bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female warfighters' perceptions of urogenital health in operational settings
Authors: Kostas-Polston Elizabeth A. , Braun Lisa A. , Miedema Joy 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:
An increased incidence in hygiene-related urogenital infections (bacterial vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and urinary tract) has been reported in female warfighters serving in austere environments with decreased availability of water and sanitation resources, and when personal safety outweighs concerns for hygiene. Knowledge and access to an innovative kit designed for the female warfighter to self-test, self-identify, and self-treat common urogenital symptoms is critical to force health.

Purpose:
The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional, exploratory qualitative study was to explore female warfighters': 1) confidence in seeking sex-specific health care in field and deployment environments and 2) acceptance and willingness to self-test, self-identify, and self-treat urogenital symptoms and infections.

Methodological orientation:
Qualitative data for this thematic analysis were collected during administration of the Military Women's Readiness Urogenital Health Questionnaire. Participants provided open-ended comments associated with three survey questions. Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis method guided the narrative analysis.

Sample:
Our sample included a diverse group of US Army women (USAW; n = 152) from a large, military installation.

Results:
Narratives and themes demonstrate USAW's desire and need for the availability of a self-test and self-treatment kit. Access, time, mission, and prevention of self-harm by quicker resolve of symptoms are cited as key reasons in support of such a kit.

Conclusions and practice implications:
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are ideally positioned to provide sex-specific educational interventions and anticipatory guidance that supports physical health, to include urogenital conditions. As urogenital self-testing becomes available for female warfighters, NPs are the model healthcare provider for educating women on their use.
Headache management in a Veteran population: First considerations
Authors: Williams Karen A. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
It is estimated that almost half the general population has a headache disorder. The majority of these are considered tension-type headaches. Migraines and chronic daily headache (CDH) are not as common but are much more debilitating. Although CDH/chronic migraine (CM) occurs in about 3% of the population, it has been found to be 20% or higher in the post 9/11 combat Veteran population. Data from the Veterans Health Administration show that more than 380,000 Veterans, younger than 50 years, received care for a headache in 2017. Approximately 75% of the headache care was from a primary care provider. The purpose of the article is to review physical examination for the veteran with a history of a headache disorder, discuss contributing factors and comorbid conditions, as well as give an overview of current treatment options, with a focus on the post‐9/11 combat Veteran who has CDH/CM.
Simultaneous Superiorly Based Pharyngeal Flap and Tonsillectomy: Evaluation of Speech and Pain Outcomes
Authors: Hon Heidi H. , DeLuna Devin , Akhter Haris M. , Brosnihan Paul J. , Samson Kaeli , Diaz Jennifer , Miller Jason J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Controversy remains whether to perform a pharyngeal flap simultaneously with a tonsillectomy in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency. The aim of this study is to revisit the speech outcomes and complications associated with the combined superiorly based pharyngeal flap and tonsillectomy procedure, while comparing pain outcomes. We hypothesize that the combined procedure will improve speech outcomes with minimal complications, but patients will experience more pain in the combined procedure.
A 5-year retrospective review of registry data from Boys Town National Research Hospital was conducted from 2014 to 2019. Data collection included age, surgeries performed, length of stay, pain medication administration occurrences, immediate postoperative complications, postoperative speech outcomes specifically related to articulation (audible nasal airway emissions) and resonance (hypernasality).
Eighty-eight patients had a superiorly based pharyngeal flap over this 5-year period. Eighteen patients (20%) had a simultaneous procedure performed. There were no patients who had immediate postoperative complications such as upper airway obstruction or bleeding complications that necessitated a reoperation. One of the patients had a pharyngeal flap dehiscence that required a revision pharyngeal flap in the combined group. Nasal airway emissions and hypernasality were eliminated in 58.3% and 75%of the combined patients, respectively. The total number of narcotic administration occurrences were significantly higher in the combined group than the pharyngeal flap only group (9.0 versus 7.0; P = 0.03).
A number of velopharyngeal patients will present with hypertrophied tonsils. We believe that it is safe and beneficial to perform the combined procedure in the same setting.
Sleep in disorders of consciousness: diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Gottshall Jackie L. , Rossi Sebastiano Davide 
Published: November 2020

Purpose of review
Sleep is important in the evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). However, it remains unclear whether reconstitution of sleep could enable consciousness or vice versa. Here we synthesize recent evidence on natural recovery of sleep in DOC, and sleep-promoting therapeutic interventions for recovery of consciousness.

Recent findings
In subacute DOC, physiological sleep--wake cycles and complex sleep patterns are related to better outcomes. Moreover, structured rapid-eye-movement (REM), non-REM (NREM) stages, and presence of sleep spindles correlate with full or partial recovery. In chronic DOC, sleep organization may reflect both integrity of consciousness-supporting brain networks and engagement of those networks during wakefulness. Therapeutic strategies have integrated improvement of sleep and sleep--wake cycles in DOC patients; use of bright light stimulation or drugs enhancing sleep and/or vigilance, treatment of sleep apneas, and neuromodulatory stimulations are promising tools to promote healthy sleep architecture and wakeful recovery.

