bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of relief and residual low back pain after discectomy in patients with lumbar disc herniation: analysis using a detailed visual analogue scale
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi , Aoki Yasuchika , Inoue Masahiro , Saito Junya , Nakajima Arata , Sonobe Masato , Akatsu Yorikazu , Koyama Keita , Shiga Yasuhiro , Inage Kazuhide , Eguchi Yawara , Orita Sumihisa , Maki Satoshi , Furuya Takeo , Akazawa Tsutomu , Abe Tetsuya , Funayama Toru , Noguchi Hiroshi , Miura Kousei , Mataki Kentaro , Shibao Yosuke , Eto Fumihiko , Kono Mamoru , Koda Masao , Yamazaki Masashi , Ohtori Seiji , Nakagawa Koichi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Several authors have reported favorable results in low back pain (LBP) for patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) treated with discectomy. However, detailed changes over time in the characteristics and location of LBP before and after discectomy for LDH remain unclear. To clarify these points, we conducted an observational study to determine the detailed characteristics and location of LBP before and after discectomy for LDH, using a detailed visual analog scale (VAS) bilaterally.Methods: We included 65 patients with LDH treated by discectomy in this study. A detailed VAS for LBP was administered with the patient under 3 different conditions: in motion, standing, and sitting. Bilateral VAS was also administered (affected versus opposite side) for LBP, lower extremity pain (LEP), and lower extremity numbness (LEN). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used to quantify clinical status. Changes over time in these VAS and ODI were investigated. Pfirrmann grading and Modic change as seen by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were reviewed before and 1 year after discectomy to determine disc and endplate condition.Results: Before surgery, LBP on the affected side while the patients were in motion was significantly higher than LBP while they were sitting. This increased LBP on the affected side in motion was improved significantly after discectomy. By contrast, the residual LBP while sitting at 1 year after surgery was significantly higher than the LBP while they were in motion or standing. At 1 year following discectomy, residual LBP while sitting was significantly greater in cases showing changes in Pfirrmann grade or Modic type.Conclusions: Improvement of LBP on the affected side while the patient is in motion suggests that radicular LBP is improved following discectomy by nerve root decompression. Furthermore, that residual LBP is found while the patient is sitting is reflective of the load and pressure put on the disc and endplate.
COPD patients prescribed inhaled corticosteroid in primary care – Time for re-assessment based on exacerbation rate and blood eosinophils?
Authors: Savran Osman , Godtfredsen Nina Skavlan , Sørensen Torben , Jensen Christian , Ulrik Charlotte 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background and objective: Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy for COPD should be guided by exacerbations and blood-eosinophils according to the GOLD 2020 strategy document. In the present study, we applied these recent recommendations in a large cohort of COPD patients recruited from general practice. Methods: The participating general practitioners (n = 144) recruited patients with a diagnosis of COPD currently prescribed ICS and reported data on exacerbation history and blood-eosinophils. Clinical variables were compared using two-sample t-tests. Results: The study cohort comprised 1,567 COPD patients (44% males and mean age 72 years). In the past 12 months, 849 (54%) of the COPD patients currently prescribed ICS had no exacerbation, whereas 383 (24%) and 328 (21%) patients, respectively, had a history of one exacerbation and two or more exacerbations. Compared to patients with one or no exacerbation, patients with ≥2 exacerbations (21%) per year reported more dyspnea (p<0.001) and had higher degree of airflow obstruction (p<0.001). Among patients with no and at least one exacerbation within the preceding 12 months, 30% and 26%, respectively, had a blood-eosinophil count ≥ 0.3 x 109/L. In patients with two or more exacerbations within the last 12 months, 77% had a blood-eosinophil count of ≥ 0.1 x 109/L. Furthermore, 166 patients (11%) had at least one hospital admission due to COPD exacerbation, and a blood-eosinophil count of ≥ 0.1 x 109/L.Conclusion: This study of a large cohort of COPD patients currently prescribed inhaled corticosteroids suggests the need for re-evaluating the management strategy to increase benefit and reduce adverse effects of ICS treatment in COPD patients managed in primary care.
Understanding&nbsp;patient&nbsp;outcomes&nbsp;to develop a multimorbidity adapted&nbsp;patient-reported outcomes measure:&nbsp;a&nbsp;qualitative description&nbsp;of&nbsp;patient&nbsp;and&nbsp;provider&nbsp;perspectives.
