bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of novel and efficient protease producing bacteria from drinking water resources
Authors: Chandra S. Jeevan , Shanker A. Shiva , Pindi Pavan Kumar 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAn attempt has been made to explore the stability of protease enzyme (isolated from Bacillus sp.) by statistical method. More than 100 isolates were screened for extracellular protease activity derived from various potable water samples of Mahabubnagar district, Telangana State, India. The activity of protease is found to be varying from sample to sample, the highest being reported by the isolate from water sample of Kalwakurthy mandal, Mahabubnagar district and therefore was selected for further studies. The 16S rRNA (ribosomal ribonucleic acid) gene sequence of the isolate showed closest similarity with Bacillus sp. and the sequence was submitted to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) gene bank (accession number GU566359) and the culture was deposited in three international culture deposition centers (KCTC-13725: MTCC-10465: JCM-16713). The present study revealed that, this Bacillus sp. showed a greater amount of protease production with the inherent characters of thermo, alkali and oxidant stability which makes it a potential alternative protease producing strain in various industrial applications.
Design and Implementation of an Efficient Parallel LFSR Architecture for Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Babu A. Suresh , Anand B. 
Published: October 2019

:
A Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) considers a linear function typically an XOR operation of the previous state as an input to the current state. This paper describes in detail the recent Wireless Communication Systems (WCS) and techniques related to LFSR. Cryptographic methods and reconfigurable computing are two different applications used in the proposed shift register with improved speed and decreased power consumption. Comparing with the existing individual applications, the proposed shift register obtained >15 to <=45% of decreased power consumption with 30% of reduced coverage area. Hence this proposed low power high speed LFSR design suits for various low power high speed applications, for example wireless communication. The entire design architecture is simulated and verified in VHDL language. To synthesis a standard cell library of 0.7um CMOS is used. A custom design tool has been developed for measuring the power. From the results, it is obtained that the cryptographic efficiency is improved regarding time and complexity comparing with the existing algorithms. Hence, the proposed LFSR architecture can be used for any wireless applications due to parallel processing, multiple access and cryptographic methods.
Morphological, Biochemical, and Molecular Analysis of Origanum vulgare L.
Authors: Lotti Concetta , Ricciardi Luigi , Rainaldi Guglielmo , Ruta Claudia , Tarraf Waed , De Mastro Giuseppe 
Published: October 2019

Background:
The variation on morphological, biochemical, and genetic characters is very important in germplasm management and conservation strategies.

Objective:
To determine the diversity of 23 accessions from Origanum vulgare L. and a commercial cultivar on the basis of agronomical, biochemical and genetic features.

Methods:
Different characters related to vegetative growth and essential oil production were studied while the genetic relationships between the individuals were evaluated with the use of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism.

Results:
Despite the accessions exhibited cymyl- and acyclic-compounds, all the essential oil chemotypes according to the prevalence of essential oil fractions were phenotypically varied. A considerable amount of biomass with maximum values in plant height was achieved by thymol/γ-terpinene chemotype and carvacrol chemotype making them of particular interest for the production of high-quality plant material and further for the mechanical harvest. The AFLP analysis, performed using 10 primer combinations, to obtain a dendrogram of genetic similarity, revealed a genetic variability that could be useful for the selection of the proper genetic groups in future breeding programs.

Conclusion:
We identified two chemotypes thymol/γ-terpinene and carvacrol with their suitability for the production of biomass and essential oil and for the mechanical harvest. The results of the molecular characterization of the species may support and contribute to breeding programmes for agronomic and biochemical traits.
The Role of PET/CT in the Era of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: State of Art
Authors: Castello Angelo , Lopci Egesta 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have achieved astonishing results and
improved overall survival (OS) in several types of malignancies, including advanced melanoma. However,
due to a peculiar type of anti-cancer activity provided by these drugs, the response patterns during
ICI treatment are completely different from that with “old” chemotherapeutic agents.

Objective:
To provide an overview of the available literature and potentials of 18F-FDG PET/CT in
advanced melanoma during the course of therapy with ICI in the context of treatment response
evaluation.

Methods:
Morphologic criteria, expressed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST),
immune-related response criteria (irRC), irRECIST, and, more recently, immune-RECIST (iRECIST),
along with response criteria based on the metabolic parameters with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FFDG),
have been explored.

