bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Cover Crops for Water Pollutant Reduction from Agricultural Areas
Authors: Christianson Reid , Fox Jordan , Law Neely , Wong Carol 
Published: June 2021

HighlightsNitrogen loss reduction due to a cover crop tends to improve with increased cover crop biomass production.Mixed phosphorus loss reduction results in cold climates where freeze-thaw cycles occur and can increase dissolved phosphorus losses.Cereal rye was the primary cover crop studied and tended to provide the most water quality benefits.Abstract. Mitigating nutrient losses from agricultural fields retains these nutrients for subsequent crop production and reduces the risk to downstream water quality. This study evaluated the impact of cover crops, as part of an annual cropping system, on reducing nutrient losses and enhancing water quality. Cover crop literature focusing on water quality was reviewed to determine important factors regarding cover crop performance and cost. Results show that a grass-based cover crop and mixes with grasses tend to increase nitrate loss reduction (40%) compared to legumes (negligible). Biomass growth was also important, with early seeding or growth of a cover crop in areas with increased growing degree days enhancing performance. For phosphorus loss, benefits did not necessarily increase with increasing biomass. Further, dissolved phosphorus concentrations may increase due to freeze-thaw cycles (23%), although overall dissolved phosphorus losses tend to decrease due to less runoff (34%). Cover crop implementation costs ranged from a savings of $25 to $44 ha-1 year-1 before soybeans and corn, respectively, when implementing a cover crop for five straight years to a cost of $193 ha-1 year-1. Including a cover crop in annual crop rotations with adequate time in the fall for germination and growth can reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses from production agriculture to help meet water quality goals across the U.S. Keywords: Catch crop, Nitrogen, NRCS, Phosphorus, Practice Code 340, USDA, Water quality.
In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Brown Rice after High-Pressure Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Germination-Parboiling Treatments
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhu Songming , Ramaswamy Hosahalli S. , Li Ting , Yu Yong 
Published: June 2021

HighlightsFTC-4 treated brown rice showed better protein digestibility.BR-AAS was used to evaluate the nutritive value of released free amino acids.G24P treated brown rice is recommended to supplement amino acid intake in a daily diet.Abstract. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro protein digestibility of brown rice (BR) after high-pressure (HP), freeze-thaw cycle (FTC), and germination-parboiling (GP) treatments. Four-cycle freeze-thaw (FTC-4) treatment enhanced digestibility, and all treated BR released more essential and total amino acids after digestion. To evaluate the nutritive value of free amino acids released after digestion (on the premise of the same intake of BR products), a BR amino acid score (BR-AAS) was used, based on the patterns of protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores with modifications. Results suggested that BR treated with 24 h of germination followed by 10 min of parboiling (G24P) was a better choice for supplementing amino acid intake in a daily diet. All treatments resulted in decreased protein solubility, which was negatively correlated with surface hydrophobicity and disulfide bond contents. The HP, FTC, and GP treatments affected certain protein properties, which was helpful in explaining the differences in protein digestibility of BR. Changes in other constituents were considered important with respect to the treatment influence on protein digestibility. Keywords: Brown rice, Freeze-thaw cycles, Germination-parboiling, High-pressure, Protein in vitro digestibility.
Assessment of Microirrigation Field Distribution Uniformity Procedures for Pressure-Compensating Emitters under Potential Clogging Conditions
Authors: Solé-Torres Carles , Lamm Freddie R. , Duran-Ros Miquel , Arbat Gerard , Ramírez de Cartagena Francisco , Puig-Bargués Jaume 
Published: June 2021

