bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of Non-Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Quality of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Variations in Recommendations
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Yunyun , Weng Hong , Wang Danqi , Han Fei , Huang Qiao , Deng Tong , Wang xinghuan , Jin Yinghui 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Abstract Background: Bladder cancer (BC) has become a major worldwide public health issue, especially non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A flood of related clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have emerged; however, the quality and recommendations of the guidelines are controversial. We aimed to appraise the quality of the CPGs for NMIBC within the past 5 years and compare the similarities and differences between recommendations for therapies. Methods: A systematic search to identify CPGs for NMIBC was performed using electronic databases (including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science), guideline development organizations, and professional societies from January 12, 2014 to January 12, 2019. The Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument was used to evaluate the quality of the guidelines. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis was performed to assess the overall agreement among reviewers. Results: Nine CPGs were included. The overall agreement among reviewers was excellent. The interquartile range (IQR) of scores for each domain were as follows: scope and purpose 69.44% (35.42%, 85.42%); stakeholder involvement 41.67% (30.56%, 75.00%); rigour of development 48.96% (27.08%, 65.63%); clarity and presentation 80.56% (75.00%, 86.11%); applicability 34.38% (22.92%, 40.63%) and editorial independence 70.83% (35.42%, 85.42%). The NICE, AUA, EAU and CRHA/CPAM clinical practice guidelines consistently scored well in most domains. It was generally accepted that the transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and intravesical chemotherapy should be performed in the management of bladder cancer. The application of chemotherapy was highly controversial in high risk NMIBC. The courses of BCG maintenance were similar and included 3 years of therapy at full maintenance doses. Conclusions: The quality of NMIBC guidelines within the past 5 years varied, especially regarding stakeholders, rigour and applicability. Despite many similarities, the recommendations had some inconsistencies in the details.
Lower lymphocyte percentage and higher platelet count as poor prognostic factors for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor–mutated lung adenocarcinoma receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors as first-line treatment
Authors: Wu Yi-Feng , Lin Chih-Bin , Chu Sung-Chao , Huang Wei-Han , Lee Jen-Jyh , Yang Gee-Gwo , Wang Tso-Fu , Li Chi-Cheng 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

This study evaluated the effect of clinical factors on the treatment outcomes of patients with lung adenocarcinoma with active epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line treatment.

Methods

Patients with stage IIIb or IV lung adenocarcinoma with mutated EGFR were enrolled retrospectively between March 2010 and December 2017. The effects of various clinical features and hematologic markers on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

A total of 190 patients were enrolled in this study. In univariate analysis, the male sex, smoking history, EGFR mutation with L858R, and presentation with malignant pleural effusion at initial diagnosis were significantly associated with shorter PFS or OS. Among hematologic markers, lower lymphocyte percentage and higher platelet count were associated with significantly poor PFS and OS. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that smoking history, EGFR mutation with L858R, and lower lymphocyte percentage were independent poor prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Presentation with malignant pleural effusion and higher platelet count was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS only.

Conclusion

Patients with lung adenocarcinoma receiving TKIs as the first-line treatment and having hematologic markers with lower lymphocyte percentage, and higher platelet count had poorer prognoses compared with other patients. Additional studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Prevalence and factors associated with safe male circumcision among Makerere University undergraduate students, Kampala - Uganda
Authors: Nyamwiza Jean , Mukisa John , Ictho Jerry , Ssenyonga Ronald , Nalutaaya Annet , Kawooya Ismael , Benjamin Temper , Nagendo Joanita , Musewa Angella , Ali Sam , Loro Emmanuel Lako Ernesto , Agaba Bekiita Bosco , Kiwuwa Mpungu Steven , Kalyango Joan N. , Karamagi Charles 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Safe male circumcision (SMC) is currently recognized as a preventive strategy in reducing the risk of HIV; however, the prevalence of circumcised men in Uganda is still quite low at 26%. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with SMC and among Makerere University undergraduate students, in Kampala Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 602 participants selected using multistage probability sampling strategy. Pretested semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed with Stata 12.0, the prevalence ratio and p-values were calculated. Possible interactions and confounding variables were assessed with the Poisson regression model while qualitative data was analyzed with content analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of safe male circumcision among male undergraduates was 58.3% (95% CI: 54.37 – 62.24). Factors associated with SMC prevalence included: safety of SMC procedure (Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.13, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.03 – 1.25) and friendly health workers (PR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.74 – 0.83). The perceived benefits of SMC included hygiene (86.5%, n = 521), reduced risk of HIV transmission (4.5%, n = 26) and reduced risk of penile cancer (45.7%, n = 275) while, the perceived barrier was pain (10.1%, n = 61). The students perceived that SMC recipient’s first sexual partner post-procedure should not be his girlfriend. Most participants in all the focus group discussions perceived SMC increases sexual pleasure.

