Risk of bias in exercise science: A systematic review of 340 studies.

Risk of bias can contribute to irreproducible science and mislead decision making. Analyses of smaller subsections of the exercise science literature suggest many exercise science studies have unclear or high risk of bias. The current review (osf.io/jznv8) assesses whether this unclear or high risk of bias is more widespread in the exercise science literature and whether this bias has decreased since the publication of the 1996 Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines. We report significant reductions in selection, performance, detection, and reporting biases in 2020 compared with 1995 in the 340 of 5,451 studies assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Despite these improvements, most 2020 studies still had unclear or high risks of bias. These results underscore the need for methodological vigilance, adherence to reporting standards, and education on experimental bias. Factors contributing to these improvements, such advancements in education and journal requirements, remain uncertain.

Aroma of the essential oil of peppermint reduces aggressive driving behaviour in healthy adults.

Aggressive driving is of increasing concern in modern society. This study investigated the potential for the presence of an ambient aroma to reduce aggressive responses in a simulated driving situation. Previous literature has demonstrated the beneficial effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) aroma on driver alertness and we aimed to identify any impact on aggressive driver behaviour. Fifty volunteers were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (peppermint essential oil aroma and no aroma). Aggressive driving behaviours were measured in a virtual reality driving simulator. The analysis indicated that the peppermint aroma significantly reduced aggressive driving behaviours. The presence of the aroma also produced medium sized effects on some aspects of mood from pre-test levels. These results provide support for the use of ambient aromas for the modification of driving behaviours. It is proposed that applying peppermint into daily driving may be a beneficial for reducing driver aggression.

Age structure of amphibian populations with endemic chytridiomycosis, across climatic regions with markedly different infection risk.

Threatening processes, such as disease, can drive major changes in population demographics of the host. Chytridiomycosis, caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has led to the decline of at least 500 amphibian species across the globe and has been shown to truncate host age structure by lowering adult survival rates. This results in heavy reliance on annual recruitment and the inability to recover in the event of periodic recruitment failure. We used skeletochronology to determine the age structure, growth, and survival rates of populations of an endangered amphibian, Litoria raniformis, with endemic chytridiomycosis, across two climatically disparate regions in south-eastern Australia: semi-arid and temperate. Contrary to predictions, populations in the semi-arid region (in which chytrid prevalence is substantially lower due to high temperatures) displayed a more truncated age structure than populations in the temperate study regions. Maximum recorded age was only two years in the semi-arid region compared with up to four years in the temperate region. Wetland hydroperiod and average seasonal air temperature were correlated with age, and males had a slightly higher survival rate than females (0.31 for males and 0.27 for females). Despite the previously documented differences in chytrid prevalence between the two climatic regions, water availability and wetland hydroperiods appear the over-riding determinants of the age structure and survival rates of L. raniformis. Targeted management which ensures water availability and improves survival of 1-year-old frogs into their second and third breeding season would reduce the impact of stochastic events on L. raniformis, and this may be true for numerous frog species susceptible to chytridiomycosis.

TEMPERATURE AS A DRIVER OF THE PATHOGENICITY AND VIRULENCE OF AMPHIBIAN CHYTRID FUNGUS BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Chytridiomycosis, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a leading cause of global amphibian declines. Severe infections with Bd can lead to cardiac arrest, and mass deaths during epidemics have been reported. Temperature, pH, salinity, and moisture are important determinants of the survival, growth, reproduction, and pathogenicity of Bd, as well as its effect on amphibian populations. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on the role of temperature as a driver of the pathogenicity and virulence of Bd to better understand the effects of temperature on amphibian defense mechanisms against infection. This review advises on research direction and management approaches to benefit amphibian populations affected by Bd. We conclude by offering guidelines for four levels of temperature monitoring in amphibian field studies to improve consistency between studies: regional climate, habitat, microhabitat, and amphibian host.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for appearance anxiety: three case studies.

INTRODUCTION: Due to scarring, appearance anxiety is a common psychological difficulty in patients accessing burns services. Appearance anxiety can significantly impact upon social functioning and quality of life; thus, the availability of effective psychological therapies is vital. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is considered useful for treating distress associated with other health conditions and may lend itself well to appearance anxiety. However, no published research is currently available. METHODS: Three single case studies (two male burns patients; one female necrotising fasciitis patient) are presented where appearance anxiety was treated using ACT. A treatment protocol was followed and evaluated: the Derriford Appearance Scale measured appearance anxiety; the Work and Social Adjustment Scale measured impairment in functioning; the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire measured acceptance (willingness to open up to distressing internal experiences); and the Committed Action Questionnaire measured engagement in meaningful and valued life activities. Measures were given at every treatment session and patient feedback was obtained. One-month follow-up data were available for two cases. RESULTS: After the intervention, all patients had reduced functional impairment and were living more valued and meaningful lives. No negative effects were found. DISCUSSION: These case studies suggest that ACT may be a useful psychological therapy for appearance anxiety. The uncontrolled nature of the intervention limits the conclusions that can be drawn. CONCLUSION: A pilot feasibility study to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT for appearance anxiety is warranted. LAY SUMMARY: Many patients with scars can feel distressed about their appearance. This is known as appearance anxiety and can include patients accessing burns services. Appearance anxiety can stop patients from enjoying a good quality of life and impact upon important areas of daily functioning. It is therefore important that psychological therapies are effective. However, research investigating the effectiveness of psychological therapies is limited. This paper describes the psychological therapy of three patients who were distressed about scarring. A psychological therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was used as part of standard care and evaluated using questionnaires and patient feedback. After the course of ACT, all patients were less impacted day-to-day by their appearance anxiety and were living more valued and meaningful lives. No negative effects were found. These case studies suggest that ACT may be a useful psychological therapy for appearance anxiety and further research evaluating it should be completed.