HighlightsDistribution uniformity of the lower quartile (DUlq) was assessed in three microirrigation subunits with three procedures that used different locations and different numbers of sampled emitters.Using reclaimed effluent as the water source, performance was periodically measured for a total duration of 1000 h.Emitter clogging and the locations of sampled emitters greatly affected DUlq.None of the procedures accurately assessed DUlq if more than 4% of the emitters were fully clogged.Abstract. Proper water distribution uniformity is important for successful use of microirrigation systems. Consequently, consistent system monitoring and periodic distribution uniformity assessments can help determine the performance of a microirrigation system and identify possible problems that should be corrected. When using irrigation water with a greater clogging risk, such as reclaimed effluent, emitter clogging can seriously affect distribution uniformity. In this study, distribution uniformity was measured at three times (0 h, 500 h, and 1000 h of operation) in a microirrigation system that used reclaimed effluent. Emitter discharge values were obtained for each emitter in the system (three subunits consisting of four driplines each with 226 pressure-compensating emitters on each dripline), and the distribution uniformity of the low quartile (DUlq) was calculated for each subunit. These comprehensive DUlq values were compared with those calculated by three estimation procedures developed by Merriam and Keller, Burt, and Juana et al., which use different sampling locations and different numbers of sampling points. Results showed strong influence of emitter clogging and the location of the sampled emitters on DUlq values. Using this data set, the Merriam and Keller procedure had the greatest root mean square error (RMSE = 41.8%), the Burt procedure resulted in an intermediate value (RMSE = 5.9%), and the Juana et al. procedure had the lowest (RMSE = 3.2%) when most of the completely clogged emitters (about 1% of the total) were located at the ends of the driplines. Further speculative analysis in which complete clogging was allowed to migrate to the farthest distal emitters for the Burt and Juana et al. procedures indicated that none of the procedures accurately assessed the actual complete DUlq. These results suggest that none of these procedures alone are successful at assessing system-wide distribution uniformity when substantial clogging exists. Keywords: Drip irrigation, Effluent, Emitter clogging, Flow variation, Wastewater.
Efficacy and safety of anticoagulants for postoperative thrombophylaxis in total hip and knee arthroplasty: A PRISMA-compliant Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: He Tailai , Han Fei , Wang Jiahao , Hu Yihe , Zhu Jianxi 
Published: June 2021

Objective
To search, review, and analyze the efficacy and safety of various anticoagulants from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of anticoagulants for THA and TKA.

Design
PRISMA-compliant Bayesian Network Meta-analysis.

Data sources and study selection
The databases of The Medline, Embase, ClinicalTrial, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until March 2017 for RCTs of patients undergoing a THA or TKA.

Main outcomes and measures
The primary efficacy measurement was the venous thromboembolism Odds ratio (OR). The safety measurement was the odds ratio of major or clinically relevant bleeding. OR with 95% credibility intervals (95%CrIs) were calculated. Findings were interpreted as associations when the 95%CrIs excluded the null value.

Results
Thirty-five RCTs (53787 patients; mean age range, mostly 55–70 years; mean weight range, mostly 55–90 kg; and a higher mean proportion of women than men, around 60%) included the following Anticoagulants categories: fondaparinux, edoxaban, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, low-molecular-weight heparin, ximelagatran, aspirin, warfarin. Anticoagulants were ranked for effectiveness as follows: fondaparinux (88.89% ± 10.90%), edoxaban (85.87% ± 13.34%), rivaroxaban (86.08% ± 10.23%), apixaban (68.26% ± 10.82%), dabigatran (41.63% ± 12.26%), low-molecular-weight heparin (41.03% ± 9.60%), ximelagatran (37.81% ± 15.87%), aspirin (35.62% ± 20.60%), warfarin (9.89% ± 9.07%), and placebo (4.56% ± 6.37%). Ranking based on clinically relevant bleeding events was as follows: fondaparinux (14.53% ± 15.25%), ximelagatran (18.93% ± 17.49%), rivaroxaban (23.86% ± 15.14%), dabigatran (28.30% ± 14.18%), edoxaban (38.76% ± 24.25%), low-molecular-weight heparin (53.28% ± 8.40%), apixaban (71.81% ± 10.92%), placebo (76.26% ± 14.61%), aspirin (86.32% ± 25.74%), and warfarin (87.95% ± 11.27%). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed between trials.

