Thriving in neuroscience careers: Three lessons from 12+ years of the BRAINS Program.

The NINDS-funded BRAINS Program for neuroscientists from underrepresented and marginalized groups has positively impacted its participants and the field. We discuss three lessons to advance excellence and diversity: center relationships, provide ongoing engagement, and leverage programmatic expertise.

Connecting Counterspaces and Community Cultural Wealth in a Professional Development Program.

This qualitative study analyzes the relationship between two concepts from critical race theory-counterspaces and community cultural wealth. Counterspaces are supportive, identity-affirming community spaces, while community cultural wealth highlights the importance of the knowledge, skills, and networks used by individuals belonging to marginalized groups to successfully navigate academia. This study investigates the hypothesis that the processes operating within counterspaces serve to strengthen an individual's access to their community cultural wealth. The study site is BRAINS, a U.S.-based professional development program for early-career academic neuroscientists from underrepresented groups. Findings revealed that two types of counterspace processes (narrative identity work and direct relational transactions) and three types of community cultural wealth (aspirational capital, social capital, and navigational capital) are most salient within BRAINS. After examining the complex interactions connecting counterspace processes and community cultural wealth, we offer recommendations for future professional development programs and research designed to broaden participation in academia.

Expanding the landscape of opportunity: Professional societies support early-career researchers through community programming and peer coaching.

Weaving the future of the field of comparative psychology is dependent on the career advancement of early-career scientists. Despite concerted efforts to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, scholars from marginalized groups are disproportionately underrepresented in the field-especially at advanced career stages. New approaches to sponsorship, mentoring, and community building are necessary to retain talent from marginalized communities and to create a culture and a system where all individuals can thrive. We describe the unique and supportive role of senior women scientists united through a professional society in initiating peer coaching circles to facilitate the success of a diverse cohort of early-career women scientists. We offer our experiences with the Weaving the Future of Animal Behavior program as a case study that illustrates the cascading impacts of professional societies investing in the success and career development of marginalized scholars. We focus on our peer coaching circle experience and share the products and outcomes after 2 years of meeting. Peer coaching transformed us from a group of loosely organized, anxious individuals into a collective of empowered agents of change with an enhanced sense of belonging. We end by presenting recommendations to institutions seeking to expand the landscape of opportunities to other marginalized scholars. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

How to create local safety standards for invasive procedures (LocSSIPs) by engaging the team in patient safety.

National safety standards for invasive procedures (NatSSIPs), published by NHS England in 2015, recommend the creation and implementation of local safety standards for all invasive procedures. This includes procedures undertaken outside a hospital environment, such as surgical procedures undertaken by dentists. In order to implement a local safety standard for invasive procedures (LocSSIP) for oral surgery procedures at a large London teaching hospital, a clean sheet redesign of our service was carried out based on a bottom up model of transformation, using a 'diagnose, design and implement' strategy. Frontline staff were involved in developing and implementing the policy from the outset. The oral surgery LocSSIP is presented, in addition to the challenges and positive experiences gained from creating and implementing a new policy in a large organisation. An observational audit of compliance with the new safety standards was carried out showing good initial compliance, with a reduction in compliance around six months after implementation. Further training, reminders to staff and further rounds of observational audit were undertaken to address this. Involvement of staff in service improvement is key to successful implementation of change.

Evaluation of routine magnetic resonance imaging of patients with chronic orofacial pain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reported presence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pathologies (demyelination, space-occupying lesions, or trigeminal neurovascular contact within the transition zone) in patients with orofacial pain. Patient histories, demographic characteristics, and clinical features were compared between those with and without a reported MRI pathology. A retrospective service evaluation of all patients who had undergone MRI scanning to aid the diagnosis of orofacial pain conditions between 2012 and 2016 was conducted. Data were collected and statistical analyses (frequency and descriptive) performed. One hundred and twenty-five patients (34 male and 91 female) with a mean age of 50 years were included. MRI pathologies included space-occupying lesions (2.4%), trigeminal neurovascular contact (22.4%), other pathology including small vessel cerebrovascular disease (20%), pineal cyst (1.6%), sinus pathologies (1.6%), and degenerative changes to the cervical spine (0.8%). This study found that patients with a provisional diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia or trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, as well as patients with elicited pain, were more likely to have abnormal findings on MRI scanning.

The psychosocial impact of orofacial pain in trigeminal neuralgia patients: a systematic review.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is characterized by sharp, electric shock-like pain, which can be triggered by trivial stimuli. Although medical and surgical treatments are available for TN, some patients experience refractory pain, which has a significant impact on their quality of life. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the psychosocial impact of orofacial pain in patients with diagnosed TN. A search was initiated in three electronic databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed) to identify potential studies for inclusion in the review. All types of study published in English that reported psychosocial measures using validated psychometric questionnaires were included. A total of 585 articles were retrieved from the search. These were screened thoroughly, leading to the selection of 13 articles for data extraction and final analysis. The results show the chronic overwhelming nature of TN, with pain levels varying from mild to severe. Psychometric scores indicated mild to moderate depression, moderate to severe anxiety, and moderate to severe functional limitation of daily life activities in TN patients. Therefore, psychological support within a multidisciplinary team is recommended for TN patients to help them cope better with their chronic disorder and to improve the efficacy of treatment.

