To Intervene or not to Intervene:Young adults’ views on When and How to Intervene in Online Harassment

Incidents of online harassment are increasing and can have significant consequences for victims. Witnesses (‘digital bystanders’) can be crucial in identifying and challenging harassment. This study considered when and how young adults intervene online, with the aim of understanding the applicability of existing theoretical models (i.e., Bystander Intervention Model; Response Decision-Making Framework). Thematic analysis of eight focus groups (UK community sample, N=67, 18-25 years) resulted in five themes: Noticing and Interpreting the Harassment, Perceived Responsibility for Helping, Consequences of Intervening, Perceived Ability to Make a Difference, and Deciding How to Help. The online context amplified offline preferences, such as greater preference for anonymity and perceived costs of intervention (e.g., social costs). Intervention strategies varied in visibility and effort, preferring ‘indirect’ micro-interventions focused on supporting victims. A new, merged model specific to digital bystanders is proposed, with implications for the design and messaging on Social Networking Sites (SNS) discussed

Remodeling of the chromatin structure of the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) locus and upregulation of FSHD-related gene 1 (FRG1) expression during human myogenic differentiation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disorder associated with the partial deletion of integral numbers of 3.3 kb D4Z4 DNA repeats within the subtelomere of chromosome 4q. A number of candidate FSHD genes, adenine nucleotide translocator 1 gene (<it>ANT1</it>), FSHD-related gene 1 (<it>FRG1</it>), <it>FRG2 </it>and <it>DUX4c</it>, upstream of the D4Z4 array (FSHD locus), and double homeobox chromosome 4 (<it>DUX4</it>) within the repeat itself, are upregulated in some patients, thus suggesting an underlying perturbation of the chromatin structure. Furthermore, a mouse model overexpressing <it>FRG1 </it>has been generated, displaying skeletal muscle defects.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In the context of myogenic differentiation, we compared the chromatin structure and tridimensional interaction of the D4Z4 array and <it>FRG1 </it>gene promoter, and <it>FRG1 </it>expression, in control and FSHD cells. The <it>FRG1 </it>gene was prematurely expressed during FSHD myoblast differentiation, thus suggesting that the number of D4Z4 repeats in the array may affect the correct timing of <it>FRG1 </it>expression. Using chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology, we revealed that the <it>FRG1 </it>promoter and D4Z4 array physically interacted. Furthermore, this chromatin structure underwent dynamic changes during myogenic differentiation that led to the loosening of the <it>FRG1</it>/4q-D4Z4 array loop in myotubes. The <it>FRG1 </it>promoter in both normal and FSHD myoblasts was characterized by H3K27 trimethylation and Polycomb repressor complex binding, but these repression signs were replaced by H3K4 trimethylation during differentiation. The D4Z4 sequences behaved similarly, with H3K27 trimethylation and Polycomb binding being lost upon myogenic differentiation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We propose a model in which the D4Z4 array may play a critical chromatin function as an orchestrator of <it>in cis </it>chromatin loops, thus suggesting that this repeat may play a role in coordinating gene expression.</p

Status Update and Interim Results from the Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial-2 (ACST-2)

Objectives: ACST-2 is currently the largest trial ever conducted to compare carotid artery stenting (CAS) with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis requiring revascularization. Methods: Patients are entered into ACST-2 when revascularization is felt to be clearly indicated, when CEA and CAS are both possible, but where there is substantial uncertainty as to which is most appropriate. Trial surgeons and interventionalists are expected to use their usual techniques and CE-approved devices. We report baseline characteristics and blinded combined interim results for 30-day mortality and major morbidity for 986 patients in the ongoing trial up to September 2012. Results: A total of 986 patients (687 men, 299 women), mean age 68.7 years (SD ± 8.1) were randomized equally to CEA or CAS. Most (96%) had ipsilateral stenosis of 70-99% (median 80%) with contralateral stenoses of 50-99% in 30% and contralateral occlusion in 8%. Patients were on appropriate medical treatment. For 691 patients undergoing intervention with at least 1-month follow-up and Rankin scoring at 6 months for any stroke, the overall serious cardiovascular event rate of periprocedural (within 30 days) disabling stroke, fatal myocardial infarction, and death at 30 days was 1.0%. Conclusions: Early ACST-2 results suggest contemporary carotid intervention for asymptomatic stenosis has a low risk of serious morbidity and mortality, on par with other recent trials. The trial continues to recruit, to monitor periprocedural events and all types of stroke, aiming to randomize up to 5,000 patients to determine any differential outcomes between interventions. Clinical trial: ISRCTN21144362. © 2013 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

