bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Rupture on Conjugate Faults During the 2018 Anchorage, Alaska, Intraslab Earthquake (MW 7.1) Inverted from Strong-Motion Waveforms
Authors: Guo Yujia , Miyakoshi Ken , Tsurugi Masato 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
An MW 7.1 intraslab earthquake within the Pacific/Yakutat slab underlying the North American Plate struck Anchorage, southern Alaska, on November 30, 2018. The ground-motion records very close to the source region of the Anchorage earthquake provide an important opportunity to better understand the source characteristics of intraslab earthquakes in this subduction zone. We estimated the kinematic rupture process during this earthquake using a series of strong-motion waveform (0.05–0.4 Hz) inversions. Our inversions clearly indicate that the Anchorage earthquake was a rare intraslab event with simultaneous rupture on two conjugate faults, which are worldwide recognized sometimes for shallow crustal earthquakes but rarely for deep intraslab earthquakes. Interestingly, one of the conjugate faults is located in a zone that had low aftershock activity. This fault extends to great depth and may reflect a deep oceanic Moho or a local low-velocity and high-VP/VS zone within the oceanic mantle. Even though the Anchorage earthquake was a rare event due to the conjugate faults, we found that its kinematic source parameters were not abnormal compared to the average parameters of global intraslab earthquakes. The normal source parameters suggest that the larger low-frequency (0.33-Hz) ground-motion amplitudes than predicted by the ground-motion prediction equation observed in downtown Anchorage were primarily due to site amplification effects associated with a sedimentary basin, not source effects. Because such normality of the source parameters was also found for another large intraslab earthquake in the subducting Pacific/Yakutat slab, this normality is likely an important source characteristic common to this subduction zone.
Doping Practices in International Weightlifting: Analysis of sanctioned athletes/support personnel from 2008-2019 and retesting of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Kolliari-Turner Alexander , Oliver Brian , Lima Giscard , Mills John P. , Wang Guan , Pitsiladis Yannis , Guppy Fergus M 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background The pervasiveness of doping and findings of anti-doping corruption threaten weightlifting’s position at the 2024 Olympics. Analysing the practices of doping weightlifters could identify patterns in doping that assist in future detection.Methods We analysed publicly available data on sanctioned athletes/support personnel from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) between 2008–2019 and retrospective Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.Results There were 565 sanctions between 2008–2019 of which 82% related to exogenous and endogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). The distribution of exogenous AAS, endogenous AAS and other detected substances varied by IWF Continental Federation (p ≤ 0.05) with Europe (74%, 11%, 15%) and Asia (70%, 15%, 15%) showing a higher detection of exogenous AAS compared to Pan America (37%, 30%, 33%) and Africa (50%, 17%, 33%). When looking at the 10 most detected substances, the nations with the highest number of sanctions (range 17–35) all had at least one overrepresented substance that accounted for 38–60% of all detected substances. The targeted re-analysis of samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics due to the discovery of long-term metabolites for exogenous AAS has to date produced 61 retrospective ADRVs in weightlifting. Of these, 34 were original medallists (9 Gold, 10 Silver and 15 Bronze), the highest of any sport. The exogenous AAS Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone and Stanozolol accounted for 83% of detected substances and were present in 95% of these samples.Conclusion Based on these findings of regional differences in doping practices, weightlifting would benefit from the targeted testing of certain regions and continuing investment in long-term sample storage as the sensitivity and specificity of detection continues to improve.
Prognostic Value of m6A RNA Methylation Modulators and Potential Clinical Application in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wang Lianzi , Li Huimin , Li Tao , Wang Huihui , Li Xuemei , Xu Enjun , Chen Qiuli , Xu Yuanhong , Zhang shubing 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

m6A is the most prevalent and abundant form of mRNA modification and plays a dual role in cancer development. The high incidence and mortality of pancreatic cancer are critical obstacles worldwide. In this study, we investigated the function of m6A RNA methylation modulators in pancreatic cancer.
