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Objective To establish international, multidisciplinary expert consensus on minimum participant characteristic reporting standards in aphasia research (DESCRIBE project). Methods An international, three-round e-Delphi exercise and consensus meeting, involving multidisciplinary researchers, clinicians and journal editors working academically or clinically in the field of aphasia. Results Round 1 of the DESCRIBE e-Delphi exercise ( n = 156) generated 113 items, 20 of which reached consensus by round 3. The final consensus meeting ( n = 19 participants) established DESCRIBE's 14 participant characteristics that should be reported in aphasia studies: age; years of education; biological sex; language of treatment/testing; primary language; languages used; history of condition(s) known to impact communication/cognition; history of previous stroke; lesion hemisphere; time since onset of aphasia; conditions arising from the neurological event; and, for communication partner participants, age, biological sex and relationship to person with aphasia. Each characteristic has been defined and matched with standard response options to enable consistent reporting. Conclusion Aphasia research studies should report the 14 DESCRIBE participant characteristics as a minimum. Consistent adherence to the DESCRIBE minimum reporting standard will reduce research wastage and facilitate evidence-based aphasia management by enabling replication and collation of research findings, and translation of evidence into practice.

Background We require high-quality information on the current burden, the types of therapy and resources available, methods of delivery, care pathways and long-term outcomes for people with aphasia. Aim To document and inform international delivery of post-stroke aphasia treatment, to optimise recovery and reintegration of people with aphasia. Methods & Procedures Multi-centre, prospective, non-randomised, open study, employing blinded outcome assessment, where appropriate, including people with post-stroke aphasia, able to attend for 30 minutes during the initial language assessment, at first contact with a speech and language therapist for assessment of aphasia at participating sites. There is no study-mandated intervention. Assessments will occur at baseline (first contact with a speech and language therapist for aphasia assessment), discharge from Speech and Language Therapy (SLT), 6 and 12-months post-stroke. Our primary outcome is changed from baseline in the Amsterdam Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (ANELT/Scenario Test for participants with severe verbal impairments) at 12-months post-stroke. Secondary outcomes at 6 and 12 months include the Therapy Outcome Measure (TOMS), Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO), Aphasia Severity Rating Scale (ASRS), Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient (WAB-AQ), stroke and aphasia quality of life scale (SAQoL-39), European Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D), lesion description, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), resource use, and satisfaction with therapy provision and success. We will collect demography, clinical data, and therapy content. Routine neuroimaging and medication administration records will be accessed where possible; imaging will be pseudonymised and transferred to a central reading centre. Data will be collected in a central registry. We will describe demography, stroke and aphasia profiles and therapies available. International individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses will examine treatment responder rates based on minimal detectable change & clinically important changes from baseline for primary and secondary outcomes at 6 and 12 months. Multivariable meta-analyses will examine associations between demography, therapy, medication use and outcomes, considering service characteristics. Where feasible, costs associated with treatment will be reported. Where available, we will detail brain lesion size and site, and examine correlations with SLT and language outcome at 12 months. Conclusion International differences in care, resource utilisation and outcomes will highlight avenues for further aphasia research, promote knowledge sharing and optimise aphasia rehabilitation delivery. IPD meta-analyses will enhance and expand understanding, identifying cost-effective and promising approaches to optimise rehabilitation to benefit people with aphasia.

Many people with aphasia (language impairment post-stroke) want to know their prognosis for recovery, yet current understanding of their experience of receiving prognoses is limited. Such insight is necessary to inform clinical practice in formulating and delivering aphasia prognoses, especially given the psycho-emotional distress and secondary adverse effects on recovery associated with conversations about prognosis. We sought an in-depth understanding of the perspectives of people with aphasia in relation to receiving prognoses post-stroke, with the aim of informing an evidence-based approach to aphasia prognostication in clinical practice. Semi-structured interviews, facilitated by communication support strategies, were conducted one-to-one with eight people with aphasia (ranging from mild to very severe) 3-12 months post-stroke. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, yielding two over-arching themes: (1) How would you know without knowing me?; (2) I need to know, but I don't want to know. Our findings illustrate issues of mistrust within the patient-clinician relationship, and complex emotions relating to hope and post-stroke adjustment. The present insight into the lived experience of receiving aphasia prognoses highlights the need for focused consideration of personal definitions of normalcy, measures for fostering trust, and the role of prognostic uncertainty.

Purpose: “Self-management” empowers individuals to take responsibility for their healthcare through skill-building, personal growth, and self-efficacy related to chronic health condition management. Self-management approaches may benefit people with aphasia (PwA); however, PwA are often excluded from stroke self-management research and there is no published research reporting on aphasia-specific self-management programs. Communication partners (CPs) are involved in the rehabilitation and day-to-day lives of PwA, thus giving them unique insights and knowledge of PwA needs. The present study aimed to investigate CP experiences and perspectives regarding aphasia self-management and to explore CP perceptions of the use of technology in aphasia self-management. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 CPs living in Australia. Interview data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Analysis revealed six core themes: (1) aphasia self-management is embedded into everyday life, (2) CPs provide comprehensive self-management support, (3) speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provide tools and support to enable PwA to self-manage, (4) aphasia self-management can be enhanced by technological supports, (5) potential positive outcomes of aphasia self-management, and (6) factors influencing successful aphasia self-management. Conclusions: Aphasia self-management programs should focus on individual needs, functional communication in daily life, and social interaction. PwA and CPs are central to these programs, assisted by SLPs. Technology should be explored to augment aphasia self-management.Implications for Rehabilitation Communication partners suggest that people with aphasia are already engaging in aspects of self-management and that more formal aphasia-specific self-management approaches may be beneficial. Dedicated aphasia self-management programs should be situated in daily life with a focus on functional communication, life participation, confidence, and independence. Communication partners, speech-language pathologists, and technology are key support sources for aphasia self-management. Further input should be sought from communication partners in the development of aphasia self-management programs.

Background: Evidence-based recommendations for a core outcome set (COS; minimum set of outcomes) for aphasia treatment research have been developed (the Research Outcome Measurement in Aphasia—ROMA, COS). Five recommended core outcome constructs: communication, language, quality of life, emotional well-being and patient-reported satisfaction/impact of treatment, were identified through three international consensus studies. Constructs were paired with outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) during an international consensus meeting (ROMA-1). Before the current study (ROMA-2), agreement had not been reached on OMIs for the constructs of communication or patient-reported satisfaction/impact of treatment. Aim: To establish consensus on a communication OMI for inclusion in the ROMA COS. Methods & Procedures: Research methods were based on recommendations from the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) Initiative. Participants with expertise in design and conduct of aphasia trials, measurement instrument development/testing and/or communication outcome measurement were recruited through an open call. Before the consensus meeting, participants agreed on a definition of communication, identified appropriate OMIs, extracted their measurement properties and established criteria for their quality assessment. During the consensus meeting they short-listed OMIs and participants without conflicts of interest voted on the two most highly ranked instruments. Consensus was defined a priori as agreement by ≥ 70% of participants. Outcomes & Results: In total, 40 researchers from nine countries participated in ROMA-2 (including four facilitators and three-panel members who participated in pre-meeting activities only). A total of 20 OMIs were identified and evaluated. Eight short-listed communication measures were further evaluated for their measurement properties and ranked. Participants in the consensus meeting (n = 33) who did not have conflicts of interest (n = 29) voted on the top two ranked OMIs: The Scenario Test (TST) and the Communication Activities of Daily Living—3 (CADL-3). TST received 72% (n = 21) of ‘yes’ votes and the CADL-3 received 28% (n = 8) of ‘yes’ votes. Conclusions & Implications: Consensus was achieved that TST was the preferred communication OMI for inclusion in the ROMA COS. It is currently available in the original Dutch version and has been adapted into English, German and Greek. Further consideration must be given to the best way to measure communication in people with mild aphasia. Development of a patient-reported measure for satisfaction with/impact of treatment and multilingual versions of all OMIs of the COS is still required. Implementation of the ROMA COS would improve research outcome measurement and the quality, relevance, transparency, replicability and efficiency of aphasia treatment research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject International consensus has been reached on five core constructs to be routinely measured in aphasia treatment studies. International consensus has also been established for OMIs for the three constructs of language, quality of life and emotional well-being. Before this study, OMIs for the constructs of communication and patient-reported satisfaction/impact of treatment were not established. What this paper adds to existing knowledge We gained international consensus on an OMI for the construct of communication. TST is recommended for inclusion in the ROMA COS for routine use in aphasia treatment research. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The ROMA COS recommends OMIs for a minimum set of outcomes for adults with post-stroke aphasia within phases I–IV aphasia treatment research. Although not intended for clinical use, clinicians may employ the instruments of the ROMA COS, considering the quality of their measurement properties. The systematic inclusion of a measure of communication, such as TST, in clinical practice could ultimately support the implementation of research evidence and best practices.

