bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Interpersonal Violence in the Household in Humanitarian Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rubenstein Beth L. , Lu Lily Zhi Ning , MacFarlane Matthew , Stark Lindsay
Published: November 2017

Interpersonal violence against women and children has increasingly been recognized as a public health priority in humanitarian emergencies. However, because the household is generally considered a private sphere, violence between family members remains neglected. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify predictors of household violence in humanitarian emergencies. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from January 1, 1998, to February 16, 2016. A predictor was defined as any individual, household, or community-level exposure that increases or decreases the risk associated with physical, sexual, or emotional interpersonal violence between two or more people living together. All studies reporting on quantitative research were eligible for inclusion. Results were analyzed using qualitative synthesis. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed as applicable. The search strategy resulted in 2,587 original records, of which 33 studies met inclusion criteria. Thirty-two of the 33 studies used a cross-sectional design. This was the first known systematic review of predictors of household violence in humanitarian settings. The household framework drew attention to several factors that are associated with violence against both women and children, including conflict exposure, alcohol and drug use, income/economic status, mental health/coping strategies, and limited social support. There is a need for longitudinal research and experimental designs that can better establish temporality between exposures and household violence outcomes, control for confounding, and inform practice. In the interim, programmers and policy makers should try to leverage the predictors identified by this review for integrated violence prevention and response strategies, with the important caveat that ongoing evaluation of such strategies is needed.
Acupuncture in Oncology: The Effectiveness of Acupuncture May Not Depend on Needle Retention Duration
Authors: Oh Byeongsang , Eade Thomas , Kneebone Andrew , Hruby George , Lamoury Gillian , Pavlakis Nick , Clarke Stephen , Zaslawski Chris , Marr Isobel , Costa Daniel , Back Michael
Published: November 2017

Background. Guidelines surrounding optimum needle retention duration in acupuncture have not been established, despite a growing evidence base for acupuncture over recent decades. This retrospective study explored the effect of varying acupuncture needle retention durations in cancer patients. Method. Patients received either 2 (n = 35), 10 (n = 53), or 20 minutes (n = 54) of acupuncture once a week for 6 weeks. Outcomes of anxiety and depression, stress, fatigue, and quality of life (QOL), with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life, were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks following the intervention. Results. The mean age of participants was 58 years (n = 152). The majority were female, diagnosed with breast cancer. Depression, stress, fatigue, and QOL were significantly improved in all 3 groups at 6 weeks postintervention. No significant differences in all outcomes were found between the 3 groups (≤2 vs 10 minutes vs 20 minutes). There were no differences with the satisfaction of the acupuncture services and perceived efficacy of acupuncture among the 3 groups. More than 95% of participants indicated that they would recommend acupuncture to other cancer patients, friends, and their family members. Conclusion. The efficacy of acupuncture may not only depend on needle retention duration, but may also be associated with multiple factors. Considering the limitations of this study design, robust randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm the findings.
The Difficulty in Finding Relationships Between ERPs and Clinical Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Authors: Ford Judith M.
Published: November 2017

It has been surprisingly difficult to find associations between neural signatures of schizophrenia and the symptoms that define it. That is, many of the legacy components of the event-related potential (ERP)— P50, N100, P200, P300—are reduced in patients with schizophrenia, in first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia, in schizophrenia patients early in their illness, and even in people at clinical high risk for schizophrenia. Nevertheless, these ERP components tend to be relatively insensitive to symptoms. This might be due to a number of reasons. First, this could reflect a lack of relationship, a failure to report disappointing findings, or a failure to test for relationships. Second, many ERP studies were not designed to be sensitive to symptoms or to the mechanisms that might underlie them. Third, assessing symptoms is sometimes dependent on the patients’ ability to describe unfathomable experiences and the clinicians’ ability to understand and interpret them. Fourth, medications and comorbidities may decouple the symptoms from the neurobiology. Finally, we must also consider the possibility that the schizophrenia diagnosis breeds truer than the symptoms it comprises.
A Pilot Study of Relationships between Pitch Register and Dynamic Level and Vibrato Rate and Width in Professional Violinists
Authors: Macleod Rebecca B.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this research was to investigate whether dynamic level and pitch register influence vibrato width and rate of four professional violin soloists. Data were obtained from recordings of Bell, Midori, Mutter, and Perlman. Analysis of data indicated that both dynamic level and pitch register influenced the vibrato width of the performers, whereas vibrato rate was influenced by dynamic level but not pitch register. Artists’ vibrato was wider in the upper register than in the lower register. Mean width of the soloists’ vibrato was 63 cents (slightly more than one-quarter tone) and mean vibrato rate was 6.63 Hz. Discussion includes implications for string pedagogy and suggestions for additional research.
An Examination of before and after Rehearsal Pitch Tendencies of String and Wind Musicians
Authors: Droe Kevin L. , Chenoweth Jonathan , Galyen S. Daniel
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the before and after rehearsal pitch tendencies of college string and wind musicians and compare possible: (1) differences in pitch before and after rehearsal, (2) differences in pitch between string and wind musicians and (3) differences between string and wind musicians’ reported tuning practices. Participants consisted of 59 college musicians (30 string musicians and 29 wind musicians). Prior to a large ensemble rehearsal, all musicians were individually recorded playing a concert A without tuning. Musicians participated in a rehearsal and again recorded their concert A immediately following the rehearsal. Mean pitches of string and wind groups were significantly different before the rehearsal compared to after rehearsal. Both groups of musicians’ mean pitch level increased from before to after rehearsal, particularly for the wind group. Responses collected through a tuning questionnaire found that string musicians reported tuning more often and with others, and wind musicians reported using a tuner more often.
How Does Rosin Affect Sound?
Authors: Guettler Knut
Published: November 2017

