This study tested whether the association between interparental conflict and adolescent externalizing symptoms was moderated by a polygenic composite indexing low dopamine activity (i.e., 7-repeat allele of DRD4; Val alleles of COMT; 10-repeat variants of DAT1) in a sample of seventh-grade adolescents (Mean age = 13.0 years) and their parents. Using a longitudinal, autoregressive design, observational assessments of interparental conflict at Wave 1 predicted increases in a multi-informant measurement of youth externalizing symptoms 2 years later at Wave 3 only for children who were high on the hypodopaminergic composite. Moderation was expressed in a “for better” or “for worse” form hypothesized by differential susceptibility theory. Thus, children high on the dopaminergic composite experienced more externalizing problems than their peers when faced with more destructive conflicts but also fewer externalizing problems when exposed to more constructive interparental conflicts. Mediated moderation findings indicated that adolescent reports of their emotional insecurity in the interparental relationship partially explained the greater genetic susceptibility experienced by these children. More specifically, the dopamine composite moderated the association between Wave 1 interparental conflict and emotional insecurity 1 year later at Wave 2 in the same “for better” or “for worse” pattern as externalizing symptoms. Adolescent insecurity at Wave 2, in turn, predicted their greater externalizing symptoms 1 year later at Wave 3. Post hoc analyses further revealed that the 7-repeat allele of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene was the primary source of plasticity in the polygenic composite. Results are discussed as to how they advance process-oriented Gene x Environment models of emotion regulation.

The history of a concept of a body schema is linked with the fact that the discovery that there is such a thing as a permanent, albeit vague perception that one has of one's own body, has been mainly in observations of its pathological manifestation in the clinic.

Mixing matrices quantify how people with similar or different characteristics make contact with each other, creating potential for disease transmission. Little empirical data on mixing patterns among persons who inject drugs (PWID) are available to inform models of blood-borne disease such as HIV and hepatitis C virus. Egocentric drug network data provided by PWID in Baltimore, Maryland between 2005 and 2007 were used to characterise drug equipment-sharing patterns according to age, race and gender. Black PWID and PWID who were single (i.e. no stable sexual partner) self-reported larger equipment-sharing networks than their white and non-single counterparts. We also found evidence of assortative mixing according to age, gender and race, though to a slightly lesser degree in the case of gender. Highly assortative mixing according to race and gender highlights the existence of demographically isolated clusters, for whom generalised treatment interventions may have limited benefits unless targeted directly. These findings provide novel insights into mixing patterns of PWID for which little empirical data are available. The age-specific assortativity we observed is also significant in light of its role as a key driver of transmission for other pathogens such as influenza and tuberculosis.

Introduction: Continued smoking by cancer patients causes adverse cancer treatment outcomes, but few patients receive evidence-based smoking cessation as a standard of care.

Aim: To evaluate practical strategies to promote wide-scale dissemination and implementation of evidence-based tobacco cessation services within state cancer centers.

Methods: A Collaborative Learning Model (CLM) for Quality Improvement was evaluated with three community oncology practices to identify barriers and facilitate practice change to deliver evidence-based smoking cessation treatments to cancer patients using standardized assessments and referrals to statewide smoking cessation resources. Patients were enrolled and tracked through an automated data system and received follow-up cessation support post-enrollment. Monthly quantitative reports and qualitative data gathered through interviews and collaborative learning sessions were used to evaluate meaningful quality improvement changes in each cancer center.

Results: Baseline practice evaluation for the CLM identified the lack of tobacco use documentation, awareness of cessation guidelines, and awareness of services for patients as common barriers. Implementation of a structured assessment and referral process demonstrated that of 1,632 newly registered cancer patients,1,581 (97%) were screened for tobacco use. Among those screened, 283 (18%) were found to be tobacco users. Of identified tobacco users, 207 (73%) were advised to quit. Referral of new patients who reported using tobacco to an evidence-based cessation program increased from 0% at baseline across all three cancer centers to 64% (range = 30%–89%) during the project period.

Conclusions: Implementation of quality improvement learning collaborative models can dramatically improve delivery of guideline-based tobacco cessation treatments to cancer patients.

Human movement contributes to the probability that pathogens will be introduced to new geographic locations. Here we investigate the impact of human movement on the spatial spread of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Southern Thailand during a recent re-emergence. We hypothesised that human movement, population density, the presence of habitat conducive to vectors, rainfall and temperature affect the transmission of CHIKV and the spatiotemporal pattern of cases seen during the emergence. We fit metapopulation transmission models to CHIKV incidence data. The dates at which incidence in each of 151 districts in Southern Thailand exceeded specified thresholds were the target of model fits. We confronted multiple alternative models to determine which factors were most influential in the spatial spread. We considered multiple measures of spatial distance between districts and adjacency networks and also looked for evidence of long-distance translocation (LDT) events. The best fit model included driving-distance between districts, human movement, rubber plantation area and three LDT events. This work has important implications for predicting the spatial spread and targeting resources for control in future CHIKV emergences. Our modelling framework could also be adapted to other disease systems where population mobility may drive the spatial advance of outbreaks.

