bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between non-injection drug use and hepatitis C infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men
Authors: Zhao Jing , Green Charles , Markham Christine , Fujimoto Kayo , Nyitray Alan G. , Hwang Lu-Yu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the association between drug use and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection in HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who reported drug use but not injection drug use. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the data of 118 HIV-negative MSM who reported drug use but not injection drug use recruited from two inner-city communities between 2004 and 2007. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify drug use latent classes. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between drug use latent class and HCV infection. Results: Four distinct latent classes of drug use were identified: (1) persons >=42 years old who used only crack cocaine, (2) persons about 42 years old who used >2 drugs, (3) persons <42 years old who used >5 drugs, and (4) persons >=42 years old who used >6 drugs. Class 4, persons >= 42 years old who used >6 drugs were significantly associated with HCV infection. Compared with persons about 42 years old who used >2 drugs, persons >=42 years old who used >6 drugs had more than 16 times the odds of having HCV infection (adjusted OR = 16.9, 95%CI: 1.4-205.4), and compared with persons <42 years old who used >5 drugs, persons >=42 years old who used >6 drugs were about 22 times as likely to have HCV infection (adjusted OR=21.8, 95%CI: 1.5-322.8). Conclusions: The subgroup of MSM >=42 years old with non-injection but multiple use of heroin, speedball, and methamphetamine, in addition to crack cocaine and marijuana, had high probability of HCV infection. Public health and education programs, as well as drug treatment and rehabilitation programs, should be developed for this high-risk subgroup to prevent HCV acquisition and transmission.
Motivational State of Japanese Medical Students at the Time of Admission and Factors Influencing Intrinsic Motivation: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kikuchi Asuka , Kawamoto Ryuichi , Akase Taichi , Ninomiya Daisuke , Tokumoto Yoshio , Kumagi Teru 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMedical schools should select students with clear intentions to become doctors because motivated students are better pupils and become better doctors. However, there are no studies directly asking medical students whether they intend to become doctors at the time of medical school admission. The aim of this study was to explore the motivational aspirations of medical students and the factors impacting motivation upon entering medical school.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study at a Japanese national medical school from April 2019 to March 2021. We used a questionnaire asking medical students whether they had clear intentions to become doctors when applying to medical school. Students who answered affirmatively were classified as “intrinsically motivated,” whereas those without this intention were classified as “extrinsically motivated.” We compared these two groups and analyzed the factors influencing intrinsic motivation with multinomial logistic regression analysis.ResultsOut of 531 medical students who completed the questionnaire, 378 (71.2%) had clear intentions to become doctors at the time of admission (intrinsically motivated), and the remaining students did not (extrinsically motivated). Factors influencing intrinsically motivated students were doctors in the students’ family other than their parents (OR = 1.645, P = 0.041), doctors as role models (OR = 2.836, P < 0.001), and having the personality characteristic of empathy (OR = 1.940, P = 0.008). Parental (OR = 0.391, P < 0.001) and peer (OR = 0.284, P = 0.008) influences on their career choice had negative effects on intrinsic motivation.ConclusionsThis study revealed that not all medical students intended to become doctors upon entering medical school, and their motivational status and reasons for being motivated varied. In conducting motivational research on medical students, it may be necessary to keep in mind that the target students who aspire to become doctors are not necessarily a homogenous group. These findings may lay the groundwork for additional medical student motivational research. Additional research on motivation after admission through prospective surveys and developing curricula based on motivation should also be studied in the future.
Facile Techniques to Synthesize Reduced Graphene Oxide for Removing Tetracycline From Water: Kinetics and Thermodynamics Studies
Authors: Dinh Trinh Tran , Ha Thi-My-Trinh , Nguyen Thi-An-Hang , Dang Viet-Cuong , Dao Van-Duong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was successfully produced from graphite precursor by chemical oxidation and exfoliation processes which were followed by a reduction process in mild conditions. rGO was then applied in the adsorption of tetracycline (TC) in water. SEM/EDX, XRD, FT-IR, BET, pHpzc were conducted to characterize the synthesized materials. The adsorption efficiency of TC from water was evaluated by changes in several factors such as contact time, temperature, pH of the solution, adsorbent load, and tetracycline concentration. Furthermore, adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotherms were also investigated. As the result, the adsorption process of TC onto rGO was spontaneous, endothermic, and governed by both physisorption and chemisorption. The maximum uptake calculated from Langmuir isotherm model was 58.03 mg/g. rGO material could be regenerated by using methanol and diluted NaOH solutions. The findings in this work provides a complete data on the TC adsorption process onto rGO and the process of recovery and reuse of rGO.
Spot urine protein creatinine ratio compared with dipstick proteinuria as a primary screening tool for renal disease in a community setting
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , OA Asinobi , OR Ibrahim , IA Lagunju 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

