Using e-readers to increase access to course content for students without Internet access

There have been mixed reviews about the potential of e-readers to enhance higher education. At first glance, e-readers appear to have significant potential to provide students with access to course content and learning materials. There are a number of considerations and obstacles to be addressed, however, before these devices are ready for widespread adoption. This paper reports on a pilot study using e-readers to provide students without internet access, with access to electronic course content. Course readings were converted into ePub format and were made available to a cohort of 16 incarcerated students via e-readers. This paper provides an overview of the steps undertaken as well the challenges and obstacles encountered in converting the readings to ePub format

Ultrasound and microbubble gene delivery for targeting altered placental microRNAs in preeclampsia

Ultrasound (US) and microbubble (MB) gene delivery has attracted growing interest as a clinically applicable gene therapy (GT). Though preclinical studies have investigated the system in various tissues, there is limited research in targeting the placenta. This is a potential therapeutic strategy for preeclampsia (PE), which has an underlying genetic basis and ineffective management strategies. Differentially expressed placental microRNAs (miRNAs) in PE may represent suitable targets for GT. Microbubbles (SonoVue) and plasmid (pGL3 or pGL4.13) were administered systemically to CD1 mice, followed by exposure of the heart to US (H14, 1.8 M.I., 1cm focal depth, 2 minutes), using Siemens Acuson Sequoia-512 system and 15L8 probe. Luciferase assays were performed to evaluate gene transfection. Significantly differentially expressed placental miRNAs in PE patients were identified as candidates based on detection by three or more screening studies. Expression of candidate miRNAs was measured by qRT-PCR in PE rat model placentas. In trial 1, low levels of luciferase activity were detected in the heart of treatment mouse 1, 2 and 3. In trial 2, luciferase activity was evident in the atria of treatment mouse 2. In trial 3, higher luciferase activity was detected in the ventricles of the treatment mouse and activity was also detected in the atria. The literature review identified eight candidate miRNAs. MiR-223 (1.46-fold increase) and miR-181a (0.81-fold decrease) were significantly differentially expressed in PE rat model placentas. MiR-223 and -181a may represent targets for US and MB gene delivery. Future studies will apply the US and MB gene delivery protocol for translation to targeting the placenta in our PE rodent model

Identifying and validating the presence of Guanine-Quadruplexes (G4) within the blood fluke parasite Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that currently affects over 250 million individuals worldwide. In the absence of an immunoprophylactic vaccine and the recognition that mono-chemotherapeutic control of schistosomiasis by praziquantel has limitations, new strategies for managing disease burden are urgently needed. A better understanding of schistosome biology could identify previously undocumented areas suitable for the development of novel interventions. Here, for the first time, we detail the presence of G-quadruplexes (G4) and putative quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) within the Schistosoma mansoni genome. We find that G4 are present in both intragenic and intergenic regions of the seven autosomes as well as the sex-defining allosome pair. Amongst intragenic regions, G4 are particularly enriched in 3´ UTR regions. Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis evidenced significant G4 enrichment in the wnt signalling pathway (p<0.05) and PQS oligonucleotides synthetically derived from wnt-related genes resolve into parallel and anti-parallel G4 motifs as elucidated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Finally, utilising a single chain anti-G4 antibody called BG4, we confirm the in situ presence of G4 within both adult female and male worm nuclei. These results collectively suggest that G4-targeted compounds could be tested as novel anthelmintic agents and highlights the possibility that G4-stabilizing molecules could be progressed as candidates for the treatment of schistosomiasi

International trauma-informed practice principles for schools (ITIPPS): Expert consensus of best-practice principles

Recognition that schools should be responsive to children who are impacted by adversity and trauma is burgeoning internationally. However, consensus regarding the necessary components of a trauma-informed school is lacking. This research developed expert-informed and internationally relevant best-practice trauma-informed principles for schools. A four-phase methodology included (i) identification of school-relevant trauma-informed practice programs, (ii) inductive thematic analysis of the main concepts underlying programs, (iii) phrasing of draft Principles and (iv) Principle revision and finalisation via a two-round Delphi survey with international experts. Excellent agreement by experts on the importance of all Principles was achieved (round 1 ≥ 86.4%, 2 ≥ 92.3%). The final ‘International Trauma-Informed Practice Principles for Schools’ (ITIPPS) include four Overarching (A–D) and 10 Practice Principles (1–10). Summarised, these include that the school: (A) is student focussed; (B) models compassion and generosity; (C) is understanding and responsive; (D) incorporates recognition of their First Nations peoples in the school’s ethos: (1) prioritises safety and wellbeing; (2) models positive relationships; (3) provides a positive culture and connects; (4) consults and collaborates; (5) supports vulnerable students; (6) teaches social and emotional learning; (7) provides trauma-informed practice training; (8) is predictable yet flexible; (9) identifies and nurtures strengths and (10) reflects, changes and grows. The ITIPPS provide clear guidance for education sectors, schools and other settings about appropriate learning environments for children and young people impacted by trauma. Research is now underway in Western Australian schools to pilot test the feasibility and impact of using the ITIPPS within a framework (thoughtfulschools.org.au) to establish trauma-informed schools

