Digital twins (DTs) have gradually demonstrated application potential in chronic disease management through the construction of individualized and continuously updated virtual representations of patients. Unlike traditional digital therapeutics, digital twins emphasize dynamic modeling, bidirectional data interaction, and forward-looking decision support. However, the specific application models and effects, technical foundations, and implementation challenges of digital twins in chronic disease management remain relatively scattered and require systematic review. The purpose of this scoping review is to comprehensively analyze the concept, application effects, technical basis, and key challenges in the implementation process of digital twins in chronic disease management. This study adheres to the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review and is conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, SinoMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases from 2019 to December 10, 2025. The search strategy combined free terms and subject terms. The "PCC" principle was used to determine the inclusion criteria. The relevant literature was analyzed and discussed. The research results are presented in tabular and descriptive formats. A total of 20 studies were included. Digital twins are applied mainly in areas such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer care, and functional monitoring related to aging. Most systems are based on data-driven models, physics-based models, or hybrid models and support predictive modeling, clinical decision support, and lifestyle or behavior intervention. In different disease scenarios, digital twin systems are positively correlated with glucose control, blood pressure management, risk monitoring, and improvement in personalized care. However, there is significant heterogeneity in modeling approaches, evaluation indicators, and research designs among the studies. Clinical integration predominantly adopts open-loop and human-in-the-loop intervention modes, whereas closed-loop operations are completed only via in silico simulations. As emerging paradigms, DTs hold significant potential for enhancing the accuracy and individualization of chronic disease management. Future research should focus on long-term real-world effect evaluation, develop standardized and flexible technical architectures, strengthen collaborative design and fair-oriented governance strategies, and pay particular attention to the coverage of elderly people, patients with multiple chronic diseases, and those with low digital literacy to promote the responsible and large-scale application of digital twins in chronic disease management.
Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent type of arrhythmia globally, the incidence of atrial fibrillation continues to rise. Concurrently, as lifestyles modernize, the prevalence of saphenous varicose veins is also increasing significantly. Although both conditions have received considerable clinical attention, previous studies have primarily focused on independent investigations within their respective fields, leaving the potential association between these conditions relatively unexplored. In recent years, retrospective clinical analyses have shown that saphenous varicose veins may constitute a novel risk factor for the onset of atrial fibrillation-a breakthrough discovery that has opened a new dimension of cross-border dialogue in investigating disease mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an innovative framework for the pathophysiological association between atrial fibrillation and saphenous varicose veins and to elucidate the associated underlying mechanisms from a multidimensional, evidence-based medical perspective. Available evidence suggests that hemodynamic changes in the lower extremity veins can directly affect right heart preload via central venous pressure transmission, thereby inducing atrial electrophysiological remodeling. Activation of the RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) is involved in venous wall remodeling and in the activation of inflammatory cytokine networks that promote atrial fibrosis. Autonomic dysfunction also exhibits shared pathological features in venous insufficiency and the neural remodeling associated with atrial fibrillation. Moreover, the bidirectional alterations in blood flow shear force may not only accelerate venous valve injury but also trigger abnormal electrical activity in atrial myocytes. The pathophysiological bridging hypothesis proposed in this study not only challenges the traditional single-system research paradigm, but also provides important implications for clinical intervention strategies. Indeed, by integrating a multidisciplinary chain of evidence, this paper systematically demonstrates the potential impact of peripheral venous lesions on cardiac electrophysiological activity, thereby adding a new dimension to screening and identifying a potential therapeutic target for the prevention of atrial fibrillation. These findings both deepen understanding of the nature of the two diseases and lay a theoretical foundation for establishing an integrated cardiovascular-peripheral vascular diagnostic and treatment model.
