Publications

Dong, X, Kedziora, DJ, Musial, K & Gabrys, B 2024, Automated Deep Learning: Neural Architecture Search Is Not the End, Now Publishers.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kedziora, DJ, Musial, K & Gabrys, B 2024, AutonoML: Towards an Integrated Framework for Autonomous Machine Learning, Now Publishers.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Choi, AH, Choi, G & Ben-Nissan, B 2024, 'Surface modification and its influence on osseointegration of implants' in Multiscale Cell-Biomaterials Interplay in Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Elsevier, pp. 93-111.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Sheng, H, Yu, X, Li, X & Golzan, M 2024, 'Context-Based Masking for Spontaneous Venous Pulsations Detection' in Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer Nature Singapore, pp. 520-532.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Tran, HV, McGregor, C & Kennedy, PJ 2024, 'Detecting Stress from Multivariate Time Series Data Using Topological Data Analysis' in Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer Nature Singapore, pp. 341-353.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Valls Miro, J 2024, 'Robots for Underground Pipe Condition Assessment', Wiley, pp. 221-242.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Ambrosio, L, Vadalà, G, Tavakoli, J, Scaramuzzo, L, Brodano, GB, Lewis, SJ, Kato, S, Cho, SK, Yoon, ST, Kim, H-J, Gary, MF & Denaro, V 2024, 'Surgeon Preference Regarding Wound Dressing Management in Lumbar Fusion Surgery: An AO Spine Global Cross-Sectional Study', Neurospine, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 204-211.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Objective: To evaluate the global practice pattern of wound dressing use after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions.Methods: A survey issued by AO Spine Knowledge Forums Deformity and Degenerative was sent out to AO Spine members. The type of postoperative dressing employed, timing of initial dressing removal, and type of subsequent dressing applied were investigated. Differences in the type of surgery and regional distribution of surgeons’ preferences were analyzed.Results: Right following surgery, 60.6% utilized a dry dressing, 23.2% a plastic occlusive dressing, 5.7% glue, 6% a combination of glue and polyester mesh, 2.6% a wound vacuum, and 1.2% other dressings. The initial dressing was removed on postoperative day 1 (11.6%), 2 (39.2%), 3 (20.3%), 4 (1.7%), 5 (4.3%), 6 (0.4%), 7 or later (12.5%), or depending on drain removal (9.9%). Following initial dressing removal, 75.9% applied a dry dressing, 17.7% a plastic occlusive dressing, and 1.3% glue, while 12.1% used no dressing. The use of no additional coverage after initial dressing removal was significantly associated with a later dressing change (p < 0.001). Significant differences emerged after comparing dressing management among different AO Spine regions (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Most spine surgeons utilized a dry or plastic occlusive dressing initially applied after surgery. The first dressing was more frequently changed during the first 3 postoperative days and replaced with the same type of dressing. While dressing policies tended not to vary according to the type of surgery, regional differences suggest that actual practice may be based on personal experience rather than available evidence.

Bahatheg, G, Kuppusamy, R, Yasir, M, Bridge, S, Mishra, SK, Cranfield, CG, StC. Black, D, Willcox, M & Kumar, N 2024, 'Dimeric peptoids as antibacterial agents', Bioorganic Chemistry, vol. 147, pp. 107334-107334.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Banerjee, S, Huang, Z, Lyu, J, Leung, FHF, Lee, T, Yang, D, Zheng, Y, McAviney, J & Ling, SH 2024, 'Automatic Assessment of Ultrasound Curvature Angle for Scoliosis Detection Using 3-D Ultrasound Volume Projection Imaging', Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology, vol. 50, no. 5, pp. 647-660.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Boyton, I, Valenzuela, SM, Collins-Praino, LE & Care, A 2024, 'Neuronanomedicine for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease: Current progress and a guide to improve clinical translation', Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, vol. 115, pp. 631-651.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Neuronanomedicine is an emerging multidisciplinary field that aims to create innovative nanotechnologies to treat major neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). A key component of neuronanomedicine are nanoparticles, which can improve drug properties and demonstrate enhanced safety and delivery across the blood brain barrier, a major improvement on existing therapeutic approaches. In this review, we critically analyze the latest nanoparticle-based strategies to modify underlying disease pathology to slow or halt AD/PD progression. We find that a major roadblock for neuronanomedicine translation to date is a poor understanding of how nanoparticles interact with biological systems (i.e., bio-nano interactions), which is partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. Accordingly, this review makes a set of specific recommendations to help guide researchers to harness the unique properties of nanoparticles and thus realise breakthrough treatments for AD/PD.

Burton, AL, O’Loughlin, I, Rogers, K & Newton-John, TRO 2024, 'Development and validation of the Pain-Induced Comfort Eating Scale in a chronic pain sample', Canadian Journal of Pain, vol. 8, no. 1.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Daub, BD, McLean, BD, Heishman, AD, Peak, KM & Coutts, AJ 2024, 'The Relationship Between Mental Fatigue and Shooting Performance Over the Course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Season', Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 334-341.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Abstract Daub, BD, McLean, BD, Heishman, AD, Peak, KM, and Coutts, AJ. The relationship between mental fatigue and shooting performance over the course of a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 334–341, 2024—The aim of this investigation was to examine the presence of mental fatigue and concurrent changes in shooting performance across various experimental weeks throughout a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball season. Fifteen elite male NCAA Division I collegiate basketball players (age 20.2 ± 1.2 years, height 199.3 ± 7.1 cm, and body mass 93.1 ± 8.6 kg) volunteered for this study. Mental fatigue and basketball shooting performance was evaluated at 4 timepoints with varying seasonal demands: high game volume (GAME), high academic load (ACADEMIC), no games and no academic load (PRACTICE), and standard number of games and academic requirements (TYPICAL). Subjective mental fatigue increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from Pre to Post brief psychomotor vigilance test (PVT-B) measurements at the end of the ACADEMIC week (p = 0.002, d = 1.51) and from beginning to end of the ACADEMIC week (p < 0.001, d = 2.21). Ratings of mental effort were significantly increased during the ACADEMIC week (p < 0.001, d = 1.67). Recovery stress questionnaire (REST-Q) showed significant differences between week GAME and ACADEMIC with an increase in Social Stress (p = 0.001, d = 0.84), Fatigue (Pathology - Research and Practice, vol. 253, pp. 155038-155038.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Dios, KD, Huynh, N, Tran, TS, Center, JR & Nguyen, TV 2024, 'Association between Fat Mass and Obesity-Related Transcript Polymorphisms and Osteoporosis Phenotypes', Journal of Bone Metabolism, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 48-55.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Background: Common variants in the fat mass and obesity-related transcript (<i>FTO</i>) gene are related to body mass index and obesity, suggesting its potential association with bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk. This study sought to define the association between <i>FTO</i> gene variants and the following phenotypes: (1) BMD; (2) bone loss; and (3) fracture risk.Methods: This analysis was based on the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study that included 1,277 postmenopausal women aged ≥60 years living in Dubbo, Australia. BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine was measured biennially by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar). Fractures were radiologically ascertained. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1421085, rs1558902, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs9939609, and rs9930506) of the <i>FTO</i> gene were genotyped using TaqMan assay.Results: Women homozygous for the minor allele (GG) of rs9930506 had a significantly higher risk of hip fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–3.23) than those homozygous for the major allele (AA) after adjusting for potential confounding effects. Similar associations were also observed for the minor allele of rs1121980. However, there was no significant association between the <i>FTO</i> SNPs and BMD or the rate of bone loss.Conclusions: Common variations in the <i>FTO</i> gene are associated with a hip fracture risk in women, and the association is not mediated through BMD or bone loss.

