Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A global comprehensive review of economic interventions to prevent intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviours

ABSTRACT Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV are co-occurring global epidemics, with similar root causes of gender and economic inequalities. Economic interventions have become a central approach to preventing IPV and HIV.Objective/Methods: We undertook a comprehensive scoping review of published evaluations of economic interventions that sought to prevent IPV and/or HIV risk behaviours.Results: Forty-five separate analyses of interventions met our criteria. Broadly, unconditional cash transfer interventions showed either flat or positive outcomes; economic strengthening interventions had mixed outcomes, with some negative, flat and positive results reported; interventions combining economic strengthening and gender transformative interventions tended to have positive outcomes.Conclusions: The review highlighted a number of gaps. Specifically, there were limited studies evaluating the impact of economic interventions on female sex workers, young women, and men. In addition, there were missed opportunities, with many evaluations only reporting either IPV- or HIV-related outcomes, rather than both, despite overlaps.
Hepatocyte DUSP14 maintains metabolic homeostasis and suppresses inflammation in the liver

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent and complex disease that confers a high risk of severe liver disorders. Despite such public and clinical health importance, very few effective therapies are currently available for NAFLD. We report a protective function and the underlying mechanism of dual‐specificity phosphatase 14 (DUSP14) in NAFLD and related metabolic disorders. Insulin resistance, hepatic lipid accumulation, and concomitant inflammatory responses, key pathological processes involved in NAFLD development, were significantly ameliorated by hepatocyte‐specific DUSP14 overexpression (DUSP14‐HTG) in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced or genetically obese mouse models. By contrast, specific DUSP14 deficiency in hepatocytes (DUSP14‐HKO) aggravated these pathological alterations. We provided mechanistic evidence that DUSP14 directly binds to and dephosphorylates transforming growth factor β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1), resulting in the reduced activation of TAK1 and its downstream signaling molecules c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1 (JNK), p38, and nuclear factor kappa B NF‐κB. This effect was further evidenced by the finding that inhibiting TAK1 activity effectively attenuated the deterioration of glucolipid metabolic phenotype in DUSP14‐HKO mice challenged by HFD administration. Furthermore, we identified that both the binding domain and the phosphatase activity of DUSP14 are required for its protective role against hepatic steatosis, because interruption of the DUSP14‐TAK1 interaction abolished the mitigative effects of DUSP14. Conclusion: Hepatocyte DUSP14 is required for maintaining hepatic metabolic homeostasis and for suppressing inflammation, a novel function that relies on constraining TAK1 hyperactivation. (Hepatology 2018;67:1320‐1338).
Solutions for Non‐Darcian Flow to an Extended Well in Fractured Rock

We have investigated non‐Darcian flow to a vertical fracture represented as an extended well using a linearization procedure and a finite difference method in this study. Approximate analytical solutions have been obtained with and without the consideration of fracture storage based on the linearization procedure. A numerical solution for such a non‐Darcian flow case has also been obtained with a finite difference method. We have compared the numerical solution with the approximate analytical solutions obtained by the linearization method and the Boltzmann transform. The results indicate that the linearized solution agrees generally well with the numerical solution at late times, and underestimates the dimensionless drawdown at early times, no matter if the fracture storage is considered or not. When the fracture storage is excluded, the Boltzmann transform solution overestimates the dimensionless drawdown during the entire pumping period. The dimensionless drawdowns in the fracture with fracture storage for different values of dimensionless non‐Darcian hydraulic conductivity β approach the same asymptotic value at early times. A larger β value results in a smaller dimensionless drawdown in both the fracture and the aquifer when the fracture storage is included. The dimensionless drawdown is approximately proportional to the square root of the dimensionless time at late times.
Synthesis and characterization of Se-adenosyl-L-selenohomocysteine selenoxide