LHX3, a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, is crucial in pituitary development. Mutations of LHX3 are infrequently described in the Indian subcontinent. We report two siblings born of consanguineous marriage with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) who presented with short stature and extra-pituitary skeletal abnormalities. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of both siblings revealed an identical novel in-frame deletion variant in the LHX3 gene c.634_636del (p.Glu212del). Both parents of the patients were heterozygous carriers of the same LHX3 variant. The genetic sequencing data did not reveal any other potentially causal variants of other candidate genes that could be associated with CPHD. Furthermore, the conservation of the reference region across species and the expression of LHX3 in pituitary tissue provide additional evidence supporting its pathogenic role. This in-frame deletion, according to theoretical models, could potentially disrupt protein-protein interactions, DNA binding, and protein stability, ultimately disrupting the specification of pituitary cell types. Both patients exhibited a remarkable response to recombinant growth hormone therapy. This novel variant provides a foundation for future functional studies and contributes to the expanding genetic spectrum of LHX3 variants in CPHD.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide, highlighting the urgent need to identify effective therapeutic targets. Ankyrin repeat domain 1 (ANKRD1), also known as cardiac ankyrin repeat protein (CARP), is a member of the muscle ankyrin repeat protein (MARP) family. The unique multi-domain cooperative mechanism and dynamic nucleocytoplasmic shuttling associated with ANKRD1 confer increasingly significant roles in the pathogenesis and progression of CVD. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the molecular structure of ANKRD1, elucidate the mechanisms underlying key cardiovascular pathological processes, including myocardial remodeling, cardiomyopathy, cardiac development, myocardial infarction, and heart failure, and comprehensively evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, this review aims to provide new theoretical foundations and future research directions for the precision diagnosis and treatment of CVD.
Grape diseases cause substantial economic losses worldwide, making accurate detection critical for effective control. UAV imagery offers a promising solution for automated disease surveillance, but detecting grape diseases from UAV images remains challenging due to high lesion variability, complex backgrounds (e.g., soil, shadows, overlapping canopy), and scale variation caused by changing flight altitudes. To address these challenges, we propose AWAVM-UNet (Adaptive-Weighted Attention VM-UNet), which integrates feature aggregation and channel-spatial attention. The model has three key components: (1) an AWA module that redesigns skip connections to fuse multi-scale encoder features using spatial and channel attention; (2) an MSCSA module that performs local multi-scale feature extraction via parallel group convolutions to handle altitude-induced scale variation; and (3) a CSA module with a learnable attention matrix that adaptively weights encoder-decoder features while suppressing background clutter. Experiments on a UAV-captured grape disease dataset show that AWAVM-UNet achieves state-of-the-art performance: 88.12% OA, 86.76% DSC, 76.58% IoU, and 88.39% Precision, outperforming CNN-based, Transformer-based, and Mamba-based methods. Ablation studies confirm the positive contribution of each component, and qualitative results demonstrate cleaner boundaries and fewer false positives, especially for small lesions at higher altitudes and in complex backgrounds. The proposed method provides an effective foundation for automated UAV-based vineyard disease monitoring.
The original definition of qualitizing-the conversion of quantitative data into qualitative form-has made an important contribution to mixed methods research but presented a reductionist view that overlooked its interpretive and integrative dimensions. Building on Onwuegbuzie and Leech's (2019) meta-framework, the present article reconceptualizes qualitizing as a recursive, meaning-centered, and meta-integrative process grounded in Critical Dialectical Pluralism (CDP) 2.0. Through this metaphilosophical lens, qualitizing is reframed not as a mechanical act of data conversion but as a meta-transformative process of interpretive synthesis that unites quantitative precision with qualitative depth across research traditions. To operationalize this expanded understanding, the article introduces a 43-profile Narrative Profiling Taxonomy-a theoretically grounded yet empirically generative framework for transforming quantitative, qualitative, or mixed data into interpretive narratives that embody full integration (in a representational sense). These profiles illustrate how numerical structures can be humanized through narrative representation, allowing meta-inferences that transcend analytic boundaries. Although extensive, the taxonomy is not presented as exhaustive but as an evolving representation of the current state of qualitizing's methodological and epistemological potential. It introduces arts-based extensions highlighting the analytic, affective, and creative dimensions of integration. In re-envisioning qualitizing as a multidimensional system of meaning-making, On Qualitizing Revisited advances the integrative ideal of Onwuegbuzie and Hitchcock's (2019) 1 + 1 = 1 integration approach, wherein data transformation becomes an act of synthesis rather than conversion. This redefinition positions qualitizing as both a methodological and philosophical foundation for integration, transforming data into meaning-centered understanding through integrative, interpretive processes that recontextualize analytic outputs within humanly interpretable forms.