Authors: Sasseville Maxime , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Fortin Martin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Multimorbidity is a complex health situation that requires interventions tailored to patient needs; the outcomes of such interventions are difficult to evaluate. The purpose of this study was to describe the outcomes of patient-centred interventions for people with multimorbidity from the patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives.Methods: This study followed a qualitative descriptive design. Nine patients with multimorbidity and 18 healthcare professionals (nurses, general practitioners, nutritionists, and physical and respiratory therapists), participating in a multimorbidity-adapted intervention in primary care were recruited. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 12 open-ended questions. Triangulation of disciplines among interviewers, research team debriefing, data saturation assessment and iterative data collection and analysis ensured a rigorous research process.Results: Outcome constructs described by participants covered a wide range of themes and were grouped into seven outcome domains: Health Management, Physical Health, Functional Status, Psychosocial Health, Health-related Behaviours, General Health and Health Services. The description of constructs by stakeholders provides valuable insight on how outcomes are experienced and worded by patients.Conclusion: Participants described a wide range of outcome constructs, which were relevant to and observable by patients and were in line with the clinical reality. The description provides a portrait of multimorbidity-adapted intervention outcomes that are significant for the selection and development of clinical research outcome measures.
Assessing a national policy on strengthening chronic care in primary care settings of a middle-income country using patients’ perspectives.
Authors: Aekplakorn Wichai , Suriyawongpaisal Paibul , Srithamrongsaw Samrit , kaewkamjonchai Phanuwich 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background To improve care for patients with chronic diseases, a recent policy initiative in Thailand focused on strengthening primary care based on the concept of Chronic Care Model (CCM). This study aimed to assess the perception of patients about the health care services after the implementation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 4,071 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes registered with 27 primary care units and 11 hospital non-communicable diseases (NCDs) clinics in 11 provinces.The patients were interviewed using a validated questionnaire of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care. Upgraded primary care units (PCUs) were ordinary PCUs with the multi-professional team including a physician. Trained upgraded PCUs were upgraded PCUs with the training input. Structural equation modeling was used to create subscale scores for CCM and 5 A model characteristics. Mixed effect logistic models were employed to examine the association of subscales (high vs low score) of patient perception of the care quality with type of PCUs.Results Compared to hospital NCD clinics, ordinary PCUs were the best in the odds of receiving high score for every CCM subscale (ORs: 1.46-1.85; p<0.05), whereas the trained upgraded PCUs were better in terms of follow-up (ORs:1.37; p <0.05), and the upgraded PCU did not differ in all domains. According to the 5 A model subscales, patient assessment also revealed better performance of ordinary PCUs in all domains compared to hospital NCD clinics whereas upgraded PCUs and trained upgraded PCUs did so in some domains. Seeing the same doctor on repeated visits (ORs: 1.82-2.17; p<0.05) or having phone contacts with the providers (ORs:1.53-1.99; p<0.05) were found beneficial using CCM subscales and the 5A model subscales. However, patient assessment by both subscales did not demonstrate a statistically significant association across health insurance status.Conclusions The policy implementation might not satisfy the patients’ perception on quality of chronic care according to the CCM and the 5A model subscale. However, the arrangement of chronic care with patients seeing the same doctors or patients having telephone contact with healthcare providers may satisfy the patients’ perceived needs.
Lifestyle Changes and Weight-gain in Youth during a 4-Month COVID-19 Lockdown: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Liu Suixin , Dun Yaoshan , Jeffrey Ripley-Gonzalez , Zhou Nanjiang , You Baiyang , Li Qiuxia , Li Hui , Zhang Wenliang , Thomas Randal , Olson Thomas , Liu Jie , Dong Yuchen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in nationwide lockdowns, cessation of school and work, and social distancing. Reducing the negative impacts, such as weight-gain, has garnered global attention.Methods: In this dual-center retrospective observational study of 12,889 students (aged 18-20), who performed a national student physical fitness battery between December 1, 2019, to January 20, 2020, and completed a follow-up online questionnaire beginning on May 1, 2020, and ending on May 23, 2020, and examined the associations between weight-gain and COVID-19 induced stress, depression and self-reported physical activity, dietary habits and sedentary time. Results: Participants gained an average of 2.6 kg (95% CI: 2.0 to 3.2 kg) for males and 2.1 kg (1.9 to 2.4 kg) for females. An increase in overweight and obese individuals according to Asian cut-off points as a demographic percentage by 4.5% and 2.7% and 4.8% and 3.4% in males and females respectively (P<0.001). Weight change was associated with sedentary time, COVID-19 induced stress, and depression score. Conclusion: These findings suggest that limiting sedentary time during lockdowns and strategies aimed t improve lifestyle habits and psychological health may be warranted to mitigate weight-gain during the pandemic.Registration: Registered with ChiCTR, registration no.: ChiCTR2000033514
In vitro Evaluation and Molecular Dynamics, DFT Guided Investigation
of Antimalarial Activity of Ethnomedicinally used Coptis teeta Wall
Authors: Goswami Ashis Kumar , Sharma Hemanta Kumar , Gogoi Neelutpal , Kashyap Ankita , Gogoi Bhaskarjyoti 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Malaria is caused by different species of Plasmodium; among which P. falciparum is the most severe. Coptis teeta is an ethnomedicinal plant of enormous importance for tribes of north east India.

