bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient‐ versus physician‐reported relapses in multiple sclerosis: insights from a large observational study
Authors: Schriefer D. , Haase R. , Ettle B. , Ziemssen T.
Published: July 2020

Background and purpose

The patient's perspective is becoming increasingly important for endpoints in studies on multiple sclerosis. However, relapse data generated from the patient's perspective in combination with independent documentation by the physician are scarce. Our objective was to compare self‐reported relapses by the patient to physician‐documented relapses within a routine clinical practice setting of quarterly visits.

Methods

Two‐year data (n = 1921 patients) were extracted from two prospective, non‐interventional, multicentre cohort studies in Germany. The number of relapses independently reported by patients and physicians was analysed. In addition, inter‐rater reliability and measures of validity were evaluated. Patterns of associations were investigated in subgroup analysis of sociodemographic, clinical and patient‐reported outcome measures.

Results

Patients and physicians showed good overall agreement [κ = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–0.80]. Nevertheless, patients reported, on average, more relapses than physicians during follow‐up (0.55 vs. 0.44; P < 0.001). Corresponding annualized relapse rates were 0.38 (95% CI 0.36–0.39) and 0.30 (95% CI 0.29–0.31), respectively. Differences between physicians and patients were particularly pronounced in patient groups with greater disability levels, decreased health‐related quality of life or treatment satisfaction. The positive predictive value was 74.01% (95% CI 71.85–76.07), and the negative predictive value was 98.86% (95% CI 98.67–99.03).

Conclusion

Some disagreement on the occurrence of relapses appears in specific patient subgroups, where factors such as pseudo‐relapses or confounding factors may have promoted over‐ or under‐reporting.
What makes trading strategies based on chart pattern recognition profitable?
Authors: Tsinaslanidis Prodromos , Guijarro Francisco
Published: July 2020

Automating chart pattern recognition is a relevant issue addressed by researchers and practitioners when designing a system that considers technical analysis for trading purposes. This article proposes the design of a trading system that takes into account any generic pattern that has been proven to be profitable in the past, without restricting the search to the specific technical patterns reported in the literature, hence the term generic pattern recognition. A fast version of dynamic time warping, the University College Riverside subsequence search suite (called the UCR suite), is employed for the pattern recognition task in an effort to produce trading signals in realistic timescales. This article evaluates the significance of the relation between the system's profitability and (a) the pattern length, (b) the take‐profit and stop‐loss levels and (c) the performance consensus of past patterns. The trading system is assessed under the mean–variance perspective by using 560 NYSE stocks. The results obtained by the different parameter configurations are reported, controlling for both data‐snooping and transaction costs. On average, the proposed system dominates the market index in the mean–variance sense. Although transaction costs reduce the profitability of the proposed trading system, 92.5% of the experiments are profitable if the analysis is reduced to the parameter values aligned with the technical analysis.
Biomarker stratigraphy in the Athel Trough of the South Oman Salt Basin at the Ediacaran‐Cambrian Boundary
Authors: Roussel Anaïs , Cui Xingqian , Summons Roger E.
Published: July 2020

The South Oman Salt Basin (SOSB) has been studied extensively for knowledge concerning the habitat of the enigmatic Ediacaran–Cambrian oils that are produced from that region. Geological, geochemical, geophysical, and geochronological investigations have all contributed to improved understanding of the range of late Neoproterozoic depositional environments recorded there. Of particular interest has been the deep Athel depocenter within the SOSB that features a silica‐rich interval known as the Al Shomou Member or Athel Silicilyte and the co‐eval A4 carbonate–evaporite sequence that straddles the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary. The deep basin has been suggested to be anoxic and euxinic based on studies of sulfur isotopes, trace metal distributions and other proxies. Organic geochemistry has provided some clues concerning aspects of the depositional environments and microbial communities prevailing during this interval. However, ambiguities remain including a paucity of convincing molecular evidence for euxinia in the photic zone of the basin. Here, we present a comprehensive study of biomarker hydrocarbons, including steroids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids. Among the compounds detected is a distinctive array of aromatic carotenoids. Relatively low abundances of monoaromatic carotenoids, such as chlorobactane, okenane, and β‐isorenieratane, suggest the possibility of transient photic zone euxinia with a shallow chemocline or, perhaps, exogenous inputs from microbial mats. However, it is the dominance of renieratane and renierapurpurane over isorenieratane in diaromatic carotenoids and their association with abundant C38 and C39 carotenoids that identifies cyanobacteria as major contributors to the inventory of carotenoids. Our results, based on multiple lines of molecular evidence and statistical analysis, also suggest that the Athel Silicilyte was biogeochemically distinct from the other units of the Ara Group. Overall, our study has important implications for understanding other late Neoproterozoic depositional environments.
Randomised clinical trial of a motivational interviewing intervention to improve oral health education amongst older adults in Philadelphia: 12‐month evaluation of non‐clinical outcomes
Authors: Tellez Marisol , Myers Virtue Shanon , Neckritz Sheryl , Lim Sungwoo , Bhoopathi Vinodh , Hernandez Matilde , Shearer Barbara , Ismail Amid
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We conducted a trial to assess the treatment fidelity of an individual‐based oral health education intervention utilising motivational interviewing (MI) techniques and its efficacy when compared to a group‐based traditional oral health education intervention (TOHE) and a standard of care group (SC) in a sample from Philadelphia during a 12‐month follow‐up.

