Ramírez-Toraño, Alberto Nebreda, Esther Cuadrado-Soto, África Peral-Suárez, David Lopez-Sanz, Ricardo Bruña, Silvia Marcos-De Pedro, María Luisa Delgado-Losada, Ana María López-Sobaler, Inmaculada Concepción Rodríguez-Rojo, Ana Barabash, Juan Manuel Serrano Rodriguez, Simon M. Laws, Alberto Marcos Dolado, Ramón López-Higes, Belinda M. Brown, Fernando Maestú

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

BACKGROUND: Electrophysiological studies show that reductions in power within the alpha band are associated with the Alzheimer's disease (AD) continuum. Physical activity (PA) is a protective factor that has proved to reduce AD risk and pathological brain burden. Previous research has confirmed that exercise increases power in the alpha range. However, little is known regarding whether other non-modifiable risk factors for AD, such as increased age or APOE ε4 carriage, alter the association between PA and power in the alpha band. METHODS: The relationship between PA and alpha band power was examined in a sample of 113 healthy adults using …

Mentalisation Amongst Maternal And Child Health Nurses Using The Newborn Behavioural Observations With Infant-Mother Dyads: A Qualitative Study, Kim Simkin-Tran, Bronwyn Harman, Susan Nicolson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 Elsevier Inc. Purpose: This study explored Maternal and Child Health Nurses' (MCHN) mentalisation processes towards infant-mother dyads when using the Newborn Behavioural Observations (NBO) system in practice. Design and methods: Ten Australian MCHNs (female; aged 31–66 years), who had used the NBO clinically within the last 12 months, were recruited from a database of NBO-trained practitioners. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of one-on-one semi-structured interviews explored MCHNs experiential meaning-making. Results: Analysis of the data produced four main themes: reflections regarding the dyad, personal reflections, reflection into action, and professional identity and future practice. MCHNs reported that the NBO's focus on …

Survival Rates Of Head And Neck Cancers In Ghana: A Retrospective Study At The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Osei Owusu-Afriyie, W. K.B.A. Owiredu, Alexander Acheampong Oti, Emmanuel Acheampong, Kwabena Owusu-Danquah, Rita Larsen-Reindorf, Linda Ahenkorah Fondjo, Evans Asamoah Adu, Sampson Donkor, Peter Donkor

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

OBJECTIVE: Data was collected to evaluate the survival rates of head and neck (conjunctiva, oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal) squamous cell carcinomas in Ghana. DATA DESCRIPTION: We provided data on a retrospective review of 8 years (January 2004 to December 2009) survival rate of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The data consist of patient demographic data and clinicopathological findings which includes tumour site, tumour stage and histological grades of the patients. Clinical outcome measurement was death through to January 2013 on record and confirmed from the hospitals birth and death registry department. …

Evaluation Of Red Blood Cell Count As An Ancillary Index To Hemoglobin Level In Defining The Severe Falciparum Malarial Anemia Among Ghanaian Children In Low-Resource Communities, Kwabena Nsiah, Bernard Bahaah, Bright Oppong Afranie, Emmanuel Acheampong

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 The Author(s) Our study evaluated red blood cell count as supporting hematological index to hematocrit level in predicting severe malarial anemia instead of the hemoglobin levels among malaria-infected children in Ghana. This case-control study was conducted at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. The study recruited 139 children, of which 45 were Controls (C), 43 with severe malaria (SM), and 51 with mild malaria (MM). Validated questionnaires were administered to obtain the socio-demographic data from each respondent. Venous blood was obtained for parasitemia count and to determine the hematological profile of each participant. With point …

Contemporary Nursing Graduates' Transition To Practice: A Critical Review Of Transition Models, Amanda C Graf, Elisabeth Jacob, Diane Twigg, Barbara Nattabi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To critically review contemporary transition theories to determine how they apply to the newly qualified graduate registered nurse programmes.

BACKGROUND: Graduate nurse transition to employment is the time of significant change which has resulted in high attrition rates. Graduates are often challenged by their expectation of nursing practice and the reality of the role. The transition from hospital-based training to university-based training has resulted in the need for primary employment to commence with graduate/orientation/internship programmes to help support new graduates transition into clinical practice. One transition model, Duchscher's stages of transition theory, utilised three former theories to …

Heart Rate Variability And Direct Current Measurement Characteristics In Professional Mixed Martial Arts Athletes, Joseph O. C. Coyne, Aaron J. Coutts, Roman Fomin, Duncan N. French, Robert U. Newton, Greg Haff