Dong, X, Kedziora, DJ, Musial, K & Gabrys, B 2024, 'Automated Deep Learning: Neural Architecture Search Is Not the End', Foundations and Trends® in Machine Learning, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 767-920.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Douville, C, Lahouel, K, Kuo, A, Grant, H, Avigdor, BE, Curtis, SD, Summers, M, Cohen, JD, Wang, Y, Mattox, A, Dudley, J, Dobbyn, L, Popoli, M, Ptak, J, Nehme, N, Silliman, N, Blair, C, Romans, K, Thoburn, C, Gizzi, J, Schoen, RE, Tie, J, Gibbs, P, Ho-Pham, LT, Tran, BNH, Tran, TS, Nguyen, TV, Goggins, M, Wolfgang, CL, Wang, T-L, Shih, I-M, Lennon, AM, Hruban, RH, Bettegowda, C, Kinzler, KW, Papadopoulos, N, Vogelstein, B & Tomasetti, C 2024, 'Machine learning to detect the SINEs of cancer', Science Translational Medicine, vol. 16, no. 731.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

We previously described an approach called RealSeqS to evaluate aneuploidy in plasma cell-free DNA through the amplification of ~350,000 repeated elements with a single primer. We hypothesized that an unbiased evaluation of the large amount of sequencing data obtained with RealSeqS might reveal other differences between plasma samples from patients with and without cancer. This hypothesis was tested through the development of a machine learning approach called Alu Profile Learning Using Sequencing (A-PLUS) and its application to 7615 samples from 5178 individuals, 2073 with solid cancer and the remainder without cancer. Samples from patients with cancer and controls were prespecified into four cohorts used for model training, analyte integration, and threshold determination, validation, and reproducibility. A-PLUS alone provided a sensitivity of 40.5% across 11 different cancer types in the validation cohort, at a specificity of 98.5%. Combining A-PLUS with aneuploidy and eight common protein biomarkers detected 51% of the cancers at 98.9% specificity. We found that part of the power of A-PLUS could be ascribed to a single feature—the global reduction of AluS subfamily elements in the circulating DNA of patients with solid cancer. We confirmed this reduction through the analysis of another independent dataset obtained with a different approach (whole-genome sequencing). The evaluation of Alu elements may therefore have the potential to enhance the performance of several methods designed for the earlier detection of cancer.

Folder, N, Power, E, Rietdijk, R, Christensen, I, Togher, L & Parker, D 2024, 'The Effectiveness and Characteristics of Communication Partner Training Programs for Families of People With Dementia: A Systematic Review', The Gerontologist, vol. 64, no. 4, p. gnad095.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Abstract Background and Objectives Communication partner training (CPT) is essential in dementia care. Despite families being the largest group of community carers, previous reviews primarily focused on formal carers. This study aimed to understand the characteristics and effectiveness of CPT for families of people with dementia. Research Design and Methods The systematic review included intervention/protocol studies on dementia CPT for families, excluding formal carers and programs not focused on communication. CINAHL, PsycINFO, SpeechBITE, Medline, SCOPUS, and Embase were searched between November 30 and December 6, 2021. After deduplication, 3,172 records were screened. Quality assessment used JBI Critical Appraisal tools and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data synthesis utilized three reporting tools, the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, and content analysis. Results Of 30 studies (27 programs), there were 10 quasi-experimental, 5 RCTs, 4 mixed methods, 4 case studies, 4 qualitative, and 2 protocols. Studies were published between 1998 and 2021 and included 671 family members. Characteristics varied with 7/27 programs including consumers during creation and one program including telehealth. One study included all reporting tool criteria. Programs typically used 4 intervention functions, with 12/27 programs addressing 3 behavior change areas. 33/74 outcome measures targeted the “Environment” of the person with dementia. Studies showed positive improvements in communication skills and knowledge, with mixed results on behavior/psychosocial...

Gillovic, B, McIntosh, A, Cockburn-Wootten, C & Darcy, S 2024, 'Intellectual disability and care during travel', Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 105, pp. 103694-103694.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Goss, DM, Vasilescu, SA, Vasilescu, PA, Cooke, S, Kim, SHK, Sacks, GP, Gardner, DK & Warkiani, ME 2024, 'Evaluation of an artificial intelligence-facilitated sperm detection tool in azoospermic samples for use in ICSI', Reproductive BioMedicine Online, pp. 103910-103910.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Grabowski, S, Darcy, S, Maxwell, H & Onyx, J 2024, 'Inclusive Practice and Comparative Social Impact of Disability Arts: A Qualitative and Abductive Approach', International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 23.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

This study comparatively examined two disability arts partnership projects’ stakeholder perspectives on inclusive practice and social impact. It did so through an innovative abductive research design to visualise the qualitative findings of a comparative social impact assessment of active citizenship. In this paper we examine the inclusive practices of the disability arts partnership projects and an inclusive methodological approach. The approach sought to visualise the social impact footprint, or scope, of disability arts projects on radar diagrams. In developing this approach, we were able to document the enabling outcomes for the lived experience of artists with disability. The research has implications for the inclusion of artists with disability as part of disability specific art projects, ensembles of artists with disability together with nondisabled artists, and the way that creative process outcomes have social impact on the stakeholders and communities where they are performed. For the organisations involved the project demonstrates the wider outcomes of the artistic practice through the social impact of their disability arts programs on their internal and external stakeholders. Further, for arts funders it provides a tool for comparative understanding of social impact across programs.