Novel use of levodopa in human immunodeficiency virus encephalopathy-mediated parkinsonism in an adult.

We report a case of a 36-year-old man with a medical history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who presented with hypomimia, hypophonia, bradykinesia, rigidity, and freezing of gait. His clinical presentation and magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with HIV encephalopathy with involvement of the bilateral basal ganglia and diffuse leukoencephalopathy. We initiated a trial of carbidopa-levodopa. The dose was escalated to 1050 mg levodopa daily. Amantadine was also started. The patient was closely monitored for behavioral, neurological, or systemic side effects. He tolerated therapy well without adverse effects. The patient's neurological status significantly improved with levodopa, including hypomimia, hypophonia, bradykinesia, and fluidity of gait. This case demonstrates that carbidopa-levodopa can be safely utilized to manage parkinsonism in an adult patient with HIV encephalopathy.

Oral surgery II: Part 4. Common oral lesions.

Lesions of the mouth are surprisingly common and vary from the totally innocuous to highly malignant neoplasms. As required for the management of all patients, a clear and concise history and a thorough clinical examination are essential. In addition, radiographs and other laboratory investigations may be required to formulate a differential diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis, on which treatment planning should always be based, can usually only be confirmed following a histological examination. This may be obtained through a biopsy or following total excision of a lesion.

The BRAINS Program: Transforming Career Development to Advance Diversity and Equity in Neuroscience.

In order to better prepare trainees and advance diversity in neuroscience, career development must move beyond scientific skills. The BRAINS Program's continuous professional development model positively impacts participants' careers by fostering a sense of community and creating a counterspace for critical conversations.

A case series of trigeminal nerve injuries caused by periapical lesions of mandibular teeth.

Aims Periapical lesions have been implicated in mandibular trigeminal sensory neuropathy. This study aimed to report on a case series of consecutive patients presenting with mandibular division trigeminal nerve injuries (TNI) caused by periapical lesions. Common presenting characteristics and possible strategies for management were also investigated.Materials and methods A retrospective study of 22 patients with TNI caused by periapical lesions. Data were extracted from patient records and analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. Factors associated with TNI resolution were assessed using Student's t-Tests and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), where P <0.05 indicated statistical significance.Results Twenty-one patients had inferior alveolar nerve injuries (IANI) and one had a lingual nerve injury (LNI). The most commonly affected teeth were the first molars (11 patients; 50%). TNI symptoms included numbness, pain and/or paraesthesia. IANI resolved completely among five patients within a mean time of 4.7 months (range 1.5-12 months). Patients who showed complete resolution had the affected teeth extracted or primary endodontic treatment with antibiotics.Conclusions Patients with TNI caused by periapical lesions can suffer significantly from combined numbness, pain and paraesthesia. Resolution of these injuries may be maximised upon early diagnosis and treatment of the periapical lesion by tooth extraction or primary endodontic treatment.

Learning to Thrive: Building Diverse Scientists' Access to Community and Resources through the BRAINS Program.

BRAINS: Broadening the Representation of Academic Investigators in NeuroScience is a National Institutes of Health-funded, national program that addresses challenges to the persistence of diverse early-career neuroscientists. In doing so, BRAINS aims to advance diversity in neuroscience by increasing career advancement and retention of post-PhD, early-career neuroscientists from underrepresented groups (URGs). The comprehensive professional development program is structured to catalyze conversations specific to URGs in neuroscience and explicitly addresses factors known to impact persistence such as a weak sense of belonging to the scientific community, isolation and solo status, inequitable access to resources that impact career success, and marginalization from informal networks and mentoring relationships. While we do not yet have data on the long-term impact of the BRAINS program on participants' career trajectory and persistence, we introduce the BRAINS program theory and report early quantitative and qualitative data on shorter-term individual impacts within the realms of career-advancing behaviors and career experiences. These early results suggest promising, positive career productivity, increased self-efficacy, stronger sense of belonging, and new perspectives on navigating careers for BRAINS participants. We finish by discussing recommendations for future professional development programs and research designed to broaden participation in the biomedical and life sciences.

An update on the causes, assessment and management of third division sensory trigeminal neuropathies.

Introduction Sensory neuropathies of the mandibular division of the trigeminal (V3) nerve can be debilitating, causing difficulty with daily function. It has a variety of causes, including iatrogenic injury, usually caused by third molar removal, local anaesthetic administration, implant placement or endodontic treatment. Non-iatrogenic causes include infection, primary or secondary neoplasia and various medical conditions.Objective To review the aetiology, evaluation and management of V3 neuropathy in a retrospective case-series of patients referred to a specialist nerve injury clinic over an eight-year period, particularly focusing on the non-iatrogenic causes of this presentation.Methods A retrospective analysis of the case notes of 372 patients referred to the specialist nerve injury clinic between 2006 and 2014 was carried out to establish the cause of the neuropathy and subsequent management or referral. The assessment protocol of trigeminal neuropathy used in the clinic is also outlined.Results Most patients (89.5%) presented with neuropathy due to iatrogenic injury. Of the non-iatrogenic causes (10.5%), malignancy accounted for a fifth of presentations, and infection almost two-fifths, demonstrating the importance of prompt identification of a cause and management by the clinician, or referral to the appropriate specialty. Other, more rare causes are also presented, including multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anaemia and Paget's disease, highlighting the importance to the clinician of considering differential diagnoses.Conclusions This case series demonstrates the less frequent, but nevertheless important, non-iatrogenic causes which clinicians should consider when assessing patients with trigeminal neuropathy.

