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Postgraduate students are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape for their future careers. In this context, higher education providers are responsible for supporting and monitoring postgraduate (masters and doctoral) students' development for both education and employability contexts. This empirical research provides a rich analysis of feedback breakfasts, focus groups and interviews with 319 postgraduate student participants from 26 universities. Emergent themes highlight widespread lack of confidence in university-mediated student experiences, particularly in the context of employability, and pessimism regarding career outcomes. Students expressed a view that higher education providers need to direct further attention and relevant supports toward postgraduate education. Future career despondency was particularly prevalent among students with academic aspirations. The findings are discussed using the theoretical framework of eudemonia and flourishing as an approach to revitalising and improving both the process and outcomes of postgraduate education. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for universities to improve the postgraduate student experience in the context of employability.

BackgroundA growing body of literature has revealed that many medical students and doctors do not seek professional help for their mental health due to fear of stigma (both public- and self-stigma) and questioning of their clinical competency. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate direct and indirect interventions that address mental health stigma in medical students and/or doctors. We focused explicitly on studies that measured the impact on self-stigma outcomes.MethodA systematic search of the following electronic databases was undertaken from inception to 13 July 2022: PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, together with manual searching of reference lists. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts of eligible studies, plus quality appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, were independently conducted by multiple reviewers with disagreements resolved via discussion.ResultsFrom 4,018 citations, five publications met the inclusion criteria. None of the studies explicitly aimed to reduce self-stigmatisation, with the majority focusing on medical students. Most of the identified interventions focused on reducing professional stigma (i.e., stigma toward patients with mental illness) and measurement of self-stigma was incidentally collected via a subscale of the general stigma measure selected. Three studies found significant reductions in self-stigma following the delivered intervention. These studies were of moderate quality, had medical student samples, employed combined education and contact interventions, and used the same outcome measure.DiscussionIntentional development and evaluation of interventions specifically designed to decrease self-stigma among doctors and medical students are needed, with further research required on the optimal components, format, length, and delivery of such interventions. Researchers delivering public/professional stigma reduction interventions should strongly consider measuring the impact of such interventions on self-stigma outcomes, using fit-for-purpose, psychometrically sound instruments.

Elaborate behaviours are produced by tightly controlled flexor-extensor motor neuron activation patterns. Motor neurons are regulated by a network of interneurons within the spinal cord, but the computational processes involved in motor control are not fully understood. The neuroanatomical arrangement of motor and premotor neurons into topographic patterns related to their controlled muscles is thought to facilitate how information is processed by spinal circuits. Rabies retrograde monosynaptic tracing has been used to label premotor interneurons innervating specific motor neuron pools, with previous studies reporting topographic mediolateral positional biases in flexor and extensor premotor interneurons. To more precisely define how premotor interneurons contacting specific motor pools are organized, we used multiple complementary viral-tracing approaches in mice to minimize systematic biases associated with each method. Contrary to expectations, we found that premotor interneurons contacting motor pools controlling flexion and extension of the ankle are highly intermingled rather than segregated into specific domains like motor neurons. Thus, premotor spinal neurons controlling different muscles process motor instructions in the absence of clear spatial patterns among the flexor-extensor circuit components.

This study aims to establish an understanding of (a) health-care professionals' knowledge and attitudes; and (b) tools used to assess sexuality in older people living with/(out) dementia and those identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals. An integrative review of the literature, as registered on the PROSPERO international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019129589), was conducted. A comprehensive and systematic literature search was performed for the period between 2009 to 2019 across eight electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus, together with a manual search of reference lists. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts of eligible studies plus quality appraisal (using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool) were independently conducted by two reviewers with disagreements resolved via discussion with a third reviewer. Nineteen articles were reviewed with three themes identified from the synthesis: 1) varying knowledge and attitudes amongst health-care professionals; 2) needs for professional development opportunities and support from workplace and 3) lack of recent validated tools to assess knowledge and attitudes. Health-care professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality in older people living with/(out) dementia and those identified as LGBTI individuals are varying. Sexuality education and professional development training are needed to enhance their knowledge and attitudes and build skills in order to manage sexuality concerns. Current assessment tools are inadequate, highlighting the need for an appropriate assessment tool to be developed.