The revised Dietary Guideline Index (DGI-2013) scores individuals’ diets according to their compliance with the Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG). This cross-sectional study assesses the diet quality of 794 community-dwelling men aged 74 years and older, living in Sydney, Australia participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project; it also examines sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with DGI-2013 scores; it studies associations between DGI-2103 scores and the following measures: homoeostasis model assessment – insulin resistance, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TAG, blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, BMI, number of co-morbidities and medications and frailty status while also accounting for the effect of ethnicity in these relationships. Median DGI-2013 score was 93·7 (54·4, 121·2); most individuals failed to meet recommendations for vegetables, dairy products and alternatives, added sugar, unsaturated fat and SFA, fluid and discretionary foods. Lower education, income, physical activity levels and smoking were associated with low scores. After adjustments for confounders, high DGI-2013 scores were associated with lower HDL-cholesterol, lower waist:hip ratios and lower probability of being frail. Proxies of good health (fewer co-morbidities and medications) were not associated with better compliance to the ADG. However, in participants with a Mediterranean background, low DGI-2013 scores were not generally associated with poorer health. Older men demonstrated poor diet quality as assessed by the DGI-2013, and the association between dietary guidelines and health measures and indices may be influenced by ethnic background.

Introduction: We characterised tobacco use, cessation patterns, and patient satisfaction with a cessation support program at an NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center following a mandatory tobacco assessment and automatic referral.

Methods: A 3-month follow-up survey (via web, paper, or telephone) was administered between March 2013 and November 2013 for all patients referred to and contacted by a cessation support service, and who consented to participation three months prior to administration. Patients were asked about their perceived importance and self-efficacy to quit smoking, quit attempts, and satisfaction with the cessation service.

Results: Fifty-two percent (257/499) of patients who participated in the cessation support service, and consented to be contacted again, completed a follow-up survey. Of those who participated, 9.7% were referred to the service as having recently quit tobacco (in the past 30 days) and 23.6% reported having quit at the time of first contact. At the 3-month follow-up, 48.1% reported being smoke-free for the previous seven days. When patients were asked about their experience with the cessation service, 86.4% reported being very or mostly satisfied with the service, and 64.3% reported that their experience with the service increased their satisfaction with the care received at the cancer centre.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that recently diagnosed cancer patients are aware that quitting tobacco is important, are making attempts to quit, and are amenable to an opt-out automatic referral cessation support service as part of their cancer care.

Introduction: Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) frequently present to the emergency department (ED); however, wide variation in diagnosis and management has been demonstrated in this setting. Sub-optimal mTBI management can contribute to post-concussion syndrome (PCS), affecting vocational outcomes like return to work. This study documented the work-related events, ED management, discharge advice, and outcomes for employed patients presenting to the ED with mTBI. Methods: Adult (>17 years) patients presenting to one of three urban EDs in Edmonton, Alberta with Glasgow coma scale score ≥13 within 72 hours of a concussive event were recruited by on-site research assistants. Follow-up calls ascertained outcomes, including symptoms and their severity, advice received in the ED, and adherence to discharge instructions, at 30 and 90 days after ED discharge. Dichotomous variables were analyzed using chi-square testing; continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate. Work-related injury and return to work outcomes were modelled using logistic or linear regression, as appropriate. Results: Overall, 250 patents were enrolled; 172 (69%) were employed at the time of their injury and completed at least one follow-up. The median age was 37 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 24, 49.5), both sexes were equally represented (48% male), and work-related concussions were uncommon (16%). Work-related concussion was related to manual labor jobs and self-reported history of attention deficit disorder. Patients often received advice to avoid sports (81%) and/or work (71%); however, the duration of recommended time off varied. Most employed patients (80%) missed at least one day of work (median=7 days; IQR: 3, 14); 91% of employees returned to work by 90 days, despite 41% reporting persistent symptoms. Increased days of missed work were linked to divorce, history of sleep disorder, and physician’s advice to avoid work. Conclusion: While work-related concussions are uncommon, most employees who sustain a mTBI at any time miss some work. Many patients experience mTBI symptoms past 90 days, which has serious implications for workers’ abilities to fulfill their work duties and risk of subsequent injury. Workers, employers, and the workers compensation system should take the necessary precautions to ensure that workers return to work safely and successfully following a concussion.