The effects of rosin properties on the bowed-string sound are frequently discussed among string players and luthiers. The following comments and questions are common: Rosin is rosin. Should I use different rosins for summer and winter? Does anyone actually have a method for quantitatively measuring the physical behavior of different rosins? What are the effects of hair scales and hair flexibility? In this article the author, who has been studying these effects over a number of years both as a professional player and as an acoustician, presents some of the underlying physical aspects relevant for further discussion.
Factors Contributing to Teachers’ Inclusion of Music Composition Activities in the School Orchestra Curriculum
Authors: Hopkins Michael T.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing teachers’ inclusion of music composition activities in the school orchestra curriculum. Specific research questions included: 1) What are the pre-service composing experiences of school orchestra teachers? 2) What are teachers’ beliefs regarding the benefits and challenges of including composing in the school orchestra curriculum? 3) What percentage of orchestra teachers include composing experiences in their curricula and what are the characteristics of those experiences? 4) What are the factors influencing orchestra teachers’ inclusion of composing in the curriculum? Most respondents (63%) reported having no composing experiences prior to college. Participants born in 1975 and later had significantly more pre-service composing experiences than participants born before 1963. Fifty-two percent of respondents rarely or never included composing in their classes. Significant differences in participants’ perceptions of composing were found based on age, teaching experience, pre-service composing experiences, and frequency of including composing activities in the curriculum. Pressures related to music performance appeared to strongly influence those who did not include composing in their classes.
Influence of Primary Performance Area, Education Level, and Performance Quality on Pre-Service Music Teachers’ Ratings of String Orchestra Performances
Authors: Pope David A.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of primary performance area, education level, and performance quality on pre-service music teachers’ evaluations of middle school string orchestra performances. Participants (N = 78) were pre-service band, choral, and orchestra teachers who self-reported their academic status as lower (n = 39) and upper (n = 39) classmen. Participants assigned ratings to interpretation-musicianship, dynamics, balance/blend, and other factors on a 7-point Likert-type scale with criteria-specific descriptors. Repeated-measures ANOVA tests revealed that participants were able to distinguish between both good and poor performances. Upper classmen pre-service music teachers assigned more favorable ratings to interpretation-musicianship and balance/blend than lower classmen. Pre-service choral teachers gave less favorable ratings than pre-service orchestra teachers for interpretation-musicianship and balance/blend. Descriptive analysis revealed that upper classmen pre-service music teachers assigned more favorable ratings than lower classmen. For all evaluation statements, pre-service choral teachers gave the least favorable ratings and pre-service orchestra teachers assigned the most favorable.
The Status of Public School Orchestras in Kansas
Authors: Tast Rebecca L.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate string and orchestra programs in Kansas public schools. Website searches were conducted of all 285 Kansas public school districts for evidence of orchestra programs and names and contacts of teachers. A survey was administered to all known string and orchestra teachers in Kansas (N=150). A total of 67 participants fully completed the survey for a response rate of 45%. Data were collected on the prevalence of school districts with orchestra programs, the number of orchestra teachers employed in the state, demographic profiles of orchestra teachers, orchestra program information, and recent changes to programs. Approximately 13% of school districts in Kansas had string or orchestra programs during the 2012-2013 school year. As a whole, the data indicate that Kansas string and orchestra teachers and programs are very similar to those on a national level. This study provides an easily replicable methodological model and survey instrument that could be used by any state, with limited changes, to collect similar data.
An Analysis of Ratings Assigned to String Musicians’ Performances at Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment Events
Authors: Pope David A. , Mick James P.
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of event type (solo and ensemble), school level (middle and high school), and event level (district and state) on overall performance ratings assigned to string musicians attending solo and ensemble festivals. Data consisted of participants’ (N = 10,275) ratings from district - and state-level solo and ensemble festivals sponsored by the Florida Orchestra Association from 2010 to 2014. Participants performed more solo events (n = 6,745) than ensembles (n = 3,530). Performances by middle school string players (n = 5,403) outnumbered those from high school (n = 4,872). Ninety-five percent of all participants (n = 9,761) earned a I/Superior or II/Excellent rating. Solo performances received more favorable ratings than ensemble performances at district festivals. However, ensembles were assigned more favorable ratings at state festivals. Evaluations of middle and high school participants’ performances were similar. District festival performances received more favorable ratings than state festival performances. With the increased importance of student data, student participation at adjudicated festivals, and providing a positive musical experience for students, directors may use these results to help their students receive beneficial assessments that influence long-term success.
A Survey of Practice Behaviors among Middle and High School String Players
Authors: Geringer John M. , Macleod Rebecca B. , Lofdahl Heather
Published: November 2017

