bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of COVID-19 Patients Treated With ImmunoFormulation, a Combination of Nutraceuticals to Reduce Symptomatology and Improve Prognosis: a Multi-centred, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hernández Mariana Díaz , Urrea Jully , Bascoy Luciano 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough a vast knowledge has already been gathered on the pathophysiology of COVID-19, there are still limited, non-optimal treatment options. In this context, agents that can act on prophylaxis or as adjuvants to the therapies are of high value.MethodsIn this paper, we describe a multicentre, retrospective, observational study to describe the course of SARS-CoV-2 disease in patients treated with ImmunoFormulation (IF), an add-on therapy developed to decrease duration of clinical symptoms. In parallel, a group of patients that did not receive IF was used for comparison (using standard of care treatment). A total of 39 patients were evaluated for their recovery rate, general symptoms and their severity, and adverse reactions.ResultsThroughout the observational period, 90% of patients recovered in the IF cohort and 47.4% in the Control cohort (p=0.0057). From the symptoms with statistically significant differences, the duration of symptoms (i.e., the time to recover from it) was shorter in the IF cohort than in control cohort (in days, average), especially for fever (2.25 x 21.78), dry cough (4.38 x 24.00), dyspnoea (3.67 x 20.00), headache (2.00 x 26.50), diarrhoea (5.25 x 25.25), and weakness (1.92 x 23.30).ConclusionsThis demonstrates a potential promising role of IF as adjuvant therapy on the evolution of symptomatology to COVID-19 patients.
Strengthen Luteal Phase Support for the Patients With Low Serum Progesterone on the Day of Embryo Transfer in Artificial Endometrial Preparation Cycles: a Large-sample Retrospective Trial
Authors: Gao Hongyuan , Ye Jing , Ye Hongjuan , Hong Qingqing , Sun Lihua , Chen Qiuju 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The low serum progesterone (P) on the day of frozen embryo transfer (FET) is associated with diminished pregnancy rates in artificial endometrium preparation cycles using vaginal micronized P, but it is no consensus whether the strengthened luteal phase support (LPS) for the patients with low P on the FET day in artificial cycles is beneficial. A single centric, large-sample retrospective trial was aimed to investigate the contribution of strengthened LPS to the pregnancy outcomes for the groups of low P levels on the FET day in artificial endometrium preparation cycles.Methods: Women who had undergone first artificial cycle for endometrium preparation after freeze-all in our clinic during 2016 and 2018 were classified into two groups depending on the serum P levels on the FET day, routine LPS was administered for group B (P ≥10.0ng/ml on the FET day, n=1261) and strengthened LPS (routine LPS+ im P 40mg daily) for group A (P <10.0 ng/ml on the FET day, n=1295), the primary endpoint was the live birth rate and secondary endpoints were clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and neonatal outcomes.Results: The results showed the clinical pregnancy rate in group A was lower than group B (48.4% vs 53.2%, aRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68, 0.96), the miscarriage rate was similar between the two groups (16.0% vs 14.7%, aRR 1.09, 95%CI 0.77, 1.54). The live birth rate was slightly lower than group B (39.5% vs 43.3%, aRR 0.84, 95%CI 0.70, 1.0). The birthweights and other neonatal outcomes were found no difference between the two groups (P>0.05).Conclusions: The strengthened LPS for the section of patients of low P levels on the FET day might help to have a reasonable pregnancy outcome, although the live birth rate was slightly lower than the groups with normal serum P levels on the FET day and usage of routine LPS. Trial registration: no available.
