bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review with a meta-analysis: clinical effects of statins on the reduction of portal hypertension and variceal haemorrhage in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Wan Sizhe , Huang Chenkai , Zhu Xuan 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundStatins may improve outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of statins on patients with cirrhosis and related complications, especially portal hypertension and variceal haemorrhage.MethodsStudies were searched in the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases up to February 2019. The outcomes of interest were associations between statin use and improvement in portal hypertension (reduction >20% of baseline or <12 mm Hg) and the risk of variceal haemorrhage. The relative risk (RR) with a 95% CI was pooled and calculated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the characteristics of the studies.ResultsEight studies (seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one observational study) with 3195 patients were included. The pooled RR for reduction in portal hypertension was 1.91 (95% CI, 1.04 to 3.52; I2=63%) in six RCTs. On subgroup analysis of studies that used statin for 1 month, the RR was 2.01 (95% CI, 1.31 to 3.10; I2=0%); the pooled RR for studies that used statins for 3 months was 3.76 (95% CI, 0.36 to 39.77; I2=75%); the pooled RR for studies that used non-selective beta-blockers in the control group was 1.42 (95% CI, 0.82 to 2.45; I2=64%); the pooled RR for studies that used a drug that was not reported in the control group was 4.21 (95% CI, 1.52 to 11.70; I2=0%); the pooled RR for studies that used simvastatin was 2.20 (95% CI, 0.92 to 5.29; I2=69%); RR for study using atorvastatin was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.00 to 3.30). For the risk of a variceal haemorrhage, the RR based on an observational study was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.23 to 0.94); in two RCTs, the pooled RR was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.50; I2=0%). Overall, the summed RR was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.99; I2=6%).ConclusionStatins may improve hypertension and decrease the risk of variceal haemorrhage according to our assessment. However, further and larger RCTs are needed to confirm this conclusion.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and cardiovascular development from childhood to early adulthood: study protocol of the Niagara Longitudinal Heart Study
Authors: Wade Terrance J , O’Leary Deborah D , Dempster Kylie S , MacNeil Adam J , Molnar Danielle S , McGrath Jennifer , Cairney John 
Published: July 2019

