Population genetic structure of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in the Irish Sea and implications for the effectiveness of the first British marine protected area

Levels of self-recruitment within and connectivity among populations are key factors influencing marine population persistence and stock sustainability, as well as the effectiveness of spatially explicit management strategies such as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In the United Kingdom (UK), Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel was designated a No-Take Zone (NTZ) in 2003 and became the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in 2009. This NTZ is expected to represent an additional resource for the sustainable management of the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) fishery. As the first step in a genetic monitoring program, this study aimed to investigate population genetic structure of lobster within and between the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel and in doing so to assess the functioning of the Lundy NTZ in the context of connectivity and other genetic parameters. Analysis of microsatellite data indicated that lobsters within the study area are genetically homogeneous and supports the view of a single panmictic population wherein the Lundy NTZ is highly connected. Levels of genetic variability were universally high with no evidence of differences for the NTZ. Furthermore, there was no evidence of recent genetic bottlenecks, and estimates of effective population sizes were infinitely large. The results suggest that if current management and breeding stock sizes are maintained genetic drift will not be strong enough to reduce neutral genetic diversity

An integrative review exploring the experiences of service users carrying a diagnosis of personality disorder and student mental health nurses and the time they share together

Objectives This integrative review provides a collective understanding of the experiences of student mental health nurses and service users carrying a diagnosis of personality disorder and the time they share together. Design Published studies about the time service users and students share together were systematically selected in order to integrate their findings in a thematic analysis. Data sources Various databases were searched from 1984 until 2020. Specific search terms were used. Review methods 37 studies were included in the integrative review. The studies were from peer reviewed nursing, student, psychology and health related journals. A quality appraisal was completed using Walsh and Downe (2006) framework. Findings Four themes emerged from a thematic analysis of the integrative review. These were; 1. ‘Psychosocial skills’ 2. ‘Relationships’ 3. ‘Environment’ With ‘Impact of time’ as an overarching theme. Conclusion A positive environment which considers time and focuses on seeing the person, as an individual can lead to the development of therapeutic relationships; a core element of the Nursing and Midwifery Council standards for nursing registration in the UK (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018). Students attempting to build such relationships need to be mindful of service users' and their own attachment experiences and the impact these can have on experiences of transference and countertransference, particularly for service users carrying a personality disorder diagnosis. It is important for students to be aware of the supportive impact of positive environments and how doing ‘everyday stuff’ can make a person feel human despite residing in potentially dehumanising places

Novel regulation from novel interactions: Identification of an RNA sponge that controls the levels, processing and efficacy of the RoxS riboregulator of central metabolism in Bacillus subtilis

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are a taxonomically-restricted but transcriptomically-abundant class of post-transcriptional regulators. While potentially of importance, we know the function of few. This is in nosmall part because we lack global-scale methodology enabling target identification, this being especiallyacute in species without known RNA meeting point proteins (e.g. Hfq). We apply a combination ofpsoralen RNA cross-linking and Illumina-sequencing to identify RNA-RNA interacting pairs in vivo inBacillus subtilis, resolving previously well-described interactants. Although sRNA-sRNA pairings arerare (compared with sRNA/mRNA), we identify a robust example involving the unusually conservedsRNA (RoxS/RsaE) and an unstudied sRNA that we term Regulator of small RNA A (RosA). Thisinteraction is found in independent samples across multiple conditions. Given the possibility of a novelassociated regulatory mechanism, and the rarity of well-characterised bacterial sRNA-sRNAinteractions, we mechanistically dissect RosA and its interactants. RosA we show to be a sponge RNA,the first to be described in a Gram-positive bacterium. RosA interacts with at least two sRNAs, RoxSand FsrA. Unexpectedly, it acts differently on each. As expected of a sponge RNA, FsrA is sequesteredby RosA. The RosA/RoxS interaction is more complex affecting not only the level of RoxS but also itsprocessing and efficacy. Importantly, RosA provides the condition-dependent intermediary betweenCcpA, the key regulator of carbon metabolism, and RoxS. This not only provides evidence for a novel,and functionally important, regulatory mechanism, but in addition, provides the missing link betweentranscriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of central metabolism

Exploring the Feasibility of a Self-Managed Lifestyle Intervention, Based on Exercise and Behaviour Support, as an Adjunct Therapy to Compression: A Sub-Study Focusing on People with Venous Leg Ulcers and Early Neuro-Degenerative Diseases (FISCU-NDD)

