44 results on '"Brennan, Louise"'
Search Results
2. The acceptability of exercise prehabilitation before cancer surgery among patients, family members and health professionals: a mixed methods evaluation
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Smyth, Emily, Brennan, Louise, Enright, Rachel, Sekhon, Mandeep, Dickson, Jane, Hussey, Juliette, and Guinan, Emer
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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3. Physical Therapists in Oncology Settings: Experiences in Delivering Cancer Rehabilitation Services, Barriers to Care, and Service Development Needs
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Brennan, Louise, Sheill, Grainne, O'Neill, Linda, O'Connor, Louise, Smyth, Emily, and Guinan, Emer
- Subjects
Cancer -- Care and treatment ,Physical therapists -- Services - Abstract
Objective. Physical therapist-delivered rehabilitation aims to manage the side effects of cancer and its treatments. Although access to cancer rehabilitation is not yet a standard of care in many countries, physical therapists practice in many types of cancer services with different cancer populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of physical therapists in cancer care practice with regard to their role, the factors influencing service delivery and development, and physical therapists' professional development needs. Methods. In this qualitative study with semistructured interviews, physical therapists in cancer care settings in the Republic of Ireland were interviewed via telephone. Participants (n = 17) represented a variety of clinical settings and roles. Two researchers performed thematic analysis of transcriptions using a semantic, inductive approach. Key themes and codes were identified and illustrative quotes were selected. Results. Six main themes were found: the need for more services, barriers to service development and delivery, a lack of awareness of the role of physical therapy, facilitators to service development, goals for the future of oncology physical therapy, and training needs of staff. Conclusions. Physical therapists provide valuable interventions across the spectrum of cancer care but experience barriers to the delivery and development of services. Investment in oncology physical therapy and developing international standards of care will allow physical therapists to meet the rehabilitation needs of survivors of cancer. Impact. As international guidelines increasingly recommend development of cancer rehabilitation programs, it is important to understand physical therapists' experiences of working in cancer care to assist in the development of effective oncology physical therapy services. This study demonstrates that physical therapist-led cancer rehabilitation services need investment and public promotion to enable the provision of optimal services to all patients with cancer and to meet standards of care. Keywords: Cancer Rehabilitation, Oncology, Physical Therapy, Qualitative, Introduction Advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, along with growing and aging populations, have resulted in an increased number of cancer survivors worldwide. (1,2) This pattern means that more people [...]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. ‘It is surprising how much nonsense you hear’: How residents experience and react to living in a stigmatised place. A narrative synthesis of the qualitative evidence
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Halliday, Emma, Brennan, Louise, Bambra, Clare, and Popay, Jennie
- Published
- 2021
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5. How accurate is the data provided to the Irish hip fracture database?
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Hughes, Andrew J., Hennessy, Orla, Brennan, Louise, Rana, Abdullah, and Murphy, Colin G.
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- 2019
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6. Recycling plastics from waste computer equipment
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Brennan, Louise B.
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668.9 - Abstract
In light of recent European legislation, an increase in recycling and recovery activities is required in the electrical and electronic sector in order to meet stipulated targets. For waste plastics this also includes the separation of plastics containing brominated flame retardants from those that do not. Studies into the FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectra of a collection of plastics from waste housings for computer equipment and comparisons with spectra from a selection of flame retardants, as well as testing different plastics identification systems have concluded that infrared spectroscopy cannot be used to detect flame retardants in plastics in the current state of technology. However flame retardants may be detected by using a combination of identification techniques such as IR (infrared) for plastic identification and pyrolytic spectroscopy for additive detection. The effects of recycling and blending on a commercial scale have been assessed on mechanical properties of the four most used plastics in computer equipment housings. Recycled ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), HIPS (high impact polystyrene), modified PPO (polyphenylene oxide) and PC (polycarbonate) /ABS alloy were tested in the pure form and as various blends of ABS and HIPS, HIPS and modified PPO (mPPO), ABS with PC/ABS and a blend of all four plastics. Properties tested were tensile and impact properties, DMT A (dynamic mechanical thermal analysis), viscosity, molecular weight and surface and bulk microscopy. Generally changes to mechanical properties following recycling of pure ABS, HIPS, PPO and PC/ABS are quite small, although there are slight reductions in ductility for HIPS and mPPO. All plastics used in this study appear unaffected by the presence of a small proportion of another plastic, although at higher blend proportions impact strengths of ABS/PC/ABS deteriorate, properties of ABS/HIPS blends remain unaffected and larger proportions of HIPS/PPO are beneficial to all properties. These results indicate that a plastics identification system probably does not need to be exactly 100% accurate.
- Published
- 2004
7. A genetically engineered multicistronic allele of Pmel yielding highly specific CreERT2 mediated recombination in the melanocyte lineage:A targeted Pmel allele driving CreERT2 expression in melanocytes
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Wilkinson, Emma L, Brennan, Louise C, Harrison, Olivia J, Crane-Smith, Zoe, Gautier, Philippe, Keighren, Margaret A, Budd, Peter, Swaminathan, Karthic, Machesky, Laura M, Allinson, Sarah L, Jackson, Ian J, and Mort, Richard L
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keratinocytes ,melanocytes ,melanoma ,melanoblasts - Abstract
Genetic approaches that allow lineage tracing are essential to our future understanding of melanocytes and melanoma. To date, the approaches used to label melanocytes in mice have relied on random integration of transgenes driven by the promoters of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome tautomerase genes, knock-in to the Dopachrome tautomerase locus or knock-in to the Mlana locus in a bacterial artificial chromosome. These strategies result in expression in other tissues such as telencephalon and other cell types such as nerves. Here we used homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate a targeted multicistronic allele of the Pmel locus that drives melanocyte-specific expression of CreERT2, nuclear localised H2B-Cerulean and membrane localised marcks-mKate2 allowing live imaging of melanocytes and activation of other conditional alleles. We combined this allele with R26R-EYFP mice allowing induction of EYFP expression on administration of tamoxifen or its metabolite 4-OHT. The fluorescent proteins H2B-Cerulean and marcks-mKate2 label the cell nucleus and plasma membrane respectively allowing live imaging and FACS isolation of melanoblasts and melanocytes as well as serving to provide an internal control allowing estimation of recombination efficiency after administration of tamoxifen. We demonstrate the utility of the transgene in embryonic and adult tissues.
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- 2022
8. Dangerous trends in pet obesity
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German, Alexander J., Woods, Georgiana R. T., Holden, Shelley L., Brennan, Louise, and Burke, Caroline
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- 2018
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9. Time to change the reference ranges of children's physiological observations in emergency care? A prospective study.