DISC1 is a coordinator of intracellular trafficking to shape neuronal development and connectivity.

The long, asymmetric and specialised architecture of neuronal processes necessitates a properly regulated transport network of molecular motors and cytoskeletal tracks. This allows appropriate distribution of cargo for correct formation and activity of the synapse, and thus normal neuronal communication. This communication is impaired in psychiatric disease, and ongoing studies have proposed that Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is an important genetic risk factor for these disorders. The mechanisms by which DISC1 dysfunction might increase propensity to psychiatric disease are not completely understood; however, an emerging theme is that DISC1 can function as a key regulator of neuronal intracellular trafficking. Transport of a wide range of potential cargoes - including mRNAs, neurotransmitter receptors, vesicles and mitochondria - can be modulated by DISC1, and therefore is susceptible to DISC1 dysfunction. This theme highlights the importance of understanding precisely how DISC1 can regulate intracellular trafficking, and suggests that a novel approach to the treatment of psychiatric disorders could be provided by targeting this protein and the trafficking machinery with which it interacts.

A Dissolved Oxygen Threshold for Shifts in Bacterial Community Structure in a Seasonally Hypoxic Estuary.

Pelagic ecosystems can become depleted of dissolved oxygen as a result of both natural processes and anthropogenic effects. As dissolved oxygen concentration decreases, energy shifts from macrofauna to microorganisms, which persist in these hypoxic zones. Oxygen-limited regions are rapidly expanding globally; however, patterns of microbial communities associated with dissolved oxygen gradients are not yet well understood. To assess the effects of decreasing dissolved oxygen on bacteria, we examined shifts in bacterial community structure over space and time in Hood Canal, Washington, USA-a glacial fjord-like water body that experiences seasonal low dissolved oxygen levels known to be detrimental to fish and other marine organisms. We found a strong negative association between bacterial richness and dissolved oxygen. Bacterial community composition across all samples was also strongly associated with the dissolved oxygen gradient, and significant changes in bacterial community composition occurred at a dissolved oxygen concentration between 5.18 and 7.12 mg O2 L(-1). This threshold value of dissolved oxygen is higher than classic definitions of hypoxia (<2.0 mg O2 L(-1)), suggesting that changes in bacterial communities may precede the detrimental effects on ecologically and economically important macrofauna. Furthermore, bacterial taxa responsible for driving whole community changes across the oxygen gradient are commonly detected in other oxygen-stressed ecosystems, suggesting that the patterns we uncovered in Hood Canal may be relevant in other low oxygen ecosystems.

Resource availability and spatial heterogeneity control bacterial community response to nutrient enrichment in lakes.

The diversity and composition of ecological communities often co-vary with ecosystem productivity. However, the relative importance of productivity, or resource abundance, versus the spatial distribution of resources in shaping those ecological patterns is not well understood, particularly for the bacterial communities that underlie most important ecosystem functions. Increasing ecosystem productivity in lakes has been shown to influence the composition and ecology of bacterial communities, but existing work has only evaluated the effect of increasing resource supply and not heterogeneity in how those resources are distributed. We quantified how bacterial communities varied with the trophic status of lakes and whether community responses differed in surface and deep habitats in response to heterogeneity in nutrient resources. Using ARISA fingerprinting, we found that bacterial communities were more abundant, richer, and more distinct among habitats as lake trophic state and vertical heterogeneity in nutrients increased, and that spatial resource variation produced habitat specific responses of bacteria in response to increased productivity. Furthermore, changes in communities in high nutrient lakes were not produced by turnover in community composition but from additional taxa augmenting core bacterial communities found in lower productivity lakes. These data suggests that bacterial community responses to nutrient enrichment in lakes vary spatially and are likely influenced disproportionately by rare taxa.

Beyond biogeographic patterns: processes shaping the microbial landscape.

Recently, microbiologists have established the existence of biogeographic patterns among a wide range of microorganisms. The focus of the field is now shifting to identifying the mechanisms that shape these patterns. Here, we propose that four processes - selection, drift, dispersal and mutation - create and maintain microbial biogeographic patterns on inseparable ecological and evolutionary scales. We consider how the interplay of these processes affects one biogeographic pattern, the distance-decay relationship, and review evidence from the published literature for the processes driving this pattern in microorganisms. Given the limitations of inferring processes from biogeographic patterns, we suggest that studies should focus on directly testing the underlying processes.