People who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) represent an increasing proportion of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Despite the transformative potential of highly effective modulator therapies, BIPOC people with CF (pwCF) experience disproportionately worse outcomes, including lower lung function and increased risk of hospitalization. Social and structural conditions exacerbate these inequities. To better understand these dynamics, this study used photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, to explore how BIPOC pwCF describe the influence of systemic and structural inequities on their health and disease management. Using the photovoice method, participants documented their lived experiences through photography and facilitated group discussion using the See, Happening, Our, Why, Exist, Do, or SHOWED method. Group generated prompts focused on CF-related experiences, barriers, and supports. Transcripts were analyzed using the Sort and Sift, Think and Shift© method. Participants described challenges unique to BIPOC pwCF, including delayed diagnosis of CF, limited CF knowledge among nonspecialist providers, and systemic barriers such as geographic isolation, language differences, and ineligibility for modulator therapies. Many described the need to self-advocate, seek alternative resources, or forgo local care in favor of distant CF centers. BIPOC pwCF face systemic barriers across the care continuum that reflect a gap between the promise of modern CF care and equitable access to it. Participants' narratives underscore the enduring consequences of viewing CF as a "White disease" and the urgent need for structural reform to ensure that advances in CF treatment are accessible and effective for all patients, regardless of race or ethnicity. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has emerged as a significant global public health threat, owing to its complex immune evasion strategies. Despite growing research output in this field, a comprehensive, data-driven bibliometric analysis delineating its global landscape, research hotspots, and translational gaps remains lacking. Publications from 2006 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) and Scopus databases, which formed the core dataset for bibliometric analysis. Clinical trial data were independently supplemented from PubMed to assess translational progress. Multidimensional bibliometric analyses and visualization were performed using R-bibliometrix, VOSviewer and CiteSpace. A total of 1,374 eligible publications were included, with an average annual growth rate of 15.71%, indicating a rapidly expanding field. The research landscape exhibits a hierarchical, stepwise distribution dominated by the United States, with active contributions from multiple countries. Utrecht University and the University of California system were the most prolific institutions. Frontiers-series journals serve as the major publication outlets. Knowledge structure analysis indicates a paradigm shift from fundamental immune mechanisms toward antibiotic resistance, biofilm biology, and immunometabolic regulation. Integration of PubMed clinical data revealed a critical translational gap, as despite advances in mechanistic research, most candidate vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies failed to meet primary clinical endpoints. Research on S. aureus immune evasion is transitioning from foundational mechanistic studies toward multi-omics integration and clinical translation. Future efforts should transcend single-target strategies, focusing on novel therapeutic approaches grounded in immunometabolic modulation and precision treatment regimens.