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Brennan, Louise, Heal, Calvin, Brown, Stephen, Roland, Damian, and Rowland, Andrew G
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YOUNG adults , *HEART beat , *LONGITUDINAL method , *BACTERIAL diseases , *ELECTRONIC records - Abstract
Aim: High heart and respiratory rates are key indicators in many published guidelines to identify and treat serious bacterial infection and sepsis in children, but the credibility of evidence underpinning what is considered abnormal is questionable. This study established the distribution of heart and respiratory rates of children using a large data set to inform debate on what the 'normal' range of these should look like. The primary aim was to compare the distribution of heart and respiratory rates measured in children recruited from non‐tertiary emergency care settings with those published by Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS). The secondary aim was to compare the distribution of this study's data set to other national guidance on what constitutes a severe (high‐risk) measurement and previously published data sets. Method: Prospective study using anonymised patient data, extracted from electronic patient records of children and young people 0–16 years, recruited from three Emergency Departments and one Urgent Care Centre in Northwest England, UK. Results: Heart and respiratory rates, including the reporting of values at certain centiles and comparisons of averages. Distribution of heart and respiratory rate were consistently higher than those used by the APLS guidance, resulting in a large proportion exceeding the 'severe' cut‐offs proposed. This varied greatly by age. Conclusions: This study's data set suggests normal heart rate ranges proposed by the APLS and others is too low and therefore 'abnormal' measurements encompass too large a proportion. The respiratory rate of this data set was more consistent with the guidelines and other published data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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10. Electroretinography in a Paediatric Setting: A Useful Diagnostic Tool
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Crofts, Stephanie, Brennan, Louise, and Scanlon, Katie
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- 2010
11. The Specialised Orthoptic Role in Management of Contact Lens Use in Infants
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Sendelbeck, Stephanie and Brennan, Louise
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- 2008
12. Genetically engineered multicistronic allele of Pmel yielding highly specific CreERT2‐mediated recombination in the melanocyte lineage.
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Wilkinson, Emma L., Brennan, Louise C., Harrison, Olivia J., Crane‐Smith, Zoe, Gautier, Philippe, Keighren, Margaret A., Budd, Peter, Swaminathan, Karthic, Machesky, Laura M., Allinson, Sarah L., Jackson, Ian J., and Mort, Richard L.
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BACTERIAL artificial chromosomes , *ALLELES , *BACTERIAL loci , *EMBRYONIC stem cells , *CELL nuclei - Abstract
Genetic approaches that allow lineage tracing are essential to our future understanding of melanocytes and melanoma. To date, the approaches used to label melanocytes in mice have relied on random integration of transgenes driven by the promoters of the Tyrosinase and Dopachrome tautomerase genes, knock‐in to the Dopachrome tautomerase locus or knock‐in to the Mlana locus in a bacterial artificial chromosome. These strategies result in expression in other tissues such as telencephalon and other cell types such as nerves. Here we used homologous recombination in mouse embryonic stem cells to generate a targeted multicistronic allele of the Pmel locus that drives melanocyte‐specific expression of CreERT2, nuclear localised H2B‐Cerulean and membrane localised marcks‐mKate2 allowing live imaging of melanocytes and activation of other conditional alleles. We combined this allele with R26R‐EYFP mice allowing induction of EYFP expression on administration of tamoxifen or its metabolite 4‐OHT. The fluorescent proteins H2B‐Cerulean and marcks‐mKate2 label the cell nucleus and plasma membrane respectively allowing live imaging and FACS isolation of melanoblasts and melanocytes as well as serving to provide an internal control allowing estimation of recombination efficiency after administration of tamoxifen. We demonstrate the utility of the transgene in embryonic and adult tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
13. Cystatin M/E variant causes autosomal dominant keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans by dysregulating cathepsins L and V
- Author
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Eckl, Katja M., Gruber, Robert, Brennan, Louise, Marriott, Andrew, Plank, Roswitha, Moosbrugger-Martinz, Verena, Blunder, Stefan, Schossig, Anna, Altmüller, Janine, Thiele, Holger, Nürnberg, Peter, Zschocke, Johannes, Hennies, Hans Christian, and Schmuth, Matthias
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transglutaminase ,congenital disorder of cornification ,cicatricial alopecia ,Genetics ,keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans ,cathepsin ,Technology Platforms ,cystatin ,epidermal differentiation ,Original Research - Abstract
Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD) is a rare cornification disorder with an X-linked recessive inheritance in most cases. Pathogenic variants causing X-linked KFSD have been described in MBTPS2, the gene for a membrane-bound zinc metalloprotease that is involved in the cleavage of sterol regulatory element binding proteins important for the control of transcription. Few families have been identified with an autosomal dominant inheritance of KFSD. We present two members of an Austrian family with a phenotype of KFSD, a mother and her son. The disease was not observed in her parents, pointing to a dominant inheritance with a de novo mutation in the index patient. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a heterozygous missense variant in CST6 in DNA samples from the index patient and her affected son. In line with family history, the variant was not present in samples from her parents. CST6 codes for cystatin M/E, a cysteine protease inhibitor. Patient keratinocytes showed increased expression of cathepsin genes CTSL and CTSV and reduced expression of transglutaminase genes TGM1 and TGM3. A relative gain of active, cleaved transglutaminases was found in patient keratinocytes compared to control cells. The variant found in CST6 is expected to affect protein targeting and results in marked disruption of the balance between cystatin M/E activity and its target proteases and eventually transglutaminases 1 and 3. This disturbance leads to an impairment of terminal epidermal differentiation and proper hair shaft formation seen in KFSD.
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- 2021
14. The wider health and wellbeing needs of those accessing paediatric care in England: engaging with the hidden voices of children and young people
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Hindocha, Avni, Brennan, Louise, Brewster, Liz, Lunn, Judith, and Isba, Rachel
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- 2023
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15. The current relevance of paediatric strabismus care in Australia
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Brennan, Louise and Crofts, Stephanie
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- 2016
16. Telehealth Delivery of a Multi-Disciplinary Rehabilitation Programme for Upper Gastro-Intestinal Cancer: ReStOre@Home Feasibility Study.