Background

There is lack of information on how different types of oral health educational interventions affect older adults on non‐clinical outcomes including changes in oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health self‐efficacy (SE) and oral health knowledge (OHK).

Materials and methods

One hundred and eighty patients were randomly allocated to TOHE, MI and SC groups. Treatment fidelity was measured in 16 non‐study patients. The MI intervention was administered by a public health dental hygienist (PHDH). All interviews were audio‐recorded and coded by an expert using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity (MITI) Code. Multivariable longitudinal regression analyses accounting for baseline demographics and correlated errors due to repeated measures via generalised estimating equation were conducted following an intention to treat approach.

Results

Over the 1‐year follow‐up, SE and OHRQoL scores significantly improved amongst the MI group whereas both outcomes worsened amongst the SC group. During the same period, SE and OHRQoL did not change in the TOHE group.

Conclusion

Findings from the study support the fidelity of this intervention and the improvement of all non‐clinical outcomes after 12 months amongst the MI group.
TERT promoter mutation analysis as a surrogate to morphology and immunohistochemistry in problematic spindle cell lesions of the urinary bladder
Authors: Bertz Simone , Stöhr Robert , Gaisa Nadine T , Wullich Bernd , Hartmann Arndt , Agaimy Abbas
Published: July 2020

Aims

Pseudosarcomatous myofibroblastic proliferations (PSMPs) of the urinary bladder are diagnostically challenging. Diagnostic difficulties are mainly due to frequent cytokeratin expression, variable ALK expression and worrisome morphological features suggestive of malignancy. Conversely, sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (UC) may show bland inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT)‐like morphology. TERT promoter mutations are characteristic events in urothelial cancers, but have not been studied in PSMPs.

Methods and results

We compared histomorphological and immunohistochemical features and TERT promoter status in 16 PSMPs and 18 sarcomatoid UC. In a subset of PSMPs, RNA sequencing was performed. At least focal IMT‐like morphology was seen in nine of 17 sarcomatoid UC. Atypical mitoses, differentiated urothelial component and heterologous elements were the most reliable distinguishing histomorphological features of sarcomatoid UC, if present. A panel of immunohistochemistry (IHC) including ALK (clone D5F3), p53 pattern, p63 and GATA3 reliably distinguished PSMP from sarcomatoid UC. GATA3 (P = 0.001) and p53 patterns (mutant versus wild‐type; P < 0.001) were differentially expressed between PSMPs and sarcomatoid UC. Diffuse pancytokeratin staining was significantly associated with PSMPs (10 of 13) compared to four of 14 sarcomatoid UCs (P = 0.012). TERT promoter mutations were found in 17 of 18 sarcomatoid UC versus none of 16 PSMPs (P < 0.001). RNA sequencing revealed ALK genetic rearrangements in one of two ALK‐positive and one of 10 ALK‐negative PSMPs, which revealed a novel FN1/RET gene fusion.

Conclusion

Careful histomorphological analysis and differential IHC reliably distinguish the majority of PSMPs and sarcomatoid UC. In equivocal cases, TERT promoter mutation analysis and/or detection of ALK expression/rearrangements are valuable additional diagnostic adjuncts, strongly supporting sarcomatoid UC and PSMP, respectively.
Mapping signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activity in different stages of mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome
Authors: Olszewska Berenika , Żawrocki Anton , Lakomy Joanna , Karczewska Joanna , Gleń Jolanta , Zabłotna Monika , Malek Marta , Jankau Jerzy , Lange Magdalena , Biernat Wojciech , Nowicki Roman J. , Sokołowska‐Wojdyło Małgorzata
Published: July 2020

Background

Deregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling is known to participate in the pathogenesis of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCLs). However, published results regarding STAT expression in different stages of CTCLs are conflicting. The aim of the study was to define the pattern of STAT expression in skin and detect any differences between pruritic and nonpruritic patients but also different stages of disease.

Methods

Thirty‐nine skin biopsies from CTCL patients and 24 biopsies from healthy volunteers were taken. Immunohistochemical staining for STAT 3, 5a, 5b, and 6 was performed in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded sections of mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) specimens.

