Introducing KiVa school-based antibullying programme to the UK: A preliminary examination of effectiveness and programme cost

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Sage Publications via the DOI in this record.Bullying is an internationally recognized problem and school-based bullying is particularly pervasive. KiVa is a robustly evidenced school-based antibullying programme developed and evaluated at Turku University, Finland, and subsequently disseminated across Finland. Following a positive UK trial of Unit 2 (for 10- to 12-year-olds), further UK dissemination has taken place. This study presents (a) pupil self-reported levels of victimization and bullying prior to, and after, one year of KiVa implementation (Units 1 and 2) with 7- to 11-year-olds from 41 schools, and (b) programme training and delivery costs. Data from 41 primary schools were analysed using a linear mixed model effects analysis. Results revealed statistically significant reductions in victimization and bullying after one year of programme implementation. Ongoing costs were small, at £2.84 per Key Stage 2 pupil per annum. These promising results highlight the need for further more rigorous evaluation of KiVa in the UK, including the exploration of factors associated with effective implementation, and the importance for educators and policy makers of evaluating both impact and costs when implementing programmes to prevent and reduce bullying.BIG Lottery Wales innovation fun

M1 Resonances in Unstable Magic Nuclei

Within a microscopic approach which takes into account RPA configurations, the single-particle continuum and more complex $1p1h\otimes phonon$ configurations isoscalar and isovector M1 excitations for the unstable nuclei ${56,78}$Ni and ${100,132}$Sn are calculated. For comparison, the experimentally known M1 excitations in ${40}$Ca and $^{208}$Pb have also been calculated. In the latter nuclei good agreement in the centroid energy, the total transition strength and the resonance width is obtained. With the same parameters we predict the magnetic excitations for the unstable nuclei. The strength is sufficiently concentrated to be measurable in radioactive beam experiments. New features are found for the very neutron rich nucleus ${78}$Ni and the neutron deficient nucleus ${100}$Sn.Comment: 17 pages (LATEX), 12 figures (available from the authors), KFA-IKP(TH)-1993-0

Present Day Kinematics of the Eastern California Shear Zone from a Geodetically Constrained Block Model

We use Global Positioning System (GPS) data from 1993–2000 to determine horizontal velocities of 65 stations in eastern California and western Nevada between 35° and 37° N. We relate the geodetic velocities to fault slip rates using a block model that enforces path integral constraints over geologic and geodetic time scales and that includes the effects of elastic strain accumulation on faults locked to a depth of 15 km. The velocity of the Sierra Nevada block with respect to Nevada is 11.1±0.3 mm/yr, with slip partitioned across the Death Valley, (2.8±0.5 mm/yr), Panamint Valley (2.5±0.8 mm/yr), and Airport Lake/Owens Valley (5.3±0.7/4.6±0.5 mm/yr) faults. The western Mojave block rotates at 2.1±0.8°/My clockwise, with 3.7±0.7 mm/yr of left lateral motion across the western Garlock Fault. We infer 11±2 mm/yr of right lateral motion across the Mojave region of the Eastern California Shear Zone

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance of myocardial infarction after blunt chest trauma: a heartbreaking soccer-shot

Cardiac injury occasionally occurs as a result of blunt chest trauma. Most cardiac complications in chest trauma are due to myocardial contusion rather than direct damage to the coronary arteries. However, traumatic coronary injury has been reported, and a variety of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed. We present a 26 year old patient presenting with an acute coronary syndrome as a consequence of a soccer-shot impact to the chest. CMR showed apical inferior infarction, as well as multiple small septal lesions which were presumed to have resulted from embolization. The culprit lesion was a proximal 75% LAD stenosis with a prominent plaque-rupture and thrombus-formation, and the distal LAD was occluded by thromboembolic material

Effectiveness and micro-costing of the KiVa school-based bullying prevention programme in Wales: study protocol for a pragmatic definitive parallel group cluster randomised controlled trial

