Text messaging intervention for fatigue self-management in people with stroke, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

Background: Fatigue negatively impacts the function and quality of life of people with disabilities (PwD). Mobile health (mHealth) platforms are recognized as effective and accessible approaches to delivering health interventions and may show higher satisfaction by tailoring the information toward personalized needs for PwD.

Objective: To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and participant engagement with a Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging intervention for fatigue self-management and to explore the pre- and post-score health changes in PwD.

Quantifying Fatigue Using Electrophysiological Techniques and Non-invasive Brain Stimulation in People With Multiple Sclerosis- A Review and Discussion.

The purpose of this literature review article is to provide a synthesis of recent research focused on the use of 3 techniques to evaluate MS-related fatigue: electroencephalography [EEG], transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDSC), and transcranial- magnetic stimulation (TMS). We performed a literature search in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL, EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (OVID), APA PsycInfo (OVID), Scopus (Elsevier), and Web of Science (Clarivate) databases, limited to 2015 and after. Our review revealed that fatigue in MS patients can be quantified and predicted using electrophysiological techniques.

A Mobile Phone Text Messaging Intervention to Manage Fatigue for People With Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke: Development and Usability Testing.

Background: Fatigue significantly affects daily functioning in persons with disabilities. Fatigue management can be challenging, and the information provided during routine physician visits to manage fatigue can be overwhelming. One way to address fatigue is to increase knowledge, skills, and confidence for self-management (ie, patient activation).

Sublethal exposure to pyriproxyfen does not impair the abilities of the backswimmer Buenoa amnigenus to prey upon Aedes aegypti larvae.

Pyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone analogue that is commonly used to control the immature stages of mosquitoes in both artificial and natural water reservoirs. Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the community effectiveness of pyriproxyfen in preventing vector-transmitted diseases. Such concerns have been based on the unintended effects on non-target organisms and the selection of resistant mosquito populations.

Alterations of host-gut microbiome interactions in multiple sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a complex genetic, immune and metabolic pathophysiology. Recent studies implicated the gut microbiome in MS pathogenesis. However, interactions between the microbiome and host immune system, metabolism and diet have not been studied over time in this disorder.

Depression and Inflammatory Markers in Veterans With Multiple Sclerosis.

Unlabelled: Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), afflicts over one per thousand people in the United States. The pathology of MS typically involves lesions in several regions, including the brain and spinal cord. The manifestation of MS is variable and carries great potential to negatively impact quality of life (QOL).

Testing of Journal Writing for Symptom Concordance in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience many complex symptoms. However, research is lacking on the best method to record their symptom experience. The primary goal of this study was to test the feasibility of journal writing to capture the description of core symptoms experienced by adults with MS.

PedsQL Multiple Sclerosis Module Domain and Item Development: Qualitative Methods.

Background: The objective of this qualitative methods study was to develop the domains and items to support the content validity for the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Multiple Sclerosis Module for youth with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis.

Methods: A literature review of multiple sclerosis-specific questionnaires and clinical research was conducted to generate domains. An expert panel composed of 12 neurologists who were pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis specialists provided feedback on the conceptual framework.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Entrain Locust Wingbeats.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) have been shown to impact the behavior and physiology of insects. Recent studies have highlighted the need for more research to determine more specifically how they affect flying insects. Here, we ask how locust flight is affected by acute exposure to 50 Hz EMFs.

Sublethal agrochemical exposures can alter honey bees' and Neotropical stingless bees' color preferences, respiration rates, and locomotory responses.

Stingless bees such as Partamona helleri Friese play important roles in pollination of native plants and agricultural crops in the Neotropics. Global concerns about declining bee populations due to agrochemical pollutants have, however, been biased towards the honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus. Here, we analysed the unintended effects of commercial formulations of a neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, and a fungicide mixture of thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil on color preference, respiration rates and group locomotory activities of both P.

Pilot Study of Videos to Deliver Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy for Adults With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) has been shown to provide a strategy for adults with multiple sclerosis (MS) to self-manage their symptoms. There is a need for the use of an MBAT intervention that can be delivered in any setting for adults with MS. The purpose of this pilot feasibility study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of an MBAT intervention delivered via videoconference.

Identifying critically ill children at high risk of acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy.

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common complication in paediatric intensive care units (PICU), is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this single centre, prospective, observational cohort study, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in urine (uNGAL) and plasma (pNGAL) and renal angina index (RAI), and combinations of these markers, were assessed for their ability to predict severe (stage 2 or 3) AKI in children and young people admitted to PICU. In PICU children and young people had initial and serial uNGAL and pNGAL measurements, RAI calculation on day 1, and collection of clinical data, including serum creatinine measurements.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based art therapy for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Purpose: Many people with chronic medical conditions experience symptoms that are complex and negatively impact their quality of life (QOL). This review and meta-analysis examined the benefits of mindfulness based art therapy (MBAT) to relieve symptoms.