Research education is fundamental to evidence-based practice in the allied health sciences; however, the progression of students from basic awareness to applied research competency remains poorly characterized. Understanding these progression patterns is essential for curriculum development and educational reform. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 730 undergraduate students selected through stratified convenience sampling from 10 allied health science programs at Malla Reddy University, Hyderabad, India. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed through literature review, expert consultation, and pilot testing. Research competencies were measured across four sequential domains research awareness, definitional knowledge, methodological familiarity, and practical experience using binary (Yes/No) items designed to capture progression from basic understanding to active research engagement. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and multiple regression modeling. Key methodological limitations included the single-institution setting, self-reported responses, and the cross-sectional design, which may limit generalizability and preclude causal inferences. A progressive decline in competency was observed across learning domains: 74.9% demonstrated basic research awareness, 66.3% could define research concepts, 36.2% understood research methodology, and only 26.7% had practical research experience (p < 0.001). This represents a 48.2 percentage point decline from awareness to application. Research aptitude scores remained consistent across all academic programs (χ2 = 0.247, p = 0.999). Students with formal research training demonstrated significantly higher participation rates (AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.98-4.11, p < 0.001). While allied health curricula successfully establish foundational research awareness, they often fail to support progression to practical application. Educational interventions that incorporate active learning methodologies, structured mentorship, and experiential research opportunities are necessary to bridge the theory-practice gap.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is associated with neurodevelopmental impairments, including listening difficulties not always explained by peripheral hearing loss, suggesting alterations at the level of neural auditory processing. The frequency-following response (FFR) provides an objective measure of neural speech encoding and may offer insight into auditory function in this population. Twenty-five normal-hearing participants were included: 11 individuals with FASD and 14 controls. Speech-evoked FFRs were recorded using a 160 ms /da/ stimulus at 80 dB SPL with a stimulation rate of 4.35/s. Pitch tracking, stimulus-response correlation, response latency, and signal quality were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. Given the exploratory nature of the study and uncontrolled demographic variables - including a significant age difference between groups - findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating. Compared to controls, individuals with FASD showed reduced pitch-tracking consistency and lower stimulus-response correlation, with the most robust finding being a large-effect reduction in F0-range correlation (R[70-120 Hz]: p < 0.001, rank-biserial r = 0.823). Prolonged latencies were observed across multiple response components, and signal-to-noise ratio tended to be lower in the FASD group. This exploratory proof-of-concept study provides preliminary evidence of altered neural speech encoding in individuals with FASD despite normal peripheral hearing. Given uncontrolled confounds, observed differences cannot be specifically attributed to FASD. These findings establish the feasibility of FFR in this population and provide the empirical foundation for future controlled research on auditory biomarkers and intervention monitoring in FASD.
Wildlife rescue is a morally motivated practice that seeks to alleviate suffering in free-ranging, predominantly native, wild animals. However, actions to help individual animals in circumstances that appear relatively easy to handle often have far-reaching and sometimes unintended consequences for animal welfare and raise wider concerns regarding animal ethics and ecological integrity. This can lead to difficult decisions that are inadequately addressed by existing triage guidelines. We present three example rescue scenarios as a foundation for exploring the broad range of concerns that may arise, including the immediate and longer-term risks, benefits and conflicts. Each example, drawn from contemporary Australian wildlife care settings, considers animal welfare implications amidst a variety of contextual factors and competing values. The cases include an orphaned Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) whose predicament is relatively isolated from broader ecological and population-level dynamics, a parasitised wombat (Vombatus ursinus) in a field setting where treatment to improve its welfare may affect populations and ecosystems, and a fire-impacted koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) whose rehabilitation involves the making of complicated welfare, environmental and other ethical trade-offs. By evaluating varying concerns as they apply to these examples and others, along with relevant evidence and prevailing approaches, we expose a range of ethically loaded considerations that apply to wildlife rescue. With increasing environmental threats and a shift in public attitudes in support of wildlife interventions, we propose that decision-making competencies and communication can be promoted through further training in ethical reasoning, the adoption of an ethical review process that includes assessment over time and across individuals, and increased transparency.
Coloniality continues to define knowledge, culture, relationships and health outcomes for Indigenous peoples around the world. Health systems are shaped by coloniality, influencing access to health care and the quality of care. Decolonization, although pluralistic in understanding, provides a theoretical foundation for health system transformation. The aim of this scoping review was to explore what is known about decolonization, Indigenous health, and equity in publicly funded health systems, and to identify gaps in existing literature. This research is grounded in an Indigenous methodology and positioning, providing a critical structural analytical framework. Scoping review methods developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR were situated within a Kaupapa Māori framework to identify decolonization approaches and characteristics in publicly funded health systems within Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Data sources included four databases and an Aotearoa New Zealand-focused gray literature search. Sixteen texts were included with more than three-quarters published between 2019 and 2021. The majority of approaches were at the level of the system or health professional and exploratory in nature. Implementation and outcome measurement were scarce. Characteristics of decolonization in health systems were categorized as Addressing Coloniality, Transformation, Relationships and Indigeneity. This review provides a novel synthesis of decolonization in the context of publicly funded health systems, identifying an emergent research area, and disconnect between theory and practice. Decolonization provides a rights-based intersectional framework that is distinct from alternative approaches, unique in its ambition to address power imbalance and see structural transformation. Misalignment between ideological positioning of decolonial theory and governments may limit the opportunity for implementation within publicly funded health systems. Research, implementation and evaluation of decolonization approaches is needed to expand knowledge, influence future public policy and see structural transformation of health systems to support Indigenous well-being and health equity.
