Oaks Hospital

Categorical variants, or sets of genomic alterations constrained by shared properties, are pervasive across clinical, regulatory, and research domains in the biomedical ecosystem, yet their inconsistent and non-computable representation hinders data interoperability and clinical interpretation. We surveyed genomic knowledgebases spanning regulatory approvals and the biomedical literature and found that categorical variants underpin a substantial proportion of clinical genomics knowledge, but are largely described using incompatible bespoke models. To address this, we developed the GA4GH Categorical Variation Representation Specification (Cat-VRS), a constraint-based framework that provides a unified computable representation for both precise and intentionally broad categories across molecular and systemic variant domains. Cat-VRS enables harmonization of genomic knowledgebases, computable category-based search, and automated matching between assayed variants and categorical entities in clinical and research contexts. By providing a principled, extensible model for categorical variation, Cat-VRS enables computable reasoning over genomic variant categories and establishes a foundation for the standardized representation and exchange of genomic knowledge.

Background: Equine sinonasal disorders are significant diseases whose investigation and treatment have undergone significant changes over the past decade. No large study has described the signalments, pre-referral management, or the clinical and nasal

BackgroundConstipation is a significant problem for people with intellectual disabilities, with a prevalence of 33–50%, causing at least five deaths annually in England. Individualised bowel care plans (IBCP) are recommended in England and Wales.AimsWe evaluated the feasibility and impact of IBCPs for people with intellectual disabilities who are in in-patient psychiatric units, and the effect on clinical outcomes.MethodPeople with intellectual disabilities who were at risk of constipation were recruited from four specialist in-patient psychiatric units in England and Wales. A constipation questionnaire was used to capture relevant data to devise IBCPs. Baseline, 3- and 6-monthly Health of the Nation Scales – Learning Disability (HoNOS-LD) were completed after the intervention. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Mann-Whitney U, repeated-measures analyses of variance, with Bonferroni adjustment and Mauchly’s tests were conducted. Significance was taken at P < 0.05.ResultsOf 24 people with intellectual disabilities recruited from four units, all three data points were available for 18 patients. Constipation rates showed no statistically significant decline. The total HoNOS-LD score (18 items) did not decline. HoNOS-LD item 12 for physical functioning showed significant improvement for PwID with constipation compared with those without, between baseline and 6 months.ConclusionsThis quality improvement project suggests that a bigger study of IBCPs is feasible. Most outcomes examined via the HoNOS-LD, particularly those linked with mental illness, challenging behaviour and quality of life, did not show significant change, possibly because of the small sample size. However, people with intellectual disabilities and constipation showed positive changes in their physical functioning outcomes compared with those without constipation. Further in-depth evaluation of this intervention is needed.

Yoga and mindfulness practices, rooted in ancient traditions, have emerged as effective tools for addressing modern mental health challenges. This article explores their integration into contemporary mental health and wellness programs, emphasizing their impact on stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall psychological well-being. Drawing on scientific evidence, it examines the mechanisms through which yoga and mindfulness influence mental health, including their role in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The discussion highlights mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and the therapeutic applications of yoga, such as restorative practices and yoga nidra. Additionally, the article addresses challenges in adapting these practices to modern settings and their cultural and ethical dimensions. By examining their benefits, limitations, and potential for innovation, this study underscores the relevance of yoga and mindfulness in promoting holistic well-being and suggests pathways for their wider adoption in mental health programs.

Leaks in water distribution networks are estimated to account for up to 30% of the total distributed water; moreover, the increasing demand and the skyrocketing energy cost have made leak localization and adoption ever more important to water utilities. Each leak scenario is run on a simulation model to compute the resulting values of pressure and flows over the whole network. The values recorded by the sensors are seen as features of one leak scenario and can be considered as the signature of the leak. The key distinguishing element in this paper is to consider the entire distribution of data, representing a leak as a probability distribution. In this representation, the similarity between leaks can be captured by the Wasserstein distance. This choice matches the physics of the system as follows: the equations modeling the generation of flow and pressure data are non-linear. The signatures obtained through the simulation of a set of leak scenarios are non-linearly clustered in the Wasserstein space using Wasserstein barycenters as centroids. As a new set of measurements arrives, its signature is associated with the cluster with the closest barycenter. The location of the simulated leaks belonging to that cluster are the possible locations of the observed leak. This new framework allows a richer representation of pressure and flow data embedding both the modeling and the computational modules in a space whose elements are discrete probability distribution endowed with the Wasserstein distance. Experiments on benchmark and real-world networks confirm the feasibility of the proposed approach.