Objective:
In this study, the anti malarial activity of the methanol extracts of Coptis teeta was evaluated in vitro and lead identification via in silico study.

Method:
On the basis of the in vitro results, in silico analysis by application of different modules of Discovery Studio 2018 was performed on multiple targets of P. falciparum taking into consideration some of the compounds reported from C. teeta.

Results:
The IC50 of the methanol extract of Coptis teeta 0.08 µg/ml in 3D7 strain and 0.7 µg/ml in Dd2 strain of P. falciparum. From the docking study, noroxyhydrastatine was observed to have better binding affinity in comparison to chloroquine. The binding of noroxyhydrastinine with dihydroorotate dehydrogenase was further validated by molecular dynamics simulation and was observed to be significantly stable in comparison to the co-crystal inhibitor. During simulations it was observed that noroxyhydrastinine retained the interactions, giving strong indications of its effectiveness against the P. falciparum proteins and stability in the binding pocket. From the Density-functional theory analysis, the band gap energy of noroxyhydrastinine was found to be 0.186 Ha indicating a favourable interaction.

Conclusion:
The in silico analysis as an addition to the in vitro results provide strong evidence of noroxyhydrastinine as an anti malarial agent.
Application of Diffusion Weighted Imaging in Prostate Cancer Bone Metastasis: Detection and Therapy Evaluation
Authors: Gong Xue-Qin , Tao Yun-Yun , Wang Ran , Liu Nian , Huang Xiao-Hua , Zheng Jing , Yang Cui , Yang Lin , Zhang Xiao-Ming 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Bone metastasis is one of the most common complications of Prostate Cancer (PCa).
The detection of distal bone metastasis at the time of initial PCa diagnosis is valuable for the determination of
therapeutic methods and for the prognosis of PCa. Many current therapeutic methods target PCa bone metastasis,
but no uniform evaluation standard for therapeutic efficacy has been established; in addition, traditional
therapeutic evaluation standards that rely on changes in the measured tumor volume are quite controversial. In
clinical practice, the volumes of some tumors often change nonsignificantly at the early stage of therapy (especially
targeted therapy), while the volumes of other tumors, such as metastatic bone lesions, are difficult to measure.
Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) not only reflects the diffusion characteristics of tissues but can also allow
the analysis of microstructural and functional changes in tissues. Therefore, DWI is suitable for evaluations
of early responses to tumor therapy.

Objective:
This study mainly reviews the principle of DWI and its progress in the detection and therapy evaluation of PCa
bone metastasis.