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Brennan, Louise, Sadeghi, Fatemeh, O'Neill, Linda, Guinan, Emer, Smyth, Laura, Sheill, Grainne, Smyth, Emily, Doyle, Suzanne L., Timon, Claire M., Connolly, Deirdre, O'Sullivan, Jacintha, Reynolds, John V., and Hussey, Juliette
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STOMACH tumors , *PILOT projects , *RESISTANCE training , *MEDICAL consultation , *LENGTH of stay in hospitals , *AEROBIC exercises , *COUNSELING , *RESEARCH methodology , *DIETETICS education , *CANCER chemotherapy , *MEDICAL care , *INTERVIEWING , *CANCER patients , *TREATMENT effectiveness , *HEALTH care teams , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *QUESTIONNAIRES , *PATIENT education , *COMBINED modality therapy , *ESOPHAGEAL tumors , *TELEMEDICINE - Abstract
Simple Summary: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many cancer care services have safely been delivered via telehealth. Multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programmes can help address the complex physical, nutritional and quality of life needs of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer survivors, but it is unknown how well these multi-component programmes translate to a telehealth model of delivery. Therefore, we assessed the feasibility of running a 12-week exercise and nutrition rehabilitation programme for UGI cancer via telehealth. Participants found the telehealth model safe, convenient and highly satisfactory. Lower levels of technology skills were a barrier to recruitment, and some participants needed help with using the technology. Some adaptations to how the exercise programme was delivered were required. Participants recommended that future versions of the programme would have some element of in-person contact. Cancer survivors should receive all possible supports to enable their participation in telehealth programmes. Background: Telehealth has enabled access to rehabilitation throughout the pandemic. We assessed the feasibility of delivering a multi-disciplinary, multi-component rehabilitation programme (ReStOre@Home) to cancer survivors via telehealth. Methods: This single-arm mixed methods feasibility study recruited participants who had completed curative treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer for a 12-week telehealth rehabilitation programme, involving group resistance training, remotely monitored aerobic training, one-to-one dietetic counselling, one-to-one support calls and group education. The primary outcome was feasibility, measured by recruitment rates, attendance, retention, incidents, acceptability, Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) and analysis of semi-structured interviews. Results: Characteristics of the twelve participants were: 65.42 ± 7.24 years; 11 male; 10.8 ± 3.9 months post-op; BMI 25.61 ± 4.37; received neoadjuvant chemotherapy 7/12; received adjuvant chemotherapy 4/12; hospital length of stay 16 days (median). Recruitment rate was 32.4%, and retention rate was 75%. Mean attendance was: education 90%; dietetics 90%; support calls 84%; resistance training 78%. Mean TUQ score was 4.69/5. Adaptations to the planned resistance training programme were required. Participants reported that ReStOre@Home enhanced physical and psychological wellbeing, and online delivery was convenient. Some reported a preference for in-person contact but felt that the online group sessions provided adequate peer support. Conclusion: Telehealth delivery of ReStOre@Home was most feasible in individuals with moderate to high levels of digital skills. Low level of digitals skills was a barrier to recruitment and retention. Participants reported high levels of programme adherence and participant satisfaction. Adaptations to future programmes, including introducing elements of in-person contact, are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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17. ‘Easy for you to say…' Reflexions from a train-the-trainer programme with members of the public to enhance communication on health inequalities
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Porroche-Escudero, Ana, Wheeler, Paula, and Brennan, Louise
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- 2020
18. Preoperative education and outcome of patient controlled analgesia
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Griffin, Michael J., Brennan, Louise, and McShane, Alan J.
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- 1998
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19. The Use of Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Benign Pancreatitis Pain
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Brennan, Louise, Fitzgerald, Joseph, and McCrory, Connail
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- 2009
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20. The effects of preparatory procedures and storage temperature on the quality of carrot discs packaged in modified atmospheres
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Cliffe-Byrnes, Valerie, Brennan, Louise, and OʼBeirne, David
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- 2007
21. Measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination coverage in children younger than 5 years attending a paediatric emergency department in Manchester, UK: a cross-sectional observational study
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Isba, Rachel, Brennan, Louise, Davies, Nigel, and Knight, Jo
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- 2022
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22. Segmentation of shoulder rehabilitation exercises for single and multiple inertial sensor systems.
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Brennan, Louise, Bevilacqua, Antonio, Kechadi, Tahar, and Caulfield, Brian
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- 2020
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23. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for managing the complications of ageing related to reduced exercise participation.
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O’Connor, Dominic, Brennan, Louise, Caulfield, Brian, and O'Connor, Dominic
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NEUROMUSCULAR transmission , *NEURAL stimulation , *AGING , *SARCOPENIA , *NEUROMUSCULAR diseases , *PHYSIOLOGICAL control systems - Abstract
Exercise participation and activity levels are low in many older adults, and when paired with the multi-systemic effects of ageing, such as sarcopenia and decreased cardiovascular function, can result in a loss of functional independence. Voluntary exercise may not always be feasible for these individuals, highlighting a need for alternative therapies. There is a growing body of literature that recognises the positive effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength, muscle mass and cardiorespiratory function in older adults. However, NMES suffers from poor clinical acceptability due to multiple barriers to its use, and poor patient engagement and adherence have been noted. Technology-based supports to exercise, such as biofeedback and 'gamification', have been effectively paired with a variety of rehabilitation interventions. This suggests that these supports could be promising additions to an NMES exercise system to reduce barriers to its use and maximise clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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24. How to encourage management of feline obesity in practice.
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Brennan, Louise
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VETERINARY medicine , *FELINE diabetes - Abstract
Feline obesity is a disease the veterinary professional encounters on a daily basis, yet we frequently hear that addressing the disease is more challenging in cats than dogs. Furthermore, obesity in companion animals is now recognised as a chronic incurable disease yet the statistics indicate an increasing trend in overweight and obese cats. The multifactorial causes leading to obesity create challenges in how and who addresses the disease with the client in practice. A whole-practice approach is recommended, involving vets, receptionists and nurses to ensure pet owners receive a consistent message. This article aims to provide guidance, practical solutions for the consult room, how to communicate the problem and follow through with support for clients and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]
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- 2017
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25. STRESS-testing clinical activity and outcomes for a combined prison in-reach and court liaison service: a 3-year observational study of 6177 consecutive male remands.
