Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceived Age Discrimination Across Age in Europe: From an Ageing Society to a Society for All Ages

Ageism is recognized as a significant obstacle to older people’s well-being, but age discrimination against younger people has attracted less attention. We investigate levels of perceived age discrimination across early to late adulthood, using data from the European Social Survey (ESS), collected in 29 countries (N = 56,272). We test for approximate measurement invariance across countries. We use local structural equation modeling as well as moderated nonlinear factor analysis to test for measurement invariance across age as a continuous variable. Using models that account for the moderate degree of noninvariance, we find that younger people report experiencing the highest levels of age discrimination. We also find that national context substantially affects levels of ageism experienced among older respondents. The evidence highlights that more research is needed to address ageism in youth and across the life span, not just old adulthood. It also highlights the need to consider factors that differently contribute to forms of ageism experienced by people at different life stages and ages.
Defending strong tobacco packaging and labelling regulations in Uruguay: transnational tobacco control network versus Philip Morris International

Objective Describe the process of enacting and defending strong tobacco packaging and labelling regulations in Uruguay amid Philip Morris International’s (PMI) legal threats and challenges. Methods Triangulated government legislation, news sources and interviews with policy-makers and health advocates in Uruguay. Results In 2008 and 2009, the Uruguayan government enacted at the time the world’s largest pictorial health warning labels (80% of front and back of package) and prohibited different packaging or presentations for cigarettes sold under a given brand. PMI threatened to sue Uruguay in international courts if these policies were implemented. The Vazquez administration maintained the regulations, but a week prior to President Vazquez’s successor, President Mujica, took office on 1 March 2010 PMI announced its intention to file an investment arbitration dispute against Uruguay in the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. Initially, the Mujica administration announced it would weaken the regulations to avoid litigation. In response, local public health groups in Uruguay enlisted former President Vazquez and international health groups and served as brokers to develop a collaboration with the Mujica administration to defend the regulations. This united front between the Uruguayan government and the transnational tobacco control network paid off when Uruguay defeated PMI’s investment dispute in July 2016. Conclusion To replicate Uruguay’s success, other countries need to recognise that strong political support, an actively engaged local civil society and financial and technical support are important factors in overcoming tobacco industry’s legal threats to defend strong public health regulations.
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The risks and benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes have not been well established. We pooled evidence from all available clinical trials to assess the cardiovascular effects of this drug. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Methods We queried electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov) from their inception to July 2017 for published and unpublished placebo controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitors. Only studies with a follow-up period of at least 24 weeks and reporting at least one cardiovascular outcome were included. Results from trials were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were pooled using a random-effects model. Results Thirty-five eligible studies (canagliflozin, nine; empagliflozin, eight; dapagliflozin, 18), consisting of 34,987 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Pooled results show that SGLT2 inhibitors, when compared to placebo, significantly reduce all-cause mortality (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70–0.89; P < 0.001), major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.76–0.92; P < 0.001), non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.98; P = 0.03) and heart failure/hospitalisation for heart failure (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.59–0.76; P < 0.001) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. No significant difference was noted in the occurrence of stroke (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85–1.21; P = 0.87), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.31–1.19; P = 0.15) or unstable angina (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73–1.25; P = 0.73). In addition, there was no heterogeneity between different drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class for all of the clinical outcomes studied (I2 = 0). Conclusions SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce the incidence of mortality, major adverse cardiac events, non-fatal myocardial infarction and heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subtypes of SGLT2 inhibitors appear to have similar cardiovascular effects.
Linking Auxin with Photosynthetic Rate via Leaf Venation1[OPEN]

Auxin influences maximum leaf photosynthetic rate through leaf venation and thus water transport capacity. Land plants lose vast quantities of water to the atmosphere during photosynthetic gas exchange. In angiosperms, a complex network of veins irrigates the leaf, and it is widely held that the density and placement of these veins determines maximum leaf hydraulic capacity and thus maximum photosynthetic rate. This theory is largely based on interspecific comparisons and has never been tested using vein mutants to examine the specific impact of leaf vein morphology on plant water relations. Here we characterize mutants at the Crispoid (Crd) locus in pea (Pisum sativum), which have altered auxin homeostasis and activity in developing leaves, as well as reduced leaf vein density and aberrant placement of free-ending veinlets. This altered vein phenotype in crd mutant plants results in a significant reduction in leaf hydraulic conductance and leaf gas exchange. We find Crispoid to be a member of the YUCCA family of auxin biosynthetic genes. Our results link auxin biosynthesis with maximum photosynthetic rate through leaf venation and substantiate the theory that an increase in the density of leaf veins coupled with their efficient placement can drive increases in leaf photosynthetic capacity.
Community group membership and multidimensional subjective well-being in older age

