Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
"Too much boredom isn't a good thing": Adapting behavioral activation for substance use in a resource-limited South African HIV care setting.

South Africa has the largest HIV/AIDS burden globally. In South Africa, substance use is prevalent and interferes with HIV treatment adherence and viral suppression, and yet it is not routinely treated in HIV care. More research is needed to adapt scalable, evidence-based therapies for substance use for integration into HIV care in South Africa. Behavioral activation (BA), originally developed as an efficacious therapy for depression, has been feasibly used to treat depression in low- and middle-income countries and substance use in high-income settings. Yet, to date, there is limited research on using BA for substance use in low- and middle-income countries. Guided by the ADAPT-ITT framework, this study sought to adapt BA therapy for substance use in HIV care in South Africa. We conducted semistructured individual interviews among patients (n = 19) with moderate/severe substance use and detectable viral load, and HIV care providers and substance use treatment therapists (n = 11) across roles and disciplines at 2 clinic sites in a peri-urban area of Cape Town. We assessed patient and provider/therapist views on the appropriateness of the BA therapy model and sought feedback on isiXhosa-translated BA therapy components. Participants identified the central role of boredom in contributing to substance use and saw the BA therapy model as highly appropriate. Participants identified church and religious practices, sports, and yard/housework as relevant substance-free activities. These findings will inform adaptations to BA therapy for substance use and HIV medication adherence in this setting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Depression and incident HIV in adolescent girls and young women in HPTN 068: Targets for prevention and mediating factors.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa is a critical public health problem. We assessed whether depressive symptoms in AGYW were longitudinally associated with incident HIV, and identified potential social and behavioral mediators. Data came from a randomized trial of a cash transfer conditional on school attendance among AGYW (ages 13 - 21) in rural Mpumalanga Province, South Africa during 2011-2017. We estimated the relationship between depressive symptoms and cumulative HIV incidence using a linear probability model, and assessed mediation using inverse odds ratio weighting. Inference was calculated using the non-parametric bootstrap. AGYW with depressive symptoms had higher cumulative incidence of HIV compared to those without (risk difference = 3.5 [95% CI 0.1, 7.0]). The strongest individual mediators of this association were parental monitoring and involvement (indirect effect = 1.6 [95% CI 0.0, 3.3]) and reporting a partner would hit her if she asked him to wear a condom (indirect effect = 1.5 [95% CI -0.3, 3.3]). All mediators jointly explained two-thirds (indirect effect = 2.4 [95% CI 0.2, 4.5]) of the association between depressive symptoms and HIV incidence. Interventions addressing mental health may reduce risk of acquiring HIV among AGYW.
Computational analysis of non-invasive deep brain stimulation based on interfering electric fields

Neuromodulation modalities are used as effective treatments for some brain disorders. Non-invasive deep brain stimulation (NDBS) via temporally interfering electric fields has emerged recently as a non-invasive strategy for electrically stimulating deep regions in the brain. The objective of this study is to provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms of this strategy and assess the potential uses of this method through computational analysis. Analytical and numerical methods are used to compute the electric potential and field distributions generated during NDBS in homogeneous and inhomogeneous models of the brain. The computational results are used for specifying the activated area in the brain (macroscopic approach), and quantifying its relationships to the stimulation parameters. Two automatic algorithms, using artificial neural network (ANN), are developed for the homogeneous model with two and four electrode pairs to estimate stimulation parameters. Additionally, the extracellular potentials are coupled to the compartmental axon cable model to determine the responses of the neurons to the modulated electric field in two developed models and to evaluate the precise activated area location (microscopic approach). Our results show that although the shape of the activated area was different in macroscopic and microscopic approaches, it located only at depth. Our optimization algorithms showed significant accuracy in estimating stimulation parameters. Moreover, it demonstrated that the more the electrode pairs, the more controllable the activated area. Finally, compartmental axon cable modeling results verified that neurons can demodulate and follow the electric field modulation envelope amplitude (MEA) in our models. The results of this study help develop the NDBS method and eliminate some limitations associated with the nonautomated optimization algorithm.
A Novel Tool to Improve Shared Decision Making and Adherence in Multiple Sclerosis: Development and Preliminary Testing

