50716 research outputs found
Sort by
Do environmental fluctuations during development affect trait variation? An experimental test with salinity
No full textHuman-induced climate change is a driver of extinction, with extreme events occurring more frequently. It increases both the amount and fluctuations in environmental stress that organisms experience. In such environments, greater intra-specific trait variation creates more potential for adaptation through natural selection. Many studies focus on changes in trait means between novel and historic environments but overlook changes in trait variation. Here we tested how salinisation – which currently affects 20–50% of freshwaters worldwide – alters trait variation in a freshwater fish, Gambusia holbrooki. We reared newborn fish in freshwater, stable-salinity or fluctuating-salinity water until maturation, and then compared variation in fitness-related traits in each sex during early and late adulthood. Salinisation had stronger effects on young virgin adults than older mated adults, with sex-specific impacts (female: gut development; male: age at maturity and body size). When we accounted for the mean trait value in each environment, salinisation also affected relative variation (i.e. the coefficient of variation) in female fecundity (egg size, offspring number). Notably, the fluctuating-salinity treatment did not magnify the effect of the stable-salinity treatment on trait variation but sometimes reversed its effect. Our findings suggest that researchers should pay closer attention to fluctuating environmental stressors, as they can differ from stable stressors in how they affect between-individual variation in trait expression
Safety and Physical Outcomes of a Novel Australian Multidisciplinary Long COVID Clinic That Incorporates Exercise:A Prospective Observational Study
No full textBACKGROUND: Exercise therapy remains somewhat controversial in those with Long COVID (symptoms lasting >3 months), due to concerns for safety and the potential for harm.PURPOSE: This study describes the safety and physical outcomes of an Australian multidisciplinary Long COVID Recovery Clinic that incorporates personalised exercise prescription including respiratory and peripheral muscle strengthening, carefully monitored cardiovascular training and pacing of activity.PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study of adults (≥18 years) engaging with a single site Long COVID Recovery Clinic (March 2022 to June 2023). Clinic eligibility required symptoms >12 weeks which impaired activities of daily living. Safety was pre-defined as <10% of participants experiencing a minor adverse event, and no serious disability or death as a result of participation in exercise. Physical outcomes included Modified COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale, changes in exercise capacity (6-minute-walk-test), inspiratory muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure), Timed-Up-and-Go and ten-metre-walk-test. Data analysis included repeated measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to explore assessment and reassessment measures collectively, and repeated measures t-test. RESULTS: Of 207 consumers referred, (62% male, median age 45, range 18-84), 119 (57% of the total referred) enrolled to participate in the program. Of these, 72 (61%) completed the program, median participation duration 112 days (range 5-384). There were no adverse events as a result of participation in exercise. Consumers who completed the program showed improvement in Modified COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale Other Symptoms (MD -1.5, p=0.003), Overall Health Score (MD1.3, p<0.001), Total Score (MD -6.5, p=0.02); maximum-inspiratory-pressure (MD 11.7 cmH 2O, p=0.002); Timed-Up-and-Go (MD -1.0 sec, p<0.001); ten-metre-walk-test comfortable speed (MD 0.7 m/sec, p=0.006) and fast speed (MD 0.2 m/sec, p<0.001); and 6-minute-walk-test distance (MD 63.0 m, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This multidisciplinary therapy program that incorporates exercise was safe and associated with improvements in physical and functional outcomes for participants who completed the program.</p
Who benefits most? Evaluating clinical and biomechanical outcomes following structured education and exercise therapy interventions for people with knee osteoarthritis
No full textCan simulation improve readiness to practice for work-integrated learning placements in physiotherapy students?
No full text
