Plasticity in life history traits of a cyprinid fish in an intermittent river

The extreme seasonal environmental variation of intermittent rivers has a profound effect on freshwater fish communities. Yet, few studies have examined the consequences of the seasonal cycles of flooding and drying to fish condition and reproduction in these ecosystems. In this study, we compared the body condition, reproduction and diet of two chub populations from two adjacent sites (a perennial and an intermittent site) on the main stem of a Mediterranean river (Evrotas River, S. Greece). The study was conducted in spring 2017, three months after flow resumption and before the onset of chub reproductive period. Condition (net weight adjusted for length) of fish did not differ significantly between the two sites, despite lower aquatic macroinvertebrate availability at the intermittent site. Fish at the intermittent site compensated for the lower aquatic prey availability by increasing their feeding intensity and by shifting to higher terrestrial prey consumption. In addition, chub liver weight (adjusted for length) and gonadal weight (adjusted for length) were significantly higher at the intermittent site, indicating higher somatic and reproductive investment. These results highlight the resilience of fish populations inhabiting streams with extreme variation in flow, due to natural and/or anthropogenic drought

A systematic review and metanalysis of questionnaires used for auditory processing screening and evaluation

The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although pure tone audiometry is the gold standard for assessing hearing, it inadequately reflects everyday hearing abilities, especially in challenging acoustic environments. Deficits in speech perception in noise, a key aspect of APD, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for evaluating central auditory function in cases of mild hearing loss and normal audiometry results. Specific questionnaires play a crucial role in documenting and quantifying the difficulties faced by individuals with APD. Validated questionnaires such as the Children's Auditory Processing Performance Scale, the Fisher's Auditory Problems Checklist, and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire are available for children, while questionnaires for adults include items related to auditory functions associated with APD. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six questionnaires used for screening and evaluating APD with a total of 783 participants across 12 studies. The questionnaires exhibited differences in domains evaluated, scoring methods, and evaluation of listening in quiet and noise. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that individuals with APD consistently exhibited worse scores compared to healthy controls across all questionnaires. Additionally, comparisons with clinical control groups showed varying results. The study highlights (i) the importance of standardized questionnaires in identifying and assessing APD, aiding in its diagnosis and management, and (ii) the need to use sub-scores as well as overall scores of questionnaires to elaborate on specific hearing and listening situations. There is a need to develop more APD specific questionnaires for the adult population as well as for more focused research on APD diagnosed individuals to further establish the validity and reliability of these questionnaires

A systematic review and metanalysis of questionnaires used for auditory processing screening and evaluation

The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although pure tone audiometry is the gold standard for assessing hearing, it inadequately reflects everyday hearing abilities, especially in challenging acoustic environments. Deficits in speech perception in noise, a key aspect of APD, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for evaluating central auditory function in cases of mild hearing loss and normal audiometry results. Specific questionnaires play a crucial role in documenting and quantifying the difficulties faced by individuals with APD. Validated questionnaires such as the Children’s Auditory Processing Performance Scale, the Fisher’s Auditory Problems Checklist, and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire are available for children, while questionnaires for adults include items related to auditory functions associated with APD. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six questionnaires used for screening and evaluating APD with a total of 783 participants across 12 studies. The questionnaires exhibited differences in domains evaluated, scoring methods, and evaluation of listening in quiet and noise. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that individuals with APD consistently exhibited worse scores compared to healthy controls across all questionnaires. Additionally, comparisons with clinical control groups showed varying results. The study highlights (i) the importance of standardized questionnaires in identifying and assessing APD, aiding in its diagnosis and management, and (ii) the need to use sub-scores as well as overall scores of questionnaires to elaborate on specific hearing and listening situations. There is a need to develop more APD specific questionnaires for the adult population as well as for more focused research on APD diagnosed individuals to further establish the validity and reliability of these questionnaires

Understanding the support experiences of families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties: A qualitative study.

