A three-dimensional principal component analysis approach for exploratory analysis of hyperspectral data: identification of ovarian cancer samples based on Raman microspectroscopy imaging of blood plasma

Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful tool to obtain both chemical and spatial information of biological systems. However, few algorithms are capable of working with full three-dimensional images, in which reshaping or averaging procedures are often performed to reduce the data complexity. Herein, we propose a new algorithm of three-dimensional principal component analysis (3D-PCA) for exploratory analysis of complete 3D spectrochemical images obtained through Raman microspectroscopy. Blood plasma samples of ten patients (5 healthy controls, 5 diagnosed with ovarian cancer) were analysed by acquiring hyperspectral imaging in the fingerprint region (∼780–1858 cm−1). Results show that 3D-PCA can clearly differentiate both groups based on its scores plot, where higher loadings coefficients were observed in amino acids, lipids and DNA regions. 3D-PCA is a new methodology for exploratory analysis of hyperspectral imaging, providing fast information for class differentiation

Cost-Consequence Analysis Alongside a Randomised Controlled Trial of Hospital Versus Telephone Follow-Up after Treatment for Endometrial Cancer

Background Regular outpatient follow-up programmes are usually offered to patients following treatment for gynaecological and other cancers. Despite the substantial resources involved in providing these programmes, there is evidence that routine follow-up programmes do not affect survival or the likelihood of detecting recurrence and may not meet patient needs. Alternative follow-up modalities may offer the same outcomes at lower cost. We examined the costs of using telephone-based routine follow-up of women treated for endometrial cancer undertaken by specialist gynaecology oncology nurses in comparison to routine hospital-based follow-up. Methods The ENDCAT trial randomised 259 women at five centres in the north west of England with a known diagnosis of Stage I endometrial cancer who had completed primary treatment on a 1:1 basis to receive either standard hospital outpatient follow-up or a telephone follow-up intervention administered by specialist nurses. A cost-consequence analysis was undertaken in which we compared costs to the health system and to individuals with the trial’s co-primary outcomes of psychological morbidity and participant satisfaction with information received. Results Psychological morbidity, psychosocial needs, patient satisfaction and quality of life did not differ between arms. Patients randomised to telephone follow-up underwent more and longer consultations. There was no difference in total health service mean per patient costs at 6 months (mean difference £8, 95% percentile confidence interval: − £147 to £141) or 12 months (mean difference: − £77, 95% percentile confidence interval: − £334 to £154). Estimated return journey costs per patient for hospital consultations were £11.47. Productivity costs were approximately twice as high under hospital follow-up. Conclusion Telephone follow-up was estimated to be cost-neutral for the NHS and may free up clinic time for other patients. There was some evidence that telephone follow-up may be more efficient for patients and wider society, and is not associated with additional psychological morbidity, lower patient satisfaction or reduced quality of life

Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of patient initiated follow up for women treated for stage I endometrial cancer

Purpose There is a strong shift away from hospital-based approaches to follow-up after active treatment for cancer with supported self-management being promoted as an approach to long term recovery. We aimed to determine the acceptability and feasibility of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU), supported by a self-management approach, for patients treated for Stage I endometrial cancer. Methods A mixed methods study was undertaken. Participants were asked to forego hospital outpatient follow-up appointments, supported by a self-management approach. Outcome measures included satisfaction with information and service, psychological morbidity, quality of life and preferences for follow-up. Qualitative interviews were carried out with study participants to determine their views on follow-up in general and PIFU in particular. Results We recruited 17 patients. High levels of satisfaction were evident with no physical or psychological detriment. Self-management was a favoured option. Participants questioned the value of hospital follow-up and were willing to engage in self-management if they knew who to contact if they had a problem and were aware of the signs and symptoms of recurrence. However, uptake to the study was low and further work is needed to explore if recruitment to a randomised controlled trial (RCT) is a viable option. Conclusions Alternative approaches to hospital-based follow-up need to demonstrate that patients feel supported, knowing what symptoms to report and to whom. This study shows acceptability of a supported self-management approach but raises some concerns about the feasibility of recruitment to a future RCT