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O'Neill, Conor, Smith, Damian, Caddow, Martin, Duffy, Fergal, Hickey, Philip, Fitzpatrick, Mary, Caddow, Fintan, Cronin, Tom, Joynt, Mark, Azvee, Zetti, Gallagher, Bronagh, Kehoe, Claire, Maddock, Catherine, O'Keeffe, Benjamin, Brennan, Louise, Davoren, Mary, Owens, Elizabeth, Mullaney, Ronan, Keevans, Laurence, and Maher, Ronan
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MENTAL health of prisoners services ,MENTAL illness & society ,MENTAL illness risk factors ,FORENSIC sciences ,PSYCHOTIC depression - Abstract
Background: People with major mental illness are over-represented in prison populations however there are few longitudinal studies of prison in-reach services leading to appropriate healthcare over extended periods. Aims: We aimed to examine measures of the clinical efficiency and effectiveness of a prison in-reach, court diversion and liaison service over a 3 year period. Secondly, we aimed to compare rates of identification of psychosis and diversion with rates previously reported for the same setting in the 6 years previously. We adopted a stress testing model for service evaluation. Method: All new male remand committals to Ireland's main remand prison from 2012 to 2014 were screened in two stages. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded along with times to assessment and diversion. The DUNDRUM Toolkit was used to assess level of clinical urgency and level of security required. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors relevant to diversion. Results: All 6177 consecutive remands were screened of whom 1109 remand episodes (917 individuals) received a psychiatric assessment. 4.1 % (95 % CI 3.6-4.6) had active psychotic symptoms. Levels of self-harm were low. Median time to full assessment was 2 days and median time to admission was 15.0 days for local hospitals and 19.5 days for forensic admissions. Diversion to healthcare settings outside prison was achieved for 5.6 % (349/6177, 95 % CI 5.1-6.3) of all remand episodes and admissions for 2.3 % (95 % CI 1.9-2.7). Both were increased on the previous period reported. Mean DUNDRUM-1 and DUNDRUM-2 Triage Security Scores were appropriate to risk and need. Conclusions: We found that a two-stage screening and referral process followed by comprehensive assessment optimised identification of acute psychosis. The mapping approach described shows that it is possible for a relatively small team to sustainably achieve effective identification of major mental illness and diversion to healthcare in a risk-appropriate manner. The stress-testing structure adopted aids service evaluation and may help advise development of outcome standards for similar services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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26. Prospective cohort study of the relationship between neuro-cognition, social cognition and violence in forensic patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
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O'Reilly, Ken, Donohoe, Gary, Coyle, Ciaran, O'Sullivan, Danny, Rowe, Arann, Losty, Mairead, McDonagh, Tracey, McGuinness, Lasairiona, Ennis, Yvette, Watts, Elizabeth, Brennan, Louise, Owens, Elizabeth, Davoren, Mary, Mullaney, Ronan, Abidin, Zareena, and Kennedy, Harry G.
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SCHIZOPHRENIA ,SCHIZOAFFECTIVE disorders ,SOCIAL perception ,COGNITIVE ability ,LONGITUDINAL method ,COHORT analysis - Abstract
Background: There is a broad literature suggesting that cognitive difficulties are associated with violence across a variety of groups. Although neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits are core features of schizophrenia, evidence of a relationship between cognitive impairments and violence within this patient population has been mixed. Methods: We prospectively examined whether neurocognition and social cognition predicted inpatient violence amongst patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder (n = 89; 10 violent) over a 12 month period. Neurocognition and social cognition were assessed using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Results: Using multivariate analysis neurocognition and social cognition variables could account for 34% of the variance in violent incidents after controlling for age and gender. Scores on a social cognitive reasoning task (MSCEIT) were significantly lower for the violent compared to nonviolent group and produced the largest effect size. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between neurocognition and violence was completely mediated by each of the following variables independently: social cognition (MSCEIT), symptoms (PANSS Total Score), social functioning (SOFAS) and violence proneness (HCR-20 Total Score). There was no evidence of a serial pathway between neurocognition and multiple mediators and violence, and only social cognition and violence proneness operated in parallel as significant mediators accounting for 46% of the variance in violent incidents. There was also no evidence that neurocogniton mediated the relationship between any of these variables and violence. Conclusions: Of all the predictors examined, neurocognition was the only variable whose effects on violence consistently showed evidence of mediation. Neurocognition operates as a distal risk factor mediated through more proximal factors. Social cognition in contrast has a direct effect on violence independent of neurocognition, violence proneness and symptom severity. The neurocognitive impairment experienced by patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may create the foundation for the emergence of a range of risk factors for violence including deficits in social reasoning, symptoms, social functioning, and HCR-20 risk items, which in turn are causally related to violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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27. Objectively Assigning Species and Ages to Salmonid Length Data from Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar.
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Gurney, W. S. C., Brennan, Louise O., Bacon, P. J., Whelan, K. F., O'Grady, Martin, Dillane, Eileen, and McGinnity, P.
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Fishery managers need robust ways of objectively estimating the quantitative composition of fish stocks, by species and age-class, from representative samples of populations. Dual-frequency identification sonar data were used to first visually identify fish to a broad taxon (Salmonidae). Subsequently, kernel-density estimations, based on calibrated size-at-age data for the possible component species, were used to assign sonar observations both to species (Atlantic SalmonSalmo salaror Brown TroutSalmo trutta) and age-classes within species. The calculations are illustrated for alternative sets of calibration data. To obtain close and relevant fits, the approach fundamentally relies on having accurate and fully representative subcomponent distributions. Firmer inferences can be made if the component data sets correspond closely to the target information in both time and space. Given carefully chosen suites of component data, robust population composition estimates with narrow confidence intervals were obtained. General principles are stated, which indicate when such methods might work well or poorly. Received September 2, 2013; accepted October 30, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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28. Surgery Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in the Rat Cervical Spinal Cord.
- Author
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Brennan, Louise K., Harte, Brian H., Fitzgerald, Desmond J., and McCrory, Connail R.
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitory profile are effective analgesics in the postoperative period. This implies that surgery induces COX-2 biosynthesis. We examined whether peripheral surgical trauma can induce COX-2 expression in the rat cervical spinal cord. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. The control group underwent general anesthesia but had no surgery. The surgical group underwent general anesthesia and surgical exposure of neck structures. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized, and a section of cervical spinal cord was taken to identify COX-1 and COX-2 expression by immunohistochemical analysis. Two independent blinded observers analyzed the slides. Results: Analysis of COX-1 protein expression revealed homogenous staining in glial cells in all regions of the cervical spinal cord examined. There was no difference in expression between the control and surgical groups. However, whereas the control group demonstrated minimal COX-2 expression, the surgical group showed extensive neuronal and glial cell cytoplasmic COX-2 expression. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that surgery induces COX-2 expression in the rat cervical spinal cord. This could provide a scientific rationale for the use of selective COX-2 inhibitors as analgesics in the postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2009
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29. Blue City.
- Author
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STINCHCOMBE, KIRK, BRENNAN, LOUISE, and WILLOUGHBY, JENN
- Abstract
The article focuses on the future of water sustainability in Canada, considering water innovations in the water sector, the financial, and technological barriers to progress. The four concepts embedded in the Water Sustainable City of the Near Future report are cited including water quality, quantity, and availability. It cites four areas where progress toward sustainability could be made including cutting-edge technology and financial responsibility.