Results:
To overcome the limits of traditional response criteria, new metabolic response criteria have
been introduced on time and are being continuously updated, such as the PET/CT Criteria for the early
prediction of Response to Immune checkpoint inhibitor Therapy (PECRIT), the PET Response Evaluation
Criteria for Immunotherapy (PERCIMT), and “immunotherapy-modified” PET Response Criteria
in Solid Tumors (imPERCIST). The introduction of new PET radiotracers, based on monoclonal antibodies
combined with radioactive elements (“immune-PET”), are of great interest.

Conclusion:
Although the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in malignant melanoma has been widely validated
for detecting distant metastases and recurrences, evidences in course of ICI are still scarce and larger
multicenter clinical trials are needed.
Sentinel Node Identification in Melanoma: Current Clinical Impact, New Emerging SPECT Radiotracers and Technological Advancements. An Update of the Last Decade
Authors: Quartuccio Natale , Siracusa Massimiliano , Pappalardo Marco , Arnone Annachiara , Arnone Gaspare 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer with a mortality rate of 262 cases per
100.000 cases. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the first lymph node draining the tumor. SLN biopsy
is a widely accepted procedure in the clinical setting since it provides important prognostic information,
which helps patient management, and avoids the side effects of complete lymph node dissection.
The rationale of identifying and removing the SLN relies on the low probability of subsequent metastatic
nodes in case of a negative histological exam performed in the SLN.

Discussion:
Recently, new analytical approaches, based on the evaluation of scintigraphic images are
also exploring the possibility to predict the metastatic involvement of the SLN. 99mTc-labeled colloids
are still the most commonly used radiotracers but new promising radiotracers, such as 99mTc-
Tilmanocept, are now on the market. In the last decades, single photon emission computed tomography-
computerized tomography (SPECT/CT) has gained wider diffusion in clinical departments and
there is large evidence about its superior diagnostic accuracy over planar lymphoscintigraphy (PL) in
the detection of SLN in patients with melanoma. Scientists are also investigating new hybrid techniques
combining functional and anatomical images for the depiction of SLN but further evidence
about their value is needed.

Conclusion:
This review examined the predictive and prognostic factors of lymphoscintigraphy for
metastatic involvement of SLN, the currently available and emerging radiotracers and the evidence of
the additional value of SPECT/CT over PL for the identification of SLN in patients with melanoma.
Finally, the review discussed the most recent technical advances in the field.
Neurosteroids and Affective Disorders in Women
Authors: Guiza-Zayas Rodrigo , Flores-Ramos Mónica , Bernal-Santamaría Norma , Del-Pino Mijares María Fernanda , Serna-García Marián 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Neurosteroids (NS) are steroid derived molecules synthesized in
the central nervous system (CNS) involved in modulating brain transmission by its activity
on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors; this interaction has been identified as an
important factor in the pathophysiology of affective disorders.

Objective:
The aim of the present paper is to describe the relation of neurosteroids with affective
disorders in women and novel treatments in this regard in an understandable and
synthesized review of the subject.

Methods:
A thoroughly made research has been performed in order to find the latest information
in this regard using scientific databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using
the keywords Neurosteroids, affective disorders, depression, postpartum depression
and dysphoric premenstrual disorder.

Results:
It has been seen that NS levels during physiological fluctuation such as during
menstrual cycle or postpartum may modify the response to GABA by GABA-A receptors
in susceptible women. Recent pharmacological assays have been developed in order to
treat affective disorders in women focusing on NS fluctuations.

Conclusion:
Within this paper, we review recent findings in NS modulating mechanisms,
its pathophysiological implications in affective disorders and recent clinical assays in this
regard.
Synergistic Combinations of Antibiotics with Cumin, Oregano and Rosewood Oils as a Strategy to Preserve the Antibiotic Repertoire
Authors: Owen Lucy , Laird Katie 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Formulations employing synergistic combinations of antibiotics
with Essential Oils (EOs) could help preserve the antibiotic repertoire by improving their activity
against resistant bacteria.

Objective:
Antimicrobial interactions between double and triple combinations of EOs, EO
components and antibiotics were determined using the checkerboard method. The most active
triple combinations were then assessed by a time-kill assay.

Methods:
Two synergistic EO-antibiotic combinations and eight additive EO-antibiotic combinations
reduced the antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration below clinical sensitivity
breakpoints according to the checkerboard method. However, all the tested combinations
were additive according to the time-kill assay; while the combinations completely killed
S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa cells in 2 h. At least one EO compound from the combination
alone completely killed the cells of test species.

