bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Complaints and Ethnicity: Ethnic Differences in a Help-Seeking Sample
Authors: Tijdink Simone , De Graaf Hanneke , Hehenkamp Lieve , Laan Ellen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSexual complaints are a widespread problem around the globe. Ethnicity and culture play a vital role in sexual complaints, in terms of presentation, treatment, etiology, meaning, help-seeking behavior, and treatment preferences.AimThis study investigates whether there are differences in the type of sexual complaints among Dutch people with various ethnic backgrounds, using a help-seeking sample from 16 outpatient clinics based in different regions in the Netherlands.MethodsDifferences in sexual complaints between various ethnic groups were analyzed separately for women and men, using logistic regression, controlling for age.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measures included sexual complaints determined as per the registered details of the Dutch Registry for Sexology Outpatient Clinics.ResultsBoth similarities and differences were found between ethnic groups. Dyspareunia was an important complaint among women from all ethnic backgrounds, as were erectile problems among men. For most complaints, however, modest yet significant ethnic differences were found.Clinical TranslationHealth practitioners need to be aware of this ethnic and cultural variation, while acknowledging variety within groups as well.Strengths & LimitationsThis study is the first to include a help-seeking sample large enough to investigate ethnic differences in sexual complaints in this level of detail. An important limitation is the fact that this study pooled together diverse groups of people into ethnic categories.ConclusionThe differences found were significant, yet modest. We can state that ethnic background does play a role in etiology and/or help-seeking in patients with sexual complaints, as long as we maintain an open stance and acknowledge similarities between ethnic groups as well.
Understanding Sexual Help-Seeking for Women with Breast Cancer: What Distinguishes Women Who Seek Help from Those Who Do Not?
Authors: Reese Jennifer Barsky , Sorice Kristen A. , Pollard Whitney , Zimmaro Lauren A. , Beach Mary Catherine , Handorf Elizabeth , Lepore Stephen J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Sexual problems are extremely common for women after breast cancer (BC).

Aim
To determine, in a sample of BC outpatients, how commonly women sought help for sexual concerns, from a health care provider (HCP), from other individuals, or from alternate sources; and to examine whether help-seeking was associated with women's sexual function/activity, self-efficacy for clinical communication about sexual health, or sociodemographic/medical characteristics.

Methods
BC patients participating in a sexual/menopausal health communication intervention trial completed web-based baseline self-report surveys. One-way analysis of variances compared effects of the level of sexual help-seeking (none; 1 outlet; 2–3 outlets) on sexual function domains. Chi-square or t-tests compared women seeking help with those not seeking help on other study variables.

Main Outcome Measures
Patient-reported outcome instruments assessed sexual help-seeking (past month), sexual function and activity (PROMIS Sexual Function and Satisfaction Brief Profile Version 2.0), and self-efficacy (confidence) for communicating with their BC clinician about sexual health.

Results
144 women (mean age = 56.0 years; 62% partnered; 67% white; 27% black/African American; 4% Hispanic/Latina; 15% stage IV) participated in this study. 49% of women sought help for sexual concerns, most often from intimate partners, family and/or friends (42%), followed by HCPs (24%), or online/print materials (19%); very few women (n = 4; 3%) sought help only from a HCP. Women seeking help were younger and more likely to be partnered and sexually active than those not seeking help. Sexual function was impaired for all domains but was most impaired for sexual interest. Among sexually active women, those seeking help from 2 to 3 sources reported worse sexual function in certain domains (sexual interest, lubrication, vaginal discomfort, vulvar discomfort–labial, satisfaction). Women seeking help from outlets other than HCPs had significantly lower self-efficacy than those who did not.

Clinical Implications
BC patients with access to a partner and who are sexually active but find sex unsatisfying, uncomfortable, or lack interest may be in particular need of sexual help. Further, women may turn to outlets other than HCPs for sexual help partly because they lack the confidence to do so with a HCP. Sexual health information should be made available to women's partners, family, and friends, so they may effectively discuss such issues if needed.

Strengths & Limitations
Strengths of the study included examination of a range of sexual function domains and a theoretical construct in relation to BC patients' sexual help-seeking and a medically diverse sample. Limitations include a cross-sectional design.

