Roundtable Discussion Research Articles

The Rhetoric of Freedom

Over the past few years, the National Council on Public History (NCPH)’s annual meeting has given attention to the forthcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. NCPH has worked with the National Park Service (NPS) to present a scholar’s roundtable with different annual themes. The roundtable at the 2023 meeting examined “The Rhetoric of Freedom.” This essay opens with an exploration of the theme. What follows is an introduction to the scholars who participated in the roundtable; a description of their suite of programming; and a summary of their findings. I close with a “best practices” case study of the Aiken-Rhett House, an urban plantation mansion in Charleston, South Carolina. The case study answers a reoccurring question that emerged from roundtable discussions: How do historians engage public(s) in narratives of freedom, bondage, and nation building?

No Blank Slates

In this roundtable discussion, the interlocutors interrogate the settler utopian logics underlying apparently liberatory movements within a North American context—such as radical queer and trans movements—to examine how these identities and politics tell narratives of liberation that reinscribe the aims of the settler colonial project under new names. Visions of radical utopias as yet to be realized (or, as yet to be colonized) discount the ongoing presence of Indigenous alternatives to the current settler colonial dystopian reality, and instead preserve a view of geographic and social space as blank and ready to be “improved” with a “new” model. In this discussion, the interlocuters argue against linear narratives of societal and environmental collapse that promise to bring about a future idealized world and instead propose ways for radical politics, particularly those espoused by non-Indigenous people, to disavow settler colonial mindsets.

Say It Loud: A Round Table of IBPOC Accent Coaches

On Monday, 7 February 2022, five accent coaches gathered on Zoom for a round table discussion about accent training for racialized actors. Eric Armstrong, a professor at York University’s Department of Theatre and Performance, had invited the four guest accent/language coaches to discuss the needs of actors-in-training from Indigenous, Black, Asian, Latinx, and other communities. The coaches had all served as guest teachers for the racialized students in Armstrong’s fourth-year BFA accents class. The panellists shared their thoughts with the audience of roughly 135 on what can be done to make the teaching/learning environment both safe and effective for racialized students, and how we can build greater capacity, so that there are more coaches/teachers from diverse backgrounds in education and the industry.

Expanding Native Mass Spectrometry to the Masses.

At the 33rd ASMS Sanibel Meeting, on Membrane Proteins and Their Complexes, a morning roundtable discussion was held discussing the current challenges facing the field of native mass spectrometry and approaches to expanding the field to nonexperts. This Commentary summarizes the discussion and current initiatives to address these challenges.

The Efficacy and Safety of Bimekizumab for Plaque Psoriasis: An Expert Consensus Panel.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the skin, joints, and several other organ systems with significant disease burden. Bimekizumab is the first monoclonal antibody targeting both interleukin (IL)-17A and interleukin-17F and has demonstrated efficacy for treating moderate to severe psoriasis. Limited guidelines exist for incorporating this drug into clinical practice. The purpose of this study was for a panel of experts in psoriasis management to synthesize current literature and provide consensus statements with guidance on use of bimekizumab. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was completed for English-language original research articles on the use of bimekizumab for moderate to severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. A panel of nine dermatologists with significant expertise in treatment of psoriasis gathered to review the articles and create consensus statements on this new medication. A modified Delphi process was used to approve each statement and a strength of recommendation was assigned using Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy criteria. The literature search produced 102 articles that met criteria. A thorough screening of the studies for relevance to the research question resulted in 19 articles. These were distributed to all panelists for review prior to a roundtable discussion. The panel unanimously voted to adopt 14 consensus statements and recommendations, 12 of which were given a strength of "A", one of which was given a strength of "B", and one of which was given a strength of "C". Bimekizumab results in rapid and long-lasting clinical improvement for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It has demonstrated superior efficacy when compared to several other biologics. The safety profile is consistent with other biologics, except for an increased incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease in Singapore: A call to action from Singapore Heart Foundation, Singapore Cardiac Society and Chapter of Cardiologists of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore.

In 2022, the Minister for Health of Singapore launched Healthier SG, a national strategy in championing the shift towards a population health approach. The Singapore Heart Foundation conducted a series of roundtable discussions, also attended by representatives of the Singapore Cardiac Society and the Chapter of Cardiologists of the Academy of Medicine Singapore. During the meetings, the authors formulated interventions supportive of Healthier SG that specifically aimed to uplift the state of cardiovascular (CV) preventive care in Singapore. In line with Healthier SG, the authors propose a 3-pronged approach ("Healthier Heart SG") to augment the success of Healthier SG in achieving good CV outcomes. This proposal includes the following components: (1) a call to update the standards of care in addressing the 5 main modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD); (2) patient education through cooperation between healthcare professionals and community partners for a whole-of-system approach; and (3) support for integrated care, including access to cardiac rehabilitation in the community, improved referral processes and access to nutrition/dietetics counselling and tobacco cessation, optimal use of information technology, and continued CV research. Healthier Heart SG would bring the standards of care and CV care delivery in Singapore closer to achieving the vision of proactive prevention of CVD and CV morbidity and mortality. This can only be achieved through the concerted efforts of healthcare professionals, policymakers and community partners, coupled with the cooperation of community members.