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.BACKGROUND: Bullying refers to verbal, physical or psychological aggression repeated over time that is intended to cause harm or distress to the victims who are unable to defend themselves. It is a key public health priority owing to its widespread prevalence in schools and harmful short- and long-term effects on victims' well-being. There is a need to strengthen the evidence base by testing innovative approaches to preventing bullying. KiVa is a school-based bullying prevention programme with universal and indicated elements and an emphasis on changing bystander behaviour. It achieved promising results in a large trial in Finland, and now requires testing in other countries. This paper describes the protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) of KiVa in Wales. METHODS/DESIGN: The study uses a two-arm waitlist control pragmatic definitive parallel group cluster RCT design with an embedded process evaluation and calculation of unit cost. Participating schools will be randomised a using a 1:1 ratio to KiVa plus usual provision (intervention group) or usual provision only (control group). The trial has one primary outcome, child self-reported victimisation from bullying, dichotomised as 'victimised' (bullied at least twice a month in the last couple of months) versus 'not victimised'. Secondary outcomes are: bullying perpetration; aspects of child social and emotional well-being (including emotional problems, conduct, peer relations, prosocial behaviour); and school attendance. Follow-up is at 12 months post-baseline. Implementation fidelity is measured through teacher-completed lesson records and independent school-wide observation. A micro-costing analysis will determine the costs of implementing KiVa, including recurrent and non-recurrent unit costs. Factors related to the scalability of the programme will be examined in interviews with head teachers and focus groups with key stakeholders in the implementation of school-based bullying interventions. DISCUSSION: The results from this trial will provide evidence on whether the KiVa programme is transportable from Finland to Wales in terms of effectiveness and implementation. It will provide information about the costs of delivery and generate insights into factors related to the scalability of the programme. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN23999021 Date 10-6-13.BIG Lottery Wales (REF: B/l/1/010430196) is funding the costs of the trial, including recruitment conferences, provision of programme resources for schools, translation of resources into Welsh, support and feedback sessions, and central organisational meetings. The design, management, statistical analysis and dissemination of the trial are fully independent of the BIG Lottery and KiVa Finland. The programme is delivered by teachers and other school staff during school hours and no supply costs are provided to schools for staff training

Succinate in dystrophic white matter: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy finding characteristic for complex II deficiency

A deficiency of succinate dehydrogenase is a rare cause of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Three patients, 2 sisters and I boy from an unrelated family, presented with symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging signs of leukoencephalopathy. Localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy indicated a prominent singlet at 2.40ppm in cerebral and cerebellar white matter not present in gray matter or basal ganglia. The signal was also elevated in cerebrospinal fluid and could be identified as originating from the two equivalent methylene groups of succinate. Subsequently, an isolated deficiency of complex II (succinate:ubiquinone oxidoreductase) was demonstrated in 2 patients in muscle and fibroblasts. One of the sisters died at the age of 18 months. Postmortem examination showed the neuropathological characteristics of Leigh syndrome. Her younger sister, now 12 months old, is also severely affected; the boy, now 6 years old, follows a Milder, fluctuating clinical course. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides a characteristic pattern in succinate dehydrogenase deficiency