We were interested in middle and high school string musicians’ reports of how they spend their practice time and how often they use specific practice strategies. These 211 middle and high school participants reported an average of 5.64 years (SD = 2.61) of string playing experience, with an average of about four years of private instruction. Students in the most advanced of three ensembles reported more private lesson instruction than students in the other two ensembles. There were no differences in how students in the three groups rated the occurrence of the following strategies: self-recording of practice, varying articulations, varying rhythms, left-hand only practice, and right-hand articulation practice. Advanced students reported significantly more: listening to recordings, using a metronome, isolating shifts, repeating of short sections, part marking in general and marking half steps. Students made frequent comments regarding strategies used to improve intonation, such as use of a drone, practice with a tuner, and using open strings as a reference. When asked to provide advice to a peer, the most frequent advice was to practice slowly.
Current European guidelines for management of cardiovascular disease: Is medical treatment in nearly half a population realistic?
Authors: Vinther Johan L , Jacobsen Rikke K , Jørgensen Torben
Published: November 2017

Background

Health checks of the general population are widely used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, but are the current clinical guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) suitable for screening the general population?

Design

A cross-sectional, population-based study of 978 men and women aged 40–65 years examined in 2010–2011 was used to estimate the proportion of the general Danish population fulfilling the criteria from the clinical guidelines from the ESC on medical treatment and lifestyle intervention to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Methods

The ESC criteria for medical treatment and lifestyle intervention were applied to a general population using information on previous cardiovascular diseases, known diabetes, urinalbumin, smoking, total cholesterol, systolic and diabolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a multifactor risk score (SCORE).

Results

A total of 12.5% fulfilled the criteria for immediate medical treatment to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, 30.4% are recommended for medical treatment if an initial lifestyle intervention fails summing to 42.9% eligible for medical treatment. The majority (79%) of persons aged 60–65 years are eligible for medical treatment, while close to half (44.9%) of all persons aged 50–59 years are recommended for medical treatment.

Conclusion

If ESC’s guidelines were followed in Denmark, a conservative estimate shows that medical preventive treatment would involve nearly half the general population aged 40–65 years. The use of these guidelines in screening of the general population can be questioned as realistic and suitable.
From Awareness to Action: Teacher Attitude and Implementation of LGBT-Inclusive Curriculum in the English Language Arts Classroom
Authors: Page Michelle L.
Published: November 2017

This survey research describes English language arts teachers’ comfort levels in integrating literature with lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) themes or characters into their curricula and classroom practices. Significant relationships were found between teachers’ age, comfort, awareness of resources, and implementation levels. Although younger teachers had higher comfort levels with LGBT texts, they displayed lower resource awareness levels and static implementation rates. In addition, comfort, awareness, and implementation of LGBT curriculum materials were also correlated with teacher location and with strength of religious belief, with rural teachers and strongly religious teachers displaying lower comfort and implementation levels. Availability of supportive resources such as gay–straight alliances (GSAs) and library holdings, as well as teachers’ awareness of these resources, is also examined. Specific barriers rural teachers encounter when implementing LGBT-inclusive literature/curriculum are identified. A call for future research and professional development is extended.
Distal 22q11.2 Microduplication
Authors: Pinchefsky Elana , Laneuville Laurence , Srour Myriam
Published: November 2017

Distal chromosome 22q11.2 microduplications are associated with a wide range of phenotypes and unclear pathogenicity. The authors report on a 3-year-old girl with global developmental delay harboring a de novo 1.24 Mb distal chromosome 22q11.2 microduplication and a paternally inherited 0.25 Mb chromosome 4p14 microduplication. The authors review clinical features of 30 reported cases of distal 22q11.2 duplications. Common features include developmental delay (93%), neuropsychiatric features (26%), and nonspecific facial dysmorphisms (74%). In 70% of cases, the distal 22q11.2 duplications were inherited, and the majority of the carrier parents were phenotypically normal. Furthermore, 30% of probands carried an additional copy number variant. Review of the phenotype in individuals carrying microduplications involving similar low copy repeats (LCR) failed to establish any clear genotype–phenotype correlations. Distal 22q11.2 duplications represent a major challenge for genetic counseling and prediction of clinical consequences. Our report suggests a pathogenic role of distal 22q11.2 duplications and supports a “multiple hit” hypothesis underlying its variable expressivity and phenotypic severity.
“It’s the Lack of Structure that’s Causing the Problem”: Managerial Competence, the Treatment of Workers, and Job Stress in Precarious Firms
Authors: Shuey Kim M. , Gordon Catherine , McMullin Julie A.
Published: November 2017

