11237 research outputs found
Sort by
Video Analysis of Group Music Therapy for Dementia: Intervention Delivery and Treatment Fidelity
No full textIn the recent multinational cluster-randomized Music Interventions for Dementia and Depression in ELderly care trial, group music therapy (GMT) was one of two music-based interventions for care home residents with dementia and depressive symptoms received for 6 months. In this study, we assessed the quality of intervention delivery and treatment fidelity of video-recorded GMT sessions. A randomly selected sample of video recordings (n = 53) from 19 music therapists across five countries were analyzed by two independent raters using a fidelity checklist. The average session duration was 40 min with four residents attending. Essential session components Introduction with welcome song (90.6%), Song singing and reminiscence (96.2%) and Closing with a farewell song (85.4%) were commonly carried out, in contrast to optional components Improvisation on instruments (69.8%) and Movement to music (37.7%). The inter-rater agreement showed an assessment of checklist items related to Song singing and reminiscence was challenging. Twelve categories of rater comments (n = 606) were identified, including: clarifying coding choices, therapist-related observations, expressing doubt in coding, and order of components. Six categories were identified for 82 significant moments described by the raters, including observations related to residents’ (re)actions, interaction, music activity, music therapist, care staff, and disruption of session. Agreement between raters showed that it was feasible to provide GMT using a pre-established session structure, where music therapists could tailor session content to current needs of individual residents. Assessment of intervention delivery and treatment fidelity based on video-recorded sessions is challenging yet valuable for increasing understanding of efficacy and implementation of music-based interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03496675.</p
Computable creativity: lessons learned from mental imagery research
No full textThere are similarities between the debate regarding whether creativity is computable and that which focused on the representational nature of mental imagery. While the scientific validity of studying imagery was rejected by the Behaviourist movement in the early twentieth century, there is now widespread acceptance that mental images can have functional significance. This article proposes two main lessons from the study of mental imagery can be applied to the study of creativity. First, computational models of creativity should adopt a “wet mind” approach that considers the neural structures and functions of the brain. Second, computational theories need to address the role of externalisation and external feedback during creative thinking, including the possibility that creativity may best be conceptualised as a form of extended cognition. The article concludes that recent advances in neurocomputational models of creativity provide real optimism for resolving the question of whether creativity is computable in the future.</p
Special Feature: Intraspecific variation in ecology & evolution
No full textSpecies across the tree of life differ in many aspects. Comparative analyses and meta-analyses in both animal and plant kingdoms have brought significant insights on interspecific variation (e.g. Raffard et al., 2019; Siefert et al., 2015). As ecologists, we often work on the assumption that interspecific variation is greater than intraspecific variation, despite the central role intraspecific variation plays in evolutionary theory (Darwin, 1859). Yet, intraspecific variation may improve species' ability to respond and adapt to new environmental conditions, which is pivotal in the current context of global changes where both the mean and the variance of environmental conditions are changing. Therefore, it is surprising that the use of single average values per species has persisted across ecological research, from using mean values of ecological traits in community ecology (e.g. McGill et al., 2006), to mean values of vital rates in population projection models (e.g. Caswell, 2006; Vindenes et al., 2021). Doing so ignores the genetic and phenotypic variation present within species, from individuals through to populations, often over-simplifying the complexity that exists in nature. In this special feature, Rosa et al. (2025) nicely exemplifies how ignoring intraspecific variation in vital rates can bias predictions of population growth rates from demographic models. The authors show that mixing vital rates (e.g. survival, recruitment) from different yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) populations, inhabiting contrasting ecological contexts, in hybrid ‘Frankenstein’ matrices, would rely on the assumption that all populations have similar vital rates, independently on their habitats or encountered weather conditions. This strong and somewhat unrealistic biological assumption can lead hybrid matrices to produce biased predictions of population growth rates with potentially deleterious implications for conservation or management.</p
Impact of frailty and mobility on mortality and symptomatic improvement in TAVR
