Search

Introduction: Synthetic DNA technology is rapidly emerging as a key driver of innovation in the fields of medicine, biotechnology, and more. But it also poses significant risk, particularly in lowering barriers to the production of dangerous pathogens and toxins. At present, oversight of this technology is voluntarily coordinated among synthetic DNA providers and stakeholders, and detailed understanding of security processes, infrastructures, and insights from these providers is imperative to understand how to best mitigate the inherent risks of this technology. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the trends, outliers, strengths, and gaps in current DNA provider security practices through a broad survey of the gene synthesis field. Methods: We interviewed synthetic DNA providers and stakeholders about their customer and sequence screening procedures. Respondents were divided into groups based on membership in the International Gene Synthesis Consortium, nationality, whether they were a new or established company, and whether they synthesize de novo DNA or not. We then performed meta-analysis and intergroup analysis to elucidate larger trends and points of variance. Results: In total, we interviewed 18 companies. We found that synthetic DNA providers and stakeholders tend to operate under a "zero-trust model" for screenings and utilize common governmental and private resources to navigate international import/export policies. Major variabilities were identified in the sensitivity of screening, monitoring and evaluation practices, screening pipelines, and approaches to synthetic oligonucleotide screening. In addition, we identified a significant vulnerability of lacking awareness among providers of formal law enforcement reporting procedures. Conclusion: Collectively, we observed significant heterogeneity in security practice throughout the field, reflective of the current lack of codified oversight for DNA synthesis. The results presented in this study provide insight into the specifics, strengths, and shortcomings of current DNA provider security practices, and are important considerations for the biosecurity community in ongoing deliberations of if, when, and how to approach oversight of synthetic DNA technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a review of the book "Projective identification: a contemporary introduction" by Waska R. The book aims to introduce the concept of projective identification in the contemporary Kleinian tradition. The author uses clinical examples and rhyming mnemonics to describe the therapist's approach to understanding and interpreting projective identification. The book emphasizes the normal use of projective identification as a form of communication, but also acknowledges its potential for destructiveness. It explores the therapist's role in containing and interpreting projective identification, as well as the challenges and benefits of working with this dynamic unconscious phantasy. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction KCTD15 encodes an oligomeric BTB domain protein reported to inhibit neural crest formation through repression of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling, as well as transactivation by TFAP2. Heterozygous missense variants in the closely related paralogue KCTD1 cause scalp-ear-nipple syndrome. Methods Exome sequencing was performed on a two-generation family affected by a distinctive phenotype comprising a lipomatous frontonasal malformation, anosmia, cutis aplasia of the scalp and/or sparse hair, and congenital heart disease. Identification of a de novo missense substitution within KCTD15 led to targeted sequencing of DNA from a similarly affected sporadic patient, revealing a different missense mutation. Structural and biophysical analyses were performed to assess the effects of both amino acid substitutions on the KCTD15 protein. Results A heterozygous c.310G>C variant encoding p.(Asp104His) within the BTB domain of KCTD15 was identified in an affected father and daughter and segregated with the phenotype. In the sporadically affected patient, a de novo heterozygous c.263G>A variant encoding p.(Gly88Asp) was present in KCTD15. Both substitutions were found to perturb the pentameric assembly of the BTB domain. A crystal structure of the BTB domain variant p.(Gly88Asp) revealed a closed hexameric assembly, whereas biophysical analyses showed that the p.(Asp104His) substitution resulted in a monomeric BTB domain likely to be partially unfolded at physiological temperatures. Conclusion BTB domain substitutions in KCTD1 and KCTD15 cause clinically overlapping phenotypes involving craniofacial abnormalities and cutis aplasia. The structural analyses demonstrate that missense substitutions act through a dominant negative mechanism by disrupting the higher order structure of the KCTD15 protein complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent approaches to assessment and feedback in higher education stress the importance of students' involvement in these processes, where effective reception of feedback is as important as effective delivery. Many interventions have been developed to support students' active use of feedback; however, students' engagement will be influenced by their perceptions of the utility of such strategies. We presented students with descriptions of ten possible feedback engagement interventions, and asked them to discuss which would be more useful and why. Students clearly articulated the perceived benefits of each intervention, but also discussed issues that might preclude strong engagement. These issues illustrate that students believe they lack the skills required to engage with interventions, and also show how student emotion and cognition are likely to influence their engagement. We offer some recommendations as to how the framing of such interventions could promote stronger student engagement.