Conclusion
Women treated for BC should receive accurate and timely sexual health information.
COVID-19 Contact Tracing Solutions for Mass Gatherings
Authors: Ryan Benjamin J. , Coppola Damon , Williams James , Swienton Raymond 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTMass gatherings and high-density activities, such as sporting events, conventions, and theme parks, are consistently included among highest-risk activities given the increased potential for widespread coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. A more balanced risk management approach is required because absolute suppression of risk is unrealistic in all facets of life. Contact tracing remains a limiting factor in achieving such a balance. The use of Bluetooth or pairing devices is proposed to address this challenge. This simple approach, when applied in a manner that satisfies privacy and trust concerns, would allow high-risk encounters to be quickly identified, namely those where participants have spent 15 minutes or more within 6 ft of each other per current guidelines. If an attendee later tests positive for COVID-19 and tracing is required, the event organizer can provide a limited list of potential close contacts rather than an exhaustive list of all attendees. Contact tracers can, therefore, limit efforts to this concise group rather than needing to contact thousands of people or conduct mass media communications. Such a system, if institutionalized, supports risk assurance and safety measures for businesses by demonstrating a commitment to staff, customer protection, and ensuring high-risk encounters are logged, reinforcing longer-term societal pandemic resilience.
Mitigating the Twin Threats of Climate-Driven Atlantic Hurricanes and COVID-19 Transmission
Authors: Shultz James M. , Kossin James P. , Hertelendy Attila , Burkle Fredrick , Fugate Craig , Sherman Ronald , Bakalar Johnna , Berg Kim , Maggioni Alessandra , Espinel Zelde , Sands Duane E. , LaRocque Regina C. , Salas Renee N. , Galea Sandro 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTThe co-occurrence of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic creates complex dilemmas for protecting populations from these intersecting threats. Climate change is likely contributing to stronger, wetter, slower-moving, and more dangerous hurricanes. Climate-driven hazards underscore the imperative for timely warning, evacuation, and sheltering of storm-threatened populations – proven life-saving protective measures that gather evacuees together inside durable, enclosed spaces when a hurricane approaches. Meanwhile, the rapid acquisition of scientific knowledge regarding how COVID-19 spreads has guided mass anti-contagion strategies, including lockdowns, sheltering at home, physical distancing, donning personal protective equipment, conscientious handwashing, and hygiene practices. These life-saving strategies, credited with preventing millions of COVID-19 cases, separate and move people apart. Enforcement coupled with fear of contracting COVID-19 have motivated high levels of adherence to these stringent regulations. How will populations react when warned to shelter from an oncoming Atlantic hurricane while COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community? Emergency managers, health care providers, and public health preparedness professionals must create viable solutions to confront these potential scenarios: elevated rates of hurricane-related injury and mortality among persons who refuse to evacuate due to fear of COVID-19, and the resurgence of COVID-19 cases among hurricane evacuees who shelter together.
Kin-State Politics: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Waterbury Myra A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article situates the development of the kin-state politics literature within the context of post-Cold War scholarship on ethnicity, nationalism, and conflict. It outlines how an increasingly mature literature emerged around the domestic political and foreign policy drivers of kin-state politics as scholars drew from a number of perspectives, from the literature on irredentism to that on diaspora politics and transborder nationalism. The article then evaluates scholarship on the drivers and impacts of kin-state politics, with a focus on the consequences of kin-state politics for the cultural and political landscape of external kin communities and the impact on regional security and stability. While a rich and nuanced literature has helped to contextualize the tensions and complexities of the former, I argue that the latter needs to be developed further. Careful work needs to be done to more precisely establish the conditions under which kin-state politics constitute a security threat. Future scholarship should bring together a more ground level perspective of how kin-state policies are perceived, utilized, and/or instrumentalized by their intended subjects with a critical understanding of how the “game” of kin-state politics is played within the home state and the kin-state.
Combined anthocyanins and bromelain supplement improves endothelial function and skeletal muscle oxygenation status in adults: a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised crossover clinical trial
Authors: Pekas Elizabeth J. , Shin Jeonghwa , Headid Ronald J. , Son Won-Mok , Layec Gwenael , Yadav Santosh K. , Scott Steven D. , Park Song-Young 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAnthocyanins and bromelain have gained significant attention due to their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Both have been shown to improve endothelial function, blood pressure (BP) and oxygen utility capacity in humans; however, the combination of these two and the impacts on endothelial function, BP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and oxygen utility capacity have not been previously investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impacts of a combined anthocyanins and bromelain supplement (BE) on endothelial function, BP, TAC, oxygen utility capacity and fatigability in healthy adults. Healthy adults (n 18, age 24 (sd 4) years) received BE or placebo in a randomised crossover design. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), BP, TAC, resting heart rate, oxygen utility capacity and fatigability were measured pre- and post-BE and placebo intake. The BE group showed significantly increased FMD, reduced systolic BP and improved oxygen utility capacity compared with the placebo group (P < 0·05). Tissue saturation and oxygenated Hb significantly increased following BE intake, while deoxygenated Hb significantly decreased (P < 0·05) during exercise. Additionally, TAC was significantly increased following BE intake (P < 0·05). There were no significant differences for resting heart rate, diastolic BP or fatigability index. These results suggest that BE intake is an effective nutritional therapy for improving endothelial function, BP, TAC and oxygen utility capacity, which may be beneficial to support vascular health in humans.