In this study, we use Hodson’s concept of Management Citizenship Behavior (MCB) and a case study research design of 16 small Canadian information technology (IT) firms to examine the interrelationship between insecure work environments, management behavior, and job stress within the context of the organizations. Within the study firms, the presence of MCB in the form of competent and respectful management was associated with a positive work environment and less job stress. The relationship between insecurity and stressful work environments was less straightforward and could only be understood in combination with MCB. Findings suggest that management behavior may moderate the relationship between precarious employment and stress, particularly within the context of small firms in a sector that is an important exemplar of work in the new economy. Competent and respectful management practices may alleviate the stress associated with job insecurity within precarious firms, and in contrast, their absence may create a pervasive culture of stress even within stable firms. Results indicate the importance of studying the organizational context established by the actions of owners and managers and suggest that good management can create healthier work environments even within the context of otherwise harmful job conditions.
The Improbability of Popular Rebellion in Kim Jong-un’s North Korea and Policy Alternatives for the USA
Authors: Grice Francis
Published: November 2017

The Trump administration has declared its determination to resolve the problems posed by North Korea, but a full-scale military intervention would impart a terrible human cost and could ignite a global war. One alternative that might meet the objectives of the USA would be the collapse of the North Korea regime through a domestic uprising. Claims that the regime is teetering on the brink of self-implosion have been made for decades; yet, there has been no popular rebellion to date and this article argues that the prospect of one occurring in the foreseeable future remains remote. Numerous factors exist in North Korea that ought, according to conventional theories of rebellion, to push the population to rebel, including public grievances, opportunities for private gain and regime vulnerability. These drivers are suppressed by the Kim Jong-un regime, however, through the use of isolation, propaganda, deterrence and prevention, which combine to make rebellion extremely improbable. Despite a major military invasion being impractical and the likelihood of a domestic uprising occurring being markedly low, a number of policy alternatives do exist for the Trump administration. Nevertheless, there are no easy answers with North Korea and each course of action possesses significant drawbacks and limitations.
Intersections in Managing Sociology in Management Studies: A Personal Reflection
Authors: Kharel Pranab , KC Gaurab
Published: November 2017

This article is a personal reflection of the authors, teaching sociology at the undergraduate level in the stream of management. The experience unfolds the case of one of a private college of Kathmandu under the affiliation of Kathmandu University. The article critiques the historical positioning of sociology in management studies, the syllabi being disseminated inside the classroom and the entire process of sociological knowledge that takes place in the classroom between the teacher and student. The article has invoked the state of confusion as to why sociology is there in a management curriculum and how the sociological knowledge is being perceived by management aspirants. Unlike providing and broadening the scope of sociological imagination which is expected to accentuate critical thinking and reflection within the management discipline, students perceive sociology as a theoretical and additional burden in their academic world. Many find it difficult to relate between the two disciplines and their implication in their everyday life.
Identifying Missed Opportunities for the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
Authors: Jindracek Lauren , Stark Jennifer E.
Published: November 2017

Background: The recommendation for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in adults 65 years and older is recent, and the dosing schedule of PCV13 and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) can be complex in this population. Objective: The authors assessed the rate of PCV13 immunization in patients 65 years of age and older and identified barriers that contributed to missed opportunities for PCV13. Methods: This retrospective review evaluated outpatient Veterans age 65 years or older who did not receive PCV13 at a scheduled primary care appointment despite an electronic reminder. Investigators recorded any documented reason for the patient not receiving PCV13. Results: The rate of PCV13 immunizations administered during the primary care visit study period was 37% (89 of 239 PCV13 eligible patients). Of the 150 patients identified who did not receive PCV13, 92% were not offered the vaccine, 6.7% declined vaccination, and 0.7% reported an allergy to vaccination. Electronic immunization records revealed that 48 of the 150 patients who did not receive PCV13 at their clinic appointment did receive PCV13 later the same year. Most patients received PCV13 in influenza vaccine season on the same day as receiving the influenza vaccine. Conclusion: The main barrier identified was not offering the vaccination during primary care visits. Pneumococcal vaccine administration was delayed until the influenza vaccine season in a significant portion of patients. This unexpected finding represents a target for education: ensuring health care professionals are reminded that PCV13 is not a seasonal vaccine like the influenza vaccine, but should be offered throughout the year.
Obesity and risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and progression to multiple myeloma: a population-based study
Authors: Thordardottir Marianna , Lindqvist Ebba K. , Lund Sigrun H. , Costello Rene , Burton Debra , Korde Neha , Mailankody Sham , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Launer Lenore J. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Harris Tamara B. , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y.
Published: November 2017

Key Points

Obesity is not associated with MGUS or LC-MGUS. High body mass index during midlife is associated with increased risk of progressing from MGUS and LC-MGUS to MM and other LP diseases.
Comparison of in vivo antibacterial and antithrombotic activities of two types of pulmonary artery catheters in pig
Authors: Han Jung Wook , Shin Yeon Soo , Kim Jung Ju , Son Ho Sung
Published: November 2017

Background

During pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) implantation, inaccurate measurements of hemodynamic parameters due to infection or thrombosis of PAC can result in severe complications.