The unresolved taxonomy of Dracaena species, the botanical sources of the prized traditional medicine Dragon's blood, poses significant challenges to resource conservation, material traceability, and quality control. This study aimed to resolve these taxonomic ambiguities by developing and validating a high-resolution, integrated molecular authentication system. Based on 26 original plant samples from the genus Dracaena, along with relevant DNA barcode loci retrieved from NCBI, five previously reported DNA barcodes were evaluated and assessed. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) sequences from the transcriptome of D. cambodiana were subsequently screened. Finally, the established DNA barcode and SSR molecular marker systems were applied to identify the botanical origin of Dragon's blood. The trnP-psaJ and psbK-psbI regions were identified as optimal barcodes, effectively distinguishing foreign sources (D. cinnabari and D. draco) from domestic ones. From transcriptomic data, we screened and validated 16 highly polymorphic SSR primers. While DNA barcodes confirmed broad phylogenetic relationships, SSR markers provided superior resolution, clearly delineating the closely related domestic taxa D. cambodiana, D. cochinchinensis, and the "Yanzong" plant into distinct genetic clusters. A key finding was the consistent genetic distinctiveness of Hainan Island populations, supporting the genetic affinity of the Hainan populations with D. cambodiana, indicating that they fall within the genetic variation range of this species based on the available reference samples. Furthermore, cultivation analysis revealed that D. cambodiana is the predominant cultivated species in China; the horticultural variety "Heizhenzhu" was identified as a likely variant of this species, while "Taikongtie" showed ambiguous affinity, possibly involving D. cochinchinensis or Guangxi populations. We established a novel, two-tiered molecular identification system that combines the trnP-psaJ barcode for rapid screening with a panel of 16 SSR markers for fine-scale discrimination. This integrated approach successfully clarifies the taxonomy of important Dragon's blood source plants. It provides a reliable, efficient protocol for authenticating Dracaena species and germplasm, offering a critical technical foundation for resource conservation, medicinal material standardization, and targeted breeding programs.
Successful and responsible innovation in neurotechnology requires clear ethical priorities and a deep understanding of individual and societal needs as well as public concerns. Recent cases of consumer exploitation, misleading claims, and inadequate patient aftercare reveal critical gaps in current practices and underscore the urgent need for more ethical, transparent, and user-centered engagement in this rapidly developing field. This study focuses on four complementary domains: (1) neuroethics and embodiment; (2) the cultural embedding of neurotechnologies; (3) art and culture in relation to neurotechnology; and (4) human enhancement, technovisions, and sociotechnical imaginaries. Across these domains, the manuscript explores user and societal perceptions, highlighting often overlooked asymmetries in communication between scientists and entrepreneurs and those who ultimately receive research outcomes in the form of products. Drawing on the authors' multidisciplinary expertise and a synthesis of the relevant literature, the manuscript outlines a possible foundation for developing more balanced, inclusive and symmetric communication formats that empower stakeholders regardless of status or expertise. Integrating insights from neurotechnology with applied ethics, the humanities, social sciences, technology assessment and the arts, this work seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of the societal and individual impacts of emerging neurotechnologies and to support the protection and empowerment of users by prioritizing their needs.