Gunawan, C, Fleming, C, Irga, PJ, Jien Wong, R, Amal, R, Torpy, FR, Mojtaba Golzan, S & McGrath, KC 2024, 'Neurodegenerative effects of air pollutant Particles: Biological mechanisms implicated for Early-Onset Alzheimer’s disease', Environment International, vol. 185, pp. 108512-108512.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Guo, K, Cheng, A, Li, Y, Li, J, Duffield, R & Su, SW 2024, 'Cooperative Markov Decision Process model for human–machine co-adaptation in robot-assisted rehabilitation', Knowledge-Based Systems, vol. 291, pp. 111572-111572.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

He, LX, Deng, K, Wang, J, Zhang, X, Wang, L, Zhang, HP, Xie, M, Chen, ZH, Zhang, J, Chen-Yu Hsu, A, Zhang, L, Oliver, BG, Wark, PAB, Qin, L, Gao, P, Wan, HJ, Liu, D, Luo, FM, Li, WM, Wang, G & Gibson, PG 2024, 'Clinical Subtypes of Neutrophilic Asthma: A Cluster Analysis From Australasian Severe Asthma Network', The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 686-698.e8.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Hemsley, B, Dann, S, Reddacliff, C, Smith, R, Given, F, Gay, V, Leong, TW, Josserand, E, Skellern, K, Bull, C, Palmer, S & Balandin, S 2024, 'Views on the usability, design, and future possibilities of a 3D food printer for people with dysphagia: outcomes of an immersive experience', Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 527-536.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

PURPOSE: Although 3D food printing is expected to enable the creation of visually appealing pureed food for people with disability and dysphagia, little is known about the user experience in engaging with 3D food printing or the feasibility of use with populations who need texture-modified foods. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and usability of using domestic-scale 3D food printer as an assistive technology to print pureed food into attractive food shapes for people with dysphagia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 16 participants engaged in the unfamiliar, novel process of using a domestic-scale 3D food printer (choosing, printing, tasting), designed for printing pureed food, and discussed their impressions in focus group or individual interviews. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results demonstrated that informed experts who were novice users perceived the 3D food printing process to be fun but time consuming, and that 3D food printers might not yet be suitable for people with dysphagia or their supporters. Slow response time, lack of user feedback, scant detail on the appropriate recipes for the pureed food to create a successful print, and small font on the user panel interface were perceived as barriers to accessibility for people with disability and older people. Participants expected more interactive elements and feedback from the device, particularly in relation to resolving printer or user errors. This study will inform future usability trials and food safety research into 3D printed foods for people with disability and dysphagia. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION3D food printers potentially have a role as an assistive technology in the preparation of texture-modified foods for people with disability and dysphagia.To increase feasibility, 3D food printers should be co-designed with people with disability and their supporters and health professionals working in the field of dysphagia and rehabilitation.Experts struggled to be ...

Hussain, MS, Altamimi, ASA, Afzal, M, almalki, WH, Kazmi, I, Alzarea, SI, Saleem, S, Prasher, P, Oliver, B, Singh, SK, MacLoughlin, R, Dua, K & Gupta, G 2024, 'From carcinogenesis to therapeutic avenues: lncRNAs and mTOR crosstalk in lung cancer', Pathology - Research and Practice, vol. 253, pp. 155015-155015.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Iqbal, H, Zheng, J, Chai, R & Chandrasekaran, S 2024, 'Electric powered wheelchair control using user-independent classification methods based on surface electromyography signals', Medical & Biological Engineering & Computing, vol. 62, no. 1, pp. 167-182.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractWheelchairs are one of the most popular assistive technology (AT) among individuals with motor impairments due to their comfort and mobility. People with finger problems may find it difficult to operate wheelchairs using the conventional joystick control method. Therefore, in this research study, a hand gesture-based control method is developed for operating an electric-powered wheelchair (EPW). This study selected a comfort-based hand position to determine the stop maneuver. An additional exploration was undertaken to investigate four gesture recognition methods: linear regression (LR), regularized linear regression (RLR), decision tree (DT), and multi-class support vector machine (MC-SVM). The first two methods, LR and RLR, have promising accuracy values of 94.85% and 95.88%, respectively, but each new user must be trained. To overcome this limitation, this study explored two user-independent classification methods: MC-SVM and DT. These methods effectively addressed the finger dependency issue and demonstrated remarkable success in recognizing gestures across different users. MC-SVM has about 99.05% of both precision and accuracy, and the DT has about 97.77% accuracy and precision. All six participants were successful in controlling the EPW without any collisions. According to the experimental results, the proposed approach has high accuracy and can address finger dependency issues.

