Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF BACTERIAL MUTATION RATE ON COEVOLUTIONARY DYNAMICS BETWEEN BACTERIA AND PHAGES

Mutator bacteria are frequently found in natural populations of bacteria and although coevolution with parasitic viruses (phages) is thought to be one reason for their persistence, it remains unclear how the presence of mutators affects coevolutionary dynamics. We hypothesized that phages must themselves adapt more rapidly or go extinct, in the face of rapidly evolving mutator bacteria. We compared the coevolutionary dynamics of wild‐type Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 with a lytic phage to the dynamics of an isogenic mutator of P. fluorescens SBW25 together with the same phage. At the beginning of the experiment both wild‐type bacteria and mutator bacteria coevolved with phages. However, mutators rapidly evolved higher levels of sympatric resistance to phages. The phages were unable to “keep‐up” with the mutator bacteria, and these rates of coevolution declined to less than the rates of coevolution between the phages and wild‐type bacteria. By the end of the experiment, the sympatric resistance of the mutator bacteria was not significantly different to the sympatric resistance of the wild‐type bacteria. This suggests that the importance of mutators in the coevolutionary interactions with a particular phage population is likely to be short‐lived. More generally, the results demonstrate that coevolving enemies may escape from Red‐Queen dynamics.
Race differences in the association of spiritual experiences and life satisfaction in older age

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to examine an African American ‘faith advantage’ in life satisfaction. Specifically, we sought to test the hypothesis that the positive relationship between spiritual experiences and life satisfaction is stronger among older African Americans than among older Whites. Method: The data came from 6864 community-dwelling persons aged 65+ (66% African American) who participated in the Chicago Health and Aging Project. Life satisfaction was measured using a five-item composite and we used a five-item version of the Daily Spiritual Experiences scale. Results: In a regression model adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, income and worship attendance, we found that African American race was associated with lower life satisfaction. We also found a positive association between spiritual experiences and life satisfaction. In an additional model, a significant race by spiritual experiences interaction term indicates that spiritual experiences are more positively associated with life satisfaction among African Americans. Conclusion: The data suggest that at higher levels of spiritual experiences, racial differences in life satisfaction are virtually non-existent. However, at lower levels of spiritual experiences, older African Americans show modestly lower levels of life satisfaction than do older Whites. This pattern suggests that spiritual experiences are a positive resource – distinct from worship attendance – that enable older African Americans to overcome decrements in life satisfaction and, in fact, that lower spiritual experiences may be especially harmful for older African American's life satisfaction.
The influence of prior rape on the psychological and physical health functioning of older adults

Objectives: Older adults who have experienced traumatic events earlier in life may be especially vulnerable to additional challenges associated with aging. In a cross-sectional study of older females, the present study examines whether a history of rape is associated with current psychological and health problems. Method: This study used existing data from the female respondents (N = 1228) in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a national probability sample of adults between the ages of 57 and 85 interviewed in their homes. It was determined whether or not the participant experienced forced sexual contact since the age of 18. Measures of psychological health (e.g., scales of depression, anxiety, and loneliness), the presence or absence of a number of serious health problems, and a one-item measure of self-esteem were obtained. Results: Adult rape occurred in 7% of the sample. On average, 36 years had elapsed since the rape had occurred. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), rape was associated with lower self-esteem, psychological, and physical health functioning. Self-esteem partially mediated the association between rape and psychological functioning, but not health functioning. These associations were significant even after controlling for participant characteristics and risky health behaviors. Conclusions: Mechanisms linking prior rape to psychological and health problems in older age are discussed, as well as treatment recommendations for symptomatic older adults.
TESTING FOR DIFFERENCES IN RATES OF SPECIATION, EXTINCTION, AND MORPHOLOGICAL EVOLUTION IN FOUR TRIBES OF CICHLIDS ENDEMIC TO LAKE TANGANYIKA, EAST AFRICA

Patterns of morphological disparity yield important insight into the causes of diversification and adaptive radiation in East African cichlids. However, comparisons of cichlid disparity have often failed to consider the effects that differing clade ages or stochasticity may have on disparity before making interpretations. Here, a model of branching morphological evolution allows assessment of the relative contributions of differing turnover and morphological change rates, clade ages, and stochastic variation to the observed patterns of disparity in four endemic tribes of Lake Tanganyika cichlids. Simulations compare the likelihood of generating the observed disparity of the four tribes using 200‐parameter combinations and four model conditioning variations, which allows inference of evolutionary rate differences among clades. The model is generally robust to model conditioning, the approach to data analysis, and model assumptions. Disparity differences among the first three cichlid tribes, Ectodini, Lamprologini, and Tropheini, can be explained entirely by stochasticity and age, whereas the fourth tribe, Cyprichromini, has likely experienced lower rates of turnover and morphological change. This rate difference is likely related to the low dietary diversity of the Cyprichromini. These results highlight the importance of considering both clade age and stochastic variation when interpreting morphological diversity and evolutionary processes.
Why is dementia different? Medical students' views about deceiving people with dementia

