The Racial Equality Directive – from law to practice. IES Policy Brief Issue 2013/07/September 2013

The transposition of the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) has immensely enhanced legal protection against discrimination on the grounds of racial and ethnic origin throughout the EU. More than 10 years after its adoption, the main challenge identified in many Member States is the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in practice, in particular with regard to access to justice. Ultimately it is up to the domestic courts to ensure effective implementation of anti-discrimination law. Polls regularly show that the discrepancy between the levels of discrimination experienced and discrimination reported by victims must be seriously addressed. Awareness is low not only among the public but also among the members of the legal professions, leading to under-reporting of discrimination cases. In addition, data that reflect the ethnic or racial composition of the population are scarce which makes it difficult to prove discrimination before the competent authorities. Moreover, certain procedural difficulties that affect access to justice and effective enforcement also stem from the short limitation periods foreseen in legislation, lengthy procedures, evidence, high costs and failures in the provision of legal aid, ineffective sanctions, as well as barriers in the form of language and issues relating to legal standing or legitimate interest. The law remains complex and remedies often inadequate

A case study of the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund and its intersection with Black college student access to higher education in Texas from the post-Civil War era to the present

The case study of the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund is an historical examination of a sixty-two year-old private foundation originally created to help White Texas students pursue post-secondary education in the State of Texas. At the present time, the Fund is a thriving, $23 million student loan trust for all qualified young Texans. For this study, a qualitative research method was applied for an in-depth examination of the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund and how it became accessible for Black students in Texas. Research also focused on the impact changes in Texas higher educational policy had on the outcome of the Franklin Lindsay probate court cases from 1954-1957, and the Fund’s reformation stages beginning in 1957. The results indicated three key findings: (1) The Tax Reform Act of 1969 (TRA69) ended the exclusion of Black students from the Franklin Lindsay Student Aid Fund, (2) Black students were still banned from the program for twenty-two years after the Brown V. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) decision and seven years after the TRA69, and, (3) Current committee members lacked knowledge about the history of the Fund.Educational Administratio

The Role of PTEN in Tumor Angiogenesis

During the past 20 years, the phosphatase and tensin homolog PTEN has been shown to be involved in major physiological processes, and its mutation or loss is often associated with tumor formation. In addition PTEN regulates angiogenesis not only through its antagonizing effect on the PI3 kinase pathway mainly, but also through some phosphatase-independent functions. In this paper we delineate the role of this powerful tumor suppressor in tumor angiogenesis and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, it appears that, in a number of cancers, the PTEN status determines the response to chemotherapy, highlighting the need to monitor PTEN expression and to develop PTEN-targeted therapies

EFFECTS OF EFL STUDENTS’ USE OF METACOGNITIVE STRATEGIES IN EXTENSIVE READING TASKS ON THEIR READING PERFORMANCE AND ATTITUDES

Reading plays important role in teaching and learning a second language as in reading, information is acquired and processed before learners can reach the final goal of English learning – communication. Extensive reading is a helpful way to develop students’ reading habits. A quasi-experimental study with one group pretest-posttest design was conducted in the Vietnamese educational context to investigate the effects of students’ use of metacognitive strategies on intermediate learners’ reading performance and attitudes. The results indicated positive changes in learners’ performance and attitudes, especially in higher-order thinking ability. Thirty-two participants from the convenient sampling method attended a 10-week reading course with metacognitive strategies embedded in extensive reading tasks. The scores from tests showed an improvement in reading comprehension ability and higher-order thinking application. The data from the questionnaire and semi-structured interview contributes to the positive attitudes toward students towards reading activities. This study has discovered the significant effects on the awareness of learners and afterwards cognition thinking. Learners have achieved a higher level of cognitive reading, critical reading and positive attitudes towards reading activity.  Article visualizations

Early renal failure after domino hepatic transplantation using the liver from a compound heterozygous patient with primary hyperoxaluria