Background: The aim of this study was to adapt the “FISCU Home” intervention (a co-produced, self-managed and expert-supported lifestyle intervention comprising exercise and behaviour support aimed at people with Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs), in a way that is suitable for the needs of people with combined VLUs and early-stage, Neuro-degenerative diseases (NDDs), and to explore its feasibility (e.g., estimate rates of recruitment and completion of sessions, calculate study adherence rates, assess participant satisfaction via participant interviews, and assess ease of data collection) within this clinical sub-group. Methods: We recruited seven people belonging to this VLUs sub-group (e.g., people with early-stage dementia or Parkinson’s), who were ≥18 years’ old, had VLU(s) of diameter ≥1 cm, ABPI ≥ 0.8, had the ability to tolerate lower-leg compression and were receiving VLU treatment at home. In Phase 1, participants helped us adapt the intervention. In Phase 2 we carried out a 4-week “training crash-course”. This consisted of three, 1 h, self-managed, exercise sessions per week (12 sessions in total), among the participants that completed the interviews. For Phase 3, we carried out post-interviews with all participants to investigate their study experiences, which were analysed using content analysis. Results: All assessments were completed successfully (100% retention and assessment completion), with no exercise-related adverse events. All participants completed the 4-week intervention (100%; all sessions completed by all participants). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the adapted intervention is feasible, enjoyable and well-received, and has the potential to provide clinical benefits to the participants

An Evaluation of a Pilot Multi-Professional Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Higher Education Programme

Workforce development is crucial to the offender personality disorder (OPD) service, to provide contemporary, evidenced care and treatment. We provide an overview and the research evaluation results of a regional higher education programme delivered to a range of criminal justice workers employed on the OPD pathway. Three modules were developed and delivered, these are 1. Enhancing Understanding (20 students) 2. Formulation and therapeutic intervention (20 students) and 3. Relationships, Teams and Environments (17 students). A mixed methods study evaluated participant confidence and compassion. Pre, post, and six month follow up questionnaires were completed. Additionally, a series of focus groups were conducted to gain in depth qualitative feedback with a cross section of students across the modules (N=7). Quantitative data was collected and analysed separately due to the three modules all having different content. Qualitative data was analysed, and a synthesis of qualitative findings are reported from data taken across the three modules. 52 students participated drawn from three modules: module 1 (N=19); module 2 (N=18); module 3 (N=15). Confidence in working with people with personality disorder or associated difficulties improved significantly following completion of any of the modules, whilst compassion did not. Results have been synthesised and have assisted in the future shaping of modules to meet the learning needs of students. Further evaluation of effectiveness of educational programmes requires attention as does the longer-term durability of effect. Further research is required to explore the post training impact upon practice Further exploration is required and larger sample sizes to draw definitive conclusions related to compassion. This unique model of co-production that draws upon the expertise of people with lived experience, occupational frontline and academics is achievable and well received by students and can be reproduced elsewhere. The positive uptake and results of this study indicates a need for expansion of accessible OPD workforce training opportunities across the UK. Further research is required to explore student feedback and comparisons of effectiveness comparing different modes of training delivery, especially in light of the pandemic which has forced organisations and higher education institutions to develop more digital and distance learning approaches to their portfolios. This novel research provides an evaluation of the only higher education credit bearing modules in the UK focussed solely upon the OPD workforce and aligns with the national drive for non-credit bearing awareness level training ‘knowledge and understanding framework’ (KUF)

Pestivirus Apparent Prevalence in Sheep and Goats in Northern Ireland: A Serological Survey

Publication history: Accepted - 30 October 2020; Published - 12 January 2021.Background: Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and border disease virus (BDV) can cause significant health problems in ruminants and economic impacts for farmers. The aim of this study was to evaluate pestivirus exposure in Northern Ireland sheep and goat flocks, and to compare findings with a previous study from the region. Methods: Up to 20 animals were sampled from 188 sheep and 9 goat flocks (n = 3,418 animals; 3,372 sheep and 46 goats) for pestivirus antibodies. Differentiation of the causative agent in positive samples was inferred using serum neutralisation. Abortion samples from 177 ovine cases were tested by BVDV reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and antigen ELISA. Results: Apparent animal and flock (one antibody positive animal within a flock) prevalence was 1.7% and 17.3%, respectively, a statistically significant drop in apparent prevalence since a survey in 1999. 52.6% of samples testing positive had higher antibody titres to BVDV than to BDV. Of the ovine abortion samples, only one positive foetal fluid sample was detected by ELISA. Conclusion: The present study found that, since 1999, there has been a decrease in apparent animal and flock prevalence of 3.7 and 12.8 percentage points respectively, suggesting pestivirus prevalence has decreased across Northern Ireland between 1999 and 2018.This research was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

The predictive and prognostic value of tumour necrosis in muscle invasive bladder cancer patients receiving radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in the BC2001 trial (CRUK/01/004)