Comparison of Curcumin and Methylprednisolone in Preventing Epidural Fibrosis After Spinal Surgery: An Experimental Study
Authors: YILDIRIM Timur , Kokturk Sibel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aim:We aimed to compare the effectiveness of curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit cell migration and proliferation, with that of methylprednisolone, which has been shown to have a similar mechanism of action to that of curcumin and to delay tissue repair and wound healing, in the prevention of epidural fibrosis in an experimental laminectomy model in rats.Material and methods:The experiment was conducted with 40 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g which were divided into four groups. Laminectomy was performed from L1 to L4 in all groups. Curcumin and methylprednisolone were applied to the other two groups except the control and Dmso groups. The vertebral colon was excised en bloc and each section was examined for epidural fibrosis formation under a light microscope to evaluate histologically using the grading system.Results:The statistical analyses indicated that the treatment groups had a significant effect on the histological grades of epidural fibrosis in rats compared to the control group.Discussion:Curcumin, derived from the rhizome (Rhizoma Curcumae) of turmeric (Curcuma longa) was found to show a significant effect in the prevention of epidural fibrosis formation with its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and by inhibiting further recruitment of fibroblasts to the laminectomy area.Conclusions:In the present study, both histological examination and statistical analyses indicated that the administration of curcumin led to a remarkable reduction in epidural fibrosis after laminectomy.
C:N:P stoichiometry as indicator of Histosol drainage in lowland and mountains forest ecosystem
Authors: Lasota Jarosław , Błońska Ewa 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Peatlands form one of the largest carbon pools in the terrestrial biosphere, representing approximately one-third of the world's soil carbon. The aim of this study is to establish and compare the C/N/P ratio of different types of Histosols. We believe that C/N/P stoichiometry is a good indicator of changes occurring in Histosols, especially those caused by dehydration. Four types of Histosols from lowland and mountain areas were investigated: fibric Histosols, hemic Histosols, sapric Histosols and Histosols drainic.
Results

We established the concentration and stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous in the Histosols, and found marked differences in C/N/P stoichiometry between the different types – especially the dehydrated samples. The average C/N/P ratio of dehydrated soil was narrower than the C/N/P ratio of soil under the influence of water, which demonstrates that dehydrating Histosols leads to a narrower C/N/P stoichiometry. This is directly related to the intensification of the organic matter mineralisation process and the resulting loss of organic carbon. We recorded a 50% lower carbon stock in the case of Histosols drainic compared to the other types of Histosols.
Conclusions

The narrower C/N/P stoichiometry in Histosols drainic is the result of an improvement in the ratio of N and P to the C content. Thus, this study demonstrates that C/N/P stoichiometry is a useful indicator of the changes that occur in Histosols as a result of dehydration.
Analysis of the effectiveness of landscape protection in the Liancheng National Nature Reserve, Gansu, China
Authors: Huang Zhihao , Peng Yangjing , Wang Ruifeng , Cui Guofa , Lu Nachuan , Zhang Bo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

The rapid assessment of the effectiveness of landscape protection in nature reserves is of great significance for the scientific formulation of protection and management countermeasures for nature reserves and is also an urgent problem to be solved for the construction and management of nature reserves in China. Using high-resolution remote sensing image data, this study analyzes the landscape dynamics in the Liancheng National Nature Reserve (LNNR) and their driving factors since the reserve’s promotion to the national level in 2005, and proposes a comprehensive evaluation method for the effectiveness of landscape protection in protected areas based on the Landscape Transfer Index (LTI), Protected Landscape Integrity Index (PLII), and Interfered Landscape Sprawl Index (ILSI).
Results

Between 2006 and 2019, the area of protected landscape—namely woodland, grassland, and water—in the LNNR decreased, while the area of interfered landscape such as residential land, industrial and mining land, and water conservancy facility land increased. The LTI was − 0.14, and among the driving factors, the development of industry and mining, land use by indigenous inhabitants, and the development of the transport industry made the highest contribution to the landscape transfer tendency, being respectively 34.79%, 28.98%, and 17.30%. The PLII decreased from 82.7 to 68.7 and the ILSI increased from 26.61 to 26.68.