Results

We found increased expression of STAT proteins in CTCL: MF and SS skin in comparison to the control group. STAT5 but also STAT6 and to a lesser extent STAT3 seems to be constitutively activated in MF and SS. Moreover, also downregulation of STAT5b protein in advanced‐stage CTCL appears to contribute to its pathogenesis. There were no significant associations between expression of STATs and pruritus severity.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the possible pathogenetic role of STATs in CTCL. STATs seem to be a promising target for new effective therapeutic agents in CTCL.
Examining the impact of a symbiotic lifestyle on the fecundity of the marine gastropod Crepidula plana
Authors: Pechenik Jan A. , Richards Kelly B. , Freliech Cecily A. , Diederich Casey M.
Published: July 2020

The marine gastropod Crepidula plana has an extensive latitudinal range along the eastern coast of the United States. It is usually found living within gastropod shells occupied by hermit crabs, although individuals can sometimes also be found living on rocks and on the exposed surfaces of shells. Our study sought to determine the extent to which residing inside periwinkle (Littorina littorea) shells occupied by the hermit crab Pagurus longicarpus at a study site in coastal Massachusetts compromises the fecundity of C. plana, through size limitation. The egg masses of symbiotic and free‐living females of C. plana included comparable numbers of egg capsules and embryos per female despite the smaller sizes of the symbionts; symbiotic females compensated for their smaller size by producing significantly more embryos per milligram of female body tissue than their free‐living counterparts. These data raise interesting questions about why—unlike its congener C. fornicata—C. plana has not yet become a successful invasive species.
Associations between symptom severity and treatment burden in people living with HIV
Authors: Schreiner Nathanial , Perazzo Joseph , Digennaro Sarah , Burant Christopher , Daly Barbara , Webel Allison
Published: July 2020

Aim

To examine the association between symptoms severity and treatment burden in people living with HIV.

Design

Correlational, secondary analysis of data from participants diagnosed with HIV enrolled in a descriptive, cross‐sectional study examining physical activity patterns.

Methods

We analysed data from 103 men and women using self‐report data collected between March 2016 ‐ February 2017. Our primary statistical analyses consisted of explanatory multivariate modelling with individual PROMIS‐29 scores representing symptom severity and treatment burden measured using the Treatment Burden Questionnaire‐13.

Results

Greater symptom severity was associated with higher levels of cumulative treatment burden as well as higher levels of task‐specific medication and physical activity burden. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that fatigue was a risk factor of cumulative treatment burden as well as task‐specific medication and physical activity treatment burden. Effect sizes of multivariate models ranged from small (0.11) to medium (0.16). Additionally, post hoc analyses showed strong correlations between fatigue and other measured symptoms.

Conclusion

Findings support extant treatment burden literature, including the importance of addressing symptom severity in conjunction with treatment burden screening in the clinical setting. Results also suggest clinical interventions focused on the reduction of fatigue could reduce treatment burden in people living with HIV. Strong correlations between fatigue and other symptoms indicate the potential for reducing fatigue by addressing other highly clustered symptoms, such as depression.

Impact

People living with HIV exhibiting higher levels of fatigue are at high risk for treatment burden and poorer self‐management adherence. Clinicians should consider incorporating symptom and treatment burden assessments when developing, tailoring and modifying interventions to improve self‐management of HIV and other co‐morbid conditions.
Contrasting trajectories of morphological diversification on continents and islands in the Afrotropical white‐eye radiation
Authors: Day Julia J. , Martins Frederico C. , Tobias Joseph A. , Murrell David J.
Published: July 2020

Aim

Morphological and lineage evolution are predicted to follow different patterns in island and mainland radiations. However, the extent to which these geographical contexts influence evolutionary trajectories remains poorly understood, in part because few studies have focused on species‐rich clades colonizing continents and archipelagos over comparable timeframes. Focusing on a diverse songbird clade radiating on the African continent and adjacent islands, we tested whether morphological evolution is best explained by adaptive or non‐adaptive processes, and whether mainland and island lineages evolved to occupy different regions or volumes of morphological space (morphospace).

Location

Palaeotropics, with a particular focus on the Afrotropical region.

Taxon

White‐eyes,Zosterops(Aves: Zosteropidae).

Methods

We generated principal component axes from novel trait data for 120 species and combined this information with a comprehensive dated phylogeny. We then analysed the dynamics of trait and lineage diversification using comparative evolutionary methods.

Results

An early burst and slowdown pattern of lineage accumulation is not mirrored by phenotypic evolution, which instead shows an apparent convergence on particular phenotypes. However, the overall signature of phenotypic convergence is strongly driven by mainland taxa, in which phenotypes appear to be highly constrained within elevational zones, while speciation events are often associated with phenotypic divergence from one body plan to the other after colonization of highland from lowland habitats, or vice versa. By contrast, island lineages have repeatedly explored novel areas of morphospace with patterns of phenotypic divergence generally not distinguishable from a random‐walk model.

