Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Barriers To Lung Cancer Care: Health Professionals’ Perspectives, J. Dunn, G. Garvey, P. C. Valery, D. Ball, K. M. Fong, S. Vinod, D. L. O'Connell, Suzanne K. Chambers

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose

Globally, lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death. Problematically, there is a wide variation in the management and survival for people with lung cancer and there is limited understanding of the reasons for these variations. To date, the views of health professionals across relevant disciplines who deliver such care are largely absent. The present study describes Australian health professionals’ views about barriers to lung cancer care to help build a research and action agenda for improving lung cancer outcomes.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a multidisciplinary group of 31 Australian …

Casual For A Cause: Exploring The Employment Status Of Nursing In Australia And China, Carol Wang, Sadie Geraghty

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This paper outlines obligatory nursing education and the registration process required to become a nurse in Australia, including nurses' workload, career structure and pay. It also provides an overview of the nursing workforce in Australia, with particular reference to casual employment, and its implications. The aim of this paper is to outline the development strategies that may assist with China's increasing need for nursing education, and how changes to healthcare policy and management are required to increase the recruitment and retention of nurses in hospitals worldwide.

Study Protocol Of The Intense Physical Activity And Cognition Study: The Effect Of High-Intensity Exercise Training On Cognitive Function In Older Adults, Belinda M. Brown, Stephanie Rainey-Smith, Natalie Castalanelli, Nicole Gordon, Shaun Markovic, Hamid R. Sohrabi, Michael Weinborn, Simon Laws, James Doecke, Kaikai Shen, Ralph Martins, Jeremiah J. Peiffer

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction:

Inconsistent results from previous studies of exercise and cognitive function suggest that rigorously designed randomized controlled trials are urgently needed. Here, we describe the design of the Intense Physical Activity and Cognition (IPAC) study, which will assess the impact of a 6-month high-intensity exercise intervention on cognitive function and biomarkers of dementia risk, compared with a 6-month moderate-intensity exercise intervention and control group (no study-related exercise).

Methods:

One-hundred and five cognitively healthy men and women aged between 60 and 80 years are randomized into a high-intensity exercise, moderate-intensity exercise, or control group. Individuals randomized to an exercise …

Physical Activity And Survival Among Long-Term Cancer Survivor And Non-Cancer Cohorts, Anthony Gunnell, Sarah Joyce, Stephania Tomlin, Dennis Taaffe, Prue Cormie, Robert Newton, David Joseph, Nigel Spry, Kristjana Einarsdottir, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Evidence suggests physical activity improves prognosis following cancer diagnosis; however, evidence regarding prognosis in long-term survivors of cancer is scarce. We assessed physical activity in 1,589 cancer survivors at an average 8.8 years following their initial diagnosis and calculated their future mortality risk following physical activity assessment. We also selected a cancer-free cohort of 3,145 age, sex, and survey year group-matched cancer-free individuals from the same source population for comparison purposes. Risks for cancer-specific mortality and all-cause mortality in relation to physical activity levels were estimated using Cox regression proportional hazard regression analyses within the cancer and non-cancer cohorts. Physical …

Prevalence Of Epilepsy In China Between 1990 And 2015: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Peige Song, Yezhou Liu, Xinwei Yu, Jingjing Wu, Adrienne N. Poon, Alessandro R. Demaio, Wei Wang, Igor D. Rudan, Kityee Chan

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background: Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder that affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. Globally, the burden of epilepsy is not evenly distributed, with more than 80% of sufferers residing in low- and middle-income countries. This study estimates the burden of epilepsy in mainland China from 1990 to 2015 and explores the variations of burden by age and gender.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature from 1990 to 2015 using Chinese and English academic databases (CNKI, WanFang, VIP and PubMed) to identify population- based prospective studies on the prevalence of epilepsy in mainland Chinese. Multilevel mixed-effects …

An Investigation Into Spike-Based Neuromorphic Approaches For Artificial Olfactory Systems, Anup Vanarse, Adam Osseiran, Alexander Rassau