Beyond barriers, towards diversity: how hybrid student conferences can drive accessibility.

The third International Student Symposium on Animal Behaviour and Cognition (ISSABC) aimed to address barriers for early career researchers, hosting a conference both in-person and online at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). The conference, attended by 101 in-person and 79 virtual participants from 24 countries, featured 81 presentations, 29 posters, five plenary talks, three workshops, and a career development round-table discussion. A user-friendly website and digital platforms facilitated communication and real-time discussions between in-person and online participants. Transparent fund management, support from sponsors and societies, and sustainable practices ensured financial accountability and minimised environmental impact. The conference emphasised sustainability measures, including eco-friendly catering and local reusable mugs. Future organisers of similar events are encouraged to prioritise local representation, plan contingencies, select plenary speakers rigorously, and employ effective marketing. With this meeting review, we highlight how hybrid conferences like the third ISSABC, through innovative approaches and sustainable practices, enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and empower the next generation of scientists.

A summit on amplifying voices of patients, caregivers, and people with disabilities in Inflation Reduction Act drug price negotiations.

On September 18, 2023, Cancer Support Community convened patient and caregiver advocates, health care providers, policy experts, and health care innovators and thought leaders for a roundtable discussion on the need to ensure that patients, people with disabilities, and caregivers have a voice in defining "clinical benefit" for the purpose of Medicare Part D drug price negotiations and future health care policies that impact patients. The meeting featured presentations from Lara Strawbridge, Deputy Director for Policy at the Medicare Drug Rebate and Negotiations Group in the Center for Medicare, regulatory expert, Dr Monique Nolan, Counsel at Arnold and Porter, LLP, and 3 panel discussions: IRA Implementation-What Matters to Patients, a discussion of policies expected to impact patients and caregivers who are likely to rely heavily on high-cost drugs or biologics to treat cancer or other chronic illnesses, as well as the future development of novel therapies; The Science of Measuring Patient Experience, a discussion of current science of measuring patient experience and how it should be incorporated into the definition of clinical benefit; and Developing an Infrastructure for External Feedback, a discussion of actions and goals for patient engagement, advocacy opportunities, and how to best coordinate such efforts. This article represents an analysis of relevant resources as well as highlights from these sessions and subsequent discussions. It also outlines principles for engaging patient and provider advocacy organizations, whether in policy, media, or online discussions, surrounding the implementation of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

A gap analysis on modelling of sea lice infection pressure from salmonid farms. II. Identifying and ranking knowledge gaps: output of an international workshop

Sea lice are a major health hazard for farmed Atlantic salmon in Europe, and their impact is felt globally. Given the breadth of ongoing research in sea lice dispersal and population modelling, and focus on research-led adaptive management, we brought experts together to discuss research knowledge gaps. Gaps for salmon lice infection pressure from fish farms were identified and scored by experts in sea lice-aquaculture-environment interactions, at an international workshop in 2021. The contributors included experts based in Scotland, Norway, Ireland, Iceland, Canada, the Faroe Islands, England and Australia, employed by governments, industry, universities and non-government organisations. The workshop focused on knowledge gaps underpinning 5 key stages in salmon lice infection pressure from fish farms: larval production; larval transport and survival; exposure and infestation of new hosts; development and survival of the attached stages; and impact on host populations. A total of 47 research gaps were identified; 5 broad themes emerged with 13 priority research gaps highlighted as important across multiple sectors. The highest-ranking gap called for higher quality and frequency of on-farm lice count data, along with better sharing of information across sectors. We highlight the need for synergistic international collaboration to maximise transferable knowledge. Round table discussions through collaborative workshops provide an important forum for experts to discuss and agree research priorities.