PurposeA core outcome set (COS; an agreed minimum set of outcomes) was developed to address the heterogeneous measurement of outcomes in poststroke aphasia treatment research. Successful implementation of a COS requires change in individual and collective research behavior. We used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to understand the factors influencing researchers' use and nonuse of the Research Outcome Measurement in Aphasia (ROMA) COS.MethodAphasia trialists and highly published treatment researchers were identified from the Cochrane review of speech and language therapy for aphasia following stroke and through database searches. Participants completed a theory-informed online survey that explored factors influencing COS use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.ResultsSixty-four aphasia researchers from 13 countries participated. Most participants (81%) were aware of the ROMA COS, and participants identified more facilitators than barriers to its use. The TDF domain with the highest agreement (i.e., facilitator) was “knowledge” (84% agree/strongly agree). Participants had knowledge of the measures included in the ROMA COS, their associated benefits, and the existing recommendations. The TDF domains with the least agreement (i.e., barriers) were “reinforcement” (34% agree/strongly agree); “social influences” (41% agree/strongly agree); “memory, attention, and decision processes” (45% agree/strongly agree); and “behavioral regulation” (49% agree/strongly agree). Hence, participants identified a lack of external incentives, collegial encouragement, and monitoring systems as barriers to using the ROMA COS. The suitability and availability of individual measurement instruments, as well as burden associated with collecting the COS, were also identified as reasons for nonuse.ConclusionsOverall, participants were aware of the benefits of using the ROMA COS and believed that its implementation would improve research quality; however, incentives for routine implementation were reported to be lacking. Findings will guide future revisions of the ROMA COS and the development of theoretically informed implementation strategies.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16528524

To synthesize information about the constructs measured, measurement instruments used, and the timing of assessment of cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) research.Scoping review conducted in alignment with Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage methodological framework and reported per the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Inclusion criteria: (a) cohort description, case-control, and treatment studies; (b) participants with TBI aged 5-18 years; (c) communication or psychosocial outcomes; and (d) English full-text journal articles. The first author reviewed all titles, abstracts, and full-text articles; 10% were independently reviewed.Following screening, a total of 687 articles were included and 919 measurement instruments, measuring 2134 unique constructs, were extracted. The Child Behavior Checklist was the most used measurement instrument and 'Global Outcomes/Recovery' was the construct most frequently measured. The length of longitudinal monitoring ranged between ≤3 months and 16 years.We found considerable heterogeneity in the constructs measured, the measurement instruments used, and the timing of CCD assessment in pediatric TBI research. A consistent approach to measurement may support clinical decision-making and the efficient use of data beyond individual studies in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Background Dysarthria after stroke is when speech intelligibility is impaired, and this occurs in half of all stroke survivors. Dysarthria often leads to social isolation, poor psychological well-being and can prevent return to work and social lives. Currently, a variety of outcome measures are used in clinical research and practice when monitoring recovery for people who have dysarthria. When research studies use different measures, it is impossible to compare results from trials and delays our understanding of effective clinical treatments. The aim of this study is to develop a core outcome set (COS) to agree what aspects of speech recovery should be measured for dysarthria after stroke (COS-Speech) in research and clinical practice. Methods The COS-Speech study will include five steps: (1) development of a long list of possible outcome domains of speech that should be measured to guide the survey; (2) recruitment to the COS-Speech study of three key stakeholder groups in the UK and Australia: stroke survivors, communication researchers and speech and language therapists/pathologists; (3) two rounds of the Delphi survey process; (4) a consensus meeting to agree the speech outcomes to be measured and a follow-up consensus meeting to match existing instruments/measures (from parallel systematic review) to the agreed COS-Speech; (5) dissemination of COS-Speech. Discussion There is currently no COS for dysarthria after stroke for research trials or clinical practice. The findings from this research study will be a minimum COS, for use in all dysarthria research studies and clinical practice looking at post-stroke recovery of speech. These findings will be widely disseminated using professional and patient networks, research and clinical forums as well as using a variety of academic papers, videos, accessible writing such as blogs and links on social media. Trial registration COS-Speech is registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database, October 2021 https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1959. In addition, “A systematic review of the psychometric properties and clinical utility of instruments measuring dysarthria after stroke” will inform the consensus meeting to match measures to COS-Speech. The protocol for the systematic reviews registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022302998.

International audience; Background: Outcome measurement is recommended in stroke clinical practice guidelines, however there is considerable variability in how this activity is performed in clinical practice. Factors driving clinician behaviour have been explored in English-speaking countries, but little is known about the factors influencing clinical practice in non-English-speaking populations. Aims: (1) To explore barriers and facilitators to aphasia outcome measurement from the perspective of international aphasia clinicians. (2) To determine whether barriers and facilitators to outcome measurement differ in English-and non-English-speaking countries. The primary hypothesis was that clinicians working with people with aphasia in non-Englishspeaking countries would experience more barriers to outcome measurement than those in English-speaking countries. Methods and Procedures: An international sample of aphasia clinicians completed an online survey informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a Mann-Whitney U Test to compare English-and non-Englishspeaking groups. TDF domains identified as influencing clinician behaviour were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel, producing theory-informed strategies to improve practice. Outcomes and Results: A total of 208 clinicians from 25 countries completed the survey. Almost all (93.7%) reported measuring outcomes to some extent, most commonly to measure client progress. Facilitators to outcome measurement included “social/professional role and identity” (understanding that measuring outcomes is part of the clinicians’ role), “optimism” (feeling positive about measuring outcomes), and “emotion” (enjoying, and feeling comfortable measuring outcomes). Barriers were “environmental context and resources” (time and resource limitations, and competing caseload priorities), “behavioural regulation” (a lack of personal and workplace systems to measure outcomes) and “skills” (having insufficient training and experience in outcome measurement). There was no significant difference between the barriers and facilitators experienced by clinicians in English- and non-English speaking countries. Implementation strategies, informed by Behaviour Change Techniques, were created to improve clinical practice.Conclusions: Internationally, clinicians working with people with aphasia measure outcomes and believe that this is part of their role, and a positive aspect of their work. Common barriers to outcome measurement included insufficient time and access to resources, inadequate personal and workplace systems, and insufficient skills necessary for performing outcome measurement. Preliminary, theory-informed strategies (e.g., improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate measurement instruments; developing protocols, templates or checklists guided by recommended practice; and providing training in outcome measurement) would assist with uptake of clinical practice guidelines in this area.