No full textTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an established treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Despite iterative procedural improvements, variability in patient outcomes underscores the need for enhanced predictors of post-TAVR recovery and mortality, with frailty and mobility emerging as potential factors influencing prognosis. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of TAVR in asymptomatic patients, highlighting the importance of careful patient selection. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of frailty and mobility scores in a contemporary TAVR population by investigating their impact on: (a) symptomatic improvement at 6–8 weeks post-TAVR; and (b) 1-year post-TAVR mortality.</p
Aligned interpretations? Comparing energy modeller and policymaker perspectives on model development and use
No full textModels are not neutral. Yet, there has been insufficient attention given to the possible divergence in interpretations between those producing energy models and those using the related modelling evidence. This paper investigates how various actors involved in an energy policymaking-modelling system imagine key components of model design and development. We focus on four model components that energy-economic modellers have identified as essential for advancing the relevance and value of energy-economic models in the context of net-zero transitions: (1) uncertainties; (2) technological innovation and radical transformation; (3) diversity of actor responses; and (4) long-time horizons. We adopted a case study approach that focused on the EU energy policymaking-modelling system. We conducted 16 interviews; 6 with European Commission policy officers, and 10 with those developing Commission-funded energy-economic models. We found that the four model components exhibited little Interpretative Flexibility; specifically, only one component (long-time horizons) was interpreted differently between EU policymakers and energy-economic modellers. Indeed, the policymakers’ understanding of model development meant that they did little interpretative work on energy models altogether. We call for modeller-policymaker dialogue to prioritise what sits behind interpretations (e.g. theories, ideologies) and to more constructively discuss model boundaries and scope (e.g. via systems thinking, use of intermediaries).</p
Prevalence of Suicidal Behavior in Bangladesh: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
No full textBackground and Aims: Determination of the prevalence of suicidal behaviors (thoughts, plans, and attempts) would help to comprehend the burden and chances of death by suicide. However, no previous meta‐analysis was noted measuring the rates of different suicidal behaviors in Bangladesh. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of suicidal behavior in the country. Methods: We registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42024613969) and followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched PubMed and Scopus and conducted meta‐analyses to pool the lifetime, 1‐year, and point prevalence estimates for suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Results: Our search included 34 studies with 27,992 responses between 2015 and 2024. Half of the studies were conducted among students. The pooled prevalence of suicidal thoughts was 24.2% (95% CI: 15.7%–35.3%) during the lifetime (15 studies, 12,710 subjects), 15% (95% CI: 10.7%–20.5%) during a year (20 studies, 15,020 subjects), and 6.7% (95% CI: 3.2%–13.8%) during a month (11 studies, 7047 subjects). Statistical heterogeneity ranged from 96.6% to 99.3%. The pooled prevalence of suicide plan was 5.6% (95% CI: 2.4%–12.8%) during the lifetime (7 studies, 5772 subjects), and 5.2% (95% CI: 3.1%–8.8%) during a year (5 studies). Statistical heterogeneity ranged from 82.1% to 97.9%. The pooled prevalence of suicide attempt was 7% (95% CI: 4.3%–11.1%) during the lifetime (15 studies, 11,699 subjects), and 3.9% (95% CI: 2.8%–5.3%) during a year (7 studies, 8107 subjects). Statistical heterogeneity ranged from 88.1% to 95.4%.ConclusionThe rates of suicidal behavior are high in Bangladesh, as about one in four persons has thoughts and about one in fourteen persons has attempted during their lifetime. Attention from multiple stakeholders is warranted to ensure preventive measures in Bangladesh.</p
Retinoic Acid-Induced Transglutaminase 2 Expression Reduces Sensitivity to Cisplatin in the Hormone-Positive MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Model
No full textCisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug, but is limited both by its toxicity and its tendency to induce drug resistance rapidly in some patients. Tissue transglutaminase 2 (TG2), which is overexpressed in various cancers, has two main isoforms: a long (TG2-L) and a short form (TG2-S). While TG2-L supports cell survival, conversely, TG2-S promotes cell death. Evidence increasingly suggests that TG2 may be a suitable target for combating chemoresistance in a variety of human cancers. Here, we show that cisplatin toxicity towards wild-type MCF-7 breast cancer cells is associated with reduced TG2-L and TG2-S expression, whereas approximately doubling the TG2-L expression through the retinoic acid pre-treatment of these cells induces survival in the presence of cisplatin at levels similar to those seen in long-term cisplatin-co-cultured