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Treatment differentiation between group music therapy and recreational choir singing for people with dementia and depression living in residential care homes: structured video analysis of the interventions in the MIDDEL trial
No full textIntroduction: Music-based interventions are often implemented in residential dementia care to support quality of life and wellbeing, and to minimize neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression. A recent international randomized controlled trial called MIDDEL (“Music Interventions for Dementia and Depression in Elderly Care”) compared efficacy of two popular music-based interventions: recreational choir singing (RCS) and group music therapy (GMT). The current study was undertaken to determine similarities and differences between the delivery of these two interventions within the MIDDEL trial. Methods: To determine treatment differentiation between RCS and GMT in MIDDEL, we undertook structured video analysis of a random sample of the available session videos from the trial. For each intervention, the videos were analyzed against a predefined checklist, which included items across three music-based activities: singing familiar songs, instrument playing and movement to music. Pearson’s chi-square tests were used to assess whether the type of intervention significantly influenced the delivery of the checklist items. Results: A sample of 65 session videos (GMT: 32; RCS: 33) were analyzed from MIDDEL sessions delivered in the Netherlands, Türkiye and the UK. Overall, the interventions differed significantly in their implementation, x 2 (1) = 101.39, p = Discussion: The current findings confirm treatment differentiation between the two music-based interventions delivered as part of the MIDDEL trial. The results may indicate distinctive characteristics of professional music therapy as compared to community choir singing within residential dementia care, while also identifying overlaps in practice. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two popular music-based interventions can guide future research and inform their use in clinical practice.</p
Developing collaborative solutions to the intersectional barriers faced by minoritised ecologists
No full textWe want everyone to feel part of a community and system that is transparent, welcoming, and empowers them to realise their potential. Diverse perspectives are essential not only for equity but for advancing robust, innovative science (Haines et al., 2000; Fu et al., 2021; Cox and Mole, 2024). From Indigenous-led research and restoration ecology (Jessen et al., 2021; Robinson et al., 2021) to conservation success through the IUCN Green List, breakthroughs often arise when individuals with differing knowledge areas and worldviews collaborate. The growing complexity of global ecological challenges necessitates an inclusive research culture that draws on a breadth of knowledge, values, and lived experiences. Beyond the scientific benefits, inequality can limit the ability of different communities to participate in and contribute to ecological research (Agarwal, 2001), with direct implications for both research outcomes (Raja et al., 2022) and environmental conditions themselves (Schmidt & Garroway, 2022; Kubiszewski et al., 2023). Moreover, inclusive ecological practice has the potential to advance broader societal equity goals (Roe et al., 2011).Despite signs of progress, ecological science continues to face persistent structural and cultural barriers to inclusion and representation. These barriers manifest at multiple levels. At the individual level, minoritised researchers may experience microaggressions or exclusion from informal networks and mentoring relationships that undermine their access to research support and career progression (Hansen et al., 2018; Haynes-Baratz et al., 2021). Broader systemic issues, such as limited access to opportunities and persistent underrepresentation, also remain evident across the ecological sector (Office for National Statistics, 2021; The RACE Report, 2024). At the institutional scale, the continued underrepresentation of minoritised individuals in leadership roles influences who sets research agendas and defines strategic priorities (Cronin et al., 2021; Institution of Environmental Sciences, 2022).</p
Sleep improvement strategies for people with vision impairment: a scoping review
No full textObjectives: To explore existing strategies for managing sleep disorders in individuals with vision impairment (VI), identifying interventions, geographical trends and research gaps. Design Scoping review. Data sources Medline ALL (Ovid), Embase and Web of Science Core Collection, with supplementary searches in Google Scholar. The final search was completed on 28 November 2025. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Original research studies examining strategies to manage sleep disorders in adults (≥18 years) with VI, published in English. Studies focusing on animal models or unrelated to sleep management were excluded. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts using Covidence, extracted data using a predefined form and resolved discrepancies by consensus. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarise findings by intervention type, study design and outcomes. Results Of 4368 records screened, 16 studies met inclusion criteria. Participants ranged from 18 years to 85 years (median 40.5). Most studies included individuals with no light perception, though VI definitions were often inconsistent. Pharmacological interventions dominated (13/16, 81.3%), mainly melatonin or melatonin receptor agonists, with some use of zopiclone, low-dose benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants. Non-pharmacological approaches were under-represented, including bright light exposure (n=1), virtual Hatha yoga (n=1) and caffeine modulation (n=1). Substantial variation existed in sleep assessment methods. Conclusions This scoping review highlights the predominant focus on pharmacological treatments, especially melatonin, while non-pharmacological strategies remain underexplored. Future research should explore accessible, non-pharmacological interventions and address sleep health inequities faced by individuals with VI. Registration 10.17605/OSF.IO/7E83R.</p
