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

Randomized trial of a gatekeeper program for suicide prevention: 1-year impact on secondary school staff.

Gatekeeper-training programs, designed to increase identification and referral of suicidal individuals, are widespread but largely untested. A group-based randomized trial with 32 schools examined impact of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training on a stratified random sample of 249 staff with 1-year average follow-up. To test QPR impact, the authors introduced and contrasted 2 models of gatekeeper-training effects in a population: gatekeeper surveillance and gatekeeper communication. Intent-to-treat analyses showed that training increased self-reported knowledge (effect size [ES] 0.41), appraisals of efficacy (ES 1.22), and service access (ES 1.07). Training effects varied dramatically. Appraisals increased most for staff with lowest baseline appraisals, and suicide identification behaviors increased most for staff already communicating with students about suicide and distress. Consistent with the communication model, increased knowledge and appraisals were not sufficient to increase suicide identification behav-iors. Also consistent with the communication model were results from 2,059 8th and 10th graders surveyed showing that fewer students with prior suicide attempts endorsed talking to adults about distress. Skill training for staff serving as “natural gatekeepers ” plus interventions that modify students’ help-seeking behaviors are recommended to supplement universal gatekeeper training

Application of 3-Dimensional Computed Tomographic Image Guidance to WATCHMAN Implantation and Impact on Early Operator Learning Curve: Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) guided procedural planning for left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion on the early operator WATCHMAN learning curve. BACKGROUND: Traditional WATCHMAN implantation is dependent on 2-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) sizing and intraprocedural guidance. METHODS: LAA occlusion with the WATCHMAN device was performed in 53 patients. Pre-procedural case plans were generated from CT studies with recommended device size, catheter selection, and C-arm angle for deployment. RESULTS: All 53 patients underwent successful LAA occlusion with the WATCHMAN. Three-dimensional CT LAA maximal-width sizing was 2.7 ± 2.2 mm and 2.3 ± 3.0 mm larger than 2-dimensional and 3D TEE measurements, respectively (p ≤ 0.0001). By CT imaging, device selection was 100% accurate. There were 4 peri-WATCHMAN leaks ( CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional CT image case planning provides a comprehensive and customized patient-specific LAA assessment that appears to be accurate and may possibly facilitate reducing the early WATCHMAN implantation learning curve