- Published
- 2014
30. Feedback Design in Targeted Exercise Digital Biofeedback Systems for Home Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review.
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Brennan, Louise, Dorronzoro Zubiete, Enrique, and Caulfield, Brian
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MOTOR learning , *ELECTRONIC feedback , *PHYSIOLOGICAL control systems , *HOME rehabilitation , *DIGITAL libraries - Abstract
Digital biofeedback systems (DBSs) are used in physical rehabilitation to improve outcomes by engaging and educating patients and have the potential to support patients while doing targeted exercises during home rehabilitation. The components of feedback (mode, content, frequency and timing) can influence motor learning and engagement in various ways. The feedback design used in DBSs for targeted exercise home rehabilitation, as well as the evidence underpinning the feedback and how it is evaluated, is not clearly known. To explore these concepts, we conducted a scoping review where an electronic search of PUBMED, PEDro and ACM digital libraries was conducted from January 2000 to July 2019. The main inclusion criteria included DBSs for targeted exercises, in a home rehabilitation setting, which have been tested on a clinical population. Nineteen papers were reviewed, detailing thirteen different DBSs. Feedback was mainly visual, concurrent and descriptive, frequently providing knowledge of results. Three systems provided clear rationale for the use of feedback. Four studies conducted specific evaluations of the feedback, and seven studies evaluated feedback in a less detailed or indirect manner. Future studies should describe in detail the feedback design in DBSs and consider a robust evaluation of the feedback element of the intervention to determine its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2020
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31. A Research Roadmap: Connected Health as an Enabler of Cancer Patient Support.
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Signorelli, Gabriel Ruiz, Lehocki, Fedor, Fernández, Matilde Mora, O'Neill, Gillian, O'Connor, Dominic, Brennan, Louise, Monteiro-Guerra, Francisco, Rivero-Rodriguez, Alejandro, Hors-Fraile, Santiago, Munoz-Penas, Juan, Dalmau, Mercè Bonjorn, Mota, Jorge, Oliveira, Ricardo B, Mrinakova, Bela, Putekova, Silvia, Muro, Naiara, Zambrana, Francisco, Garcia-Gomez, Juan M, Mora Fernández, Matilde, and Bonjorn Dalmau, Mercè
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CANCER patients ,ELECTRONIC health records ,WEARABLE technology ,ELECTRONIC systems ,ECOSYSTEM health ,UBIQUITOUS computing - Abstract
The evidence that quality of life is a positive variable for the survival of cancer patients has prompted the interest of the health and pharmaceutical industry in considering that variable as a final clinical outcome. Sustained improvements in cancer care in recent years have resulted in increased numbers of people living with and beyond cancer, with increased attention being placed on improving quality of life for those individuals. Connected Health provides the foundations for the transformation of cancer care into a patient-centric model, focused on providing fully connected, personalized support and therapy for the unique needs of each patient. Connected Health creates an opportunity to overcome barriers to health care support among patients diagnosed with chronic conditions. This paper provides an overview of important areas for the foundations of the creation of a new Connected Health paradigm in cancer care. Here we discuss the capabilities of mobile and wearable technologies; we also discuss pervasive and persuasive strategies and device systems to provide multidisciplinary and inclusive approaches for cancer patients for mental well-being, physical activity promotion, and rehabilitation. Several examples already show that there is enthusiasm in strengthening the possibilities offered by Connected Health in persuasive and pervasive technology in cancer care. Developments harnessing the Internet of Things, personalization, patient-centered design, and artificial intelligence help to monitor and assess the health status of cancer patients. Furthermore, this paper analyses the data infrastructure ecosystem for Connected Health and its semantic interoperability with the Connected Health economy ecosystem and its associated barriers. Interoperability is essential when developing Connected Health solutions that integrate with health systems and electronic health records. Given the exponential business growth of the Connected Health economy, there is an urgent need to develop mHealth (mobile health) exponentially, making it both an attractive and challenging market. In conclusion, there is a need for user-centered and multidisciplinary standards of practice to the design, development, evaluation, and implementation of Connected Health interventions in cancer care to ensure their acceptability, practicality, feasibility, effectiveness, affordability, safety, and equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2019
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32. Understanding responsibility for health inequalities in children's hospitals in England: a qualitative study with hospital staff.
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Brewster L, Brennan L, Hindocha A, Lunn J, and Isba R
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- Child, Humans, Adolescent, England, Qualitative Research, Hospitals, Personnel, Hospital, Health Inequities
- Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to understand how staff in children's hospitals view their responsibility to reduce health inequalities for the children and young people who access their services., Design: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study., Setting: The study took place at nine children's hospitals in England., Participants: 217 members of staff contributed via interviews and focus groups conducted January-June 2023. Staff were represented at all levels of the organisations, and all staff who volunteered to contribute were included in the study., Analysis: Data were analysed using Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal (RREAL) methodology for rapid assessment procedures (RAP)., Results: All of the children's hospitals were taking some action to reduce health inequalities. Two key themes were identified. First, it was clear that reducing health inequalities was seen as something that was of vital import and should be part of staff's day-to-day activity, framed as 'everyone's business.' Many staff felt that there was an obligation to intervene to ensure that children and young people receiving hospital treatment were not further disadvantaged by, for example, food poverty. Second, however, the deeply entrenched and intersectional nature of health inequalities sometimes meant that these inequalities were complex to tackle, with no clear impetus to specific actions, and could be framed as 'no-one's responsibility'. Within a complex health and social care system, there were many potential actors who could take responsibility for reducing health inequalities, and staff often questioned whether it was the role of a children's hospital to lead these initiatives., Conclusions: Broadly speaking, senior leaders were clear about their organisational role in reducing health inequalities where they impacted on access and quality of care, but there was some uncertainty about the perceived boundaries of responsibility. This led to fragility in the sustainability of activity, and a lack of joined-up intervention. Most hospitals were forging ahead with activity, considering that it was more important to work to overcome health inequalities rather than debate whose job it was., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Children’s Hospital Alliance., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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33. Assessing the health needs of children and young people accessing paediatric hospital services: a scoping review protocol.