Method

In order to develop a new PAC material, we evaluated the antibacterial and antithrombotic activities of the two types of PAC (Swan Ganz catheter and prototype catheter) in 14 pigs.

Results

In the 3-day group, bacterial infection rate was not different between the two types of PAC. In the 7-day group, bacterial infection rate of the prototype catheter was twice as elevated as that of the Swan-Ganz catheter. In the 3-day group, thrombus formation rate of the prototype catheter was twice as elevated as that of the Swan-Ganz catheter. In the 7-day group, thrombus formation rate was the same for the two types of PAC.

Conclusion

Here, we report an experimental pig model that confirms differences in antibacterial and antithrombotic activities.
Application of Policy Deployment and Daily Management in service sector
Authors: Sachdev Anil , Agrawal Jitendra
Published: November 2017

Background

Policy Deployment and Daily Management are two critical vehicles of Total Quality Management implementation in a company. Integration of these two vehicles has been discussed and adequately addressed in a few companies that have been practicing Total Quality Management for a long time. However, most companies often face challenges and difficulties in ensuring smooth and seamless transfer of Policy Deployment plans into Daily Management activities.

Case description

The challenge is even bigger in service sector which embarked on the Total Quality Management journey barely 5–6 years ago. The service sector has traditionally used Balanced Scorecard which has relatively weaker emphasis on the means to achieve the targets. The authors of this report have found a customized and unique model whose success has been demonstrated through deployment in two customer-facing processes in a large life insurance company in India. The traditional approach used in manufacturing industry has been simplified and customized for the effective application in the service sector.

Discussions & Evaluation

The traditional approach used in manufacturing industry has been simplified and customised for the effective application in the service sector. A survey was done to identify the issues and the approach was modified and implemented in couple of key customer-facing processes.

Conclusion

The phenomenal results have led to a big ‘pull’ from other process owners to replicate this approach across all operational and support processes. Initial ‘reluctant participants’ of the process have now become the ‘champions’ and truly the ‘change catalysts’ for this approach. The process is now being replicated in several other processes across several Industrial sectors.
A sequential dynamic Bayesian network for pore-pressure estimation with uncertainty quantification
Authors: Oughton Rachel H. , Wooff David A. , Hobbs Richard W. , Swarbrick Richard E. , O’Connor Stephen A.
Published: November 2017

Pore-pressure estimation is an important part of oil-well drilling because drilling into unexpected highly pressured fluids can be costly and dangerous. However, standard estimation methods rarely account for the many sources of uncertainty, or for the multivariate nature of the system. We have developed the pore-pressure sequential dynamic Bayesian network (PP SDBN) as an appropriate solution to both these issues. The PP SDBN models the relationships between quantities in the pore-pressure system, such as pressures, porosity, lithology, and wireline-log data, using conditional probability distributions based on geophysical relationships to capture our uncertainty about these variables and the relationships between them. When wireline log data are given to the PP SDBN, the probability distributions are updated, providing an estimate of pore pressure along with a probabilistic measure of uncertainty that reflects the data acquired and our understanding of the system. This is the advantage of a Bayesian approach. Our model provides a coherent statistical framework for modeling the pore-pressure system. The specific geophysical relationships used can be changed to better suit a particular setting, or reflect geoscientists’ knowledge. We determine the PP SDBN on an offshore well from West Africa. We also perform a sensitivity analysis, demonstrating how this can be used to better understand the working of the model and which parameters are the most influential. The dynamic nature of the model makes it suitable for real-time estimation during logging while drilling. The PP SDBN models the shale pore pressure in shale-rich formations with mechanical compaction as the overriding source of overpressure. The PP SDBN improves on existing methods because it produces a probabilistic estimate that reflects the many sources of uncertainty present.
Sensitive periods for the effect of childhood interpersonal violence on psychiatric disorder onset among adolescents
Authors: Dunn Erin C. , Wang Yan , Tse Jenny , McLaughlin Katie A. , Fitzmaurice Garrett , Gilman Stephen E. , Susser Ezra S.
Published: November 2017

Background

Although childhood adversity is a strong determinant of psychopathology, it remains unclear whether there are ‘sensitive periods’ when a first episode of adversity is most harmful.

Aims

To examine whether variation in the developmental timing of a first episode of interpersonal violence (up to age 18) associates with risk for psychopathology.