Summary
Sleep features and sleep--wake cycles are important prognostic markers in subacute DOC and can provide insight into covert recovery in chronic DOC. Although large-scale studies are needed, preliminary studies in limited patients suggest that therapeutic options restoring sleep and/or sleep--wake cycles may improve cognitive function and outcomes in DOC.
Performance of qualitative and quantitative antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 in early symptomatic patients using saliva
Authors: Yokota Isao , Sakurazawa Takayo , Sugita Junichi , Iwasaki Sumio , Yasuda Keiko , Yamashita Naoki , Fujisawa Shinichi , Nishida Mutsumi , Konno Satoshi , Teshima Takanori 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an urgent need for the prevention and containment of disease outbreaks in communities. Although the gold standard is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), antigen tests such as immunochromatographic assay (ICA) and chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) that can yield results within 30 minutes.MethodsWe evaluated performance of ICA and CLEIA using 34 frozen PCR-positive specimens (17 saliva and 17 nasopharyngeal swab) and 307 PCR-negative samples.ResultsICA detected SARS-CoV-2 in only 14 (41%) samples, with positivity of 24% in saliva and 59% in NPS. Notably, ICA detected SARS-CoV-2 in 5 (83%) of 6 samples collected within 4 days after symptom onset. CLEIA detected SARS-CoV-2 in 31 (91%) samples, with positivity of 82% in saliva and 100% in NPS. CLEIA was negative in 3 samples with low viral load by PCR.ConclusionsThese results suggest that use of ICA should be limited to earlier time after symptom onset and CLEIA is more sensitive and can be used in situations where quick results are required.
Identifying Barriers to Disclosure to Overcome Barriers to ART Initiation: An explanatory qualitative study on PMTCT in Zambia
Authors: Kanguya Tukiya , Koyuncu Aybüke , Sharma Anjali , Kusanathan Thankian , Mubanga Martha , Chi Benjamin H. , Vinikoor Michael J. , Mubiana-Mbewe Mwangelwa 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThough antiretroviral therapy (ART) is widely available, HIV positive pregnant women in Zambia are less likely to start and remain on therapy throughout pregnancy and after delivery. This study sought to understand readiness to start ART among HIV pregnant women from the perspectives of both women and men in order to suggest more holistic programs to support women to continue life-long ART after delivery.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study with HIV positive pregnant women before and after ART initiation, and men with female partners, to understand readiness to start lifelong ART. We conducted a total of 28 in-depth interviews among women and 2 focus group discussions among male partners. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed in NVivo 12 using thematic analysis. Emerging themes from the data were organized using the social ecological framework.ResultsMen thought of their female partners as young and needing their supervision to initiate and stay on ART. Women agreed that disclosure and partner support were necessary preconditions to ART initiation and adherence and expressed fear of divorce as a prominent barrier to disclosure. Maternal love and desire to look after one’s children instilled a sense of responsibility among women which motivated them to overcome individual, interpersonal and health system level barriers to initiation and adherence. Women preferred adherence strategies that were discrete, the effectiveness of which, depended on women’s intrinsic motivation.ConclusionThe results support current policies in Zambia to encourage male engagement in ART care. To appeal to male partners, messaging on ART should be centered on emphasizing the importance of male involvement to ensure women remain engaged in ART care. Programs aimed at supporting postpartum ART adherence should design messages that appeal to both men’s role in couples’ joint decision-making and women’s maternal love as motivators for adherence.
Machine learning analysis of naïve B-cell receptor repertoires stratifies celiac disease patients and controls
Authors: Shemesh Or , Polak Pazit , Lundin Knut E.A. , Sollid Ludvig M. , Yaari Gur 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCeliac disease (CeD) is a common autoimmune disorder caused by an abnormal immune response to dietary gluten proteins. The disease has high heritability. HLA is the major susceptibility factor, and the HLA effect is mediated via presentation of deamidated gluten peptides by disease-associated HLA-DQ variants to CD4+ T cells. In addition to gluten-specific CD4+ T cells the patients have antibodies to transglutaminase 2 (autoantigen) and deamidated gluten peptides. These disease-specific antibodies recognize defined epitopes and they display common usage of specific heavy and light chains across patients. Interactions between T cells and B cells are likely central in the pathogenesis, but how the repertoires of naïve T and B cells relate to the pathogenic effector cells is unexplored. To this end, we applied machine learning classification models to naïve B cell receptor (BCR) repertoires from CeD patients and healthy controls. Strikingly, we obtained a promising classification performance with an F1 score of 85%. Clusters of heavy and light chain sequences were inferred and used as features for the model, and signatures associated with the disease were then characterized. These signatures included amino acid (AA) 3-mers with distinct bio-physiochemical characteristics and enriched V and J genes. We found that CeD-associated clusters can be identified and that common motifs can be characterized from naïve BCR repertoires. The results may indicate a genetic influence by BCR encoding genes in CeD. Analysis of naïve BCRs as presented here may become an important part of assessing the risk of individuals to develop CeD. Our model demonstrates the potential of using BCR repertoires and in particular, naïve BCR repertoires, as disease susceptibility markers.