Jessamine, V, Mehndiratta, S, De Rubis, G, Paudel, KR, Shetty, S, Suares, D, Chellappan, DK, Oliver, BG, Hansbro, PM & Dua, K 2024, 'The application of nanoparticles as advanced drug delivery systems in Attenuating COPD', Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. e25393-e25393.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kedziora, DJ, Musial, K & Gabrys, B 2024, 'AutonoML: Towards an Integrated Framework for Autonomous Machine Learning', Foundations and Trends® in Machine Learning, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 590-766.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kedziora, DJ, Nguyen, T-D, Musial, K & Gabrys, B 2024, 'On taking advantage of opportunistic meta-knowledge to reduce configuration spaces for automated machine learning', Expert Systems with Applications, vol. 239, pp. 122359-122359.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Khuat, TT, Bassett, R, Otte, E, Grevis-James, A & Gabrys, B 2024, 'Applications of machine learning in antibody discovery, process development, manufacturing and formulation: Current trends, challenges, and opportunities', Computers & Chemical Engineering, vol. 182, pp. 108585-108585.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kokkinis, S, Singh, M, Paudel, KR, De Rubis, G, Bani Saeid, A, Jessamine, V, Datsyuk, J, Singh, SK, Vishwas, S, Adams, J, Hansbro, PM, Oliver, B, Gupta, G, Dureja, H & Dua, K 2024, 'Plant-based therapeutics for chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases: Nanoformulation strategies to overcome delivery challenges', Food Bioscience, vol. 58, pp. 103761-103761.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kourouche, S, Curtis, K, Considine, J, Fry, M, Mitchell, R, Shaban, RZ, Sivabalan, P & Bedford, D 2024, 'Does improved patient care lead to higher treatment costs? A multicentre cost evaluation of a blunt chest injury care bundle', Injury, vol. 55, no. 5, pp. 111393-111393.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kutson, CW, Russell, JL, Strack, D, Coutts, AJ & McLean, BD 2024, 'External Load Fluctuations Across an Amateur Athletic Union Basketball Season', Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 592-598.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Abstract Kutson, CW, Russell, JL, Strack, D, Coutts, AJ, and McLean, BD. External load fluctuations across an Amateur Athletic Union basketball season. J Strength Cond Res 38(3): 592–598, 2024—Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competitions are an important component of the developmental pathway for youth basketball athletes. Despite its relative importance, there is currently a paucity of research investigating the physical demands in AAU basketball. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the physical demands encountered over the course of an AAU basketball season. External training load was quantified using inertial sensors (Catapult T6) from one male AAU basketball team (age: 17.5 ± 0.5 years, height: 197.3 ± 10.0 cm, and mass: 89.4 ± 11.6 kg) over the course of the 2021 AAU season and categorized post hoc into high-, medium-, and low-minute groups based on mean playing minutes. After player categorization, 2 linear mixed models were constructed, one for PlayerLoad (PL) and one for duration, to examine the differences across player category, month of the season, and activity types (practices or games). The results show that the highest training loads were encountered by high-minute players, who had total PLs of 9,766 ± 1,516 AU, 13,207 ± 2,561 AU, and 7,071 ± 2,122 AU during April, May, and June, respectively. Highly variable training loads were also evident over the course of a season, with peak PL values as high as 4,921 AU per week. Practitioners should be aware that AAU basketball players experience variable loads throughout the season, which peak around congested competition/tournament periods. In addition, players with high game minutes accumulate the most load over the course of a season. This information may be used to better inform planning and periodizing strategies during developmental phases.

Liu, T, Zhang, W, Wang, L, Ueland, M, Forbes, SL, Zheng, WX & Su, SW 2024, 'Numerical Differentiation From Noisy Signals: A Kernel Regularization Method to Improve Transient-State Features for the Electronic Nose', IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, pp. 1-15.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Lobb, E, Maccallum, F, Phillips, JL, Agar, M, Hosie, A, Breen, LJ, Tieman, J, DiGiacomo, M, Luckett, T, Philip, J, Ivynian, S, Chang, S, Dadich, A, Harlum, J, Gilmore, I, Kinchin, I, Grossman, C & Glasgow, N 2024, 'The COVID-19 Pandemic: Bereavement Experiences Between Hospital and Home Deaths in Palliative Care', Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, vol. 67, no. 2, pp. 147-156.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

BACKGROUND: Australian COVID-19 public health measures reduced opportunities for people to communicate with healthcare professionals and be present at the death of family members/friends. AIM: To understand if pandemic-specific challenges and public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted end-of-life and bereavement experiences differently if the death, supported by palliative care, occurred in a hospital or at home. DESIGN: A cross-sectional online survey was completed by bereaved adults during 2020-2022. Analyses compared home and in-patient palliative care deaths and bereavement outcomes. Additional analyses compared health communication outcomes for those identified as persons responsible or next of kin. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Of 744 bereaved people; 69% (n = 514) had a death in hospital and 31% (n = 220) at home. RESULTS: The COVID-19 public health measures influenced people's decision to die at home. Compared to hospital deaths, the home death group had higher levels of grief severity and grief-related functional impairment. Only 37% of bereaved people received information about bereavement and support services. 38% of participants who were at least 12 months postdeath scored at a level suggestive of possible prolonged grief disorder. Levels of depression and anxiety between the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for health services to recognize bereavement as fundamental to palliative and health care and provide pre- and post death grief and bereavement care to ensure supports are available particularly for those managing end-of-life at home, and that such supports are in place prior to as well as at the time of the death.

Maccallum, F, Breen, LJ, Phillips, JL, Agar, MR, Hosie, A, Tieman, J, DiGiacomo, M, Luckett, T, Philip, J, Ivynian, S, Chang, S, Dadich, A, Grossman, CH, Gilmore, I, Harlum, J, Kinchin, I, Glasgow, N & Lobb, EA 2024, 'The mental health of Australians bereaved during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a latent class analysis', Psychological Medicine, vol. 54, no. 7, pp. 1361-1372.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many areas of life, including culturally accepted practices at end-of-life care, funeral rites, and access to social, community, and professional support. This survey investigated the mental health outcomes of Australians bereaved during this time to determine how these factors might have impacted bereavement outcomes.MethodsAn online survey indexing pandemic and bereavement experiences, levels of grief, depression, anxiety, and health, work, and social impairment. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify groups of individuals who shared similar symptom patterns. Multinomial regressions identified pandemic-related, loss-related, and sociodemographic correlates of class membership.Results1911 Australian adults completed the survey. The LCA identified four classes: low symptoms (46.8%), grief (17.3%), depression/anxiety (17.7%), and grief/depression/anxiety (18.2%). The latter group reported the highest levels of health, work, and social impairment. The death of a child or partner and an inability to care for the deceased due to COVID-19 public health measures were correlated with grief symptoms (with or without depression and anxiety). Preparedness for the person's death and levels of pandemic-related loneliness and social isolation differentiated all four classes. Unemployment was associated with depression/anxiety (with or without grief).ConclusionsCOVID-19 had profound impacts for the way we lived and died, with effects that are likely to ricochet through society i...