Queer Heritage: Central Europe and Beyond. A Roundtable Discussion

Queer Heritage: Central Europe and Beyond. A Roundtable Discussion

Evaluating the National Action Plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance, and recommendations for the next 5-year NAP: a roundtable discussion

Abstract The UK’s current 5-year National Action Plan (NAP) on tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which runs from 2019 to 2024, is coming to an end. As such, the next 5-year NAP is currently under development, and progress made towards the UK’s commitments on AMR is being analysed. This analysis has involved the publication of an addendum to the current NAP, which includes some new and revised commitments. Applied Microbiology International (AMI) held a roundtable discussion in November 2022, inviting UK experts from across the human and animal sectors to discuss their thoughts on progress to date, as well as any recommendations and key considerations they thought should be taken forward. Overall, it was agreed that there is a major disparity between the increasing ambitions of the NAP, and the reducing financial support for achieving said ambitions. The gap between evidence generation and implementing recommendations into real-world settings also presents a key challenge to overcome, if the NAPs commitments are to be achieved. A lack of communication and funding appear to underpin many of the barriers that prevent the successful delivery of current NAP commitments and are therefore highlighted as key areas of concern for policymakers to consider when looking to tackle AMR. The focus should be on successfully implementing and delivering the current NAP commitments ahead of identifying future ambitions.

Topical Cycling: The Obstacles to Moving Forward with Systemic Psoriasis Therapies and How to Characterize the Systemic Ready Patient

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory disease with numerous negative physical and psychosocial impacts. Topicals are a mainstay of treatment, particularly for disease with minimal skin involvement, but they are limited due to an inability to target systemic symptoms and a lack of convenience, patient adherence, and patient satisfaction. Given its systemic implications, many patients with psoriasis are undertreated including those with limited body surface area (BSA) involvement. With a growing role in providing dermatological services, physician assistants and nurse practitioners can benefit from additional guidance on how to appropriately treat these patients, as the current clinical recommendations require further expansion, and the criteria for what qualifies as adequate treatment and response are incomplete. Methods: Two comprehensive literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were completed for English-language original research articles on the use of topical versus systemic medications for psoriasis and its comorbidities. A panel of 11 dermatology physician assistants and nurse practitioners with expertise in managing psoriatic disease gathered to review the selected literature and form consensus statements with clinical recommendations for treating psoriasis. A modified Delphi process was employed to approve each statement and a strength of recommendation was assigned to each statement using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) criteria. Results: The two literature searches produced 98 and 76 articles, respectively, that met search criteria. After screening the articles for relevance to the discussion topic, 19 articles were distributed to the panelists for review prior to the roundtable discussion. The panel unanimously voted to adopt 10 consensus statements and recommendations, 4 of which were given a strength of “A”, 1 of which was given a strength of “B”, and 5 of which were given a strength of “C”. Conclusion: Psoriasis is a systemic disease with cutaneous manifestations and should be considered as such for adequate treatment. The 10 consensus statements created by the experts provide clinical recommendations on the systemic effects of psoriasis and important treatment considerations that can help guide clinicians on how to appropriately treat psoriasis of all severities. Furthermore, an emphasis is placed on recognizing treatment goals and making the next appropriate clinical decision for patients with mild to moderate disease who fail topical therapy.

Ocean Planning and Conservation in the Age of Climate Change: A Roundtable Discussion

Synopsis Over recent years, recognition of the need to develop climate-smart marine spatial planning (MSP) has gained momentum globally. In this roundtable discussion, we use a question-and-answer format to leverage diverse perspectives and voices involved in the study of sustainable MSP and marine conservation under global environmental and social change. We intend this dialogue to serve as a stepping stone toward developing ocean planning initiatives that are sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient around the globe.

Cellulite and the Aesthetic Management of the Buttocks and Thighs: 6 Cases Illustrating Targeted Verifiable Subcision as Part of a Multimodal Approach to Lower Body Rejuvenation

Abstract Background In the buttocks and thighs, skin quality, focal adiposity, volume deficiency, skin laxity, and/or textural issues each contribute to overall appearance. For patients undergoing rejuvenation/beautification procedures, global improvement is desired, making multimodal treatment the standard of care to address these mechanistically distinct concerns. Resolution of cellulite depressions is central to patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes: without management, the overall aesthetic suffers, and patients are left partially unsatisfied with treatment results. With minimally invasive Targeted Verifiable Subcision (TVS; Avéli [Revelle Aesthetics, Inc., Mountain View, CA]), septa with a confirmed role in dimple formation can be released through mechanically verified subcision, permitting consistent outcomes. Objectives Discuss the application of TVS as part of a multimodal approach to buttock and thigh rejuvenation and share best practices for obtaining optimal improvement. Methods A group of 6 experts in aesthetic plastic surgery and dermatology convened for a 2 h roundtable discussion of select case studies, best practices, and their approaches for obtaining optimal outcomes in clinical practice. Results Clinical cases from 6 patients who presented for buttock and/or thigh rejuvenation/beautification are presented where TVS was applied as part of a multimodal approach. Before and after images, details of patient cases, and a discussion of best practices for patient education and evaluation, treatment planning, technique, safety, postprocedure care, and open research questions are included. Conclusions TVS is emerging as a valuable tool for the treatment of cellulite in the buttocks and thighs that may potentially be used alongside surgical and nonsurgical approaches, often on the same day. Level of Evidence: 4