Background. To cover the shortage of cadaveric organs, new approaches to expand the donor pool are needed. Here we report on a case of domino liver transplantation (DLT) using an organ harvested from a compound heterozygous patient with primary hyperoxaluria (PHO), who underwent combined liver and kidney transplantation. The DLT recipient developed early renal failure with oxaluria. The time to the progression to oxalosis with renal failure in such situations is unknown, but, based on animal data, we hypothesize that calcineurin inhibitors may play a detrimental role. Methods. A cadaveric liver and kidney transplantation was performed in a 52-year-old male with PHO. His liver was used for a 64-year-old patient with a non-resectable, but limited cholangiocarcinoma. Results. While the course of the PHO donor was uneventful, in the DLT recipient early post-operative, dialysis-dependent renal failure with hyperoxaluria developed. Histology of a kidney biopsy revealed massive calcium oxalate crystal deposition as the leading aetiological cause. Conclusions. DLT using PHO organs for marginal recipients represents a possible therapeutic approach regarding graft function of the liver. However, it may negatively alter the renal outcome of the recipient in an unpredictable manner, especially with concomitant use of cyclosporin. Therefore, we suggest that, although DLT should be promoted, PHO organs are better excluded from such procedure

Magnesium matters: unveiling hidden risks in kidney transplant patients through total and ionized magnesium profiling.

BACKGROUND In kidney transplant (KT) patients, magnesium (Mg2+) deficiency is widespread. It is often encountered early after KT, may persist longer, and is frequently promoted by calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) and tubular leakage. Studies demonstrated an association between post-KT hypomagnesemia and allograft dysfunction. The concentration of the active form, the ionized Mg2+ (iMg2+), is not measured clinically, and total Mg2+ (tMg2+) and iMg2+ correlations are conflicting. We assess the cross-sectional prevalence of hypomagnesemia in KT patients. The correlation of demographic and anthropometric parameters was also studied. METHODS A prospective, single-center analysis of KT patients was conducted at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland (March 2023-August 2023). Blood samples were collected at least twice for the majority of patients. tMg2+ has been quantified from a plasma sample at the Clinical Chemistry Department of the University Hospital of Bern. The PRIME® ES analyzer (Nova Biomedical, USA) provided results for iMg2+. The following co-variables were considered: age, comorbidities, kidney disease, KT history, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and treatment (including Mg2+ supplementation and immunosuppression). RESULTS A total of 208 measurements in 104 patients were performed [once in 9/104 patients (8.7%), twice in 86/104 (82.7%), and three times in 9/104 (8.7%)]. Compared to that in healthy volunteers (51 measurements in 51 participants), mean iMg2+ was significantly lower in KT patients {KT: 0.46 mmol/L [interquartile range (IQR): 0.40-0.50], volunteers: 0.57 mmol/L (IQR 0.54-0.61), p < 0.01}. Overall, iMg2+ and tMg2+ showed strong category agreement (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.01). In linear regression, low iMg2+ correlated with CNI exposure. For 110/208 measurements (52.9%), a reduced iMg2+ (cutoff: 0.42 mmol/L) was shown. In 58/208 (27.9%), both values were reduced, and 52/208 (25%) had isolated reduced iMg2+. In principal component analysis, patients with isolated low iMg2+ clustered with patients with low iMg2+ and tMg2+. CONCLUSION iMg2+ and tMg2+ were strongly correlated. A substantial proportion of patients show isolated low iMg2+. Currently, it is unclear if these patients suffer from Mg2+ deficiency