The “Central Tendency Bias” in the assessment of facial attractiveness in group-based and individual ratings—A survey-based study in 727 volunteers

Background: The increasing number of esthetic procedures emphasizes the need for effective evaluation methods of outcomes. Current practices include the individual practitioners' judgment in conjunction with standardized scales, often relying on the comparison of before and after photographs. This study investigates whether comparative evaluations influence the perception of beauty and aims to enhance the accuracy of esthetic assessments in clinical and research settings. Objective: To compare the evaluation of attractiveness and gender characteristics of faces in group-based versus individual ratings. Methods:A sample of 727 volunteers (average age of 29.5 years) assessed 40 facial photographs (20 male, 20 female) for attractiveness, masculinity, and femininity using a 5-point Likert scale. Each face was digitally edited to display varying ratios in four lip-related proportions: vertical lip position, lip width, upper lip esthetics, and lower lip esthetics. Participants rated these images both in an image series (group-based) and individually.Results: Differences in the perception of the most attractive/masculine/feminine ratios for each lip proportion were found in both the group-based and individual ratings. Group ratings exhibited a significant central tendency bias, with a preference for more average outcomes compared with individual ratings, with an average difference of 0.50 versus 1.00. (p = 0.033) Conclusion:A central tendency bias was noted in evaluations of attractiveness, masculinity, and femininity in group-based image presentation, indicating a bias toward more “average” features. Conversely, individual assessments displayed a preference for more pronounced, “non-average” appearances, thereby possibly pointing toward a malleable “intrinsic esthetic blueprint” shaped by comparative context.</p

European postgraduate curriculum in geriatric medicine developed using an international modified Delphi technique

WOS: 000462615200022PubMed ID: 30423032the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-GMS) recommendations for training in Geriatric Medicine were published in 1993. The practice of Geriatric Medicine has developed considerably since then and it has therefore become necessary to update these recommendations. under the auspices of the UEMS-GMS, the European Geriatric Medicine Society (EuGMS) and the European Academy of Medicine of Ageing (EAMA), a group of experts, representing all member states of the respective bodies developed a new framework for education and training of specialists in Geriatric Medicine using a modified Delphi technique. Thirty-two expert panel members from 30 different countries participated in the process comprising three Delphi rounds for consensus. The process was led by five facilitators. the final recommendations include four different domains: General Considerations on the structure and aim of the syllabus as well as quality indicators for training (6 sub-items), Knowledge in patient care (36 sub-items), Additional Skills and Attitude required for a Geriatrician (9 sub-items) and a domain on Assessment of postgraduate education: which items are important for the transnational comparison process (1 item). the current publication describes the development of the new recommendations endorsed by UEMS-GMS, EuGMS and EAMA as minimum training requirements to become a geriatrician at specialist level in EU member states.EUGMSThe project was supported by EUGMS by a restricted grant in 2017, which was used to support the administrative work during the Delphi procedure

Transition as a topic in psychiatry training throughout Europe: trainees' perspectives

The majority of adolescents with mental health problems do not experience continuity of care when they reach the transition boundary of their child and adolescent mental health service. One of the obstacles for a smooth transition to adult mental health services concerns the lack of training for health-care professionals involved in the transition process. This study aims to seek psychiatric trainees' opinions regarding training on transition and the knowledge and skills required for managing transition. A survey was distributed to trainees residing in European countries. Trainees from 36 countries completed the questionnaire, of which 63% reported that they came into contact with youth and young adults (16-26 years) during their clinical practice. Twenty-seven percent of trainees stated they have good to very good knowledge about the transition process. Theoretical training about transition was reported in only 17% of the countries, and practical training in 28% of the countries. Ninety-four percent of trainees indicated that further training about transition is necessary. The content of subsequent transition-related training can be guided by the findings of the MILESTONE project.status: publishe