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a self-guided internet intervention for social anxiety symptoms in a general population sample : randomized controlled trial

Background: Many people are accessing digital self-help for mental health problems, often with little evidence of effectiveness.Social anxiety is one of the most common sources of mental distress in the population and many people with symptoms do not seek help for what represents a significant public health problem. Objective: Two group randomized controlled trial conducted in England between 11th May 2016 and 27th June 2018. Adults with social anxiety symptoms who were not receiving treatment for social anxiety were recruited using online advertisements. All participants had unrestricted access to usual care and were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a web-based unguided self-help intervention based on cognitive-behavioural principles, or to a waiting list control group. All outcomes were collected through self-report online questionnaires. The primary outcome was the change in 17-item self-report Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN-17) score from baseline to 6 weeks using a linear mixed-effect model that used data from all timepoints (6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months). Methods: Two group randomized controlled trial conducted in England between 11th May 2016 and 27th June 2018. Adults with social anxiety symptoms who were not receiving treatment for social anxiety were recruited using online advertisements. All participants had unrestricted access to usual care and were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either a web-based unguided self-help intervention based on cognitive-behavioural principles, or to a waiting list control group. All outcomes were collected through self-report online questionnaires. The primary outcome was the change in 17-item self-report Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN-17) score from baseline to 6 weeks using a linear mixed-effect model that used data from all timepoints (6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months). Results: 2212 participants were randomized. Six were excluded from analyses as ineligible. Of the 2116 eligible randomized participants (mean age 37 years, 80% women), 70.1% (1484/2116) had follow-up data available for analysis, and 56.9% (1205/2116) had data on the primary outcome, although attrition was higher in the intervention arm. At 6 weeks the mean (95% CI, P value) adjusted difference in change in SPIN-17 score in the intervention group compared to control, was -1.94 (-3.13 to -0.75, P=0.0014), a standardised mean difference effect size of 0.2. The improvement was maintained at 12 months. Given the high drop-out, sensitivity analyses explored missing data assumptions and were consistent with the primary analysis finding. The economic evaluation demonstrated cost-effectiveness with a small health status benefit and a reduction in health service utilisation. Conclusions: For people with social anxiety symptoms who are not receiving other forms of help, this study suggests that an online self-help tool based on cognitive behavioural principles can provide a small improvement in social anxiety symptoms compared with no intervention, although drop-out rates were high. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02451878. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT0245187

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fully self-guided internet-based intervention for sub-clinical social anxiety symptoms : protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Design and objective: This paper describes the protocol for a large-scale pragmatic, randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the self-directed E-Couch social anxiety module versus a waiting list control condition, for reducing sub-clinical social anxiety symptoms in the general population. Study population: Community-based adults (aged 18+) with social anxiety symptoms that do not meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder recruited via a direct-to-consumer advertisement on national websites. Intervention and control: Intervention is the self-guided E-Couch social anxiety module. Control group participants are placed on a waiting list to receive the intervention at the end of the trial. Both groups receive email and text message reminders. Outcome measures: The primary outcome will be change in self-reported social anxiety score using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Secondary outcomes will be the changes in the following self-report measures: Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation scale (BFNE-S); depression (CES-D); mental wellbeing (SWEMWEBS); health status (SF36); use of health services; safety events; and adherence, retention, and attrition rates. All measures will be administered at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months. Analysis: A mixed effects model will be used to analyse the effect of the intervention on the primary and secondary outcomes (intention to treat analysis). Secondary analyses will explore moderators and mediators of effect. A prospective economic evaluation, conducted from a NHS and social care perspective, will provide estimates of cost utility and cost-effectiveness. An interview study will be conducted with 20 participants to explore issues including acceptability, adherence, retention and attrition

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a fully self-guided internet-based intervention for sub-clinical social anxiety symptoms: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial

DESIGN AND OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the protocol for a large-scale pragmatic, randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the self-directed E-Couch social anxiety module versus a waiting list control condition, for reducing sub-clinical social anxiety symptoms in the general population. STUDY POPULATION: Community-based adults (aged 18þ) with social anxiety symptoms that do not meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder recruited via a direct-to-consumer advertisement on national websites. INTERVENTION AND CONTROL: Intervention is the self-guided E-Couch social anxiety module. Control group participants are placed on a waiting list to receive the intervention at the end of the trial. Both groups receive email and text message reminders. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome will be change in self-reported social anxiety score using the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Secondary outcomes will be the changes in the following self-report measures: Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation scale (BFNE-S); depression (CES-D); mental wellbeing (SWEMWEBS); health status (SF36); use of health services; safety events; and adherence, retention, and attrition rates. All measures will be administered at baseline, 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months. ANALYSIS: A mixed effects model will be used to analyse the effect of the intervention on the primary and secondary outcomes (intention to treat analysis). Secondary analyses will explore moderators and mediators of effect. A prospective economic evaluation, conducted from a NHS and social care perspective, will provide estimates of cost utility and costeffectiveness. An interview study will be conducted with 20 participants to explore issues including acceptability, adherence, retention and attrition.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the MQ charity under its PsyIMPACT funding call (www.joinMQ.org). KG is supported by NHMRC Fellowship 1059620. The ongoing delivery of E-Couch is enabled by funding from the Australian Commonwealth Department of Health. HA was funded by a NIHR National School for Primary Care Research Fellowship (up to September 2015). LL and YY are funded by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (Oxford BRC)

The effect of increasing physical activity and/or omega-3 supplementation on fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease

Objective: Fatigue is frequently reported by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irrespective of disease activity; however, evidence regarding fatigue management is limited. This study tested the effect of individualised advice to increase physical activity and/or omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, on IBD-related fatigue. Methods: A pilot study in patients with inactive IBD, utilising a randomised controlled 2x2 factorial design (four groups) compared baseline and post-intervention fatigque scores. Study interventions: individualised exercise advice (15 minute consultation) and/or supplementation (omega-3 fatty acids, 2970mg/day) for 12 weeks. Control interventions: general health discussion and/or placebo supplement. All patients received follow-up support. Primary outcome was fatigue measured by Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale score; secondary outcomes included change in Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Fatigue (IBD-F) scale score. Results: From n=656 screened patients, n=74 who met the selection criteria were randomised, n=60 commenced, and n=52 completed the study. Fatigue as tThe primary outcome fatigque, measured with FACIT-F, showed slight worsening in the omega-3 supplementation group (95%CI:-8.6-(-0.7);p=0.02), and no change in the exercise advice group (p=0.38). Reduced fatigue, measured by IBD-F score, was identified in the exercise group (95%CI:-3.8-(-0.2);p=0.03). One treatment-related adverse event (musculoskeletal pain) was reported with exercise. Conclusions: Advice to increase physical activity and omega-3 supplementation, singly or in combination, were shown to be safe and generally well-tolerated. There was no evidence of exercise-related adverse effects on gut-related symptoms, and some evidence of improvement in fatigue. The slight worsening of fatigue with omega-3 supplementation is unexplained. Regular moderate to -vigorous exercise may be a self-management option in IBD-related fatigue

Toward a better understanding of fish‐based contribution to ocean carbon flux

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Unlocking the potential of deep learning for marine ecology: overview, applications, and outlook

The deep learning (DL) revolution is touching all scientific disciplines and corners of our lives as a means of harnessing the power of big data. Marine ecology is no exception. New methods provide analysis of data from sensors, cameras, and acoustic recorders, even in real time, in ways that are reproducible and rapid. Off-the-shelf algorithms find, count, and classify species from digital images or video and detect cryptic patterns in noisy data. These endeavours require collaboration across ecological and data science disciplines, which can be challenging to initiate. To promote the use of DL towards ecosystem-based management of the sea, this paper aims to bridge the gap between marine ecologists and computer scientists. We provide insight into popular DL approaches for ecological data analysis, focusing on supervised learning techniques with deep neural networks, and illustrate challenges and opportunities through established and emerging applications of DL to marine ecology. We present case studies on plankton, fish, marine mammals, pollution, and nutrient cycling that involve object detection, classification, tracking, and segmentation of visualized data. We conclude with a broad outlook of the field’s opportunities and challenges, including potential technological advances and issues with managing complex data sets.publishedVersionPaid Open Acces