Background It has been highlighted as a public health priority to identify ways of supporting well-being in older age to allow people to lead healthy and integrated lifestyles. This study explored whether membership in eight different sorts of community groups was associated with enhanced experienced, evaluative and eudemonic well-being among older adults. Methods We analysed data from 2548 adults aged 55+ drawn from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging. We used multivariate logistic and linear regression models to compare change in well-being between baseline and follow-up 10 years later in relation to membership of different community groups while controlling for potential confounding variables. Results Membership in two types of community groups was associated with enhanced well-being: attending education, arts or music classes was longitudinally associated with lower negative affect (OR 0.73, CI 0.57 to 0.92) and life satisfaction (β 0.55, CI 0.02 to 1.08) while church or religious group membership was longitudinally associated with lower negative affect (OR 0.79, CI 0.65 to 0.98) and higher positive affect (OR 1.54, CI 1.25 to 1.90). There was no evidence of reverse causality through cross-lagged analyses. However, just 17.4% and 24.6% of older adults were found to engage in these two types of community groups, respectively, and several demographic factors were identified as barriers to participation. Conclusions Overall, this study suggests that education, arts or music classes and church or religious groups may support well-being in older age. Programmes to encourage engagement could be designed for older adults who may not normally access these community resources.
Friction law and hysteresis in granular materials

Significance The macroscopic friction of particulate materials often weakens as flow rate is increased. This property is responsible for important intermittent phenomena in geophysics, including earthquakes and landslides. However, it is not understood even in simple granular materials, where it is responsible for hysteresis of the angle of repose. Here we argue that, for aerial granular flows, velocity weakening is an emergent collective property induced by endogenous mechanical noise. Our theory rationalizes previously unexplained observations, and generates experimentally testable predictions. At a microscopic level, it predicts that several microscopic quantities do not have a hard-particle limit, and characterizes their scaling behavior near jamming, which we confirm numerically. The macroscopic friction of particulate materials often weakens as the flow rate is increased, leading to potentially disastrous intermittent phenomena including earthquakes and landslides. We theoretically and numerically study this phenomenon in simple granular materials. We show that velocity weakening, corresponding to a nonmonotonic behavior in the friction law, μ(I), is present even if the dynamic and static microscopic friction coefficients are identical, but disappears for softer particles. We argue that this instability is induced by endogenous acoustic noise, which tends to make contacts slide, leading to faster flow and increased noise. We show that soft spots, or excitable regions in the materials, correspond to rolling contacts that are about to slide, whose density is described by a nontrivial exponent θs. We build a microscopic theory for the nonmonotonicity of μ(I), which also predicts the scaling behavior of acoustic noise, the fraction of sliding contacts χ, and the sliding velocity, in terms of θs. Surprisingly, these quantities have no limit when particles become infinitely hard, as confirmed numerically. Our analysis rationalizes previously unexplained observations and makes experimentally testable predictions.
Influence of the cure parameters on the partial discharge behavior of cast resins

Experimental investigations concerning the influence of the cure parameters on the partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) of four heat-resistant cast resin systems are presented and discussed in this paper. The tests were performed on two epoxy resin systems in combination with silica flour and wollastonite, respectively, with different post-cure parameters. The PDIV was measured in a nonuniform electrical field in dependence on the temperature. The contribution reveals that a raise of the cure temperature can lead to a significant decline of the PDIV.
The birth of a deadly yeast: tracing the evolutionary emergence of virulence traits in Candida glabrata