IntroductionRecent reviews have found substantial links between a toxic childhood environment including child abuse and severe household dysfunction and adult cardiovascular disease (CVD). Collectively referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), this toxic environment is prevalent among children, with recent Canadian estimates of child abuse at 27%–32%, and severe household dysfunction at 49%. Based on these prevalence rates, the potential effect of ACEs on CVD is more significant than previously thought. Yet, how ACEs amplify the risk for later CVD remains unclear. Lifestyle risk factors only partially account for this connection, instead directing attention to the interaction between psychosocial factors and physiological mechanisms such as inflammation. The Niagara Longitudinal Heart Study (NLHS) examines how ACEs influence cardiovascular health (CVH) from childhood to early adulthood. Integrating the stress process and biological embedding models, this study examines how psychosocial and physiological factors in addition to lifestyle factors explain the relationship between ACEs and CVH.MethodsThis follow-up study combines three baseline studies from 2007 to 2012 that collected CVH measures including child blood pressure, heart rate, left ventricular structure and function, arterial stiffness indices and baroreflex sensitivity on 564 children. Baseline data also include anthropometric, biological, lifestyle, behavioural, and psychosocial measures that varied across primary studies. Now over 18 years of age, we will recruit and retest as many participants from the baseline studies as possible collecting data on ACEs, CVH, anthropometric, lifestyle and psychosocial measures as well as blood, saliva and hair for physiological biostress markers.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been received for the NLHS follow-up. Written consent to participate in the follow-up study is obtained from each participant. Results testing all proposed hypotheses will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Acceptability and implementation challenges of smartphone-based training of community health nurses for visual inspection with acetic acid in Ghana: mHealth and cervical cancer screening
Authors: Asgary Ramin , Cole Helen , Adongo Philip , Nwameme Ada , Maya Ernest , Adu-Amankwah Amanda , Barnett Hannah , Adanu Richard 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveTo explore acceptability and feasibility of smartphone-based training of low-level to mid-level health professionals in cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA)/cervicography.DesignIn 2015, we applied a qualitative descriptive approach and conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups to assess the perceptions and experiences of community health nurses (CHNs) (n=15) who performed smartphone-based VIA, patients undergoing VIA/cryotherapy (n=21) and nurse supervisor and the expert reviewer (n=2).SettingCommunity health centres (CHCs) in Accra, Ghana.ResultsThe 3-month smartphone-based training and mentorship was perceived as an important and essential complementary process to further develop diagnostic and management competencies. Cervical imaging provided peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and helped better communicate the procedure to and gain trust of patients, provide targeted education, improve adherence and implement quality control. None of the patients had prior screening; they overwhelmingly accepted smartphone-based VIA, expressing no significant privacy issues. Neither group cited significant barriers to performing or receiving VIA at CHCs, the incorporation of smartphone imaging and mentorship via text messaging. CHNs were able to leverage their existing community relationships to address a lack of knowledge and misperceptions. Patients largely expressed decision-making autonomy regarding screening. Negative views and stigma were present but not significantly limiting, and the majority felt that screening strategies were acceptable and effective.ConclusionsOur findings suggest the overall acceptability of this approach from the perspectives of all stakeholders with important promises for smartphone-based VIA implementation. Larger-scale health services research could further provide important lessons for addressing this burden in low-income and middle-income countries.
Survey of management practices used by Brazilian dairy farmers and recommendations provided by 43 dairy cattle nutritionists
Authors: Silva Diego P. , Pedroso Alexandre M. , Pereira Murillo C.S. , Bertoldi Gustavo P. , Watanabe Daniel H.M. , Melo Alan C.B. , Millen Danilo D. 
Published: July 2019

This work aimed to survey management practices used by dairy farmers and to report nutritional recommendations adopted by 43 dairy cattle nutritionists in Brazil. The web-based survey consisted of 80 questions. Almost 50% of the participants had clients that produce <1000 kg of milk daily and 48.8% had clients who own fewer than 100 dairy cows. Corn was the primary source of grain (97.4%), and 43.9% of the nutritionists included from 41% to 50% concentrate in lactation diets. The mean roughage inclusion in lactation diets was 50.5% and 79% of the nutritionists reported corn silage as the primary roughage source. Average crude protein and rumen-degradable protein concentrations recommended by the nutritionists for lactation diets were 15.7% and 9%, respectively. Average Ca and P concentrations recommended for lactation diets were 0.70% and 0.41%, respectively. The major health problem reported by 83.9% of the nutritionists was mastitis. The present survey provides an overview of management practices adopted by dairy farmers and nutritional recommendations currently applied by dairy cattle nutritionists in Brazil. The most critical points identified were low milk yield, mastitis as the major health problem, lack of proper mixing and delivery of rations, and destination of male calves.
Detecting Foreign Accents in Song
Authors: Mageau Marly , Mekik Can , Sokalski Ashley , Toivonen Ida 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
This paper presents three experiments exploring the perception and production of accents in song. In a perception experiment, participants listened to passages sung and spoken by native and non-native speakers of English. The participants did better at identifying native speakers when listening to the spoken passages. Accents were also judged as more native-like in song than in speech. In addition, two production experiments compared the acoustic characteristics (pitch, duration, F1 and F2) of sung and spoken vowels, produced by native and non-native speakers of English. Both native and non-native speakers changed the pitch and duration of their vowels when singing; the vowel quality was not consistently shifted. Together, the results indicate that the melody imposed by the song impacts the suprasegmental properties of pronunciation whereas the segmental properties remain largely intact. Based on these results, we conclude that a main reason why accents are more difficult to detect in song than in speech is that the rhythm and melody imposed by the song mask intonational cues to accent.
Deletion of the Cardiomyocyte Glucocorticoid Receptor Leads to Sexually Dimorphic Changes in Cardiac Gene Expression and Progression to Heart Failure
Authors: Cruz‐Topete Diana , Oakley Robert H. , Carroll Natalie G. , He Bo , Myers Page H. , Xu Xiaojiang , Watts Megan N. , Trosclair Krystle , Glasscock Edward , Dominic Paari , Cidlowski John A. 
Published: July 2019