Methods

Expression of 13 m6A RNA methylation modulators and clinical data from patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma were obtained from TCGA database. Differences in the expression of 13 m6A RNA methylation modulators between tumour (n = 178) and healthy (n = 4) samples were compared by Wilcoxon test. LASSO Cox regression was used to select m6A RNA methylation modulators for analysis of the relationship between expression and clinical characteristics by univariate and multivariate regression. The pathways of the m6A RNA methylation modulators were examined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and we found enrichment in chemokine, ribosome, and mTOR signalling pathways.
Results

WTAP had a low expression in tumour samples compared with healthy samples. Furthermore, our analyses revealed that the m6A RNA methylation modulators YTHDF1, ALKBH5, METTL3, METTL14, and KIAA1429 correlated with high-risk patients, resulting in an elevated risk score and a lower overall survival. High-risk score correlated with clinical characteristic and was an independent prognostic indicator for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The pathways involved were identified by GSEA to explore the potential mechanism of action.
Conclusion

Modulators involved in m6A RNA methylation were associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. A risk score based on the expression of YTHDF1, ALKBH5, METTL3, METTL14, and KIAA1429 may be an independent prognostic indicator.
Pre-clinical medical student cardiac point-of-care ultrasound curriculum based on the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations: a pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Jujo Satoshi , Lee-Jayaram Jannet J , Sakka Brandan I , Nakahira Atsushi , Kataoka Akihisa , Izumo Masaki , Kusunose Kenya , Athinartrattanapong Natsinee , Oikawa-Miyoshi Sayaka , Berg Benjamin W 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training has been integrated into medical school curricula. However, there is no standardized cardiac POCUS training method for medical students. To address this issue, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) proposed a framework for medical student cardiac POCUS training. The objective of this pilot study was to develop a medical student cardiac POCUS curriculum with test scoring systems and test the curriculum feasibility for a future definitive study.Methods Based on the ASE-recommended framework, we developed a cardiac POCUS curriculum consisting of a pre-training online module and hands-on training with a hand-held ultrasound (Butterfly iQ). The curriculum learning effects were assessed with a 10-point maximum skill test and a 40-point maximum knowledge test at pre-, immediate post-, and 8-week post-training. To determine the curriculum feasibility, we planned to recruit 6 pre-clinical medical students. We semi-quantitatively evaluated the curriculum feasibility in terms of recruitment rate, follow-up rate 8 weeks after training, instructional design of the curriculum, the effect size (ES) of the test score improvements, and participant satisfaction. Discriminatory ability of the test scoring systems were assessed by comparing the scores of the medical students, medical interns, and experts.Results Six pre-clinical medical students participated in the curriculum. The recruitment rate was 100% (6/6 students) and the follow-up rate 8 weeks after training was 100% (6/6). ESs of skill and knowledge test score differences between pre- and immediate post-, and between pre- and 8-week post-training were large. The students reported high satisfaction with the curriculum. The test scoring systems demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability between the 3 different performance levels.Conclusions This pilot study confirmed the curriculum design as feasible with instructional design modifications including the hands-on training group size, content of the cardiac POCUS lecture, hands-on teaching instructions, and hand-held ultrasound usage. Based on the pilot study findings, we plan to conduct the definitive study with the primary outcome of long-term skill retention 8 weeks after initial training. The definitive study has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04083924).