Characterization of smooth muscle cells from human atherosclerotic lesions and their responses to Notch signaling.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke. The use of animal models has advanced our understanding of the molecular signaling that contributes to atherosclerosis. Further understanding of this degenerative process in humans will require human tissue. Plaque removed during endarterectomy procedures to relieve arterial obstructions is usually discarded, but can be an important source of diseased cells. Resected tissue from carotid and femoral endarterectomy procedures were compared with carotid arteries from donors with no known cardiovascular disease. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) contribute to plaque formation and may determine susceptibility to rupture. Notch signaling is implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis, and plays a receptor-specific regulatory role in SMC. We defined protein localization of Notch2 and Notch3 within medial and plaque SMC using immunostaining, and compared Notch2 and Notch3 levels in total plaques with whole normal arteries using immunoblot. We successfully derived SMC populations from multiple endarterectomy specimens for molecular analysis. To better define the protein signature of diseased SMC, we utilized sequential window acquisition of all theoretical spectra (SWATH) proteomic analysis to compare normal carotid artery SMC with endarterectomy-derived SMC. Similarities in protein profile and differentiation markers validated the SMC identity of our explants. We identified a subset of differentially expressed proteins that are candidates as functional markers of diseased SMC. To understand how Notch signaling may affect diseased SMC, we performed Jagged1 stimulation of primary cultures. In populations that displayed significant growth, Jagged1 signaling through Notch2 suppressed proliferation; cultures with low growth potential were non-responsive to Jagged1. In addition, Jagged1 did not promote contractile smooth muscle actin nor have a significant effect on the mature differentiated phenotype. Thus, SMC derived from atherosclerotic lesions show distinct proteomic profiles and have altered Notch signaling in response to Jagged1 as a differentiation stimulus, compared with normal SMC.

The role of psychological flexibility in appearance anxiety in people who have experienced a visible burn injury.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with visible differences can experience appearance anxiety that is distressing and disruptive to daily functioning. Understanding psychological factors that maintain appearance anxiety related to scarring is important in developing theoretical understanding of adjustment to injury, and in identifying targets for psychological therapies. This study aimed to investigate whether psychological flexibility, a key element underpinning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), was associated with appearance anxiety. It was hypothesised that reduced psychological flexibility (lower acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, and committed action) would be related to increased appearance anxiety. The role of psychological flexibility in the maintenance of appearance anxiety was investigated using a cross-sectional quantitative questionnaire study. METHOD: Seventy-eight burns patients (47 female, 31 male; M age=45.2years) completed the Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS-24), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Committed Action Questionnaire (CAQ-8). RESULTS: As hypothesised, increased appearance anxiety was related to reduced acceptance (rs(76)=0.80, p<0.001, one-tailed) and cognitive defusion (rs(76)=0.76, p<0.001). Reduced levels of mindfully describing (r(72)=-0.39, p<0.001), acting with awareness (r(72)=-0.57, p<0.001), non-judging (r(72)=-0.61, p<0.001) and non-reactivity (r(72)=-0.28, p<0.01) as well as reduced committed action (r(72)=-0.57, p<0.001) were also related to increased appearance anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals experiencing appearance anxiety associated with a burn injury may struggle with accepting difficult emotions, stepping back from distressing thoughts, being mindful and engaging in valued action. These findings suggest that ACT may be useful in treating appearance related anxiety and concerns associated with conditions causing a visible difference.

Mental health issues in primary care: implementing policies in practice.

Recent health policies highlight the important role that mental health contributes to our general wellbeing, and call for parity of esteem between physical and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health culminates in high prevalence rates of mental disorders in primary care settings. Despite these prevalence findings being known for some time, evidence would suggest that at times mental disorders are being overlooked. This article, set in context to policy, patient prevalence, practice and professional development, outlines a range of factors that can impede mental health delivery and proposes ways in which primary care nurses can strengthen their activity and involvement at various levels.

Executive cognitive deficits in primary dystonia.

Primary dystonia is a disorder of movement for which no consistent pathophysiology has been identified; in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is assumed to be cognitively benign. We have studied a clinically heterogeneous group of 14 patients with primary dystonia on a battery of neuropsychological tests. Despite well-preserved speed of information processing, language, spatial, memory and general intellectual skills relative to normal controls, we have identified a constellation of attentional-executive cognitive deficits on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Specifically, patients demonstrated significant difficulties negotiating the extra-dimensional set-shifting phase of the IED task. The implications of these findings for the pathophysiology of primary dystonia are discussed. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of a significant cognitive deficit in patients with primary dystonia.