Background

The contribution of glucocorticoids to sexual dimorphism in the heart is essentially unknown. Therefore, we sought to determine the sexually dimorphic actions of glucocorticoid signaling in cardiac function and gene expression. To accomplish this goal, we conducted studies on mice lacking glucocorticoid receptors (
GR
) in cardiomyocytes (cardio
GRKO
mouse model).

Methods and Results

Deletion of cardiomyocyte
GR
leads to an increase in mortality because of the development of spontaneous cardiac pathology in both male and female mice; however, females are more resistant to
GR
signaling inactivation in the heart. Male cardio
GRKO
mice had a median survival age of 6 months. In contrast, females had a median survival age of 10 months. Transthoracic echocardiography data showed phenotypic differences between male and female cardio
GRKO
hearts. By 3 months of age, male cardio
GRKO
mice exhibited left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Conversely, no significant functional deficits were observed in female cardio
GRKO
mice at the same time point. Functional sensitivity of male hearts to the loss of cardiomyocyte
GR
was reversed following gonadectomy.
RNA
‐Seq analysis showed that deleting
GR
in the male hearts leads to a more profound dysregulation in the expression of genes implicated in heart rate regulation (calcium handling). In agreement with these gene expression data, cardiomyocytes isolated from male cardio
GRKO
hearts displayed altered intracellular calcium responses. In contrast, female
GR
‐deficient cardiomyocytes presented a response comparable with controls.

Conclusions

These data suggest that
GR
regulates calcium responses in a sex‐biased manner, leading to sexually distinct responses to stress in male and female mice hearts, which may contribute to sex differences in heart disease, including the development of ventricular arrhythmias that contribute to heart failure and sudden death.
Radial Artery Catheterization for Neuroendovascular Procedures
Authors: Khanna Omaditya , Sweid Ahmad , Mouchtouris Nikolaos , Shivashankar Kavya , Xu Vivan , Velagapudi Lohit , Stricsek Geoffrey , Amllay Abdelaziz , Texakalidis Pavlos , Gooch M. Reid , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal M. 
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—
Radial artery catheterization is an alternate route of access that has started to gain more widespread use for neuroendovascular procedures, and there have been few studies that describe its safety and efficacy. We present our institution’s experience in performing neuroendovascular interventions via a transradial approach, with excellent clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction measures.

Methods—
We conducted a retrospective analysis and identified 223 patients who underwent 233 consecutive neuroendovascular interventions via radial artery access at our institution. The incidence of perioperative and postprocedural complications was investigated. We identified a subset of 98 patients who have undergone both transradial and transfemoral cerebral angiograms and compared clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction measures between the 2 groups.

Results—

The overall incidence of complications was low across all procedures performed via transradial access. Peri-procedurally, only 2 patients had symptomatic radial artery spasm, and there were no instances of iatrogenic complications (vessel dissection, stroke, and hemorrhage). In 10 cases (4.3%), the intended procedure could not be completed via a transradial approach, and, thus, femoral artery access had to be pursued instead. Ten patients complained of minor postprocedural complications, although none required therapeutic intervention. The mean procedure time was shorter for diagnostic angiograms performed via transradial versus transfemoral access (18.8±15.8 versus 39.5±31.1 minutes;
P
=0.025). Patients overall reported shorter recovery times with transradial access, and the majority of patients (94%) would elect to have subsequent procedures performed via this route.