Although, the use of manual dipstick urinalysis for proteinuria has been a common practice, the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline on screening for chronic renal disease least advocate it use. Besides, several studies have assessed the performance of dipstick urinary in screening for proteinuria to be inaccurate, unreliable with a poor predictive values. The goal of this study was to determine and compare the presence of significant proteinuria (SP) in high-risk African children using the spot urine protein creatinine ratio (UPr/UCr) as a primary screening tool besides dipstick proteinuria screening.
Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 1,316 apparently healthy children recruited through a multi-stage sampling technique in Ogbomoso land, Nigeria. We performed a dipstick urinalysis on early-morning urine samples. Urinary protein content was determined using a turbidimetric method and Jaffe’s reaction to measure the urinary creatinine concentration. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)TM, Version 23.0 for Windows.
Results

The prevalence of SP using spot UPr/UCr (≥ 0.2) and dipstick proteinuria screening (≥1+) were 18% and 0.8%, respectively (p<0.001). Of the 224 subjects determined to have SP using UPr/UCr, the females (140; 20.1%) had a higher proportion compared to males (84; 15.4% -p=0.032). Nephrotic range proteinuria was detected in nine out of 10 subjects (90%) using UPr/UCr but in only three out of ten (30%) using the urinary dipstick method. The biserial correlation coefficient (r= 0.092; p=0.001) and inter-rater-agreement (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.01) were poor, and the McNemar’s test result was (p<0.001).
Conclusion

The UPr/UCr ratio technique appeared to perform better than dipstick urinalysis as a primary screening tool for renal disease. Hence, it may be adopted for early detection of SP as a kidney disease marker especially among the high risk population.
Numerical task for orbital electron in transition subatomic structure
Authors: Ivantsov Mikhail 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The present work as part of a known task of single-electron atom has been carried out, wherein one mathematical theorem is proved. Herewith an orbital electron was modeled, for which a certain parallelism exists between the highlighted ground state of the atom and special transition states in subatomic structure. Moreover, the ground state in unambiguous solution of fine-structure constant is obtained, where first transition state at the exceptional accordance with proton nucleus can be founded. For here, it is possible to relate the hyper-fine nuclear structure like the Lamb shift of hydrogen atom. In this substantiation of the task, multiply charged states were predicted for a hypothetical nucleus, as in the higher order of meson-boson transitions. The specified approach, in the terms of electric interaction, may be beyond a scope of the existing boson classification, supposedly for the carriers of electroweak interaction.
Antitumor Activity of Zinc Nanoparticles Synthesized with Berberine on Human Epithelial
Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cells through Acting on Cox-2/NF-kB
and p53 Pathways
Authors: Othman Mohamed S. , Al-Bagawi Amal H. , Obeidat Sofian T. , Fareid Mohamed A. , Habotta Ola A. , Moneim Ahmed E. Abdel 
Published: October 2021

Background:
Drawbacks and side effects of currently available therapies to colorectal cancer (CRC) have
compelled researchers to search for new therapeutic strategies.

Objective:
This study was designed to investigate the effects of zinc nanoparticles biosynthesized with berberine
(ZnNPs-BER) on Caco-2 cells compared to 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and explore the possible underlying pathways.

Methods:
Caco-2 and Vero cells were treated with 5-FU, BER, or ZnNPs-BER for 24 h. Cell viability was measured
by MTT assay. Oxidative stress and apoptotic markers and cell cycle were determined. Additionally, Cox-2 and NF-kB
levels were also measured.

Results:
The IC50 values of 5-FU, BER, and ZnNPs-BER on Caco-2 cells were found to be 34.65 μM, 19.86 μg/ml
and 10.49 μg/ml, respectively by MTT assay. The IC50 value for 5-FU in Vero cells was 21.7 μg/ml, however, BER
and BER-ZnNPs treatment showed non-toxic effects on the Vero cells. Further, ZnNPs-BER exerted significant induction
of ROS besides exhaustion of the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells indicated by a decline in GSH and elevated
NO and MDA contents. Marked increments in levels of Bax and caspase-3 were detected together with declines in Bcl-
2 levels in Caco-2 cells subjected to BER-ZnNPs therapy. On the molecular basis, upregulation in mRNA levels of
pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, caspase-3, and tumor suppressor gene p53) along with downregulation in the anti-apoptotic
gene (Bcl-2) were observed in ZnNPs-BER treated Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, ZnNPs-BER showed more pronounced
effects on apoptosis increased cell percentage in the S and subG1 phases. In addition, green synthesis of ZnNPs with
BER showed notable induction of Cox2 and NF-kB in Caco-2 cells.

