Elasmobranch exploitation in Africa

The impact of fisheries on elasmobranchs in Africa is not well documented. Available data suggest that there are no large shark fishing nations (> 10000 t year-1), reported landings for 1994 being around 39 000 t. This value is believed to be a underestimate, because of a lack of data on catches and landings from the various different fishing methods and the large number of nations fishing in African waters. Existing data are mostly linked to industrial fisheries, although the artisanal sector could be responsible for substantial catches. Landed by-catch and discard rates of elasmobranchs are unknown for most commercial fisheries targeting teleosts. Limited data sources allowed only crude estimates of catch. The artisanal fishery is calculated to land a minimum of 20 000 t of sharks, whereas the industrial trawl sector is likely to catch 23 000 t. A conservative estimate for the African continent and the surrounding islands is ~95 000 t. The quality of catch-and-effort data for both commercial and subsistence fisheries on the African continent needs to be improved, and the by-catch issue should be investigated through trained onboard observers.

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P.022 The effect of vagus nerve stimulation on the quality of sleep in medically refractory epileptic patients

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2021.304 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 48 (s3) ◽

pp. S26-S26

Author(s):

J Seth ◽

A Suller-Marti

Keyword(s):

Vagus Nerve ◽

Nerve Stimulation ◽

Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽

Limited Data ◽

Quality Of Sleep ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Clinical Trails ◽

Patients With Epilepsy ◽

The Impact

Background: The quality of sleep is frequently impacted in patients with epilepsy. Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a relatively common treatment used in patients with medically resistant epilepsy. Some studies show an improvement in quality of life, however, there is limited data on the impact on sleep quality. Methods: A database analysis was conducted on Medline, Embase, and Cochrane to find studies that examined the VNS’s effect on quality of sleep in medically resistant epilepsy. These studies included randomized clinical trails, case studies or reports, cohort studies, and systematic reviews. Results: 75 papers were reviewed and 16 studies from eight countries were included in the analysis. A total of 93 patients with ages ranged from 10 – 49 were included. Analyzing the change in the quality of sleep after VNS was evaluated using Multiple Sleep Latency Test. The literature showed that at low stimulus intensities, VNS treatment improves daytime sleepiness in patients. However, VNS setting titration has a dose-dependent effect on obstructive sleep apnea where higher VNS frequencies are related to higher apnea events. Conclusions: Limited data is available on the impact of VNS on the quality of sleep. Further studies are required to evaluate the improvement of sleep in patients with VNS.

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Investigation of the Impact of Forrest Fires on the Chemistry and Water Quality of Ground Water in Yellowstone National Park

The UW National Parks Service Research Station Annual Reports ◽

10.13001/uwnpsrc.1989.2835 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

pp. 206-214

Author(s):

Donald Runnells ◽

Mary Siders

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Ground Water ◽

Forest Fires ◽

Yellowstone National Park ◽

National Park ◽

Sample Collection ◽

The Impact ◽

Existing Data ◽

Selection Of

The objective of this research is to provide a detailed analysis and assessment of the impact of the 1988 forest fires on the chemistry and water quality of shallow ground water in Yellowstone National Park. Specific objectives for the first five months of this study (August through December, 1989) included: (1) review of existing data on the chemistry of ground water at selected sites in Yellowstone National Park, (2) selection of suitable sampling sites and initial rounds of sample collection and analysis, (3) continued literature search for comparable or complimentary studies, (4) establishment of professional contacts within the park, other universities, and within the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2020_ajslp-20-00055 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (4) ◽

pp. 2097-2108

Author(s):

Robyn L. Croft ◽

Courtney T. Byrd

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

The Self ◽

Future Research ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Adults Who Stutter ◽

And Gender ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

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Surgery for Lung Cancer and the Consequences for the Swallow

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/persp1.sig13.162 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 1 (13) ◽

pp. 162-168

Author(s):

Pippa Hales ◽

Corinne Mossey-Gaston

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Vocal Cord Palsy ◽

Subsequent Treatment ◽

Physiological Reserve ◽

Palliative Phase ◽

And Function ◽

The Impact ◽

Swallow Function

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers across Northern America and Europe. Treatment options offered are dependent on the type of cancer, the location of the tumor, the staging, and the overall health of the person. When surgery for lung cancer is offered, difficulty swallowing is a potential complication that can have several influencing factors. Surgical interaction with the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) can lead to unilateral vocal cord palsy, altering swallow function and safety. Understanding whether the RLN has been preserved, damaged, or sacrificed is integral to understanding the effect on the swallow and the subsequent treatment options available. There is also the risk of post-surgical reduction of physiological reserve, which can reduce the strength and function of the swallow in addition to any surgery specific complications. As lung cancer has a limited prognosis, the clinician must also factor in the palliative phase, as this can further increase the burden of an already compromised swallow. By understanding the surgery and the implications this may have for the swallow, there is the potential to reduce the impact of post-surgical complications and so improve quality of life (QOL) for people with lung cancer.

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