Conclusions and relevance
According to our results, all anticoagulant drugs showed some effectiveness for VTE prophylaxis. Our ranking indicated that fondaparinux and rivaroxaban were safer and more effective than other anticoagulant drugs for patients undergoing THA or TKA.
Duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding: A population-based, Canadian study
Authors: Phillips Susan P. , Wei Xuejiao , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Gubbay Jonathan , Schwartz Kevin L. , Majury Anna , Groome Patti A. 
Published: June 2021

Introduction
There is an evidence gap regarding the duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding and of its variability across different care settings and by age, sex, income, and co-morbidities. Such evidence is part of understanding of infectivity and reinfection. We examine direct measures of viral shedding using a linked population-based health administrative dataset.

Methods
Laboratory and sociodemographic databases for Ontario, Canada were linked to identify those testing positive (RT-PCR) between Jan. 15 and April 30, 2020 who underwent subsequent testing by May 31, 2020. To maximise use of available data, we computed two shedding duration estimates defined as the time between initial positive and most recent positive (documented shedding) or second of two negative tests (documented resolution). We also report multivariable results using quantile regression to examine subgroup differences.

Results
In Ontario, of the 16,595 who tested positive before April 30, 2020, 6604 had sufficient subsequent testing to allow shedding duration calculation. Documented shedding median duration calculated in 4,889 (29% of 16,595) patients was 19 days (IQR 12–28). Documented resolution median duration calculated in 3,219 (19% of the 16,595) patients was 25 days (IQR 18–34). Long-term care residents had 3–5 day longer shedding durations using both definitions. Shorter documented shedding durations of 2–4 days were observed in those living in higher income neighbourhoods. Shorter documented resolution durations of 2–3 days were observed at the 25th% of the distribution in those aged 20–49. Only 11.5% of those with definitive negative test results reverted to negative status by day 14.

Conclusions
Viral shedding continued well beyond 14 days among this large subset of a population-based group with COVID-19, and longer still for long-term care residents and those living in less affluent neighborhoods. Our findings do not speak to duration of infectivity but are useful for understanding the expected duration of RT-PCR positivity and for identifying reinfection.
Feasibility of collecting and processing of COVID-19 convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda
Authors: Muttamba Winters , Lusiba John , Namakula Loryndah Olive , Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Ssali Francis , Ddungu Henry , Mugenyi Levicatus , Kiwanuka Noah , Sekibira Rogers , Kityo Cissy , Keyune Dorothy , Acana Susan , Musinguzi Ambrose , Masasi Ayub , Byamugisha Joseph , Mpanju David , Musoki Walter Jack , Tukamuhebwa Hellen Aanyu , Nakwagala Fred , Bagaya Bernard Sentalo , Kayongo Alex , Kimuli Ivan , Nantanda Rebecca , Katagira Winceslaus , Buregyeya Esther , Byanyima Rosemary , Byarugaba Baterana , Siddharthan Trishul , Mwebesa Henry , Charles Olaro , Joloba Moses Lutaakome , Bazeyo William , Kirenga Bruce 
Published: June 2021

IntroductionEvidence that supports the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) for treatment of COVID-19 is increasingly emerging. However, very few African countries have undertaken the collection and processing of CCP. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of collecting and processing of CCP, in preparation for a randomized clinical trial of CCP for treatment of COVID-19 in Uganda.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, persons with documented evidence of recovery from COVID-19 in Uganda were contacted and screened for blood donation via telephone calls. Those found eligible were asked to come to the blood donation centre for further screening and consent. Whole blood collection was undertaken from which plasma was processed. Plasma was tested for transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) and anti-SARS CoV-2 antibody titers. SARS-CoV-2 testing was also done on nasopharyngeal swabs from the donors.Results192 participants were contacted of whom 179 (93.2%) were eligible to donate. Of the 179 eligible, 23 (12.8%) were not willing to donate and reasons given included: having no time 7(30.4%), fear of being retained at the COVID-19 treatment center 10 (43.5%), fear of stigma in the community 1 (4.3%), phobia for donating blood 1 (4.3%), religious issues 1 (4.4%), lack of interest 2 (8.7%) and transport challenges 1 (4.3%). The median age was 30 years and females accounted for 3.7% of the donors. A total of 30 (18.5%) donors tested positive for different TTIs. Antibody titer testing demonstrated titers of more than 1:320 for all the 72 samples tested. Age greater than 46 years and female gender were associated with higher titers though not statistically significant.ConclusionCCP collection and processing is possible in Uganda. However, concerns about stigma and lack of time, interest or transport need to be addressed in order to maximize donations.
Comparison of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index with other clinical and molecular biomarkers for prediction of glioblastoma multiforme outcome
Authors: Garrett Celine , Becker Therese M. , Lynch David , Po Joseph , Xuan Wei , Scott Kieran F. , de Souza Paul 
Published: June 2021