cells, which have reduced sensitivity. The treatment of cisplatin-surviving cells with cisplatin alone did not significantly alter the levels of either TG2 isoform, whereas the cisplatin challenge of cisplatin-surviving MCF-7 cells following 20 µM retinoic acid pre-treatment resulted in increased levels of TG2-L, increased TG2 enzyme activity, and no significant change in TG2-S levels, with increased cell survival. These findings suggest a subtype-specific regulatory effect of RA in cisplatin?surviving MCF-7 cells, with TG2-L upregulated at higher RA concentrations, potentially contributing to altered cisplatin sensitivity. Anti-TG2 siRNA silencing reduced cisplatin IC50 to base levels in both wild-type and cisplatin-surviving MCF-7 cells, supporting the notion that the modulation of TG2 expression could offer a significant benefit to cisplatin efficacy. Preventing excessive retinoic acid exposure may also be a mechanism for maximising cisplatin efficacy, considering TG2 modulation.</p
Understanding vulnerabilities and ‘pathways’ in the commission of sexual offences by autistic individuals: perspectives from UK-based practitioners
No full textAlthough autistic people are no more likely to perpetrate crime compared to the general population, evidence suggests that certain types of crime, such as sexual offences, are more common among autistic individuals who do engage in crime. In recent years, with the rapid increase in the commission of sexual offences in the United Kingdom (UK) and beyond, it has become increasingly critical to explore why some autistic individuals engage with sexual crime, in order to establish robust mechanisms for preventing initial offences as well as re-offending. Drawing on data collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 UK-based practitioners who work directly with autistic adults who have been charged and/or convicted of committing sexual offences in the UK, this article explores questions regarding why some autistic individuals engage in sexual offending, focusing on the various vulnerabilities of autistic individuals for committing sexual offences. The article explores potential ‘pathways’ to sexual offending, tracing the absence, from a young age, of provision of sex education to young autistic people, and the stifling of their abilities to practise healthy sexual relationships.</p
Spontaneous and unplanned mass gathering events: a scoping review of health considerations for riots, civil unrest, and protest
No full textObjective: To identify the health planning, health provision, and health lessons learned from unplanned or spontaneous mass gathering events. Methods: This research used a scoping review design. Data was collected from 4 databases, using search terms relating to “mass gathering events,” “spontaneous events,” and “health services.” Data was extracted relating to the event characteristics, health usage, and patient outcomes. Extracted data were deductively coded against the surge capacity domains of staff, stuff/supplies, space, and systems. Results: Ten papers were included in this review. Most spontaneous mass gathering events were related to riots, civil unrest, or unplanned large parties, which required a response from the health care system. Health staff were predominantly from an ambulance, pre-\hospital, or emergency medical services. Additional personal protective equipment, such as ballistic equipment and respiratory protection, was required. Conclusions: The planning for a health care response to a spontaneous mass gathering event requires a risk-based approach. Such an approach should be applied in local disaster and mass casualty plans as a hazard-specific response. Preparation and response should include interagency collaboration. Enhancing the reporting of spontaneous mass gathering events will provide insights for future planning and response.</p
The process of deinstitutionalisation from within an institution: evaluating innovations in a closed ward for women with (borderline) personality disorder
No full textAlthough UK Mental Health services have been de-institutionalised since the end of the 20th century, women with (borderline) personality disorder are often admitted compulsorily to closed psychiatric wards due to high level of self-harm. The paper focuses on the evaluation of introducing innovative intervention methods, along side dialectical behaviour therapy, in the Daffodil ward which promoted the agency and self-responsibility of service users in managing their mental health. The evaluation reported in the article includes individualised photovoice followed by interviews of the inpatients, and in parallel receiving providers’ reports about every three months. The photovoice method enabled service users to take photos representing their experiences on the ward; this provided a basis for interview content. The new interventions promoted the recovery and empowerment of service users and utilised the transformative role of peer support and experts by experience in improving ward culture. The interim findings highlight how the impact of an effective culture of experts by experience involvement and the introduction of a new service model can provide a context for deinstitutionalisation from within an institution, providing a template for future hospital service delivery.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