Conclusion

The effectiveness of landscape protection in the LNNR is low. Between 2006 and 2019, the overall quality of the landscape slightly decreased, the spatial pattern of the protected landscape became more fragmented, and the degree of human interference in the landscape increased; however, the scope of influence of human interference did not change significantly. These changes were mainly due to industrial and mining exploitation, land use by indigenous inhabitants, and road construction. However, despite the insignificant nature of these changes, they still require attention and timely remedial measures. The methodology proposed in this study may be applicable to the rapid assessment of the effectiveness of landscape conservation in various types of nature conservation sites around the world.
Key Factors to Facilitate Locally Driven Family Planning Programming: A Qualitative Analysis of Urban Stakeholder Perspectives in Africa and Asia
Authors: Mwaikambo Lisa , Brittingham Sarah , Ohkubo Saori , Salem Ruwaida , Sama Denis Joel , Sow Fatimata , Mathur Deepti , Anieto Nneoma Nonyelum 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere has been greater recognition of the importance of country ownership in global health and development. However, operationalising country ownership to ensure the scale up and sustainability of proven interventions remains elusive at best. To address this challenge, we undertook a thematic analysis of interviews collected from representatives of local governments, public health systems, and communities in poor urban areas of East Africa, Francophone West Africa, India, and Nigeria, supported by The Challenge Initiative, aiming to rapidly and sustainably scale up evidence-based reproductive health and family planning solutions. MethodsThe main objective of this study was to explore critical elements needed for implementing and scaling evidence-based family planning interventions. The research team conducted interviews and collected 96 stories using the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique between July 2018 and September 2019, and coded and analyzed the stories. Most frequently used codes were identified and grouped into emerging themes.ResultsFive key themes emerged: (1) strengthening local capacity and improving broader health systems, (2) shifting mindsets of government and community toward local ownership, (3) institutionalizing the interventions within existing government structures, (4) improving data demand and use for better planning of health services, and (5) enhancing coordination of partners. Conclusion While some themes feature more prominently in a particular region than others, taken together they represent what stakeholders perceive to be essential elements for scaling up locally-driven health programmes in urban areas in Africa and Asia.
Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy in Resectable IIIA/IIIB Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Chen Yulong , Yan Bo , Hui Zhenzhen , Zhao Gang , Ren Xiubao , You Jian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: A small portion of patients experience objective clinical benefit after neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in NSCLC. The combining checkpoint blockade and chemotherapy as neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy therapeutic regimen might be more effective but has not been tested in resectable stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 35 patients with resectable stage IIIA and IIIB NSCLC who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCIO). The pathological complete response (pCR), major pathologic response(MPR), the safety and feasibility were evaluated. The correlation between the pathology response and some clinical factors was studied to identify some predictors. Results: NCIO was associated with few immediate adverse events. The NCIO did not delay planned surgery and led to a complete pathological response(pCR) in 51.43% patients and a major pathological response in 74.29% patients in the primary tumor. No association was observed between PD-L1 expression before the treatment and pathological response to the NCIO (Pearson’s r=-0.071; P=0.685). However, significant difference was observed between invasion status of the bronchus(ISB) and pathological response (P<0.05). The patients with Invade status were with higher pCR and MPR rates as compared with No-Invade status, with 76.47% pCR and 100% MPR rate vs. 31.58% pCR and 50.00% MPR rate(Pearson’s r=0.7280; P=0.0009).Conclusions: NCIO was associated with few side effects, did not delay surgery, and induced a complete pathological response in 51.43%% of resected tumors. No significant correlation between the pathological response and PD-L1 expression. While the ISB was predictive of the pathological response to NCIO.
