Rescue of deficits by Brwd1 copy number restoration in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

With an incidence of ~1 in 800 births, Down syndrome (DS) is the most com- mon chromosomal condition linked to intellectual disability worldwide. While the genetic basis of DS has been identified as a triplication of chromosome 21 (HSA21), the genes encoded from HSA 21 that directly contribute to cognitive de fi cits remain incompletely understood. Here, we found that the HSA21- encoded chromatin effector, BRWD1, was upregulated in neurons derived from iPS cells from an individual with Down syndrome and brain of trisomic mice. We showed that selective copy number restoration of Brwd1 in trisomic animals rescued de fi cits in hippocampal LTP, cognition and gene expression. We demonstrated that Brwd1 tightly binds the BAF chromatin remodeling complex, and that increased Brwd1 expression promotes BAF genomic mistargeting. Importantly, Brwd1 renormalization rescued aberrant BAF localization, along with associated changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression. These findings establish BRWD1 as a key epigenomic mediator of normal neurodevelopment and an important contributor to DS-related phenotypes

Does access to an information-based, breast cancer specific website help to reduce distress in young women with breast cancer? Results from a randomised trial

To assess the effectiveness of a purpose-built information-based website to reduce distress among young women with breast cancer. A total of 337 participants (Intervention Group [IG] n = 202; Usual Care Group [UCG] n = 177) returned the completed baseline questionnaires (T1). Details regarding accessing the website were provided to IG participants. Follow-up questionnaires were completed: (a) 3 months (T2) and (b) 6 months after baseline (T3). Outcomes included anxiety and depression (primary outcomes), quality of life (QoL) and unmet information needs. About 70% of the IG accessed the website, typically only once (median: 1, range 1-15), spending a median of 19 min (range: 1-315) on the site. Mean levels of anxiety and depression did not differ between the two groups at T1, T2 or T3. While improvement in total QoL was greater in the IG than UCG between T1 and T2, QoL scores did not differ between groups at T3. The number of unmet needs did not differ between the two groups at T3. The intervention was not effective in reducing anxiety, or depression in this group of women. As a high number of unmet needs were identified, other strategies for addressing these needs of young women with breast cancer are needed

Experiences of migration and the determinants of obesity among recent Iranian immigrants in Victoria, Australia

Objectives. There is evidence to suggest that immigrant groups from low- or medium-human development index countries show a significant adoption of obesogenic behaviors and experience weight gain following migration to Australia. The objective of this study is to understand the changes that Iranian immigrants experience in relation to the determinants of obesity after migration to Victoria, Australia.Design. We conducted five focus group discussions with 33 recent Iranian immigrants. This study took an interpretive qualitative approach to data analysis using the constant comparative method.Results. Participants discussed individual level acculturation (e.g., in diet, body size, attitudes), as well as environmental level changes (e.g., physical/structural and sociocultural) that occurred after immigration. Stress during the initial immigration transition, which affected diet and physical activity habits, was a common experience among participants. Gender and the effect of political/religious changes were also important factors. Participants\u27 discourse largely focused on their ability and willingness to adopt positive health behaviors after migration.Conclusion. This study provides insight into the effect of migration on the determinants of obesity among Iranian immigrants in Victoria, Australia, and offers a contrast with the existing evidence by considering the experience of a group that is generally well educated, often emigrates for reasons related to personal freedom as opposed to material deprivation, and has rates of obesity similar to high-income countries.<br /

Randomized controlled trial of a telephone-based peer-support program for women carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation: impact on psychological distress.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a telephone-based peer-delivered intervention in reducing distress among women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. The intervention involved trained peer volunteers contacting women multiple times over a 4-month period to provide informational, emotional, and practical support. METHODS: Three hundred thirty-seven participants completed the baseline questionnaire, and those reporting interest in talking to other mutation carriers were randomly assigned to either the usual care group (UCG; n = 102) or the intervention group (IG; n = 105). Participants and researchers were not blinded to group allocation. Two follow-up questionnaires were completed, one at the end of the intervention (4 months after random assignment, time 2) and one 2 months later (time 3). Outcomes included breast cancer distress (primary outcome), unmet information needs, cognitive appraisals about mutation testing, and feelings of isolation. RESULTS: There was a greater decrease in breast cancer distress scores in the IG than UCG at time 2 (mean difference, -5.96; 95% CI, -9.80 to -2.12; P = .002) and time 3 (mean difference, -3.94; 95% CI, -7.70 to -0.17; P = .04). There was a greater reduction in unmet information needs in the IG than UCG (P < .01), with unmet needs being lower in the IG than UCG at time 2. There was a greater reduction in Cognitive Appraisals About Genetic Testing stress subscale scores in the IG than UCG (P = .02), with significantly lower scores among the IG than UCG at time 2 (P < .01). CONCLUSION: The intervention is effective in reducing distress and unmet information needs for this group of women. Identifying strategies for prolonging intervention effects is warranted

Myanmar: Religion, Identity, and Conflict in a Democratic Transition

Farrelly provides an in-depth assessment of identity-based conflict dynamics within Myanmar’s gradual shift to a more democratic system of government. Civil conflicts, that long raged in the country’s ethnically distinct corners, encourage the fortification of political discourses about identity, unity, and non-disintegration. With its difficult history of bloodshed and trauma, social cohesion is a goal worth pursuing. Myanmar’s transition to an increasingly open, inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful society requires new capacity to be built at every level of government, and across the broad range of ethnic and religious identities. Farrelly argues that working cooperatively and effectively with different identity-based factions in Myanmar is a profound test of the concepts of peacebuilding and conflict resolution