bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between single nucleotide polymorphism of human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene locus and clinical severity of COVID-19
Authors: Elbadri Shaimaa A. , Abdallah Nermeen M. A. , El-Shokry Mona , Gaber Amr , Elsayed Mahmoud Kh. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a devastating pandemic-causing disease with a variable severity among populations. Genetic studies have pinpointed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key enzyme for viral entry, for its possible linkage to the disease progression. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of human ACE2 gene with the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 for better patient management.

Methods
In this observational cross-sectional study, COVID-19 confirmed patients were classified into moderate and severe cases according to the “Ain Shams University Hospitals Pocket Guide for COVID-19 Diagnosis.” Genetic analysis of ACE2 SNP rs2048683 was carried out using a TaqMan assay with the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.

Results
Among 90 confirmed COVID-19 patients, 78.9% (71/90) were classified as severe, and 21.1% (19/90) were classified as moderate. Laboratory biomarkers were significantly (P = 0.000) higher in the severe group than in the moderate group. Similarly, associated comorbidities such as hypertension were significant (P = 0.000) in the severe group, whereas asthma and deep venous thrombosis were significant in the moderate group (P = 0.007 and 0.006, respectively). Elevated serum ferritin level (odds ratio (OR) 162.589, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.108–3260.293) and ACE2 rs2048683 genotype GG/G (OR 5.852, 95% CI 1.586–21.591) were both considered independent risk factors for severe disease.

Conclusion
The findings of the present study provide preliminary evidence of an association between ACE2 rs2048683 SNPs and COVID-19 severity in the Egyptian population, which may inform the need for targeted management.
Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease and VHL-associated tumors in Indian subjects: VHL gene testing in a resource constraint setting
Authors: Dwivedi Aradhana , Moirangthem Amita , Pandey Himani , Sharma Pankaj , Srivastava Priyanka , Yadav Prabhaker , Saxena Deepti , Phadke Shubha , Dabadghao Preeti , Gupta Neerja , Kabra Madhulika , Goyal Rekha , Biswas Rituparna , Mangaraj Swayamsidha , Bhar Debarati , Chowdhury Subhankar , Agarwal Amit , Mandal Kausik 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) syndrome is a familial cancer syndrome caused by mutations in VHL gene. It is characterized by the formation of benign and malignant tumors like retinal angioma, cerebellar hemangioblastoma, spinal hemangioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, pancreatic and renal cysts, and endolymphatic sac tumors. Germline mutations in VHL gene have also been reported in isolated VHL-associated tumors. VHL gene is a small gene with 3 coding exons and can be easily tested even in a resource constraint setting.

Objective
To describe clinical presentation and estimate the diagnostic yield of in VHL and VHL-associated tumors.

Methods
This is a descriptive study in a hospital setting. Here, we describe the clinical and molecular data of 69 patients with suspected VHL or having VHL-associated tumors. Sanger sequencing of coding sequences and conserved splice sites of VHL gene were done in all patients. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) of VHL gene to detect large deletions/duplications was performed for 18 patients with no pathogenic sequence variations.

Results
Among tumor types at presentation, pheochromocytoma was seen in 49% (34/69), hemangioblastoma was seen in 30% (21/69), and renal cell carcinoma was seen in 7% (5/69). Rest had other tumors like paraganglioma, endolymphatic sac papillary tumors, cerebellar astrocytoma and pancreatic cyst. Seven patients (10%) had more than one tumor at the time of diagnosis. Pathogenic variations in VHL gene were identified in 31probands by Sanger sequencing; 18 were missense, 2 nonsense and 2 small indels. A heterozygous deletion of exon 3 was detected by MLPA in one patient among 18 patients for whom MLPA was done. Overall, the molecular yield was 46% cases (32/69). Family history was present in 7 mutation positive cases (22%). Overall, 11 families (16%) opted for pre-symptomatic mutation testing in the family.

