Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are heritable connective tissue disorders associated with pain, activity limitations and participation restrictions. A key feature is reported to be reduced stiffness and increased extensibility and elasticity of connective tissues. Yet diagnosis relies on assessment of joint range of motion, which may be influenced by other factors, and semi-quantitative assessment of forearm skin extensibility. The objective of this systematic review was to determine if quantitative measures of tissue mechanics can discriminate between hEDS/HSD and healthy tissues. Literature was identified via online databases (AMED, CINAHL+, EMBASE, MEDLINE and SportDiscus) and snowballing. Studies were included if participants had a confirmed diagnosis of hEDS/HSD (or equivalent diagnosis) using internationally recognised criteria, a healthy control group was used as a comparator, and objective measures of tissue stiffness, extensibility or elasticity of muscle, tendon, connective tissue or skin were reported. Included studies were critically appraised, followed by group discussion, consensus and narrative synthesis. Two hundred three potentially relevant studies were identified. Application of the inclusion criteria resulted in four studies being included. A range of quantitative approaches to studying tissue mechanics were used, including diagnostic ultrasound. Overall, three of the four studies found that at least one measure of tissue mechanics distinguished between people with hEDS/HSD and healthy controls. The studies were generally conducted and reported to high standards. Quantitative measures of tissue mechanics have the potential to contribute towards more objective diagnosis of hEDS/HSD. Further validation, particularly within diagnostic scenarios, is required.
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that independent magazines, also known as ‘independents’, are thriving in Australia’s print media industry. As ‘maverick’ editors, owners and publishers focus more on the design and aesthetic aspects of their
publications in response to changing reader expectations, there appears to be a demand for independents among female readers. In particular, young adult female readers are choosing to engage with independent women’s magazines in Australia, placing particular emphasis on the aesthetic
reading experience offered by the hard-copy format. To explore this phenomenon, a survey and focus group were conducted among women aged 18‐24 years, using Blumler and Katz’s Uses and Gratifications theory as the theoretical framework. The initial survey garnered findings from
300 respondents, while the focus group consisted of six participants. One key aspect of the results is that aesthetics is central to understanding the continued appeal and use of such a medium. Other aspects include quality of content, entertainment, escape, collection and habit, and ease
of use. In an age where ‘digital’ is often regarded as the norm, young adult female readers are seeking inspiration and expression from independent women’s magazines.
This panel discussion will seek to identify clear, near-term scientific messages on adaptation opportunities for the COP26 Adaptation and Resilience Theme priority. The session will address key questions such as: - What would you like to see in the CoP26 settlement to enhance capacity for adaptation nationally and internationally? - What would you like to see in the CoP26 settlement to realise the opportunity adaptation has for combating poverty nationally and internationally? - Can COVID-19 impacts on society and economy, and renewal investment plans be an opportunity to help focus the poverty alleviating opportunity of adaptation? - How might research funding and practice best enable innovative, pro-poor adaptation?
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