Return to work following long term sickness absence: a comparative analysis of stakeholders' views and experiences in six European countries.

Purpose Return to work is a complex and challenging process which takes various forms in different contexts. The aim of this study is to explore and compare cross-country differences in stakeholders' experiences and views on actors, policies and practices relevant for return to work after long-term sickness absence. The comparative exploration is done in six countries with various legislative backgrounds, welfare and social dialogue systems.

Chirality Nanosensor with Direct Electric Readout by Coupling of Nanofloret Localized Plasmons with Electronic Transport.

The detection of enantiopurity for small sample quantities is crucial, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry; however, existing methodologies rely on specific chiral recognition elements, or complex optical systems, limiting its utility. A nanoscale chirality sensor, for continuously monitoring molecular chirality using an electric circuit readout, is presented. This device design represents an alternative real-time scalable approach for chiral recognition of small quantity samples (less than 10 adsorbed molecules).

Optical Multilevel Spin Bit Device Using Chiral Quantum Dots.

The technological advancement of data storage is reliant upon the continuous development of faster and denser memory with low power consumption. Recent progress in flash memory has focused on increasing the number of bits per cell to increase information density. In this work an optical multilevel spin bit, based on the chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect, is developed using nanometer sized chiral quantum dots.

Role of Exchange Interactions in the Magnetic Response and Intermolecular Recognition of Chiral Molecules.

The physical origin of the so-called chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect has puzzled experimental and theoretical researchers over the past few years. Early experiments were interpreted in terms of unconventional spin-orbit interactions mediated by the helical geometry. However, more recent experimental studies have clearly revealed that electronic exchange interactions also play a key role in the magnetic response of chiral molecules in singlet states.

Magnetic oriented microparticles preparation.

Generally speaking, reaction platforms involving ferromagnetic surfaces, with a specific magnetic direction, are limited to the two dimensional regime, due to the nature of the magnetic phenomena. Here we show a method for preparing partially coated ferromagnetic microparticles with a distinct magnetic pole. This simple preparation method was presented previously to demonstrate an application for enantiomeric separation.

The challenge of return to work in workers with cancer: employer priorities despite variation in social policies related to work and health.

Purpose: This study explored employer's perspectives on (1) their experience of good practice related to workers diagnosed with cancer and their return to work (RTW), and (2) their perceived needs necessary to achieve good practice as reported by employers from nine separate countries.

Methods: Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were held in eight European countries and Israel with two to three employers typically including HR managers or line managers from both profit and non-profit organisations of different sizes and sectors. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim.

AFM-Based Spin-Exchange Microscopy Using Chiral Molecules.

Local magnetic imaging at nanoscale resolution is desirable for basic studies of magnetic materials and for magnetic logic and memories. However, such local imaging is hard to achieve by means of standard magnetic force microscopy. Other techniques require low temperatures, high vacuum, or strict limitations on the sample conditions.

Broad-band high-gain room temperature photodetectors using semiconductor-metal nanofloret hybrids with wide plasmonic response.

Semiconducting nanowires are widely studied as building blocks for electro-optical devices; however, their limited cross-section and hence photo-response hinder the utilization of their full potential. Herein, we present an opto-electronic device for broad spectral detection ranging from the visible (VIS) to the short wavelength infra-red (SWIR) regime, using SiGe nanowires coupled to a broadband plasmonic antenna. The plasmonic amplification is obtained by deposition of a metallic nanotip at the edge of a nanowire utilizing a bottom-up synthesis technique.

Olfactory function and alternation learning in eating disorders.

Orbitofrontal dysfunction is a prominent feature of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). In the present study we assessed orbitofrontal functioning in eating disorders (EDs) which share many features with OCD. For this purpose we studied female adolescent inpatients with anorexia nervosa restricting type (n=40), anorexia nervosa binge/purge type (n=23), a normal weight group including patients with either bulimia nervosa or eating disorder not otherwise specified-purging type (n=33), and 20 non-ED control females.

Helping cancer survivors return to work: what providers tell us about the challenges in assisting cancer patients with work questions.

Introduction: Cancer patients and survivors report receiving little work-related advice from healthcare providers about how to manage their work during treatment or when to return after completing primary treatment. This study explores the extent to which health professionals involved with colorectal cancer patients address work matters during active treatment.

Methods: Eighteen health professionals from oncology, occupational health and general practice were interviewed.

The meaning of cancer: implications for family finances and consequent impact on lifestyle, activities, roles and relationships.