For people with post-stroke aphasia, “Will I get better?” is a question often asked, but one that is intellectually and emotionally demanding for speech pathologists to answer. Speech pathologists’ formulation and delivery of aphasia prognoses is varied and there is limited evidence for optimising practice. We aimed to understand speech pathologists’ clinical experiences, reasoning, and support needs in aphasia prognostication. Twenty-five Australian speech pathologists working with people with aphasia participated in individual, semi-structured interviews. Their age, level of experience, work setting, and location were maximally varied. Interview responses were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Five themes were drawn from the interviews: (1) prognostic challenges are shared but not voiced; (2) truth is there’s no quick fix; (3) recovery is more than words; (4) the power of words; and, (5) prognostic competence is implicit. Speech pathologists use implicit competencies to formulate and deliver aphasia prognoses. A patient-centred, holistic contextualisation of aphasia recovery may enable realistic, optimistic, and constructive conversations about prognosis. These conversations may have therapeutic potential if prognostic uncertainty, emotional adjustment, and conditional outcomes are carefully addressed. Future research should seek to understand the perceptions and preferences of people with aphasia and their significant others.Implications for RehabilitationAphasia prognostication in clinical practice is complex and nuanced, thus increased clinical and research focus is warranted to ensure key stakeholder needs are met.Conversations about prognosis may be more meaningful to people with aphasia if recovery is conceptualised as encompassing impairment, activity, and participation outcomes.Given the implicit competencies required for prognostication, a structured approach to reflective practice and experience-based training may be beneficial.Conversations about prognosis may have therapeutic value, but further research is needed to explore this potential. Aphasia prognostication in clinical practice is complex and nuanced, thus increased clinical and research focus is warranted to ensure key stakeholder needs are met. Conversations about prognosis may be more meaningful to people with aphasia if recovery is conceptualised as encompassing impairment, activity, and participation outcomes. Given the implicit competencies required for prognostication, a structured approach to reflective practice and experience-based training may be beneficial. Conversations about prognosis may have therapeutic value, but further research is needed to explore this potential.

Background and Objectives:This systematic review aimed to identify and appraise the evidence for online peer-support interventions for caregivers of stroke survivors (with and without aphasia), and people with dementia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.Research Design and Methods:Systematic review conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Five databases were systematically searched up until September 2020: EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) scales. Interventions were described using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist.Results:A total of 3026 records were identified from database searches. Following screening, 18 studies reporting 17 interventions were included in this review. Most studies (n = 13) reported interventions for caregivers of people with dementia. All studies incorporated an element of peer support as part of the intervention, however, most interventions (n = 15) comprised both psychosocial and educational elements. Statistically significant changes were reported for 11 interventions in one or more of the following domains: caregiver knowledge, mental health, stress, depression, distress, burden, self-efficacy, mastery, helplessness and perceived support. Qualitative outcomes included perceived reductions in stress and increased emotional and informational support.Discussion and Implications:Positive changes in caregiver outcomes were identified in response to multi-component online interventions (i.e., peer support in addition to education). Peer support was often poorly described, limiting the conclusions that could be drawn about the intervention components which result in better outcomes. Online interventions may provide an accessible and effective means of supporting caregivers.

Background: Aphasia is a common consequence of stroke, and people who live with this condition experience poor outcomes. Adherence to clinical practice guidelines can promote high-quality service delivery and optimize patient outcomes. However, there are currently no high-quality guidelines specific to post-stroke aphasia management. Aims: To identify and evaluate recommendations from high-quality stroke guidelines that can inform aphasia management. Summary of review: We conducted an updated systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify high-quality clinical guidelines published between January 2015 and October 2022. Primary searches were performed using electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Gray literature searches were conducted using Google Scholar, guideline databases, and stroke websites. Clinical practice guidelines were evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines and Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Recommendations were extracted from high-quality guidelines (scored > 66.7% on Domain 3: “Rigor of Development”), classified as aphasia-specific or aphasia-related, and categorized into clinical practice areas. Evidence ratings and source citations were assessed, and similar recommendations were grouped. Twenty-three stroke clinical practice guidelines were identified and 9 (39%) met our criteria for rigor of development. From these guidelines, 82 recommendations for aphasia management were extracted: 31 were aphasia-specific, 51 aphasia-related, 67 evidence-based, and 15 consensus-based. Conclusion: More than half of stroke clinical practice guidelines identified did not meet our criteria for rigorous development. We identified 9 high-quality guidelines and 82 recommendations to inform aphasia management. Most recommendations were aphasia-related; aphasia-specific recommendation gaps were identified in three clinical practice areas: “accessing community supports,” “return to work, leisure, driving,” and “interprofessional practice.”

Objective To explore how stakeholders in rehabilitation conceptualise ‘successful rehabilitation’, to inform the development of a minimum dataset and core outcomes for sub-acute rehabilitation. Design Qualitative consensus study using the nominal group technique. Setting Online focus groups. Participants Consumer representatives ( n = 7), clinicians ( n = 15), and health service managers ( n = 9) from Australia. Intervention Participants responded to the question, ‘What does successful rehabilitation look like?’. Following item generation, they prioritised their top five responses, allocating 100 points across items to denote relative importance. Main measures Prioritised responses were analysed across stakeholder groups using qualitative content analysis. Results Ten themes were identified. ‘Successful rehabilitation’ is: (1) person and family centred; (2) effective; (3) inter-professional; (4) accessible; (5) goal oriented with meaningful outcomes; (6) connected to the continuum of care; (7) evidence-based and supportive of innovation and research; (8) appropriately funded and skilled; (9) satisfying and engaging; and (10) safe. Conclusions Stakeholder-defined ‘successful rehabilitation’ aligned with principles of value-based care and evidence-based rehabilitation. Provision and receipt of person and family centred care was the most important indicator of successful rehabilitation. Measures of success should include indicators of structure, process, outcome, and experience, and be conducted at multiple time-points.

In clinical practice and in research, aphasia measurement instruments are used for many reasons: to screen and diagnose, to identify deficits and strengths, and to measure outcomes. A proliferation...

Communication is an area of health and functioning that is profoundly affected by dementia. While it is known that people living with dementia and their care partners experience disruptions to daily activities and social engagement, detailed knowledge about the lived impact of dementia-related communication changes is lacking. This study sought an in-depth understanding of the lived experience of dementia-related communication changes and the associated impact, needs, and strategies.As part of an overarching participatory design study, a qualitative (interpretive description) exploration was undertaken with people living with dementia and their care partners. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.We interviewed 13 people living with dementia and 21 care partners and drew three themes and 10 subthemes from the interviews. The first theme illustrates how dementia changes communication which in turn changes life; the second captures the impact of changes on people living with dementia and care partners emotionally and in the context of relationships; and the third describes some positive and constructive ways of moving forward with dementia-related communication changes.Interventions to enhance function, participation, and wellbeing for people living with dementia and their care partners need to encompass support for communication changes. There is a need to ensure that people living with dementia feel dignified and respected during communication, and that care partners and inclusive communities are educated, trained, and supported to facilitate communication.