The Costs of Using Volunteers in a COVID-19 pandemic Response Program in Iran
Authors: Seddighi Hamed , Salmani Ibrahim , sedeh Mehrab sharifi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
An intervention that Iran implemented to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic was to screen passengers during the Iranian New Year holidays (17 March to 3 April 2020). The purpose of this study is to examine the costs and benefits of using volunteers in this program for the Iranian government. Using the cost-benefit analysis method, the national data of the screening program were analyzed. A total of 83,810 volunteers worked on the project for 17 days, which cost $ 27,7811. If the Iranian government had hired permanent employees instead of using volunteers, it would have cost $ 558733 more. It is used wage replacement method for calculating cost of voluntary work using the minimum wage of workers in Iran in 2020. Volunteer Investment and Value Audit (VIVA) rate also showed that $ 2 was saved for every dollar the Iranian government spent. It can be concluded that the use of volunteers, especially in volunteer-oriented programs in times of disaster, including epidemics, can be economically beneficial to the government. At the same time, it should be noted that the use of volunteers is also costly, and the government must identify the optimal number of volunteers before implementation. Moreover, if there are several plans on the table to intervene, the Viva rate can be a measure of cost-effectiveness.
Misdiagnosis of Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Jiangbin , He Li , Luo Nian-An , Xu Yan , Chen Ya-Feng , Dong Rui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PHNEC) is relatively rare and has high malignancy and poor prognosis, but the rate of clinical diagnosis is low. The clinical symptoms, signs, and ultrasound images are not specific. Diagnosis is mainly based on pathological manifestations and immunophenotyping analysis. Here, we present a case of PHNEC with rectal adenoma.Case presentation: A 63-year-old male patient complained of dull pain and discomfort in his right upper abdomen that had persisted for over 1 month. This individual was initially diagnosed with rectal cancer with liver metastasis because of unclear and inconclusive imaging examination results. The biopsy of rectal polyps indicated tubular villous adenoma, and the liver biopsy and immunohistochemical examinations suggested PHNEC.Conclusions: When a patient has not been diagnosed with hepatitis or cirrhosis, the AFP value is not high, and imaging shows solid space-occupying lesions, liquefaction, and clear liver tumor boundaries, we can exclude tumors of non-hepatic origin using gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and PET-CT, and other tests. We can then consider Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor and confirm this with pathological examinations and immunophenotyping.
Presymptomatic Transmission and Diverse Progression of Familial Clustering Covid-19 Cases in Zhoushan, China
Authors: Liu Miao , Liu Leijie , Li Ping , Ding Yibo , Wu Ting , Tang Weina , Wang Zhongfa , Cao Guangwen 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused emerging infectious disease, firstly identified in Wuhan (Hubei, China), is pandemic. However, data concerning presymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 transmission and disease diversity among family members are limited. Herein, We investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of presymptomatic transmission-caused familial clustering cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Zhoushan island, China.
Methods

All family members were tested for SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA by quantitative reverse transcription PCR in 3 different samples and serum antibody immunoglobin M (IgM) and IgG against SARS-CoV-2. Exposure identification, laboratory test, and imaging were performed according to the national guideline of COVID-19 (7th edition, China).
Results

Of the 6 cases, index case who ever met his relative with COVID-19 from Xianning, Hubei on January 26–31, 2020, transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to his family members in Zhoushan via visiting family during January 31 and February 3, 2020. The index was identified as common-type COVID-19 on February 6, 2020. All 5 family members were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Of those, a 7-year-old girl was an asymptomatic carrier whereas her grandparents, especially her grandfather, were very sick. Case 6 (grandfather) remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in his sputum specimen in subsequent 2 months. Case 2 (mother) tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in all samples but positive for IgM and IgG to SARS-CoV-2 since February 9, 2020.
Conclusions

Presymptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 causes familial cluster of COVID-19. Exposed to the same source of infection, family members present their differences in disease severity and viral clearance.