Background. Most people with multiple sclerosis (MS) want to be involved in medical decision making about disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), but new approaches are needed to overcome barriers to participation. Objectives. We sought to develop a shared decision-making (SDM) tool for MS DMTs, evaluate patient and provider responses to the tool, and address challenges encountered during development to guide a future trial. Methods. We created a patient-centered design process informed by image theory to develop the MS-SUPPORT SDM tool. Development included semistructured interviews and alpha and beta testing with MS patients and providers. Beta testing assessed dissemination and clinical integration strategies, decision-making processes, communication, and adherence. Patients evaluated the tool before and after a clinic visit. Results. MS-SUPPORT combines self-assessment with tailored feedback to help patients identify their treatment goals and preferences, correct misperceptions, frame decisions, and promote adherence. MS-SUPPORT generates a personal summary of their responses that patients can share with their provider to facilitate communication. Alpha testing (14 patients) identified areas needing improvement, resulting in reorganization and shortening of the tool. MS-SUPPORT was highly rated in beta testing (15 patients, 4 providers) on patient-provider communication, patient preparation, adherence, and other endpoints. Dissemination through both patient and provider networks appeared feasible. All patient testers wanted to share the summary report with their provider, but only 60% did. Limitations. Small sample size, no comparison group. Conclusions. The development process resulted in a patient-centered SDM tool for MS that may facilitate patient involvement in decision making, help providers understand their patients’ preferences, and improve adherence, though further testing is needed. Beta testing in real-world conditions was critical to prepare the tool for future testing and inform the design of future studies.
Disulphide-less crotamine is effective for formation of DNA–peptide complex but is unable to improve bovine embryo transfection

Summary This study aimed to investigate the ability of disulphide-less crotamine (dLCr) to complex DNA and to evaluate whether the DNA–dLCr complex is capable of improving transfection in bovine embryos. Three experiments were performed to: (i) evaluate the formation and stability of the DNA–dLCr complex; (ii) assess the dLCr embryotoxicity by exposure of bovine embryos to dLCr; and (iii) assess the efficiency of bovine embryo transfection after microinjection of the DNA–dLCr complex or green fluorescent protein (GFP) plasmid alone (control). DNA complexation by dLCr after 30 min of incubation at 1:100 and 1:50 proportions presented higher efficiency (P < 0.05) than the two controls: native crotamine (NCr) 1:10 and lipofectamine. There was no difference between DNA–dLCr 1:25 and the controls. The DNA–dLCr complexation was evaluated at different proportions and times. In all, at least half of maximum complexation was achieved within the initial 30 min. No embryotoxicity of dLCr was verified after exposure of in vitro fertilized embryos to different concentrations of the peptide. The effectiveness of dLCr to improve exogenous gene expression was evaluated by microinjection of the DNA–dLCr complex into in vitro fertilized zygotes, followed by verification of both embryo development and GFP expression. From embryos microinjected with DNA only, 4.6% and 2.8% expressed the GFP transgene at day 5 and day 7, respectively. The DNA–dLCr complex did not increase the number of GFP-positive embryos. In conclusion, dLCr forms a complex with DNA and its application in in vitro culture is possible. However, the dLCr peptide sequence should be redesigned to improve GFP expression.
Menstrual and oral contraceptive cycle phases do not affect submaximal and maximal exercise responses