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Hindocha A, Brennan L, Brewster L, Lunn J, and Isba R
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- Humans, Child, Adolescent, Minority Groups, Delivery of Health Care, Research Design, Review Literature as Topic, Ethnicity, Hospitals, Pediatric
- Abstract
Introduction: Health needs are issues that face a population or specific groups, which can benefit from healthcare and wider social and environmental changes. They are inextricably linked to health inequalities, which are largely determined by non-health-related factors such as socioeconomic deprivation or belonging to ethnic minority groups. The hospital-accessing paediatric population, with higher rates of morbidity and mortality, are likely to have higher levels of met and unmet health needs related to social determinants, compared with their peers. As the gap in health inequalities widens globally, paediatric health services may now have an increasingly important role to play in identifying and acting on inequalities affecting their patient population. This scoping review aims to collate information on how children's hospitals assess the health and wider health-related social needs of patients using a health inequalities lens. On a broader level, the review may also reveal themes about healthcare and other health needs of children accessing hospitals globally., Methods and Analysis: This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. A search strategy will be described to identify published articles from healthcare databases worldwide as well as healthcare-related grey literature. Literature will be examined to identify methods that aim to assess the health and related social needs of hospital-accessing paediatric patients and will exclude literature published before 2010. Two or more reviewers will independently review the results of the searches using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study findings will be presented in tabular form detailing the assessments identified., Ethics and Dissemination: The review will synthesise information on hospital approaches to understand and assess the health and health-related social needs of children and young people worldwide. The findings will be used to inform guidelines for children's hospitals in the UK and will be disseminated through national and international professional bodies, conferences and research papers., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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34. How do children's hospitals address health inequalities: a grey literature scoping review.
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Brennan L, Stres DP, Egboko F, Patel P, Broad E, Brewster L, Lunn J, and Isba R
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- Child, Humans, Hospitals, Health Inequities, Public Health, Gray Literature, Pandemics
- Abstract
Objectives: Health inequalities are systematic differences in health between people, which are avoidable and unfair. Globally, more political strategies are required to address health inequalities, which have increased since the global SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic, with a disproportionate impact on children. This scoping review aimed to identify and collate information on how hospitals around the world that deliver care to children have addressed health inequalities., Design: Scoping review focused solely on grey literature., Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies: Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, a four-step approach to identifying literature was adopted., Data Sources: Overton, OpenGrey, OpenMD, Trip Database, DuckDuckGo, Google, targeted websites and children's hospital websites were searched on March 2023 for items published since 2010., Data Extraction and Synthesis: Retrieved items were screened against clear inclusion and exclusion criteria before data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a data extraction tool. Studies were tabulated by a hospital. A meta-analysis was not conducted due to the varied nature of studies and approaches., Results: Our study identified 26 approaches to reduction of health inequalities, from 17 children's hospitals. Approaches were categorised based on their size and scope. Seven approaches were defined as macro, including hospital-wide inequality strategies. Ten approaches were classed as meso, including the establishment of new departments and research centres. Micro approaches (n=9) included one-off projects or interventions offered to specific groups/services. Almost half of the reported approaches did not discuss the evaluation of impact., Conclusions: Children's hospitals provide a suitable location to conduct public health interventions. This scoping review provides examples of approaches on three scales delivered at hospitals across high-income countries. Hospitals with the most comprehensive and extensive range of approaches employ dedicated staff within the hospital and community. This review indicates the value of recruitment of both public health-trained staff and culturally similar staff to deliver community-based interventions., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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35. Moving Forward With Telehealth in Cancer Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives From a Mixed Methods Study.
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O'Neill L, Brennan L, Sheill G, Connolly D, Guinan E, and Hussey J
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth in cancer care and highlighted the potential of telehealth as a means of delivering the much-needed rehabilitation services for patients living with the side effects of cancer and its treatments., Objective: This mixed methods study aims to explore patients' experiences of telehealth and their preferences regarding the use of telehealth for cancer rehabilitation to inform service development., Methods: The study was completed in 2 phases from October 2020 to November 2021. In phase 1, an anonymous survey (web- and paper-based) exploring the need, benefits, barriers, facilitators, and preferences for telehealth cancer rehabilitation was distributed to survivors of cancer in Ireland. In phase 2, survivors of cancer were invited to participate in semistructured interviews exploring their experiences of telehealth and its role in cancer rehabilitation. Interviews were conducted via telephone or video call following an interview guide informed by the results of the survey and transcribed verbatim, and reflexive thematic analysis was performed using a qualitative descriptive approach., Results: A total of 48 valid responses were received. The respondents were at a median of 26 (range 3-256) months after diagnosis, and 23 (48%) of the 48 participants had completed treatment. Of the 48 respondents, 31 (65%) reported using telehealth since the start of the pandemic, 15 (31%) reported having experience with web-based cancer rehabilitation, and 43 (90%) reported a willingness for web-based cancer rehabilitation. A total of 26 (54%) of the 48 respondents reported that their views on telehealth had changed positively since the start of the pandemic. Semistructured interviews were held with 18 survivors of cancer. The mean age of the participants was 58.9 (SD 8.24) years, 56% (10/18) of the participants were female, and 44% (8/18) of the participants were male. Reflexive thematic analysis identified 5 key themes: telehealth improves accessibility to cancer rehabilitation for some but is a barrier for others, lived experiences of the benefits of telehealth in survivorship, the value of in-person health care, telehealth in cancer care and COVID-19 (from novelty to normality), and the future of telehealth in cancer rehabilitation., Conclusions: Telehealth is broadly welcomed as a mode of cancer rehabilitation for patients living with and beyond cancer in Ireland. However, issues regarding accessibility and the importance of in-person care must be acknowledged. Factors of convenience, time savings, and cost savings indicate that telehealth interventions are a desirable patient-centered method of delivering care when performed in suitable clinical contexts and with appropriate populations., (©Linda O'Neill, Louise Brennan, Grainne Sheill, Deirdre Connolly, Emer Guinan, Juliette Hussey. Originally published in JMIR Cancer (https://cancer.jmir.org), 09.11.2023.)
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- 2023
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36. Unmet vaccination need among children under the age of five attending the paediatric emergency department: a cross-sectional study in a large UK district general hospital.