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This study’s purpose was to examine heart rate variability (HRV) and direct current potential (DC) measures’ sensitivity and correlations between changes in the acute recovery and stress scale (ARSS) and the previous day’s training load. Training load, HRV, DC and ARSS data were collected from fourteen professional mixed martial arts athletes (32.6 ± 5.3 years, 174.8 ± 8.8 cm, 79.2 ± 17.5 kg) the following morning after hard, easy and rest days. Sensitivity was expressed as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, inter-day typical error (TE) or coefficient of variation (%CV) divided by intra-day TE or %CV). Correlations between HRV, DC and …

Ntcp Gene Polymorphisms And Hepatitis B Virus Infection Status In A Ghanaian Population, Eric Nyarko, Christian Obirikorang, W. K.B.A. Owiredu, Evans Asamoah Adu, Emmanuel Acheampong, Freeman Aidoo, Emmanuel Ofori, Bright Selorm Addy, Henry Asare-Anane

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 The Author(s). Background: SLC10A1 gene codes NTCP, a receptor through which the hepatitis B virus (HBV) gets access into hepatocytes- A stage of the viral cycle necessary for replication. Polymorphism variants of SLC10A1 play roles in HBV infection, viral clearance, treatment outcome, and complications, in diverse ethnic groups and countries. However, no such study has been conducted in the Ghanaian population, a country with HBV endemicity. Therefore, an exploratory study was conducted to investigate the presence of three (3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC10A1 gene (rs2296651, rs61745930, and rs4646287) and assessed the risk of HBV infection …

A Novel, Reliable Protocol To Objectively Assess Scar Stiffness Using Shear Wave Elastography, Helen Dejong, Steven Abbott, Marilyn Zelesco, Katrina Spilsbury, Lisa Martin, Rowan Sanderson, Melanie Ziman, Brendan F. Kennedy, Fiona M. Wood

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 The Authors The aim of this research was to investigate the use of shear wave elastography as a novel tool to quantify and visualize scar stiffness after a burn. Increased scar stiffness is indicative of pathologic scarring which is associated with persistent pain, chronic itch and restricted range of movement. Fifty-five participants with a total of 96 scars and 69 contralateral normal skin sites were evaluated. A unique protocol was developed to enable imaging of the raised and uneven burn scars. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability was excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient > 0.97), and test–retest reliability was good (intra-class correlation …

Identifying Who Improves Or Maintains Their Food Literacy Behaviours After Completing An Adult Program, Andrea Begley, Ellen Paynter, Lucy Butcher

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Food Sensations for Adults is a free four-week nutrition and cooking program that teaches low- to middle-income individuals food literacy. This research aimed to compare demographic characteristics of participants who completed the program’s follow-up questionnaire three months after program completion and assess whether food literacy and dietary behaviour changes were improved or maintained. Statistical analysis methods used factor scores of the plan and manage, selection, and preparation domains to examine mean self-reported changes in food literacy. Tertile stratification methods calculated changes in participants who had low, middle, and high end-of-program food literacy scores, and multivariable regression analysis explored the associations. …

Behind The Therapy Door: What Is “Usual Care” Aphasia Therapy In Acute Stroke Management?, Emily Brogan, Erin Godecke, Natalie Ciccone

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Usual care is the term used to describe everyday practice in the management of a client within a profession. The knowledge of the tasks used in therapy and key therapeutic processes used within these treatments, provides critical information about if and how the therapy works. The Very Early Rehabilitation in SpEech Randomised Controlled Trial (VERSE RCT) had three arms with therapists within the intensive Usual Care-Plus arm (UC-Plus) providing daily direct aphasia therapy at their discretion for 20 sessions.

Aims:

To describe usual care aphasia treatment provided in the Usual Care-Plus arm of VERSE RCT.

Methods and Procedures:

One …

Barriers To Occupational Heat Stress Risk Adaptation Of Mining Workers In Ghana, Victor Fannam Nunfam, Kwadwo Adusei-Asante, Kwasi Frimpong, Eddie John Van Etten, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Increasing temperature and climate warming impacts are aggravating the vulnerability of workers to occupational heat stress. Adaptation and social protection strategies have become crucial to enhance workers’ health, safety, productive capacity and social lives. However, the effective implementation of work-related heat stress adaptation mechanisms appears to be receiving little attention. This study assessed the barriers to occupational heat stress adaptation and social protection strategies of mining workers in Ghana. Based on a mixed methods approach, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to elicit data from 320 mining workers. Workers’ adaptation strategies (water intake, wearing loose and light-coloured clothing, participating …