Most patients receive care in community settings. However, few community clinicians serve as clinical trial investigators. This limits how many underrepresented patients can take part. The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) created the Alliance for Representative Clinical Trials (ARC) to support community clinicians in building research capacity while delivering patient care. NMQF conducted an early-stage feasibility study to understand the conditions required for equitable patient participation in clinical research. This study examined three areas: recruiting community clinicians, completing foundational research training, and assessing site readiness to offer trials. It also explored the social and structural factors that affect readiness and capacity for equitable research participation. Ten community clinicians participated in the study, completing training (100%) and site assessments (90%). Eight out of ten (80%) were satisfied with the program and would recommend it. Six out of ten (60%) felt ready to lead a trial. Key barriers included limited staff, infrastructure, and time. Facilitators included trusted recruitment networks and flexible self-paced training. The ARC showed promise in involving community clinicians in clinical research. These findings highlight the need for broader adoption, including mentorship, infrastructure investment, and financial incentives. They also inform future implementation pathways and align with national efforts to make clinical research more accessible and equitable in community care settings.
The transition from medical student to resident doctor is a difficult phase in medical training. Undergraduate medical education often provides a strong foundation in clinical knowledge. However, many newly qualified doctors report difficulty applying this in clinical environments. A national UK study analysing qualitative transition narratives found that 30.3% of accounts were explicitly classified as 'unprepared,' outnumbering those classified as 'prepared' (23.2%). Furthermore, a major UK multi-centre study revealed that only 38% of graduating students felt confident about prescription writing. In my view, these figures underscore that the transition crisis is not a collection of isolated student anxieties but rather a systemic flaw in institutional design. This editorial explores the mismatch between academic preparation and the practical demands of clinical practice. It focuses on key areas of difficulty, including task prioritisation, responsibilities, escalation of concerns, documentation, and communication under pressure. Learning during medical school is often heavily based on observation rather than active participation, and opportunities for independent decision-making remain limited. Consequently, students frequently experience insufficient exposure to the workload, administrative demands, and clinical responsibilities of a newly qualified doctor. Together, these factors widen the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, creating an intensely steep learning curve upon entering the healthcare workplace. Ultimately, this abrupt transition compromises graduate confidence and introduces vulnerabilities into patient safety. Some strategies to address this gap include early clinical exposure, structured shadowing programmes, simulation-based training, and trust-level induction processes. These interventions can facilitate bridging the divide between theory and clinical practice. This can then improve preparedness and reduce early-career stress. Strengthening preparedness at the point of transition may improve both clinician well-being and the quality of care delivered to patients. However, achieving this requires coordinated efforts from medical schools, healthcare institutions, educators, and regulatory bodies. Medical schools should provide greater opportunities for supervised responsibility, simulation-based learning, and practical clinical skills training, while hospitals should support graduates through structured induction programmes, shadowing opportunities, and ongoing mentorship. Addressing the gap between undergraduate training and clinical practice should therefore be prioritised not only as an educational concern but also as a patient safety imperative. By working collaboratively to better prepare future doctors for the realities of clinical practice, stakeholders can facilitate a safer transition into the workforce and improve outcomes for both clinicians and patients.
The United States faces a critical maternal health crisis, characterized by the highest mortality rates among high-income nations and profound racial disparities. The University of Illinois Chicago established the Luma Center, a Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence funded by the National Institutes of Health IMPROVE initiative. This article details the center's development, implementation, and theoretical foundation. Central to the Luma Center's mission is the Biopsychosocial Ecosystem Framework, which shifts the research focus from individual-level factors to the multilevel systemic drivers of maternal morbidity and mortality. Utilizing a transdisciplinary approach involving 18 academic disciplines, the Center operates through five core areas: Leadership, Community Partnership, Research, Training, and Data. The primary objectives are to conduct robust multilevel research, cultivate a diverse research workforce, and strengthen community partnerships to ensure the translation of findings into effective postpartum interventions. By integrating community expertise with academic innovation, the Luma Center seeks to systematically address the fundamental causes of poor maternal health outcomes and advance science to promote perinatal health and wellness.