The impact of short, structured ENT teaching interventions on junior doctors’ confidence and on-call preparedness: a systematic review
No full textBackground/Objectives: Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) presentations are common across the UK healthcare system and are often managed initially by junior doctors on call. Short, structured teaching interventions (e.g., boot camps and simulation workshops) have been introduced to improve confidence and preparedness. This review evaluated evidence published since 2015 on such ENT teaching interventions for junior doctors, examining effectiveness, study design, and outcome measures. Methods: Five databases were searched (January 2015–July 2025). Eligible studies assessed ENT-specific courses for junior doctors and reported outcomes on confidence, preparedness, knowledge, or performance. Study quality was appraised using the Medical Education Research Study Instrument (MERSQI). Owing to heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesised in line with Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidance. Results: Eleven studies (n = 591) met inclusion criteria: nine single-group pre–post studies, one two-group comparative study, and one randomised controlled trial (RCT). Most studies reported increased confidence after the interventions, while three also showed gains in knowledge. A minority reported improvement using blinded performance assessments. Overall methodological quality assessed using MERSQI scores was moderate (mean 10.0/18). Limitations included reliance on self-reported outcomes, limited use of control groups, and generally short follow-up periods. Conclusions: Short, structured ENT courses for junior doctors are associated with immediate improvements in confidence and knowledge, with some evidence of objective performance gains. However, the predominance of single-arm designs and brief follow-up limits causal inference and conclusions regarding retention, workplace behaviour, and patient outcomes. More robust comparative studies with blinded assessment and longitudinal follow-up are needed to determine sustained impact.</p
Eph-ephrin signaling affects lens growth and shape, nucleus size, and gradient refractive index in adult mice
No full textPurpose: The function of the eye lens, to fine focus light from different distances onto the retina to form a clear image, relies on tissue biomechanical properties, refractive index, shape, and transparency. Increased lens stiffness with age, especially of the center or nucleus, has long been hypothesized to lead to presbyopia, a loss of accommodative ability, and the need for reading glasses. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that determine lens biomechanical properties and change during age-related stiffening remain unclear. Little is known about the factors that regulate lens shape and growth, nucleus size, and refractive index. We previously showed that loss of EphA2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, or ephrin-A5, a ligand for Eph receptors, leads to changes in lens shape and resilience in 2-month-old mice. Surprisingly, the loss of EphA2 led to smaller and softer lens nuclei with no change in lens stiffness. Methods Using coverslip compression and X-ray phase tomography, we investigated whether lens stiffness, resilience, morphometric changes, and gradient refractive index (GRIN) were altered in lenses from 4- and 8-month-old adult mice with disruption of Eph-ephrin signaling. Results Our data revealed no obvious changes in lens stiffness or resilience between control and ephrin-A5 knockout (KO or -/-) mice at 4 and 8 months of age. While there were no differences in lens resilience, EphA2 -/- lenses were stiffer than control lenses from 8-month-old mice. At all ages, EphA2 and ephrin-A5 KO lenses were more spherical in shape, and EphA2 -/- lens nuclei were smaller than controls. In 4- and 8-month-old mice, EphA2 -/- lenses were small. Measurement of GRIN in control and KO lenses revealed that EphA2 -/- lenses had decreased magnitudes of refractive index across the GRIN profile in all age groups. Conclusions These results suggest that, at least in mouse lenses, the size of the lens and nucleus does not affect whole tissue stiffness with age. Our work indicates that Eph-ephrin signaling influences lens shape and normal adult whole lens growth while EphA2 is needed for nuclear size and appropriate GRIN.</p
Environmental parameters as indicators of bear welfare
No full textBears are commonly displayed in zoos worldwide. Historically, bears have been housed in poor conditions and even now can be found in inhumane bear pits despite an increased knowledge of animal welfare and husbandry practices. In many developing countries, regular and comprehensive welfare assessments are rarely conducted, especially if not required or enforced by regulatory bodies. A majority of zoos in these countries are also not members of zoo associations. To this end, we focused on evaluating bear exhibits in Thailand, a country with numerous zoos, weak regulations and enforcement pertaining to captive wildlife. We developed a simple assessment of front‐of‐house conditions using environmental parameters to evaluate whether zoos are providing appropriate enclosures as an indicator of welfare potential. We found 77 bears of four species on display in 37 exhibits in 17 zoos (6 accredited, 6 government and 5 private). Our results suggest that more than half of bears displayed in Thai zoos experience poor welfare in exhibits that do not meet basic standards. Overall, 49% of the 37 exhibits were below minimum size, with 54% having no vegetation and 62% having no enrichment. Accredited zoos had significantly better exhibits than government and private zoos. Our research highlights the need for the implementation of zoo standards, in addition to strengthened regulatory measures and enforcement regulating the care of captive wildlife in Thailand.</p