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The implementation of neuromorphic methods has delivered promising results for vision and auditory sensors. These methods focus on mimicking the neuro-biological architecture to generate and process spike-based information with minimal power consumption. With increasing interest in developing low-power and robust chemical sensors, the application of neuromorphic engineering concepts for electronic noses has provided an impetus for research focusing on improving these instruments. While conventional e-noses apply computationally expensive and power-consuming data-processing strategies, neuromorphic olfactory sensors implement the biological olfaction principles found in humans and insects to simplify the handling of multivariate sensory data by generating and processing spike-based information. Over …

A Meta-Analysis Of The Prevalence Of Different Functions Of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Peter Taylor, Khowla Jomar, Katie Dhingra, Rebecca Forrester, Ujala Shahmalak, Joanne M. Dickson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

A broad variety of different functions can underlie acts of Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Whilst research so far has identified many of the commonly reported functions, no reliable estimates of prevalence currently exist for these different NSSI functions. Understanding the prevalence of NSSI functions represents a key to better understanding the phenomenology of NSSI and addressing the differing needs of the NSSI population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of NSSI functions in community and clinical samples.

Method

A literature search of electronic databases PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science from date of inception to March …

Psychosocial Correlates Of Diabetes Self-Management Practices, Muhammad W. Darawad, Sawsan Hammad, Sultan Mosleh, Osama A. Samarkandi, Ayman Hamdan-Mansour, Amani A. Khalil, Diana Arabiat

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Self-Management is a crucial regimen for patients with diabetes mellitus. Many factors have affected patients' self-management practice including psychosocial factors. Literature revealed contradictory results concerning the psychosocial correlates of patients' self-management practices. Therefore, this study assessed the psychosocial correlates of diabetes self-management practices among Jordanian diabetic patients.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational design was utilized to collect data (conducted in the middle region of Jordan in 2015) from 341 Jordanian outpatients with diabetes using self-reported questionnaires (Social Support Scale, CES-D, and Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities) and chart review.

Results

Participants reported practice rate of 2.85/ 7 (SD …

Does Gamification Increase Engagement With Online Programs? A Systematic Review, Jemma Looyestyn, Jocelyn Kernot, Kobie Boshoff, Jillian Ryan, Sarah Edney, Carol Maher

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background Engagement in online programs is difficult to maintain. Gamification is the recent trend that offers to increase engagement through the inclusion of game-like features like points and badges, in non-game contexts. This review will answer the following question, ‘Are gamification strategies effective in increasing engagement in online programs?’ Method Eight databases (Web of Science, PsycINFO, Medline, INSPEC, ERIC, Cochrane Library, Business Source Complete and ACM Digital Library) were searched from 2010 to the 28th of October 2015 using a comprehensive search strategy. Eligibility criteria was based on the PICOS format, where “population” included adults, “intervention” involved an online program …

Health-Care Workers’ Occupational Exposures To Body Fluids In 21 Countries In Africa: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Asa Auta, Emmanuel O. Adewuyi, Amom Tor-Anyiin, David Aziz, Esther Ogbole, Brian O. Ogbonna, Davies Adeloye

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Objective

To estimate the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of occupational exposure to body fluids among health-care workers in Africa.

Methods

Embase®, PubMed® and CINAHL databases were systematically searched for studies published between January 2000 and August 2017 that reported the prevalence of occupational exposure to blood or other body fluids among health-care workers in Africa. The continent-wide prevalence of exposure was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

Findings

Of the 904 articles identified, 65 studies from 21 African countries were included. The estimated pooled lifetime and 12-month prevalence of occupational exposure to body fluids were 65.7% (95% confidence interval, CI: 59.7–71.6) and …

Identifying Lower Limb Specific And Generalised Joint Hypermobility In Adults: Validation Of The Lower Limb Assessment Score, Kaitlyn J. Meyer, Cliffton Chan, Luke Hopper, Leslie L. Nicholson

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

The Lower Limb Assessment Score (LLAS) has only been validated in a paediatric population. The aim of this study was to validate the use of the LLAS in an adult population by: i) evaluating its ability to discriminate between different extents of lower limb hypermobility, ii) establishing a cut-off score to identify lower limb hypermobility, and iii) determining if the LLAS is able to identify Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH).