To examine whether the menstrual or monophasic oral contraceptive cycle phases affect submaximal (oxygen uptake ( V˙ O2) kinetics, maximal lactate steady‐state (MLSS)) and maximal ( V˙ O2max, time‐to‐exhaustion (TTE)) responses to exercise in healthy, active women. During the mid‐follicular or inactive‐pill phase and the mid‐luteal or active‐pill phase of the respective menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle, 15 non‐oral contraceptive users (mean and standard deviation (SD) (±): 27 ± 6 years; 171 ± 5 cm; 65 ± 7 kg) and 15 monophasic oral contraceptive users (24 ± 4 years; 169 ± 10 cm; 68 ± 10 kg) performed: one V˙ O2 kinetics test; one ramp‐incremental test; two to three 30‐minute constant‐load cycling trials to determine the power output corresponding to MLSS (MLSSp), followed by a TTE trial. The phase of the menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle did not affect the time constant of the V˙ O2 kinetics response (τ V˙ O2) (mid‐follicular, 20 ± 5 seconds and mid‐luteal, 18 ± 3 seconds; inactive‐pill, 22 ± 8 seconds and active‐pill, 23 ± 6 seconds), V˙ O2max (mid‐follicular, 3.06 ± 0.32 L min−1 and mid‐luteal, 3.00 ± 0.33 L min−1; inactive‐pill, 2.87 ± 0.39 L min−1 and active‐pill, 2.87 ± 0.45 L min−1), MLSSp (mid‐follicular, 181 ± 30 W and mid‐luteal, 182 ± 29 W; inactive‐pill, 155 ± 26 W and active‐pill, 155 ± 27 W), and TTE (mid‐follicular, 147 ± 42 seconds and mid‐luteal, 128 ± 54 seconds; inactive‐pill, 146 ± 70 seconds and active‐pill, 139 ± 77 seconds) (P > .05). The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at minute 30 of the MLSSp trials was greater in the mid‐follicular phase (6.2 ± 1.5) compared with the mid‐luteal phase (5.3 ± 1.4) for non‐oral contraceptive users (P = .022). The hormonal fluctuations between the menstrual and oral contraceptive cycle phases had no detectable effects on submaximal and maximal exercise performance, even when RPE differed.
Alternative continuous- and discrete-time neural networks for image restoration

ABSTRACT This paper presents alternative continuous- and discrete-time neural networks for image restoration in real time by introducing new vectors and transforming its optimization conditions into a system of double projection equations. The proposed neural networks are shown to be stable in the sense of Lyapunov and convergent for any starting point. Compared with the existing neural networks for image restoration, the proposed models have the least neurons, a one-layer structure and the faster convergence, and is suitable to parallel implementation. The validity and transient behaviour of the proposed neural network is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever Outbreaks: A Worldwide Review, 1990–2018