Assessment Of A Novel Algorithm To Determine Change-Of-Direction Angles While Running Using Inertial Sensors, Aaron Balloch, Mahir Meghji, Robert U. Newton, Nicolas H. Hart, Jason A. Weber, Iftekhar Ahmad, Daryoush Habibi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The ability to detect and quantify change-of-direction (COD) movement may offer a unique approach to load-monitoring practice. Validity and reliability of a novel algorithm to calculate COD angles for predetermined COD movements ranging from 45 to 180° in left and right directions was assessed. Five recreationally active men (age: 29.0 ± 0.5 years; height: 181.0 ± 5.6 cm; and body mass: 79.4 ± 5.3 kg) ran 5 consecutive predetermined COD trials each, at 4 different angles (45, 90, 135, and 180°), in each direction. Participants were fitted with a commercially available microtechnology unit where inertial sensor data were extracted and …

Implementation, Mechanisms Of Impact And Key Contextual Factors Involved In Outcomes Of The Modification Of Diet, Exercise And Lifestyle (Model) Randomised Controlled Trial In Australian Adults: Protocol For A Mixed-Method Process Evaluation, Reindolf Anokye, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Catherine P. Bondonno, Marc Sim, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Emma Connolly, Nicola P. Bondonno, John T. Schousboe, Richard Woodman, Kun Zhu, Pawel Zhu, Ben Jackson, James Dimmock, Markus P. Schlaich, Kay L. Cox, Douglas P. Kiel, Wai H. Lim, Amanda Devine, Peter L. Thompson, Jenny Gianoudis, Belinda De Ross, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua Lewis, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction The Modification of Diet, Exercise and Lifestyle (MODEL) study aims to examine the impact of providing visualisation and pictorial representation of advanced structural vascular disease (abdominal aortic calcification), on ‘healthful’ improvements to diet and lifestyle. This paper reports the protocol for the process evaluation for the MODEL study.

Methods and analysis The overall aim of the process evaluation is to understand the processes that took place during participation in the MODEL study trial and which elements were effective or ineffective for influencing ‘healthful’ behavioural change, and possible ways of improvement to inform wider implementation strategies. A mixed-method approach will …

Objective Quantification Of Burn Scar Stiffness Using Shear-Wave Elastography: Initial Evidence Of Validity, Helen Dejong, Steven Abbott, Marilyn Zelesco, Katrina Spilsbury, Melanie Ziman, Brendan F. Kennedy, Lisa Martin, Fiona M. Wood

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Shear-wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound based technology that can provide reliable measurements (velocity) of scar stiffness. The aim of this research was to evaluate the concurrent validity of using both the measured velocity and the calculated difference in velocity between scars and matched controls, in addition to evaluating potential patient factors that may influence the interpretation of the measurements.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 32 participants, with 48 burn scars and 48 matched contralateral control sites were evaluated with SWE, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) tactile sub-scores.

Results

Spearman’s rho …

Fruit And Vegetable Knowledge And Intake Within An Australian Population: The Ausdiab Study, Caroline R. Hill, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Marc Sim, Richard J. Woodman, Amanda Devine, Jonathan E. Shaw, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Robin M. Daly, Joshua R. Lewis

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Understanding the relationship between fruit and vegetable knowledge (FVK) and fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) is an important consideration for improved public health and successful targeting of health promotion messaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between FVK and FVI in Australian adults and to identify subgroups most at risk of poor knowledge. Using data from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity, and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab), we investigated associations between FVK and FVI, as well as demographic and lifestyle factors. Baseline FVK was measured using two self-reported questions. FVI …

Mental Distress And Quality Of Life Following Provision Of Vascular Imaging Results Of The Coronary And Carotid Arteries To Asymptomatic Adults: A Scoping Review Protocol, Reindolf Anokye, Ben Jackson, James Dimmock, Joanne M. Dickson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Joshua Lewis, Mandy Stanley

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Non-invasive screening for atherosclerosis or asymptomatic cardiovascular disease of the coronary and carotid arteries is commonly undertaken, and research has been focussed on how results from these screenings lead to behaviour change. However, no review has focused on the effects of these results on mental distress and quality of life. This protocol will outline how a scoping review will be conducted to map all available evidence on mental distress or quality of life outcomes following the provision of vascular imaging results of the coronary and carotid arteries.