Introduction: When patients transition from long term care (LTC) to emergency departments (ED), communication among clinicians in different settings is often poor. We pilot tested a transfer form to facilitate communications of handover information among LTCs, emergency medical services (EMS), and EDs regarding LTC residents transitioning to and from the ED. We interpret implementation challenges in light of the “theoretical domains” implementation framework in order to produce lessons for future healthcare communication interventions. Methods: We provided setting specific training and a user guide to 13 participating sites, collected 90 forms to assess completion rates, and assessed perspectives on the form from 266 surveys of healthcare providers. Throughout the study, staff kept detailed notes on implementation of the form. We retrospectively categorized implementation challenges reported by survey respondents, and/or recorded in staff implementation notes, according to the theoretical domains framework. Results: The LTC patient transfer forms were used in 36.4% of transitions (90/247), and were completed most often by staff in the LTC (57/90, 63%). Survey results indicated that ED and EMS staff felt the information on the form was useful to them, although they rarely completed their sections of the form. Implementation challenges included low awareness/recognition of the form among healthcare providers, belief that the form distracted from patient care, lack of time for form completion, negative reinforcement for LTC staff (who saw little return for the time they invested in completing the form), and mistrust among clinicians who work in different settings. Conclusion: Future efforts to improve healthcare communications must be acceptable for all clinicians. Innovation should balance the workload required among sites/clinicians and the benefits that the intervention offers to sites/clinicians should be explicitly tracked and reported. For this intervention, more effort should be made to inform LTC sites that the transfer information they provide is useful for EMS and ED clinicians. Moreover, gaps in perspectives and lack of trust among clinicians who work in different settings must be recognized and addressed in any multi-site communication intervention.

Introduction: Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often present to the emergency department (ED). Incorrect diagnosis may delay appropriate treatment and recommendations for these patients, prolonging recovery. Notable proportions of missed mTBI diagnosis have been documented in children and athletes, while diagnosis of mTBI has not been examined in the general adult population. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in one academic (site 1) and two non-academic (sites 2 and 3) EDs in Edmonton, Canada. On-site research assistants enrolled adult (>17 years) patients presenting within 72 hours of the injury event with clinical signs of mTBI and Glasgow comma scale score ≥13. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and ED flow information were collected by chart review. Physician-administered questionnaires and patient interviews documented the recommendations given by emergency physicians at discharge. Bi-variable comparisons are reported using Pearson’s chi-square tests, Student’s t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, as appropriate. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression methods. Results: Overall, 130/250 enrolled patients were female, and the median age was 35. Proportions of successfully diagnosed mTBI varied significantly across study sites (Site 1: 89%; Site 2: 73%, Site 3: 53%; p>0.001). Patients without a diagnosis were less likely to receive a recommendation to follow-up with their family physician (OR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.21) or advice about return to work (OR=0.17; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.04) or physical activity (OR=0.08; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.17). Patients with missed diagnoses had longer ED stays (median=5.0 hours; IQR: 3.8, 7.0) compared with diagnosed mTBI patients (median=3.9 hours; IQR: 3.0, 5.3). In the adjusted model, patients presenting to non-academic centers had reduced likelihood of mTBI diagnosis (Site 2: OR=0.21; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.58; Site 3: OR=0.07; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.24). Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of physicians assessing patients presenting with symptoms of mTBIs to these three EDs is suboptimal. The rates of missed diagnosis vary among EDs and were associated with length of ED stay. Closer examination of institutional factors, including diagnosis processes and personnel factors such as physician training, is needed to identify effective strategies to heighten the awareness of mTBI presentations.

The co-existence of stroke and HIV has increased in recent years, but the impact of HIV on post-stroke outcomes is poorly understood. We examined the impact of HIV on inpatient mortality, length of acute hospital stay and complications (pneumonia, respiratory failure, sepsis and convulsions), in hospitalized strokes in Thailand. All hospitalized strokes between 1 October 2004 and 31 January 2013 were included. Data were obtained from a National Insurance Database. Characteristics and outcomes for non-HIV and HIV patients were compared and multivariate logistic and linear regression models were constructed to assess the above outcomes. Of 610 688 patients (mean age 63·4 years, 45·4% female), 0·14% (866) had HIV infection. HIV patients were younger, a higher proportion were male and had higher prevalence of anaemia (P < 0·001) compared to non-HIV patients. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, hypertension and diabetes, were more common in the non-HIV group (P < 0·001). After adjusting for age, sex, stroke type and co-morbidities, HIV infection was significantly associated with higher odds of sepsis [odds ratio (OR) 1·75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·29–2·4], and inpatient mortality (OR 2·15, 95% CI 1·8–2·56) compared to patients without HIV infection. The latter did not attenuate after controlling for complications (OR 2·20, 95% CI 1·83–2·64). HIV infection is associated with increased odds of sepsis and inpatient mortality after acute stroke.