Main conclusions

Diversification ofZosteropshighlights contrasting evolutionary trends and dynamics for continental versus island species. We suggest the different trajectory of evolution in insular lineages arises from reduced species competition leading to an increase in ecological opportunity, thereby providing a release to phenotypic constraints experienced by continental taxa.
RETRACTED: IL‐17A‐producing T cells exacerbate fine particulate matter‐induced lung inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Cong Lu‐Hong , Li Tao , Wang Hui , Wu Yi‐Na , Wang Shu‐Peng , Zhao Yu‐Yue , Zhang Guo‐Qiang , Duan Jun
Published: July 2020

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is the primary air pollutant that is able to induce airway injury. Compelling evidence has shown the involvement of IL‐17A in lung injury, while its contribution to PM2.5‐induced lung injury remains largely unknown. Here, we probed into the possible role of IL‐17A in mouse models of PM2.5‐induced lung injury. Mice were instilled with PM2.5 to construct a lung injury model. Flow cytometry was carried out to isolate γδT and Th17 cells. ELISA was adopted to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in the supernatant of lavage fluid. Primary bronchial epithelial cells (mBECs) were extracted, and the expression of TGF signalling pathway‐, autophagy‐ and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway‐related proteins in mBECs was detected by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot analysis. The mitochondrial function was also evaluated. PM2.5 aggravated the inflammatory response through enhancing the secretion of IL‐17A by γδT/Th17 cells. Meanwhile, PM2.5 activated the TGF signalling pathway and induced EMT progression in bronchial epithelial cells, thereby contributing to pulmonary fibrosis. Besides, PM2.5 suppressed autophagy of bronchial epithelial cells by up‐regulating IL‐17A, which in turn activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Furthermore, IL‐17A impaired the energy metabolism of airway epithelial cells in the PM2.5‐induced models. This study suggested that PM2.5 could inhibit autophagy of bronchial epithelial cells and promote pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis by inducing the secretion of IL‐17A in γδT and Th17 cells and regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.
Impact of diet and genes on murine autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Jaster Robert , Gupta Yask , Rohde Sarah , Ehlers Luise , Nizze Horst , Vorobyev Artem , Ludwig Ralf J. , Ibrahim Saleh M.
Published: July 2020

The impact of environmental factors, such as diet, and the genetic basis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) are largely unknown. Here, we used an experimental murine AIP model to identify the contribution of diet to AIP development, as well as to fine‐map AIP‐associated genes in outbred mice prone to develop the disease. For this purpose, we fed mice of an autoimmune‐prone intercross line (AIL) three different diets (control, calorie‐reduced and western diet) for 6 months, at which point the mice were genotyped and phenotyped for AIP. Overall, 269 out of 734 mice (36.6%) developed AIP with signs of parenchymal destruction, equally affecting mice of both sexes. AIP prevalence and severity were reduced by approximately 50% in mice held under caloric restriction compared to those fed control or western diet. We identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4 to be associated with AIP, which is located within a previously reported QTL. This association does not change when considering diet or sex as an additional variable for the mapping. Using whole‐genome sequences of the AIL founder strains, we resolved this QTL to a single candidate gene, namely Map3k7. Expression of Map3k7 was largely restricted to islet cells as well as lymphocytes found in the exocrine pancreas of mice with AIP. Our studies suggest a major impact of diet on AIP. Furthermore, we identify Map3k7 as a novel susceptibility gene for experimental AIP. Both findings warrant clinical translation.
Associations of perceived adverse lifetime experiences with brain structure in UK Biobank participants
Authors: Gheorghe Delia A. , Li Chenlu , Gallacher John , Bauermeister Sarah
Published: July 2020

Background

Adversity experiences (AEs) are major risk factors for psychiatric illness, and ample evidence suggests that adversity‐related changes in brain structure enhance this vulnerability. To achieve greater understanding of the underlying biological pathways, increased convergence among findings is needed. Suggested future directions may benefit from the use of large population samples which may contribute to achieving this goal. We addressed mechanistic pathways by investigating the associations between multiple brain phenotypes and retrospectively reported AEs in early life (child adversity) and adulthood (partner abuse) in a large population sample, using a cross‐sectional approach.

Methods

The UK Biobank resource was used to access imaging‐derived phenotypes (IDPs) from 6,751 participants (aged: M = 62.1, SD = 7.2, range = 45‐80), together with selected reports of childhood AEs and adult partner abuse. Principal component analysis was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data prior to multivariate tests.

Results

The data showed that participants who reported experiences of childhood emotional abuse (‘felt hated by family member as a child’) had smaller cerebellar and ventral striatum volumes. This result was also depicted in a random subset of participants; however, we note small effect sizes ( < .01), suggestive of modest biological changes.

Conclusions

Using a large population cohort, this study demonstrates the value of big datasets in the study of adversity and using automatically preprocessed neuroimaging phenotypes. While retrospective and cross‐sectional characteristics limit interpretation, this study demonstrates that self‐perceived adversity reports, however nonspecific, may still expose neural consequences, identifiable with increased statistical power.
Comparative analysis of self‐injurious behaviour topographies in young children with and without developmental delay
Authors: MacLean W. E. , Dimian A. F. , Hoch J. , Tervo R. C. , Symons F. J.
Published: July 2020

Background

The present study presents post hoc analyses of specific topographies of self‐injurious behaviour (SIB) exhibited by young children with developmental delay (DD) and children with typical development (TD). We conducted these analyses to better understand similarities and differences between the groups from a developmental perspective. No previous study has compared the prevalence, severity and co‐occurrence of specific topographies of SIB in young children.

Method

The participants were parents of two groups of children one with DD (n = 49, mean age = 37.5 months) and one with TD (n = 49, mean age = 36.6 months). Individual items of the SIB subscale from the Repetitive Behaviour Scale‐Revised were used in the analyses.

