Finishing the euchromatic sequence of the human genome

The sequence of the human genome encodes the genetic instructions for human physiology, as well as rich information about human evolution. In 2001, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium reported a draft sequence of the euchromatic portion of the human genome. Since then, the international collaboration has worked to convert this draft into a genome sequence with high accuracy and nearly complete coverage. Here, we report the result of this finishing process. The current genome sequence (Build 35) contains 2.85 billion nucleotides interrupted by only 341 gaps. It covers ∼99% of the euchromatic genome and is accurate to an error rate of ∼1 event per 100,000 bases. Many of the remaining euchromatic gaps are associated with segmental duplications and will require focused work with new methods. The near-complete sequence, the first for a vertebrate, greatly improves the precision of biological analyses of the human genome including studies of gene number, birth and death. Notably, the human enome seems to encode only 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes. The genome sequence reported here should serve as a firm foundation for biomedical research in the decades ahead

The adjustment process of patients suffering from neoplasm of nasopharynx throughout the course of illness: a panel study in Hong Kong

published_or_final_versionSocial Work and Social AdministrationDoctoralDoctor of Philosoph

The development of a practice model in working with family members of psychotic patients: an effort toward tertiaryprevention of mental illness in Hong Kong

published_or_final_versionSocial WorkMasterMaster of Social Science

Effect of a qigong intervention program on telomerase activity and psychological stress in abused Chinese women: a randomized, wait-list controlled trial

Background: Abused women, who suffer from chronic psychological stress, have been shown to have shorter telomeres than never abused women. Telomere shortening is associated with increased risk of cell death, and it is believed that adopting health-promoting behaviors can help to increase the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that counters telomere shortening. Qigong is an ancient Chinese mind-body integration, health-oriented practice designed to enhance the function of qi, an energy that sustains well-being. Therefore, an assessor-blind, randomized, wait-list controlled trial was developed to evaluate the effect of a qigong intervention on telomerase activity (primary objective) and proinflammatory cytokines, perceived stress, perceived coping, and depressive symptoms (secondary objectives) in abused Chinese women.Methods/Design: A total of 240 Chinese women, aged >= 18 years, who have been abused by an intimate partner within the past three years will be recruited from a community setting in Hong Kong and randomized to receive either a qigong intervention or wait-list control condition as follows: the qigong intervention will comprise (i) a 2-hour group qigong training session twice a week for 6 weeks, (ii) a 1-hour follow-up group qigong exercise session once a week for 4 months, and (iii) a 30-minute self-practice qigong exercise session once a day for 5.5 months. The wait-list control group will receive qigong training after the intervention group completes the program. Upon completion of the qigong intervention program, it is expected that abused Chinese women in the intervention group will have higher levels of telomerase activity and perceived coping and lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms than will abused Chinese women in the wait-list control group.Discussion: This study will provide information about the effect of qigong exercise on telomerase activity and chronic psychological stress in abused Chinese women. The findings will inform the design of interventions to relieve the effects of IPV-related psychological stress on health. Also, the concept that health-promoting behaviors could slow down cellular aging might even motivate abused women to change their lifestyles

Measurement of Prompt D0^{0}, Λc+\Lambda_{c}^{+}, and Σc0,++\Sigma_{c}^{0,++}(2455) Production in Proton–Proton Collisions at s\sqrt s = 13 TeV

International audienceThe pT-differential production cross sections of prompt D0, Λc+, and Σc0,++(2455) charmed hadrons are measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in pp collisions at s=13  TeV. This is the first measurement of Σc0,++ production in hadronic collisions. Assuming the same production yield for the three Σc0,+,++ isospin states, the baryon-to-meson cross section ratios Σc0,+,++/D0 and Λc+/D0 are calculated in the transverse momentum (pT) intervals 2<pT<12 and 1<pT<24  GeV/c. Values significantly larger than in e+e- collisions are observed, indicating for the first time that baryon enhancement in hadronic collisions also extends to the Σc. The feed-down contribution to Λc+ production from Σc0,+,++ is also reported and is found to be larger than in e+e- collisions. The data are compared with predictions from event generators and other phenomenological models, providing a sensitive test of the different charm-hadronization mechanisms implemented in the models