Background: Severe chronic hypoxia is associated with tumour necrosis. In patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), necrosis is prognostic for survival following surgery or radiotherapy and predicts benefit from hypoxia modification of radiotherapy. Adding mitomycin C (MMC) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy to radiotherapy improved locoregional control (LRC) compared to radiotherapy alone in the BC2001 trial. We hypothesised that tumour necrosis would not predict benefit for the addition of MMC and 5-FU to radiotherapy, but would be prognostic. Methods: Diagnostic tumour samples were available from 230 BC2001 patients. Tumour necrosis was scored on whole-tissue sections as absent or present, and its predictive and prognostic significance explored using Cox proportional hazards models. Survival estimates were obtained by Kaplan–Meier methods. Results: Tumour necrosis was present in 88/230 (38%) samples. Two-year LRC estimates were 71% (95% CI 61–79%) for the MMC/5-FU chemoradiotherapy group and 49% (95% CI 38–59%) for the radiotherapy alone group. When analysed by tumour necrosis status, the adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for MMC/5-FU vs. no chemotherapy were 0.46 (95% CI: 0.12–0.99; P=0.05, necrosis present) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.31–0.98; P=0.04, necrosis absent). Multivariable analysis of prognosis for LRC by the presence vs. absence of necrosis yielded a HR=0.89 (95% CI 0.55–1.44, P=0.65). There was no significant association for necrosis as a predictive or prognostic factor with respect to overall survival. Conclusions: Tumour necrosis was neither predictive nor prognostic, and therefore MMC/5-FU is an appropriate radiotherapy-sensitising treatment in MIBC independent of necrosis status

A pedagogic evaluation comparing face to face and online formats of a Multi-Professional Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Higher Education Training programme

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of a novel offender personality disorder (OPD) higher education programme and the research evaluation results collected over a three-year period. Data from phase 1 was collected from a face-to-face mode of delivery, and phase 2 data collected from the same programme was from an online mode of delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach – In phase 1 three modules were developed and delivered in a fully face-to-face format before the pandemic in 2019-20 (n=52 student participants). In 2020-2021 (n=66 student participants) training was adapted into a fully online mode of delivery in phase 2. This mixed methods study evaluated participant confidence, and compassion. Pre, post, and six months follow up questionnaires were completed. Qualitative interviews were conducted across both phases to gain in-depth feedback on this programme (Phase 1 N=7 students, Phase 2 N=2 students N= 5 Leaders). Data from phase one (face to face) and phase 2 (online) are synthesised for comparison. Findings –In phase 1 (N=52) Confidence in working with people with personality disorder or associated difficulties improved significantly, whilst compassion did not change. In phase 2 (N=66) these results were replicated, with statistically significant improvements in confidence reported.. Compassion however in phase 2 reduced at six month follow up. Results have been integrated and have assisted in shaping the future of modules to meet learning needs of students. Originality – This paper provides a comparison of a student evaluated training programme thus providing insights into the impact of delivering a relational focussed training programme in both face to face and online distant learning delivery modes. From this pedagogic research evaluation, we were able to derive unique insights into the outcomes of this programme. Research Implications – Further research into the impact of different modes of delivery are important for the future of education in a post pandemic digitalised society. Comparisons of blended learning approaches were not covered but would be beneficial to explore and evaluate in the future. Practical Implications - This comparison provided informed learnings for consideration within the development of non-related educational programmes and hence of use to other educational providers

Effects of branching spatial structure and life history on the asymptotic growth rate of a population

Author Posting. © The Author(s), 2009. This is the author's version of the work. It is posted here by permission of Springer for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Theoretical Ecology 3 (2010): 137-152, doi:10.1007/s12080-009-0058-0.The dendritic structure of a river network creates directional dispersal and a hierarchical arrangement of habitats. These two features have important consequences for the ecological dynamics of species living within the network.We apply matrix population models to a stage-structured population in a network of habitat patches connected in a dendritic arrangement. By considering a range of life histories and dispersal patterns, both constant in time and seasonal, we illustrate how spatial structure, directional dispersal, survival, and reproduction interact to determine population growth rate and distribution. We investigate the sensitivity of the asymptotic growth rate to the demographic parameters of the model, the system size, and the connections between the patches. Although some general patterns emerge, we find that a species’ mode of reproduction and dispersal are quite important in its response to changes in its life history parameters or in the spatial structure. The framework we use here can be customized to incorporate a wide range of demographic and dispersal scenarios.Funding for this work came from the James S. McDonnell Foundation (EEG, HJL, WFF). MGN was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (CMG-0530830, OCE-0326734, ATM-0428122)