Analysis of sagittal profile and radiographic parameters in symptomatic thoracolumbar disc herniation patients
Authors: Gao Ang , Wang Yongqiang , Yu Miao , Liu Xiaoguang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Few studies describe thoracolumbar disc herniation (TLDH) as an isolated category, it is frequently classified as the lower thoracic spine or upper lumbar spine. Thus, less is known about the morphology and aetiology of TLDH compared to lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The aim of study is to investigate sagittal alignment in TLDH and analyze sagittal profile with radiographic parameters.Methods: Data from 70 patients diagnosed with TLDH were retrospectively reviewed. The thoracic-lumbar alignment was depicted by description of curvatures (the apex of lumbar curvature, the apex of thoracic curvature, and inflexion point of the two curvatures) and radiographic parameters from complete standing long-cassette spine radiographs. The rank sum test was utilised to compare radiographic parameter values in each subtype.Results: We found two subtypes differentiated by the apex of thoracic kyphotic curves. The sagittal profile was similar to that of the normal population in type I, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the middle thoracic spine. The well aligned thoracic-lumbar curve was disrupted in type II, presenting the apex of the thoracic kyphotic curve located in the thoracolumbar region in type II patients. Thirty-six patients were classified as type I, and 34 patients were classified as type II. The mean sagittal vertical axis, T1 pelvic angle and L1 pelvic angle were 27.9±24.8°, 8.2±7.3° and 6.2±4.9°, respectively. There was significant difference (p<0.001) of thoracolumbar angle between type I (14.9±7.9°) and type II patients (29.1±13.7°).Conclusions: We presented two distinctive sagittal profiles in TLDH patients, and a regional kyphotic deformity with a balanced spine was validated in both subtypes. In type I patients, disc degeneration was accelerated by regional kyphosis in the thoracolumbar junction and eventually caused disc herniation. In type II patients, excessive mechanical stress was directly loaded at the top of the curve (thoracolumbar apex region) rather than being diverted by an arc as in a normal population or type I patients. Mismatch between shape and sacral slope value was observed, and better agreement was found in Type II patients.
A novel nanoemulsion based microalgal growth medium for enhanced biomass production
Authors: Nigam Harshita , Malik Anushree , Singh Vikram 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Microalgae are well-established feedstocks for applications ranging from biofuels to valuable pigments and therapeutic proteins. However, the low biomass productivity using commercially available growth mediums is a roadblock for its mass production. This work describes a strategy to boost algal biomass productivity by using an effective CO2 supplement.Results: In the present study, a novel nanoemulsion-based media has been tested for the growth of freshwater microalgae strain Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Two different nanoemulsion-based media were developed using 1% silicone oil nanoemulsion (1% SE) and 1% paraffin oil nanoemulsion (1% PE) supplemented in Blue-green 11 media (BG11). After 12 days of cultivation, biomass yield was found highest in 1% PE followed by 1% SE and control i.e, 3.20, 2.75, and 1.03 g L-1, respectively. The chlorophyll-a synthesis was improved by 76% in 1% SE and 53% in 1% PE compared with control. The respective microalgal cell numbers for 1% PE, 1% SE and control measured using the cell counter were 3.00 × 106, 2.40 × 106, and 1.34 × 106 cells mL-1. The effective CO2 absorption tendency of the emulsion was highlighted as the key mechanism for enhanced algal growth and biomass production. On the biochemical characterization of the produced biomass, it was found that the nanoemulsion cultivated C. pyrenoidosa had increased lipid (1% PE =26.80%, 1% SE =23.60%) and carbohydrates (1% PE =17.20%, 1% SE =18.90%) content compared to the control (lipid =18.05%, carbohydrates =13.60%).Conclusions: This study describes a novel nanoemulsion which potentially acts as an effective CO2 supplement for microalgal growth media thereby increasing the growth of microalgal cells. Further, nanoemulsions cultivated microalgal biomass depict an increase in lipid and carbohydrate content. The approach provides high microalgal biomass productivity without altering morphological characteristics like cell shape and size as revealed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images.