Objective: This study explores the impact that cancer-related financial hardship/worries can have on family life.

Methods: Forty patients (19 male and 21 female) and 17 carers participated in a qualitative study, which drew on certain elements of grounded theory methods. Participants were 18 years or older and were accessed through a regional cancer centre, an acute National Health Service trust, a support group and the Macmillan Benefits Helpline.

Follow-up care in cancer: adjusting for referral targets and extending choice.

Background: Over recent years, several initiatives have impacted on the referral of patients to secondary care, most notably targets for urgent referral in suspected cancer and the patient choice agenda. At the same time, improved long-term survival in cancer has increased numbers attending follow-up, doubts about the effectiveness of specialist follow-up have emerged, and alternative models of follow-up have been tested.

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore patient and carer perspectives on the flexibility and responsiveness of cancer services.

Additional financial costs borne by cancer patients: a narrative review.

Purpose: To review out-of-pocket costs related to cancer that are borne by patients and their families.

Methods: A literature search using key terms relating to out-of-pocket costs incurred by cancer patients and their families was undertaken to generate a comprehensive narrative synthesis of the information available.

Results: Four themes were identified: measuring costs; sources of costs; the impact of costs and reducing costs.

Critical appraisal guidelines for assessing the quality and impact of user involvement in research.

Background: The involvement of service users in the design and conduct of health research has developed significantly in the UK in recent years. Involving service users is now seen as a core component of good research practice for all forms of health research. Given the important role that users have in health research, it is necessary to develop guidelines for their effective involvement.

Characteristics of professionally-led and peer-led cancer support groups in the United Kingdom.

Introduction: Support group participation has various benefits for cancer survivors. This study explored the provision of support groups for cancer survivors in the United Kingdom (UK), and examined differences between professionally and peer-led groups.

Methods: Leaders of cancer support groups in the UK were invited to take part in a national postal survey.

Cancer support group participation in the United Kingdom: a national survey.

Purpose: Existing data on cancer support groups come largely from small studies in specific geographic areas, particularly in the UK. This study was designed on a national scale to describe the characteristics of support group members and examine associations between group and participant variables and perceived outcomes.

Materials And Methods: A postal survey of support groups in the UK was performed with group leaders asked to distribute questionnaires to their members.

Return to work after cancer in the UK: attitudes and experiences of line managers.

Introduction: With improvements in diagnosis, treatment and survival rates, returning to work after cancer is of increasing importance to individuals and employers. Although line managers can play a potentially important role in the return to work process, research thus far has focused on the return to work process from the perspective of cancer survivors.

Aim: To explore the attitudes of line managers towards employees with a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer survivorship and return to work: UK occupational physician experience.

Background: Survivorship following diagnosis of cancer is increasing in prevalence. However, cancer survivors continue to report difficulty re-entering the workplace after diagnosis and treatment.

Aims: To survey UK occupational health physicians (OHPs) regarding their role in rehabilitation of employed survivors of cancer.

Return to paid work after cancer: a British experience.

Introduction: The impact of cancer on people's working lives is an increasingly important concern, yet, little is known regarding return to work after cancer in England. The rate of cancer patients who returned to paid employment within 18 months of diagnosis, and explored associations with demographic, clinical and work perception in one English region was investigated.

Materials And Methods: A postal survey of all cancer patients registered in North West England from June 2002 through December 2002.

Cancer survivors' views of work 3 years post diagnosis: a UK perspective.

The impact of cancer on people's working lives is an increasingly important concern but knowledge on this issue is very limited in the UK. Forty-one people of working age were purposively selected from the North Western Cancer Intelligence Service and interviewed by telephone to describe their experiences to returning to work following diagnosis and treatment. The data was subject to qualitative thematic analysis using NVIVO software.

Meeting the ongoing needs of survivors of rarer cancer.

With more treatment options for people with cancer long-term survivorship is increasing. Physical and psycho-social needs have been identified in survivors of common cancers but very little has been written about the needs of patients with rarer cancers. Patients treated for rarer cancer are discharged to the primary health care team (PHCT), yet little is known about the assessment, management and support of these patients.

Cancer and disability benefits: a synthesis of qualitative findings on advice and support.

Following the Supportive and Palliative Care Guidance, a call was made for a meta-ethnography on social support services for people affected by cancer. We responded by focusing on the topic of financial advice and support. After a scoping exercise revealed little qualitative evidence, we adopted the chief aim of identifying issues for research.