An exploration of how typical pupils and pupils with autism or Asperger’s syndrome draw faces

This study aimed to explore whether there are differences identified in visual processing, and whether this can be observed in how adolescents with autism draw a face when compared to a typically developing control group. A review of the literature highlighted that many studies used object drawing tasks of geometric shapes when researching in this area. This study is a qualitative case study, informed by mixed methods and a pragmatic perspective using a purposive sample for selection of the participants. The findings of this study identified five key findings, as follows: A lack of draw towards the eyes; Random eye tracking; Problem of local facial processing; a lack of support for the current view that there is a bias towards local fine detail processing in autism and a deficit in global processing; a difference in top-down bottom-up processing of eyes between the two groups, which may be worth exploring in further studies. Further research in this area would enable educators and other health and social care professionals to address this weakness at an early age to potentially reduce the impact on the child’s development and social awareness

Combination of a mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor pacritinib combats cell adhesion‐based residual disease and prevents re‐expansion of FLT3 ‐ITD acute myeloid leukaemia

Minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) poses a major challenge due to drug insensitivity and high risk of relapse. Intensification of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are often pivoted on MRD status. Relapse rates are high even with the integration of first‐generation FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitors in pre‐ and post‐transplant regimes and as maintenance in FLT3 ‐mutated AML. Pre‐clinical progress is hampered by the lack of suitable modelling of residual disease and post‐therapy relapse. In the present study, we investigated the nature of pro‐survival signalling in primary residual tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)‐treated AML cells adherent to stroma and further determined their drug sensitivity in order to inform rational future therapy combinations. Using a primary human leukaemia‐human stroma model to mimic the cell–cell interactions occurring in patients, the ability of several TKIs in clinical use, to abrogate stroma‐driven leukaemic signalling was determined, and a synergistic combination with a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor identified for potential therapeutic application in the MRD setting. The findings reveal a common mechanism of stroma‐mediated resistance that may be independent of mutational status but can be targeted through rational drug design, to eradicate MRD and reduce treatment‐related toxicity

Management of the anticoagulated trauma patient in the emergency department: A survey of current practice in England and Wales

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate current management of the anticoagulated trauma patient in the emergency departments (EDs) in England and Wales. Methods A survey exploring management strategies for anticoagulated trauma patients presenting to the ED was developed with two patient scenarios concerning assessment of coagulation status, reversal of international normalised ratio (INR), management of hypotension and management strategies for each patient. Numerical data are presented as percentages of total respondents to that particular question. Results 106 respondents from 166 hospitals replied to the survey, with 24% of respondents working in a major trauma unit with a specialist neurosurgical unit. Variation was reported in the assessment and management strategies of the elderly anticoagulated poly-trauma patient described in scenario one. Variation was also evident in the responses between the neurosurgical and non-neurosurgical units for the headinjured, anticoagulated trauma patient in scenario two. Conclusion The results of this study highlight the similarities and variation in the management strategies used in the EDs in England and Wales for the elderly, anticoagulated trauma patient. The variations in practice reported may be due to the differences evident in the available guidelines for these patients

Flood challenges and disaster risk reduction in the Indian Himalayan region

University of Cumbria Associate Professor Rich Johnson delivered a keynote presentation to the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS), Bath & District Branch. Alongside placement graduates, he shared insights into the research team's expedition to the Indian Himalayan state of Uttarakhand earlier this year (2023). With Turing Scheme and RCS funding, and the partnership of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBP-NIHE), the research team explored flood history in the high-altitude Dhualiganga catchment (headwaters of the Ganges) in the Chamoli District, using documentary records and local community knowledge sources. This builds on over a decade of research, teaching, and placement activity in the Indian Himalaya

Improving the science-policy dialogue to meet the challenges of biodiversity conservation: having conversations rather than talking at one-another