Background\ud Treatment success is the desired outcome in aphasia rehabilitation. However, to date, there is a lack of consensus on what defines a 'successful' result on a given aphasia outcome measurement instrument (OMI).\ud \ud Aim\ud In this methodological paper, we present strategies for how to define and measure treatment success on a given OMI at the group-level, as well as for an individual person with aphasia. The latter is particularly important when research findings from group studies are clinically implemented for individuals in rehabilitation.\ud \ud Scope\ud We start by presenting methods to calculate the average statistically significant change across several (group) studies (e.g., standardised mean difference, raw unstandardised mean difference) for a given OMI. Such metrics are useful to summarise the overall effect of the intervention of interest, particularly in meta-analyses. However, benchmarks based on group effects are not feasible for assessing an individual participant’s treatment success and thus for determining the proportion of patients who had a beneficial response to therapy (overall response rate of an intervention). We therefore recommend a distribution-based approach to determine benchmarks of a statistically significant treatment response at the individual level, i.e., the 'smallest detectable change' for a given OMI, which refers to the smallest change that can be detected by the OMI beyond measurement error. However, the statistical significance of an individual treatment effect does not necessarily correspond to its clinical impact. This requires an additional indicator. The benchmark to determine a clinically relevant improvement on a given OMI is the 'minimal important change'. The minimally important change is defined as the smallest OMI change score perceived as important by the relevant stakeholder group (i.e., people with aphasia, their relatives/caregivers, clinicians). It therefore requires relating the individual OMI change scores to 'anchors', i.e., meaningful external criteria, preferably based on patient-perceived therapy success. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal 'anchors' and their respective definition of clinically important change in aphasia outcome research.\ud \ud Conclusions/Recommendations\ud Operationalising individual treatment success based on both statistically significant and (patient-reported) clinically meaningful benchmarks is a key priority in aphasia rehabilitation. Availability of such measures will (a) facilitate estimates of therapy response rate in intervention studies and thus optimise therapeutic decisions and (b) provide stakeholder groups (e.g., the society, the stroke team, people with aphasia, family, clinicians, healthcare professionals) with objective, statistically reliable and meaningful feedback on individual treatment response in the clinical setting.

Aphasia is a debilitating acquired language disorder that often persists as a chronic condition. However, long-term support options are scarce, necessitating the consideration of alternative approaches. Chronic condition self-management approaches, which aim to build self-efficacy and empower people to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of their health condition, may benefit people with aphasia (PwA). Technology is widely used in chronic condition self-management and investigation is required to determine whether it could play a role in aphasia self-management. This study aimed to explore speech-language pathologist (SLP) perspectives on the potential use of technology to support aphasia self-management. A qualitative study was conducted with 15 SLPs using semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was applied to verbatim transcripts to identify codes, categories, and sub-themes which were developed into themes. Three themes were identified: (1) technology supports holistic aphasia self-management by providing additional avenues for service delivery, overall communication, and learning opportunities thus enhancing independence and life participation; (2) SLP and communication partner (CP) assistance can support PwA to use technology for aphasia self-management; (3) considerations and potential barriers to PwA use of technology for aphasia self-management. Technology can support aphasia self-management by expanding service delivery options, allowing for increased frequency and intensity of therapy practise, and facilitating communication and participation. Personal, professional, and organizational barriers should be addressed in the development of technology-enabled aphasia self-management approaches. SLPs and CPs can offer PwA assistance with technology but may themselves need additional support. Solutions for identified barriers should be considered, such as providing training in the use of technology and implementing aphasia-friendly modifications.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSelf-management approaches are being explored in the area of aphasia management as a means of offering a holistic, sustainable intervention option that meets the long-term needs of people with aphasia.A range of technology-based resources are currently used in chronic condition self-management and in aphasia therapy, and there are many possibilities for the use of technology in aphasia self-management approaches.Speech-language pathologists identified that technology could facilitate aphasia self-management by expanding service delivery options (e.g., real-time and asynchronous telepractice), enabling increased frequency and intensity of therapy through providing a means of independent practise, offering options for augmentative alternative communication, and enhancing life participation by supporting social communication and daily tasks.,Speech-language pathologists are interested in using technology for aphasia self-management; however, barriers related to organizational policies, individual experience and confidence using technology, and technology itself must be addressed. Self-management approaches are being explored in the area of aphasia management as a means of offering a holistic, sustainable intervention option that meets the long-term needs of people with aphasia. A range of technology-based resources are currently used in chronic condition self-management and in aphasia therapy, and there are many possibilities for the use of technology in aphasia self-management approaches. Speech-language pathologists identified that technology could facilitate aphasia self-management by expanding service delivery options (e.g., real-time and asynchronous telepractice), enabling increased frequency and intensity of therapy through providing a means of independent practise, offering options for augmentative alternative communication, and enhancing life participation by supporting social communication and daily tasks., Speech-language pathologists are interested in using technology for aphasia self-management; however, barriers related to organizational policies, individual experience and confidence using technology, and technology itself must be addressed.

This study aimed to investigate if a single, early learning experience in an aged care setting could influence speech-language pathology students': (1) attitudes towards older people; (2) confidence in communicating with older people; and (3) career aspirations in aged care.Ninety first-year undergraduate speech-language pathology students participated in a single visit to an aged care community centre. Students participated in recreational activities alongside older people and engaged in conversation. Before and after the visit, students completed surveys which examined their attitudes towards older people (UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Scale) and self-perceived communication confidence. A Learning Reactionnaire, examining satisfaction with the experience and career aspirations, was completed post-visit. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Qualitative data were analysed using inductive content analysis.Students demonstrated positive changes in their attitudes towards older people and increased communication confidence. Students reported increased interest in future employment in aged care. High satisfaction towards the learning experience was reported.These preliminary findings indicate that a single, early learning experience in an aged care setting can positively shape the attitudes and self-perceived communication skills of first-year speech-language pathology students and help foster interest in pursuing a career in aged care.

Prognostication is a complex clinical task that involves forming a prediction about recovery and communicating prognostic information to patients and families. In aphasia, recovery is difficult to predict and evidence-based guidance on prognosis delivery is lacking. Questions about aphasia prognosis commonly arise, but it is unknown how speech pathologists formulate and deliver information about expected recovery. An understanding of current practice in prognostication is needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for this process, and is necessary in order to ensure successful future implementation of recommended practice regarding prognosis delivery.To identify the factors speech pathologists consider important when responding to questions about aphasia prognosis; to examine how they respond in different scenarios; and to evaluate their current attitudes towards aphasia prognostication.A total of 54 speech pathologists participated in an online survey featuring hypothetical aphasia prognosis delivery scenarios, short-response questions and ratings. Open responses were analysed thematically. Multiple-choice responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests.Speech pathologists regarded factors relating to the nature and severity of post-stroke deficits, an individual's level of motivation and the availability of social support as most important for forming an aphasia prognosis. When delivering prognostic information, considerations of the recipient's emotional well-being, hope and expectations, and comprehension of information were regarded as most important. Speech pathologists' prognosis responses varied in content and manner of communication. The content of the responses included predictions of recovery and information about various attributes and activities contributing to recovery. Prognostic information was most frequently communicated through qualitative probability expressions, general statements and uncertainty-based expressions. A need for more professional support in aphasia prognostication was indicated.There is variation in the way speech pathologists respond to questions about aphasia prognosis, and it is unknown how these conversations affect people with aphasia and their significant others. Further research to understand speech pathologists' clinical reasoning and professional support needs, and the perspectives of people living with aphasia, may help to develop an evidence-based approach to prognostication in aphasia. What this paper adds What is already known on this subject Questions about aphasia prognosis are difficult to answer. Current methods for predicting aphasia recovery are yet to demonstrate the reliability and individual specificity required for clinical application. At present, there is no evidence-based guidance or support for prognosis delivery in aphasia. What this study adds to existing knowledge There is variation in the way speech pathologists predict aphasia recovery, the prognostic information they deliver and the manner in which they communicate prognoses. Current approaches to aphasia prognostication are reliant on experience and professional judgement, and speech pathologists desire more support for undertaking this task. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Speech pathologists lack a consistent approach to aphasia prognostication and desire more support in this task. The present findings offer insight into clinician attitudes and practice, and provide a direction for future research to establish best-practice guidelines for this complex and demanding area of aphasia management.