Objectives: Care of patients with dementia raises challenging ethical issues, including the use of deception in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the extent to which medical students agree that ethical arguments for and against deceiving patients in general apply to patients with dementia. Method: Qualitative study using six focus groups (n = 21) and 10 interviews (n = 10) with undergraduate students in years 1, 3 and 5 at a UK medical school. Analysis using initial coding followed by comparison of data with a pre-existing framework concerning deception in clinical practice. Results: Arguments for and against deceiving patients with dementia overlapped with those previously described in relation to clinical practice in general. However, the majority of participants highlighted issues unique to dementia care that warranted additional consideration. Three key dementia-specific considerations identified were capacity (understanding, retaining and emotional processing), perceived vulnerability and family dynamics. Students expressed uncertainty as to their ability to make judgements about honest communication with patients with dementia and their families. Conclusion: Dementia adds additional complexity to clinical judgements about the acceptability of deception in practice. Medical students have a number of unmet learning needs with regard to communicating with patients with dementia and their families. Existing ethical frameworks may provide a helpful starting point for education about dementia care.
A Phase 2a dose‐escalation study of the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and haemodynamic effects of BMS‐986231 in hospitalized patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

This study was designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and haemodynamic effects of BMS‐986231, a novel second‐generation nitroxyl donor with potential inotropic, lusitropic and vasodilatory effects in patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).
MULTILOCUS COALESCENCE ANALYSES SUPPORT A mtDNA‐BASED PHYLOGEOGRAPHIC HISTORY FOR A WIDESPREAD PALEARCTIC PASSERINE BIRD, SITTA EUROPAEA

Our understanding of species phylogeography in much of the Palearctic is incomplete. In addition, many existing studies based solely on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can provide a biased view of phylogeographic history because of the effects of lineage sorting, natural selection, or hybridization. We analyzed 13 introns to assess a mtDNA study of the Eurasian nuthatch (Sitta europaea) that suggested a seemingly contemporaneous origin of distinct taxa in the Caucasus, Europe, and Asia. Neutrality tests showed no evidence of selection on either the mtDNA or nuclear sequences. Most nuclear gene trees, except for Z‐linked ones, did not recover the three lineages, which we attribute to recent splitting. Analyses of the 13 introns combined revealed the same three groups as did the mtDNA and suggested that nuthatches experienced a trichotomous (or two indistinguishable) split(s) 1–2 million years ago (Mya) and have remained isolated with trifling if not zero gene flow since then, and the Asian group increased in population size. This result demonstrates the usefulness of mtDNA in discovering phylogeographic patterns. The use of multiple nuclear loci facilitated detection of an introgressed individual and improved estimates of process parameters such as divergence time and population expansion. We recommend that phylogeographic studies should be based on both mtDNA and nuclear genes.
Mouse macrophage development in the absence of the common γ chain: defining receptor complexes responsible for IL‐4 and IL‐13 signaling

The common γ chain (γc) forms a critical component of the receptors for interleukins (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐7, IL‐9, and IL‐15. We analyzed γc‐deficient mice to define a role for γc signaling in the development and function of the macrophage lineage. No major differences in absolute cell numbers, cell surface phenotype, or in vitro function of γ−c compared to γ+c macrophages were observed. We therefore conclude that signaling through the γc chain is not essential for the differentiation of mouse macrophages. Although B and T cells require γc for IL‐4 responses, IL‐4 up‐regulated major histocompatibility class II molecules and inhibited nitric oxide production from γ−c macrophages following stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and interferon‐γ. γ−c macrophages could also respond to IL‐13, consistent with the model of a type II IL‐4 receptor α/IL‐13R which can function in the absence of γc. Both IL‐4 and IL‐13 responses could be completely inhibited with the mouse IL‐4 antagonist QY, suggesting that all of the observed IL‐13 responses pass through the type II receptor, making it the primary signaling receptor complex for IL‐13 in mouse macrophages.
Viral infection and Toll‐like receptor agonists induce a differential expression of type I and λ interferons in human plasmacytoid and monocyte‐derived dendritic cells