Restrictive measures imposed because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have resulted in severe social, economic and health effects. Some countries have considered the use of immunity certification as a strategy to relax these measures for people who have recovered from the infection by issuing these individuals a document, commonly called an immunity passport. This document certifies them as having protective immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization has advised against the implementation of immunity certification at present because of uncertainty about whether long-term immunity truly exists for those who have recovered from COVID-19 and concerns over the reliability of the proposed serological test method for determining immunity. Immunity certification can only be considered if scientific thresholds for assuring immunity are met, whether based on antibodies or other criteria. However, even if immunity certification became well supported by science, it has many ethical issues in terms of different restrictions on individual liberties and its implementation process. We examine the main considerations for the ethical acceptability of immunity certification to exempt individuals from restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as needing to meet robust scientific criteria, the ethical acceptability of immunity certification depends on its uses and policy objectives and the measures in place to reduce potential harms, and prevent disproportionate burdens on non-certified individuals and violation of individual liberties and rights. [phrase omitted] Les restrictions imposees dans le cadre de la lutte contre la pandemie de maladie a coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) ont eu de lourdes consequences economiques, sociales et sanitaires. Certains pays ont envisage la mise en place d'une strategie visant a alleger ces restrictions pour les individus gueris en leur octroyant un document communement appele <>. Ce document atteste qu'ils ont developpe une immunite protectrice contre le coronavirus 2 du syndrome respiratoire aigu severe (SARS-CoV-2), le virus a l'origine de la COVID-19. LOrganisation mondiale de la Sante a deconseille l'usage du certificat d'immunite pour l'instant, car l'incertitude demeure quant a l'existence reelle d'une immunite a long terme pour ceux qui se sont remis de la COVID-19. En outre, la fiabilite des tests serologiques censes determiner si l'individu est immunise n'est pas averee. Un tel certificat ne peut etre instaure que si les seuils scientifiques en matiere d'immunite sont respectes, qu'ils soient fondes sur les anticorps ou sur d'autres criteres. Neanmoins, meme si le certificat d'immunite est desormais bien accepte par la science, il s'accompagne de nombreuses questions d'ordre ethique en ce qui concerne la limitation des libertes individuelles et la mise en reuvre. Dans le present document, nous examinons les principales considerations a prendre en compte pour garantir l'acceptabilite ethique du certificat d'immunite visant a lever les mesures de restriction pour certaines personnes durant la pandemie de COVID-19. Cette acceptabilite ethique depend non seulement de son degre de conformite a des criteres scientifiques stricts, mais aussi de son usage, des objectifs politiques ainsi que des mesures mises en place pour attenuer les prejudices potentiels et eviter d'imposer une charge disproportionnee sur les individus depourvus de certificat, ou de bafouer les droits et libertes de tout un chacun. [phrase omitted] Las medidas restrictivas impuestas a causa de la pandemia de la enfermedad coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19) han tenido graves efectos sociales, economicos y sanitarios. Algunos paises han considerado la posibilidad de utilizar la certificacion de inmunidad como estrategia para flexibilizar dichas medidas para las personas que se han recuperado de la infeccion mediante la expedicion a dichas personas de un documento, comunmente denominado pasaporte de inmunidad. Este documento certifica que han desarrollado inmunidad protectora contra el coronavirus-2 del sindrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS-CoV-2), el virus que causa la COVID-19. La Organizacion Mundial de la Salud ha desaconsejado la aplicacion de la certificacion de la inmunidad en la actualidad debido a la incertidumbre sobre si existe realmente una inmunidad a largo plazo para quienes se han recuperado de la COVID-19 y a las preocupaciones sobre la fiabilidad del metodo de prueba serologica propuesto para determinar la inmunidad. La certificacion de la inmunidad solo puede considerarse si se cumplen los umbrales cientificos para asegurar la inmunidad, ya sea que se basen en anticuerpos o en otros criterios. Sin embargo, incluso si la certificacion de la inmunidad llegara a estar bien respaldada por la ciencia, tiene muchas cuestiones eticas en cuanto a las diferentes restricciones de las libertades individuales y su proceso de aplicacion. Examinamos las principales consideraciones sobre la aceptabilidad etica de la certificacion de la inmunidad para eximir a los individuos de las medidas restrictivas durante la pandemia de la COVID-19. Ademas de necesitar cumplir criterios cientificos solidos, la aceptabilidad etica de la certificacion de inmunidad depende de sus usos y objetivos de politica y de las medidas que se apliquen para reducir los posibles danos y evitar que se impongan cargas desproporcionadas a las personas que no cuenten con dicha certificacion y se violen las libertades y derechos individuales., Introduction Most countries have adopted restrictive public health measures to control the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). These measures include physical distancing, [...]