Vibrational spectroscopy: a promising approach to discriminate neurodegenerative disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases are a growing burden in modern society, thus crucially calling for the development of accurate diagnostic strategies. These diseases are currently incurable, a fact which has been attributed to their late diagnosis, after brain damage has already become widespread. An earlier and improved diagnosis is necessary for the enrolment of patients into clinical trials and can pave the way for the development of therapeutic tactics. Novel analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy, have been able to successfully detect and characterise neurodegenerative disorders. It is critical to globally support and make use of innovative basic research and techniques, which could ultimately lead to the creation of a cost-effective diagnostic test. Minimally invasive samples, such as biological fluids, have also been shown to reveal information for these diseases; utilising them could simplify sample collection/analysis and be more preferable to patients

Interventions targeted at women to encourage the uptake of cervical screening

BACKGROUND World-wide, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Increasing the uptake of screening, alongside increasing informed choice is of great importance in controlling this disease through prevention and early detection. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at women, to increase the uptake, including informed uptake, of cervical cancer screening. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Issue 1, 2009. MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases up to March 2009. We also searched registers of clinical trials, abstracts of scientific meetings, reference lists of included studies and contacted experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to increase uptake/informed uptake of cervical cancer screening. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Where possible the data were synthesised in a meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS Thirty-eight trials met our inclusion criteria. These trials assessed the effectiveness of invitational and educational interventions, counselling, risk factor assessment and procedural interventions. Heterogeneity between trials limited statistical pooling of data. Overall, however, invitations appear to be effective methods of increasing uptake. In addition, there is limited evidence to support the use of educational materials. Secondary outcomes including cost data were incompletely documented so evidence was limited. Most trials were at moderate risk of bias. Informed uptake of cervical screening was not reported in any trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is evidence to support the use of invitation letters to increase the uptake of cervical screening. There is limited evidence to support educational interventions but it is unclear what format is most effective. The majority of the studies are from developed countries and so the relevance to developing countries is unclear.Output Type: Revie

An overview of early investigational drugs for the treatment of human papilloma virus infection and associated dysplasia

Introduction: High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) related invasive cervical cancer (ICC) causes >270,000 deaths per annum world-wide with over 85% of these occurring in low-resource countries. Ablative and excisional treatment modalities are restricted for use with high-grade pre-cancerous cervical disease with HPV infection and low-grade dysplasia mostly managed by a watch-and-wait policy.Areas Covered: Various pharmacological approaches have been investigated as non-destructive alternatives for the treatment of HR-HPV infection and associated dysplasia. These are discussed dealing with efficacy, ease-of-use (physician or self-applied), systemic or locally applied, side-effects, cost and risks. The main focus is the perceived impact on current clinical practice of a self-applied, effective and safe pharmacological anti-HPV treatment.Expert opinion: Current prophylactic HPV vaccines are expensive, HPV type restricted and have little effect in already infected women. Therapeutic vaccines are under development but are also HPV type-restricted. At present, the developed nations use national cytology screening and surgical procedures to treat only women identified with HPV-related high-grade dysplastic disease. However, since HPV testing is rapidly replacing cytology as the test-of-choice, a suitable topically-applied and low-cost antiviral treatment could be an ideal solution for treatment of HPV infection per se with test-of-cure carried out by repeat HPV testing. Cytology would only then be necessary for women who remained HPV positive. Although of significant benefit in the developed countries, combining such a treatment with self-sampled HPV testing could revolutionise the management of this disease in the developing world which lack both the infrastructure and resources to establish national cytology screening programs

Melanins As Sustainable Resources For Advanced Biotechnological Applications

Melanins are a class of biopolymers that are widespread in nature and have diverse origins, chemical compositions and functions in nature. Their chemical, electrical, optical and paramagnetic properties offering opportunities for application in materials science for a range of medical and technical applications. This review focuses on the application of analytical techniques to study melanins in multidisciplinary contexts with a view to their use as sustainable resources for advanced biotechnological applications, and how these may facilitate our achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)