Not all pre-registrations are equal

There is growing recognition that troubling numbers of experiments fail to replicate in fields relevant to Neuropsychopharmacology, from neuroimaging [1] to animal behaviour [2]. We believe a counteraction to this, led by pharmacology, is increased emphasis on the distinction between exploratory and confirmatory scientific practices [3]. Exploratory research, where multiple methodologies and analyses are trialled, is vital for discovery. In contrast, confirmatory research requires that this flexibility is minimised to address a well-specified research question. We aim to highlight problems that arise when this boundary is blurred, and how a new vista of publishing formats generally help by nailing down this distinction. However, some formats can allow problematic flexibility to re-enter under a confirmatory guise

Why there is a 'right' kind of trauma in Uganda: part two

Recent calls to increase mental health interventions in post-conflict settings omit crucial evidence on their social impact. Indeed, Western narratives around trauma and PTSD can obscure the needs of its recipients. Research on ex-LRA combatants in Uganda highlights why health interventions should engage critically with the lived realities of those it seeks to assist. Based on a paper in Anthropology Today, this is the second in a two-part series on the anthropology behind ‘trauma’ in war-affected and post-conflict settings

Powers and the Hard Problem of Consciousness: Conceivability, Possibility and Powers

Do conceivability arguments work against physicalism if properties are causal powers? By considering three different ways of understanding causal powers and the modality associated with them, I will argue that most, if not all, physicalist powers theorists should not be concerned about the Conceivability Argument because its conclusion that physicalism is false does not hold in their favoured ontology. I also defend specific powers theories against some recent objections to this strategy, arguing that the conception of properties as powerful blocks Conceivability Arguments unless a rather implausible form of emergence is true

Promoting war trauma may not be a good idea

Policymakers and practitioners should beware of inadequacies in the World Health Organisation’s recent assessment of mental health in conflict settings. While raising the profile of these issues, by universalising mental disorder classifications across cultures a simplified understanding might harm the roll-out of effective therapies, leading to the question: what would increased and scaled-up interventions actually achieve? Based on a paper in Anthropology Today, this is the first in a two-part series on the anthropology behind ‘trauma’ in war-affected and post-conflict settings

Improving Physiological Relevance of Cell Culture: The Possibilities, Considerations and Future Directions of the Ex Vivo Co-Culture Model

In vitro models provide an important platform for the investigation of cellular growth and atrophy to inform, or extend mechanistic insights from, logistically challenging in vivo trials. While these models allow for the identification of candidate mechanistic pathways, many models involve supraphysiological dosages, non-physiological conditions, or experimental changes relating to individual proteins or receptors, all of which limit translation to human trials. To overcome these drawbacks, the use of ex vivo human plasma and serum has been used in cellular models to investigate changes in myotube hypertrophy, cellular protein synthesis, anabolic and catabolic markers in response to differing age, disease states, and nutrient status. However, there are currently no concurrent guidelines outlining the optimal methodology for this model. This review discusses the key methodological considerations surrounding the use of ex vivoplasma and serum, with a focus in application to skeletal muscle cell lines (i.e., C2C12, L6 and LHCN-M2) and human primary skeletal muscle cells (HSMC) as a means to investigate molecular signaling in models of atrophy and hypertrophy, alongside future directions

That Water Stinks! Will Changes in Water Quality Alter Blue Crab Response to Pesticides?

Nathan Hammond, Allen Schaefer, and Sophie Bott are students in Biological Sciences at Louisiana Tech University. Jennifer M. Hill is an Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at Louisiana Tech University

Planning and developing services for diabetic retinopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Over the past few decades diabetes has emerged as an important non-communicable disease in Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA). Sight loss from Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) can be prevented with screening and early treatment. The objective of this paper is to outline the required actions and considerations in the planning and development of DR screening services. Methods: A multiple-case study approach was used to analyse five DR screening services in Botswana, Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia. Cases included: two regional screening programmes, two hospital-based screening services and one nationwide screening service. Data was collected using qualitative methodologies including: document analysis, in- depth interviews and observation. The World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Framework was adopted as the conceptual framework for analysis. Results: Planning for a sustainable and integrated DR screening programme demanded a health systems approach. Collaboration with representatives from a variety of ministerial departments and professional bodies was required. Evolution of DR screening services may occur in a variety of ways including: increasing geographical coverage, integration into the general healthcare system, and stepwise progression from a passive, opportunistic service to one that systematically and proactively seeks to prevent DR. Lessons learned from the implementation of cervical cancer prevention programmes in resource-poor settings may assist the development of DR programmes in similar settings. Conclusion: To promote good planning of DR screening services and ensure limited resources are used effectively, there is a need to learn from screening programmes in other medical specialities and a need to share experiences between newly-developing DR programmes in resource-poor countries. The WHO Health Systems Framework presents an invaluable tool to ensure a systematic approach to planning DR screening service

Growth mindset in young people awaiting treatment in a paediatric mental health service: a mixed methods pilot of a digital single-session intervention

BACKGROUND: Wait times are significant in child mental health services but may offer opportunity to promote growth mindsets in young people with physical and mental health needs. A digital growth mindset single-session intervention is effective in young people, but its use in paediatric settings has not been examined. This mixed methods pilot aimed to assess the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and impact in this population. METHOD: Patients aged 8–18 on waiting lists in a paediatric hospital’s specialist mental health service were offered the intervention remotely. Treatment completion and retention rates, symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived control, and personality mindset were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-ups. Semi-structured interviews to explore the intervention’s acceptability were conducted post-treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients completed the intervention and 17 patients and three carers/parents were interviewed. Outcomes showed small to large improvements across time-points. Most patients reported finding the intervention enjoyable, accessible, and instilled a hope for change. They valued elements of the intervention but made suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The digital growth mindset single-session intervention is feasible, acceptable, and potentially beneficial for young people with physical and mental health needs on waiting lists. Further research is warranted to examine its effectiveness and mechanism of change