Collective resistance roundtable discussion

ABSTRACT Indu Jain, Julia Listengarten, Stefanie Gabriele Sachsenmaier, and Kathryn Mederos Syssoyeva were invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on ‘Collective Resistance’, chaired by Jason Benson, as part of the conference, Borderlines IX: Seeking Solidarity and Wonder Through Performance, which took place at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, on 30 June and 1 July 2022. The speakers were asked to provide a 5-minute provocation stemming from their own research perspective, and then engaged in conversation stemming from themes, concerns and ideas resulting from those provocations. The provocations precede this article. What follows is the text of the discussion between participants, which was edited by Alissa Clarke and Julia Listengarten with Harriet Curtis. The roundtable discussion considers collective resistance in relation to: ‘making strange’; a process-centred approach; making the invisible visible; sharing the space with others; forging solidarity with the audience; amplifying the individual voice within the collective; articulating alternative aggressive forms of solidarity.

Decolonisation and solidarity roundtable discussion

ABSTRACT ‘Funmi Adewole Elliott, Alethia Antonia, Ramsay Burt, Tobi Poster-Su, Thea Stanton, and Negar Tahsili were invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on ‘Decolonisation and Solidarity’, chaired by Víctor Ladrón de Guevara, as part of the conference, Borderlines IX: Seeking Solidarity and Wonder Through Performance, which took place at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, on 30 June and 1 July 2022. The provocations precede this article, and the video provocation can be accessed via STP online. What follows is the text of the discussion between participants, which was edited by Alissa Clarke with Harriet Curtis. The roundtable discussion considers decolonisation and solidarity in relation to topics including: the importance of self-reflexivity; contemplating new ideas, discourses and ways of being that sit outside existing dominant discourses and understandings; reductive representations; responsibilities, expectations and empty acts of decolonisation imposed by institutions; self-care; decolonisation as a process; undergroundness and the undercommons; creating and imagining new entry points for others; and challenging fetishization.

Roundtable Discussion: Sculpture Parks

During the summer of 2023, six current curators and directors of leading institutions in the United States and Puerto Rico reflected on the past, current, and future of sculpture parks through an online questionnaire. The participants provided thoughtful, insightful answers, and responded to each other, offering a dynamic discussion of the most pressing and complicated issues facing sculpture parks today—from the perspectives of working professionals who are tasked with stewarding and shaping these institutions. The conversation reflects belief in the power and importance of sculpture parks as a type of arts institution while also revealing anxieties over their missions, roles, and feasibility in a rapidly changing world.

Decolonisation and contemporary dance

ABSTRACT Thinking about decolonisation and solidarity within the context of contemporary dance, if we consider decolonising and self-authoring as a process of self-actualisation, what role can peer and institutional allyship play? This is a short provocation that was prepared for the roundtable discussion on ‘Decolonisation and Solidarity’ as part of the conference, Borderlines IX: Seeking Solidarity and Wonder Through Performance, which took place at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, on 30 June and 1 July 2022.

Physical solidarity as feeling the feeling

ABSTRACT This provocation reflects on the experience of taking a class in contemporary African dance in Senegal, arguing that it represents a physicalisation of solidarity. The class included dance students from Europe and the African continent who came together through moving rhythmically despite having no common verbal language. Drawing on Sara Ahmed’s proposals about solidarity and Judith Butler’s theory of performative assembly, this intervention argues that the aesthetic underlying these students’ dancing was one that challenged dominant aesthetic values and the power relations underling them to generate solidarity as feeling the feeling of this challenge. This is a short provocation that was prepared for the roundtable discussion on ‘Decolonisation and Solidarity’ as part of the conference, Borderlines IX: Seeking Solidarity and Wonder Through Performance, which took place at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, on 30 June and 1 July 2022.

‘Therapy with My Exotic Self’

ABSTRACT This is the text of a short provocation that was prepared for the roundtable discussion on ‘Decolonisation and Solidarity’ as part of the conference, Borderlines IX: Seeking Solidarity and Wonder Through Performance, which took place at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, on 30 June and 1 July 2022. The online publication of this text in Studies in Theatre and Performance 44.1 (2024) is accompanied by a video work by the artist titled ‘Therapy with My Exotic Self’.