Conclusion:
Therefore, the antitumor potential of ZnNPs-BER in colon cancer cells may be endorsed for induction of
oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic changes in tumor cells. Our study documents the therapeutic potential of
Zn nanoparticles conjugated with BER, which may be a new option for combined chemotherapy.
Restoration of erectile function in men after prostate surgery in the immediate postoperative period: the needs assessment for patients and their partners to maintain sexual relations
Authors: Anisimov N. V. , Kulchavenya E. V. , Kholtobin D. P. 
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Despite the advances in the modern pharmacopoeia, a significant place is given to surgical methods of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). In the postoperative period in men, sexual function usually deteriorates.Purpose of the study. To study the needs of men after prostate surgery and their sexual partners in restoring their previous sexual life.Materials and methods. The pilot open-label prospective randomized non-comparative study included 50 patients in the age range of 53 – 74 years (average 58.3 years). All patients were consistently admitted and operated on at the “Avicenna” Medical Centre, Ltd. (Novosibirsk) from January to December 2020. Upon admission, all patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (ICEF) questionnaire; one month later, this questionnaire was re-completed, supplemented with five questions.Results. Twenty-one patients were admitted with a diagnosis of PCa T1c – T2N0M0, all of them underwent laparoscopic prostatectomy with lymphadenectomy. Twenty-nine patients were operated on for BPH. They underwent transurethral resection with a bipolar resectoscope. Only 6 patients (12%) had no comorbidities. Surgical intervention worsened sexual function in all patients, while in men aged 50 – 59 years, the IIEF score decreased by 61.0%, at the age of 60 – 69 years by 39.0%, in patients over 70 years old by 55.2%. Eighteen (36.0%) patients showed interest in restoring sexual function. Thirty-two (64%) patients were against the continuation of sexual activity with the following motivation: 19 (59.4%) – lack of desire for a sexual partner, 8 (25.0%) – lack of desire of the patient himself, 5 (15.6%) – unwillingness to re-operated. Nineteen women out of 36 stable couples (52.8%) objected to the restoration of the sexual function of their sexual partners.Conclusion. Prostate surgery affects male sexual function more severely in younger patients. Thirty-two patients after surgery refused to restore sexual activity, in more than half of cases (59.4%) due to the unwillingness of the sexual partner to resume sexual relations.
Optimizing the lithotripsy timing after drainage of the upper urinary tract in patients with urolithiasis and obstructive uropathy
Authors: Khotko A. I. , Khotko D. N. , Popkov V. M. , Tarasenk A. I. 
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Timely unresolved upper urinary tract (UUT) obstruction in patients with infection can cause severe complications, such as sepsis, pyonephrosis and even death. There are no clear recommendations regarding the methods and timing of drainage. At the same time, this issue is still the subject of discussion in publications of recent years.Purpose of the study. To optimize the timing of lithotripsy after drainage of the UUT in patients with urolithiasis and obstructive uropathy (OU).Materials and methods. At the first stage, 90 patients with OU caused by the stone of the ureteropelvic junction underwent drainage of the UUT using a percutaneous nephrostomy. Subsequently, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNLT) was performed at various times after drainage. The level of inflammatory markers (IL-8) and profibrotic factor (MCP-1) in the urine was determined. The calculated concentrations of urinary biomarkers were normalized by the level of urinary creatinine. Urine sampling for the analysis was carried out during and after the PCN placement (nephrostomy urine) 7 days later, and then once weekly before surgery. The coefficient K was calculated using a patented formula to evaluate the process of kidney remodeling. Urine sampling was performed for culture to determine the bacterial spectrum and antibiotic sensitivity.Results. The values of K ≤ 1.85 were observed in 11 patients of the group with OU (12.2%), K > 1.85 in 79 (87.8%) by day 21. The values of K ≤ 1.85 were achieved in 70 patients (88.6%) by day 28 and 4 patients (80.0%) by day 35. PNLT was performed on 21 days in patients with K ≤ 1.85 (11 patients), no complications were noted in the postoperative period., PNLT was performed in patients with K ≤ 1.85 (70 patients) by day 28, exacerbation of pyelonephritis and the development of chronic kidney disease were not noted. Six patients with values of K ˃ 1.85 underwent PNLT by day 28. In the postoperative period, all patients had an exacerbation of calculous pyelonephritis, 50% had a decrease in glomerular filtration rate within 3 months after surgery. The bacteria in urine were detected in 55 (61.0%) patients. Escherichia coli (63.0%), Proteus mirabilis (18.0%), Enterococcus faecalis (14.5%), Streptococcus haemolyticus (2.5%) were identified most often.Conclusion. The use of the developed remodeling index allows optimizing the surgery timing and minimizing the development of complications during the postoperative period. The presence of bacteria is associated with a long process of renal parenchymal remodeling.
Extracorporeal ultrasound exposure by the low-frequency acoustic amplitude-modulated signal on a ureteral stent for preventing its incrustation: experimental determination of optimal application points
Authors: Tsukanov A. Yu. , Akhmetov D. S. , Novikov A. A. , Negrov N. A. , Putintseva A. R. , Semikina S. P. 
Published: October 2021