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Isba R, Brennan L, Egboko F, Edge R, Davies N, and Knight J
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- Child, Child, Preschool, Humans, Aged, Cross-Sectional Studies, Hospitals, General, Vaccination, Immunization, Secondary, England, Tetanus Toxoid, Tetanus
- Abstract
Objective: To estimate vaccination coverage among children under the age of five attending the paediatric emergency department (PED) using tetanus and MMR vaccination as a proxy., Design: A cross-sectional observational study with a single data collection point for each participant., Setting: A single large PED in Greater Manchester, England., Participants: Children (under 5 years old) attending the PED during October 2021. Participation was 'opt-out' and parents/carers were given until the end of the following month to request that their child's data be excluded., Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures: The primary outcome of interest was the percentage of children who were up-to-date with their routine childhood vaccinations at their time of attendance to the PED. Secondary outcome measures were the percentage of children who had received age-appropriate tetanus and MMR vaccination, and how these compared with local population data at the ages of 1, 2 and 5 years of age., Results: One-third of under-5s in this study had unmet vaccination need and were missing at least one dose of either MMR or tetanus-containing vaccine. In older age groups, many were missing their tetanus boosters and only 1 in 5 of those eligible had received two doses of MMR. Those in younger age groups had vaccination coverage levels comparable to the local data, but still below the target of 95%., Conclusions: Those children eligible for preschool boosters (tetanus and MMR2) appear to have considerable unmet vaccination need. While the pandemic has had an impact, the observation that MMR2 uptake is considerably lower than tetanus booster (when they are scheduled together) warrants further investigation. Catch-up campaigns for MMR2 should focus on this cohort of children and the PED may offer an opportunity for an intervention., Trial Registration Number: NCT04485624., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2023
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37. How do hospitals address health inequalities experienced by children and young people: a grey literature scoping review protocol.
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Brennan L, Brewster L, Lunn J, Egboko F, Pestotnik Stres D, Patel P, and Isba R
- Subjects
- Child, Humans, Adolescent, Gray Literature, Pandemics, State Medicine, SARS-CoV-2, Hospitals, Research Design, Review Literature as Topic, Health Status Disparities, COVID-19 epidemiology
- Abstract
Introduction: Health inequalities are unfair, systematic differences in health between people. In the UK, the Health and Social Care Act 2012 recognised health inequalities as a responsibility of the National Health Service (NHS). Health inequalities were foregrounded in the publication of 2019 NHS Long Term Plan and during the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. Hospitals are well placed to address health inequalities through their role as anchor institutions. While many hospitals have begun to address inequalities, children are often overlooked or assumed to have the same needs as adult populations. This grey literature scoping review aims to identify, collate and present approaches taken by hospitals to address health inequalities in children and young people., Methods and Analysis: This scoping review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute guidance. A four-step approach to identifying grey literature will be used. Literature will be examined to identify approaches that aim to address health inequalities. Literature must describe the health inequality they aim to address and be initiated by the hospital. It will exclude literature not available in English and published before 2010. Two reviewers will independently review the results of the searches using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a data extraction tool. Study findings will be presented in tabular form detailing the interventions identified., Dissemination: The review will synthesise information on worldwide hospital approaches to addressing child health inequalities. The findings will be used to inform guidelines for children's hospitals in the UK and will be disseminated through national and international professional bodies, conferences and research papers., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)
- Published
- 2023
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38. Cystatin M/E Variant Causes Autosomal Dominant Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans by Dysregulating Cathepsins L and V.
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Eckl KM, Gruber R, Brennan L, Marriott A, Plank R, Moosbrugger-Martinz V, Blunder S, Schossig A, Altmüller J, Thiele H, Nürnberg P, Zschocke J, Hennies HC, and Schmuth M
- Abstract
Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD) is a rare cornification disorder with an X-linked recessive inheritance in most cases. Pathogenic variants causing X-linked KFSD have been described in MBTPS2 , the gene for a membrane-bound zinc metalloprotease that is involved in the cleavage of sterol regulatory element binding proteins important for the control of transcription. Few families have been identified with an autosomal dominant inheritance of KFSD. We present two members of an Austrian family with a phenotype of KFSD, a mother and her son. The disease was not observed in her parents, pointing to a dominant inheritance with a de novo mutation in the index patient. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a heterozygous missense variant in CST6 in DNA samples from the index patient and her affected son. In line with family history, the variant was not present in samples from her parents. CST6 codes for cystatin M/E, a cysteine protease inhibitor. Patient keratinocytes showed increased expression of cathepsin genes CTSL and CTSV and reduced expression of transglutaminase genes TGM1 and TGM3. A relative gain of active, cleaved transglutaminases was found in patient keratinocytes compared to control cells. The variant found in CST6 is expected to affect protein targeting and results in marked disruption of the balance between cystatin M/E activity and its target proteases and eventually transglutaminases 1 and 3. This disturbance leads to an impairment of terminal epidermal differentiation and proper hair shaft formation seen in KFSD., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Eckl, Gruber, Brennan, Marriott, Plank, Moosbrugger-Martinz, Blunder, Schossig, Altmüller, Thiele, Nürnberg, Zschocke, Hennies and Schmuth.)
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- 2021
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39. ReStOre@Home: Feasibility study of a virtually delivered 12-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme for survivors of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer - study protocol.
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O'Neill L, Guinan E, Brennan L, Doyle SL, O'Connor L, Sheill G, Smyth E, Fairman CM, Segurado R, Connolly D, O'Sullivan J, Reynolds JV, and Hussey J
- Abstract
Background: Exercise rehabilitation programmes, traditionally involving supervised exercise sessions, have had to rapidly adapt to virtual delivery in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to minimise patient contacts. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the pandemic is likely to persist in the medium term and during this time it is important that the feasibility and effectiveness of remote solutions is considered. We have previously established the feasibility of the Rehabilitation Strategies following Oesophago-gastric Cancer (ReStOre) intervention - a face to face multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer survivors. This study will examine the feasibility of a virtually delivered 12-week multi-component ReStOre@Home programme. Methods: This single arm feasibility study will recruit 12 patients who have completed curative treatment for oesophago-gastric cancer. Participants will complete the 12-week ReStOre@Home programme consisting of exercise (aerobic and resistance training), 1:1 dietary counselling and group education sessions through virtual delivery. Underpinned by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework, feasibility will be determined by recruitment rates, adherence, retention, incidents, and acceptability. Acceptability will be assessed qualitatively through post-intervention interview and the Telehealth Usability Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will be assessed pre and post-intervention and will include measures of physical performance (cardiopulmonary exercise test, short physical performance battery, hand grip strength, Godin Leisure Time Questionnaire, and body composition), health related quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and oesophago-gastric cancer specific subscale (EORTC-QLQ-OG25), fatigue (Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and venous blood samples will be collected for the UGI Cancer Survivorship Biobank. Discussion: The ReStOre@Home feasibility study will provide important data regarding the amenability of a multidisciplinary programme designed for UGI cancer survivors to virtual delivery. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04603339 (26/10/2020)., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2021 O'Neill L et al.)
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- 2021
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40. Patient Experiences of Rehabilitation and the Potential for an mHealth System with Biofeedback After Breast Cancer Surgery: Qualitative Study.