Method

Using cross-sectional data, we examined the association between age at first exposure to four types of interpersonal violence (physical abuse by parents, physical abuse by others, rape, and sexual assault/molestation) and onset of four classes of DSM-IV disorders (distress, fear, behaviour, substance use) (n=9984). Age at exposure was defined as: early childhood (ages 0–5), middle childhood (ages 6–10) and adolescence (ages 11–18).

Results

Exposure to interpersonal violence at any age period about doubled the risk of a psychiatric disorder (odds ratios (ORs) = 1.51–2.52). However, few differences in risk were observed based on the timing of first exposure. After conducting 20 tests of association, only three significant differences in risk were observed based on the timing of exposure; these results suggested an elevated risk of behaviour disorder among youth first exposed to any type of interpersonal violence during adolescence (OR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.69–3.34), especially being beaten by another person (OR = 2.44; 95% CI 1.57–3.79), and an elevated risk of substance use disorder among youth beaten by someone during adolescence (OR=2.77, 95% CI 1.94–3.96).

Conclusions

Children exposed to interpersonal violence had an elevated risk of psychiatric disorder. However, age at first episode of exposure was largely unassociated with psychopathology risk.
Linking Reminders and Physician Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations: Results From a National Survey
Authors: Siembida Elizabeth J. , Radhakrishnan Archana , Nowak Sarah A. , Parker Andrew M. , Pollack Craig Evan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Physician reminders have successfully increased rates of mammography. However, considering recent changes to breast cancer screening guidelines that disagree on the optimal age to start and stop mammography screening, we sought to examine the extent to which reminders have been deployed for breast cancer screening targeting younger and older patients.

Methods

A mailed survey was sent to a national sample of 2,000 primary care physicians between May and September 2016. Physicians were asked whether they received reminders to screen women in various age groups (40 to 44, 45 to 49, and ≥ 75 years), the organizational screening guidelines they trusted most, and whether they recommended routine breast cancer screening to average-risk women in the different age groups. Using regression models, we assessed the association between reminders and physician screening recommendations, controlling for physician and practice characteristics, and evaluated whether the association varied by the guidelines they trusted.

Results

A total of 871 physicians responded (adjusted response rate, 52.3%). Overall, 28.9% of physicians reported receiving reminders for patient ages 40 to 44 years, 32.5% for patient ages 45 to 49 years, and 16.5% for patient ages ≥ 75 years. Receiving reminders significantly increased the likelihood of physicians recommending mammography screening. In adjusted analyses, 84% (95% CI, 77% to 90%) of physicians who received reminders recommended screening for women ages ≥ 75 versus 65% (95% CI, 62% to 69%) of those who did not receive reminders. The associations between reminders and screening recommendations remained consistent regardless of which guidelines physicians reported trusting.

Conclusion

Reminders were significantly associated with increases in physician screening recommendations for mammography, underscoring the need for careful implementation in scenarios where guidelines are discordant.
TMPRSS2-ERG Fusions Unexpectedly Identified in Men Initially Diagnosed With Nonprostatic Malignancies
Authors: Lara Primo N. , Heilmann Andreas M. , Elvin Julia A. , Parikh Mamta , de Vere White Ralph , Gandour-Edwards Regina , Evans Christopher P. , Pan Chong-Xian , Schrock Alexa B. , Erlich Rachel , Ross Jeffrey S. , Stephens Philip J. , McPherson John , Miller Vincent A. , Ali Siraj M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusions are frequently found in prostate cancer and are pathognomonic for prostatic origin. In a series of cancer cases assayed with comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) in the course of clinical care, we reviewed the frequency of TMPRSS2-ERG fusions in patient tumors of various histologic subtypes.

Methods

Frequency of TMPRSS2-ERG fusions was determined in CGPs from 64,263 cancer cases submitted to Foundation Medicine to assess genomic alterations suggesting benefit from targeted therapy. Genomic results are presented from an index case of prostate cancer that underwent evolution from adenocarcinoma to pure squamous cell carcinoma.

Results

TMPRSS2-ERG fusions were identified for 0.86% of male patients (250 of 29,030) and not found for female patients (none of 35,233). TMPRSS2-ERG fusions were detected in six tumors classified as squamous carcinoma, five of which were of unknown primary site. The index case is a patient with a large, left retrovesical mass diagnosed as squamous carcinoma by morphologic examination and a history of Gleason score 9 prostate cancer with prior prostatectomy and salvage radiation therapy. TMPRSS2-ERG was detected by genomic profiling in the squamous cell tumor, the primary adenocarcinoma of the prostate, and in a metachronous prostatic adenocarcinoma metastasis. On the basis of these results, the patient received androgen deprivation therapy. A phylogenetic tree demonstrating clonal and histopathologic evolution of prostate cancer in the index patient was constructed.