Conclusions—
Radial artery catheterization is a safe and durable alternative to perform a wide range of neuroendovascular procedures, with a low rate of complications. On the whole, patients prefer transradial compared with transfemoral access.
The Imbalance between Female Scholars’ Abilities and Chances: Evidence from Sociologists in China
Authors: Cao Yajuan 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Gender-based prejudice and discrimination are phenomena embedded in cultural stereotypes and organizational practices that can disadvantage women in academic hiring. This article analyzes the biographies of female scholars in sociology from 18 top universities in China, finding that although the number of female scholars is increasing, it is still substantially less than that of male scholars. Relative to the increasing enrollment rate of female college students, the ratio of female scholars has dropped. Female scholars show their strong performance in research, not only doing well in work evaluation but also further developing their specific fields of research. Female scholars’ research interests are not limited to “Marriage and Family” or “gender studies”, but extend into a wider field of vision area of research. Although this article has not found the reason why female scholars are underrepresented in universities’ hiring, it proves that the limitation of research interests and abilities of female scholars are not the explanation.
First confirmed species record of Hydroscaphidae from Peru: description of a new species of Yara Reichardt and Hinton, and key to species (Coleoptera: Hydroscaphidae)
Authors: TRUJILLO GABRIEL A. , CAÑOTE JAVIER 
Published: July 2019

The Hydroscaphidae (“skiff beetles”) is a family of minute aquatic beetles within the suborder Myxophaga comprising four genera: Hydroscapha Le Conte, 1874; Scaphydra Reichardt, 1973; Yara Reichardt & Hinton, 1976 and Confossa Short et al., 2015. All genera are found within the Neotropical region, with the exception of Hydroscapha, which is widespread. Representatives of this family have been reported for Venezuela, Brazil, Panama (Short et al. 2015) and Nicaragua (Raudez et al. 2019).
FLUXNET-CH4 Synthesis Activity: Objectives, Observations, and Future Directions
Authors: Knox Sara H. , Jackson Robert B. , Poulter Benjamin , McNicol Gavin , Fluet-Chouinard Etienne , Zhang Zhen , Hugelius Gustaf , Bousquet Philippe , Canadell Josep G. , Saunois Marielle , Papale Dario , Chu Housen , Keenan Trevor F. , Baldocchi Dennis , Torn Margaret S. , Mammarella Ivan , Trotta Carlo , Aurela Mika , Bohrer Gil , Campbell David I. , Cescatti Alessandro , Chamberlain Samuel , Chen Jiquan , Chen Weinan , Dengel Sigrid , Desai Ankur R. , Euskirchen Eugenie , Friborg Thomas , Gasbarra Daniele , Goded Ignacio , Goeckede Mathias , Heimann Martin , Helbig Manuel , Hirano Takashi , Hollinger David Y. , Iwata Hiroki , Kang Minseok , Klatt Janina , Krauss Ken W. , Kutzbach Lars , Lohila Annalea , Mitra Bhaskar , Morin Timothy H. , Nilsson Mats B. , Niu Shuli , Noormets Asko , Oechel Walter C. , Peichl Matthias , Peltola Olli , Reba Michele L. , Richardson Andrew D. , Runkle Benjamin R. K. , Ryu Youngryel , Sachs Torsten , Schäfer Karina V. R. , Schmid Hans Peter , Shurpali Narasinha , Sonnentag Oliver , Tang Angela C. I. , Ueyama Masahito , Vargas Rodrigo , Vesala Timo , Ward Eric J. , Windham-Myers Lisamarie , Wohlfahrt Georg , Zona Donatella 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis paper describes the formation of, and initial results for, a new FLUXNET coordination network for ecosystem-scale methane (CH4) measurements at 60 sites globally, organized by the Global Carbon Project in partnership with other initiatives and regional flux tower networks. The objectives of the effort are presented along with an overview of the coverage of eddy covariance (EC) CH4 flux measurements globally, initial results comparing CH4 fluxes across the sites, and future research directions and needs. Annual estimates of net CH4 fluxes across sites ranged from −0.2 ± 0.02 g C m–2 yr–1 for an upland forest site to 114.9 ± 13.4 g C m–2 yr–1 for an estuarine freshwater marsh, with fluxes exceeding 40 g C m–2 yr–1 at multiple sites. Average annual soil and air temperatures were found to be the strongest predictor of annual CH4 flux across wetland sites globally. Water table position was positively correlated with annual CH4 emissions, although only for wetland sites that were not consistently inundated throughout the year. The ratio of annual CH4 fluxes to ecosystem respiration increased significantly with mean site temperature. Uncertainties in annual CH4 estimates due to gap-filling and random errors were on average ±1.6 g C m–2 yr–1 at 95% confidence, with the relative error decreasing exponentially with increasing flux magnitude across sites. Through the analysis and synthesis of a growing EC CH4 flux database, the controls on ecosystem CH4 fluxes can be better understood, used to inform and validate Earth system models, and reconcile differences between land surface model- and atmospheric-based estimates of CH4 emissions.
Transoral Tubed Supraglottoplasty: A New Minimally Invasive Procedure for Aspiration
Authors: Ma Yue , Naunheim Matthew R. , Gregory Jill , Woo Peak 
Published: July 2019

