Polyvictimization and Psychiatric Sequelae Associated with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)

Female Genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with enduring psychiatric complications. In this study, we investigate the rates of co-morbid abuses and polyvictimization experienced by survivors of FGM/C. This is a sub-analysis of a cohort study examining the patient population at the EMPOWER Center for Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Violence in New York City. A retrospective chart-review of electronic medical records was conducted for all consenting adult patients who had FGM/C and had an intake visit between January 16, 2014 and March 6, 2020. Of the 80 participants, ages ranged from 20 to 62 years with a mean of 37.4 (SD?=?9.1) years. In addition to FGM/C, participants were victims of physical abuse (43; 53.8%), emotional abuse (35; 43.8%), sexual abuse (35; 43.8%), forced marriage (20; 25%), child marriage (13; 16.3%), and sex trafficking (1; 1.4%). There was a high degree of polyvictimization, with 41 (51.2%) experiencing 3 or more of the aforementioned abuses. Having FGM/C on or after age 13 or having a higher total abuse score was also found to be strong predictors of depression and PTSD. The high rates of polyvictimization among survivors of FGM/C are associated with development of depression and PTSD. Despite co-morbid abuses, patients still attribute substantial psychiatric symptoms to their FGM/C. Health care providers should understand the high risk of polyvictimization when caring for this patient population.

     

ATM-dependent DNA damage surveillance in T-cell development and leukemogenesis: the DSB connection

Summary:  The immune system is capable of recognizing and eliminating an enormous array of pathogens due to the extremely diverse antigen receptor repertoire of T and B lymphocytes. However, the development of lymphocytes bearing receptors with unique specificities requires the generation of programmed double strand breaks (DSBs) coupled with bursts of proliferation, rendering lymphocytes susceptible to mutations contributing to oncogenic transformation. Consequently, mechanisms responsible for monitoring global genomic integrity must be activated during lymphocyte development to limit the oncogenic potential of antigen receptor locus recombination. Mutations in ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated), a kinase that coordinates DSB monitoring and the response to DNA damage, result in impaired T-cell development and predispose to T-cell leukemia. Here, we review recent evidence providing insight into the mechanisms by which ATM promotes normal lymphocyte development and protects from neoplastic transformation.     

Effectiveness of an HIV prevention intervention in prison among African Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians.

Prisons and prison inmates present important targets for HIV/AIDS prevention interventions. Inmates often have histories of high-risk behavior that place them in danger of contracting HIV/AIDS, and rates of HIV/AIDS tend to be much higher in this population. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a prison-based HIV/AIDS intervention to change attitudes toward HIV prevention, norms supporting HIV prevention, perceived behavioral control (i.e., self-efficacy) for HIV prevention behaviors, and intentions to engage in HIV prevention behaviors postrelease. The intervention also had the goal of encouraging inmates to become HIV/AIDS peer educators. The intervention appeared most successful at influencing beliefs and behaviors related to peer education and somewhat successful at influencing beliefs and intentions related to condom use. Analyses also showed some significant differences in effectiveness by race/ethnicity. Results are discussed from the perspectives of both research and practice with regard to prison-based HIV prevention efforts.     

Balloon Catheter with Extra-amniotic Saline Instillation: a Method of Induction in Pregnancies at 41 or More Gestational Weeks

Summary: One hundred five women with a documented pregnancy of 41 weeks' gestation or more, admitted for induction of labour by balloon catheter with extra-amniotic saline instillation, were retrospectively compared to 196 women admitted in spontaneous labour at the same gestational age, with regard to mode of delivery. The success rate of the induction group was 97.1%. The mode of delivery did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. The Caesarean section rates were 11.4% in the induction group versus 9.7% in the spontaneous group. The mode of delivery after induction of labour by balloon catheter with extra-amniotic saline instillation and simultaneously commenced intravenous oxytocin infusion, in pregnancies of 41 weeks or more, is similar to that of spontaneous deliveries at the same gestational age.     

Sexually transmitted diseases in abused children and adolescents

The prevalence of abnormal physical signs (e.g., bleeding, scars, or bruises) and genital infections, notably Chlamydia Trachomatis, Neisseria Gonorrhea, and Herpes Simplex Genitalis was studied in 219 female children with validated sexual abuse. They were compared to 113 nonabused female children. The average abused child was 8.3 years old, with 69% having been abused on multiple occasions. Most offenders were family members (65%) or a close family friend (22%). Stranger-perpetrated sexual assault, in the sample, was low (9.1%). Few children had severe vaginal tears, though 56% showed signs of subtle anatomical injury to their genitalia. No similar anatomical abnormalities were present in nonabused children. Among the sexually abused children and adolescents, 35% were colonized with a pathogen or a potential pathogen, compared to a prevalence rate of 18.5% in non-abused children. The proportion of abused children colonized with Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Mycoplasma Hominis was not significantly different from that found in nonabused children. At present, Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia Trachomatis remain the only conclusive markers for sexual abuse. It is recommended that routine cultures of the pharyngeal, rectal, and vaginal areas be taken in all cases of suspected child sexual abuse, regardless of clinical findings.