Background: Support, such as information, advice and therapies, can play a vital role in the lives of families of autistic children. However, little is known about the support experiences of UK parents and carers. Aim: To explore experiences of and access to support for families of children with autism and sensory processing difficulties, from the perspective of parents and carers. Methods: Semi‐structured, timeline‐assisted interviews were conducted with parents/carers of 30 children aged 5–11, exploring experiences of support. Framework analysis was used to identify themes in the interview data. Results: Support varied widely and was not accessed equitably. Specialist autism support, together with support from other parents and voluntary organizations, was perceived as more useful than statutory and nonspecialist provision. Unmet support needs included an ongoing point of contact for information and advice for parents, and access to direct therapy and specialist mental health provision for children

A systematic review and metanalysis of questionnaires used for auditory processing screening and evaluation

The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although pure tone audiometry is the gold standard for assessing hearing, it inadequately reflects everyday hearing abilities, especially in challenging acoustic environments. Deficits in speech perception in noise, a key aspect of APD, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for evaluating central auditory function in cases of mild hearing loss and normal audiometry results. Specific questionnaires play a crucial role in documenting and quantifying the difficulties faced by individuals with APD. Validated questionnaires such as the Children’s Auditory Processing Performance Scale, the Fisher’s Auditory Problems Checklist, and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire are available for children, while questionnaires for adults include items related to auditory functions associated with APD. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six questionnaires used for screening and evaluating APD with a total of 783 participants across 12 studies. The questionnaires exhibited differences in domains evaluated, scoring methods, and evaluation of listening in quiet and noise. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that individuals with APD consistently exhibited worse scores compared to healthy controls across all questionnaires. Additionally, comparisons with clinical control groups showed varying results. The study highlights (i) the importance of standardized questionnaires in identifying and assessing APD, aiding in its diagnosis and management, and (ii) the need to use sub-scores as well as overall scores of questionnaires to elaborate on specific hearing and listening situations. There is a need to develop more APD specific questionnaires for the adult population as well as for more focused research on APD diagnosed individuals to further establish the validity and reliability of these questionnaires

Exploring critical intervention features and trial processes in the evaluation of sensory integration therapy for autistic children

Background: We evaluated the clinical and cost-effectiveness of manualised sensory integration therapy (SIT) for autistic children with sensory processing difficulties in a two-arm randomised controlled trial. Trial processes and contextual factors which may have affected intervention outcomes were explored within a nested process evaluation. This paper details the process evaluation methods and results. We also discuss implications for evaluation of individual level, tailored interventions in similar populations. Methods: The process evaluation was conducted in line with Medical Research Council guidance. Recruitment, demographics, retention, adherence, and adverse effects are reported using descriptive statistics. Fidelity of intervention delivery is reported according to the intervention scoring manual. Qualitative interviews with therapists and carers were undertaken to explore the acceptability of the intervention and trial processes. Qualitative interviews with carers explored potential contamination. Results: Recruitment, reach and retention within the trial met expected thresholds. One hundred thirty-eight children and carers were recruited (92% of those screened and 53.5% of those who expressed an interest) with 77.5% retained at 6 months and 69.9% at 12 months post-randomisation. The intervention was delivered with structural and process fidelity with the majority (78.3%) receiving a ‘sufficient dose’ of intervention. However, there was considerable individual variability in the receipt of sessions. Carers and therapists reported that trial processes were generally acceptable though logistical challenges such as appointment times, travel and COVID restrictions were frequent barriers to receiving the intervention. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: The process evaluation was highly valuable in identifying contextual factors that could impact the effectiveness of this individualised intervention. Rigorous evaluations of interventions for autistic children are important, especially given the limitations such as limited sample sizes and short-term follow-up as faced by previous research. One of the challenges lies in the variability of outcomes considered important by caregivers, as each autistic child faces unique challenges. It is crucial to consider the role of parents or other caregivers in facilitating access to these interventions and how this may impact effectiveness. Trial registration: This trial is registered as ISRCTN14716440. August 11, 2016