The yeast Candida glabrata is an opportunistic human fungal pathogen whose incidence has increased in the last two decades. Despite its name, this yeast is only distantly related to the model fungal pathogen C. albicans, and more closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeasts that underwent an ancient whole-genome duplication. Understanding what specific traits make C. glabrata a successful opportunistic pathogen within a clade of mostly innocuous yeasts, and how these compare to virulence traits in distant pathogens such as C. albicans is a focus of intense research. From an evolutionary perspective, uncovering how the ability to infect humans has emerged multiple, independent times in different lineages may reveal new disease mechanisms and provide us with the capacity to predict which genomic features in a clade may confer a higher potential to develop virulence against humans.
Long‐term outcome of anorexia nervosa: Results from a large clinical longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE Assessment of the long-term outcome of anorexia nervosa (AN) in a very large sample of inpatients (N = 1,693) and identification of predictors for poor outcome. METHOD Over 25 years (mean 10 years), consecutively admitted inpatients of a specialized hospital were followed. A subsample of 112 patients with 20-year follow-up was defined. Bivariate comparisons and logistic regression analysis identified risk factors of poor outcome. RESULTS Body mass index (BMI) increased during the follow-up period. Eating behavior as well as general psychopathology improved but did not reach the level of healthy controls. Remission was found in 30% (total sample) and in 40% (20-year follow-up subsample). Crossover from AN to binge-eating disorder or obesity was rare. The predictors of a negative course of illness included lower BMI at admission; a higher score on the Eating Disorder Inventory Maturity Fears subscale at admission; fewer follow-up years; and higher age at admission. The main diagnostic crossover occurred from AN to eating disorder not otherwise specified. Motherhood was related to better outcome. DISCUSSION Many patients with very severe AN recover from their illness but AN also shows considerable long-term negative consequences. Over long time periods, survivors show improvement but better treatments for severe cases are still needed. Predictors of outcome included symptom severity, chronicity, and length of follow-up but not psychiatric comorbidity.
Silencing of COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis through the PI3k‐Akt signaling pathway

This study explores the effect of COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 gene silencing on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. The gastric cancer microarray expression data (GSE19826, GSE79973, and GSE65801) was analyzed. Gastric cancer tissues and corresponding adjacent normal tissues were extracted from patients. Positive expression rate of PI3K, Akt, and p‐Akt was measured with immunohistochemistry. Two cell lines, BGC‐823 and SGC‐7901, were transfected and cells were grouped into blank, negative control, COL1A2‐shRNA, COL6A3‐shRNA, and THBS2‐shRNA groups. Expressions of COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 in gastric cancer cells transfected with corresponding silencing sequences were evaluated by RT‐qPCR and Western blot. MTT assay, Transwell, and cell scratch tests were conducted to evaluate cell proliferation, invasion, and migration capacity, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The positive expression of PI3K, Akt, and p‐Akt was higher in gastric cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues, and the mRNA expression of COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 was increased in gastric cancer tissues. Akt, p‐Akt, and PI3K expression drastically decreased in cells transfected with COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 silencing sequences. Cells transfected with COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 silencing sequences exhibited promoted apoptosis but inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion. This study demonstrates that COL1A2, COL6A3, and THBS2 gene silencing inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis through the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway.
Scoping review of resources for integrating evidence-based supported employment into spinal cord injury rehabilitation

Abstract Purpose: Individual placement and support (IPS), an evidence-based supported employment (SE) program, has helped Veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI) receiving care in the Veterans Health Administration to obtain work. To facilitate integration of IPS into SCI rehabilitation, resources are needed. A scoping review was conducted to identify tools and resources suitable for providers of SCI care. Methods: Applying a modified version of Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a scoping review of literature on SE tools or resources was conducted. The original review focused on resources published between 2002 and 2015 and available in English. Prior to publication an updated review through 2017 was conducted. Results: From 1822 tools and resources identified in the initial review, 24 met criteria for inclusion and were evaluated by an advisory panel of experts, who selected 16 tools that addressed five topics: IPS in SCI (n = 2) orientation to SCI (n = 3); IPS SE (n = 7), job accommodations (n = 2), and benefits planning (n = 2). The updated review yielded no tools or resources that met inclusion criteria. Conclusion: Despite few resources to guide implementation of IPS in SCI, 16 essential resources were identified that, combined into a toolkit, may facilitate translation of IPS in SCI from research to clinical care. Implications for rehabilitation The toolkit consists of 16 essential resources and is currently available online to all persons involved in spinal cord injury rehabilitation to educate them about this effective means of assisting persons with spinal cord injury to find employment and to facilitate translation of individual placement and support in spinal cord injury from research to clinical care. While expert-informed, the toolkit is being field tested with both clinical and vocational providers to facilitate the adoption of individual placement and support by spinal cord injury rehabilitation programs. The revised version will be made available online.
Does Candida species overgrowth protect against Clostridium difficile infection?