Plasma mineral (selenium, zinc or copper) concentrations in the general pregnant population, adjusted for supplement intake, in relation to thyroid function
Authors: Pop Victor , Krabbe Johannes , Maret Wolfgang , Rayman Margaret 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present study reports on first-trimester reference ranges of plasma mineral Se/Zn/Cu concentration in relation to free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), assessed at 12 weeks’ gestation in 2041 pregnant women, including 544 women not taking supplements containing Se/Zn/Cu. The reference range (2·5th–97·5th percentiles) in these 544 women was 0·72–1·25 µmol/l for Se, 17·15–35·98 µmol/l for Cu and 9·57–16·41 µmol/l for Zn. These women had significantly lower mean plasma Se concentration (0·94 (sd0·12) µmol/l) than those (n1479) taking Se/Zn/Cu supplements (1·03 (sd0·14) µmol/l;P< 0·001), while the mean Cu (26·25 µmol/l) and Zn (12·55 µmol/l) concentrations were almost identical in these sub-groups. Women with hypothyroxinaemia (FT4 below reference range with normal TSH) had significantly lower plasma Zn concentrations than euthyroid women. After adjusting for covariates including supplement intake, plasma Se (negatively), Zn and Cu (positively) concentrations were significantly related to logFT4; Se and Cu (but not Zn) were positively and significantly related to logTSH. Women taking additional Se/Zn/Cu supplements were 1·46 (95 % CI 1·09, 2·04) times less likely to have elevated titres of TPO-Ab at 12 weeks of gestation. We conclude that first-trimester Se reference ranges are influenced by Se-supplement intake, while Cu and Zn ranges are not. Plasma mineral Se/Zn/Cu concentrations are associated with thyroid FT4 and TSH concentrations. Se/Zn/Cu supplement intake affects TPO-Ab status. Future research should focus on the impact of trace mineral status during gestation on thyroid function.
The dynamics of ultrastructural changes during Entamoeba invadens encystation
Authors: Mousa Eman Abdelazeem Abuelwafa , Sakaguchi Miako , Nakamura Risa , Abdella Osama Hussein , Yoshida Hiroki , Hamano Shinjiro , Mi-ichi Fumika 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEntamoeba histolytica infection causes amoebiasis, which is a global public health problem. The major route of infection is oral ingestion of E. histolytica cysts, cysts being the sole form responsible for host-to-host transmission. Cysts are produced by cell differentiation from proliferative trophozoites in a process termed ‘encystation’. Therefore, encystation is an important process from a medical as well as a biological perspective. Previous electron microscopy studies have shown the ultrastructure of precysts and mature cysts; however, the dynamics of ultrastructural changes during encystation were ambiguous. Here, we analysed a series of Entamoeba invadens encysting cells by transmission electron microscopy. Entamoeba invadens is a model for encystation and the cells were prepared by short interval time course sampling from in vitro encystation-inducing cultures. We related sampled cells to stage conversion, which was monitored in the overall population by flow cytometry. The present approach revealed the dynamics of ultrastructure changes during E. invadens encystation. Importantly, the results indicate a functional linkage of processes that are crucial in encystation, such as glycogen accumulation and cyst wall formation. Hence, this study provides a reference for studying sequential molecular events during Entamoeba encystation.
Mimotope-based antigens as potential vaccine candidates in experimental murine cysticercosis
Authors: Manhani Marianna Nascimento , Tilelli Cristiane Queixa , Ribeiro Vanessa da Silva , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Costa-Cruz Julia Maria 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHuman cysticercosis is a public health problem caused byTaenia soliummetacestodes; thus, eradication ofT. soliumtransmission by vaccination is an urgent requirement. The Cc48 mimotope fromT. soliumcysticerci was tested expressed in phage particles (mCc48) and chemically synthesized (sCc48) as a vaccine candidate in experimental murine cysticercosis. For this, BALB/c mice were immunized with mCc48 (G1;n= 40), sCc48 (G2;n= 40) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (G3;n= 40, positive control) and challenged withTaenia crassicepsmetacestodes. Another PBS group without parasite challenge was used as a negative control (G4;n= 40). Mice were sacrificed 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-infection for cysticerci and serum collection. Immunization efficacy was determined by cysticerci counting. Serum samples were tested by ELISA to verify antibody (IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE) and cytokine (IFNγand IL-4) levels. The sCc48 achieved the highest rates of protection and efficacy (90 and 98%, respectively). The group immunized with mCc48 presented the highest reactivity for IgM, IgG and IgE. All groups presented IL-4, but IFNγwas quite variable among groups. The protection induced by sCc48 synthetic peptide supports further studies of this mimotope as a potential vaccine candidate against cysticercosis.
In vitroandin vivoassays reveal that cations affect nematocyst discharge inMyxobolus cerebralis(Cnidaria: Myxozoa)
Authors: Americus Benjamin , Austin Brett M. , Lotan Tamar , Bartholomew Jerri L. , Atkinson Stephen D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMyxozoans are parasitic, microscopic cnidarians that have retained the phylum-characteristic stinging capsules called nematocysts. Free-living cnidarians, like jellyfish and corals, utilize nematocysts for feeding and defence, with discharge powered by osmotic energy. Myxozoans use nematocysts to anchor to their fish hosts in the first step of infection, however, the discharge mechanism is poorly understood. We usedMyxobolus cerebralis, a pathogenic myxozoan parasite of salmonid fishes, and developed two assays to explore the nature of its nematocyst discharge. Using parasite actinospores, the infectious stage to fish, we stimulated discharge of the nematocysts with rainbow trout mucusin vitro, in solutions enriched with chloride salts of Na+, K+, Ca2+and Gd3+, and quantified discharge using microscopy. We then used quantitative polymerase chain reaction to evaluate thein vivoeffects of these treatments, plus Mg2+and the common aquaculture disinfectant KMnO₄, on the ability ofM. cerebralisactinospores to infect fish. We found that Mg2+and Gd3+reduced infectionin vivo, whereas Na+and K+over-stimulated nematocyst dischargein vitroand reduced infectionin vivo. These findings align with nematocyst discharge behaviour in free-living Cnidaria, and suggest phylum-wide commonalties, which could be exploited to develop novel approaches for controlling myxozoan diseases in aquaculture.
The illegal wildlife digital market: an analysis of Chinese wildlife marketing and sale on Facebook
Authors: Xu Qing , Cai Mingxiang , Mackey Tim K 
Published: July 2020