Objectives: In October 2020, rapid prenatal exome sequencing (pES) was introduced into routine National Health Service (NHS) care in England. This study aimed to explore parent experiences and their information and support needs from the perspective of parents offered pES and of health professionals involved in its delivery. Methods: In this qualitative study, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 42 women and 6 male partners and 63 fetal medicine and genetic health professionals. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Overall views about pES were positive and parents were grateful to be offered the test. Highlighted benefits of pES included the value of the additional information for pregnancy management and planning for future pregnancies. An anxious wait for results was common, often associated with the need to make decisions near to 24 weeks in pregnancy when there are legal restrictions for late termination. Descriptions of dealing with uncertainty were also common, even when results had been returned. Many parents described pES results as informing decision‐making around whether or not to terminate pregnancy. Some professionals were concerned that a non‐informative result could be overly reassuring and highlighted that careful counselling was needed to ensure parents have a good understanding of what the result means for their pregnancy. Emotional support from professionals was valued; however, some parents felt that post‐test support was lacking. Conclusion: Parents and professionals welcomed the introduction of pES. Results inform parents' decision‐making around the termination of pregnancy. When there are no diagnostic findings or uncertain findings from pES, personalised counselling that considers scans and other tests are crucial. Directing parents to reliable online sources of information and providing emotional support throughout could improve their experiences of care. Key points: What's already known about this topic? Prenatal exome sequencing increases the diagnosis of genetic conditions in pregnancies with a fetal structural anomaly.To date, prenatal exome sequencing has largely been offered in research settings and England is the first country to offer this test routinely within a national healthcare system.The clinical utility of prenatal exome sequencing has been demonstrated, but more information is needed to understand parents' experiences, information and support needs. What does this study add? Parents valued the offer of prenatal exome sequencing because of the possibility of receiving more information for current and future pregnancies.Prenatal exome sequencing results are being used to inform parents' decision making around the termination of pregnancy; however, additional information from ultrasound and other tests continues to be important for personalised genetic counselling.Emotional support, clear options for contact with professionals and appropriate signposting are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This book review discusses "Forensic Group Psychotherapy: The Portman Clinic Approach" by J. Woods and A. William. The book focuses on offering outpatient group psychotherapy to violent and sexual offenders at the Portman Clinic in London. It explores the principles underlying forensic work and the challenges faced by therapists in working with this patient group. The review also highlights the implications of therapist gender and the transference scenarios that arise in therapy groups. Overall, the book provides valuable insights into forensic group psychotherapy and its unique approach to treating violent and sexual offenders. [Extracted from the article]

The Quantitative Randomized Response Technique (RRT) can be used by researchers to obtain honest answers to questions that, due to their sensitive (socially undesirable, dangerous, or even illegal) nature, might otherwise invoke partially or completely falsified responses. Over the years, Quantitative RRT models, sometimes called Scrambling models, have been developed to incorporate such advancements as mixture, optionality and enhanced trust, each of which has important benefits. However, no single model incorporates all of these features. In this study, we propose just such a unified model, which we call the Mixture Optional Enhanced Trust (MOET) model. After developing methodologies to assess MOET based on standard approaches and using them to explore the key characteristics of the new model, we show that MOET has superior efficiency compared to the Quantitative Optional Enhanced Trust (OET) model. We also show that use of the model's mixture capability allows practitioners to optimally balance the model's efficiency with its privacy, making the model adaptable to a wide variety of research scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: School readiness is a measure of a child's cognitive, social, and emotional readiness to begin formal schooling. Children with low school readiness need additional support from schools for learning, developing required social and academic skills, and catching-up with their school-ready peers. This study aims to identify the most significant risk factors associated with low school readiness using linked routine data for children in Wales. Method: This was a longitudinal cohort study using linked data. The cohort comprises of children who completed the Foundation Phase assessment between 2012 and 2018. Individuals were identified by linking Welsh Demographic Service and Pre16 Education Attainment datasets. School readiness was assessed via the binary outcome of the Foundation Phase assessment (achieved/not achieved). This study used multivariable logistic regression model and a decision tree to identify and weight the most important risk factors associated with low school readiness. Results: In order of importance, logistic regression identified maternal learning difficulties (adjusted odds ratio 5.35(95% confidence interval 3.97–7.22)), childhood epilepsy (2.95(2.39–3.66)), very low birth weight (2.24(1.86–2.70), being a boy (2.11(2.04–2.19)), being on free school meals (1.85(1.78–1.93)), living in the most deprived areas (1.67(1.57–1.77)), maternal death (1.47(1.09–1.98)), and maternal diabetes (1.46(1.23–1.78)) as factors associated with low school readiness. Using a decision tree, eligibility for free school meals, being a boy, absence/low attendance at school, being born late in the academic year, being a low birthweight child, and not being breastfed were factors which were associated with low school readiness. Conclusion: This work suggests that public health interventions focusing on children who are: boys, living in deprived areas, have poor early years attendance, have parents with learning difficulties, have parents with an illness or have illnesses themselves, would make the most difference to school readiness in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]