Conclusion

In this large CGP dataset, TMPRSS2-ERG fusion was seen in approximately 30% of prostate cancers regardless of histologic type; on occasion, the fusion was detected in advanced cancers not initially carrying a diagnosis of prostate carcinoma. CGP of advanced cancers in men may reveal prostatic origin by detection of the pathognomonic TMPRSS2-ERG fusion gene.
Blood Patch in a Jehovah’s Witness: Case Report of a Novel Arterial-to-Epidural Closed-Circuit Technique
Authors: Olsen Kevin R. , Screws Ashley L. , Vose Stephen O.
Published: November 2017

Jehovah’s Witness patients have unique perioperative challenges involving blood products. We describe the use of a novel method to maintain a closed circuit between a Jehovah’s Witness patient’s arterial blood and the epidural space while performing a blood patch for postdural puncture headache. Previously described methods have utilized venous catheters to maintain a closed circuit between the body and the epidural space. This is the first report we are aware of that utilizes a closed-circuit arterial blood supply to create an epidural blood patch in a Jehovah’s Witness patient.
Quantitative control of mitochondria transfer between live single cells using a microfluidic device
Authors: Wada Ken-Ichi , Hosokawa Kazuo , Ito Yoshihiro , Maeda Mizuo
Published: November 2017

Quantitative control of mitochondria transfer between live cells is a promising approach for genetic manipulation of mtDNA because single mitochondrion transfer to a mtDNA-less (ρ0) cell potentially leads to homoplasmy of mtDNA. In this paper, we describe a method for quantitative control of mitochondria transfer between live single cells. For this purpose, we fabricated novel microfluidic devices having cell paring structures with a 4.1, 5.6 or 10.0 μm-length microtunnel. When cells were fused through a microtunnel using Sendai virus envelope-based method, a strictured cytoplasmic connection was achieved with a length corresponding to that of the microtunnel. Elongation of the cytoplasmic connection led to a decrease in mitochondria transfer to the fusion partner. Moreover, some cell pairs that fused through a 10.0 μm-length microtunnel showed single mitochondrion transfer. Fused cells were spontaneously disconnected from each other when they were recovered in a normal culture medium. These results suggest that our cell fusion method can perform quantitative control of mitochondria transfer that includes a single mitochondrion transfer.
The kinase domain residue serine 173 ofS.pombeChk1 kinase is critical for the response to DNA replication stress
Authors: Coulton Naomi , Caspari Thomas
Published: November 2017

While mammalian Chk1 kinase regulates replication origins, safeguards fork integrity and promotes fork progression, yeast Chk1 acts only in G1 and G2. We report here that the mutation of serine 173 (S173A) in the kinase domain of fission yeast Chk1 abolishes the G1-M and S-M checkpoints with little impact on the G2-M arrest. This separation-of-function mutation strongly reduces the Rad3-dependent phosphorylation of Chk1 at serine 345 during logarithmic growth, but not when cells experience exogenous DNA damage. Loss of S173 lowers the restrictive temperature of a catalytic DNA polymerase epsilon mutant (cdc20.M10) and is epistatic with a mutation in DNA polymerase delta (cdc6.23) when DNA is alkylated by methyl-methanesulfate (MMS). The chk1-S173A allele is uniquely sensitive to high MMS concentrations where it displays a partial checkpoint defect. A complete checkpoint defect occurs only when DNA replication forks break in cells without the intra-S phase checkpoint kinase Cds1. Chk1-S173A is also unable to block mitosis when the G1 transcription factor Cdc10 (cdc10.V50) is impaired. We conclude that serine 173, which is equivalent to lysine 166 in the activation loop of human Chk1, is only critical in DNA polymerase mutants or when forks collapse in the absence of Cds1.
Giantin-knockout models reveal a feedback loop between Golgi function and glycosyltransferase expression
Authors: Stevenson Nicola L. , Bergen Dylan J. M. , Skinner Roderick E. H. , Kague Erika , Martin-Silverstone Elizabeth , Robson Brown Kate A. , Hammond Chrissy L. , Stephens David J.
Published: November 2017

The Golgi is the cellular hub for complex glycosylation, controlling accurate processing of complex proteoglycans, receptors, ligands and glycolipids. Its structure and organisation are dependent on golgins, which tether cisternal membranes and incoming transport vesicles. Here, we show that knockout of the largest golgin, giantin, leads to substantial changes in gene expression but only limited effects on Golgi structure. Notably, 22 Golgi-resident glycosyltransferases, but not glycan-processing enzymes or the ER glycosylation machinery, are differentially expressed following giantin ablation. This includes near-complete loss of function of GALNT3 in both mammalian cell and zebrafish models. Giantin-knockout zebrafish exhibit hyperostosis and ectopic calcium deposits, recapitulating phenotypes of hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis, a disease caused by mutations in GALNT3. These data reveal a new feature of Golgi homeostasis: the ability to regulate glycosyltransferase expression to generate a functional proteoglycome.
Clinical protocol for the registration of individual translucent zones of frontal teeth
Authors: Todorov Rangel , Todorov Georgi , Zlatev Stefan
Published: November 2017

In contemporary dentistry, a successful restoration should not only restore the shape and function of the impaired dentition, but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appearance. In order to achieve this goal, the dental team should possess complete information about the different optical dimensions of the tooth structure. Besides the standard properties of the color, it is important to define, register and interpret the shape and position of the individual translucent zone.