In the Tsitsa River catchment of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, concerns regarding the sedimentation of a proposed large, multipurpose, in-channel water storage scheme prompted investigations of sub-catchment suspended sediment loads and yields. Confluence-based fingerprinting and source apportionment was undertaken to explore whether this simple approach could identify relative sub-catchment contributions to downstream sediment loads, supplementing modelling and direct sampling. In November 2018, fine sediment sequestered in bed substrates was sampled above and below confluences, using a resuspension technique. The < 63 µm sample fraction underwent analysis of mineral magnetic properties, gamma emitting radionuclide activities and geochemistry to identify suitable tracers. Conservatism and range tests were used to select different combinations of composite fingerprints at seven confluences. Bivariate source apportionment using an unmixing model showed that the approach could be used as a preliminary means of determining relative sub-catchment sediment contributions. Catchment characteristics such as geology and land cover, as well as land tenure and management, were considered as explanatory factors for the difference in sediment contributions. The results for most sub-catchments were broadly similar to those from other studies. Shortcomings of this approach included the reliance on a single sampling effort, and uncertainty associated with sub-catchment sediment transport and residence times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We aimed to ascertain the content validity of an instrument to assess health and social care professionals' knowledge and attitudes towards later‐life intimacy and sexuality (HSCP‐KALLIS). Background: For older adults, intimacy and sexuality are important in maintaining their quality of life and well‐being. However, addressing these needs remains challenging for health and social care professionals, particularly for nursing staff providing 24‐h direct care to older people with dementia or those identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer/questioning individuals. Existing instruments assessing knowledge and attitudes towards later‐life intimacy and sexuality are dated and fail to adequately address dementia and sexual diversity. Design: A two‐round modified Delphi study was conducted. Methods: Initially, 79 knowledge and attitude items were generated through an integrative review. Panellists rated each item's clarity and importance using online questionnaires. The content validity index for the individual and overall items was calculated. The panellists' written feedback—along with their knowledge level of later‐life intimacy and sexuality—was obtained. Results: Panellists included health and social care professionals (n = 9); healthcare‐related educators (n = 2); researchers specialising in later‐life intimacy, sexuality, dementia care and sexual diversity support (n = 7); and family carers of older people with dementia (n = 2). The instrument was revised based on the feedback received. The components of dementia, LGBTIQ+ and the provision of sex worker services in healthcare settings were highlighted by the panellists. Notably, 46 knowledge and 40 attitude items fulfilled the consensus criteria for clarity and importance. Conclusions: Acceptable content validity was established for the knowledge and attitude items. Further research is required to establish the psychometric properties of the HSCP‐KALLIS. This instrument has implications for clinical practice—specifically, in nursing care—by addressing issues to improve awareness regarding later‐life intimacy and sexuality in healthcare settings. Implications for Practice: The HSCP‐KALLIS has the potential to inform the educational needs regarding knowledge and attitudes towards later‐life intimacy and sexuality for health and social care professionals, specifically nursing staff. The findings of the HSCP‐KALLIS can be used for the development of competencies for later‐life intimacy and sexuality, establishing policies and guidelines to support older adults' intimacy and sexuality needs in health care settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postgraduate students are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape for their future careers. In this context, higher education providers are responsible for supporting and monitoring postgraduate (masters and doctoral) students’ development for both education and employability contexts. This empirical research provides a rich analysis of feedback breakfasts, focus groups and interviews with 319 postgraduate student participants from 26 universities. Emergent themes highlight widespread lack of confidence in university-mediated student experiences, particularly in the context of employability, and pessimism regarding career outcomes. Students expressed a view that higher education providers need to direct further attention and relevant supports toward postgraduate education. Future career despondency was particularly prevalent among students with academic aspirations. The findings are discussed using the theoretical framework of eudemonia and flourishing as an approach to revitalising and improving both the process and outcomes of postgraduate education. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for universities to improve the postgraduate student experience in the context of employability.