In humans, the type I interferon (IFN) family consists of 13 IFN‐α subtypes, IFN‐β and IFN‐o the newly discovered IFN‐like family consists of IFN‐λ1, ‐λ2 and ‐λ3. We have investigated the expression of type I and λ IFN genes following virus infections or Toll‐like receptor (TLR) triggering in monocyte‐derived DC (MDDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC). We found thatall IFN‐α, ‐β, ‐o and ‐λ subtypes are expressed in influenza‐virus‐infected MDDC or pDC. Conversely, differential type I IFN gene transcription was induced in MDDC and pDC stimulated by specific TLR agonists. TLR‐9 stimulation by CpG DNA induced the expression of all IFN‐α, ‐β, ‐o and ‐λ subtypes in pDC, whereas TLR‐4 stimulation by LPS, or TLR‐3 stimulation bypoly I:C, induced only IFN‐β and IFN‐λ gene expression in MDDC. The expression pattern of IFN regulatory factor (IRF)‐5 and IRF‐7 in MDDC and pDC was also determined. IRF‐5 was constitutively expressed in the two DC subsets whereas IRF‐7 was constitutive in pDC but its expression was induced along MDDC maturation. Overall, our data indicate that the coordinated expression of IFN‐λ with IFN‐β would be of crucial importance for the maturation of DC.
Evaluation of a Housing Support Program for People Who Are at Risk of Homelessness: Perspective of People Who Refer Clients

Abstract Strategies assisting people to maintain their tenancies are at the forefront of current government policy to prevent homelessness. Based on an intensive case management model, the Housing Support Program (HSP) aimed to prevent homelessness by providing ongoing assessment, advocacy, assistance and coordination of services for clients who are deemed at risk of losing their secure accommodation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the HSP from the perspective of the people who referred clients to the program. Twenty nine referral agents were surveyed. A focus group was also conducted. A large majority of participants (n=25, 86%) ‘strongly agreed’ or ‘agreed’ that the housing outcomes improved for referred clients after HSP intervention. Over three quarters of participants (n=23, 80%) believed that there are too few agencies actively working to support those at risk of loss of tenancy. The focus group discussion reaffirmed the role HSP plays providing continuity of care and ‘plugging the gap’ in services for disadvantaged clients.
Computer-aided Diagnosis for Internal Hemorrhoids by Measuring the Congestive Extent in Endoscopic Images

This paper presents a system of computer-aided diagnosis for internal hemorrhoids based on the congestive extent using endoscopic images. This system could be effective for young or even general practitioners as a second opinion. In the proposed method, a pre-processing is conducted to the images for enhancing saturation and contrast of congestive regions and blood vessels. Next, considering characteristics of internal hemorrhoids, the proposed method measures degree of the congestion in the images, and extracts the congestive region and abnormalities on the congestive extent. Experimental results of the discrimination using the proposed abnormalities between normal and abnormal cases for 204 images including 108 abnormal cases have shown that the abnormalities are well effective to diagnose the congestion in the hemorrhoids.
Racial and sex differences in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease susceptibility, diagnosis, and treatment

Purpose of review Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although COPD has historically been considered a disease of white male smokers, it now clearly impacts both sexes and all races, with mortality rising fastest in women and African–Americans. Given the scarcity of data about non-African–American minorities, this review will focus on the disparities in COPD susceptibility, diagnosis, and treatment between men and women and between African–Americans and whites. Recent findings Although the changing epidemiology of COPD in part reflects the changing epidemiology of cigarette smoking, there are data suggesting that women and African–Americans may be particularly susceptible to tobacco smoke and that the diagnosis, treatment, and natural history of the disease are influenced by race and sex. Summary The possibility that sex or race or both, may influence COPD susceptibility and progression is of critical importance, and may mean that the potential future impact of the disease has been underestimated. Unfortunately, our understanding of these differences and the efficacy of standard COPD treatments in women and minorities remains limited by the low enrolment in clinical trials.
Factors related to adherence to treatment for systemic hypertension