SummaryAt an estimated US$19 billion, the illicit wildlife trade is a serious threat to global conservation efforts. This criminal enterprise is now digital, expanding its footprint to consumers internationally by using the Internet and social media platforms. Recent studies have detected illegal wildlife selling posts on the popular social networking site Facebook in several different languages, including Chinese. In order to further explore this challenge to conservation, this study used big data approaches to identify and characterize wildlife trading activity in Chinese language on Facebook using an automated web scraper. We focused on keywords associated with elephants, rhinos and hawksbill turtles. We collected 10 303 unique Facebook posts over a 45-day period and were able to identify 639 posts from 268 unique users, which we suspect of directly marketing the sale of wildlife products. We also identified other species including Tibetan antelope, bears and African spurred tortoises. Facebook community pages appeared to have the highest percentage (48.2%) of wildlife selling posts. We also identified 14 different countries and regions with suspected wildlife-selling users, most located in Taiwan. Furthermore, we observed that the language used by some sellers changed from descriptive text to emojis and other code words. Collective action is needed from governments, law enforcement, civil society and technology companies leveraging big data approaches to better detect and interdict online Chinese-language wildlife trafficking.
Changing parental depression and sensitivity: Randomized clinical trial of ABC's effectiveness in the community
Authors: Perrone Laura , Imrisek Steven D. , Dash Allison , Rodriguez Melanie , Monticciolo Erasma , Bernard Kristin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAttachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) demonstrates efficacy in improving parent and child outcomes, with preliminary evidence for effectiveness in community settings. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a community-based ABC implementation in improving parent outcomes as well as to examine potential mediators and moderators of intervention effectiveness. Two hundred parents and their 5- to 21-month-old infants recruited from an urban community were randomly assigned to receive ABC or be placed on a waitlist. The majority of participants had a minority racial or ethnic background. Before intervention, parents completed questionnaires about sociodemographic risk and adverse childhood experiences. At both baseline and follow-up, parents reported depression symptoms and were video-recorded interacting with their infant, which was coded for sensitivity. The ABC intervention predicted significant increases in parental sensitivity and, among parents who completed the intervention, significant decreases in depression symptoms. Changes in parental depression symptoms did not significantly mediate the intervention effects on sensitivity. Risk variables did not moderate the intervention effects. The results indicate that ABC shows promise for improving parent outcomes in community settings, supporting dissemination.