CORVIDATA: a global dataset of morphology, ecology, sociality, and life-history in Corvidae
No full textCorvids ( Aves: Corvidae ) are renowned for their advanced cognitive abilities, complex social structures, and ecological adaptability, making them model organisms for studies in ecology, evolution, behaviour and cognition. However, comprehensive datasets integrating morphological, life-history and socio-ecological traits across the family remain scarce, limiting cross-species comparisons and evolutionary analyses. Here, I present a dataset compiling key traits for 135 corvid species worldwide. Data include morphological (e.g., body measurements, endocranial volume), life-history (e.g. age at dispersal, life span), ecological (e.g., habitat, trophic niche, geographic range) and social (e.g., sociality, breeding system) traits. This resource will facilitate comparative research on the evolutionary pressures driving corvid behaviour, support investigations into the ecological and social drivers of evolution, and advance our understanding of avian adaptation in rapidly changing environments.</p
Regional economic growth and post-Keynesian economics: unfit for purpose?
No full textThis paper sets out to critically analyze the ways in which economic growth theories have been engaging with the regional, or sub-national, aspect of economic growth. Although mainstream theories are also assessed, the primary focus is on post-Keynesian growth theories, and particularly on a regional branch of the Kaldorian literature. First, key notions, such as methodological individualism, methodological nationalism, and emergent properties are presented, and how they are related to both neoclassical and post-Keynesian economics. Second, the paper critically presents mainstream theories and their shortcomings in tackling regional aspects of economic growth. Third, the Kaldor-inspired literature on regional growth is critically discussed. While this Kaldorian literature presents itself as critical of mainstream theories in general, its treatment of the spatiality of economic growth remains cursory. This paper is intended to provide a constructive and sympathetic critique of the post-Keynesian literature in general, and the Kaldorian literature in particular; its key objective is to call post-Keynesian researchers’ attention to some of the literature’s deficiencies, to indicate areas of synergy between post-Keynesian economics and evolutionary economic geography, and to suggest a new and promising interdisciplinary research agenda.</p
Vision impairment and associated daily activity limitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackgroundVision impairment is a common disability that poses significant challenges to individuals’ ability to perform activities essential for independent living, including activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Despite extensive research, the extent and nature of these associations remain unclear, particularly across varying levels and types of vision impairment.ObjectivesThis meta‐analysis aims to estimate associations between vision impairment and difficulties with ADL and IADL.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of relevant literature from the inception of the databases to February 2024, using electronic database searches, including PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and CDSR. The articles were screened for title and abstract and then for the full-text reports by two independent reviewers and study quality was appraised. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effects models to calculate the pooled effect size, expressed as odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of each outcome.ResultsForty-six studies involving 210,960 participants were included. A positive large correlation between vision impairment and difficulties with ADL (Correlation coefficient [r] = 0.55, 95% CI 0.37–0.68, p = 0.001) and IADL (r = 0.60, 95% CI 0.49–0.69, p = 0.001) was shown. We also found that vision impairment was associated with difficulties in ADL (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.56–2.01, p ConclusionThe present systematic review and meta-analysis using several statistical methods indicates that vision impairment including near vision impairment, is associated with difficulties in ADL and IADL. Thus, vision impairment remains an urgent and increasingly important public health priority. These findings highlight the need for targeted measures to raise public health awareness to provide rehabilitation and eye care examination strategies to reduce the risk of developing disabilities in adults and the elderly who have vision impairment.</p
Compression Hosiery to Avoid Post Thrombotic Syndrome (CHAPS) Randomised Controlled Trial
No full textDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in 1 in 1000 persons in the UK annually. Half of those with lower limb, proximal DVT (involving the popliteal, femoral, iliac veins or a combination)
go on to develop chronic pain, swelling, skin changes and/or skin breakdown secondary to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS is a lifelong disability affecting men and women of working age. Patients with PTS may have difficulty walking, standing for prolonged periods and maintaining employment. The severity of PTS increases with age and body mass index. With an older, heavier UK population, the burden of PTS is set to rise.</p
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