Objetivou-se buscar as evidencias disponiveis na literatura sobre os fatores relacionados a adesao ao tratamento da hipertensao arterial sistemica. Adotou-se metodo da revisao integrativa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, com as palavras chave: hypertension, compliance, non compliance, adherence, non adherence, patient compliance, no periodo entre 2004-2008, artigos nos idiomas portugues, ingles e espanhol, com o uso de instrumento validado e a analise de conteudo. Selecionou-se 28 estudos, 64,3% com nivel de evidencia VI. Identificaram-se como fatores relacionados a adesao ao tratamento: custos do tratamento, atividades educacionais, genero, relacao medico-paciente, aspectos fisiologicos, comportamentais, terapeutica medicamentosa, frequencia as consultas e estilo de vida. Sugere-se o uso de estrategias combinadas, para aumentar a adesao ao tratamento dos individuos. Lacunas apontam para a valorizacao das relacoes dialogicas para praticas em saude integradas e mais eficazes.
Analysis of the components of a cognitive-behavioral intervention administered via conference call for preventing depression among non-professional caregivers: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objectives: The primary aim was to assess the feasibility/acceptability of a preventive cognitive-behavioral intervention implemented via conference call for caregivers. The secondary aim was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the efficacy of the behavioral activation component alone compared to the complete cognitive-behavioral intervention. Method: Sixty-one caregivers (mean age 58.4 years) were randomly assigned to a cognitive-behavioral intervention via conference call (CBC, n = 20), a behavioral activation intervention via conference call (BAC, n = 22) or a control group receiving usual care (CG, n = 19). Both interventions consisted of five 90-minute group sessions implemented weekly. Results: Only 6.6% of caregivers discontinued the study. In the CBC and BAC groups, attendance and satisfaction with the intervention were similarly high among both groups. Homework adherence was also high in both groups. At post-treatment, there was a lower incidence of depression in the CBC and BAC groups compared to the CG (0.0% for BAC and CBC vs. 10.5% for CG). The relative risk was 0.0, and number needed to treat was 10 in both groups. Depressive symptoms were significantly reduced in the CBC and BAC groups compared to the CG (d = 2.18 and d = 2.06). Conclusion: The results support the feasibility of the intervention. Moreover, the BAC intervention was non-inferior to the CBC intervention for reducing depressive symptoms.
The emotional impact of national music on young and older adults differing in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms

ABSTRACT In spite of previous evidence regarding the function of national songs as a contextual stimulus, their effect on the emotional state of older adults living with different levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms has not be been examined. Following the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, we examined the emotional effects of listening to happy national songs (songs of Independence Day) and sad national songs (Memorial Day songs) on young (N = 144, mean age = 29.4) and older adults (N = 132, mean age = 68.5). Respondents were exposed to happy or sad national songs, and completed measures of exposure to missile attacks, related PTSD symptoms, and positive and negative emotions. Sad national songs were related to higher negative affect among young adults who were lower on PTSD symptoms, but not among their older counterparts. In contrast, sad national songs were related to higher negative affect among older adults who were higher on PTSD symptoms, but not among their young counterparts. These findings support the strength and vulnerability model, as they demonstrate that relative to young adults, older adults are generally more capable to withstand negative stimuli, yet are more sensitive to negative stimuli when they suffer from chronic vulnerability, as in the case of higher level of PTSD symptoms.
Writing interventions in older adults and former children of the World War II: impact on quality of life and depression

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the current study was to analyze whether biographical writing interventions have an impact on depression and QoL compared to daily diary writing. We also wanted to investigate differential effects between structured and unstructured interventions. Method: In two Northern regions of Germany, 119 older adults aged 64–90 were randomly assigned to three different types of narrative writing interventions: written structured and unstructured biographical disclosure as well as daily diary writing. Depression (PHQ-9), QoL (SF-12, EUROHIS) and trauma-related symptoms (PCL-C) were obtained pre- and post-interventions as well as at three-month follow-up. Results: Follow-up measures were obtained from 85 participants (29% loss to follow-up; mean age = 73.88; 68.2% female). Results of repeated measurement analysis demonstrated a significant effect on depression with the daily diary writing group showing lower depressive symptoms than structured biographical writing. We did not find a significant impact on QoL. Post-hoc analyses showed that posttraumatic symptoms lead to increases in depressive symptoms. Conclusion: In a non-clinical sample of community-dwelling older adults, biographical writing interventions were not favorable to daily diary writing concerning the outcomes of the study. This might be related to the association of traumtic reminiscences of former children of World War II and outcome measures.
Young Schema Questionnaire – Short Form Version 3 (YSQ-S3): Preliminary validation in older adults

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of the current study was to establish the reliability and validity of one of the most used schema questionnaires, Young Schema Questionnaire Short Form Version 3 (YSQ-S3) in older adults. Method: 104 participants aged 60–84 years were recruited. They were administered a battery of questionnaires, including the YSQ-S3, Young-Atkinson Mode Inventory (YAMI), Germans (Personality) Screener, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS). The YSQ-S3 was completed a second time by 83 participants a median of 12 days later. Results: Satisfactory internal consistency reliability was found for 13 of the 18 early maladaptive schemas (EMS) of the YSQ-S3. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory for 17 of 18 EMS. Convergent validity was evident from significant correlations between the EMS of the YSQ-S3 and the vulnerable child and angry child schema modes from the YAMI. Congruent validity was evident from correlations of the majority of the EMS with the GDS, the GAI, German's (Personality) Screener and the BPNS measure. Conclusions: By and large the YSQ-S3 demonstrates internal and test re-test reliability in as well as congruent and convergent validity, in older adults. This suggests the YSQ-S3 may be of use in work establishing the utility of schema therapy in this population, and that schema therapy with older people warrants further exploration. Notwithstanding this some re-development of some EMS items appears to be required for the YSQ-S3 to be more relevant to older people.