Life history of Leptagonus decagonus (Atlantic poacher) in Svalbard waters

Poster presented at the IPY 2012 From Knowledge to Action ConferenceThe demersal fish species Leptagonus decagonus (Atlantic poacher) is a commonly encountered species on the continental shelf in the Barents Sea and around Svalbard, but little is known about the life-history and population traits of the species in Svalbard waters. It is therefore important to investigate this species to understand its importance in the ecosystem. A total of 80 specimens were obtained during October 2010 and 2011. We measured gutted weight, caudal length, sex, gonad-length, -width and –weight, and weight of the liver. Eggs were counted and measured. Age was estimated by surface reading of otoliths. Preliminary data suggest that there is no significant difference in age distribution between the sexes, although males had a wider age distribution (2-14 years) than females (3-7 years). The majority of specimens were 4-7 years old (mean = 4.9 years). Both females and males are mature by the age of 4. The sex distribution in the population was 45 % female and 55 % male. Overall, females were larger than males with age. Both sexes had a length-weight relationship that gave a negative isomorphic body condition, indicating energy priority towards reproduction rather than tissue growth. There was little variation in the gonadosomatic index between the sexes, with length and age. This indicates that most of the specimens were mature. There was however a difference in the size of the liver between the sexes, where the males have a higher heptasomatic index than the females. The females had a relatively high fecundity, with an average of 2448 eggs, although at least half of the eggs were undeveloped

Exploring how the use of validated measures may affect the way people with dementia respond and how their dignity can best be supported

The lifelong learning concept is an ongoing cognitive stimulation program that people with dementia can participate in as long as it is experienced as beneficial and meaningful. Focus is on supporting people’s cognition, decision making, activities of daily living and social engagement. This program was compared with social and physical dementia services in six municipalities in Northern Denmar

Observations on strategies used by people with dementia to manage being assessed using validated measures - a pilot qualitative video analysis

Background: Analysis of video data was conducted of validated assessments with people with dementia as part of a feasibility control study comparing a lifelong learning service with other dementia services. Objective: The aim was to provide a new perspective on what occurs during the assessment process when using validated measures in research and explore which strategies people with dementia use to manage their participation. Design: Video recordings were made of pre- and post-intervention assessments with people with dementia. An initial pilot analysis of 10 videos of the pre-assessments was conducted. Setting: Lifelong learning services and other dementia services situated in six municipalities in Northern Denmark took part in this study, with 55 people with dementia participating. Results: The themes identified were: “State of mind” and “Mental resources”, showing how these aspects influenced the participants reactions and the strategies they used. Discussion: The results are discussed in relation to how individual personal traits influence the assessment process and the way a person with dementia will manage the situation. Conclusion: The assessment situation is complex and can be influenced by the strategies adopted by the individual with dementia as they try to manage the assessment process. Patient or public contribution: People with dementia supported the decision making for the choice of validated measure used within this study

Early identification of treatment non-response in first-episode psychosis

Background Approximately one-third of patients with psychotic disorders does not respond to standard antipsychotic treatments. Consensus criteria for treatment resistance (TR) may aid the identification of non-response and subsequent tailoring of treatments. Since consensus criteria require stability of clinical status, they are challenging to apply in first-episode psychosis (FEP). This study aims to investigate (a) if an adaptation of consensus criteria can be used to identify FEP patients with early signs of TR (no early clinical recovery—no-ECR) after 1 year in treatment and (b) to what extent differences in antipsychotic treatments differentiate between outcome groups. Methods Participants with FEP DSM-IV schizophrenia spectrum disorders were recruited during their first treatment. A total of 207 participated in the 1-year follow-up. Remission and recovery definitions were based on adaptations of the “Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group” criteria and TR on adaptations of the “Treatment Response and Resistance in Psychosis” (TRRIP) working group criteria. Results 97 participants (47%) could be classified as no-ECR, 61 (30%) as ECR, and 49 (23%) as with partial ECR (P-ECR). Statistically significant baseline predictors of no-ECR matched previously identified predictors of long-term TR. Only 35 no-ECR participants had two adequate treatment trials and met the full TRRIP criteria. 21 no-ECR participants were using the same medication over the follow-up year despite the lack of significant effects. Conclusion The difference in the percentage of FEP participants classified as no-ECR versus TR indicates that we may underestimate the prevalence of early TR when using consensus criteria.publishedVersio

Aspects of the life history of the Atlantic poacher, Leptagonus decagonus, in Svalbard waters

The aim of the study is to describe aspects of the life history of the Atlantic poacher (Leptagonus decagonus) obtained during early October 2010 and late September 2011 from the Hinlopen Strait, located between Nordaustlandet and the Spitsbergen Archipelago. Length was measured for 142 individuals, and 82 out of these were weighed, sexed and the age in years determined. The sex distribution in the population was 45% females and 55% males. Gut content examination revealed the domination of the mesopelagic and hyper−benthic calanoid Bradyidius similis that was recorded in 87% of the stomachs analysed. Overall there was a significant difference in size (length and weight) between the sexes, and a difference in length and weight at age between the sexes. There was no difference in age distribution between the sexes, but there was a larger age range within the male population than in the female population. The sexual dimorphism in size is likely linked to different reproductive strategies. This study represents the first data on the life history of the Atlantic poacher in Svalbard waters