Conclusion

The overall self-reported SMC success rate among participants was high, along with the safety of SMC services and friendly health workers as important factors among male students. There is a need for continuous sensitization campaigns and communication strategies to address beliefs about SMC, some related misconceptions, and barriers so as to increase its prevalence.
Food Insecurity among Women of Reproductive Age in Nepal: Prevalence and Correlates
Authors: Pandey Shanta , Fusaro Vincent 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Background

Food insecurity is widely prevalent in certain sections of society in low and middle income countries. The United Nations has challenged all member countries to eliminate hunger for all people by 2030. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of household food insecurity among women, especially Dalit women of reproductive age in Nepal.

Methods

Data came from 2016 Nepal Demographic Health Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey that included 12,862 women between 15 and 49 years of age of which 12% were Dalit. Descriptive analysis was used to assess the prevalence of household food insecurity while logistic regression examined the relationship between women’s ethnicity and the risk of food insecurity after accounting for demographic, economic, cultural, and geo-ecological characteristics.

Results

About 56% of all women and 76% of Dalit women had experienced food insecurity. Ethnicity is strongly related to food insecurity. Dalit women were most likely to be food insecure, even after accounting for factors such as education and wealth. They were 82%, 85%, 89% and 92% more vulnerable to food insecurity than Muslims, Brahmin/Chhetri, Terai Indigenous, and Hill Indigenous populations, respectively. Education was a protective factor—women with secondary education (6th to 10th grade) were 39% less likely to be food insecure compared to their counterparts without education. With a more than 10th grade education, women were 2.27 times more likely to be food secure compared to their counterparts without education. Marriage was also protective. Economically, household wealth is inversely correlated with food insecurity. Finally, residence in the Mid-Western, Far-Western and Central Development regions was correlated with food insecurity.

Conclusion

To reduce food insecurity in Nepal, interventions should focus on improving women’s education and wealth, especially among Dalit and those residing in the Far- and Mid-Western regions.
Cover Crops Impacts on Louisiana Corn Production and Soil Properties
Authors: Sanchez Ina , Fultz Lisa M. , Lofton Josh , Haggard Beatrix 
Published: July 2019

Core Ideas
Combination of cover crops with conservation tillage increased soil C.
Cover crops significantly reduced nitrate‐N levels during the fallow season.
Legume cover crops reduced N requirements when compared with non‐legumes.
Conventionally managed, continuous monoculture row‐crop production has depleted the soil of nutrients, organic matter, and overall productivity. This has increased the need for external inputs, specifically N, to meet crop demand. Despite the growing interest in conservation practices, including minimal tillage and cover crops, little work has been reported in the Mid‐South region. Cereal rye (Secale cereal L.), forage radish (Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus L.), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L), winter pea (Pisium sativum L), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), and a cereal rye–forage radish mix were seeded in discrete blocks in October 2014, 2015, and 2016 along with a non‐cover fallow. Each block was divided into 16 sub‐plots to which one of four N fertilizer rates (0, 235, 268, and 302 kg N ha−1) were applied. Corn (Zea mays L.) grain yields increased with additions of N fertilizer; however, no difference was observed between the three fertilizer rates in 2 of 3 yr. Cover crops aided in the uptake and recycling of inorganic N, potentially reducing losses and providing N for subsequent cash crops. Following legume cover crops, corn grain yields were maximized with the addition of 235 kg N ha−1. Inclusion of grass and brassicas with no additional N input reduced corn grain yield, which remained lower than yield measured following legumes up to the 302 kg N ha−1 rate. Secondary benefits of cover crops included increased soil C (36%) and N (22%), and N cycling over a 2‐yr period.
Germination, Growth, and Ion Uptake of 15 Guar Accessions under Elevated Salinity
Authors: Suthar Jhaman Das , Rajpar Inayatullah , Ganjegunte Girisha K. , Shah Zia‐Ul‐Hassan , Niu Genhua , Grover Kulbushan 
Published: July 2019