Results

Seven of the eight Repetitive Behaviour Scale‐Revised SIB categories were reported for both groups. Children in the DD group were significantly more likely to engage in Hits Self against Surface or Object, Hits Self with Body Part, Inserts Finger or Object, Skin Picking and Bites Self. Parental ratings of severity were also significantly greater for the DD group for these five topographies. The DD group engaged in a significantly greater number of SIB topographies than the children in the TD group. Children in the TD group were more likely to exhibit a single SIB topography while the DD group were more likely to engage in two or more topographies. Topographies involving self‐hitting were not only more frequent among the children in the DD group but also more likely to be rated as moderate or severe in nature.

Conclusions

Compared with the TD group, the topographies of SIB exhibited by the DD group were more prevalent, more severe and co‐occurred with greater frequency. Inclusion of a group of children with TD provided an important comparative context for the occurrence of SIB in children with DD.
Topical odorant application of the specific olfactory receptor OR2AT4 agonist, Sandalore®, improves telogen effluvium‐associated parameters
Authors: Jimenez Francisco , López Esmeralda , Bertolini Marta , Alam Majid , Chéret Jérémy , Westgate Gill , Rinaldi Fabio , Marzani Barbara , Paus Ralf
Published: July 2020

Background

Human hair follicles (HFs) express the olfactory receptor (OR)2AT4, which is selectively stimulated by the synthetic sandalwood‐like odorant, Sandalore®. In organ‐cultured, human scalp HFs, Sandalore® prolongs anagen and suppresses apoptosis by up‐regulating intrafollicular IGF‐1 mediated signaling.

Aims

The objective of this study is to demonstrate whether effects of Sandalore® observed ex vivo translate into a clinically relevant effect in patients with telogen effluvium.

Patients/Methods

In a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, clinical trial, 60 female volunteers (18‐65 years) affected by telogen effluvium received over a period of 24 weeks treatment with either 1% Sandalore® solution (n = 30) or placebo (identically smelling, but non‐OR2AT4 activating sandalwood oil n = 30). The study read‐out parameters were the degree of hair shedding, hair volume, terminal/vellus hair ratio, anagen/catagen‐telogen ratio, and patient self‐assessment.

Results

Sandalore® 1% ameliorated clinical signs of telogen effluvium, namely it reduced hair shedding, and increased hair volume and the percentage of anagen HFs, the latter two parameters significantly more than placebo when changes were calculated to baseline. Sandalore® also increased the ratio of terminal/vellus hairs at week 8. Most of the anti‐hair shedding effects were seen after 8 weeks and maintained at week 24. Patient questionnaire showed that verum group patients were more satisfied than the placebo group in regard to the overall results.

Conclusion

This clinical trial supports previous findings of anagen‐prolonging effects of Sandalore® ex vivo with similar results now reproduced in clinical practice. It also provides proof‐of‐principle that a topically applied cosmetic odorant acting through HF olfactory receptors can be a therapeutic alternative to treat hair loss disorders characterized by excessive hair shedding such as telogen effluvium.
An exploration of the factors influencing career choice in mental health
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Murray Aja , Cooper Matthew , Martin Rachel , Murray Kara , Baguley Clare , Chiscop Andra
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives

To identify the factors that are associated with considering a career in mental health.

Background

The mental health specialty is facing a recruitment crisis in the United Kingdom but there is limited evidence about which factors encourage and discourage people from considering a career in mental health.

Design

Quantitative, observational, online survey using a multiple ordinal logistic regression model to identify if there were any significant predictors of the extent to which participants would consider a career in mental health. The design and write up of the study were guided by the STROBE checklist.

Method

We gathered the views of 231 participants (female = 188, 81.7%) aged between 16–65 (mean = 22.7, SD = 8.9), using an online survey, the majority of whom were studying on, or graduates of, psychology/social studies degrees. Information was gathered about the extent to which a range of factors influenced consideration of a career in mental health.

Results

The majority (71.2%) of participants reported that they would definitely or probably consider undertaking a career in mental health, and over half (51.4%) would consider a career as a mental health nurse. The ability to help others and receiving appropriate training required for the role were important career choice factors. Being female, having a mental health condition and greater knowledge of mental health were associated with a significantly greater likelihood of considering a career in mental health, while having had experience of working with people with mental health difficulties was significantly negatively associated.

Conclusions

Students and graduates of psychology and social studies degrees appear to be a large, untapped recruitment pool for mental health services.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results can inform more targeted recruitment strategies and development of suitable career pathways for those interested in a career in mental health.
Reproducibility of echocardiographic indices of left atrial size in dogs with subclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Hsue Weihow , Visser Lance C.
Published: July 2020

Background

Reliability of echocardiographic measurements of left atrial (LA) size, an important marker of disease severity, has not been reported in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD).

