Fragmentation of natural populations can have negative effects at the genetic level, thus threatening their evolutionary potential. Many of the negative genetic impacts of population fragmentation can be ameliorated by gene flow and it has been suggested that in wind-pollinated tree species, high or even increased levels of gene flow are a feature of fragmented populations, although several studies have disputed this. We have used a combination of nuclear microsatellites and allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) analysis of chloroplast single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to examine the levels and patterns of genetic diversity and population differentiation in fragmented populations of juniper (Juniperus communis) in Ireland and inform conservation programs for the species. Significant population differentiation was found for both chloroplast and nuclear markers, indicating restricted gene flow, particularly over larger geographic scales. For conservation purposes, the existence of genetically distinct clusters and geographically localised chloroplast haplotypes suggests that the concept of provenance should be taken into account when formulating augmentation or reintroduction strategies. Furthermore, the potential lack of seed dispersal and seedling establishment means that ex-situ approaches to seed and seedling management may have to be considered.Peer reviewe

No abstract

No abstract

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are safe and beneficial for children and adolescents affected by cancer. Yet, this population is not active enough to receive benefits. PA guideline and recommendation statements can support individual behavior and practice change. The purpose of this project was to develop the international Pediatric Oncology Exercise Guidelines (iPOEG), comprised of guideline and recommendation statements, to promote PA among children and adolescents affected by cancer. Guideline development procedures, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the Delphi technique were used. Four online surveys were distributed to the iPOEG network (n = 9 core team members, n = 122 expert consensus committee members). Surveys included closed- and open-ended items informed by a literature synthesis and an in-person meeting. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement. Response rates to online surveys ranged from 82% to 91%. The iPOEG network agreed on four guideline and five recommendation statements, which highlight that movement is important for all children and adolescents affected by cancer. These statements are generic in nature as more research is still required to provide specific guidance on the frequency, intensity, time, and type of PA for this population. Nevertheless, the iPOEG statements represent available evidence and expert opinion, collectively suggesting that it is time for children and adolescents affected by cancer to move more.

The aim of this study was to identify common themes in speech-language pathologists' perceptions of factors that increase and decrease their experiences of job stress, their satisfaction with their jobs and the profession, and their opinions about why people chose to leave the speech-language pathology profession. The participants' perceptions about the relationships between job stress, work satisfaction and job and profession retention were also explored. Sixty members of Speech Pathology Australia from a range of geographical and professional contexts were asked to participate in telephone interviews. Eighteen speech-language pathologists agreed to participate (30% response rate), and took part in semi-structured telephone interviews. Two researchers independently coded transcripts of the interviews for themes. Eight major themes were identified. These were positive aspects of the profession, workload, non-work obligations, effectiveness, recognition, support, learning and autonomy. The themes that emerged from analysis of these interviews provide new evidence about the positive and negative aspects of working as a speech-language pathologist, and provide preliminary insights into potential reasons as to why speech-language pathologists choose to remain in or leave the profession.

Speech-language pathologists might consider using expiratory muscle strength training to improve airway safety in adults with swallowing disorders.

Background Young adults affected by cancer face physical and psychological challenges and desire online supportive care. Yoga can be delivered online and may improve physical and psychological outcomes. Yet, yoga has rarely been studied with young adults affected by cancer. To address this, an 8-week yoga intervention was developed, and a pilot study was deemed necessary to explore feasibility, acceptability, implementation, and potential benefits. Methods A mixed-methods, single-arm hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot study evaluating the yoga intervention was conducted. Feasibility was assessed by tracking enrollment, retention, attendance, completeness of data, and adverse events. Acceptability was explored through interviews. Implementation metrics included training time, delivery resources, and fidelity. Potential effectiveness was evaluated by exploring changes in physical (i.e., balance, flexibility, range of motion, functional mobility) and psychological (i.e., quality of life, fatigue, resilience, posttraumatic growth, body image, mindfulness, perceived stress) outcomes at pre- (week 0), post- (week 8), and follow-up (week 16) time points. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance, and content analysis. Results Thirty young adults participated in this study (recruitment rate = 33%). Retention to study procedures was 70%, and attendance ranged from 38 to 100%. There were little missing data (< 5%) and no adverse events. Though most participants were satisfied with the yoga intervention, recommendations for improvement were shared. Sixty study-specific training hours and > 240 delivery and assessment hours were accrued and fidelity was high. Functional mobility, flexibility, quality of life (energy/fatigue, social well-being), body image (appearance evaluation), mindfulness (non-reactivity), and perceived stress improved significantly over time (all p< 0.050; $$\eta_{p}{}^{2}s=0.124-0.292$$ η p 2 s = 0.124 - 0.292 ). No other significant changes were observed (all p> 0.050; $$\eta_{p}{}^{2}s=0.005-0.115$$ η p 2 s = 0.005 - 0.115 ). Conclusions The yoga intervention may confer physical and psychological benefits, though intervention and study-specific modifications are required to improve feasibility and acceptability. Requiring study participation and providing greater scheduling flexibility could enhance recruitment and retention. Increasing the frequency of classes offered each week and offering more opportunities for participant interaction could improve satisfaction. This study highlights the value of doing pilot work and provides data that has directly informed intervention and study modifications. Findings could also be used by others offering yoga or supportive care by videoconference to young adults affected by cancer. Trial registration Not available—not registered

Sound, large scale and systematic research into why health professionals want to leave their jobs is needed. This study used psychometrically-sound tools and logistic regression analyses to determine why Australian speech pathologists were intending to leave their jobs or the profession. Based on data from 620 questionnaires, several variables were found to be significantly related to intent to leave. The speech pathologists intending to look for a new job were more likely to be under 34 years of age, and perceive low levels of job security and benefits of the profession. Those intending to leave the profession were more likely to spend greater than half their time at work on administrative duties, have a higher negative affect score, not have children under 18 years of age, and perceive that speech pathology did not offer benefits that met their professional needs. The findings of this study provide the first evidence regarding the reasons for turnover and attrition in the Australian speech pathology workforce, and can inform the development of strategies to retain a skilled and experienced allied health workforce.