Selenium is an essential micronutrient in humans due to the important roles of the selenocysteine-containing selenoproteins. Organoselenium metabolites are generally found to be substrates for the biochemical pathways of their sulfur analogs, and the redox chemistry of selenomethionine and some other metabolites have been previously reported. We now report the first synthesis and characterization of Se-adenosylselenohomocysteine selenoxide (SeAHO) prepared via hydrogen peroxide oxidation of Se-adenosylselenohomocysteine. The selenoxide SeAHO, in contrast to its corresponding sulfoxide S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAHO), can form hydrate, has an electrostatic interaction between the α-amino acid moiety and the highly polar selenoxide functional group, and readily oxidizes glutathione (GSH) and cysteine thiols. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Feasibility and impact of implementing motivational enhancement therapy–cognitive behavioral therapy as a substance use treatment intervention in school-based settings

The expansion of behavioral health services to school-based health centers under the Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148) presents an opportunity to improve access to substance use disorders treatment for youth and reduce their substance use, and emotional, health, and school problems. We explore the feasibility of implementing five to seven sessions of motivational enhancement therapy–cognitive behavioral therapy (MET/CBT) in school settings relative to a matched cohort in community settings. Results indicate that MET/CBT in school settings is feasible, effective, and cost-effective. Moreover, it reaches youth earlier after the onset of substance use and has the possibility to reduce existing health disparities for girls and ethnic minorities.
Perioperative von Willebrand factor dynamics are associated with liver regeneration and predict outcome after liver resection

von Willebrand Factor (vWF) was found to mediate platelet influx during the early phase of liver regeneration in mice. Furthermore, increased vWF‐antigen (vWF‐Ag) levels were shown to be predictive for outcome of patients with chronic liver disease. Accordingly, we aimed to assess the relevance of perioperative vWF‐Ag dynamics in terms of liver regeneration and clinical outcome in patients undergoing liver resection (LR). Accordingly, we observed that vWF‐Ag and its activity—estimated by ristocetin cofactor measurement—increased immediately after induction of liver regeneration and was associated with platelet accumulation within the liver. However, a significant vWF‐Ag burst was only observed in patients with unaffected postoperative liver regeneration. E‐selectin, as an established marker for endothelial cell activation, was found to correlate with vWF‐Ag in the liver vein after induction of liver regeneration (R = 0.535, P = 0.022). Preoperative vWF‐Ag levels significantly predicted postoperative liver dysfunction (LD; N = 95; area under the curve, 0.725; P = 0.009). Furthermore, a cutoff of vWF‐Ag ≥182% was defined to identify patients with a higher risk for postoperative LD or morbidity. This was confirmed within an independent mulitcenter validation cohort (N = 133). Ultimately, multivariable analysis revealed that vWF‐Ag was an independent predictor of postoperative LD and morbidity. Conclusion: Within this study, we were able to provide evidence that an initial vWF burst is required to allow for adequate platelet accumulation and concomitant liver regeneration post‐LR and might be abolished as a consequence of intrahepatic endothelial cell dysfunction. We were further able to reveal and validate the potential of preoperative vWF‐antigen levels to predict poor postoperative outcome in patients undergoing LR. Despite the pathophysiological relevance of our findings, vWF‐Ag seems to be a valuable tool for preoperative risk assessment in patients undergoing LR. (Hepatology 2018;67:1516‐1530)
Current advances in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

ABSTRACT Introduction: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of permanent central visual acuity loss in persons over 65 years of age in industrialized nations. Today, intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment worldwide. Areas covered: The following review covers the current treatments and challenges of wet AMD management. It also covers emerging therapies including radiation, latest generation anti-VEGF agents, and combination therapies. Expert opinion: Current neovascular AMD therapy is aimed at decreasing the VEGF effect at the choroidal neovascularization (CNV) complex. The most important existing challenges in the treatment of neovascular AMD are improving visual outcomes, decreasing the treatment burden, and minimizing geographic atrophy. Clinicians are using many treatment strategies to minimize intravitreal injections without sacrificing visual outcomes. Combination of anti-VEGF therapy with other previously available treatments that target a different pathophysiological mechanism may be a reasonable clinical strategy to minimize intravitreal injections. Many exciting novel drugs that target newly discovered pathways associated with CNV development and progression hold clinical promise. The results of ongoing randomized clinical trials will answer the important concerns surrounding new drugs and delivery devices: safety and visual outcomes.
The Useful Field of View Test, Normative Data in Children of School Age