Abstract Background Analyses of the global spatial and temporal distribution of enteric fever outbreaks worldwide are important factors to consider in estimating the disease burden of enteric fever disease burden. Methods We conducted a global literature review of enteric fever outbreak data by systematically using multiple databases from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2018 and classified them by time, place, diagnostic methods, and drug susceptibility, to illustrate outbreak characteristics including spatial and temporal patterns. Results There were 180 940 cases in 303 identified outbreaks caused by infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A or B (S. Paratyphi). The size of outbreak ranged from 1 to 42 564. Fifty-one percent of outbreaks occurred in Asia, 15% in Africa, 14% in Oceania, and the rest in other regions. Forty-six percent of outbreaks specified confirmation by blood culture, and 82 outbreaks reported drug susceptibility, of which 54% had multidrug-resistant pathogens. Paratyphoid outbreaks were less common compared to typhoid (22 vs 281) and more prevalent in Asia than Africa. Risk factors were multifactorial, with contaminated water being the main factor. Conclusions Enteric fever outbreak burden remains high in endemic low- and middle-income countries and, despite its limitations, outbreak data provide valuable contemporary evidence in prioritizing resources, public health policies, and actions. This review highlights geographical locations where urgent attention is needed for enteric fever control and calls for global action to prevent and contain outbreaks.
MAP9 Loss Triggers Chromosomal Instability, Initiates Colorectal Tumorigenesis, and Is Associated with Poor Survival of Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a common phenomenon in colorectal cancer, but its role and underlying cause remain unknown. We have identified that mitotic regulator microtubule-associated protein 9 (MAP9) is a critical regulator of CIN in colorectal cancer. We thus studied the effect of MAP9 loss on colorectal cancer in Map9-knockout mice and in cell lines. Experimental Design: We generated colon epithelial–specific Map9-knockout mice and evaluated colorectal cancer development. Effect of Map9 knockout on colorectal cancer progression was determined in chemical or ApcMin/+-induced colorectal cancer. Molecular mechanism of MAP9 was determined using spectral karyotyping, microtubule assays, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Clinical significance of MAP9 was examined in 141 patients with CRC. Results: Spontaneous colonic tumors (9.1%) were developed in colon epithelium–specific Map9-knockout mice at 17 months, but none was observed in wild-type littermates. Map9 deletion accelerated colorectal cancer formation both in ApcMin/+ mice and azoxymethane-treated mice, and reduced survival in ApcMin/+ mice. Mechanistically, MAP9 stabilized microtubules and mediated mitotic spindle assembly. MAP9 also maintained the spindle pole integrity and protected K-fiber from depolymerization at spindle poles. MAP9 loss induced severe mitosis failure, chromosome segregation errors, and aneuploidy, leading to transformation of normal colon epithelial cells. WGS confirmed enhanced CIN in intestinal tumors from Map9 knockout ApcMin/+ mice. In patients with colorectal cancer, MAP9 was frequently silenced and its downregulation was associated with poor survival. Conclusions: MAP9 is a microtubule stabilizer that contributes to spindle stability and inhibits colorectal tumorigenesis, supporting the role of MAP9 as a tumor suppressor for preventing CIN in colorectal cancer.
Praise-many, blame-fewer: A common (and successful) strategy for attributing responsibility in groups.

It is often unclear how to apportion praise after a group's success and blame after a group's failure. Should all members share responsibility or only a select few? In this article, we examine how people do solve this apportionment problem and how they should solve this problem. Seven empirical studies (N = 1,052) reveal that people frequently rely on a strategy of praise-many, blame-fewer, a tendency found across several different domains: high-profile sports championships, hierarchical business decisions, and first- and third-person judgments of impromptu work teams. Agent-based models test the success of different apportionment strategies under different conditions. These models suggest that in many circumstances it is adaptive to praise broadly after success and to blame more narrowly after failure-even with only minimal insight into individual skill-although effects vary depending on the motivation of group members to improve after being blamed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Sodium quantitation in soft drinks: A rapid methodology by qNMR

High sodium dietary intake has a positive association with an increase in blood pressure and can be correlated with risk factors of disease. Considering that the World Health Organization recommends a sodium intake lower than 2 g day‐1 for adults, the hidden sodium content in processed foods is an important factor that compromises the assessment of a healthy diet. Accordingly, the present paper aimed to quantitate the sodium content of conventional soft drinks and their diet versions using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a quantitative analytical technique (23Na qNMR). The results show one free sodium signal (Na+) displayed as a singlet at 0 ppm in the 23Na NMR spectrum, making its quantitation highly specific. This signal alone was used to directly determine the concentration of sodium in soft drinks. Flame photometry analysis was used to validate the method, and an excellent linearity was found in qNMR analysis (r = 0.9994) in comparison with flame photometry (r = 0.9958). In addition, a good correlation was found between sodium concentrations obtained by 23Na NMR and flame photometry in the evaluated commercial soft drinks. Since the intensity of the resonance line is directly proportional to the number of nuclei (spins), the concentration of sodium in soft drinks can be determined via this straightforward method without the need for external calibration. The experimental acquisitions are fast (approximately 15 min), allowing the analysis of several samples in a short period of time. This is a novel alternative for sodium quantitation using an efficient NMR methodology.
A Spatial Analysis of the Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting among 0–14-Year-Old Girls in Kenya

