The Need for Change in Emergency Medical Approach When Caring for Individuals with Autism

This paper highlights the need for policy changes and additional training related to caring for individuals with autism in emergency situations. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder are at risk of receiving inadequate care due to the challenges that come with such a complex diagnosis. Depending on the severity of autism for each individual, behavioral outbursts and aggression can often occur due to the overwhelming amount of stimulation in the emergency department environment. While medical professionals have the potential to be a great help during times of crisis, there is often very little training given to providers in regard to delivering care to patients with autism spectrum disorder. While there are individuals who see the need for change related to emergency care for patients with autism spectrum disorder, there are not nearly enough medical professionals trained to deliver such care. Providers need to receive training that prepares them for the behavioral, social, and communicative challenges they may face when caring for patients with autism spectrum disorder. Hospital systems need to prepare to treat patients with sensory and behavioral challenges, including providing quiet, private rooms to patients with autism spectrum disorder. Communication with parents and caregivers should be addressed as soon as a patient enters the emergency department; this will aid providers in assessment and treatment and avoid any unnecessary triggers that may delay care. With the correct training and policies in place in the emergency department, the hospital setting can be a safer place for patients with autism spectrum disorder

Identifying multiple detachment horizons and an evolving thrust history through cross-section restoration and appraisal in the Moine Thrust Belt, NW Scotland

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Implications of heterogeneous fracture distribution on reservoir quality; an analogue from the Torridon Group sandstone, Moine Thrust Belt, NW Scotland

This research was funded by a NERC CASE studentship (NERC code NE/I018166/1) in partnership with Midland Valley. Midland Valley's Move software was used for cross section construction and strain modelling. 3D Field software is acknowledged for contour map creation. Mark Cooper is thanked for constructive comments. Steven Laubach and Bill Dunne are thanked overseeing the editorial process and Magdalena Ellis Curry, Bertrand Gauthier and Arthur Lavenu are thanked for constructive reviews.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Influence of structural position on fracture networks in the Torridon Group, Achnashellach fold and thrust belt, NW Scotland

Acknowledgements This research is funded by a NERC CASE studentship (NERC code NE/I018166/1) in partnership with Midland Valley. The authors thank Midland Valley for use of FieldMove Clino software for fracture data collection, and Move software for cross section construction, and strain modelling. 3D Field software is acknowledged for contour map creation. We also thank Toru Takeshita for overseeing the editorial process, and Catherine Hanks and Ole Petter Wennberg for constructive reviews.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

The influence of seminal plasma on offspring development and health

The concept that a father’s wellbeing at the time of conception influences the development and long-term health of his offspring is now well established. However, the mechanisms underlying the paternal programming of offspring health are not fully defined. While sperm-mediated effects on offspring development have been investigated in detail, the significance of seminal plasma has been over-looked. Typically, the seminal plasma is viewed as a simple medium, with a main role to transport sperm into the female reproductive tract at the time of conception. However, a more sophisticated role for seminal plasma in the modulation of the maternal periconception cell-signalling, inflammatory and immunological physiology is emerging. Seminal plasma comprises a complex mix of nutrients, proteins, signalling molecules and cell-free genetic material which all interact with the endometrium to regulate gene expression, vascular remodelling, leukocyte recruitment and the priming of regulatory T cells (Tregs). These seminal plasma effects on the maternal periconception environment all act to facilitate uterine remodelling, embryo implantation and fetal development. Evidence is now emerging that poor paternal lifestyle factors such as diet, can modify these essential uterine responses, altering fetal development and ultimately long-term offspring health. The use of animal models has enhanced our understanding of the effects of seminal plasma on maternal uterine physiology, embryo development and offspring health. However, further studies are needed to define the interaction between seminal plasma components and female reproductive tissues in humans. Such studies will be central in providing better information and infertility treatments to intending parents

Mentalisation in Anorexia Nervosa and disordered eating

Background It is posited that attachment difficulties in infancy may result in reduced mentalisation capacity (understanding self and others’ subjective thoughts/mental processes), leading to potentially deleterious psychopathological outcomes such as eating disorders. The exact nature of the relationship between mentalisation and eating disorders/disordered eating is unclear however. Objectives A systemic review examined whether those with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) experience mentalisation deficits compared to those without EDs. An empirical study, examining the link between mentalisation and disordered eating (DE) in an adolescent sample, was conducted to assess whether borderline trait features mediated the relationship between the two constructs. Method A systematic search of 6 databases was conducted, and articles were assessed against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Included articles were assessed against 14 quality criteria and study findings were reported. For the empirical study, 162 participants aged 12-18 completed a questionnaire pack including mentalisation, borderline traits, impulsivity, emotion dysregulation and depression scales, and sociodemographic questions. Results Results from 10 articles indicated those with AN may experience subtle mentalisation deficits, particularly in recognising negative emotions in others. Mentalisation ability may also vary according to interpersonal context. Mediation analyses found mentalisation ability exerted a significant effect on DE indirectly through borderline trait features, and partially through emotion dysregulation, but not impulsivity. Conclusion More robust empirical studies are required in order to assess the relationship between mentalisation and AN. Findings regarding the link between mentalisation, borderline traits and DE may further aid psychological assessment/treatment. Therapies where the main focus is improving mentalisation capacity may be useful

Using laterally compatible cross sections to infer fault growth and linkage models in foreland thrust belts

This research is partially funded by a CGG-financed pathfinder project, and formed part of a study by the Fold-Thrust Research Group at the University of Aberdeen, co-funded by InterOil, Oil Search and Santos. We also thank Nicolas Bellahsen and Stefano Tavani for constructive reviews.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Paternal low protein diet and the supplementation of methyl-donors impact fetal growth and placental development in mice

IntroductionPaternal low-protein diet can alter sperm methylation status, fetal growth and program offspring ill-health, however its impact on the placenta remains poorly defined. Here we examine the influence paternal low-protein diet has on fetal and placental development and the additional impact of supplementary methyl-donors on fetoplacental physiology.MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice were fed a control normal protein diet (NPD; 18% protein), a low-protein diet (LPD; 9% protein) or LPD with methyl-donor supplementation (MD-LPD; choline chloride, betaine, methionine, folic acid, vitamin B12) for a minimum of 8 weeks. Males were mated with 8–11 week old female C57BL/6J mice and fetal and placental tissue collected on embryonic day 17.5.ResultsPaternal LPD was associated with increased fetal weights compared to NPD and MD-LPD with 22% fetuses being above the 90th centile for fetal weight. However, LPD and MD-LPD placental weights were reduced when compared to NPD. Placentas from LPD fathers demonstrated a reduced junctional zone area and reduced free-fatty acid content. MD-LPD placentas did not mirror these finding, demonstrating an increased chorion area, a reduction in junctional-specific glycogen staining and reduced placental Dnmt3b expression, none of which were apparent in either NPD or LPD placentas.DiscussionA sub-optimal paternal diet can influence fetal growth and placental development, and dietary methyl-donor supplementation alters placental morphology and gene expression differentially to that observed with LPD alone. Understanding how paternal diet and micro-nutrient supplementation influence placental development is crucial for determining connections between paternal well-being and future offspring health

Interpreting structural geometry in fold-thrust belts : Why style matters

The Fold-Thrust Research Group is funded by InterOil, Oil Search and Santos. We thank David Ferrill and Chris Morley for robust reviews of an early draft of this paper. We also thank Bill Dunne for his patience and his usual editorial rigor – although of course authors alone are responsible for the views expressed here.Peer reviewedPostprin