Methods:
PubMed was searched to identify eligible articles up to December 26, 2020. The keywords of the
analysis included DWI, PCa, bone metastasis, therapeutic response, targeted therapy, Bone Scintigraphy (BS),
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) and metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate
Cancer (mCRPC).

Results:
This review based on collected articles achieved an imaging biomarker for detection and therapy evaluation of PCa
bone metastasis.

Conclusion :
DWI is a promising imaging method for the detection and therapeutic evaluation of PCa bone metastases.
Trizbenzim, Cu-Trizbenzim and Zn-Trizbenzim as G-Quadruplex Inducing and Stabilizing Compounds on Human Telomeric Sequence and their Anticancer Properties
Authors: Renuga Duraisamy , Maheswari Palanisamy U. , Begum Kadhar M.M. Sheriffa , Prabaharan Dharmar 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The benzimidazole and their derivatives have rich biological relevance with respect to
available natural amino acids and their role in protein folding and quaternary conformations. Thus the ligand
trizbenzim and their Cu(II) and Zn(II) metal complexes were prepared to induce G-quadruplex conformation
even under no-salt conditions with remarkable anticancer activities.

Methods:
The ligand N,N',N''-Tris-(1H-benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl)-[1,3,5]triazine-2,4,6-triamine ( trizbenzim)
and its Cu and Zn complexes (Cu-trizbenzim, Zn-trizbenzim) were synthesized and characterized by IR, NMR,
and MALDI-TOF techniques. The pure ligand and its complexes interacted with human telomere DNA sequence
d(TTAGGG), HTelo8and HTelo20and the interactions were followed by circular dichroism spectroscopy,
FID assay, and molecular docking techniques. The compounds were tested for anticancer activity towards
selected cell lines.

Results:
All the three compounds stabilized the HTelo8 and HTelo20 in parallel and antiparallel G-quadruplex
conformations with salt conditions. Under no-salt conditions, the compounds induce and stabilize the G-quadruplex
conformation in antiparallel topology selectively. The pure ligand, Cu-trizbenzim, and Zn-trizbenzim were
involved in partial or classical intercalation and some backbone interactions on the strand. The FID assay using
thiazole orange intercalator supports the proposed intercalation mode of binding for the three compounds, especially
for the pure ligand and the Cu-complex. The MOE docking experiments using X-ray and NMR derived
G-quadruplex models with the title compounds extensively support the G-quadruplex induction and stabilization
of the telomere sequence by these compounds. The guanines bases involved in the G-tetrad formation interact
well with the triazine and the benzimidazole part of the ligand through strong π-π interactions. The primary
mode of binding is described as end stacking and intercalation of the compounds to the G-quadruplex structures.
The Cu-trizbenzim exhibited more anticancer property in comparison to the pure ligand and the Zntrizbenzim
complex. The IC50 values were in the nanomolar range from 50 to 150nM in concentration.

Conclusion:
This novel self-induction of G-quadruplex is novel without the presence of alkali metal ions.
Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks as Anticancer Drug Delivery Systems: A Review
Authors: Karami Abdollah , Mohamed Omnia , Ahmed Ahmed , Husseini Ghaleb A. , Sabouni Rana 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as attractive hybrid crystalline porous materials,
are being increasingly investigated in biomedical applications owing to their exceptional properties, including
high porosity, ultrahigh surface areas, tailorable composition and structure, and tunability and surface functionality.
Of interest, in this review, is the design and development of MOF-based drug delivery systems (DDSs)
that have excellent biocompatibility, good stability under physiological conditions, high drug loading capacity,
and controlled/targeted drug release.

Objective:
This review highlights the latest advances in MOFs as anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs) along with insights on their
design, fabrication, and performance under different stimuli that are either internal or external. The synthesis methods of MOFs, along
with their advantages and disadvantages, are briefly discussed. The emergence of multifunctional MOF-based theranostic platforms is
also discussed. Finally, the future challenges facing the developments of MOFs in the field of drug delivery are discussed.

Methods:
The review was prepared by carrying out a comprehensive literature survey using relevant work published in various scientific
databases.