Purpose: Knowing what to expect poststroke is important for many significant others of people with aphasia, yet an understanding of their perceptions and preferences in receiving prognostic information is limited. This knowledge is needed to inform the formulation and delivery of aphasia prognoses as conversations about prognosis can be harmful or helpful depending on their alignment with key stakeholder perspectives. Our preliminary study sought insight into the perspectives of significant others of people with aphasia on receiving prognostic information, with an aim toward informing evidence-based practice in aphasia prognostication. Method: We interviewed seven significant others of people with aphasia, 3–12 months poststroke. The interviews were semistructured, conducted one-to-one, and analyzed qualitatively using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were drawn from the interviews: (a) You don't know what you don't know. (b) Having them alive is the best you can ask for. (c) Recovery in the eye of the beholder. (d) Outcomes don't matter unless they help me help them. (e) It's my prognosis too if I'm living with aphasia. Conclusions: A significant other's prognosis-related perceptions and preferences are products of their poststroke reality and may inadvertently shape that of the person with aphasia. In order to facilitate recovery, prognostication practices need to consider the needs of significant others both as providers of care and as requiring care themselves for their first-hand experiences of third-party disability.

Background : Definitions reflect the current state of knowledge about a health condition. An agreed definition of aphasia is central to the progression of the science and clinical practice relevant to aphasia.\ud \ud Aim : To establish consensus on a definition of aphasia.\ud \ud Methods & Procedures : A three-round modified e-Delphi study was conducted with aphasia researchers who were members of the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs). In round one, participants were provided with a draft definition developed by the Societal Impact and Reintegration Working Group of CATs. Participants were asked whether they agreed with the definition and were asked to comment on any aspects that they perceived to require amendment. Comments were collated and analysed using inductive content analysis. In round two, participants were presented with the collated and de-identified results of the first round and the participants were asked to vote “yes/no” on two contentious aspects of the definition. In round three, agreement on the revised definition was again sought using closed “yes/no” voting. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 70% agreement by 80% of all CATs members. CATs membership fluctuated across the study period and ranged between 131 and 141 members.\ud \ud Outcomes & Results : The proposed definition was Aphasia is a communication disability due to an acquired impairment of language modalities caused by focal brain damage. Aphasia may affect participation and quality of life of the person with aphasia as well as their family and friends. Aphasia masks competence and affects functioning across relationships, life roles and activities, thereby influencing social inclusion, social connectedness, access to information and services, equal rights, and wellbeing in family, community and culture.\ud \ud Two main categories of proposed amendments to the definition were identified: (1) definition of aphasia as a communication disability versus a language impairment; and (2) definition of aphasia as being the result of a focal and/or diffuse lesion. After three rounds of surveys, consensus was unable to be achieved with an almost even split across participants on both amendment issues.\ud \ud Conclusion : Further debate about the use of the term communication disability to describe aphasia and whether aphasia is a result of focal or diffuse lesions is required before consensus is again attempted.

Background: An important goal of people living with aphasia, aphasia organizations and professionals who work with aphasia is increased awareness of aphasia by the public. However, surveys of the public awareness of aphasia around the world and over time suggest that public knowledge of aphasia is poor. Aims: The aim of this article is to examine the literature on aphasia awareness and aphasia awareness campaigns, and to propose a strategic research agenda to move awareness building forward. Main Contribution: Aphasia awareness campaigns appear to have had minimal impact on knowledge of aphasia by the general public. Potential problems with aphasia awareness building were identified including a lack of a unified and compelling message across awareness campaigns, lack of coordination across organizations and campaigns, tendency to target audiences already familiar with aphasia, failure to base campaigns on theory and research from disciplines such as marketing, health promotion and communication research, failure to involve people with aphasia, their families and health-care professionals in the co-design of campaigns and no evidence that the impact of campaigns has been evaluated. Conclusions: A strategic research agenda is needed in order to increase the effectiveness, co-design, and co-evaluation of aphasia awareness campaigns worldwide. The authors propose an international effort and comprehensive research agenda to address aphasia awareness.

Objective In clinical practice and research, standardised sets of data and outcomes are routinely collected to facilitate data comparison, benchmarking and quality improvement. Most existing data sets are condition-specific and cannot be applied to all patients in a given clinical setting. This review aimed to determine whether the development of a minimum data set for subacute rehabilitation is feasible by collating and comparing existing rehabilitation minimum data sets and core outcome sets. Data sources Published literature was identified through database searches (Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and the COMET Initiative) in September 2021. Additional data sets were identified through a grey literature search. Review methods This review was conducted in alignment with the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Datasets were included if they were published in English, designed for adults, and intended for use in subacute rehabilitation. Data were extracted and taxonomically organised to identify commonalities. Items present in ≥50% of data sets were considered common. Results Twenty minimum data sets and seven core outcome sets were included. There were 29 common minimum data set domains, with 19 relating to Patient Information, seven relating to Outcomes, two relating to Service Delivery and one relating to Provider Demographics. Four common domains were identified within the Core Outcome Set analysis, which all related to Life Impact, specifically Physical Functioning (86%) , Emotional Functioning/Wellbeing (57%) , Social Functioning (86%) and Global Quality of Life (100%). Conclusion Common item domains in conditions requiring subacute rehabilitation have been identified, suggesting that development of a dataset for subacute rehabilitation may be feasible.

IntroductionAphasia is an impairment of language that occurs in 30%–40% of stroke survivors. This often chronic condition results in poor outcomes for the individual with aphasia and their family. Long-term aphasia management is limited, with few people receiving sufficient services by 6–12 months postonset. We present a protocol for the development of coproduced aphasia service elements. We will use experience-based codesign (EBCD), an approach that enables service users and providers to collaboratively develop services and care pathways. Drawing on the experiences of people with aphasia, their families and clinicians we will establish priorities for the development of new services and later work together to codesign them.Methods and analysisThis research will be coproduced with people with aphasia (n=30–60), their families (n=30–60) and speech pathologists (n=30–60) in Queensland, Australia, using EBCD. A consumer advisory committee will provide oversight and advice throughout the research. In phase 1, we will use semistructured interviews and the nominal group technique to explore experiences and unmet needs in aphasia rehabilitation. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis and the resulting themes will be prioritised in multistakeholder focus groups. Outcomes of phase 1 will inform future research (phase 2) to codesign services. Financial costs and participant experiences of EBCD will be measured.Ethics and disseminationHuman Research Ethics Committee approval for phase 1 has been obtained (HREC/2020/QRBW/61368). Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journal articles, presented at relevant conferences and, following EBCD suggested best practice, fed back to participants and community members at a celebratory event at completion of the project. The inclusion of service users in all stages of research will facilitate an integrated approach to knowledge translation. A summary of research findings will be made available to participating sites.