Purpose. The incidence of early brain injury in children is rising, mainly because of changing reproductive demographics and better perinatal care. Early brain injury may be associated with altered visual perception and visuospatial attention. The useful field of view test (UFOV) has been developed to assess visual attention and processing speed in the elderly. The UFOV may have utility in the evaluation of children with early brain injury. The aim of this study was to collect age-specific normative data for the UFOV test. Methods. Subjects were recruited from visitors at Glasgow Science Centre. One hundred thirty-five healthy children and young adults were tested (range: 5–22 years). After a comprehensive visual screening to establish normal visual function, all three subtests of the UFOV (1: Processing Speed; 2: Divided Attention; 3: Selective Attention) were performed. Results. All the children were able to understand and complete all subtests. UFOV scores improved monotonically with age, for all subtests, throughout the primary school years, with subtest 3 showing the greatest improvement. By age 14, UFOV scores had reached adult levels. Discussion. UFOV performance shows measurable improvement during middle to late childhood, as has been previously found for abilities such as visual acuity. This is a simple test, which was easily understood and performed by all children in the study. Thus, we believe that our results are suggestive of continuing development in visual attention and processing during this period. Conclusions. The UFOV is an objective, standardized computer-based test of visual attention. This study indicates suitability for use with children. It remains to be determined how successful this test proves to be in discriminating between normal children and those with early brain injury.
Fingerprinting TCE in a Bedrock Aquifer Using Compound‐Specific Isotope Analysis

A dual isotope approach based on compound‐specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of carbon (C) and chlorine (Cl) was used to identify sources of persistent trichloroethylene (TCE) that caused the shut‐down in 1994 of a municipal well in an extensive fractured dolostone aquifer beneath Guelph, Ontario. Several nearby industrial properties have known subsurface TCE contamination; however, only one has created a comprehensive monitoring network in the bedrock. The impacted municipal well and many monitoring wells were sampled for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), inorganic parameters, and CSIA. A wide range in isotope values was observed at the study site. The TCE varies between −35.6‰ and −21.8‰ and from 1.6‰ to 3.2‰ for δ13C and δ37Cl, respectively. In case of cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene, the isotope values range between −36.3‰ and −18.9‰ and from 2.4‰ to 4.7‰ for δ13C and δ37Cl, respectively. The dual isotope approach represented by a plot of δ13C vs. δ37Cl shows the municipal well samples grouped in a domain clearly separate from all other samples from the property with the comprehensive well network. The CSIA results collected under non‐pumping and short‐term pumping conditions thus indicate that this particular property, which has been studied intensively for several years, is not a substantial contributor of the TCE presently in the municipal well under non‐pumping conditions. This case study demonstrates that CSIA signatures would have been useful much earlier in the quest to examine sources of the TCE in the municipal well if bedrock monitoring wells had been located at several depths beneath each of the potential TCE‐contributing properties. Moreover, the CSIA results show that microbial reductive dechlorination of TCE occurs in some parts of the bedrock aquifer. At this site, the use of CSIA for C and Cl in combination with analyses of VOC and redox parameters proved to be important due to the complexity introduced by biodegradation in the complex fractured rock aquifer. It is highly recommended to revisit the study when the municipal well is back into full operation.
Microneedle-mediated delivery of viral vectored vaccines