Mahmodi, H, Poulton, CG, Leslie, MN, Oldham, G, Ong, HX, Langford, SJ & Kabakova, IV 2024, 'Principal component analysis in application to Brillouin microscopy data', Journal of Physics: Photonics, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 025009-025009.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Abstract Brillouin microscopy has recently emerged as a new bio-imaging modality that provides information on the microscale mechanical properties of biological materials, cells and tissues. The data collected in a typical Brillouin microscopy experiment represents the high-dimensional set of spectral information, i.e. each pixel within a 2D/3D Brillouin image is associated with hundreds of points of spectral data. Its analysis requires non-trivial approaches due to subtlety in spectral variations as well as spatial and spectral overlaps of measured features. This article offers a guide to the application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for processing Brillouin imaging data. Being unsupervised multivariate analysis, PCA is well-suited to tackle processing of complex Brillouin spectra from heterogeneous biological samples with minimal a priori information requirements. We point out the importance of data pre-processing steps in order to improve outcomes of PCA. We also present a strategy where PCA combined with k-means clustering method can provide a working solution to data reconstruction and deeper insights into sample composition, structure and mechanics.

Manandhar, B, Paudel, KR, Clarence, DD, De Rubis, G, Madheswaran, T, Panneerselvam, J, Zacconi, FC, Williams, KA, Pont, LG, Warkiani, ME, MacLoughlin, R, Oliver, BG, Gupta, G, Singh, SK, Chellappan, DK, Hansbro, PM & Dua, K 2024, 'Zerumbone-incorporated liquid crystalline nanoparticles inhibit proliferation and migration of non-small-cell lung cancer in vitro', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, vol. 397, no. 1, pp. 343-356.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractLung cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer and is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up the majority of lung cancer cases. Zerumbone (ZER) is natural compound commonly found in the roots of Zingiber zerumbet which has recently demonstrated anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Despite their medical benefits, ZER has low aqueous solubility, poor GI absorption and oral bioavailability that hinders its effectiveness. Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNs) are novel drug delivery carrier that have tuneable characteristics to enhance and ease the delivery of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to formulate ZER-loaded LCNs and investigate their effectiveness against NSCLC in vitro using A549 lung cancer cells. ZER-LCNs, prepared in the study, inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells. These inhibitory effects were superior to the effects of ZER alone at a concentration 10 times lower than that of free ZER, demonstrating a potent anti-cancer activity of ZER-LCNs. The underlying mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects by ZER-LCNs were associated with the transcriptional regulation of tumor suppressor genes P53 and PTEN, and metastasis-associated gene KRT18. The protein array data showed downregulation of several proliferation associated proteins such as AXL, HER1, PGRN, and BIRC5 and metastasis-associated proteins such as DKK1, CAPG, CTSS, CTSB, CTSD, and PLAU. This study provides evidence of potential for increasing the potency and effectiveness of ZER with LCN formulation and developing ZER-LCNs as a treatment strategy for mitigation and treatment of NSCLC.

Mascio, R, Lynch, S, Phillips, JL, Hosie, A & Best, M 2024, 'Nurses’ models of spiritual care: A cross-sectional survey of American nurses', Palliative and Supportive Care, vol. 22, no. 2, pp. 314-324.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractObjectivesDespite there being many models for how spiritual care should be provided, the way nurses actually provide spiritual care often differs from these models. Based on the premise that the way a person enacts their work role is related to how they understand that role, this study aims to describe the qualitatively different ways that nurses understand their spiritual care role.MethodsA convenience sample of 66 American nurses completed an anonymous, online questionnaire about what spiritual care means for them and what they generally do to provide spiritual care. Their responses were analyzed phenomenographically.ResultsFour qualitatively different ways of understanding emerged: active management of the patient’s experience, responsive facilitation of patient’s wishes, accompaniment on the patient’s dying journey, and empowering co-action with the patient. Each understanding was found to demonstrate a specific combination of 5 attributes that described the spiritual care role: nurse directivity, the cues used for spiritual assessment, and the nurse’s perception of intimacy, the patient, and the task.Significance of resultsThe findings of this study may explain why nurses vary in their spiritual care role and can be used to assess and develop competence in spiritual care.

Mehmood, A, Raja, MAZ, Jalili, M & Ling, SH 2024, 'Identification of fractional Hammerstein model for electrical stimulated muscle: An application of fuzzy-weighted differential evolution.', Biomed. Signal Process. Control., vol. 87, pp. 105545-105545.

Musial, J, Stebel, K, Czeczot, J, Nowak, P & Gabrys, B 2024, 'Application of self-improving Q-learning controller for a class of dynamical processes: Implementation aspects', Applied Soft Computing, vol. 152, pp. 111250-111250.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Nguyen, HG, Nguyen, HT, Nguyen, LTT, Tran, TS, Ho-Pham, LT, Ling, SH & Nguyen, TV 2024, 'Development of a shape-based algorithm for identification of asymptomatic vertebral compression fractures: A proof-of-principle study', Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 22-27.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Passarelli, N, Palomba, S, Kabakova, I & de Sterke, CM 2024, 'Rational design of an integrated directional coupler for wideband operation', Applied Optics, vol. 63, no. 14, pp. D28-D28.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

We consider a design procedure for directional couplers for which the coupling length is approximately wavelength-independent over a wide bandwidth. We show analytically that two coupled planar waveguides exhibit a maximum in the coupling strength, which ensures both wideband transmission and minimal device footprint. This acts as a starting point for mapping out the relevant part of phase space. This analysis is then generalized to the fully three-dimensional geometry of rib waveguides using an effective medium approximation. This forms an excellent starting point for fully numerical calculations and leads to designs with unprecedented bandwidths and compactness.

Paudel, KR, Clarence, DD, Panth, N, Manandhar, B, De Rubis, G, Devkota, HP, Gupta, G, Zacconi, FC, Williams, KA, Pont, LG, Singh, SK, Warkiani, ME, Adams, J, MacLoughlin, R, Oliver, BG, Chellappan, DK, Hansbro, PM & Dua, K 2024, 'Zerumbone liquid crystalline nanoparticles protect against oxidative stress, inflammation and senescence induced by cigarette smoke extract in vitro', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, vol. 397, no. 4, pp. 2465-2483.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of zerumbone-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles (ZER-LCNs) in the protection of broncho-epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages against oxidative stress, inflammation and senescence induced by cigarette smoke extract in vitro. The effect of the treatment of ZER-LCNs on in vitro cell models of cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-treated mouse RAW264.7 and human BCi-NS1.1 basal epithelial cell lines was evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-senescence activities using colorimetric and fluorescence-based assays, fluorescence imaging, RT-qPCR and proteome profiler kit. The ZER-LCNs successfully reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers including Il-6, Il-1β and Tnf-α, as well as the production of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, ZER-LCNs successfully inhibited oxidative stress through reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and regulation of genes, namely GPX2 and GCLC in BCi-NS1.1 cells. Anti-senescence activity of ZER-LCNs was also observed in BCi-NS1.1 cells, with significant reductions in the expression of SIRT1, CDKN1A and CDKN2A. This study demonstrates strong in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-senescence activities of ZER-LCNs paving the path for this formulation to be translated into a promising therapeutic agent for chronic respiratory inflammatory conditions including COPD and asthma.