Conclusions
Mutation testing is indicated in VHL and VHL-associated tumors. The testing facility is easy and can be adopted easily in developing countries like India. The yield is good, and with fairly high incidence of familial cases, molecular testing can help in pre-symptomatic testing and surveillance.
Association between post-traumatic stress disorder severity and death by suicide in US military veterans: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Forehand Jenna A. , Dufort Vincent , Gradus Jaimie L. , Maguen Shira , Watts Bradley V. , Jiang Tammy , Holder Nicholas , Shiner Brian 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThere is mixed evidence regarding the direction of a potential association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide mortality.AimsThis is the first population-based study to account for both PTSD diagnosis and PTSD symptom severity simultaneously in the examination of suicide mortality.MethodRetrospective study that included all US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with a PTSD diagnosis and at least one symptom severity assessment using the PTSD Checklist (PCL) between 1 October 1999 and 31 December 2018 (n= 754 197). We performed multivariable proportional hazards regression models using exposure groups defined by level of PTSD symptom severity to estimate suicide mortality rates. For patients with multiple PCL scores, we performed additional models using exposure groups defined by level of change in PTSD symptom severity. We assessed suicide mortality using the VA/Department of Defense Mortality Data Repository.ResultsAny level of PTSD symptoms above the minimum threshold for symptomatic remission (i.e. PCL score >18) was associated with double the suicide mortality rate at 1 month after assessment. This relationship decreased over time but patients with moderate to high symptoms continued to have elevated suicide rates. Worsening PTSD symptoms were associated with a 25% higher long-term suicide mortality rate. Among patients with improved PTSD symptoms, those with symptomatic remission had a substantial and sustained reduction in the suicide rate compared with those without symptomatic remission (HR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.37–0.88).ConclusionsAmeliorating PTSD can reduce risk of suicide mortality, but patients must achieve symptomatic remission to attain this benefit.
A potential role of arcadia in conditioned media - umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cell on cartilage repair
Authors: Soetjahjo Bintang , Adriansyah Denny , Riawan Wibi 
Published: August 2022

Background. Certain conditions can stimulate stem cells to produce secretory factors that differ from each condition, such as hypoxia. Umbilical Cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells have been known to have higher proliferation rates, plasticity, and better self-improvement ability than MSCs from other sources. The objective was to analyze the secreting proteins in the Conditioned Medium - Umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CM-UCMSCs) which potentially has a role in the chondrogenesis of cartilage defect. Methods. We used SDS PAGE combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using mass spectrometer to perform a proteomic analysis of CM-UCMSCs which conditioned in a state of fasting (without serum albumin). Then, we continue to analyze to identify proteins of interest using Mascot sequence matching software. Then Analyzed using in silico / molecular docking to know the interaction of each protein with the cartilage repair factor. Results. SDS PAGE performed on all secreted products in CM-UCMSCs. We found one dominant band, then we used Mass Spectrometry continued Mascot sequencing protein that band, conclude that the protein was a D4A9T1/ RNF-111/ Arkadia Protein. And then using in silico/ molecular docking method analyzed that Arkadia Protein worked synergistically with TGF-β1 Protein through activation of TGF-β1 receptors to induce the chondrogenesis. Conclusions. Our results show that the fasting state on CM-UCMSCs promoted secreted Arkadia protein. From in silico model prediction, this protein suspects to have an important role in the process of repairing cartilage defects. However, further research is needed before feasible and safe for the clinical application of CM-UCMSCs in cartilage repair.
Assessment of medication-related burden among a sample of Iraqi patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and its relationship with disease activity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kadhim Abbas Hawraa , Jabbar Kadhim Dheyaa , Isho Gorial Faiq , Shareef Laith G. 
Published: August 2022