With the help of a device and software developed by the authors, a five step clinical protocol has been developed by the authors for individual translucent zone registration, with the help of trans-illumination. The translucent areas are then shown in a digital photograph of the teeth, analyzed and interpreted. The translucent zone is finally visualized as a ‘translucent map’, which is clearly defined, and is easily interpreted and used by the dental team.
Prevalences of inherited red blood cell disorders in pregnant women of different ethnicities living along the Thailand-Myanmar border
Authors: Bancone Germana , Gilder Mary Ellen , Chowwiwat Nongnud , Gornsawun Gornpan , Win Elsi , Cho Win Win , Moo Eh , Min Aung Myat , Charunwatthana Prakaykaew , Carrara Verena I. , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François , McGready Rose
Published: November 2017

Background: Inherited red blood cell disorders are prevalent in populations living in malaria endemic areas; G6PD deficiency is associated with oxidant-induced haemolysis and abnormal haemoglobin variants may cause chronic anaemia. In pregnant women, microcytic anaemia caused by haemoglobinopathies mimics iron deficiency, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Anaemia during pregnancy is associated with morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterise the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and haemoglobinopathies  among the pregnant population living along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in this area belong to several distinct ethnic groups.

Methods: Data were available for 13,520 women attending antenatal care between July 2012 and September 2016. Screening for G6PD deficiency was done by fluorescent spot test routinely. G6PD genotyping and quantitative phenotyping by spectrophotometry were analysed in a subsample of women. Haemoglobin variants were diagnosed by HPLC or capillary electrophoresis and molecular methods. The prevalence and distribution of inherited red blood cell disorders was analysed with respect to ethnicity.

Results: G6PD deficiency was common, especially in the Sgaw Karen ethnic group, in whom the G6PD Mahidol variant allele frequency was 20.7%. Quantitative G6PD phenotyping showed that 60.5% of heterozygous women had an intermediate enzymatic activity between 30% and 70% of the population median. HbE, beta-thalassaemia trait and Hb Constant Spring were found overall in 15.6% of women. Only 45.2% of women with low percentage of HbA2 were carriers of mutations on the alpha globin genes.

Conclusions: Distribution of G6PD and haemoglobin variants varied among the different ethnic groups, but the prevalence was generally high throughout the cohort. These findings encourage the implementation of an extended program of information and genetic counselling to women of reproductive age and will help inform future studies and current clinical management of anaemia in the pregnant population in this region.
Rare variants of the 3’-5’ DNA exonuclease TREX1 in early onset small vessel stroke
Authors: McGlasson Sarah , Rannikmäe Kristiina , Bevan Steven , Logan Clare , Bicknell Louise S. , Jury Alexa ,   UK Young Lacunar Stroke Study, Jackson Andrew P. , Markus Hugh S. , Sudlow Cathie , Hunt David P.J.
Published: November 2017

Background: Monoallelic and biallelic mutations in the exonuclease TREX1 cause monogenic small vessel diseases (SVD). Given recent evidence for genetic and pathophysiological overlap between monogenic and polygenic forms of SVD, evaluation of TREX1 in small vessel stroke is warranted.

Methods: We sequenced the TREX1 gene in an exploratory cohort of patients with lacunar stroke (Edinburgh Stroke Study, n=290 lacunar stroke cases). We subsequently performed a fully blinded case-control study of early onset MRI-confirmed small vessel stroke within the UK Young Lacunar Stroke Resource (990 cases, 939 controls).

Results: No patients with canonical disease-causing mutations of TREX1 were identified in cases or controls. Analysis of an exploratory cohort identified a potential association between rare variants of TREX1 and patients with lacunar stroke. However, subsequent controlled and blinded evaluation of TREX1 in a larger and MRI-confirmed patient cohort, the UK Young Lacunar Stroke Resource, identified heterozygous rare variants in 2.1% of cases and 2.3% of controls. No association was observed with stroke risk (odds ratio = 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-1.65 p=0.74). Similarly no association was seen with rare TREX1 variants with predicted deleterious effects on enzyme function (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-2.61 p=0.91).

Conclusions: No patients with early-onset lacunar stroke had genetic evidence of a TREX1-associated monogenic microangiopathy. These results show no evidence of association between rare variants of TREX1 and early onset lacunar stroke. This includes rare variants that significantly affect protein and enzyme function. Routine sequencing of the TREX1 gene in patients with early onset lacunar stroke is therefore unlikely to be of diagnostic utility, in the absence of syndromic features or family history.