Pham, NHT, Joglekar, MV, Wong, WKM, Nassif, NT, Simpson, AM & Hardikar, AA 2024, 'Short-chain fatty acids and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Nutrition Reviews, vol. 82, no. 2, pp. 193-209.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Abstract Context There is substantial evidence that reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut are associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, although findings from clinical interventions that can increase SCFAs are inconsistent. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of SCFA interventions on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Data Sources Relevant articles published up to July 28, 2022, were extracted from PubMed and Embase using the MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms of the defined keywords [(short-chain fatty acids) AND (obesity OR diabetes OR insulin sensitivity)] and their synonyms. Data analyses were performed independently by two researchers who used the Cochrane meta-analysis checklist and the PRISMA guidelines. Data Extraction Clinical studies and trials that measured SCFAs and reported glucose homeostasis parameters were included in the analysis. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95%CIs were calculated using a random-effects model in the data extraction tool Review Manager version 5.4 (RevMan 5.4). The risk-of-bias assessment was performed following the Cochrane checklist for randomized and crossover studies. Data Analysis In total, 6040 nonduplicate studies were identified, 23 of which me...

Razavi Bazaz, S, Sayyah, A, Hazeri, AH, Salomon, R, Abouei Mehrizi, A & Ebrahimi Warkiani, M 2024, 'Micromixer research trend of active and passive designs', Chemical Engineering Science, vol. 293, pp. 120028-120028.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Rennie, C, Sives, C, Boyton, I, Diaz, D, Gorrie, C, Vittorio, O, Collins‐Praino, L & Care, A 2024, 'In Vivo Behavior of Systemically Administered Encapsulin Protein Nanocages and Implications for their use in Targeted Drug Delivery', Advanced Therapeutics, vol. 7, no. 2.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractEncapsulins, self‐assembling protein nanocages derived from prokaryotes, are promising nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems (NDDS). However, the in vivo behavior and fate of encapsulins are poorly understood. In this study, the interactions between the model encapsulin from Thermotoga maritima (TmEnc) and key biological barriers encountered by NDDS are probed. Here, a purified TmEnc formulation that exhibits colloidal stability, storability, and blood compatibility is intravenously injected into BALB/c mice. TmEnc has an excellent nanosafety profile, with no abnormal weight loss or gross pathology observed, and only temporary alterations in toxicity biomarkers are detected. Notably, TmEnc demonstrates immunogenic properties, inducing the generation of nanocage‐specific IgM and IgG antibodies, but without any prolonged pro‐inflammatory effects. An absence of antibody cross‐reactivity also suggests immune‐orthogonality among encapsulin systems. Moreover, TmEnc forms a serum‐derived protein corona on its surface which changes dynamically and appears to play a role in immune recognition. TmEnc's biodistribution profile further reveals its sequestration from the blood circulation by the liver and then biodegrades within Kupffer cells, thus indicating clearance via the mononuclear phagocyte system. Collectively, these findings provide critical insights into how encapsulins behave in vivo, thereby informing their future design, modification, and application in targeted drug delivery.

Rennie, C, Sives, C, Boyton, I, Diaz, D, Gorrie, C, Vittorio, O, Collins‐Praino, L & Care, A 2024, 'In Vivo Behavior of Systemically Administered Encapsulin Protein Nanocages and Implications for their use in Targeted Drug Delivery (Adv. Therap. 2/2024)', Advanced Therapeutics, vol. 7, no. 2.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Roberts, MJ, Conduit, C, Davis, ID, Effeney, RM, Williams, S, Martin, JM, Hofman, MS, Hruby, G, Eapen, R, Gianacas, C, Papa, N, Lourenço, RDA, Dhillon, HM, Allen, R, Fontela, A, Kaur, B & Emmett, L 2024, 'The Dedicated Imaging Post‐Prostatectomy for Enhanced Radiotherapy outcomes (DIPPER) trial protocol: a multicentre, randomised trial of salvage radiotherapy versus surveillance for low‐risk biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy', BJU International, vol. 133, no. S3, pp. 39-47.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

BackgroundSalvage radiation therapy (SRT) and surveillance for low‐risk prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) recurrence have competing risks and benefits. The efficacy of early SRT to the prostate bed with or without pelvic lymph nodes compared to surveillance in patients with PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy and no identifiable recurrent disease evident on prostate specific membrane antigen‐positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PSMA‐PET/CT) is unknown.Study DesignThe Dedicated Imaging Post‐Prostatectomy for Enhanced Radiotherapy outcomes (DIPPER) is an open‐label, multicentre, randomised Phase II trial.EndpointsThe primary endpoint is 3‐year event‐free survival, with events comprising one of PSA recurrence (PSA ≥0.2 ng/mL higher than baseline), radiological evidence of metastatic disease, or initiation of systemic or other salvage treatments. Secondary endpoints include patient‐reported outcomes, treatment patterns, participant perceptions, and cost‐effectiveness.Eligibility CriteriaEligible participants have PSA recurrence of prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy, defined by serum PSA level of 0.2–0.5 ng/mL, deemed low risk according to modified European Association of Urology biochemical recurrence risk criteria (International Society for Urological Pathology Grade Group ≤2, PSA doubling time >12 months), with no definite/probable recurrent prostate cancer on PSMA‐PET/CT.Patients and MethodsA total of 100 participants will be recruited from five Australian centres and randomised 1:1 to SRT or surveillance. Participants will undergo 6‐monthly clinical evaluation for up to 36 months. Androgen‐deprivation therapy is not permissible. Enrol...