Breeding birds that become oiled may contaminate the shells of their eggs, and studies of conventional crude oil suggest that even small quantities can be absorbed through the eggshell and cause embryotoxicity. Unconventional crude oils remain untested, so we evaluated whether a major Canadian oil sands product, diluted bitumen (dilbit), would be absorbed and cause toxicity when applied to eggshells of two species, domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum). We artificially incubated eggs and applied lightly weathered dilbit (Cold Lake blend) to the eggshells (0.015-0.15 mg g

The rigorous timing of the dynamic transcriptome within the embryo has to be well orchestrated for normal development. Identifying the phenology of the transcriptome along with the physiology of embryonic development in birds may suggest periods of increased sensitivity to contaminant exposure depending on the contaminant's mechanism of action. Double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum, formerly Phalacrocorax auritus) are commonly used in ecotoxicological studies, but relatively little is known about their functional transcriptome profile in early development. In this study, we tracked the phenology of the transcriptome during N. auritum embryogenesis. Fresh eggs were collected from a reference site and artificially incubated from collection until four days prior to hatching. Embryos were periodically sampled throughout incubation for a total of seven time points. A custom microarray was designed for cormorants (over 14,000 probes) and used for transcriptome analysis in whole body (days 5, 8) and liver tissue (days 12, 14, 16, 20, 24). Three main developmental periods (early, mid, and late incubation) were identified with differentially expressed genes, gene sets, and pathways within and between each developmental transition. Overall, the timing of differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways corresponded to previously documented changes in morphology, neurology, or physiology during avian embryonic development. Targeted investigation of a subset of genes involved in endogenous and xenobiotic metabolism (e.g., cytochrome P450 cyp1a, cyp1b1, superoxide dismutase 1 sod1) were expressed in a pattern similar to reported endogenous compound levels. These data can provide insights on normal embryonic development in an ecologically relevant species without any environmental contaminant exposure.

PURPOSE Self-management can lead to increased self-efficacy and improved quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions; however, there is little research exploring how self-management approaches can be used for chronic communication disorders, such as aphasia. Modifications to self-management approaches would be required to accommodate for aphasia; therefore, the input of people with aphasia (PwA) should be sought. The aims of the present study were: (1) To investigate and document the experiences and perspectives of PwA regarding self-management; (2) To explore how technology can be used to support aphasia self-management. MATERIALS AND METHODS In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 PwA living in Australia. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse interview data. RESULTS Analysis resulted in six themes: (1) In self-management, PwA take control of life with aphasia and assume responsibility for engaging in opportunities to improve overall communication; (2) Community aphasia groups are important enablers of self-management because they facilitate peer support; (3) Communication partners (CPs) provide multifaceted support in aphasia self-management; (4) SLPs provide integrated support and coordination in aphasia self-management; (5) Technology supports PwA to self-manage speech therapy and communication in daily life; (6) Psychological and physical health issues and societal factors may impact aphasia self-management abilities. CONCLUSION From the perspective of PwA, aphasia self-management involves enhancing skills enabling communication and life participation. PwA are central to aphasia self-management, with support provided by CPs, peers, and SLPs. Technology has a range of applications in aphasia self-management. PwA identified potential personal and contextual barriers that may impact self-management.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFor people with aphasia, engaging in conversation and social interaction are primary means of managing/improving communicative life participation; therefore, this should be a key focus of aphasia self-management programs.Aphasia self-management approaches should maximise the use of available support and provide tailored information, education, and training in the area of self-management to key stakeholders (people with aphasia, communication partners, and speech-language pathologists).People with aphasia should be supported to use technology for aphasia self-management, encompassing communication specific and daily life use.People with aphasia should be heavily involved in the development of structured aphasia self-management approaches.

Coordination of international aphasia research would minimise duplication of effort, support synergistic international activities across languages and multidisciplinary perspectives, and promote high-quality conduct and reporting of aphasia research, thereby increasing the relevance, transparency, and implementation of findings. The Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs) sought to develop an aphasia research agenda to direct future research activities, based on priorities shared by people with aphasia, family members, and healthcare professionals. Our established international research network spanning 33 countries contributed to this activity. Research literature reporting the priorities of stakeholders was reviewed and synthesized (phase 1). Representatives from Working Groups on Aphasia Assessment & Outcomes, Prognosis & Predictors of Recovery, Effectiveness of Interventions, and Societal Impact & Reintegration participated in a two-day research agenda-setting meeting. The CATs expert panel refined research objectives and identified constituent components of research and methodological developments required to address these research components. The objectives and research components were grouped into overarching themes (phase 2). The resultant list was then circulated to more than 180 CATs members for review, revision, and approval. Consensus on the final aphasia research agenda and roadmap was reached by CATs executive committee (phase 3). The expert panel identified five overarching research themes: (i) evidence-based interventions for people with aphasia, (ii) effective interventions to support those communicating with people with aphasia, (iii) cross-linguistic assessment and core outcomes for aphasia research, (iv) predictors of language recovery, and (v) clinical implementation of research findings. Within these broad themes, 30 research objectives and 91 individual aphasia research components were identified and sequentially ordered. This agenda builds on research priorities identified by people with aphasia and their families, and includes priorities of healthcare professionals and researchers, and will support the rehabilitation and recovery of people with aphasia. Our internationally relevant research agenda promotes rigor in methodology, considers international applicability, synergistic activities, and sharing of resources and expertise. publishedVersion

Silver nanomaterials (Ag NMs) have been used in a variety of commercial products to take advantage of their antimicrobial properties. However, there are concerns that these AgNMs can be released during/after use and enter wastewater streams, potentially impacting aquatic systems or accumulating in wastewater biosolids. Biosolids, which are a residual of wastewater treatment processes, have been found to contain AgNMs and are frequently used as agricultural fertilizer. Since the function of soil microbial communities is imperative to nutrient cycling and agricultural productivity, it is important to characterize and assess the effects that silver nanomaterials could have in agricultural soils. In this study agricultural soil was amended with pristine engineered (PVP-coated or uncoated AgNMs), aged silver (sulphidized or released from textiles) nanomaterials, and ionic silver to determine the fate and toxicity over the course of three months. Exposures were carried out at various environmentally relevant concentrations (1 and 10 mg Ag/kg soil) representing between 30 to over 800 years of equivalent biosolid loadings. Over thirteen different methodologies and measures were used throughout this study to assess for potential effects of the silver nanomaterials on soil, including microbial community composition, average well colour development (AWCD) and enzymatic activity. Overall, the AgNM exposures did not exhibit significant toxic effects to the soil microbial communities in terms of density, activity, function and diversity. However, the positive ionic silver treatment (100 mg Ag/kg soil) resulted in suppression to microbial activity while also resulting in significantly higher populations of Frankia alni (nitrogen-fixer) and Arenimonas malthae (phytopathogen) as compared to the negative control (p < 0.05, Tukey HSD) which warrants further investigation.