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), also known as female circumcision, is a global public health and human rights problem affecting women and girls. Several concerted efforts to eliminate the practice are underway in several sub-Saharan African countries where the practice is most prevalent. Studies have reported variations in the practice with some countries experiencing relatively slow decline in prevalence. This study investigates the roles of normative influences and related risk factors (e.g., geographic location) on the persistence of FGM/C among 0–14 years old girls in Kenya. The key objective is to identify and map hotspots (high risk regions). We fitted spatial and spatio-temporal models in a Bayesian hierarchical regression framework on two datasets extracted from successive Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys (KDHS) from 1998 to 2014. The models were implemented in R statistical software using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques for parameters estimation, while model fit and assessment employed deviance information criterion (DIC) and effective sample size (ESS). Results showed that daughters of cut women were highly likely to be cut. Also, the likelihood of a girl being cut increased with the proportion of women in the community (1) who were cut (2) who supported FGM/C continuation, and (3) who believed FGM/C was a religious obligation. Other key risk factors included living in the northeastern region; belonging to the Kisii or Somali ethnic groups and being of Muslim background. These findings offered a clearer picture of the dynamics of FGM/C in Kenya and will aid targeted interventions through bespoke policymaking and implementations.
The Population Impact of Late Presentation with Advanced HIV Disease and Delayed Antiretroviral Therapy in Adults Receiving HIV Care in Latin America.

Late presentation to care and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation with advanced HIV-disease are common in Latin America. We estimated the impact of these conditions on mortality in the region. We included adults enrolled during 2001-2014 at HIV-care clinics. We estimated the adjusted attributable risk (AR) and population attributable fraction (PAF) for all-cause mortality of presentation to care with advanced HIV-disease (advanced-LP), ART initiation with advanced HIV-disease, and not initiating ART. Advanced HIV-disease was defined as CD4<200 cells/μL or AIDS. AR and PAF were derived using marginal structural models. Of 9,229 patients, 56% presented with advanced HIV-disease. ARs of death for advanced-LP were 86%, 71%, and 58%, and PAFs were 78%, 58%, and 43% at 1, 5, and 10 years post-enrollment. Among people without advanced-LP, ARs of death for delaying ART were 39%, 32%, and 37% at 1, 5, and 10 years post-enrollment and PAFs were 20%, 14%, and 15%. Among people with advanced-LP, ART decreased the hazard of death by 63% in the first year post-enrollment, but 93% of these started ART; thus universal ART among them would only reduce mortality by 10%. Earlier presentation to care and earlier ART initiation would prevent most HIV-deaths in Latin America.
Presence of chlorogenic acid during in vitro maturation protects porcine oocytes from the negative effects of heat stress.

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is known to protect oocytes from oxidative stress. Here we investigated the effects of CGA on porcine oocyte maturation under heat stress and subsequent embryonic development after parthenogenetic activation. For in vitro maturation (IVM) at 41.0°C (hyperthermic condition), supplementation of the maturation medium with 50 μM CGA significantly improved the percentage of matured oocytes and reduced the rate of apoptosis relative to oocytes matured without CGA (p < .05). CGA treatment of oocytes during IVM under hyperthermia tended to increase (p < .1) percentage of blastocyst formation after parthenogenesis and significantly increased (p < .05) the total cell number per blastocyst relative to oocytes matured without CGA. For IVM at 38.5°C (isothermic condition), CGA significantly improved the rate of blastocyst development compared with oocytes matured without CGA (p < .05), but did not affect oocyte maturation, apoptosis rate or the number of cells per embryo. Omission of all antioxidants from the IVM medium significantly reduced the rate of oocyte maturation, but the rate was restored upon addition of CGA. These results demonstrate that CGA is a potent antioxidant that protects porcine oocytes from the negative effects of heat stress, thus reducing the frequency of apoptosis and improving the quality of embryos.