EphB1 recruits c-Src and p52Shc to activate MAPK/ERK and promote chemotaxis

Eph receptors and their ligands (ephrins) play an important role in axonal guidance, topographic mapping, and angiogenesis. The signaling pathways mediating these activities are starting to emerge and are highly cell- and receptor-type specific. Here we demonstrate that activated EphB1 recruits the adaptor proteins Grb2 and p52Shc and promotes p52Shc and c-Src tyrosine phosphorylation as well as MAPK/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) activation. EphB1-mediated increase of cell migration was abrogated by the MEK inhibitor PD98059 and Src inhibitor PP2. In contrast, cell adhesion, which we previously showed to be c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) dependent, was unaffected by ERK1/2 and Src inhibition. Expression of dominant-negative c-Src significantly reduced EphB1-dependent ERK1/2 activation and chemotaxis. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrate that tyrosines 600 and 778 of EphB1 are required for its interaction with c-Src and p52Shc. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p52Shc by c-Src is essential for its recruitment to EphB1 signaling complexes through its phosphotyrosine binding domain. Together these findings highlight a new aspect of EphB1 signaling, whereby the concerted action of c-Src and p52Shc activates MAPK/ERK and regulates events involved in cell motility

Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior to Purchase Vegan Cosmetics in Vietnam

The research aims to examine the factors that significantly influenced consumer behavior to purchase vegan cosmetics in Vietnam, including Reference Group, Consumer Perception, Salesperson Attitude, Product Quality, Price, Place, Promotion, and Brand. Data was collected through self-administered close-ended questionnaire from a sample of 480 consumers in Vietnam. For analysis purpose, SPSS 22 were used to confirm the validity concerns and determine the proposed relationship among selected variables. The output reveals that product quality is the strongest influencers of consumer behaviour to purchase vegan cosmetics, followed by Reference Group, Salesman Attitude, Place, Price, Promotion, Brand and Consumer Perception. This study provides a ‘snapshot’ to the government and cosmetics businesses about the determinants of consumer behaviour to purchase vegan cosmetics in Vietnam. Keywords: factors, consumer behaviour, vegan cosmetics DOI: 10.7176/JESD/14-6-03 Publication date:March 31st 202

Screening of cognitive performance in kidney transplant recipients: a mini review

Why should we screen?The prevalence of cognitive impairment in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is up to 58%. The 10-year graft loss and mortality rates are above 30% and 50%, respectively, and executive malfunctioning increases disadvantageous outcomes.What causes cognitive impairment in KTRs?Strong risk factors are older age and chronic kidney disease. However, causes are multifactorial and include cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, neurodegenerative, inflammatory, uremic, psychiatric, and lifestyle-related susceptibilities.How should we screen?KTR-specific validated instruments or strategies do not exist. The central element should be a multidomain cognitive screening test that is sensitive to mild cognitive impairment, corrects for age and education, and includes executive functions testing. Cognitive trajectories, effects on everyday life and psychiatric comorbidities should be assessed by integrating the perspectives of both patients and knowledgeable informants.When should we screen?Screening should not be postponed if there is suspicion of impaired cognition. Different time points after transplantation tend to have their own characteristics.Who should conduct the screening?Screening should not be limited to specialists. It can be carried out by any healthcare professional who has received a limited amount of training.What are the benefits of screening?Screening does not provide a diagnosis. However, suggestive results change care in multiple ways. Goals are: Initiation of professional dementia work-up, securing of adherence, anticipation of potential complications (delirium, falls, frailty, functional impairment, malnutrition, etc.), mitigation of behavioral disorders, adjustment of diagnostic and therapeutic “load”, reduction of caregiver burden and meeting of changing needs. We summarize data on the prevalence, risk factors and sequelae of cognitive impairment in KTRs. We also discuss the requirements for appropriate screening strategies and provide guiding principles regarding appropriate and safe care

Developing an Instrument to Evaluate Undergraduate Healthcare Students' Professionalism.

Professionalism is a multidimensional quality acquired over time. Undergraduate years lay a foundation for the development of professionalism. Tools monitoring the students' professional development are needed. Our tool development followed three phases: 1) identifying meaningful criteria for professionalism adapted to the education level, 2) developing an evaluation instrument in a process maximising construct validity, 3) testing the evaluation instrument in an interprofessional study. The evaluation instrument proved to be applicable in the field and it meets validity standards. Some differences between professions were found and discussed. Professionality starts to develop during the education, and early monitoring is important to support students' optimal development. The evaluation instrument supports both self- and expert evaluation of healthcare students' professional development