ABSTRACT Introduction: Microneedle array platforms are a promising technology for vaccine delivery, due to their ease of administration with no sharp waste generated, small size, possibility of targeted delivery to the specified skin depth and efficacious delivery of different vaccine formulations, including viral vectors. Areas covered: Attributes and challenges of the most promising viral vector candidates that have advanced to the clinic and that have been leveraged for skin delivery by microneedles; The importance of understanding the immunobiology of antigen-presenting cells in the skin, in particular dendritic cells, in order to generate further improved skin vaccination strategies; recent studies where viral vectors expressing various antigens have been coupled with microneedle technology to examine their potential for improved vaccination. Expert opinion: Simple, economic and efficacious vaccine delivery methods are needed to improve health outcomes and manage possible outbreaks of new emerging viruses. Understanding what innate/inflammatory signals are required to induce both immediate and long-term responses remains a major hurdle in the development of the effective vaccines. One approach to meet these needs is microneedle-mediated viral vector vaccination. In order for this technology to fulfil this potential the industry must invest significantly to further develop its design, production, biosafety, delivery and large-scale manufacturing.
The Influence of Clay Zones on Land Subsidence from Groundwater Pumping

The objective of this article is to analyze the influence of clay zones on subsidence from groundwater pumping. Finite element analyses were conducted on a sand‐only aquifer and a sand aquifer with two clay zones located at different distances from the well face. A model that accounts for recoverable and nonrecoverable strains was used to simulate the sand and clay. This model couples the groundwater flow with the stress‐deformation response of the aquifer materials. Each aquifer was pumped from a single well for a period of 6 months, and then the groundwater level was lowered gradually to an elevation below the elevation of the clay zones and kept there for 10 years. The groundwater level was then raised gradually back to the original elevation over a period of 10 years. The results of the analyses show that the ground surface subsidence profile is strongly influenced by the presence of the clays zones. The ground surface sags where these clay zones are present resulting in a wavy ground surface profile. Subsidence continued when pumping is stopped, albeit at a much slower rate than during pumping, and when the groundwater level is below the elevation of the clay zones. Clay zones further away from the well face lag the subsidence of clay zones nearer the well face because of lower changes in hydrostatic head. Sags in ground surface subsidence profile from groundwater pumping are indicators of the presence of low hydraulic conductive geological materials.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α/interleukin‐1β signaling enhances hepatoma epithelial–mesenchymal transition through macrophages in a hypoxic‐inflammatory microenvironment

The development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are dependent on its local microenvironment. Hypoxia and inflammation are two critical factors that shape the HCC microenvironment; however, the interplay between the two factors and the involvement of cancer cells under such conditions remain poorly understood. We found that tumor‐associated macrophages, the primary proinflammatory cells within tumors, secreted more interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) under moderate hypoxic conditions due to increased stability of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). Under persistent and severe hypoxia, we found that the necrotic debris of HCC cells induced potent IL‐1β release by tumor‐associated macrophages with an M2 phenotype. We further confirmed that the necrotic debris–induced IL‐1β secretion was mediated through Toll‐like receptor 4/TIR domain–containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β/nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells signaling in a similar, but not identical, fashion to lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation. Using mass spectrometry, we identified a group of proteins with O‐linked glycosylation to be responsible for the necrotic debris–induced IL‐1β secretion. Following the increase of IL‐1β in the local microenvironment, the synthesis of HIF‐1α was up‐regulated by IL‐1β in HCC cells through cyclooxygenase‐2. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition of HCC cells was enhanced by overexpression of HIF‐1α. We further showed that IL‐1β promoted HCC metastasis in mouse models and was predictive of poor prognosis in HCC patients. Conclusion: Our findings revealed an HIF‐1α/IL‐1β signaling loop between cancer cells and tumor‐associated macrophages in a hypoxic microenvironment, resulting in cancer cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition and metastasis; more importantly, our results suggest a potential role of an anti‐inflammatory strategy in HCC treatment. (Hepatology 2018;67:1872‐1889)
Compliance with Contact Lens Replacement in Canada and the United States