Objective
Pre- and post-operative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and other prognostic clinicopathological variables were correlated with progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) patients.

Methods
GBM patients (n = 87, single-centre, recruited 2013–2019) were retrospectively divided into low and high groups using literature-derived cut-offs (NLR = 5.07, PNI = 46.97). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log rank tests assessed PFS and OS. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified PFS and OS prognosticators.

Results
High vs low post-operative PNI cohort was associated with longer PFS (279 vs 136 days, p = 0.009), but significance was lost on multivariate analysis. Post-operative ECOG (p = 0.043), daily dexamethasone (p = 0.023) and IDH mutation (p = 0.046) were significant on multivariate analysis for PFS. High pre- and post-operative PNI were associated with improved OS (384 vs 114 days, p = 0.034 and 516 vs 245 days, p = 0.001, respectively). Low postoperative NLR correlated with OS (408 vs 249 days, p = 0.029). On multivariate analysis using forward selection process, extent of resection (EOR) (GTR vs biopsy, p = 0.004 and STR vs biopsy, p = 0.011), and any previous surgery (p = 0.014) were independent prognostic biomarkers for OS. On multivariate analysis of these latter variables with literature-derived prognostic biomarkers, EOR remained significantly associated with OS (p = 0.037).

Conclusions
EOR, followed by having any surgery prior to GBM, are the most significant independent predictors of GBM patient’s OS. Post-operative ECOG, daily dexamethasone and IDH mutation are independent prognostic biomarkers for PFS. PNI may be superior to NLR. Post- vs pre-operative serum inflammatory marker levels may be associated with survival.
Post-infectious and post-acute sequelae of critically ill adults with COVID-19
Authors: Ibrahim Halah , Athar Syed , Harhara Thana , Elhag Shahad Abasaeed , MElnour Salma , Sukkar Hoor H. , Kamour Ashraf M. 
Published: June 2021

Background
Data on the post-acute and post-infectious complications of patients who have recovered from severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are limited. While studies report that approximately 5–15% of COVID-19 hospitalized patients require intensive care and mechanical ventilation, a substantially higher number need non-invasive ventilation and are subject to prolonged hospitalizations, with long periods of immobility and isolation. The purpose of this study is to describe the post-infectious sequelae of severe viral illness and the post-acute complications of intensive care treatments in critically ill patients who have recovered from severe COVID-19 infection.

Methods
We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients initially hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection, who recovered and were transferred to a general medical ward or discharged home between March 15, 2020 and May 15, 2020, dates inclusive, after an intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) admission in a designated COVID-19 hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Demographic data, underlying comorbidities, treatment, complications, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

Results
Of 71 patients transferred out of ICU (n = 38, 54%) and HDU (n = 33, 46%), mean age was 48 years (SD, 9.95); 96% men; 54% under age 50. Mean ICU stay was 12.4 days (SD, 5.29), HDU stay was 13.4 days (SD, 4.53). Pre-existing conditions were not significantly associated with developing post-acute complications (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41, 2.93, p = 1.00). Fifty nine percent of patients had complications; myopathy, swallowing impairments, and pressure ulcers were most common. Delirium and confusion were diagnosed in 18% (n = 13); all were admitted to the ICU and required mechanical ventilation. Of note, of all patients studied, 59.2% (n = 42/71) had at least 1 complication, 32.4% (n = 23) had at least 2 complications, and 19.7% (n = 14) suffered 3 or more sequelae. Complications were significantly more common in ICU patients (n = 33/38, 87%), compared to HDU patients (n = 9/33, 27%) (OR 17.6, 95% CI 5.23, 59.21, p <0.05).