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with high morbidity and disability. The routines involved in taking medications, side effects, the nature of medicines, difficulties with the healthcare system, and disruptions to social activities all contribute to patients frequently experiencing medication-related burdens (MRB). The current study aimed to assess the perceived MRB among a sample of SLE patients from Iraq and to look for any possible relationship between MRB and disease activity. Methods: The current study was cross-sectional on diagnosed SLE patients who arrived at Baghdad Teaching Hospital/Medical City/Rheumatology department from September 2021 to January 2022. MRB was measured using the Living with Medicines Questionnaire (LMQ). Results: The study recruited 156 SLE patients. The patients were 35.8 ±11.7 years old on average. Great majority of them were women (96.8 %). The average LMQ score was 117.30± 18.37. The results showed that most patients (69.87%) experienced a moderate level of burden, followed by a low level (19.87%), high level (7.69%), and no burden at all (2.56%). No patients experienced an extremely high level of burden (0.0%). The mean burden scores for two LMQ domains—relationships with health care professionals (HCPs) and effectiveness of prescription medications—were the lowest (below average). Conclusions: Many of the SLE patients in this study reported experiencing MRB. Healthcare professionals should implement strategies to reduce this burden, particularly for low-income patients.
Mechanical acne - a review of contributing factors and diagnostic-therapeutic approach
Authors: Gorajek Anna , Kudan Małgorzata , Osiejewska Aleksandra , Grądzik Anna , Mikut Karolina , Wojtachnio Dominika , Nowakowska Izabela , Bartoszewicz Jakub 
Published: August 2022

Introduction and purpose: Acne is a diverse, multifactorial disease. A specific subtype of acne is mechanical acne, which is recurrent acne that occurs at the site of physical trauma to the skin due to repeated mechanical or frictional obstruction of the pilosebaceous outlet. The aim of the article is to present the available information on the pathophysiology, clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment of mechanical acne.
Description of the state of knowledge: Mechanical acne may be a complication of preexisting acne or can occur independently in a patient with no previous history of acne. Inflammatory acneiform papules and pustules result from friction from repetitive rubbing, stretching, squeezing, pressure, tension, pinching, or pulling of the skin accompanied by heat, pressure, moisture, and occlusion. Mechanical stress on the skin can be triggered by any pressure or friction inducing physical factors, such as tight clothing, sports gear, accessories, medical equipment, seat backs or hands. Mechanical acne most commonly occurs in athletes and develops from wearing tight-fitting clothing, accessories, or equipment. The severity of lesions increases with excessive sweating and overheating of the skin. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of mechanical acne caused by prolonged wearing of protective masks ("maskne") has also increased.
Summary: The most important aspect of mechanical acne treatment and preventions is the identification and elimination (or at least minimization) of the inciting factors. Supporting activities include maintaining cleanliness, proper skin care and applying topical acne treatments. Some patients require oral pharmacotherapy. Preventing recurrence of mechanical acne is important as it can leave unsightly scars and skin discoloration.
A Branch-and-Price Algorithm for the Multiple Knapsack Problem
Authors: Lalonde Olivier , Côté Jean-François , Gendron Bernard 
Published: August 2022

The multiple knapsack problem is a well-studied combinatorial optimization problem with several practical and theoretical applications. It consists of packing some subset of n items into m knapsacks such that the total profit of the chosen items is maximum. A new formulation of the problem is presented, where a Lagrangian relaxation is derived, and we prove that it dominates the commonly used relaxations for this problem. We also present a Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition of the new formulation that we solve to optimality using a branch-and-price algorithm, where its main advantage comes from the fact that it is possible to control whether an item is included in some knapsack or not. An improved algorithm for solving the resulting packing subproblems is also introduced. Computational experiments then show that the new approach achieves state-of-the-art results. History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete. Funding: This work was supported by the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) [Grants 2017-06054 and 2021-04037]. This support is gratefully acknowledged.
Troponin testing in primary care: can it improve diagnosis and prevent admission?
Authors: Bond Reiss 
Published: August 2022