Discusses challenges and problems facing Russian educators in the transformation from the Soviet system to a market economy. Cites the rise of private vocational schools since 1992 as a promising development. (SK)

Abstract Background This study aimed to establish consensus on the expression and distinction of disordered eating in pregnancy to improve awareness across various health professions and inform the development of a pregnancy-specific assessment instrument. Methods A three-round modified Delphi method was used with two independent panels. International clinicians and researchers with extensive knowledge on and/or clinical experience with eating disorders formed the first panel and were recruited using structured selection criteria. Women who identified with a lived experience of disordered eating in pregnancy formed the second panel and were recruited via expressions of interest from study advertising on pregnancy forums and social media platforms. A systematic search of academic and grey literature produced 200 sources which were used to pre-populate the Round I questionnaire. Additional items were included in Round II based on panel feedback in Round I. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement on an item. Results Of the 102 items presented to the 26 professional panel members and 15 consumer panel members, 75 reached consensus across both panels. Both panels clearly identified signs and symptoms of disordered eating in pregnancy and endorsed a number of clinical features practitioners should consider when delineating disordered eating symptomatically from normative pregnancy experiences. Conclusion A list of signs and symptoms in consensus was identified. The areas of collective agreement may be used to guide clinicians in clinical practice, aid the development of psychometric tools to detect/assess pregnancy-specific disordered eating, in addition to serving as starting point for the development of a core outcome set to measure disordered eating in pregnancy.

Background: Metabolic syndrome and co-morbid physical health conditions are highly prevalent in people with a mental illness. Modifiable lifestyle factors have been targeted to improve health outcomes. Healthy Body Healthy Mind (HBHM) program was developed to provide an integrated evidence-based program incorporating practical diet and exercise instruction; alongside meditation and mindfulness strategies, and comprehensive psychoeducation, to improve the physical and mental health of those with a mental illness.Methods: We report on two data points: (1) Qualitative data derived from the first HBHM program (version 1) exploring its utility and acceptance according to patient feedback; (2) Biometric and mental health data collected on the modified and enhanced 12-week HBHM program (version 2) involving a pilot of 10 participants. Mental and physical health outcomes, weight, abdominal circumference, fasting glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured at program entry and completion.Results: Qualitative data from HBHM version 1 provided valuable feedback to redevelop and enhance the program. At the end of the HBHM (version 2) 12-week program, a significant mean weight loss of 2 kg was achieved, p = 0.023. There was also a significant reduction in abdominal circumference (mean = 2.55 cm) and a decrease in BMI of almost one point (mean = 0.96 kg/m2), p = 0.046 and p = 0.019, respectively. There were no significant changes in mental health measures or on any other biometrics.Conclusion: Pilot data from the HBHM program found significant reductions in weight and abdominal obesity. The HBHM program could benefit from further modifications, and study replication is required using a controlled design in a larger sample.

Background. Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) constitute a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal populations. There has been an overwhelming increase in the use of evidence-based care practices, also known as bundles, in the reduction of these infections. In this report, rates of CLABSI and central line utilisation were examined following the introduction of a central line bundle in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Canberra Hospital. Methods. The research undertaken was a retrospective cohort study in which newborn infants admitted to the Canberra Hospital NICU between January 2011 and December 2016 and had a central line inserted were included in the study. Data regarding central line days, bed days, infection rates, and patient demographics were collected before and after the introduction of an intervention bundle. CLABSI rates were calculated per 1,000 central line days for before (2011-2013) and after (2014-2016) the introduction of the bundle. The postintervention period was retrospectively analysed for compliance, with data regarding the completion of maintenance forms and insertion forms collected. Results. Overall, the results showed a significant decrease in CLABSI rates from 8.8 per 1,000 central line days to 4.9 per 1,000 central line days in the intervention period (p

Background: Many speech and language therapists (SLTs) in the UK work with speech and language therapy assistants, and the numbers of SLT assistants is expected to grow. There has been very little empirical investigation of how SLTs feel about this situation or the effect on working practices of working indirectly. Aims: To investigate SLTs' opinions on working with SLT assistants in a small-scale research case study. Methods & Procedures: The study design was a case study of five SLTs delivering intervention within a research intervention project. Prepared questionnaire and formal interview techniques were used to elicit opinions on working through assistants, and a content analysis was performed. Outcomes & Results: Although respondents could see value in working through assistants, they stressed the time required to do so and the difficulties of adapting and updating therapy plans when working indirectly. Conclusions: The study suggests a variety of factors that have to be carefully managed if SLTs are to work competently through assistants.