Methods: Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework will guide the scoping review. Databases …

A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial Investigating The Short-Term Effects Of Different Types Of Vegetables On Vascular And Metabolic Function In Middle-Aged And Older Adults With Mildly Elevated Blood Pressure: The Vegetables For Vascular Health (Vessel) Study Protocol, Emma Connolly, Catherine P. Bondonno, Marc Sim, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Kevin D. Croft, Mary C. Boyce, Anthony P. James, Karin Clark, Reindolf Anokye, Nicola P. Bondonno, Richard Woodman, Amanda Devine, Seng Khee Gan, Carl J. Schultz, Richard F. Mithen, Joshua Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended for cardiovascular health. However, the majority of Australians do not consume the recommended number of vegetable servings each day. Furthermore, intakes of vegetables considered to have the greatest cardiovascular benefit are often very low. Results from prospective observational studies indicate that a higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables (e.g. broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) is associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk. This may be due to the presence of specific nutrients and bioactive compounds found almost exclusively, or at relatively high levels, in cruciferous vegetables. Therefore, the aim of this randomised controlled crossover trial …

Does Fibre-Fix Provided To People With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Who Are Consuming A Low Fodmap Diet Improve Their Gut Health, Gut Microbiome, Sleep And Mental Health? A Double-Blinded, Randomised Controlled Trial, Ran Yan, Mandy Murphy, Angela Genoni, Evania Marlow, Ian Dunican, Johnny Lo, Lesley Andrew, Amanda Devine, Claus T. Christophersen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction A diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) is an effective way to reduce gut symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This diet reduces the intake of fermentable fibres, leading to changes of the gut microbiota and insufficient fermentation in the large bowel, resulting in reduced production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, which has unfavourable implications for gut health, sleep and mental health. This study will examine the effect of Fibre-fix, a supplement containing a mix of dietary fibres, on the human gut microbiome composition, fermentative capacity, sleep, quality of life …

Do Paramedics Have A Professional Obligation To Work During A Pandemic? A Qualitative Exploration Of Community Member Expectations, Cameron Anderson, Julie Ann Pooley, Brennen Mills, Emma Anderson, Erin Smith

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objectives:

Previous research has identified a lack of clarification regarding paramedic professional obligation to work. Understanding community expectations of paramedics will provide some clarity around this issue. The objective of this research was to explore the expectations of a sample of Australian community members regarding the professional obligation of paramedics to respond during pandemics.

Methods:

The authors used qualitative methods to gather Australian community member perspectives immediately before the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Focus groups were used for data collection, and a thematic analysis was conducted.

Results:

The findings revealed 9 key themes: context of obligation …

Global Variability Of The Human Igg Glycome, Jerko Stambuk, Natali Nakic, Frano Vuckovic, Maja Pucic-Bakovic, Genadij Razdorov, Irena Trbojevic-Akmacic, Mislav Novokmet, Toma Keser, Marija Vilaj, Tamara Stambuk, Ivan Gudelj, Mirna Simurina, Manshu Song, Hao Wang, Marijana Pericic Salihovic, Harry Campbell, Igor Rudan, Ivana Kolcic, Leigh Anne Eller, Paul Mckeigue, Merlin L. Robb, Jonas Halfvarson, Metin Kurtoglu, Vito Annese, Tatjana Skaric-Juric, Mariam Molokhia, Ozren Polasek, Caroline Hayward, Hannah Kibuuka, Kujtim Thaqi, Dragan Primorac, Christian Geieger, Sorachai Nitayaphan, Tim Spector, Youxin Wang, Therese Tillin, Nish Chaturvedi, James F. Wilson, Moses Schanfield, Maxim Filipenko, Wei Wang, Gordan Lauc

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant serum antibody which structural characteristics and effector functions are modulated through the attachment of various sugar moieties called glycans. Composition of the IgG N-glycome changes with age of an individual and in different diseases. Variability of IgG glycosylation within a population is well studied and is known to be affected by both genetic and environmental factors. However, global inter-population differences in IgG glycosylation have never been properly addressed. Here we present population-specific N-glycosylation patterns of IgG, analyzed in 5 different populations totaling 10,482 IgG glycomes, and of IgG’s fragment crystallizable region (Fc), analyzed …

Power Output, Cadence, And Torque Are Similar Between The Forward Standing And Traditional Sprint Cycling Positions, Paul F. J. Merkes, Paolo Menaspà, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose:

Compare power output, cadence, and torque in the seated, standing, and forward standing cycling sprint positions.