Introduction: With the growing demand on emergency departments, expanses in the clinical capabilities of prehospital healthcare facilities have become a hot topic. The use of point-of-care troponin testing (POCTT) has been greatly debated due to the sensitivity limitations of the current testing machines. The current systematic review will collate the current research and attempt to confirm whether troponin testing in primary care can improve diagnostic capabilities and prevent onward admission where appropriate. Methods: The literature search was carried out using PubMed and Embase databases with MeSH terms derived from the US National Library of Medicine. Key data points were extracted pertaining to areas such as cost, unnecessary admission, incorrect diagnosis and mortality, with a descriptive analysis completed. Results: Cost – An overall improvement in cost of patient care was noted. Unnecessary admission – A reduction in unnecessary admission was reported. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) exclusion – Improved ACS exclusion was assumed due to improved admission rates. Mortality – No POCTT-associated mortality was reported. Incorrect diagnosis – Misdiagnosis rates between 1.02–5.2% with some associated morbidity. Conclusion: POCTT could be safely used when combined with current risk-stratification tools and delayed testing to mitigate the limitations with low-sensitivity testing.
Pulse-quality metric for nonstationary partially coherent
fields
Authors: Hyde Milo W. , Korotkova Olga , Spencer Mark F. 
Published: August 2022

This paper generalizes a pulse-quality metric referred to as

P
2

, i.e., the time analogue of Siegman’s
beam quality factor

M
2

, to include pulsed (nonstationary)
random fields of any state of coherence. The analysis begins with the
derivation of a general

P
2

relation, which we then specialize to
the important cases of coherent and Schell-model pulsed beams. As
examples, we derive the

P
2

for two stochastic sources: (1) a
cosine Gaussian-correlated Schell-model pulsed beam and (2) a
nonuniformly correlated pulsed beam. For both of these sources, we
generate (in simulation) random instances of each and compare the
simulated (Monte Carlo)

P
2

, i.e., computed directly from its
definition, to the theoretical quantity. The agreement is excellent,
thereby validating our

P
2

analysis.
Psychosocial factors associated with mental health and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among low-income urban dwellers in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Min Fui Wong , Abdul Majid Hazreen , Ismail Rozmi , Su Tin Tin , Maw Pin Tan , Said Mas Ayu 
Published: August 2022

Background and aims
Mental well-being among low-income urban populations is arguably challenged more than any other population amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates factors associated with depression and anxiety symptoms and quality of life among Malaysia’s multi-ethnic urban lower-income communities.

Methods
This is a community-based house-to-house survey conducted from September to November 2020 at the Petaling district in Selangor, Malaysia. Five hundred and four households were identified using random sampling, and heads of eligible households were recruited. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years with a monthly household income ≤RM6960 (estimated $1600) without acute psychiatric illness. The PHQ-9, GAD-7 and EQ-5D were used for depression, anxiety, and quality of life, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for the final analysis.

Results
A total of 432 (85.7%) respondents with a mean age of 43.1 years completed the survey. Mild to severe depression was detected in 29.6%, mild to severe anxiety in 14.7%, and problematic quality of life in 27.8% of respondents. Factors associated with mild to severe depression were younger age, chronic health conditions, past stressful events, lack of communication gadgets and lack of assets or commercial property. While respiratory diseases, marital status, workplace issues, financial constraints, absence of investments, substance use and lack of rental income were associated with mild to severe anxiety. Attributing poverty to structural issues, help-seeking from professionals, and self-stigma were barriers, while resiliency facilitated good psychological health. Problematic quality of life was associated with depression, older age, unemployment, cash shortage, hypertension, diabetes, stressful life events and low health literacy.