A Scalable, Open-Source Implementation of a Large-Scale Mechanistic Model for Single Cell Proliferation and Death Signaling
Authors: Erdem Cemal , Mutsuddy Arnab , Bensman Ethan M. , Dodd William B. , Saint-Antoine Michael M. , Bouhaddou Mehdi , Blake Robert C. , Gross Sean M. , Heiser Laura M. , Alex Feltus F. , Birtwistle Marc R. 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTMechanistic models of how single cells respond to different perturbagens can help integrate disparate big data sets or predict response to varied drug combinations. However, the construction and simulation of such models have proved challenging. Our lab previously constructed one of the largest mechanistic models for single mammalian cell regulation of proliferation and death (774 species, 141 genes, 8 ligands, 2400 reactions). However, this, as many other large-scale models, was written using licensed software (MATLAB) with intricate programming structure, impeding alteration, expansion, and sharing. Here, we generated a new foundation for this model, which includes a python-based creation and simulation pipeline converting a few structured text files into an SBML-compatible format. This new open-source model (named SPARCED) is high-performance- and cloud-computing compatible and enables the study of virtual cell population responses at the single-cell level. We applied this new model to a subset of the LINCS MCF10A Data Cube, which observed that IFNγ acts as an anti-proliferative factor, but the reasons why were unknown. After expanding the SPARCED model with an IFNγ signaling module (to 950 species, 150 genes, 9 ligands, 2500 reactions), we ran stochastic single-cell simulations for two different putative crosstalk mechanisms and looked at the number of cycling cells in each case. Our model-based analysis suggested, and experiments support that these observations are better explained by IFNγ-induced SOCS1 expression sequestering activated EGF receptors, thereby downregulating AKT activity, as opposed to direct IFNγ-induced upregulation of p21 expression. This work forms a foundation for increased mechanistic model-based data integration on a single-cell level, an important building block for clinically predictive mechanistic models.
Exendin-4 improves neuron protection and functional recovery in experimental spinal cord injury in rats through regulating PCBP2 expression
Authors: Luo Huaichao , Wang Qingwei , Wang Lei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsIn the present research, we assessed the therapeutic effects of Exendin-4 (Ex-4) on rat models with spinal cord injury (SCI).Materials and methods36 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three groups, including sham operation group, SCI group and SCI+Ex-4 group (Ex-4 treatment (10 µg/rat) after SCI, i.p.). In the SCI group, a laminectomy was performed at the T10 vertebrae, followed by weight-drop contusion of the spinal cord. In the sham group, a laminectomy was carried out without SCI contusion.Key findingsOur results showed that Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale scores were significantly decreased after SCI, and were obviously improved in SCI rats with Ex-4 administration. Additionally, the water content of spinal cord in SCI group was dramatically increased than that in sham group, and after Ex-4 treatment, degree of edema of spinal cord was remarkably reduced. And also, concentration levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in the spinal cord were significantly elevated after SCI, and were remarkably reduced in SCI rats with Ex-4 administration. Subsequently, cell apoptosis rate in the injured spinal cord was significantly increased, and after Ex-4 treatment, cell apoptosis rate was remarkably decreased. We also revealed that levels of PCBP2 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated after SCI, and were dramatically dropped in SCI rats with Ex-4 administration.SignificanceTake altogether, our findings disclosed that Ex-4 plays a role in promoting neurological function recovery and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis through effecting PCBP2 expression in SCI rat models.
Association analysis of repetitive elements and R-loop formation across species
Authors: Zeng Chao , Onoguchi Masahiro , Hamada Michiaki 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTGenomes are known to have a large number of repetitive elements. Emerging evidence suggests that these non-coding elements may play an important regulatory role. However, few studies have investigated the effect of repetitive elements on R-loop formation. In this study, we found different repetitive elements related to R-loop formation in various species. By controlling length and genomic distributions, we observed that satellites, long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), and DNAs were each specifically enriched for R-loops in humans, fruit flies, andArabidopsis thaliana, respectively. R-loops also tended to arise in regions of low-complexity or simple repeats across species. We also found that the repetitive elements associated with R-loop formation differ according to developmental stage. For instance, LINEs and long terminal repeats (LTRs) are more likely to contain R-loops in embryos (fruit fly) and then turn out to be low-complexity and simple repeats in post-developmental S2 cells. Our results indicate that repetitive elements may have species-specific or development-specific regulatory effects on R-loop formation. This work advances our understanding of repetitive elements and R-loop biology.