Methods

Participants were recruited across three groups representing varying degrees of hypermobility. They were assessed using the LLAS, Beighton score and clinical opinion. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and MANOVA were used …

Current Research And Statistical Practices In Sport Science And A Need For Change, Jake R. Bernards, Kimitake Sato, G. Gregory Haff, Caleb D. Bazyler

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Current research ideologies in sport science allow for the possibility of investigators producing statistically significant results to help fit the outcome into a predetermined theory. Additionally, under the current Neyman-Pearson statistical structure, some argue that null hypothesis significant testing (NHST) under the frequentist approach is flawed, regardless. For example, a p-value is unable to measure the probability that the studied hypothesis is true, unable to measure the size of an effect or the importance of a result, and unable to provide a good measure of evidence regarding a model or hypothesis. Many of these downfalls are key questions researchers strive …

Impact Of Family-Friendly Prison Policies On Health, Justice And Child Protection Outcomes For Incarcerated Mothers And Their Dependent Children: A Cohort Study Protocol, Helen Myers, Leonie Segal, Derek Lopez, Ian W. Li, David B. Preen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Introduction

Female imprisonment has numerous health and social sequelae for both women prisoners and their children. Examples of comprehensive family-friendly prison policies that seek to improve the health and social functioning of women prisoners and their children exist but have not been evaluated. This study will determine the impact of exposure to a family-friendly prison environment on health, child protection and justice outcomes for incarcerated mothers and their dependent children.

Methods and analysis

A longitudinal retrospective cohort design will be used to compare outcomes for mothers incarcerated at Boronia Pre-release Centre, a women’s prison with a dedicated family-friendly environment, and …

Serum Peptidome Profiling For The Diagnosis Of Colorectal Cancer: Discovery And Validation In Two Independent Cohorts, Hao Wang, Chenghua Luo, Shengtao Zhu, Honghong Fang, Qing Gao, Siqi Ge, Haixia Qu, Qingwei Ma, Hongwei Ren, Youxin Wang, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Except for the existing fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, no widely accepted in vitro diagnostic methods have been available. To identify potential peptide biomarkers for CRC, serum samples from a discovery cohort (100 CRC patients and 100 healthy controls) and an independent validation cohort (91 CRC patients and 91 healthy controls) were collected. Peptides were fractionated by weak cation exchange magnetic beads (MB-WCX) and analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF MS). Five peptides (peaks at m/z 1895.3, 2020.9, 2080.7, 2656.8 and 3238.5) were …

Clostridium Difficile Infection In The Lao People's Democratic Republic: First Isolation And Review Of The Literature, Elaine Cheong, Tamalee Roberts, Sayaphet Rattanavong, Thomas V. Riley, Paul N. Newton, David A.B. Dance

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Current knowledge of the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection in Asia, and in particular the Greater Mekong Subregion, is very limited. Only a few studies from Thailand and Vietnam have been reported from the region with variable testing methods and results, and no studies from Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). Therefore we investigated the presence of C. difficile in a single centre in the Lao PDR and determined the ribotypes present.

Method

Seventy unformed stool samples from hospital inpatients at Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, were tested for the presence of C. difficile using selective differential agar and confirmed by latex …

Effects Of A 4-Week High-Intensity Interval Training On Pacing During 5-Km Running Trial, R. Silva, M. Damasceno, R. Cruz, M. D. Silva-Cavalcante, A. E. Lima-Silva, D. J. Bishop, R. Beretuzzi

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This study analyzed the influence of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on the pacing strategy adopted by runners during a 5-km running trial. Sixteen male recreational long-distance runners were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n = 8) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n = 8). The HIIT group performed high-intensity interval-training twice per week, while the CON group maintained their regular training program. Before and after the training period, the runners performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to measure the onset of blood lactate accumulation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and peak treadmill speed (PTS). A …

Predictors Of Pneumococcal Carriage And The Effect Of The 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination In The Western Australian Aboriginal Population, Deirdre A. Collins, Anke Hoskins, Thomas Snelling, Kalpani Senasinghe, Jacinta Bowman, Natalie A. Stemberger, Amanda J. Leach, Deborah Lehmann

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Western Australian (WA) Aboriginal people in 2001. PCV13 replaced PCV7 in July 2011, covering six additional pneumococcal serotypes; however, IPD rates remained high in Aboriginal people in WA. Upper respiratory tract pneumococcal carriage can precede IPD, and PCVs alter serotype distribution.