The construction of therapy protocols for a large-scale randomized controlled trial comparing speech and language therapists and assistants, and group and individual therapy approaches for children aged 6-11 in mainstream schools is outlined. The aim was to outline the decision-making processes that led to the construction of the research therapy manual, and to give a preliminary report on compliance with the manual. A search of the research and professional literature and of published therapy materials was conducted to locate usable examples of effective language therapy for primary school children. Results were collated into a manual of therapy principles and activities to structure research intervention. The use of the manual with children (n =30) receiving individual or group direct therapy from a speech and language therapist in the first phase of intervention was audited. Very few high-level research studies were found, but the professional literature gave added information. Therapies for comprehension monitoring, vocabulary development, later grammar and narrative were adapted for the research intervention, and procedures compiled into a manual to guide research speech and language therapists and assistants. The audit of direct therapy suggested that the manual was useable, providing a suitable range of activities and materials for therapy intervention. Its use helped to record the therapy offered to research children, and formed a sound basis for discussion amongst speech and language therapists and between speech and language therapist/assistant pairs. The construction and use of a therapy manual allowed the provision of replicable therapy within the research project whilst maintaining flexibility.

With research highlighting the increasing prevalence and severity of body image and eating disturbances in males, particularly athletes and regular gymnasium users, the current study examined body image and eating disturbances in a sample of male gym users and non–gym users ( N = 180). Based on previous research, it was predicted that male gym users would report greater body image disturbance (e.g., body image avoidance and body dissatisfaction) and eating pathology, compared with non–gym users. Results of the study partially supported hypotheses, revealing body dissatisfaction and eating pathology were significantly increased in male gym users. However, no significant differences were observed in body image avoidance behaviors, though this is likely because of methodological limitations associated with psychometric measures selected. The study provides preliminary evidence that male gym users do experience subclinical eating and body image concerns, with some also experiencing clinically significant symptoms that could be precursors to the later development of an eating disorder. Results of the current study highlight the importance of educating key stakeholders within health and fitness centers, through community-based interventions, to increase awareness regarding male body image and eating disturbances.

• The HEE SP Common Framework is applicable in an Australian context. • SPP Managers and SPs had consistent views on standards of best practice in SPPs. • Shared understanding of risk mitigation in physical and psychological safety is needed. • Embedding EDI into the framework is recommended for future iterations and application. Simulated participants (SPs) are well established in health education. Frameworks exist for benchmarking quality Simulated Participant Programs (SPPs); however, there is limited literature evaluating these frameworks in an Australian context and from the perspective of SPs. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of SPs and SPP faculty in Australia on a benchmarking tool. Using a three-round modified Delphi technique, a panel of SPs and SPP Managers (N = 37) rated the importance of 18 statements derived from Health Education England's (HEE) SP Common Framework. Consensus was defined as 80% agreement. Qualitative comments were sought to contextualize responses and provide insight into factors perceived to contribute to a high-quality SPP. Seventeen of the 18 statements within the HEE SP Common Framework reached consensus by the end of Round three. The item that did not reach consensus related to the importance of a SP program documenting SP completion of training. Thematic analysis indicated perceived characteristics of high-quality SPPs related to: employing the 'right people', clear and transparent communication, valuing the SP, a collaborative approach, and professional development. Overall, the HEE SP Common Framework was perceived by both SPs and SPP Managers to be applicable in an Australian context, with the suggestion the framework be extended to encourage SPPs to have an explicit recruitment strategy to employ SPs that represent diverse and priority communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]