Objectives

To define and compare reliability of left atrial dimension/diameter (LAD), LAD indexed to aortic valve diameter (LAD/AoD), left atrium‐to‐aortic root ratio (LA/Ao), left atrial volume acquired from a right parasternal long‐axis (LAVRPLx), and left apical view (LAVLAP) in dogs with subclinical MMVD.

Animals

Nine dogs with subclinical MMVD.

Methods

Prospective reproducibility study. Dogs underwent 12 echocardiographic examinations by 2 operators on the mornings and afternoons of 3 nonconsecutive days within 1 week. Reliability (measurement variability) was quantified using coefficients of variation (CV) and 95% repeatability/reproducibility coefficients (95% RC). A mixed‐model analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine if time of day, day, and operator were significant sources of variability for each index.

Results

Linear measurements (LAD, LAD/AoD, and LA/Ao) exhibited less within‐day, between‐day, and interoperator variability (CVs, 3.9%‐12.5%) than did volume estimate measurements (LAVRPLx and LAVLAP; CVs, 11.8%‐17.9%). Of the linear measurements, LA/Ao exhibited greater variability (CVs, 9.9%‐12.5%) compared to LAD and LAD/AoD (CVs, 3.9%‐4.9%). Operator was a significant (P = .005) source of variability for LA/Ao.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Compared to other linear measurements, LA/Ao was the least reproducible and most dependent on operator. The 95% RC for each LA size index are provided to help identify clinically relevant changes (beyond intraoperator or interoperator variability) during serial echocardiographic examinations of dogs with subclinical MMVD.
Reinforcement learning‐based bird‐view automated vehicle control to avoid crossing traffic
Authors: Wang Yipei , Hou Shuaikun , Wang Xin
Published: July 2020

This paper presents an innovative bird‐view control framework for connected automated vehicles (CAV). Most recently tested automated vehicles are based on sensing systems equipped on the car body, which require the self‐driving policy to be robust and adaptive to various environmental uncertainties. Inspired by the vehicle to infrastructure technologies, the self‐driving technology can also be achieved through the communication between road infrastructure and the vehicle, where sensors are mainly installed on the road in a high position, which can collect traffic information from a bird‐view. To this end, we developed a fusion‐based Q‐learning method to yield an optimal bird‐view control policy for a CAV on a multi‐lane road. With our control policy, the CAV can drive smartly under complicated traffic environment, interacting with leading vehicles and crossing traffic simultaneously. A series of case studies show our CAV control policy is string stable and can avoid collisions under various scenarios.
Diversity and community structure of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in European bogs and heathlands across a gradient of nitrogen deposition
Authors: Van Geel Maarten , Jacquemyn Hans , Peeters Gerrit , van Acker Kasper , Honnay Olivier , Ceulemans Tobias
Published: July 2020

Despite the ecological significance of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, little is known about the abiotic and biotic factors driving their diversity and community composition.

To determine the relative importance of abiotic and biotic filtering in structuring ericoid mycorrhizal fungal communities, we established 156 sampling plots in two highly contrasting environments but dominated by the same Ericaceae plant species: waterlogged bogs and dry heathlands. Plots were located across 25 bogs and 27 dry heathlands in seven European countries covering a gradient in nitrogen deposition and phosphorus availability. Putatively ericoid mycorrhizal fungal communities in the roots of 10 different Ericaceae species were characterized using high‐throughput amplicon sequencing.

Variation in ericoid mycorrhizal fungal communities was attributed to both habitat and soil variables on the one hand and host plant identity on the other. Communities differed significantly between bogs and heathlands and, in a given habitat, communities differed significantly among host plant species. Fungal richness was negatively related to nitrogen deposition in bogs and phosphorus availability in bogs and heathlands.

Our results demonstrate that both abiotic and biotic filtering shapes ericoid mycorrhizal fungal communities and advocate an environmental policy minimizing excess nutrient input in these nutrient‐poor ecosystems to avoid loss of ericoid mycorrhizal fungal taxa.
Genomic insights on the contribution of balancing selection and local adaptation to the long‐term survival of a widespread living fossil tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Chen Jun , Zhao Jing , Comes Hans Peter , Li Pan , Fu Chengxin , Xie Xiao , Lu Ruisen , Xu Wuqin , Feng Yu , Ye Wenqing , Sakaguchi Shota , Isagi Yuji , Li Linfeng , Lascoux Martin , Qiu Yingxiong
Published: July 2020

‘Living fossils’ are testimonies of long‐term sustained ecological success, but how demographic history and natural selection contributed to their survival, resilience, and persistence in the face of Quaternary climate fluctuations remains unclear.

To better understand the interplay between demographic history and selection in shaping genomic diversity and evolution of such organisms, we assembled the whole genome of Cercidiphyllum japonicum, a widespread East Asian Tertiary relict tree, and resequenced 99 individuals of C. japonicum and its sister species, Cercidiphyllum magnificum (Central Japan).

We dated this speciation event to the mid‐Miocene, and the intraspecific lineage divergence of C. japonicum (China vs Japan) to the Early Pliocene. Throughout climatic upheavals of the late Tertiary/Quaternary, population bottlenecks greatly reduced the genetic diversity of C. japonicum. However, this polymorphism loss was likely counteracted by, first, long‐term balancing selection at multiple chromosomal and heterozygous gene regions, potentially reflecting overdominance, and, second, selective sweeps at stress response and growth‐related genes likely involved in local adaptation.

Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how living fossils have survived climatic upheaval and maintained an extensive geographic range; that is, both types of selection could be major factors contributing to the species' survival, resilience, and persistence.
MicroRNA‐219a‐5p−mediated inhibition of CaMKIIγ facilitates vestibular compensation in acute vertigo by promoting protein kinase C expression
Authors: Huang Rui , Bi Guorong
Published: July 2020

Vestibular compensation (VC) refers to a behavioral recovery process in which firing rates of bilateral vestibular nuclei neurons are rebalanced. Our study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism by which miR‐219a‐5p regulates Ca2+/calmodulin–dependent protein kinase II γ isoform (CaMKIIγ) and protein kinase C (PKC) in VC. A unilateral vestibular deafferentation rat model was established by unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL), after which VC was evaluated in rats with UL‐induced vertigo‐like behavior by measuring vestibular defect behavior and performing rotarod tests, as well as by BrdU immunohistochemistry on medial vestibular nuclei. We found that miR‐219a‐5p was increased while CaMKIIγ was decreased during VC in the medial vestibular nucleus of rats that had undergone UL. Next, gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of miR‐219a‐5p and CaMKIIγ on the vestibular defect behaviors and VC, the results of which suggested that in rats after UL overexpression of CaMKIIγ inhibited VC, while overexpression of miR‐219a‐5p facilitated VC. A dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay identified that miR‐219a‐5p targeted CaMKIIγ. This led to additional experiments showing that miR‐219a‐5p aptomir expression downregulated CaMKIIγ in cortical cells with a concomitant increase in PKC expression, which were verified further in vivo. In summary, in rats with acute vertigo, miR‐219a‐5p overexpression inhibits CaMKIIγ and elevates PKC, thereby facilitating VC. Our study offers possible targets for further evaluation as treatment of acute vertigo in humans.
Visuospatial bootstrapping: spatialized displays enhance digit and nonword sequence learning
Authors: Darling Stephen , Havelka Jelena , Allen Richard J. , Bunyan Elle , Flornes Lise
Published: July 2020

Visuospatial bootstrapping describes the observation that performance on a verbal memory task is enhanced by presenting the to‐be‐remembered material in a format with additional embedded spatial information. Thus far, it has only been reported in short‐term memory tasks. Here, we report two experiments assessing the impact of spatial information on the learning of sequences in long‐term memory. Experiment 1 used digits presented within a familiar numeric keypad as stimuli compared against single digits presented in one location. Experiment 2 used novel nonwords, which were either presented in an unchanging arrangement permitting the building‐up of location knowledge or in a constantly changing arrangement. Both experiments demonstrated strong evidence that reliable spatial information facilitated sequence learning, particularly in later sequence positions. It is concluded that the incidental availability of spatialized information during study can facilitate learning of sequences of digits and nonwords. Furthermore, the spatial information can be learned during the task itself and does not need to be preexistent in long‐term knowledge.
The effects of age and sex on mandibular bone graft donor sites
Authors: Carey E.C. , Gardiner A.T.C. , Adams R.J. , Farnell D.J.J. , Claydon N.C. , Thomas D.W.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Intra‐oral bone grafting relies on three‐dimensional understanding of mandibular anatomy. This study assessed the bone volume at the two most common intra‐oral bone harvesting sites, the retromandibular and symphyseal regions, and assessed the impact of age and sex on the available bone at these sites.

Materials and methods

Demographic and anatomical data were collected from cone beam computer tomographs (CBCT’s) of 200 randomly selected, fully dentate participants (100 male/100 female) between the ages of 24 and 86 years. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS V25, using ANalysis of COVAriance (ANCOVA) to determine the effects of age and sex on the measurements at the donor sites.

Results

At retromandibular sites, women have a broader alveolar crest with a narrower mandible at the level of the IDC. There is a statistically significant difference, between the sexes, in bone width from the buccal cortex to the IDC. Men have a significantly greater distance from the outer buccal plate to the IDC. There is no difference in any measured dimension at the symphyseal region. There is a statistically significant reduction in bone volume with increasing age at both mandibular sites of 0.03–0.05 mm annually, irrespective of tooth loss.

Conclusion

Anatomical variability due to sex and bone reduction with age are both important findings in dental implantology, which must be considered when treatment planning and selecting bone grafting sites in the mandible. This study reinforces the importance of pre‐operative CBCT in planning bone grafting procedures.
Effect of Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Foraminoplasty of Different Facet Joint Portions on Lumbar Biomechanics: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Yu Yang , Zhou Qun , Xie Yi‐zhou , Wang Xin‐ling , Fan Xiao‐hong , Gu Dang‐wei , Huang Xue , Wu Wei‐dong
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate the influence of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty of different facet joint portions on segmental range of motion (ROM) and intradiscal pressure (IDP) of L3/L4 and L4/L5 motion segments by establishing three dimensional finite element (FE) model.