Core Ideas
Salinity and drought are the major issues confronting agriculture in arid regions of the world.
Guar is a multipurpose drought‐ and salt‐tolerant crop that has the potential to improve farm revenue in arid regions.
Guar accessions vary in their salt tolerance and there is a strong need for developing information on accessions appropriate for elevated salinity.
Results of this study provide information on accessions appropriate for saline arid regions.
Growers in the arid regions of the world constantly face freshwater scarcity and salinity. It is essential to develop information on crops that can tolerate water and salinity stress for ensuring long‐term viability of agriculture in these extreme environments. Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is a multipurpose crop mainly grown in arid regions of south Asia and the United States is a major importer of this crop. If guar can be produced on saline soils in the arid west, it can improve farm income of local growers. This controlled environment study evaluated germination, physiological response, seedling growth parameters, and ions uptake of 15 guar accessions under different salinity (0.9‐control, 4.5 and 9.0 dS m−1). Results indicated that while one accession (PI 268229) recorded 100% germination at 9.0 dS m−1, two accessions (PI164476 and PI 43359) showed 100% germination at 4.5 dS m−1. Across all accessions the chlorophyll content and assimilation of CO2 decreased as salinity level of irrigation water increased, but the chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl F) remained higher at all three salinity levels. Accession PI 549164 had maximum leaf area and shoot biomass (OD weight) at 9.0 dS m−1. Although the Na and Cl contents increased, K content and K/Na ratio decreased in all accessions with increasing salinity. This could indicate that selective ion uptake to be the dominant salinity tolerance mechanisms in early stages of guar.
Structure–Property–Function Relationship of Humic Substances in Modulating the Root Growth of Plants: A Review
Authors: García Andrés Calderín , van Tol de Castro Tadeu Augusto , Santos Leandro Azevedo , Tavares Orlando Carlos Huertas , Castro Rosane Nora , Berbara Ricardo Luiz Louro , García‐Mina José Maria 
Published: July 2019

The structural identity of humic substances (HS) in the soil is a highly debated issue in the soil sciences. Although the complexity and structural characteristics that determine the functions of HS justify their further study, there is enough scientific evidence explaining the presence of these compounds as a group of structures that are formed by humification and have unique chemical characteristics. This review presents scientific information that follows the structure–property–function relationship with the objective of better explaining the nature of HS. On the basis of the spectroscopic characterization of a number of humic acids, together with the use of chemometric techniques, it is shown that, although the sources of origin are different, HS have a unique structural pattern that is different from that of any other group of soil compounds. From this structural pattern, it is possible to understand how fragments with greater lability in HS can reach root surfaces and interact with the cell membrane, regulate oxidative metabolism, and stimulate root growth in plants. Lability and recalcitrance are properties arising from the characteristics and suprastructural organization of HS and can define the type and intensity of the bioactivity of HS in plants. In this review, we demonstrate that there are methods for studying HS by which a deeper understanding of the functions of these substances on the basis of their chemical properties is possible. Therefore, the understanding of this complex system allows the connection of the scientific elements that justify the existence of these compounds in the soil.Core Ideas
Humic substances have an unequivocal and characteristic structural pattern.
Characterization combined with chemometrics allows the study of humic substance function.
Humic substances in the rhizosphere establish chemical interactions with plant roots.
Humic substances modulate reactive oxygen species and enzymatic activity in plants.
Labile structures in the humic suprastructure are related to plant root growth.
Modelling gas–liquid mass transfer in wastewater treatment: when current knowledge needs to encounter engineering practice and vice versa
Authors: Amaral Andreia , Gillot Sylvie , Garrido-Baserba Manel , Filali Ahlem , Karpinska Anna M. , Plósz Benedek G. , De Groot Christopher , Bellandi Giacomo , Nopens Ingmar , Takács Imre , Lizarralde Izaro , Jimenez Jose A. , Fiat Justine , Rieger Leiv , Arnell Magnus , Andersen Mikkel , Jeppsson Ulf , Rehman Usman , Fayolle Yannick , Amerlinck Youri , Rosso Diego 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Gas–liquid mass transfer in wastewater treatment processes has received considerable attention over the last decades from both academia and industry. Indeed, improvements in modelling gas–liquid mass transfer can bring huge benefits in terms of reaction rates, plant energy expenditure, acid–base equilibria and greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these efforts, there is still no universally valid correlation between the design and operating parameters of a wastewater treatment plant and the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficients. That is why the current practice for oxygen mass transfer modelling is to apply overly simplified models, which come with multiple assumptions that are not valid for most applications. To deal with these complexities, correction factors were introduced over time. The most uncertain of them is the α-factor. To build fundamental gas–liquid mass transfer knowledge more advanced modelling paradigms have been applied more recently. Yet these come with a high level of complexity making them impractical for rapid process design and optimisation in an industrial setting. However, the knowledge gained from these more advanced models can help in improving the way the α-factor and thus gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient should be applied. That is why the presented work aims at clarifying the current state-of-the-art in gas–liquid mass transfer modelling of oxygen and other gases, but also to direct academic research efforts towards the needs of the industrial practitioners.
Influence of Environmental and Political Determinants on Food Choices in a Sample of Portuguese Population
Authors: Ferrão Ana C. , Guiné Raquel P.F. , Correia Paula , Ferreira Manuela 
Published: July 2019

Background:
There is an increasing concern regarding the impacts of food choices in the
environment. Therefore, in order to plan actions to promote more sustainable diets, it is crucial to
understand the influence of environmental and political determinants on people’s food choices.