A better, more effective dialogue is needed between biodiversity science and policy to underpin the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity. Many initiatives exist to improve communication, but these largely conform to a ‘linear’ or technocratic model of communication in which scientific “facts” are transmitted directly to policy advisers to “solve problems”. While this model can help start a dialogue, it is, on its own, insufficient, as decision taking is complex, iterative and often selective in the information used. Here, we draw on the literature, interviews and a workshop with individuals working at the interface between biodiversity science and government policy development to present practical recommendations aimed at individuals, teams, organisations and funders. Building on these recommendations, we stress the need to: (a) frame research and policy jointly; (b) promote inter- and trans-disciplinary research and “multi-domain” working groups that include both scientists and policy makers from various fields and sectors; (c) put in place structures and incentive schemes that support interactive dialogue in the long-term. These are changes that are needed in light of continuing loss of biodiversity and its consequences for societal dependence on and benefits from nature

Results From Wales’ 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth

This is the third Active Healthy Kids Wales (AHK-Wales) Report Card following the inaugural and second report card published in 2014 and 2016 respectively.1,2 The 2018 report card (Figure 1) consolidates and translates research related to physical activity among children and young people in Wales. The report card aimed to raise the awareness of children and young people’s engagement in physical activity behaviours and influences, and advocate for children’s right to be active and healthy

STRategies to manage Emergency ambulance Telephone Callers with sustained High needs: an Evaluation using linked Data (STRETCHED) – a study protocol

Introduction UK ambulance services have identified a concern with high users of the 999 service and have set up ‘frequent callers’ services, ranging from within-service management to cross-sectoral multidisciplinary case management approaches. There is little evidence about how to address the needs of this patient group. Aim To evaluate effectiveness, safety and efficiency of case management approaches to the care of people who frequently call the emergency ambulance service, and gain an understanding of barriers and facilitators to implementation. Objectives (1) Develop an understanding of predicted mechanisms of change to underpin evaluation. (2) Describe epidemiology of sustained high users of 999 services. (3) Evaluate case management approaches to the care of people who call the 999 ambulance service frequently in terms of: (i) Further emergency contacts (999, emergency department, emergency admissions to hospital) (ii) Effects on other services (iii) Adverse events (deaths, injuries, serious medical emergencies and police arrests) (iv) Costs of intervention and care (v) Patient experience of care. (4) Identify challenges and opportunities associated with using case management models, including features associated with success, and develop theories about how case management works in this population. Methods and analysis We will conduct a multisite mixed-methods evaluation of case management for people who use ambulance services frequently by using anonymised linked routine data outcomes in a ‘natural experiment’ cohort design, in four regional ambulance services. We will conduct interviews and focus groups with service users, commissioners and emergency and non-acute care providers. The planned start and end dates of the study are 1 April 2019 and 1 September 2022, respectively Ethics and dissemination The study received approval from the UK Health Research Authority (Confidentiality Advisory Group reference number: 19/CAG/0195; research ethics committee reference number: 19/WA/0216). We will collate feedback from our Lived Experience Advisory Panel, the Frequent Caller National Network and Research Management Group for targeted dissemination activities

The incredible years therapeutic dinosaur programme to build social and emotional competence in welsh primary schools: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>School interventions such as the Incredible Years <it>Classroom </it>Dinosaur Programme targets pupil behaviour across whole classrooms, yet for some children a more intense approach is needed. The Incredible Years <it>Therapeutic </it>Dinosaur Programme is effective for clinically referred children by enhancing social, problem-solving skills, and peer relationship-building skills when delivered in a clinical setting in small groups.</p> <p>The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Therapeutic Programme, delivered with small groups of children at high-risk of developing conduct disorder, delivered in schools already implementing the Classroom Programme.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This is a pragmatic, parallel, randomised controlled trial.</p> <p>Two hundred and forty children (aged 4-8 years) rated by their teacher as above the 'borderline cut-off' for concern on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and their parents, will be recruited.</p> <p>Randomisation is by individual within blocks (schools); 1:1 ratio, intervention to waiting list control.</p> <p>Twenty schools will participate in two phases. Two teachers per school will deliver the programme to six intervention children for 2-hours/week for 18 weeks between baseline and first follow-up. The control children will receive the intervention after first follow up.</p> <p>Phase 1 comprises three data collection points - baseline and two follow-ups eight months apart. Phase 2 includes baseline and first follow-up.</p> <p>The Therapeutic Programme includes elements on; Learning school rules; understanding, identifying, and articulating feelings; problem solving; anger management; how to be friendly; how to do your best in school.</p> <p>Primary outcomes are; change in child social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Secondary outcomes are; teacher and parent mental wellbeing, child academic attainment, child and teacher school attendance. Intervention delivery will be assessed for fidelity.</p> <p>Intention to treat analyses will be conducted. ANCOVA, effect sizes, mediator and moderator analyses will be applied to establish differences between conditions, and for whom the intervention works best for and why.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This trial will provide information on the delivery and effectiveness of a child centred, school-based intervention delivered in small groups of children, at risk of developing more severe conduct problems. The effects on child behaviour in school and home environments, academic attainment, peer interactions, parent and teacher mental health will be assessed.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>UK Clinical Research Network UKCRNID8615</p> <p>Current Controlled Trials <a href="http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN96803379">ISRCTN96803379</a></p