Conclusion
In a subset of critically ill patients who recovered from severe COVID-19 infection, there was considerable short-term post-infectious and post-acute disability. Long-term follow-up of COVID-19 survivors is warranted.
Association of surgeon and hospital volume with short-term outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Nationwide, population-based study
Authors: Godtman Rebecka Arnsrud , Persson Erik , Cazzaniga Walter , Sandin Fredrik , Carlsson Stefan , Ahlgren Göran , Johansson Eva , Robinsson David , Hugosson Jonas , Stattin Pär 
Published: June 2021

Background and objective
Few studies have investigated the association between surgical volume and outcome of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in an unselected cohort. We sought to investigate the association between surgical volume with peri-operative and short-term outcomes in a nation-wide, population-based study group.

Methods
9,810 RARP’s registered in the National Prostate Cancer Register of Sweden (2015–2018) were included. Associations between outcome and volume were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression including age, PSA-density, number of positive biopsy cores, cT stage, Gleason score, and extent of lymph node dissection.

Results
Surgeons and hospitals in the highest volume group compared to lowest group had shorter operative time; surgeon (OR 9.20, 95% CI 7.11–11.91), hospital (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.53–3.06), less blood loss; surgeon (OR 2.58. 95% CI 2.07–3.21) hospital (no difference), more often nerve sparing intention; surgeon (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.34–3.57), hospital (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.66–2.44), negative margins; surgeon (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.54–2.35), hospital (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.53). There was wide range in outcome between hospitals and surgeons with similar volume that remained after adjustment.

Conclusions
High surgeon and hospital volume were associated with better outcomes. The range in outcome was wide in all volume groups, which indicates that factors besides volume are of importance. Registration of surgical performance is essential for quality control and improvement.
Factors associated with births protected against neonatal tetanus in Africa: Evidences from Demographic and health surveys of five African countries
Authors: Yeshaw Yigizie , Jemere Tadeg , Dagne Henok , Andualem Zewudu , Akalu Yonas , Dewau Reta , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Dagnew Baye 
Published: June 2021

Introduction
Maternal and neonatal tetanus remains a global public health problem affecting mainly the poorest and most marginalized subpopulations. In spite of the problem, studies conducted on the associated factors of births protected against neonatal tetanus are scarce in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to identify both individual and community-level factors associated with births protected against neonatal tetanus in the region.

Methods
The most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets of five African countries (Ethiopia, Burundi, Comoros, Zimbabwe and Zambia) were used to investigate the associated factors of births protected from neonatal tetanus. STATA Version 14 statistical software was used for the analysis. The data were weighted before doing any statistical analysis and deviance was used for model comparison. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors of births protected against neonatal tetanus. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each potential factors included in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression model.

Results
A total weighted sample of 30897 reproductive age women who had a birth within 5 years preceding the survey were included in the analysis. Those women with age of 20–34 (AOR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.18–1.48) and 35–49 years (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10–1.44), high community level of women education (AOR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04–1.23), being from poorer(AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.14–1.33), middle (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.21–1.43), richer (AOR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.11–1.32) and richest households (AOR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.44–1.74), having antenatal care follow up (AOR = 9.62, 95% CI: 8.79–10.54), not perceiving distance to health facility as a big problem (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: (1.11–1.25) had higher odds of having births protected against neonatal tetanus.

Conclusion
Both individual and community level factors were found to be associated with births protected against neonatal tetanus in Africa. This suggests that a variety of factors are affecting births protected against neonatal tetanus in the region. Hence, the impact of these factors should be recognized while developing strategies to reduce neonatal tetanus in the region.