Research on animal disability (defined here as the loss of a critical adaptation that impacts the animal's stability, mobility, typical behaviour, or perception) remains limited, often focusing on individual case studies or a narrow range of taxa, particularly mammals. This reflects broader taxonomic biases in behaviour and welfare sciences, which may contribute to differences in the care and management of disabilities across species in human care. Zoological organisations offer an ideal opportunity to research animal disability, yet the prevalence of disability and related care practices has not been previously documented. To address this, a survey was shared with organisations accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to assess the prevalence and taxa of animals with disabilities, explore care staff perceptions of disabled animal welfare, and document modifications provided to animals with disabilities. There were 115 respondents, representing 45 organisations (approximately 19% of AZA-accredited organisations). All but one organisation (98% of organisations surveyed) reported having an animal with a disability in their care, suggesting that animals with disabilities may be common in zoological organisations. Animals with disabilities were reported from all vertebrate groups as well as arachnids, insects, and other invertebrates. Birds, mammals, and reptiles were the most likely to receive care and management modifications for their disability. Animal care staff perceived the welfare of animals with disabilities as similar to animals without disabilities. These data can serve as a foundation for future research on animal disability that can inform strategies to enhance welfare for animals in human care.
Despite men demonstrating high levels of grief and mental health difficulties after baby loss, support services predominantly focus on women. There is little known about the role of sport, football and targeted peer support for men who have experienced baby loss. To examine men's experiences of accessing football-based baby loss bereavement support and the self-reported impact of the sessions on men's grief and mental health. This project was designed with three men who have experienced baby loss. The study used a sequential QUAL-qual multimethod exploratory design. An online anonymous qualitative survey was distributed to all men who had attended a football session. A group discussion then considered the findings from the survey to add further depth to our understanding. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Consent was obtained from all participants. Staff with mental health training were present during the discussion. Twenty-one survey responses were received, and 11 men participated in the group discussion. Participants reported the limited targeted support available for men after baby loss, and that the football sessions provided a safe space to talk with other men who had a shared journey and experiences and that the football focus helped break down barriers and challenge the myths surrounding men and grief. The football-based sessions were described as life-changing and life-saving. The study highlights the need to dispel myths surrounding men's grief after baby loss and emphasises the importance of football-based bereavement support in addressing men's mental health.
Since their introduction, Hem-o-lok clips (HOLCs) have become widely accepted and increasingly reliable devices among surgeons performing minimally invasive surgery due to their effectiveness in achieving vascular pedicle control and haemostasis. Although HOLCs are generally regarded as safe devices, various complications have been reported. This review aimed to identify and summarise complications occurring at any time following HOLC use, from their initial introduction in January 1999 through December 2025. This literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE®), Google Scholar™, ResearchGate, and Embase® was performed using predefined search strings and Boolean operators to identify English-language articles reporting complications associated with HOLC use. The most frequently reported postoperative complications associated with HOLCs occurred after prostatectomy, accounting for 66.23% (n = 51) of all reported cases. The second most common postoperative complication was associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, representing 14.28% (n = 11) of cases. The most common complication was clip migration to the urinary bladder with stone formation, accounting for 45.45% (n = 35), followed by urinary bladder neck contracture (14.29%; n = 11), clip migration to the ureter and erosion into the collecting system (14.29%; n = 11), erosion into the duodenum/resulting in duodenal ulcer formation (10.39%; n = 8), and common bile duct (CBD) obstruction (including Mirizzi syndrome or CBD stones) (3.89%; n = 3). Other less frequently reported complications, comprising 11.69% (n = 9), included clip migration to the urinary bladder without stone formation, clip migration to the rectum, erosion into the small intestine, transmural migration to the oesophagus, and anastomotic leak following prostatectomy. Although HOLCs are generally considered safe devices, rare but clinically significant complications have been reported. A high index of clinical suspicion is essential for the early recognition and diagnosis of these complications. The management of HOLC-related complications varies according to the site and nature of the complication but most commonly involves endoscopic retrieval. Conservative management may be appropriate in selected asymptomatic patients.