Late Winter Biogeochemical Conditions Under Sea Ice in the Canadian High Arctic

With the Arctic summer sea-ice extent in decline, questions are arising as to how changes in sea-ice dynamics might affect biogeochemical cycling and phenomena such as carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and ocean acidification. Recent field research in these areas has concentrated on biogeochemical and CO2 measurements during spring, summer or autumn, but there are few data for the winter or winter–spring transition, particularly in the High Arctic. Here, we present carbon and nutrient data within and under sea ice measured during the Catlin Arctic Survey, over 40 days in March and April 2010, off Ellef Ringnes Island (78° 43.11′ N, 104° 47.44′ W) in the Canadian High Arctic. Results show relatively low surface water (1–10 m) nitrate (<1.3 µM) and total inorganic carbon concentrations (mean±SD=2015±5.83 µmol kg−1), total alkalinity (mean±SD=2134±11.09 µmol kg−1) and under-ice pCO2sw (mean±SD=286±17 µatm). These surprisingly low wintertime carbon and nutrient conditions suggest that the outer Canadian Arctic Archipelago region is nitrate-limited on account of sluggish mixing among the multi-year ice regions of the High Arctic, which could temper the potential of widespread under-ice and open-water phytoplankton blooms later in the season

A recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine encoding Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) target antigens:a phase I trial in UK patients with EBV-positive cancer

Purpose: Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several cancers in which the tumor cells express EBV antigens EBNA1 and LMP2. A therapeutic vaccine comprising a recombinant vaccinia virus, MVA-EL, was designed to boost immunity to these tumor antigens. A phase I trial was conducted to demonstrate the safety and immunogenicity of MVA-EL across a range of doses. Experimental Design: Sixteen patients in the United Kingdom (UK) with EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) received three intradermal vaccinations of MVA-EL at 3-weekly intervals at dose levels between 5 × 107 and 5 × 108 plaque-forming units (pfu). Blood samples were taken at screening, after each vaccine cycle, and during the post-vaccination period. T-cell responses were measured using IFNγ ELISpot assays with overlapping EBNA1/LMP2 peptide mixes or HLA-matched epitope peptides. Polychromatic flow cytometry was used to characterize functionally responsive T-cell populations. Results: Vaccination was generally well tolerated. Immunity increased after vaccination to at least one antigen in 8 of 14 patients (7/14, EBNA1; 6/14, LMP2), including recognition of epitopes that vary between EBV strains associated with different ethnic groups. Immunophenotypic analysis revealed that vaccination induced differentiation and functional diversification of responsive T-cell populations specific for EBNA1 and LMP2 within the CD4 and CD8 compartments, respectively. Conclusions: MVA-EL is safe and immunogenic across diverse ethnicities and thus suitable for use in trials against different EBV-positive cancers globally as well as in South-East Asia where NPC is most common. The highest dose (5 × 108 pfu) is recommended for investigation in current phase IB and II trials. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5009–22. ©2014 AACR