Cigarette smoking and all-cause mortality in rural Chinese male adults:15-year follow-up of the Anqing cohort study
Authors: Ye Lijing , Yang Jie , Li Jingyi , Cheng Nannan , Zhang Yue , Lu Xiaofan , Zhou Ziyi , Wang Zhuo , Liu Lishun , Huang Xiao , Song Yun , Xing Shibo , Wang Dongqing , Li Junnong , Wang Binyan , Tang Genfu , Qin Xianhui , Zalloua Pierre , Zhang Huisheng , Yan Fangrong , Xu Xiping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background — According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, smoking is one of the leading four risk factors contributing to deaths in China. We aimed to evaluate the associations of smoking with all-cause mortality in a Chinese rural population.Methods—Male participants over age 45 (n=5,367) from a large familial aggregation study in rural China, were included in the current analyses. A total of 528 former smokers and 3849 current smokers accounted for 10% and 71.7% of the cohort, respectively. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to evaluate the association between baseline smoking status and mortality, adjusting for pertinent covariates. Results—There were 579 recorded deaths during the 15-year follow-up. Current smokers (odds ratio [OR],1.60; 95% CI,1.23-2.08) had higher all-cause mortality risks than nonsmokers. Relative to nonsmokers, current smokers of more than 40 pack-years ([OR],1.85; 95% CI,1.33-2.56) had a higher all-cause mortality risk. Compared to nonsmokers, current smokers who started smoking before age 20 ([OR],1.91; 95% CI,1.43-2.54) had a higher all-cause mortality risk, and former smokers in the lower pack-year group who quit after age 41 (median) ([OR],3.19; 95% CI,1.83-5.56) also had a higher risk of death after adjustment. Furthermore, former smokers who were also former drinkers had the highest significant risk of mortality than people who never smoke and drink.(P for interaction = 0.034).Conclusions—This study provides evidence that current smokers or former smokers have higher mortality risk than nonsmokers and would benefit from cessation at a younger age.
Cumulative effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on the forest carbon balance in the Oil Sands Region of Alberta, Canada; a pilot study (1985–2012)
Authors: Shaw Cindy , Rodrigue Sebastien , Voicu Mihai , Latifovic Rasim , Pouliot Darren , Hayne Shari , Fellows Max , Kurz Werner A. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Assessing cumulative effects of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on forest carbon (C) stocks and fluxes, because of their relevance to climate change, is a requirement of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in Canada. However, tools have not been developed specifically for these purposes, and in particular for the boreal forest of Canada, so current forest C assessments in EIAs take relatively simple approaches. Here, we demonstrate how an existing tool, the Generic Carbon Budget Model (GCBM), developed for national and international forest C reporting, was used for an assessment of the cumulative effects of anthropogenic and natural disturbances to support EIA requirements. We applied the GCBM to approximately 1.3 million ha of upland forest in a pilot study area of the oil sands region (OSR) of Alberta that has experienced a large number of anthropogenic (forestry, energy sector) and natural (wildfire, insect) disturbances. Results: Over the 28 years, 24% of the pilot study area was disturbed. Increasing disturbance emissions, combined with declining net primary productivity and reductions in forest area, changed the study area from a net C sink to a net C source. Forest C stocks changed from 332.2 Mt to 327.5 Mt, declining at an average rate of 0.128 tC ha-1 yr-1. The largest cumulative areas of disturbance were caused by wildfire (139,000 ha), followed by the energy sector (110,000 ha), insects (33,000 ha) and harvesting (31,000 ha) but the largest cumulative disturbance emissions were caused by the energy sector (9.5 Mt C), followed by wildfire (5.5 Mt C), and then harvesting (1.3 Mt C). Conclusion: An existing forest C model was used successfully to provide a rigorous regional cumulative assessment of anthropogenic and natural disturbances on forest C, which meets requirements of EIAs in Canada. The assessment showed the relative importance of disturbances on C emissions in the pilot study area, but their relative importance is expected to change in other parts of the oil sands region because of its diversity in disturbance types, patterns and intensity. Future assessments should include peatland C stocks and fluxes, which could be addressed by using the Canadian Model for Peatlands.