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The lived experiences of individuals with Tourette syndrome following anterior-medial globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation : an interpretive phenomenological analysis
Cassimjee, Nafisa; Muller, Jacomien; Van Coller, Riaan (Taylor and Francis, 2026)
PURPOSE : Tourette syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite the recent increase in the use of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of refractory Tourette syndrome, few qualitative studies have explored the post-surgical experiences of individuals. This research aimed to explore the lived experience of individuals who underwent deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome. METHOD : This qualitative study was informed by the phenomenological design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the first cohort of five individuals to have undergone anterior-medial globus pallidus internus deep brain stimulation in South Africa. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised to analyse the data. RESULTS : Four key themes were identified: (1) Battle with Tourette syndrome; (2) Temporal journey with deep brain stimulation; (3) Transformation: (Re)constructing the self in context after deep brain stimulation; and (4) Fusion: brain, technology and me. CONCLUSION: Living with Tourette syndrome was described by the participants as a fight for control, with symptoms having profound effects on family and social relationships. Identity reconstruction following surgery was complex, but treatment led to a change in social interactions and personal growth. Improvement was not immediate but rather a gradual process to find optimal settings. Most participants managed to integrate the device successfully into their identity. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION • Tourette syndrome is a complex disorder impacting physical, psychological and social functioning. • Deep brain stimulation is a neurotherapeutic treatment option for refractory Tourette syndrome, yet limited research is available on the lived experiences of individuals following deep brain stimulation. • Clinicians should provide comprehensive pre-operative counselling and neuropsychoeducation to patients and their families regarding the expectations, risks and psychosocial implications of deep brain stimulation. • They should provide continuous multidisciplinary patient management and psychological support to address adjustment challenges, optimise outcomes and monitor psychosocial well-being after surgery. • In addition, they need to adopt an integrated and individualised rehabilitation approach informed by multidisciplinary perspectives.
The lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa
Shube, Sekelo Atalia; Davids, Eugene Lee (Sage, 2026)
Complex trauma is experiencing a traumatic event, in the form of abuse, which is chronic, interpersonal, and begins in childhood. Limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of complex trauma on parenting. The current study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, the study included 10 biological mothers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The data tell the story of how mothers with a history of complex trauma prioritise the well-being of their children while neglecting their own needs. In addition, their experiences of complex trauma result in protecting their children from potential traumas, leading to overprotective parenting. The findings highlight the role of complex trauma on parenting, particularly among biological mothers in South Africa, and provide recommendations for society, practice, and research.
The journey into the ecology and distribution of the genus Amblyomma in southern Africa
Smit, Andeliza; Morar-Leather, Darshana; Neves, Luís C.B.G. (Elsevier, 2026-04)
The genus Amblyomma represents a fascinating and ecologically diverse group of hard ticks, widely distributed across southern Africa. Despite their importance as vectors of numerous pathogens, many species remain poorly studied, with limited ecological, seasonal, and distributional records. In this review we discuss observed patterns of sympatry and parapatry, noting that reproductive interference mediated by species-specific attraction-aggregation-attachment (AAA) pheromones may play a key role in shaping species boundaries. Molecular analyses using mitochondrial markers (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, coi, and cytb) reveal high intraspecific variation within A. variegatum. The limited differentiation between A. pomposum and A. variegatum suggests recent divergence, motivating further genome-wide investigations. Additionally, we document the introduction of A. hebraeum and A. lepidum into established ranges of other species, emphasising the need for ongoing surveillance to assess the ecological consequences of such events. Finally, we outline an integrated, multi-pronged approach for advancing the understanding of Amblyomma ecology, species boundaries, and distribution, combining extensive field sampling, genome-wide molecular tools, pheromone studies, biological compatibility experiments, and curated voucher-linked data. This holistic framework aims to resolve taxonomic ambiguities, clarify evolutionary relationships, and guide future research on this medically and veterinary significant genus. HIGHLIGHTS • Identifies gaps in pheromone and reproductive data for understudied species. • Highlights unresolved distributions and taxonomic ambiguities in Amblyomma. • Emphasises the lack of set standards for species delineation. • Underlines an approach to address current gaps in Amblyomma ecology, distribution and phylogenetics in southern Africa.
The incidence and role of EBV and HIV in head and neck lymphomas : an institutional study
Xoki, Buntu; Masenge, Andries; Kungoane, Tsholofelo (Elsevier, 2026-01)
OBJECTIVES : To determine the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive lymphomas in a cohort of patients with head and neck lymphomas and to correlate these lymphomas with HIV status, CD4+ cell count, clinical stage, and overall survival. STUDY DESIGN : This retrospective descriptive study sourced data from pathology reports and clinical records. Data collected included lymphoma type, HIV status, and medical information related to immunosuppression, CD4+ T-cell counts, HIV viral load, Ann Arbor clinical stage, and follow-up data. RESULTS : We reviewed 228 lymphomas, comprising 9 Hodgkin lymphomas and 219 non-Hodgkin lymphomas (HIV-positive: 133; HIV-negative: 23, and unknown HIV status: 72). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) were common and associated with HIV immune suppression, male sex, and middle age. Seventy-four lymphomas were Epstein-Barr encoded RNA in situ hybridization (EBER-ISH) positive. PBL was the most common EBV-driven lymphoma (median CD4+ count = 147 cells/mm3), with the highest Ann Arbor staging. CONCLUSION : These findings suggest that EBV infection is among the primary factors contributing to PBL oncogenesis in HIV-positive patients. Patients with PBL presented with CD4+ T-cell counts of <400 cells/mm3. Patients with HIV infection had a lower overall survival rate compared to HIV-negative patients, irrespective of lymphoma type. STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE : This study highlights the significant correlation between HIV infection and EBV-positive lymphomas in the head and neck regions, underscoring the need for vigilant screening and management strategies for lymphoma in HIV-positive patients to improve clinical outcomes.
The impact of mobile-based digital technology adoption on livelihood diversification : evidence from Ethiopia
Bule, Degineh Lagiso; Ntuli, Herbert; Gandidzanwa, Colleta (Routledge, 2026)
The integration of mobile phones and associated services into the diversification of livelihoods has the potential for rural transformation in developing nations. However, mobile-based technology adoption for livelihood activities in the Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia, remains inadequate. This study aims to investigate the impact of mobile-based technology adoption on livelihood diversification in the study area. The results of the instrumental variable Tobit show that mobile-based digital technology adoption positively and significantly influences livelihood diversification. This is evident particularly among the educated, men, remittance recipients, active labourers, landowners, urban residents, and traders. This underscores that the adoption of mobile-based technologies for livelihood activities is uneven, particularly among marginalised populations. Therefore, government, telecom companies, and development agencies should prioritise expanding network coverage, implement inclusive digital policies, and foster skills development. Additionally, promoting mobile money services and addressing affordability barriers are crucial to encouraging the adoption of mobile-based digital services for livelihood activities.