© 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Background: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) measure outcomes to gauge the impact of their interventions and to inform best care for clients. Previous research has explored outcome measurement practices in aphasia rehabilitation, however the factors driving clinician behaviour have not been examined. Aim: To explore current clinical practice and perceived barriers and facilitators to aphasia outcome measurement. Methods and Procedures: Australian SLPs who worked clinically with people with aphasia completed a cross-sectional online survey. Current practice was explored using a combination of multiple-choice questions (with open-text response options) and Likert rating scales. Barriers and facilitators to outcome measurement were explored through ratings of statements aligned with the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. Outcome and Results: Data from 74 Australian SLPs were included. All SLPs reported measuring outcomes and these most frequently related to communication and language. SLPs reported using a diverse range of outcome measures across construct areas and stage-post stroke of service provision, with more than 80 unique instruments/approaches identified. The most frequently used outcome measurement instruments/approaches were: The Western Aphasia Battery–Revised (WAB-R) for language; the Therapy Outcome Measures/Australia Therapy Outcome Measures (TOMs/AusTOMS) for communication, participation, and quality of life; and Goal Attainment Scaling for psychological and carer/significant other outcomes. Overall, SLPs identified more facilitators than barriers to outcome measurement. The main barriers related to the theoretical domains “behavioural regulation” (managing or changing actions) and “memory, attention and decision-making processes” (ability to retain information, focus selectively and choose between alternatives). The main facilitators related to the theoretical domains “beliefs about consequences” (acceptance of the truth, reality, or validity about outcomes of a behaviour) and “social/professional role and identity” (a coherent set of behaviours and displayed personal qualities in a social or work setting). Conclusions: All SLPs reported measuring outcomes with clients with aphasia and these primarily related to language and communication. The outcome measurement instruments/approaches used were heterogeneous within construct areas. SLPs see outcome measurement as part of their role and believe it to be an important activity, however report a need for training and workplace systems and strategies to support optimal practices. The results of this study may inform the development of theoretically informed implementation interventions which seek to improve SLP outcome measurement practice in aphasia rehabilitation.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore family members’ experiences and preferences for receiving aphasia information during the early phases of post-stroke care.Method: Sixty-five family members comp...

Purpose This article aims to explore current knowledge about factors influencing successful use of high-technology augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in poststroke aphasia through a l...

Increasing demand for diluted bitumen (dilbit) has led to the development of the oil sands industry and the expansion of transcontinental pipelines. Dilbit is an unresolved complex mixture with variable diluent and bitumen composition. Thus, it is important to understand the effects of the two most transported dilbits in Canada, Access Western Blend (AWB) and Cold Lake Blend (CLB) on a North America native and freshwater fish species, the yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Fertilized embryos were exposed to both dilbits for 16 days, from

In order for Alberta's thick bitumen to be transported through pipelines, condensates are added creating a diluted bitumen (dilbit) mixture. Recent pipeline expansion projects have generated concern about potential dilbit spills on aquatic wildlife health. Studies have suggested that polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are toxic to aquatic vertebrates and could potentially also interfere with their endocrine system. The research objectives of this study were to investigate the toxicity of dilbit to developing frog embryos and to identify the molecular mechanisms of action involved. Fertilized embryos of Western clawed frog (Silurana tropicalis) were exposed for 72 h to water accommodated fractions (WAF; 0.7–8.9 μg/L TPACs) and chemically-enhanced WAFs (CEWAF; 0.09–56.7 μg/L TPACs) of Access Western Blend (AWB) and Cold Lake Blend (CLB) dilbits. Both dilbit's CEWAFs significantly increased embryonic mortality and malformation incidence in the highest treatments tested, while WAF treatments led to no visible toxic effects. Increases of the cytochrome P450 1A (cyp1a) mRNA levels were observed for all WAF and CEWAF dilbit treatments suggesting that phase I detoxification is activated in the dilbit-exposed larvae. When exposed to PAC concentrations ranging from 0.09 to 8.9 μg/L, the frogs displayed no observable malformations, but expressed significant increases of cyp1a mRNA levels (2- to 25-fold; indicating a suitable biomarker of exposure); however, when concentrations were of 46.6 μg/L or higher, both malformed frog phenotype and induction of cyp1a mRNA level (>250-fold) were measured (indicating a suitable biomarker of response). The expression of several genes related to cellular detoxification and endocrine disruption were also measured, but were not significantly altered by the treatments. In sum, cyp1a mRNA level is a highly sensitive endpoint to measure subtle molecular changes induced by PAC exposure in the frog embryos and larvae, and data suggest that PAC concentration higher than 46 μg/L would be toxic to the developing S. tropicalis.

Background: Self-management approaches are routinely used in chronic conditions to enable patients to take responsibility for their own care. A self-management approach may be appropriate for indiv...

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are widely used as antibacterial agents in both commercial products and for industrial applications. As such, AgNP has a high potential for release into freshwater environments. As part of a whole-lake ecosystem experiment to examine the impacts of AgNP exposure at low µg/L concentrations over multiple years, we evaluated biological responses in Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens) before, during, and after AgNP additions to a freshwater lake. Yellow Perch were monitored for responses to in situ AgNP additions at the cellular (suite of biomarkers), individual (growth, prey consumption, and metabolism), and population (abundance and gross prey consumption) scales. At the cellular level, several biomarkers of oxidative stress in liver tissues revealed down-regulation, including decreased mRNA levels of catalase and glutathione peroxidase in Yellow Perch collected during AgNP exposure, and elevated ratios of reduced to oxidized glutathione. At the individual level, Yellow Perch bioenergetic models revealed that prey consumption and total metabolism significantly declined during AgNP additions and remained depressed one year after AgNP addition. At the population level, Yellow Perch densities and gross prey consumption declined after AgNP was added to the lake. Together, these results reveal a holistic assessment of the negative impacts of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant AgNP concentrations (i.e., µg/L) on Yellow Perch at cellular, individual, and population levels.

Ecological risk assessments (ERAs) of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), as single congeners or in mixtures, present technical challenges that raise concerns about their accuracy and validity for Canadian environments. Of more than 100,000 possible PAC structures, the toxicity of fewer than 1% have been tested as individual compounds, limiting the assessment of complex mixtures. Because of the diversity in modes of PAC action, the additivity of mixtures cannot be assumed, and mixture compositions change rapidly with weathering. In vertebrates, PACs are rapidly oxygenated by cytochrome P450 enzymes, often to metabolites that are more toxic than the parent compound. The ability to predict the ecological fate, distribution and effects of PACs is limited by toxicity data derived from tests of a few responses with a limited array of test species, under optimal laboratory conditions. Although several models are available to predict PAC toxicity and rank species sensitivity, they were developed with data biased by test methods, and the reported toxicities of many PACs exceed their solubility limits. As a result, Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines for a few individual PACs provide little support for ERAs of complex mixtures in emissions and at contaminated sites. These issues are illustrated by reviews of three case studies of PAC-contaminated sites relevant to Canadian ecosystems. Interactions among ecosystem characteristics, the behaviour, fate and distribution of PACs, and non-chemical stresses on PAC-exposed species prevented clear associations between cause and effect. The uncertainties of ERAs can only be reduced by estimating the toxicity of a wider array of PACs to species typical of Canada's diverse geography and environmental conditions. Improvements are needed to models that predict toxicity, and more field studies of contaminated sites in Canada are needed to understand the ecological effects of PAC mixtures.

Transportation of crude oil across North America’s boreal ecozone creates the potential for spills in freshwater where less is known about the sensitivity of resident fish than for marine systems. The sensitivity of wild fathead minnows (FHM) to residual concentrations (ppb range) of the water accommodated fraction (WAF) of diluted bitumen (dilbit) was assessed by exposing them for 21 days followed by a 14 days depuration. Target concentrations were well below detection limits for GC–MS, but were estimated by dilution factor (1:100,000 and 1:1,000,000 WAF:water) to contain less than 0.0003 μg/L of polycyclic aromatic compounds. Confinement and handling stress caused by transfer of wild fish into tanks much smaller than their natural range resulted in mortality and lower body condition among all groups, but interactive effects of oil exposures still resulted in females with smaller cortical alveolar oocytes, and males with larger testicular lobe lumen sizes. Additional studies examining the compounded effects of stress and environmentally relevant oil exposures in wild fishes are needed.