Integrating qualitative research within a clinical trials unit: developing strategies and understanding their implementation in contexts

Background/aims: The value of using qualitative methods within clinical trials is widely recognised. How qualitative research is integrated within trials units to achieve this is less clear. This paper describes the process through which qualitative research has been integrated within Cardiff University’s Centre for Trials Research (CTR) in Wales, UK. We highlight facilitators of, and challenges to, integration. Methods: We held group discussions on the work of the Qualitative Research Group (QRG) within CTR. The content of these discussions, materials for a presentation in CTR, and documents relating to the development of the QRG were interpreted at a workshop attended by group members. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was used to structure analysis. A writing group prepared a document for input from members of CTR, forming the basis of this paper. Results: Actions to integrate qualitative research comprised: its inclusion in Centre strategies; formation of a QRG with dedicated funding/roles; embedding of qualitative research within operating systems; capacity building/training; monitoring opportunities to include qualitative methods in studies; maximising the quality of qualitative research and developing methodological innovation. Facilitators of these actions included: the influence of the broader methodological landscape within trial/study design and its promotion of the value of qualitative research; and close physical proximity of CTR qualitative staff/students allowing sharing of methodological approaches. Introduction of innovative qualitative methods generated interest among other staff groups. Challenges included: pressure to under-resource qualitative components of research, preference for a statistical stance historically in some research areas and funding structures, and difficulties faced by qualitative researchers carving out individual academic profiles when working across trials/studies. Conclusions: Given that CTUs are pivotal to the design and conduct of RCTs and related study types across multiple disciplines, integrating qualitative research into trials units is crucial if its contribution is to be fully realised. We have made explicit one trials unit’s experience of embedding qualitative research and present this to open dialogue on ways to operationalise and optimise qualitative research in trials. NPT provides a valuable framework with which to theorise these processes, including the importance of sense-making and legitimisation when introducing new practices within organisations

Understanding multi-party communication in therapy sessions for autistic children

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1-2% of children displaying difficulties in social interaction and restricted, repetitive and/or sensory behaviours. Therapeutic approaches are common in ASD including sensory integration therapy (SIT), which uses play-based sensory activities to support autistic children to process and integrate sensory input. Studies on healthcare communication focus mainly on interactions between adults; even when the focus of research is on children. Greater understanding on how to facilitate therapeutic encounters with autistic children, consistent with health equity goals, is needed. In this study, I explore the communication and relationship evolution between the autistic child, Occupational Therapist (OT) and parent(s). Data from the Sensory Integration Therapy in Autism Randomised Controlled Trial (ISRCTN: 14716440) dataset of video-recorded SIT sessions were used, following two autistic children throughout their therapeutic journey over 26 weeks (=50 videos). A qualitative theme-oriented discourse analysis of full annotated extracts from the 37 therapy sessions was conducted. Drawing on sociological and linguistic concepts, I explored what is or is not actually said and how it is said. In this thesis, I focused on different interactional strategies (e.g., invitations, social rewarding) used by OTs to achieve and maintain rapport with the children, and sometimes their parent, throughout the SIT sessions (Chapter Five). I also identified ‘playfulness’ as a key element that can further support the OT to maintain a successful relationship with the child throughout the therapeutic journey (Chapter Six). Finally, I examined how participants use collaboration and negotiation during SIT task transitions in which the group’s power dynamics might change (Chapter Seven).The results are used to identify ways in which rapport can be optimised and maintained during child interventions, encourage effective communication with autistic children in OT encounters and explore the potential impact of findings for different play-based therapy sessions (e.g., physiotherapy)

Η συμβολή εκπαιδευτικών παρεμβάσεων κλασικού χορού στην υγεία και ευεξία: ανασκοπική μελέτη

Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η κριτική αποτίμηση ερευνών που σχετίζονται με τα οφέλη του κλασικού χορού, ως έναν εναλλακτικό και βιώσιμο τρόπο συστηματικής σωματικής άσκησης, στην υγεία και ευεξία του ατόμου μέσα από εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα και θεραπευτικές παρεμβάσεις. Ειδικότερα, η εργασία στοχεύει στο να συγκεντρώσει μέσα από βιβλιογραφική έρευνα, όσες μελέτες έχουν διερευνήσει τις ευεργετικές επιδράσεις της εκπαίδευσης κλασικού χορού σε κάθε ηλικία, φύλο, επίπεδο και κλινική κατάσταση. Η ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας πραγματοποιήθηκε στην ελληνική και αγγλική γλώσσα σε διαδικτυακές βάσεις δεδομένων Google scholar και Pubmed, στην ηλεκτρονική βιβλιοθήκη και Κέντρο Πληροφόρησης του Εθνικού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, στη βιβλιοθήκη της Σχολής Επιστήμης Φυσικής Αγωγής και Αθλητισμού και στην ηλεκτρονική Ελληνική Βιβλιοθήκη της Ελλάδος. Οι λέξεις-κλειδιά που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν ήταν: κλασικός χορός, μπαλέτο, εκπαίδευση, υγεία. Από τα αποτελέσματα των αναζητήσεων, 11 πληρούσαν τα κριτήρια της αναζήτησής μας και αποτέλεσαν τον κορμό της εργασίας. Οι έρευνες αυτές καλύπτουν το χρονικό διάστημα έως και τον Απρίλιο του 2021, μελετήθηκαν ως προς: 1) χαρακτηριστικά των συμμετεχόντων, όπως η μέση ηλικία, το φύλο, το μέγεθος του δείγματος και η κατάσταση υγείας, 2) χαρακτηριστικά παρεμβάσεων, όπως η διάρκεια κάθε συνεδρίας, η διάρκεια της παρέμβασης και η κοινωνική διαστρωμάτωση και 3) τα αποτελέσματα της κατάστασης υγείας που αναφέρθηκαν. Αυτά τα δεδομένα συγκεντρώθηκαν σε πίνακες. Τα ευρήματα της ανασκόπησης συνάδουν με αντίστοιχα άλλων ανασκοπήσεων που αφορούσαν τις επιδράσεις άλλων ειδών χορού στην υγεία και ευεξία του ατόμου. Ο κλασικός χορός αποτελεί μία βιώσιμη εναλλακτική άσκηση με θετικές επιδράσεις στην υγεία, τον οποίο μπορεί να προσαρμόσει ο καθένας στο προσωπικό του προφίλ, βελτιώνοντας την ποιότητα ζωής του.The purpose of this study is the critical assessment of research related to the benefits of classical dance, as an alternative and sustainable way of systematic physical exercise, in the health and well-being of the individual through educational programs and therapeutic interventions. In particular, the work aims to collect, through bibliographic research, all the studies that have investigated the beneficial effects of classical dance training in every age, gender, level and clinical condition. The literature review was carried out in Greek and English in online databases Google scholar and Pubmed, in the electronic library and Information Center of the National University of Athens, in the library of the School of Physical Education and Sports Science and in the electronic Greek Library of Greece. The keywords used were: classical dance, ballet, education, health. From the search results, 11 met our search criteria and formed the body of the paper. These surveys cover the period up to April 2021, studied in terms of: 1) characteristics of participants, such as mean age, gender, sample size and health status, 2) characteristics of interventions, such as the duration of each session, intervention duration and social stratification and 3) reported health status outcomes. These data were compiled into tables. The findings of the review are consistent with those of other reviews that have looked at the effects of other types of dance on individual health and well-being. Classical dance is a sustainable alternative exercise with positive effects on health, which everyone can adapt to their personal profile, improving their quality of life