Methods

To assess the impact of PCV13 introduction, identify emerging serotypes, and assess risk factors for carriage, nasopharyngeal swabs and information on demographic characteristics, health, medication and living conditions from Aboriginal children and adults across WA from August 2008 to November 2014 were …

Considerations On The Assessment And Use Of Cycling Performance Metrics And Their Integration In The Athlete's Biological Passport, Paolo Mensaspa, Chris Abbiss

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Over the past few decades the possibility to capture real-time data from road cyclists has drastically improved. Given the increasing pressure for improved transparency and openness, there has been an increase in publication of cyclists' physiological and performance data. Recently, it has been suggested that the use of such performance biometrics may be used to strengthen the sensitivity and applicability of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and aid in the fight against doping. This is an interesting concept which has merit, although there are several important factors that need to be considered. These factors include accuracy of the data collected …

Immune Checkpoint Inhibition: Prospects For Prevention And Therapy Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Caryn L. Elsegood, Janina E.E. Tirnitz-Parker, John K. Olynyk, George C.T. Yeoh

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The global prevalence of liver cancer is rapidly rising, mostly as a result of the amplified incidence rates of viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse and obesity in recent decades. Treatment options for liver cancer are remarkably limited with sorafenib being the gold standard for advanced, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma but offering extremely limited improvement of survival time. The immune system is now recognised as a key regulator of cancer development through its ability to protect against infection and chronic inflammation, which promote cancer development, and eliminate tumour cells when present. However, the tolerogenic nature of the liver means that the immune response …

Caffeine Consumption With Relevance To Type 3 Diabetes And Accelerated Brain Aging, I. J. Martins

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Major interests in caffeine consumption has increased with the alarming increase in the global NAFLD epidemic relevant to increased transport of caffeine to the brain with the induction of Type 3 diabetes. Specific nutritional diets are essential to maintain hepatic caffeine metabolism to facilitate rapid Aβ clearance in the periphery and to maintain the effects of drugs such as statins to reduce toxic Aβ formation not only in Type 3 diabetes but to various neurological diseases. Anti-aging gene Sirt 1 is responsible for brain Aβ and caffeine metabolism and inactivation of Sirt 1 by unhealthy diets is now relevant to …

Population-Based Cohort Study In Outcome Of Phased Progression Of Atherosclerosis In China (Persuade): Objective, Rationale And Design, Dong-Kai Shan, Yong Zhou, You-Xin Wang, Xiang Gao, Wei Wang, Jun-Jie Yang, Yun-Dai Chen

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

The coronary artery calcification score and pericardial fat volume have recently been reported to be strongly associated with the severity and presence of coronary atherosclerosis. However, no studies have explored the outcome of phased progression of atherosclerosis by non-contrast computed tomography in asymptomatic people in China. The population-based cohort study in outcome of phased progression of atherosclerosis in China (PERSUADE), an observational, longitudinal and prospective cohort study in a target population of healthy subjects based in Jidong Oilfield (China), prospectively analyzes the outcome of phased progression of atherosclerosis by non-contrast computed tomography in healthy population. The results of this study …

A Snapshot Of Physical Activity Programs Targeting Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People In Australia, Rona Macniven, Michelle Elwell, Kathy Ride, Adrian Bauman, Justin W. Richards

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Issue addressed Participation in physical activity programs can be an effective strategy to reduce chronic disease risk factors and improve broader social outcomes. Health and social outcomes are worse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders than non-Indigenous Australians, who represent an important group for culturally specific programs. The extent of current practice in physical activity programs is largely unknown. This study identifies such programs targeting this population group and describes their characteristics. Methods Bibliographic and Internet searches and snowball sampling identified eligible programs operating between 2012 and 2015 in Australia (phase 1). Program coordinators were contacted to verify sourced information …

Family Medicine And Community Health Have Borderless Health Topics, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

No abstract provided.

Overview Of Australian Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status 2016, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the most recent indicators of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Information focuses on:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
• the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
• various measures of population health status
• selected health conditions
• health risk and protective factors.