The microbial characteristics of four vegetated and one unplanted wood-chip bioreactors treating greenhouse effluent were investigated in a continuous experiment operated for over 2.5 years. The bioreactors were designed to reduce nitrate concentrations via naturally induced microbial denitrification. The vegetation type and reactor depth were both found to be significant factors in defining the mixed microbial activity. However, a consistent correlation between the abundance of the denitrifying communities and reactor depth could not be found across all reactors. The media samples from the unit planted with Typha angustifolia displayed higher microbial activities compared with the other reactors. This plant&rsquo, s root-associated bacteria also demonstrated the greatest copies of the denitrifying genes nirK and nosZ. The most abundant denitrifier communities and those encoding the nosZ gene were found in the unplanted reactor, followed by the T. angustifolia unit. The T. angustifolia reactor demonstrated greater microbial activity and denitrification capacity at the depth of 20 cm, while the greatest denitrification capacity in the unplanted reactor was found at the depth of 60 cm. These findings indicated the importance of the T. angustifolia rhizosphere to support microbial community establishment and growth in the vicinity of the plant&rsquo, s roots, although those populations may eventually develop in an unplanted environment.

To systematically review the evidence for effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions in people who are visually impaired, living in low- and middle-income countries. Fifteen databases and the grey literature were searched up until February 2020; papers were identified according to eligibility criteria, and assessed for risk of bias. Eligible studies were controlled trials (randomised or non-randomised) of rehabilitation interventions for blind or visually impaired adults or children from low- and middle-income countries. Possible outcomes included visual acuity, activities of daily living, safety, quality of life and psychological status. Fifteen eligible studies were identified from India, Turkey, Nigeria, Croatia and Iran. Six studies were randomised, seven were non-randomised trials, and in two the method of allocation was not clear. Participants were adults, children and both adults and children. Seven studies were small (n ≤ 65) and examined the effect of training programmes. Remaining studies compared the effect of low vision aids, economic rehabilitation, goalball, rehabilitation compliance and service delivery methods, including one large four-arm randomised trial (n = 436). Studies measured a variety of outcomes, and mostly showed a positive effect of interventions for pre- and post-intervention assessment, although between intervention group comparisons were often inconclusive. Overall, only four studies had a low risk of bias. A lack of high-quality evidence for rehabilitation interventions is a barrier to provision of low vision services in low- and middle-income countries. Future research should focus on establishing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of devices and models of vision rehabilitation appropriate for low-resource settings.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe systematic review found a lack of high-quality evidence for rehabilitation interventions is a barrier to provision of low vision services in low- and middle-income countries.Consider how visual rehabilitation interventions which have been shown to be effective can be delivered by non-specialists.Ensure that service providers for people who are visually impaired are trained in recognising depression and anxiety and have pathways for referral to mental health services, as appropriate. The systematic review found a lack of high-quality evidence for rehabilitation interventions is a barrier to provision of low vision services in low- and middle-income countries. Consider how visual rehabilitation interventions which have been shown to be effective can be delivered by non-specialists. Ensure that service providers for people who are visually impaired are trained in recognising depression and anxiety and have pathways for referral to mental health services, as appropriate.

Japanese medaka embryos were exposed to water accommodated fractions (WAF) and chemically-enhanced WAF of two types of diluted bitumen (dilbit) at concentrations bracketing the EC50s for developmental malformations. Within these treatments, fish were grouped based on the presence or absence of developmental malformations (e.g., blue sac disease (BSD)), and analyzed for novel transcriptomic responses. Microarray analyses identified novel biomarkers and gene networks in dilbit-exposed malformed embryos that were not evident in dilbit-exposed fish without BSD or in controls without dilbit. The top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) included cytochrome P450 transcripts (cyp1) in fish from all dilbit treatments (malformed and non-malformed fish), as well as: fibroblast growth factor (fgf7), AHR repressor (ahrr), and squalene monooxygenase (sqle). In dilbit-exposed fish that did not develop BSD, the only reported individual DEG was eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit D (eif3d). However, a number of other pathways were enriched, including melatonin effects on circadian clock and the antioxidant response, estrogen and androgen metabolism as well as many receptor signaling pathways. Pathways associated with hedgehog, steroid biosynthesis, and Wnt signaling were significantly altered between low and high concentrations of dilbit exposure. An effect of the dispersant control on swim bladder development was observed at concentrations 10-fold higher than those used to disperse dilbit, and a number of gene targets unique to fish in this comparison were affected. This suggests that the toxic effects of dispersant may involve alternative mechanisms to dilbit, but cause similar phenotypic responses. This study identified novel biomarkers in fish exposed to dilbit, with or without visual malformations, that can be used to assess the risks of dilbit to aquatic ecosystem health.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are ubiquitous in the environment. Wildlife (including fish) are chronically exposed to PACs through air, water, sediment, soil, and/or dietary routes. Exposures are highest near industrial or urban sites, such as aluminum smelters and oil sands mines, or near natural sources such as forest fires. This review assesses the exposure and toxicity of PACs to wildlife, with a focus on the Canadian environment. Most published field studies measured PAC concentrations in tissues of invertebrates, fish, and birds, with fewer studies of amphibians and mammals. In general, PAC concentrations measured in Canadian wildlife tissues were under the benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) guideline for human consumption. Health effects of PAC exposure include embryotoxicity, deformities, cardiotoxicity, DNA damage, changes to DNA methylation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, and impaired reproduction. Much of the toxicity of PACs can be attributed to their bioavailability, and the extent to which certain PACs are transformed into more toxic metabolites by cytochrome P450 enzymes. As most mechanistic studies are limited to individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), particularly BaP, research on other PACs and PAC-containing complex mixtures is required to understand the environmental significance of PAC exposure and toxicity. Additional work on responses to PACs in amphibians, reptiles, and semi-aquatic mammals, and development of molecular markers for early detection of biological responses to PACs would provide a stronger biological and ecological justification for regulating PAC emissions to protect Canadian wildlife.

Combined sewer overflows are contaminated with various micropollutants which pose risk to both environmental and human health. Some micropollutants, such as carbamazepine and sulfamethoxazole, are very persistent and difficult to remove from wastewater. Event loaded vertical-flow constructed wetlands (retention soil filters; RSFs) have proven to be effective in the treatment of combined sewer overflows for a wide range of pollutants. However, little is known about how microbial communities contribute to the treatment efficiency, specifically to the reduction of micropollutants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study attempting to close this gap. Microbial communities in pilot-scale RSFs were investigated, which showed explicit grouping of metabolic activity at different filter depths with some differential abundance of identified genera. The highest microbial activity was found in the top layer of 0.75 m deep filters, whereas homogeneous activity dominated in a 0.50 m deep filter, indicating oxygen availability to be a limiting factor of the metabolic activity in RSFs. The removal efficiencies of all investigated organic trace substances were correlated to the utilization of specific carbon sources. Most notable is the correlation between the carbon source glucose-1-phosphate and the removal of metoprolol. The strongest correlations for other substances were the removal of diclofenac to the utilization of the carbohydrate i-erythritole; bisphenol A to carbohydrate α- d -lactose, and 1-H-benzotriazole to carbonic acid D-galacturonic acid. Those results are supported by positive correlations of specific microbial genera with both the utilization of the above mentioned carbon sources and the removal efficiency for the respective micropollutants. Most notable is correlation of Tetrasphaera and the removal of benzotriazole and diclofenac.

Background: People with aphasia (PWA) and their families (PWA-F) have conveyed that the receipt of information and education is a key component of rehabilitation which supports access to services a...