Conclusions
A high proportion of the sampled urban poor population reported mild to severe anxiety and depression symptoms. The psychosocial determinants should inform policymakers and shape future work within this underserved population.
Prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress among frontline healthcare workers at COVID-19 isolation sites in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Siamisang Keatlaretse , Kebadiretse Dineo , Tjirare Lynn Tuisiree , Muyela Charles , Gare Kebayaone , Masupe Tiny 
Published: August 2022

Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with mental health outcomes and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the highest risk. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress, among frontline HCWs at COVID-19 isolation and treatment sites in Gaborone, Botswana.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires at the six (6) isolation facilities. The 42-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess for the outcomes. The proportions are presented with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of the outcomes. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results
A total of 447 participants with a median age of 30 years responded. Depression, anxiety and stress were detected in 94 (21.0% (95% CI 17.3–25.1%)), 126 (28.2% (CI 24.1–32.6%)) and 71 (15.9% (12.6–19.6%)) of the participants respectively. Depression was associated with smoking (AOR 2.39 (95% CI 1.23–4.67)), working at the largest COVID-19 isolation centre, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) (AOR 0.25 (95% CI 0.15–0.43)) and experience of stigma (AOR 1.68 (95% CI 1.01–2.81)). Tertiary education (AOR 1.82 (95% CI 1.07–3.07)), SKMTH (AOR 0.49 (95% CI 0.31–0.77)), household members with chronic lung or heart disease (AOR 2.05 (95% CI 1.20–3.50)) and losing relatives or friends to COVID-19 (AOR 1.72 (95% CI 1.10–2.70)) were predictors of anxiety. Finally, predictors of stress were smoking (AOR 3.20 (95% CI 1.42–7.39)), household members with chronic heart or lung disease (AOR 2.44 (95% CI 1.27–4.69)), losing relatives or friends to COVID-19 (AOR 1.90 (1.05–3.43)) and working at SKMTH (AOR 0.24 (0.12–0.49)).

Conclusion
Depression, anxiety and stress are common among frontline HCWs working in the COVID-19 isolation sites in Gaborone. There is an urgent need to address the mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19 including addressing the risk factors identified in this study.
A study of HBV infection and its risk factors in pregnant women in Zakho city, Iraq
Authors: Khalid Fatima K. , Rasheed Narin A. , Hussein Nawfal R. , Naqid Ibrahim A. 
Published: August 2022

Background
Despite vaccine and antiviral treatment availability, hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to circulate among pregnant women in Iraq. HBV spread is due to many factors. This study evaluated HBV prevalence among pregnant women and Syrian refugees residing in Zakho city, Iraq, and identified risk factors associated with infection.

Materials and methods
Demographic data were collected from 2,054 pregnant women via a questionnaire assessing risk factors associated with HBV infection. Blood samples were collected for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and were screened using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
Tests revealed that 1.1% of pregnant women in Zakho and 11.3% of Syrian refugees (p = 0.001) were positive for HBsAg. The average age of HBsAg-positive patients was 31.4286 ± 6.6746 years (p = 0.002). Average rates of parity and abortion in HBV-infected subjects were 3.5 ± 2.6874 and 0.1785 ± 0.5479, respectively (p = 0.044 and 0.012, respectively). The following were identified as associated risk factors for HBV infection: nationality, (Zakho versus the city centre), tattoos, and polygamy (p = 0.001, 0.03, 0.007, and 0.001, respectively). No significant associations between HBV prevalence and blood transfusion, prior injection history, dental procedures, or surgical procedures were found.

Conclusion
The prevalence of HBV infection among Syrian refugees was higher than that of indigenous participants. Several risk factors were significantly associated with HBV positivity, which may facilitate effective preventive program implementation and decrease mother-to-child transmission risk. This will likely reduce infant and childhood HBV chronicity, and mortality rates.
Design and fabrication of an ultra compact Gysel power divider with harmonic suppression by using U shaped resonators
Authors: Shirzadian Gilan Maryam , Gholami Farhad 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a new design of Gysel power divider with good performance and very compact size is presented. In this design, rectangular resonators and U shaped transmission lines are used. Operating frequency that is considered is 580 MHZ. The proposed power divider only takes 15.83% of the area of the corresponding conventional Gysel power divider. Proposed equal low pass filters are replaced with transmission lines and the harmonics suppression is also improved. In this design, 10 harmonics are suppressed. Finally, the proposed power divider is fabricated and a good match is found between the simulation and measurement results.