Plasma deposited diamond-like carbon films for large neural arrays

To understand how large systems of neurons communicate, we need to develop methods for growing patterned networks of large numbers of neurons. We have found that diamond-like carbon thin films formed by energetic deposition from a filtered vacuum arc carbon plasma can serve as "neuron friendly" substrates for the growth of large neural arrays. Lithographic masks can be used to form patterns of diamond-like carbon, and regions of selective neuronal attachment can form patterned neural arrays. In the work described here, we used glass microscope slides as substrates on which diamond-like carbon was deposited. PC-12 rat neurons were then cultured on the treated substrates and cell growth monitored. Neuron growth showed excellent contrast, with prolific growth on the treated surfaces and very low growth on the untreated surfaces. Here we describe the vacuum arc plasma deposition technique employed, and summarize results demonstrating that the approach can be used to form large patterns of neurons.Щоб зрозуміти, як взаємодіють між собою великі системи нейронів, ми повинні розвивати методи вирощування рельєфних структур великого числа нейронів. Ми установили, що алмазоподібні вуглецеві тонкі плівки, що утворюються в результаті могутнього опромінення фільтрованою вуглецевою плазмою вакуумної дуги, можуть бути використані в ролі «нейроно-дружелюбніх» субстанцій для вирощування великих нейронних структур. Літографічні маски можуть бути використані для вормування алмазоподібної вуглецевої структури , а області селективного нейронного приєднання можуть утворювати систематичні нейронні структури. В експериментах, описаних нижче, як підкладку ми використовували предметні стекла мікроскопа, на які наносилися алмазоподібні вуглецеві покриття. Потім на опромінених підкладках були вирощені щурячі нейрони PC-12 і спостерігався ріст кліток. Спостерігався величезний контраст у рості нейронів, від багатого росту на опромінених поверхнях до слабкого на неопромінених. У даній роботі описана використовувана для опромінення вакуумно-дугова установка й узагальнені результати, що показують, що даний метод може бути використаний для формування великих структур нейронів.Чтобы понять, как взаимодействуют между собой большие системы нейронов, мы должны развивать методы выращивания рельефных структур большого числа нейронов. Мы установили, что алмазоподобные углеродные тонкие пленки, образующиеся в результате мощного облучения фильтрованной углеродной плазмой вакуумной дуги, могут быть использованы в качестве «нейроно-дружелюбных» субстанций для выращивания больших нейронных структур. Литографические маски могут применяться для формирования алмазоподобной углеродной структуры, а области селективного нейронного присоединения могут образовывать систематические нейронные структуры. В экспериментах, описываемых ниже, в качестве подложки мы использовали предметные стекла микроскопа, на которые наносились алмазоподобные углеродные покрытия. Затем на облученных подложках были выращены крысиные нейроны PC-12 и наблюдался рост клеток. Отслежен огромный контраст в росте нейронов, от обильного роста на облученных поверхностях до слабого на необлученных. В данной работе описана используемая для облучения вакуумно- дуговая установка и обобщены результаты, показывающие, что данный метод может быть использован для формирования больших структур нейронов

A comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural interventions based on delivery features for elevated symptoms of depression in adolescents: A systematic review