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Brennan L, Kessie T, and Caulfield B
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- Adult, Aged, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Patient Outcome Assessment, Telemedicine, Biofeedback, Psychology, Breast Neoplasms surgery, Mobile Applications
- Abstract
Background: Physiotherapy-led home rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery can protect against the development of upper limb dysfunction and other disabling consequences of surgery. A variety of barriers can limit physical rehabilitation outcomes, and patients may benefit from more support during this time. Mobile health (mHealth) systems can assist patients during rehabilitation by providing exercise support, biofeedback, and information. Before designing mHealth systems for a specific population, developers must first engage with users to understand their experiences and needs., Objective: The aims of this study were to explore patients' rehabilitation experiences and unmet needs during home rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery and to understand their experiences of mHealth technology and the requirements they desire from an mHealth system., Methods: This was the first stage of a user-centered design process for an mHealth system. We interviewed 10 breast cancer survivors under the two main topics of "Rehabilitation" and "Technology" and performed a thematic analysis on the interview data., Results: Discussions regarding rehabilitation focused on the acute and long-term consequences of surgery; unmet needs and lack of support; self-driven rehabilitation; and visions for high-quality rehabilitation. Regarding technology, participants reported a lack of mHealth options for this clinical context and using non-cancer-specific applications and wearables. Participants requested an mHealth tool from a reliable source that provides exercise support., Conclusions: There are unmet needs surrounding access to physiotherapy, information, and support during home rehabilitation after breast cancer surgery that could be addressed with an mHealth system. Breast cancer survivors are open to using an mHealth system and require that it comes from a reliable source and focuses on supporting exercise performance., (©Louise Brennan, Threase Kessie, Brian Caulfield. Originally published in JMIR mHealth and uHealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 29.07.2020.)
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- 2020
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41. Feedback Design in Targeted Exercise Digital Biofeedback Systems for Home Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review.
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Brennan L, Dorronzoro Zubiete E, and Caulfield B
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- Humans, Biofeedback, Psychology, Exercise physiology, Feedback, Rehabilitation
- Abstract
Digital biofeedback systems (DBSs) are used in physical rehabilitation to improve outcomes by engaging and educating patients and have the potential to support patients while doing targeted exercises during home rehabilitation. The components of feedback (mode, content, frequency and timing) can influence motor learning and engagement in various ways. The feedback design used in DBSs for targeted exercise home rehabilitation, as well as the evidence underpinning the feedback and how it is evaluated, is not clearly known. To explore these concepts, we conducted a scoping review where an electronic search of PUBMED, PEDro and ACM digital libraries was conducted from January 2000 to July 2019. The main inclusion criteria included DBSs for targeted exercises, in a home rehabilitation setting, which have been tested on a clinical population. Nineteen papers were reviewed, detailing thirteen different DBSs. Feedback was mainly visual, concurrent and descriptive, frequently providing knowledge of results. Three systems provided clear rationale for the use of feedback. Four studies conducted specific evaluations of the feedback, and seven studies evaluated feedback in a less detailed or indirect manner. Future studies should describe in detail the feedback design in DBSs and consider a robust evaluation of the feedback element of the intervention to determine its efficacy.
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- 2019
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42. Rehabilitation Exercise Segmentation for Autonomous Biofeedback Systems with ConvFSM.
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Bevilacqua A, Brennan L, Argent R, Caulfield B, and Kechadi T
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- Accelerometry, Exercise, Humans, Upper Extremity, Biofeedback, Psychology, Exercise Therapy
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Segmenting physical movements is a key step for any accelerometry-based autonomous biofeedback system oriented to rehabilitation and physiotherapy activities. Fundamentally, this can be reduced to the detection of recurrent patterns, also called motion primitives, in longer inertial signals. Most of the solutions developed in the literature require extensive domain knowledge, or are incapable of scaling to complex motion patterns and new exercises. In this paper, we explore the capabilities of inertial measurement units for the segmentation of upper limb rehabilitation exercises. To do so, we introduce a novel segmentation technique based on Convolutional Neural Networks and Finite State Machines, called ConvFSM. ConvFSM is able to isolate motion primitives from raw streaming data, using very little domain knowledge. We also investigate different combinations of sensors, in order to identify the most effective and flexible setup that could fit a home-based rehabilitation feedback system. Experimental results are presented, based on a dataset obtained from a combination of common upper limb and lower limb exercises.
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- 2019
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43. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for managing the complications of ageing related to reduced exercise participation.
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O'Connor D, Brennan L, and Caulfield B
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- Aged, Humans, Male, Sarcopenia physiopathology, Sarcopenia therapy, Treatment Outcome, Aging physiology, Electric Stimulation Therapy methods, Exercise physiology, Muscle Strength physiology
- Abstract
Exercise participation and activity levels are low in many older adults, and when paired with the multi-systemic effects of ageing, such as sarcopenia and decreased cardiovascular function, can result in a loss of functional independence. Voluntary exercise may not always be feasible for these individuals, highlighting a need for alternative therapies. There is a growing body of literature that recognises the positive effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength, muscle mass and cardiorespiratory function in older adults. However, NMES suffers from poor clinical acceptability due to multiple barriers to its use, and poor patient engagement and adherence have been noted. Technology-based supports to exercise, such as biofeedback and 'gamification', have been effectively paired with a variety of rehabilitation interventions. This suggests that these supports could be promising additions to an NMES exercise system to reduce barriers to its use and maximise clinical outcomes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2018
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44. Local infiltration analgesia in hip and knee arthroplasty: an emerging technique.
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Dillon JP, Brennan L, and Mitchell D
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- Early Ambulation, Humans, Analgesia methods, Anesthetics, Local administration & dosage, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip, Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee, Pain, Postoperative prevention & control
- Abstract
The optimal form of post-operative analgesia in hip and knee arthroplasty is still debated. Traditionally, patient-controlled analgesia and epidural anaesthesia were used. Potential side-effects such as nausea, confusion, urinary retention, hypotension and immobility have resulted in the emergence of newer techniques that limit opioid use. Peripheral nerve blockade provides excellent analgesia but limits patient ability to ambulate in the immediate post-operative period. Local infiltrative analgesia (LIA) is an emerging technique that has shown to provide superior analgesia, higher patient satisfaction and earlier discharge from hospital when compared to some of the more traditional methods. This review article highlights the advantages of LIA in hip and knee arthroplasty surgery. We describe the technique used, including additional measures that aid early ambulation and discharge from hospital in this cohort of patients.
- Published
- 2012
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