TO THE EDITOR—We read with interest the article by Nerandzic et al [1] reporting the prevalence and acquisition of Candida species in stool of patients treated for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Although not specifically addressed in the article, the isolation of Candida spp from the stool of only 16% of pretreated patients is intriguing, given the high prevalence of Candida spp in the stool of normal healthy adults [2] and prior antibiotic exposure serving as a risk factor for both CDI and Candida spp overgrowth [3]. We recently performed a retrospective study of all hospitalized patients tested for CDI with concurrent (within 96 hours) stool cultures and seen in consultation by an adult infectious disease physician (F. A. M.) at Mercy, a 900-bed community hospital in St Louis, Missouri, from 1 September 2009 to 30 June 2012. Only the initial paired data during the study period were studied; patients on oral vancomycin at the time of either CDI testing or stool culture were excluded. CDI testing was performed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA; Premier Toxins A/B, Meridian Bioscience) from 1 September 2009 to 30 September 2010, and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR; Cepheid GeneXpert) from 1 October 2010 to 3 June 2012. Tryptic soy with 5% sheep blood and phenylethyl alcohol agar plates were used for isolation of targeted nonenteric pathogens including Candida spp. Growth covering ≥50% of an agar plate was considered “overgrowth. ” Yeast was identified as either Candida spp presumptive albicans or Candida non-albicans (BactiCard, Remel). Exemption for patient informed consent was granted by the hospital institutional review board. Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis with P < . 05 considered significant. Of 417 unique patients, 15 were excluded because of testing while on oral vancomycin. Of the remaining 402 patients, 360 (89.6%) were white; 215 (53.5%) were female. The age range was 19–94 years (mean, 62.5 years). CDI testing was performed by EIA and PCR in 150 (37.3%) and 252 (62.7%) cases, respectively. A total of 61 (15.2%) cases tested positive: EIA, 17 of 150 (11.1%) versus PCR, 44 of 252 (17.5%) cases (P = .11). Candida spp overgrowth was reported in 113 of 398 cases (28.3%); growth in 4 samples was not quantitated. Presumptive C. albicans grew in 87 (21.8%) and non-albicans Candida spp in 26 (6.5%) cases. Overgrowth of Candida spp was significantly less likely in CDI test-positive cases: 10 of 60 (16.7%) versus 103 of 338 (30.5%) cases (odds ratio, 2.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.5], P = .03). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a negative association between Candida spp overgrowth and CDI. A potential explanation for this finding includes prior antifungal therapy, a variable not examined in our study. Another explanation may be that C. difficile inhibits the growth of Candida spp; however, this is unlikely given decrease in yeast concentration in stool following CDI treatment reported by Nerandzic et al [1]. Alternatively,
Attributional style and depressive symptoms in a male prison sample

The reformulated learned helplessness model proposes that people who tend to make internal, stable, and global attributions in response to uncontrollable aversive events are more likely to develop depression. The present study sought to investigate the nature of the relationship between attributional style and depression in a male prison sample. One hundred and one adult male prisoners from four medium security prisons in Ireland completed the Attributional Style Questionnaire and measures of depression (BDI-II) and anxiety (BAI). Severity of self-reported depressive symptoms in the present sample was comparable to other prison and clinical samples, but higher than community samples. Participants were more severely affected by depressive symptoms than anxiety. The original attributional dimensions (i.e. internal, stable, and global) predicted a significant amount of variance in depression, but the model was not significant after controlling for anxiety. A subsequent regression model, comprising attributional dimensions for both negative events and positive events including a measure of ‘uncontrollability’, accounted for 35% of the variance in depression and the model retained significance while controlling for anxiety. An attributional model of depression may be relevant to the prison population and could provide a valid insight into the development and treatment of depressive symptoms in prisoners. The findings are interpreted in relation to previous research and implications for theory, clinical practice, and rehabilitation are discussed.
Aggressive adenomatoid odontogenic tumor of the mandible: A rare case report and review of the literature

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a relatively rare and distinct odontogenic tumor that is exclusively odontogenic epithelium in origin. Although considerable numbers of reports are available with regard to the clinical and histological spectrum of AOT, very few have highlighted its rare aggressive nature. This article focuses on an AOT causing jaw swelling in the mandibular anterior region with cortical plate expansion and perforation, root resorption and paresthesia. The present case had remarkably unusual clinical and radiographic features that distinguished it from most conventional AOTs and supported its neoplastic nature.
Seeking Equity in the Education of California's English Learners

The article provides an abridged version of a report prepared for the lawsuit, Williams v. State of California. The report first examines the achievement gap for English learners in California. Second, it reviews evidence in seven areas in which these students receive a substantially inequitable education vis-a-vis their English-speaking peers, even when those peers are similarly economically disadvantaged. Third, it documents the state's role in creating and perpetuating existing inequities. Finally, it describes a series of remedies that the state could pursue to reduce these inequities.