Introduction. Incrustation and biofilms formation on the surface of ureteral stents are still the most significant complications of internal drainage of the upper urinary tract. There are much researchers conducted to combat these complications. The lack of a solution to this problem affects the ultimate results of treatment and economic losses. The issue of impact by physical methods on the ureteral stent, particularly the use of extracorporeal ultrasound acoustic exposure remains, promising and poorly covered.Purpose of the study. To determine the optimal application points of extracorporeal acoustic exposure by the low-frequency ultrasonic amplitude-modulated signal on a ureteral stent in an experiment.Materials and methods. The original device was designed. The main principle of its operation is the generation of an amplitude-modulated ultrasonic signal in two modes: pulsed and permanent. A sexually mature mongrel dog was an experimental animal. The ureteral stent was placed by laparotomy and cystotomy. Intraoperatively, the emitter of the developed device was applied to the skin of the animal, according to the previously indicated topographic and anatomical landmarks. At the same time, an ultrasonic wave noise analyzer was applied through the laparotomy wound to the appropriate level of the ureter. Measurements of ultrasound intensity indicators were performed three times in two operating modes of the device.Results. Pulsed mode: for the ureteral upper third, the highest ultrasonic intensity (123.67 dB) was achieved along the posterior axillary line. For the ureteral middle third, the best ultrasound intensity (115 dB) was obtained by the posterior axillary line. For the ureteral lower third, the highest ultrasound intensity (113.67 dB) was noted along the middle axillary line.Permanent mode: the best ultrasonic intensity in the projection of the ureteral upper, middle, and lower thirds was achieved along the posterior axillary line and was 118.67 dB, 117 dB and 116.67 dB, accordingly. However, there was an excessive heat effect, manifested by hyperemia and hyperthermia of the animal's skin, fascicular muscle contractions during the instrument functioned in the permanent mode, which can potentially lead to thermal burns and intolerance to the procedure.Conclusion. The pulsed mode of the device function is most safe. The optimal application points of the instrument emitter for the ureteral upper and middle thirds is the posterior axillary line, and for the ureteral lower third is the middle axillary line.
Digital SARS-CoV-2 Detection Among Hospital Employees: Participatory Surveillance Study
Authors: Leal-Neto Onicio , Egger Thomas , Schlegel Matthias , Flury Domenica , Sumer Johannes , Albrich Werner , Babouee Flury Baharak , Kuster Stefan , Vernazza Pietro , Kahlert Christian , Kohler Philipp 
Published: October 2021

Background
The implementation of novel techniques as a complement to traditional disease surveillance systems represents an additional opportunity for rapid analysis.

Objective
The objective of this work is to describe a web-based participatory surveillance strategy among health care workers (HCWs) in two Swiss hospitals during the first wave of COVID-19.

Methods
A prospective cohort of HCWs was recruited in March 2020 at the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen and the Eastern Switzerland Children’s Hospital. For data analysis, we used a combination of the following techniques: locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) regression, Spearman correlation, anomaly detection, and random forest.

Results
From March 23 to August 23, 2020, a total of 127,684 SMS text messages were sent, generating 90,414 valid reports among 1004 participants, achieving a weekly average of 4.5 (SD 1.9) reports per user. The symptom showing the strongest correlation with a positive polymerase chain reaction test result was loss of taste. Symptoms like red eyes or a runny nose were negatively associated with a positive test. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve showed favorable performance of the classification tree, with an accuracy of 88% for the training data and 89% for the test data. Nevertheless, while the prediction matrix showed good specificity (80.0%), sensitivity was low (10.6%).

Conclusions
Loss of taste was the symptom that was most aligned with COVID-19 activity at the population level. At the individual level—using machine learning–based random forest classification—reporting loss of taste and limb/muscle pain as well as the absence of runny nose and red eyes were the best predictors of COVID-19.
The Future of Russia as Seen by Students
Authors: Komarovskiy Vladimir 
Published: October 2021

The paper analyses students’ ideas about the prospects of Russia in the foreseeable future (20—25 years). The data were obtained through the Mentor project “Image of the Desired Future of Russia as Seen by Students” of the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research. The study included focus-group interviews (May—November 2019) with students of 10 universities located throughout the country (Kaliningrad, Sevastopol, Yaroslavl, Makhachkala, Krasnoyarsk, Krasnodar, etc.).
In addition to other goals, the authors determined the extent of optimism (pessimism) of students regarding Russia’s capacity to adequately respond to current challenges and to successfully compete with other countries. As young people believe, Russia will have to solve these issues in the nearest future.