Purpose. To assess eye care practitioners (ECPs) recommendations for replacement frequency (RF) of silicone hydrogel (SH) and daily disposable (DD) lenses in Canada and the U.S. and to compare noncompliance (NC) with manufacturer recommended RF by the ECP and patient, and the reasons given for NC. Methods. Invitations to participate were sent by e-mail to ECPs in Canada and the U.S. Twenty patient surveys were sent to 420 ECPs, and 2232 eligible surveys were received from 216 ECPs (26% Canada, 74% U.S.). Questions related to patient demographics, lens type, wearing patterns, ECP instructions for RF, and actual patient RF. ECPs provided lens information and their recommendation for RF after the surveys were completed and sealed in envelopes. Responses were anonymous. Results. DD accounted for 18% (Canada) vs. 16% (U.S.) of wearers (p > 0.05); 35% (Canada) vs. 45% (U.S.) wore 2-week replacement SH (2WR; p = 0.011); and 47% (Canada) vs. 39% (U.S.) wore 1-month replacement SH (1MR) lenses (p = 0.025). Thirty-four percent (Canada) vs. 18% (U.S.) of ECPs recommended longer RFs than the manufacturer recommended RF for 2WR lens wearers (p < 0.001); 6% (Canada) vs. 4% (U.S.) for DD wearers; and 2% (Canada) vs. 1% (U.S.) for 1MR lens wearers. NC rates for actual RFs reported by patients were not different between countries (p > 0.05) and were lowest for DD (13% Canada, 12% U.S.), followed by 1MR (33% Canada, 28% U.S.). The highest NC rates were with 2WR (50% Canada, 52% U.S.). The most frequent reason for NC with 2WR and 1MR was “forgetting which day to replace lenses” (54% Canada, 53% U.S.) and in DD wearers “to save money” (56% Canada, 29% U.S., p < 0.001). Conclusions. 1MR lenses are more frequently prescribed in Canada. ECPs in Canada were NC with 2WR lenses more frequently than U.S. ECPs, but patient NC rates were the same in both countries for all lens types. ECP and patient NC rates were highest for 2WR lens wearers.
CD36 deficiency attenuates immune‐mediated hepatitis in mice by modulating the proapoptotic effects of CXC chemokine ligand 10

The scavenger receptor CD36 recognizes a diverse set of ligands and has been implicated in a wide variety of normal and pathological processes, including lipid metabolism, angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, and phagocytosis. In particular, recent findings have demonstrated its crucial functions in sterile inflammation and tumor metastasis. However, the role of CD36 in immune‐mediated hepatitis remains unclear. Concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced liver injury is a well‐established experimental T cell–mediated hepatitis. To understand the role of CD36 in hepatitis, we tested the susceptibility of CD36‐deficient (CD36−/−) mice to this model, evaluated by a liver enzyme test, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay, histological analysis, mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltration, and hepatic proinflammatory factor production. CD36−/− mice were less sensitive to ConA‐induced hepatitis and had a significantly lower number of liver MNCs (LMNCs), including CD4+ cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, infiltrating macrophages, and neutrophils, as well as reduced expression of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor α, CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL) 10, interleukin (IL)‐1α, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and IL‐6) compared with controls. Notably, we used bone marrow chimeric mice to demonstrate that CD36 expression on nonhematopoietic cells was required to drive ConA‐induced liver injury. Furthermore, our data show that the CD36 receptor was essential for CXCL10‐induced hepatocyte apoptosis and activation of IκB kinase, Akt, and Jun N‐terminal kinase. Moreover, treatment of wild‐type mice with genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks CD36‐Lyn signaling, attenuated ConA‐induced liver injury and reduced the number of MNCs. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CD36 plays an important proinflammatory role in ConA‐induced liver injury by promoting hepatic inflammation and mediating the proapoptotic effect of chemokine CXCL10, and therefore, may be a potential therapeutic target for immune‐mediated hepatitis. (Hepatology 2018;67:1943‐1955).