The methodological and epistemological challenges that research on ethnopolitical violence faces are examined. This research area is fundamentally important for political reasons and for understanding, as well as subsequent interventions to ameliorate, youths’ responses to ethnopolitical violence. Advances in methods are reviewed that can overcome the obstacles placed by the various challenges. These issues are discussed in the context of the articles that comprise this Special Section.

Articles in this timely Special Section represent an important milestone in the developmental science on children and youth involved in political violence and armed conflict. With millions of children worldwide affected by past and present wars and conflicts, there is an urgent and growing need for research to inform efforts to understand, prevent, and mitigate the possible harm of such violence to individual children, families, communities, and societies, for present as well as future generations. The four programs of research highlighted in this Special Section illustrate key advances and challenges in contemporary development research on young people growing up in the midst or aftermath of political violence. These studies are longitudinal, methodologically sophisticated, and grounded in socioecological systems models that align well with current models of risk and resilience in developmental psychopathology. These studies collectively mark a critically important shift to process-focused research that holds great promise for translational applications. Nonetheless, given the scope of the international crisis of children and youth affected by political violence and its sequelae, there is an urgent global need for greater mobilization of resources to support translational science and effective evidence-based action.

An increasing number of researchers and policymakers have been moved to study and intervene in the lives of children affected by violent conflicts (Masten, 2014). According to a United Nations Children's Fund (2009) report, over 1 billion children under the age of 18 are growing up in regions where acts of political violence and armed conflict are, as Ladds and Cairns (1996, p. 15) put it, “a common occurrence—a fact of life.” In recent years, the United Nations Children's Fund, advocacy and human rights groups, journalists, and researchers have drawn public attention to the high rates of child casualties in these regions, and to the plights of those children still caught in the crossfire. It has thus become clear that both the challenges and the stakes are higher than ever to promote the safety and well-being of affected children around the world (Masten & Narayan, 2012; Tol, Jordans, Kohrt, Betancourt, & Komproe, 2012).

Over 1 billion children worldwide are exposed to political violence and armed conflict. The current conclusions are qualified by limited longitudinal research testing sophisticated process-oriented explanatory models for child adjustment outcomes. In this study, consistent with a developmental psychopathology perspective emphasizing the value of process-oriented longitudinal study of child adjustment in developmental and social–ecological contexts, we tested emotional insecurity about the community as a dynamic, within-person mediating process for relations between sectarian community violence and child adjustment. Specifically, this study explored children's emotional insecurity at a person-oriented level of analysis assessed over 5 consecutive years, with child gender examined as a moderator of indirect effects between sectarian community violence and child adjustment. In the context of a five-wave longitudinal research design, participants included 928 mother–child dyads in Belfast (453 boys, 475 girls) drawn from socially deprived, ethnically homogenous areas that had experienced political violence. Youth ranged in age from 10 to 20 years and were 13.24 (SD = 1.83) years old on average at the initial time point. Greater insecurity about the community measured over multiple time points mediated relations between sectarian community violence and youth's total adjustment problems. The pathway from sectarian community violence to emotional insecurity about the community was moderated by child gender, with relations to emotional insecurity about the community stronger for girls than for boys. The results suggest that ameliorating children's insecurity about community in contexts of political violence is an important goal toward improving adolescents' well-being and adjustment. These results are discussed in terms of their translational research implications, consistent with a developmental psychopathology model for the interface between basic and intervention research.

Improving children's learning and development in conflict-affected countries is critically important for breaking the intergenerational transmission of violence and poverty. Yet there is currently a stunning lack of rigorous evidence as to whether and how programs to improve learning and development in conflict-affected countries actually work to bolster children's academic learning and socioemotional development. This study tests a theory of change derived from the fields of developmental psychopathology and social ecology about how a school-based universal socioemotional learning program, the International Rescue Committee's Learning to Read in a Healing Classroom (LRHC), impacts children's learning and development. The study was implemented in three conflict-affected provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and employed a cluster-randomized waitlist control design to estimate impact. Using multilevel structural equation modeling techniques, we found support for the central pathways in the LRHC theory of change. Specifically, we found that LRHC differentially impacted dimensions of the quality of the school and classroom environment at the end of the first year of the intervention, and that in turn these dimensions of quality were differentially associated with child academic and socioemotional outcomes. Future implications and directions are discussed.