Structure of the TELO2-TTI1-TTI2 complex and its function in TOR recruitment to the R2TP chaperone
Authors: Pal Mohinder , Muñoz-Hernandez Hugo , Bjorklund Dennis , Zhou Lihong , Degliesposti Gianluca , Skehel J. Mark , Hesketh Emma L. , Thompson Rebecca F. , Pearl Laurence H. , Llorca Oscar , Prodromou Chrisostomos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe R2TP (RUVBL1-RUVBL2-RPAP3-PIH1D1) complex, in collaboration with HSP90, functions as a chaperone for the assembly and stability of protein complexes, including RNA polymerases, snRNPs and PI3 kinase-like kinases (PIKK) such as TOR and SMG1. PIKK stabilisation depends on an additional complex of TELO2, TTI1 and TTI2 (TTT), whose structure and function are poorly understood. We have now determined the cryo-EM structure of the human R2TP-TTT complex that together with biochemical experiments reveals the mechanism of TOR recruitment to the R2TP-TTT chaperone. The HEAT-repeat TTT complex binds the kinase domain of TOR, without blocking its activity, and delivers TOR to the R2TP chaperone. In addition, TTT regulates the R2TP chaperone by inhibiting RUVBL1-RUVBL2 ATPase activity and by modulating the conformation and interactions of the PIH1D1 and RPAP3 components of R2TP. Together, our results show how TTT couples the recruitment of TOR to R2TP with the regulation of this chaperone system.
The structural heterogeneity of α-synuclein is governed by several distinct subpopulations with interconversion times slower than milliseconds
Authors: Chen Jiaxing , Zaer Sofia , Drori Paz , Zamel Joanna , Joron Khalil , Kalisman Nir , Lerner Eitan , Dokholyan Nikolay V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe intrinsically disordered protein, α-synuclein, implicated in synaptic vesicle homeostasis and neurotransmitter release, is also associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. The different roles of α-synuclein are characterized by distinct structural states (membrane-bound, dimer, tetramer, oligomer, and fibril), which are originated from its various monomeric conformations. The pathological states, determined by the ensemble of α-synuclein monomer conformations and dynamic pathways of interconversion between dominant states, remain elusive due to their transient nature. Here, we use inter-dye distance distributions from bulk time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer as restraints in discrete molecular dynamics simulations to map the conformational space of the α-synuclein monomer. We further confirm the generated conformational ensemble in orthogonal experiments utilizing far-UV circular dichroism and cross-linking mass spectrometry. Single-molecule protein-induced fluorescence enhancement measurements show that within this conformational ensemble, some of the conformations of α-synuclein are surprisingly stable, exhibiting conformational transitions slower than milliseconds. Our comprehensive analysis of the conformational ensemble reveals essential structural properties and potential conformations that promote its various functions in membrane interaction or oligomer and fibril formation.
The houbara bustard: a thematic analysis of a bird's threatened extinction and a government's accountability failure
Authors: Adler Ralph , Mansi Mansi , Pandey Rakesh 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis paper provides a thematic analysis of an IUCN Red-Listed bird, the houbara bustard, which Pakistan uses as a fungible resource to appease its wealthy Arab benefactors.Design/methodology/approachThematic analysis of relevant media reports and government ministry and NGO websites comprise the study's data. Media reports were located using Dow Jones' Factiva database.FindingsPakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues wealthy Arabs special permits for hunting the houbara bustard as a “soft” foreign diplomacy strategy aimed at propping up the country's fragile economy. Although illegal under international and Pakistan's own wildlife laws, resource dependence theory helps explain how various country-specific issues (e.g. dysfunctional political and judicial systems) enable Pakistan's unlawful exchange of hunting permits for Arab oil and short-term financing. Surrogate accountability and agencement are examined as two means for arresting the bird's trajectory toward extinction.Research limitations/implicationsMedia reports comprise the primary data. Pakistani government officials were approached for interviews, but failed to reply. Although unfortunate, the pervasive corruption and mistrust that characterise Pakistan's culture would have likely tainted the responses. For this reason, media reports were always the primary data sought.Originality/valueThe present study extends prior literature by exploring how country context can subvert the transferability of social and political approaches used in developed countries to address environmental accounting issues and challenges. As this study shows, a developing country's economic vulnerability, combined with its dysfunctional political systems, impotent judiciary and feckless regulatory mechanisms, can undermine legislation meant to protect the country's natural environment, in general, and a threatened bird's existence, in particular.