TNF inhibitors exert a “hidden” beneficial effect in the cardiovascular lipoprotein profile of RA patients
Authors: Alén Jaime Calvo , Lavín Bernardo Alio , Aurrecoechea Elena , Ruiz Armando Raul Guerra , Taboada Víctor Martínez , Gerique Juan Gómez 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Higher cardiovascular risk has been largely described in rheumatoid arthritis as well as different effects of biologic agents in theses patients. The aim of present study is to analyze the effects of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in the lipoprotein profile of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients using a broad laboratory assessment including a large number of no routine testsMETHODS: RA patients treated with and without TNFi were cross-sectionally compared regarding a broad spectrum of lipoprotein tests including serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL cholesterol, lipoprotein A (LpA), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A) and B100 (Apo B), HDL, LDL and VLDL proteins, triglycerides and phospholipids, HDL Apo A, LDL and VLDL Apo B and paraoxonase 1 (PON 1), HDL, LDL and VLDL masses and number of particles of LDL and VLDL. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the different variables were performedRESULTS: Patients on treatment with TNFi showed a trend to be younger and had a longer disease duration. Regarding to the lipoprotein analyses, borderline significant higher levels of serum Apo A were detected and an independent association with lower HDL mass, LDL triglyceride, VLDL cholesterol, VLDL Apo B, VLDL mass, number of VLDL cholesterol molecules and number of particles of VLDL was clearly observed.CONCLUSIONS: TNFi treatment was associated with beneficial atherogenic effects at the lipoprotein level especially centered in VLDL related parameters consistent with a reduction of the remnant atherogenic risk.
5-Fluorouracil enhances the chemosensitivity of gastric cancer to TRAIL via inhibition of the MAPK pathway
Authors: Li Hui , Lv Jing , Guo Jing , Wang Shasha , Liu Shihai , Ma Yingji , Liang Zhiwei , Wang Yunyun , Qi Weiwei , Qiu Wensheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has the ability to selectively trigger cancer cell apoptosis and can be used as a target for tumor therapy. However, gastric cancer cells are usually insensitive to TRAIL so reducing this drug resistance may improve the treatment of gastric cancer.
Methods
In this study, we used Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) experiments to determine the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and TRAIL on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. An Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining experiment was used to detect apoptosis, and Western blotting was used to analyze the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway proteins. The antitumor effects of 5-FU and TRAIL were verified in vivo using a nude mouse tumorigenesis experiment, and a TUNEL assay was performed to evaluate apoptosis in tumor tissue from the nude mice.
Results
The combination of 5-FU and TRAIL had a greater inhibitory effect on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells than 5-FU or TRAIL alone both in vivo and in vitro. 5-FU enhanced TRAIL-induced gastric cancer cell apoptosis by inactivating the MAPK pathway.
Conclusion
Overall, our analysis provided new insights into the role of 5-FU in increasing sensitivity to TRAIL. 5-FU can be used as a sensitizer for TRAIL, and its administration is a potential strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic change the practice of Paediatric Endoscopists in Europe?
Authors: Athiana Ilektra , Légeret Corinne , Bontems Patrick , Dall'Oglio Luigi , Angelis Paola De , Dias Jorge Amil , Hauser Bruno , Homan Matjaz , Narula Priya , Norsa Lorenzo , Oliva Salvatore , Papadopoulou Alexandra , Romano Claudio , Thomson Mike , Vila-Miravet Victor , Furlano Raoul 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: As endoscopists are at risk to get infected by the novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 during endoscopic procedures, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published recommendations regarding protection for the paediatric endoscopist and endoscopy suite staff. The aim of this survey was to investigate whether European paediatric gastroenterology centres applied the recommendations and how this extraordinary situation was handled by the different centres.Results: Twelve Paediatric European gastroenterology centers (from Belgium, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and United Kingdom) participated. Nine centres (75%) screened their patients for a possible COVID-19 infection before the procedure, the same amount of hospitals changed their practice based on the ESPGHAN recommendations. 67% of the centres reduced the staff in the endoscopy suite, 83% of the units used FFP2/3 masks and protective goggles during the procedure and 75% wore waterproof gowns.Conclusion: The global situation caused by COVID-19 changed so rapidly, and hospitals had to react immediately to protect staff and patients and could not wait for guidelines to be published. Furthermore, uniform guidelines could not be applied by all European hospitals at a certain time point of the viral spread, as different regions of Europe were not only affected differently by COVID-19, but also had different access to personal protective equipment.