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this record. Data availability statement: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.Background Depression is a public health problem and common amongst adolescents. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is widely used to treat adolescent depression but existing research does not provide clear conclusions regarding the relative effectiveness of different delivery modalities. Objectives The primary aim is to estimate the relative efficacy of different modes of CBT delivery compared with each other and control conditions for reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents. The secondary aim is to compare the different modes of delivery with regard to intervention completion/attrition (a proxy for intervention acceptability). Search Methods The Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Clinical Trials Register was searched in April 2020. MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, four other electronic databases, the CENTRAL trial registry, Google Scholar and Google were searched in November 2020, together with reference checking, citation searching and hand-searching of two databases. Selection Criteria Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of CBT interventions (irrespective of delivery mode) to reduce symptoms of depression in young people aged 10–19 years with clinically relevant symptoms or diagnosis of depression were included. Data Collection and Analysis Screening and data extraction were completed by two authors independently, with discrepancies addressed by a third author. CBT interventions were categorised as follows: group CBT, individual CBT, remote CBT, guided self-help, and unguided self-help. Effect on depressive symptom score was estimated across validated self-report measures using Hedges' g standardised mean difference. Acceptability was estimated based on loss to follow-up as an odds ratio. Treatment rankings were developed using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Pairwise meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models where there were two or more head-to-head trials. Network analyses were conducted using random effects models. Main Results Sixty-eight studies were included in the review. The mean age of participants ranged from 10 to 19.5 years, and on average 60% of participants were female. The majority of studies were conducted in schools (28) or universities (6); other settings included primary care, clinical settings and the home. The number of CBT sessions ranged from 1 to 16, the frequency of delivery from once every 2 weeks to twice a week and the duration of each session from 20 min to 2 h. The risk of bias was low across all domains for 23 studies, 24 studies had some concerns and the remaining 21 were assessed to be at high risk of bias. Sixty-two RCTs (representing 6435 participants) were included in the pairwise and network meta-analyses for post-intervention depressive symptom score at post-intervention. All pre-specified treatment and control categories were represented by at least one RCT. Although most CBT approaches, except remote CBT, demonstrated superiority over no intervention, no approaches performed clearly better than or equivalent to another. The highest and lowest ranking interventions were guided self-help (SUCRA 83%) and unguided self-help (SUCRA 51%), respectively (very low certainty in treatment ranking). Nineteen RCTs (3260 participants) were included in the pairwise and network meta-analyses for 6 to 12 month follow-up depressive symptom score. Neither guided self-help nor remote CBT were evaluated in the RCTs for this time point. Effects were generally attenuated for 6- to 12-month outcomes compared to posttest. No interventions demonstrated superiority to no intervention, although unguided self-help and group CBT both demonstrated superiority compared to TAU. No CBT approach demonstrated clear superiority over another. The highest and lowest ranking approaches were unguided self-help and individual CBT, respectively. Sixty-two RCTs (7347 participants) were included in the pairwise and network meta-analyses for intervention acceptability. All pre-specified treatment and control categories were represented by at least one RCT. Although point estimates tended to favour no intervention, no active treatments were clearly inferior. No CBT approach demonstrated clear superiority over another. The highest and lowest ranking active interventions were individual CBT and group CBT respectively. Pairwise meta-analytic findings were similar to those of the network meta-analysis for all analyses. There may be age-based subgroup effects on post-intervention depressive symptoms. Using the no intervention control group as the reference, the magnitudes of effects appear to be larger for the oldest age categories compared to the other subgroups for each given comparison. However, they were generally less precise and formal testing only indicated a significant difference for group CBT. Findings were robust to pre-specified sensitivity analyses separating out the type of placebo and excluding cluster-RCTs, as well as an additional analysis excluding studies where we had imputed standard deviations. Authors' Conclusions At posttreatment, all active treatments (group CBT, individual CBT, guided self-help, and unguided self-help) except for remote CBT were more effective than no treatment. Guided self-help was the most highly ranked intervention but only evaluated in trials with the oldest adolescents (16–19 years). Moreover, the studies of guided self-help vary in the type and amount of therapist support provided and longer-term results are needed to determine whether effects persist. The magnitude of effects was generally attenuated for 6- to 12-month outcomes. Although unguided self-help was the lowest-ranked active intervention at post-intervention, it was the highest ranked at follow-up. This suggests the need for further research into whether interventions with self-directed elements enable young people to maintain effects by continuing or revisiting the intervention independently, and whether therapist support would improve long-term outcomes. There was no clear evidence that any active treatments were more acceptable to participants than any others. The relative effectiveness of intervention delivery modes must be taken into account in the context of the needs and preferences of individual young people, particularly as the differences between effect sizes were relatively small. Further research into the type and amount of therapist support that is most acceptable to young people and most cost-effective would be particularly useful.Jacobs FoundationNational Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR

Adaptive landscape genetics and malaria across divergent island bird populations

Environmental conditions play a major role in shaping the spatial distributions of pathogens, which in turn can drive local adaptation and divergence in host genetic diversity. Haemosporidians, such as Plasmodium (malaria), are a strong selective force, impacting survival and fitness of hosts, with geographic distributions largely determined by habitat suitability for their insect vectors. Here, we have tested whether patterns of fine‐scale local adaptation to malaria are replicated across discrete, ecologically differing island populations of Berthelot's pipits Anthus berthelotii . We sequenced TLR4, an innate immunity gene that is potentially under positive selection in Berthelot's pipits, and two SNPs previously identified as being associated with malaria infection in a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in Berthelot's pipits in the Canary Islands. We determined the environmental predictors of malaria infection, using these to estimate variation in malaria risk on Porto Santo, and found some congruence with previously identified environmental risk factors on Tenerife. We also found a negative association between malaria infection and a TLR4 variant in Tenerife. In contrast, one of the GWAS SNPs showed an association with malaria risk in Porto Santo, but in the opposite direction to that found in the Canary Islands GWAS. Together, these findings suggest that disease‐driven local adaptation may be an important factor in shaping variation among island populations