Objective:
This work aimed at studying the extent to which environmental and political determinants
influence people’s food choices in a sample of the Portuguese population.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken on a non-probabilistic sample of 1314
participants living in the Centre of Portugal. The questionnaires were applied after informed consent
only to adults (aged 18 or over) and the data were collected from January and December 2017 among
the Portuguese population.

Results:
The participants’ food choices were, in general, influenced by environmental and political
determinants (0.77 ± 0.53, in a scale from -2 to +2). It was also observed that the elderly, men and
the participants who had a university degree were more influenced by these determinants. These findings
were similar for those who lived in urban areas, the retired, the participants who had a professional
activity or studies in agriculture areas and those who were responsible for buying their own
food. Furthermore, there were found significant differences between age groups, genders and the
levels of education. There were also observed significant differences between the different living
environments, professional status, regarding the areas of work or studies and also between the participants
who were responsible for buying their one food and the ones who were not. These findings
are very important because they highlight the complicity of people’s food choices and are determinant
for the development of strategies that can improve people’s eating habits.

Conclusion:
This paper fulfills an identified need to study the environmental and political determinants
underlying the Portuguese food choices.
A Portable Visual Sensor by Molecularly Imprinted Hydrogels for HRP Recognition
Authors: Li Yanxia , Tan Juanjuan , Huang Lu , Chen Yiting , Lin Qi 
Published: July 2019

Background:
Molecular imprinting is a technology used to produce artificial receptors
that simulate the molecular recognition in the nature and prepare the polymer network structure in the
presence of template molecule. Molecularly imprinted visual sensor combines the advantages of specific
recognition via molecular imprinting and fast response speed via visualization. The aims of this
paper are to prepare a portable visual sensor for Horseradish Peroxidase (HRP) recognition based on
molecularly imprinted hydrogel.

Methods:
At first, HRP-imprinted polyacrylamide hydrogels with 1 mm thickness were obtained by
one-step synthesis via radical induced in-situ polymerization of acrylamide using acrylamide (AAm)
as the functional monomer, N,N'-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as the crosslink agent and HRP as
the template molecule.

Results:
Compared with nonimprinted hydrogels, the HRP-imprinted hydrogel sensor showed significant
color changes in response to the target HRP. This visual sensor was constructed based on 3, 3',
5, 5'- tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) - H2O2 color reaction system by HRP catalyzing to produce color
change through digital photography and image analysis (RGB system). The HRP-imprinted hydrogel
showed good response in the range of 0.001-0.5 mg/mL and had a significant specific recognition
compared to other proteins via selective test.

Conclusion:
The proposed portable visual sensor could be used for qualitative and semi-quantitative
analysis of HRP with high selectivity and reasonable regeneration. The sensor has the advantages of
simple operation, low cost, no special equipment, and can be applied to serum sample with less sample
consumption and no need of sample preparation. It has wide application prospects in microfluidic
devices, biomimetic sensors, flexible biosensor and membrane separation technology.
Lemon Juice Mediated Synthesis of 3-Substituted Quinazolin-4(3H)-Ones and their Pharmacological Evaluation
Authors: Prasad Malavattu G. , Lakshmi C. Vijaya , Katari Naresh K. , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B. , Pal Manojit 
Published: July 2019

Background:
Compounds containing the quinazoline-4(3H)-one framework constitute an important
class of fused N-heterocycles that are found in more than 200 naturally occurring alkaloids. These compounds
also show a diverse range of pharmacological activities including antitumor properties. This prompted us to
explore a series of quinazolin-4-(3H)-one derivatives having no substituent at C-2 as potential cytotoxic agents.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to synthesize and evaluate 3-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives
for their potential cytotoxic properties.

Methods:
A convenient method has been developed for the rapid synthesis of this class of compounds under a
mild and non-hazardous reaction condition in good yields. The methodology involved a three-component reaction
employing isatoic anhydride, amines and glyoxylic acid as reactants in the presence of lemon juice in PEG-
400 at room temperature (25-30ºC) under ultrasound irradiation. All the synthesized compounds were screened
via an MTT assay for their potential cytotoxic properties in vitro using the cancerous cell lines e.g. A549,
A2780, HepG2, K562, MCF-7 and HCT-116 and a non-cancerous HEK293 cell line.

Results:
Several compounds such as 3a, 3b, 3d, 3e and 3f showed promising growth inhibition against these
cancer cell lines but no significant effects on HEK293 cell line. The IC50 values of these compounds were comparable
to doxorubicin whereas 3f significantly induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells that also was comparable to
doxorubicin.

Conclusion:
An ultrasound-assisted MCR facilitated by lemon juice has been developed to synthesize 3-
substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives that could act as potential anticancer agents.