Sadeghirad, H, Yaghoubi Naei, V, O’Byrne, K, Warkiani, ME & Kulasinghe, A 2024, 'In situ characterization of the tumor microenvironment', Current Opinion in Biotechnology, vol. 86, pp. 103083-103083.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Safarkhani, M, Farasati Far, B, Lima, EC, Jafarzadeh, S, Makvandi, P, Varma, RS, Huh, Y, Ebrahimi Warkiani, M & Rabiee, N 2024, 'Integration of MXene and Microfluidics: A Perspective', ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 657-676.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Salib, A, Jayatilleke, N, Seneviratne, JA, Mayoh, C, De Preter, K, Speleman, F, Cheung, BB, Carter, DR & Marshall, GM 2024, 'MYCN and SNRPD3 cooperate to maintain a balance of alternative splicing events that drives neuroblastoma progression', Oncogene, vol. 43, no. 5, pp. 363-377.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractMany of the pro-tumorigenic functions of the oncogene MYCN are attributed to its regulation of global gene expression programs. Alternative splicing is another important regulator of gene expression and has been implicated in neuroblastoma development, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We found that MYCN up-regulated the expression of the core spliceosomal protein, SNRPD3, in models of neuroblastoma initiation and progression. High mRNA expression of SNRPD3 in human neuroblastoma tissues was a strong, independent prognostic factor for poor patient outcome. Repression of SNRPD3 expression correlated with loss of colony formation in vitro and reduced tumorigenicity in vivo. The effect of SNRPD3 on cell viability was in part dependent on MYCN as an oncogenic co-factor. RNA-sequencing revealed a global increase in the number of genes being differentially spliced when MYCN was overexpressed. Surprisingly, depletion of SNRPD3 in the presence of overexpressed MYCN further increased differential splicing, particularly of cell cycle regulators, such as BIRC5 and CDK10. MYCN directly bound SNRPD3, and the protein arginine methyltransferase, PRMT5, consequently increasing SNRPD3 methylation. Indeed, the PRMT5 inhibitor, JNJ-64619178, reduced cell viability and SNRPD3 methylation in neuroblastoma cells with high SNRPD3 and MYCN expression. Our findings demonstrate a functional relationship between MYCN and SNRPD3, which maintains the fidelity of MYCN-driven alternative splicing in the narrow range required for neuroblastoma cell growth. SNRPD3 methylation and its protein-protein interface with MYCN represent novel therapeutic targets.

Skarding, J, Gabrys, B & Musial, K 2024, 'On the Effectiveness of Heterogeneous Ensembles Combining Graph Neural Networks and Heuristics for Dynamic Link Prediction', IEEE Transactions on Network Science and Engineering, pp. 1-19.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Skarding, J, Hellmich, M, Gabrys, B & Musial, K 2024, 'Corrections to “A Robust Comparative Analysis of Graph Neural Networks on Dynamic Link Prediction”', IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 6912-6913.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Stylianou, N, Sebina, I, Matigian, N, Monkman, J, Doehler, H, Röhl, J, Allenby, M, Nam, A, Pan, L, Rockstroh, A, Sadeghirad, H, Chung, K, Sobanski, T, O'Byrne, K, Almeida, ACSF, Rebutini, PZ, Machado‐Souza, C, Stonoga, ETS, Warkiani, ME, Salomon, C, Short, K, McClements, L, de Noronha, L, Huang, R, Belz, GT, Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes, F, Clifton, V & Kulasinghe, A 2024, 'Whole transcriptome profiling of placental pathobiology in SARS‐CoV‐2 pregnancies identifies placental dysfunction signatures', Clinical & Translational Immunology, vol. 13, no. 2.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractObjectivesSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus infection in pregnancy is associated with higher incidence of placental dysfunction, referred to by a few studies as a ‘preeclampsia‐like syndrome’. However, the mechanisms underpinning SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced placental malfunction are still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the transcriptional architecture of the placenta is altered in response to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.MethodsWe utilised whole‐transcriptome, digital spatial profiling, to examine gene expression patterns in placental tissues from participants who contracted SARS‐CoV‐2 in the third trimester of their pregnancy (n = 7) and those collected prior to the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic (n = 9).ResultsThrough comprehensive spatial transcriptomic analyses of the trophoblast and villous core stromal cell subpopulations in the placenta, we identified SARS‐CoV‐2 to promote signatures associated with hypoxia and placental dysfunction. Notably, genes associated with vasodilation (NOS3), oxidative stress (GDF15, CRH) and preeclampsia (FLT1, EGFR, KISS1, PAPPA2) were enriched with SARS‐CoV‐2. Pathways related to increased nutrient uptake, vascular tension, hypertension and inflammation were also enriched in SARS‐CoV‐2 samples compared to uninfected controls.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the utility of spatially resolved transcriptomic analysis in defining the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of S...

Tai, T-W, Chen, H-Y, Shih, C-A, Huang, C-F, McCloskey, E, Lee, J-K, Yeap, SS, Cheung, C-L, Charatcharoenwitthaya, N, Jaisamrarn, U, Kuptniratsaikul, V, Yang, R-S, Lin, S-Y, Taguchi, A, Mori, S, Li-Yu, J, Ang, SB, Chan, D-C, Chan, WS, Ng, H, Chen, J-F, Tu, S-T, Chuang, H-H, Chang, Y-F, Chen, F-P, Tsai, K-S, Ebeling, PR, Marin, F, Nistal Rodríguez, FJ, Shi, H, Hwang, KR, Kim, K-K, Chung, Y-S, Reid, IR, Chandran, M, Ferrari, S, Lewiecki, EM, Hew, FL, Ho-Pham, LT, Nguyen, TV, Nguyen, VH, Lekamwasam, S, Pandey, D, Bhadada, S, Chen, C-H, Hwang, J-S & Wu, C-H 2024, 'Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis', Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 3-10.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Van Alboom, M, Baert, F, Bernardes, SF, Verhofstadt, L, Bracke, P, Jia, M, Musial, K, Gabrys, B & Goubert, L 2024, 'Examining the role of structural and functional social network characteristics in the context of chronic pain: An ego-centered network design', The Journal of Pain, pp. 104525-104525.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