Methods:

On three separated occasions (ie, one for each position), 11 recreational male road cyclists performed a 14 seconds sprint before and directly after a high-intensity lead-up. Power output, cadence, and torque were measured during each sprint. Results: No significant differences in peak and mean power output were observed between the forward standing (1125.5 ± 48.5 W and 896.0 ± 32.7 W, respectively) and either the seated or standing positions (1042.5 ± 46.8 W and 856.5 ± 29.4 W; 1175.4 ± 44.9 W …

Association Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms With Dyslipidemia In Antiretroviral Exposed Hiv Patients In A Ghanaian Population: A Case-Control Study, Christian Obirikorang, Emmanuel Acheampong, Lawrence Quaye, Joseph Yorke, Ernestine Kubi Amos-Abanyie, Priscilla Abena Akyaw, Enoch Odame Anto, Simon Bannison Bani, Evans Adu Asamoah, Emmanuella Nsenbah Batu

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Dyslipidemia is a potential complication of long-term usage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and also known to be associated with genetic factors. The host genetic variants associated with dyslipidemia in HIV patients on ART in Ghana have not been fully explored. The study constituted a total of 289 HIV-infected patients on stable ART for at least a year. Fasting blood was collected into EDTA tube for lipids measurement. Lipid profiles were used to define dyslipidemia based on the NCEP-ATP III criteria. HIV-infected subjects were categorized into two groups; those with dyslipidemia (cases) (n = 90; 31.1%) and without dyslipidemia (controls)(n = …

Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light Concentration Predicts Brain Atrophy And Cognition In Alzheimer's Disease, Kunal Dhiman, Veer Bala Gupta, Victor L. Villemagne, Dhamidhu Eratne, Petra L. Graham, Christopher Fowler, Pierrick Bourgeat, Qiao-Xin Li, Steven Collins, Ashley I. Bush, Christopher C. Rowe, Colin L. Masters, David Ames, Eugene Hone, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction
This study assessed the utility of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light (NfL) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, its association with amyloid and tau pathology, as well as its potential to predict brain atrophy, cognition, and amyloid accumulation.
Methods
CSF NfL concentration was measured in 221 participants from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers & Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL).
Results
CSF NfL levels as well as NfL/amyloid β (Aβ42) were significantly elevated in AD compared to healthy controls (HC; P < .001), and in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to HC (P = .008 NfL; P< .001 NfL/Aβ42). CSF NfL and NfL/Aβ42 differentiated AD from HC with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. CSF NfL and NfL/Aβ42 predicted cortical amyloid load, brain atrophy, and cognition.
Discussion
CSF NfL is a biomarker of neurodegeneration, correlating with cognitive impairment and brain neuropathology.

Application Of A Brain-Inspired Spiking Neural Network Architecture To Odor Data Classification, Anup Vanarse, Josafath Israel Espinosa-Ramos, Adam Osseiran, Alexander Rassau, Nikola Kasabov

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Existing methods in neuromorphic olfaction mainly focus on implementing the data transformation based on the neurobiological architecture of the olfactory pathway. While the transformation is pivotal for the sparse spike-based representation of odor data, classification techniques based on the bio-computations of the higher brain areas, which process the spiking data for identification of odor, remain largely unexplored. This paper argues that brain-inspired spiking neural networks constitute a promising approach for the next generation of machine intelligence for odor data processing. Inspired by principles of brain information processing, here we propose the first spiking neural network method and associated deep machine …

Circulating Tumour Dna In Advanced Melanoma Patients Ceasing Pd1 Inhibition In The Absence Of Disease Progression, Lydia Warburton, Leslie Calapre, Michelle Pereira, Anna Reid, Cleo Robinson, Benhur Amanuel, Mel Ziman, Michael Millward, Elin Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Immunotherapy is an important and established treatment option for patients with advanced melanoma. Initial anti-PD1 trials arbitrarily defined a two-year treatment duration, but a shorter treatment duration may be appropriate. In this study, we retrospectively assessed 70 patients who stopped anti-PD1 therapy in the absence of progressive disease (PD) to determine clinical outcomes. In our cohort, the median time on treatment was 11.8 months. Complete response was attained at time of anti-PD1 discontinuation in 61 (87%). After a median follow up of 34.2 months (range: 2–70.8) post discontinuation, 81% remained disease free. Using ddPCR, we determine the utility of circulating …

Recognition And Management Of Agitation In Acute Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Evaluation Of Staff Perceptions, Joshua Tucker, Lisa Whitehead, Peter Palamara, Josephine Xenia Rosman, Karla Seaman

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

© 2020, The Author(s).

Background: Agitation among patients is a common and distressing behaviour across a variety of health care settings, particularly inpatient mental health. Unless recognised early and effectively managed it can lead to aggression and personal injury. The aim of this paper is to explore the experiences of mental health nurses in recognising and managing agitation in an inpatient mental health setting and the alignment of these experiences with best practice and person-centred care.

Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative methodology. Semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 20 nurses working in a mental health unit in …