Objectives: We describe a new procedure for aspiration called tubed supraglottoplasty (TS). TS is a transoral procedure that approximates the aryepiglottic (AE) folds and arytenoids. This narrows the laryngeal inlet. This procedure has been used to improve swallowing and reduce aspiration in patients with vocal fold paralysis. We describe the technical aspects of TS and report on 11 patients. Methods: TS is done by oral intubation followed by suspension laryngoscopy. An incision is made along the AE fold into the posterior commissure and then continued to the opposite AE fold. Dissection within this incision creates two mucosal flaps, one based on the laryngeal surface and the other on the pharyngeal surface. Two 1-cm releasing incisions are made at each end of the AE fold. The laryngeal mucosal flap is approximated using a 3-0 self-locking running suture. The pharyngeal mucosal flap is approximated as a second layer. This double-layered mucosal V-Y advancement flap builds up the posterior laryngeal height. It narrows and “tubes” the supraglottis. Results: All patients tolerated TS without airway complications. Ten of the 11 patients reported improved swallowing function with less aspiration. Six of the 8 patients with prior G-tubes had their gastrostomy tube removed. Postoperative laryngoscopy showed a narrowed “tubed” supraglottis with a higher posterior wall preventing spillover and aspiration. An improved Functional Oral Intake Scale was recorded in ten of eleven patients. Conclusion: TS is a minimally invasive procedure that can improve swallowing and reduce aspiration.
Relationships and Mechanisms Between Occupational Risk Factors and Distal Upper Extremity Disorders
Authors: Keir Peter J. , Farias Zuniga Amanda , Mulla Daanish M. , Somasundram Kumara G. 
Published: July 2019

Objective The relationships between workplace risk factors and upper extremity injuries from epidemiological and laboratory studies were examined. Background Epidemiological studies are associated with several limitations, affecting the strength of association between risk factors and the development of injuries. Method In this narrative review, we identified epidemiological and laboratory studies (published primarily since 1997) investigating exposure to workplace risk factors (force, repetition, posture, vibration) and risk of hand/wrist tendon–related disorders, epicondylitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Results Forceful exertions are strongly associated with hand/wrist tendon–related disorders, epicondylitis, and CTS. Dose–response relationships were found for epicondylitis (repetition) and CTS (posture). Interactions demonstrate multiplicative effects of risk factors for injury risk. Laboratory studies display clear associations between task demands and biomechanical measures linked to mechanisms for upper extremity injuries with animal models providing further evidence of a dose–response between risk factors and injury. Conclusion Forceful, repetitive work requiring non-neutral postures are associated with increasing risk of hand/wrist tendon–related disorders, epicondylitis, and CTS as evidenced by epidemiology studies and laboratory-based investigations of humans and animals. Application Understanding the relationship between exposure levels of workplace risk factors and upper extremity disorders can improve injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.