van der Steen, JT, Nakanishi, M, Van den Block, L, Di Giulio, P, Gonella, S, in der Schmitten, J, Sudore, RL, Harrison Dening, K, Parker, D, Mimica, N, Holmerova, I, Larkin, P, Martins Pereira, S, Rietjens, JAC & Korfage, IJ 2024, 'Consensus definition of advance care planning in dementia: A 33‐country Delphi study', Alzheimer's & Dementia, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 1309-1320.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractINTRODUCTIONExisting advance care planning (ACP) definitional frameworks apply to individuals with decision‐making capacity. We aimed to conceptualize ACP for dementia in terms of its definition and issues that deserve particular attention.METHODSDelphi study with phases: (A) adaptation of a generic ACP framework by a task force of the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC); (B) four online surveys by 107 experts from 33 countries, September 2021 to June 2022; (C) approval by the EAPC board.RESULTSACP in dementia was defined as a communication process adapted to the person's capacity, which includes, and is continued with, family if available. We identified pragmatic boundaries regarding participation and time (i.e., current or end‐of‐life care). Three interrelated issues that deserve particular attention were capacity, family, and engagement and communication.DISCUSSIONA communication and relationship‐centered definitional framework of ACP in dementia evolved through international consensus supporting inclusiveness of persons with dementia and their family.HighlightsThis article offers a consensus definitional framework of advance care planning in dementia.The definition covers all stages of capacity and includes family caregivers.Particularly important are (1) capacity, (2) family, (3) engagement, and communication.Fluctuating capacity was visualized in relation to roles and engaging stakeholders.

Villarosa, AR, Agar, M, Kong, A, Sousa, MS, Harlum, J, Parker, D, Srinivas, R, Wiltshire, J & George, A 2024, 'The perceptions of palliative care medical practitioners towards oral health: A descriptive qualitative study', Palliative Medicine, vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 310-319.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

Background: Oral health problems are common, but often overlooked, among people receiving palliative care. Aim: To better understand how oral health can be addressed in this population, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of oral health care among medical practitioners who provide palliative care to inform the development of a palliative oral health care program. Design: A descriptive qualitative design was adopted. Setting/participants: A single focus group was conducted with 18 medical practitioners at a palliative care facility in Sydney, Australia. All participants had experience providing palliative care services to clients. The focus group was audio recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: The results from the inductive thematic analysis identified four themes. The themes highlighted that participants were aware of the oral health needs of people receiving palliative care; however, they also reflected on the complexity in delivering oral health care across the healthcare settings, as well as the challenges around cost, lack of appropriate dental referral pathways, time constraints and limited awareness. Participants also provided recommendations to improve the delivery of oral health care to individuals receiving palliative care. Conclusions: To improve the provision of oral health care in this population, this study highlighted the need for oral health training across the multidisciplinary team, standardised screening assessments and referrals, a collective responsibility across the board and exploring the potential for teledentistry to support oral health care provision...

White, S, Turbitt, E, Rogers, K, Tucker, K, McEwen, A, Best, M, Phillips, JL & Jacobs, C 2024, 'A survey of genetic and palliative care health professionals’ views of integrating genetics into palliative care', European Journal of Human Genetics, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 109-116.
View/Download from: Publisher's site
View description>>

AbstractGenetic counselling and testing have utility for people with palliative care needs and their families. However, genetic and palliative care health professionals have described difficulties initiating palliative-genetic discussions. Between March and July 2022, we received n = 73 surveys (6% response rate) from genetic and palliative care health professionals in Australia and New Zealand that assessed and compared barriers and facilitators. The main perceived barrier to both groups was palliative care health professionals’ lack of genetic knowledge (44%). Most palliative care health professionals were ‘not at all confident’ performing several activities, including discussing DNA banking (52%) and knowing their legal responsibilities when sharing genetic information (58%). The most frequently selected facilitator for genetic health professionals was fostering close relationships with palliative care health professionals (52%), while palliative care health professionals indicated a genetic referral template (51%) would be of assistance. Almost all participants agreed genetic discussions do not undermine the central ethos of palliative care (87%). Fewer palliative care health professionals considered themselves well situated to have genetic discussions with a palliative patient’s family compared to genetic health professionals (p = 0.014). Our results suggest that genetic and palliative care health professionals support integrating genetics into palliative care, although refinement of the palliative care health professionals’ role in this process is required. We have identified intervention targets to overcome barriers related to knowledge and confidence, which ought to be integrated into future interventions designed to support health professionals deliver the benefits of genetic information to people with palliative care needs and their families.

Tsihlis, E, Woods, M, Ries, N, Somes, T, Parker, D, Debono, D, Carnemolla, P & Schofield-Georgeson, E University of Technology Sydney 2024, A New Aged Care Act: A Submission on the Aged Care Bill 2023 Exposure Draft and Consultation Paper No. 2, Sydney, Australia.

Aung, HW, Li, JJ, An, Y & Su, SW 2024, 'EEG_GLT-Net: Optimising EEG Graphs for Real-time Motor Imagery Signals Classification'.

Catterns, A, Darcy, S, Methcalf, W & Ring, A 2024, 'Ageism in the travel industry', ABC Radio National.
View description>>

If you've read the fineprint of your hotel terms and conditions or travel insurance, you might find that people over a certain age have very expensive premiums or are not welcome at all. We explore how common ageism in travel really is and look at how to embrace inclusive tourism.

He, F, Mahmud, MAP, Kouzani, AZ, Anwar, A, Jiang, F & Ling, SH 2024, 'An Improved SLIC Algorithm for Segmentation of Microscopic Cell Images', Authorea, Inc..
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Kwan, B 2024, 'New study finds improved quality of life linked to physical activity for disability population', SBS News.
View description>>

The first systematic review of the benefits of regular physical activity for the disability population has been completed by Australian researchers. They found that indicators on participation, mobility and quality of life were consistently enhanced in ways that offer a scaleable strategy to increase physical activity.

Mahmodi, H, Poulton, CG, Lesley, MN, Oldham, G, Ong, HX, Langford, SJ & Kabakova, IV 2024, 'Principal Component Analysis in Application to Brillouin Microscopy Data'.

Ping, P, Su, S, Cai, X, Lan, T, Zhang, X, Peng, H, Pan, Y, Liu, W & Li, J 2024, 'Turn ‘noise’ to signal: accurately rectify millions of erroneous short reads through graph learning on edit distances', Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
View/Download from: Publisher's site

Sharp, T, Slattery, K, Coutts, AJ, Gogh, MV, Ralph, L & Wallace, L 2024, 'Solving the High-Intensity Multimodal Training Prescription Puzzle: A Systematic Mapping Review.', Research Square Platform LLC.
View/Download from: Publisher's site