The Overview shows that the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continues to improve slowly and there has been a decline in the death rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and also a significant closing of the gap in death rates …

Plain Language Review Of Diabetes Among Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People, Kathy Ride

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This review provides an overview of key information on diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. The review focuses mostly on type 2 diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because type 2 diabetes is responsible for the majority of cases of diabetes in this population. However, the review also refers to type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes where information is available. It provides a historical, social and cultural background to the development of diabetes, and the behavioural and medical factors that contribute to diabetes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It provides information on …

Effect Of Four Weeks Detraining On Strength, Power, And Sensorimotor Ability Of Adolescent Surfers, Tai T. Tran, Lina Lundgren, Josh Secomb, Oliver R. Farley, Greg Haff, Sophia Nimphius, Robert Newton, Lee Brown, Jeremy Sheppard

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

Surfing is a high skill sport that requires a considerable amount of time in a variety of ocean conditions to help develop the fundamental techniques.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of four weeks of detraining on strength, power, and sensorimotor ability in adolescent surfers.

Methods:

Nineteen adolescent surfers (13.8 A 1.7 y, 53.6 A 10.8 kg and 165.1 A 8.9 cm) participated in four weeks of detraining (surfing participation maintained but resistance training ceased) following seven weeks of periodized resistance training. Maximal isometric strength, power, and sensorimotor ability pre-test results were determined from …

Effects Of Different Exercise Modalities On Fatigue In Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Year-Long Randomised Controlled Trial, Dennis Taaffe, Robert Newton, Nigel Spry, David Joseph, Suzanne K. Chambers, Robert Gardiner, Brad Wall, Prue Cormie, Kate Bolam, Daniel A. Galvao

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

Physical exercise mitigates fatigue during androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); however, the effects of different exercise prescriptions are unknown.

Objectives

To determine the long-term effects of different exercise modes on fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT.

Design, setting, and participants

Between 2009 and 2012, 163 prostate cancer patients aged 43–90 y on ADT were randomised to exercise targeting the musculoskeletal system (impact loading + resistance training; ILRT; n = 58), the cardiovascular and muscular systems (aerobic + resistance training; ART; n = 54), or to usual care/delayed exercise (DEL; n = 51) for 12 mo across university-affiliated exercise clinics …

Exercise Medicine For Advanced Prostate Cancer, Nicolas H. Hart, Daniel A. Galvao, Robert Newton

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Purpose of review:

Exercise is a provocative medicine, known for its preventive, complimentary and rehabilitative role in the management of cancer. Impressively, exercise is also emerging as a synergistic and targeted medicine to enhance symptom control, modulate tumour biology and delay disease progression, with the potential to increase overall survival. Given the complex clinical presentation of advanced prostate cancer patients and their omnipresent comorbidities, this review describes the current and potential role of exercise medicine in advanced prostate cancer.

Recent findings:

Exercise has been shown to be safe, feasible and effective for advanced prostate cancer patients, inclusive of patients with …

Use Of Ultrasound By Registered Nurses—A Systematic Literature Review, Ulrich Steinwandel, Nicholas Gibson, James Charles Rippey, Amanda Towell, Johan Rosman

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background:

In Western Australia (WA), most stable patients undergoing haemodialysis receive treatment in a satellite setting where no doctors are on-site during treatment hours, so nurses must make critical decisions about fluid removal. Some patients regularly experience adverse events during dialysis (intradialytic), often due to excessive ultrafiltration goals, with intradialytic hypotension being particularly challenging. Ultrasound of the inferior vena cava has been previously demonstrated being a rapid and non-invasive method for volume assessment on haemodialysis patients, thus could hold valuable information for the treating nurse.

Aim:

This paper examines the existing literature in regards to the use of …

The Skin Microbiome: Impact Of Modern Environments On Skin Ecology, Barrier Integrity, And Systemic Immune Programming, Susan Prescott, Danica-Lea Larcombe, Alan Logan, Christina West, Wesley Burks, Luis Caraballo, Michael Levin, Eddie Van Etten, Pierre Horwitz, Anita Kozyrskyj, Dianne Campbell

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Skin barrier structure and function is essential to human health. Hitherto unrecognized functions of epidermal keratinocytes show that the skin plays an important role in adapting whole-body physiology to changing environments, including the capacity to produce a wide variety of hormones, neurotransmitters and cytokine that can potentially influence whole-body states, and quite possibly, even emotions. Skin microbiota play an integral role in the maturation and homeostatic regulation of keratinocytes and host immune networks with systemic implications. As our primary interface with the external environment, the biodiversity of skin habitats is heavily influenced by the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which …