Method

Computed tomography images of a male adult volunteer of appropriate age and in good condition both mentally and physically. Obtained data was used in this study from July 2020 to December 2020, and an intact L3–5 three dimensional finite element model was successfully constructed using ANSYS and MIMICS software (model M1). The M1 was modified to simulate the foraminoplasty of different facet joint portions, with unilateral cylindrical excision (diameter = 0.75 cm) performed on the tip (model M2) and the base (model M3) of right L5 superior facet elements along with surrounding capsular ligaments, respectively. Under the same loading conditions, the ROM and IDP of L3/4 and L4/L5 segments in states of forward flexion, backward extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left axial rotation and right axial rotation were all compared.

Result

Compared with the intact model in backward extension, M2 increased the ROM of L4/5 segment by 9.4% and IDP by 11.7%, while the ROM and IDP of M3 changed only slightly. In right axial rotation, M2 and M3 increased the ROM of L4/5 segment by 17.9% and by 3.6%, respectively. In left axial rotation, M2 and M3 increased the ROM of L4/L5 segment by 7.14% and 3.6%, respectively. As for other states including forward flexion, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, the ROM and IDP were not significantly distinct between these two models. While focusing on L3/L4 segment, obviously changes in the ROM and IDP have not been presented and neither M2 nor M3 changed in any loading condition.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that the base‐facet foraminoplasty of L5 superior facet provided a higher segmental stability compared with the tip‐facet foraminoplasty in flexion and axial rotation. Meanwhile, it also shows the two types of foraminoplasty make few differences to the L4/5 segmental biomechanics. Besides, it does not appear to impact the stability of L3/L4 in six states of forward flexion, backward extension, left lateral bending, right lateral bending, left axial rotation and right axial rotation when superior facet of L5 was partially removed. These findings might be useful in understanding biomechanics of the lumbar spine after foraminoplasty performed on different portions of the facet, thus providing endoscopic surgeons a better reference for operational approach to maintain the function and mobility of the spine.
Maize lateral root developmental plasticity induced by mild water stress. II: Genotype‐specific spatio‐temporal effects on determinate development
Authors: Dowd Tyler G. , Braun David M. , Sharp Robert E.
Published: July 2020

Maize lateral roots exhibit determinate growth, whereby the meristem is genetically programmed to stop producing new cells. To explore whether lateral root determinacy is modified under water deficits, we studied two maize genotypes (B73 and FR697) with divergent responses of lateral root growth to mild water stress using an experimental system that provided near‐stable water potential environments throughout lateral root development. First‐order laterals of the primary root system of FR697 exhibited delayed determinacy when grown at a water potential of −0.28 MPa, resulting in longer and wider roots than in well‐watered (WW) controls. In B73, in contrast, neither the length nor width of lateral roots was affected by water deficit. In water‐stressed FR697, root elongation continued at or above the maximum rate in WW roots for 3 days longer, and was still 45% of maximum when WW roots approached their determinate length. Maintenance of root elongation was associated with sustained rates of cell production. In addition, kinematic analyses showed that reductions in tissue expansion rates with aging were delayed in the longitudinal, radial and tangential planes throughout the root growth zone. Thus, this study reveals large genotypic differences in the interaction of water stress with developmental determinacy of maize lateral roots.
Rickets in association with skin diseases and conditions: A review with emphasis on screening and prevention
Authors: Litaiem Noureddine , Chabchoub Ines , Bacha Takwa , Slouma Maroua , Zeglaoui Faten , Khachemoune Amor
Published: July 2020

Background

Rickets is a common disease worldwide. In the developed world, its prevalence dramatically decreased but still diagnosed in at‐risk populations. The skin plays a critical role in vitamin D synthesis. Therefore, several skin diseases, especially keratinization disorders, could lead to impaired vitamin D metabolism and vitamin D deficient rickets.

Objective

The article aimed to summarize the current knowledge of skin diseases and conditions associated with rickets.

Methods

To examine the association between rickets and skin diseases, we performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed database. The search included studies published from the database inception to August 2019.

Results

A total number of 75 articles were included. Identified conditions associated with rickets were ichthyosis being a more common skin diseases, alopecia, epidermal and melanocytic nevi, xeroderma pigmentosum, mastocytosis, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. Three types of rickets were identified: vitamin D‐dependent rickets, hypocalcemic vitamin D‐dependent rickets type 2, and hypophosphatemic rickets. Cutaneous skeletal hypophosphatemia syndrome is a newly described and under‐recognized condition. It is defined by the association of epidermal or melanocytic nevi, hypophosphatemic rickets, and elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23. Rickets in patients with ichthyosis was mainly due to impaired ability of ichthyotic skin to synthesize vitamin D, poor UV penetration of the skin caused by keratinocyte proliferation, and dark phototype. The latter may be considered a risk factor for rickets in patients with ichthyosis.

Conclusion

Despite its rarity, these associations should be properly recognized by dermatologists. Early diagnosis of rickets is important to prevent growth retardation and skeletal deformities.