Endogenous estrogen exposure and chronic kidney disease; A 15-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Farahmand Maryam , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani , Khalili Davood , Cheraghi Leila , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite strong evidence demonstrating the role of estrogen as a protective factor for kidney function in women, limited data are available regarding the influence of endogenous estrogen exposure (EEE) on chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study aimed to assess the incidence of CKD in women with various levels of EEE.Methods: In a prospective population-based study over a 15-year follow-up, a total of 3043 eligible women aged 30-70 years, participating in Tehran-Lipid and Glucose-Study were recruited and divided in two groups(EEE <11 and EEE≥11 years). Cox’s proportional hazards model was applied to estimate the hazard ratio of CKD between the study groups, after adjusting for confounders.Results: The total cumulative incidence rate of CKD at the median follow-up time of approximately 15.6 years was 50.1 per 1000 person years; 95% CI: 47.7–52.6); this was 53.9 per 1000 person years (CI, 50.2–57.8) and 47.1 per 1000 person years (CI, 44.0–50.4) in women with EEE<11 and EEE≥ 11 years, respectively. The multivariate Cox model adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, hypertension and diabetes showed that the HR of developing CKD in women with EEE<11 years was significantly higher than in those with ≥ 11 years (HR: 4.0; 95% CI: 2.5, 6.3).Conclusion: This study shows a higher hazard ratio of CKD progression in women with low EEE levels in their later life. Our results suggest that the early diagnosis and management of subsequent kidney diseases in these women may potentially prevent the complications of this disease.
Baidu Jieduan Granule in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19): Study Protocol for an Open-Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Wen , Xie Qin , Xu Xiaoming , Sun Shuting , Fan Tian , Wu Xinxin , Qu Yao , Che Jinhua , Jiang Chao , Fang Bangjiang , Zhou Shuang , Huang Ting-rong , Li Hua-cheng , Zheng You 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Currently, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is continuously and rapidly circulating, resulting in serious and extensive impact on human health. Due to the absence of antiviral medicine for COVID-19 thus far, it is desperately need to develop the effective medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely applied in the treatment of epidemic diseases in China, hoping to produce clinical efficacy and decrease the use of antibiotics and glucocorticoid. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Baidu Jieduan Granule in curing COVID-19. Methods/design: This multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial is conducted 300 cases with COVID-19. The patients will be randomly (1:1) divided into treatment group or control group. All cases will receive standard therapy at the same time. The experiment group will receive Baidu Jieduan Granule treatment twice a day for 14 days. The outcomes are assessed at baseline and at 3, 5, 7, 14 days after treatment initiation. The primary outcome is the rate of symptom (fever, fatigue, and coughing) recovery. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial.Discussion: The study will provide a high-quality clinical evidence to support the efficacy and safety of Baidu Jieduan Granule in treatment of severe COVID-19, and also enrich the theory and practice of TCM in treating COVID-19. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000029869. Registered on 15 February 2020
Impact of COVID-19 on Transgender Women &amp; Hijra: Insights from Gujarat, India
Authors: Pandya Apurvakumar , Redcay Alex 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Protecting vulnerable populations from COVID-19 pandemic is a strategic imperative particularly considering they are at an increased risk for a wide range of issues. Based on the telephonic interview with twelve transgender women from Gujarat, India, this paper highlights the vulnerability factors for transgender individuals during a world-wide pandemic. Amongst others, transgender community members who struggle to cope financially, mentally, or physically with the crisis are also a vulnerable group that requires attention. Authors discuss key perspectives to meet the health needs of this group. Findings also offer broad insights into bolstering mental health, provisioning and encouraging availing psychological services in addition to essential healthcare services. It is critically important to address this population’s special needs during public health crisis such as COVID 19 and beyond. More studies are needed in this area to illuminate unique considerations for healthcare workers while providing care to this important group.