Methods: Included were studies that (a) evaluated an MBAT intervention in adults, (b) included a sufficient effect size and control group, and (c) assessed symptoms and QOL outcomes.

Patient activation in adults with chronic conditions: A systematic review.

Patient activation is an important aspect of self-management for adults with chronic non cancerous health conditions (CHC). However, there is limited evidence about which measures of patient activation and healthrelated quality of life are most useful to clinicians. This systematic review examined regarding the types of measures used to evaluate a patient's readiness for self-management including patient activation and healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL).

Synergism and unintended effects of the association between imidacloprid and sodium chloride (NaCl) on the management of Euschistus heros.

Background: The use of insecticidal solutions containing sodium chloride (NaCl) has been proposed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to managing stink bug infestations of Neotropical soybean fields. The potential sublethal and undesirable effects of this practice have, however, been overlooked, especially with novel insecticides. Here, we have evaluated experimentally whether the addition of NaCl (0.

Improving Sleep among Adults with Multiple Sclerosis using Mindfulness plus Sleep Education.

We explored the feasibility of a mindfulness plus sleep education intervention, SleepWell!, delivered via videoconference compared to onsite among adults with MS. A non-randomized wait-list control design was used. Participants wore actigraphy watches and kept sleep diaries for seven days pre- and post intervention.

Initial User Testing of Decision Aids for Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies.

Background: Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are the cornerstone of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. DMT treatment is a preference-sensitive decision in which shared decision making is indicated.

Methods: We used qualitative methods to explore usability of MS decision aids in people aged 18 to 70 years diagnosed with MS.

Guardianship in hospitals: a collaborative pilot project.

Objectives This paper describes the development, implementation and preliminary results of a collaborative pilot project aimed at reducing the time hospital-based patients with cognitive impairments spend waiting for the allocation of legally appointed Advocate Guardian decision makers from the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of increased availability of public advocate guardians on guardian allocation waits, patient discharge outcomes and healthcare system demand. Methods A multi-institutional pilot program created a dedicated hospital guardian team within OPA, funded by the health networks, to reduce the time to guardian allocation for patients within each network.

Testing Feasibility of a Mobile Application to Monitor Fatigue in People With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Fatigue is a significant and burdensome symptom for patients with multiple sclerosis and is associated with other symptoms, signs, and decreased quality of life.

Methods: A prospective pilot study was conducted with a convenience sample (n = 34) of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis using a phone application, FatigueApp.com, to collect data on patient-reported outcome measures (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS]).

Increased aggression and reduced aversive learning in honey bees exposed to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields.

Honey bees, Apis mellifera, are a globally significant pollinator species and are currently in decline, with losses attributed to an array of interacting environmental stressors. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF EMFs) are a lesser-known abiotic environmental factor that are emitted from a variety of anthropogenic sources, including power lines, and have recently been shown to have a significant impact on the cognitive abilities and behaviour of honey bees. Here we have investigated the effects of field-realistic levels of ELF EMFs on aversive learning and aggression levels, which are critical factors for bees to maintain colony strength.

Associations Between Self-Reported Symptoms and Gait Parameters Using In-Home Sensors in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

Background And Purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurological disorder, characterized by exacerbations and remissions, often resulting in disability affecting multiple neurological functions. The purpose of this article was (1) to describe the frequencies of self-reported symptoms in a natural environment and (2) to determine characteristics and associations between self-reported symptoms and home gait parameters (speed, stride time, and stride length) at baseline and at 3 months in patients with MS.

Methods: Participants completed the self-report MS-Related Symptom Scale to measure symptoms.

The Relationship Among Multiple Sclerosis-Related Symptoms, Sleep Quality, and Sleep Hygiene Behaviors.

Aims And Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among multiple sclerosis (MS)-related symptoms, sleep hygiene behaviors, and sleep quality in adults with MS who self-report fatigue.

Background: Fatigue is a frequent, prevalent symptom among adults with MS. Few studies have examined the relationship among fatigue and other symptoms with sleep quality and sleep behaviors.

Riding on the wind: volatile compounds dictate selection of grassland seedlings by snails.

Background And Aims: Seedling herbivory is an important selective filter in many plant communities. The removal of preferred food plants by both vertebrate and, more commonly, invertebrate herbivores can destroy entire seedling cohorts, and consequently dictate plant community assembly. Nevertheless, our understanding of how and why some seedlings are more prone to herbivore attack than their neighbours remains limited.