Results:
Novel MOFs in biomedical applications, especially in drug delivery, have shown great potential.
MOF-based DDSs can be classified into normal (non-controllable) DDSs, stimuli-responsive DDSs, and theranostic
platforms. The normal DDSs are pristine MOFs loaded with therapeutic agents and offer little to no control
over drug release. Stimuli-responsive DDSs offer better spatiotemporal control over drug release by responding
to either endogenous (pH, redox, ions, ATP) or exogenous stimuli (light, magnetism, US, pressure,
temperature). The theranostic platforms combine stimuli-responsive drug delivery with diagnostic imaging functionality,
paving the road for imaging-guided drug delivery.

Conclusion:
This review presented a summary of the various methods utilized in MOF's synthesis along with
the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Furthermore, the review highlighted and discussed the latest
developments in the field of MOF-based DDSs and theranostic platforms. The review is focused on the characteristics
of MOF-based DDSs, the encapsulation of different anticancer drugs as well as their stimuli-responsive
release.
A Dig Deep to Scout the Pharmacological and Clinical Facet of Garlic
(Allium sativum)
Authors: Khan Mohd Masih Uzzaman , Khalilullah Habibullah , Eid Eltayeb E.M. , Azam Faizul , Khan Masood Alam , Khan Arif , Siddiqui Nasir Ali , Mahmood Tarique , Ahsan Farogh , Khan Wasi Uzzaman , Bhatia Nitish , Mahmood Danish , Anwar Md. Jamir 
Published: January 2021

:
Garlic, Allium sativum L., is a culinary herb that has been employed medicinally since
ancient times. Garlic has been regarded as the oldest of all cultivated plants. Various experimental
as well as human studies have demonstrated that garlic is used in preventing the initiation and evolution
of several ailments such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, cancer, microbial
infections, arthritis, thrombosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also act as an anti-oxidant.
The preclinical toxicity study gives an impression that garlic is safe, although allergic reactions
may occur. Recently, there has been systematic research regarding garlic, and positive results have
been attained in healing many diseases. For centuries many countries of different civilizations and
continents protected their populations and healed themselves using garlic. Therefore, there is an
augmented necessity of investigation on the history of garlic for the sake of strengthening the ability
of physicians and pharmacists to deal with the challenges arising in the provision of specialized
facilities to serve mankind. The present review provides morphological, pharmacological, and toxicological
insight regarding garlic. Further studies are required to explicate the therapeutic mode of
action of garlic along with its potency, effectiveness, and clinical wellbeing in the management of
different ailments.
A Comprehensive Review on Wired and Wireless Communication
Technologies and Challenges in Smart Residential Buildings
Authors: Ramalingam Senthil Prabu , Shanmugam Prabhakar Karthikeyan 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The smart grid communication network is constructed with three tiers namely, Home Area
Networks (HANs), Neighborhood Area Networks (NANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). These networks function
with various communication protocols like table protocol, on-demand protocol, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-MAX, GSM,
LTE, Cognitive Radio Networks. The network interconnection is heterogonous and all appliances have to communicate
through the IP gateways. A large amount of data is collected from various sensors placed in different locations. The
analytics on large data- “big data” is essential because these data were used to organize and plan an efficient control and
management of the smart home including secured data exchange in different sectors.

Objective:
This paper investigates broadly on data rate, channel bandwidth, power consumption, and a coverage range of
both wired and wireless communication technologies used in residential buildings. Besides, a literature survey on
optimization algorithms with various constraints to manage home appliances through scheduling is included. The paper
also discusses the communication standards along with security and privacy requirements for smart metering networks.

Conclusion:
Discussion on IEEE standards for both wired and wireless communication protocols. Gives direction to
identify the suitable communication technique through mathematical model for computing the communication channel
bandwidth. Comparison of various optimization algorithms with multiple constraints in HEMS to achieve the minimum
electricity cost and user comfort (with and without Renewable Energy Sources). From the investigation on both wired and
wireless networks, the wireless communication networks (Zig-Bee & Wi-Fi) are mostly preferred to use in HAN because
of more reliability and low cost. Zigbee is the most appropriate technology used for data transmission between the
individual appliances and smart meters. Wi-Fi is a suitable technology for controlling and monitoring appliances because
of its high data rate.