Results:
Two synergistic EO-antibiotic combinations and eight additive EO-antibiotic combinations
reduced the antibiotic minimum inhibitory concentration below clinical sensitivity
breakpoints according to the checkerboard method. However, all the tested combinations
were additive according to the time-kill assay; while the combinations completely killed
S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa cells in 2 h. At least one EO compound from the combination
alone completely killed the cells of test species.

Conclusion:
Positive interactions support the use of EOs or EO components to enhance antibiotic
efficacy against antibiotic resistant bacteria. The EO-antibiotic combinations tested
by the time kill assay were indifferent; therefore, the observed antimicrobial activity did not
arise from synergistic mechanisms as indicated by the checkerboard method. Investigation of
other synergistic combinations identified by the checkerboard method could reveal more
promising candidates.
Assessment the Accuracy of Densitometry Measurements Using DMA PP2 Phantom
Authors: Petraikin A. V. , Smoliarchuk M. Ya. , Petryaykin F. A. , Nisovtsova L. A. , Artyukova Z. R. , Sergunova K. A. , Akhmad E. S. , Semenov D. S. , Vladzymyrsky A. V. , Morozov S. P. 
Published: October 2019

Purpose of the study — to assess the accuracy of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA ) for measurements of mineral bone density, bone mineral content, area of selected spine zone of examination as well as impact of subcutaneous fat layer and correction of auto-segmenting of the spine on the mentioned parameters. Material and Methods. The study was performed on iDXA scanner using the designed phantom DMA PP2 of the lumber spine with inlays to simulate subcutaneous fat (SF). To ensure correct assessment of measurements (precision and accuracy) the authors performed fivefold repeated scanning. Two modifications of the phantom were used, with and without SF inlays, as well as two methods for selection of spine range for examination – automatic and correction of autosegmentation. Results. Scanning of the phantom without SF inlays demonstrated a systematic understated values of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) along the full measured interval: mean relative error of BMD for L1-L4 interval was 10.62% with automatic segmentation and 7.43% — with correction of autosegmentation. The least accuracy for BMD and BMC (1.53% and 0.90%, respectively) was observed during SF simulation and with correction of auto-segmentation of the spine. Analysis of variation coefficient for area of examined vertebrae, BMC and BMD demonstrated rather high precision of measurements, namely for BMD without SF in the L1-L4 interval amounted to 1.00% (auto-segmentation) and 0.56% (correction). Variation coefficient for scanning including SF inlays in the interval L1-L4 was 1.00% (auto-segmentation) and 0.68% (correction). Conclusion. The lowest level of accuracy was observed with the SFL object; in this case, the variation coefficient did not exceed 1% for all BMD interval. The mean value of the BMC accuracy also did not exceed 1% with the optimal scan parameters. The study proved the effectiveness of “RSK PK2” phantom when estimating the accuracy of BMD and BMC on iDXA scanner.
Pseudoaneurysms of the Lower Extremity Vessels as a Complication of Hereditary Exostose Chondrodysplasia in Adolescents (Two Case Reports)
Authors: Zatravkina T. Yu. , Burov Yu. A. , Shanitsyn I. N. , Maksyushina T. D. , Titova Yu. I. , Sumin D. Yu. , Ionova T. A. , Mironov I. A. 
Published: October 2019

The article describes two clinical cases of vascular complications related to hereditary exostose chondrodysplasia of the lower limbs in children. Despite early diagnostics the newgrowth was not timely removed. The anatomical localization of the exostoses in the vicinity of the main arterial trunks resulted in formation of pseudo-aneurysms due to a prolonged exposure of the vascular wall to the actively growing bone formations. After diagnostic imaging (ultrasonography and Doppler sonography, CT angiography, MR angiography of the vessels in the lower extremities) the authors performed a simultaneous resection of the femoral artery aneurysm with autovenous grafting and total resection of exostoses in both cases. Late follow up of both patients demonstrated vascular permeability at the graft site and no symptoms of stenosis were observed.
A Short Message Service Intervention to Support Adherence to Home-Based Strengthening Exercise for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: Intervention Design Applying the Behavior Change Wheel
Authors: Nelligan Rachel K , Hinman Rana S , Atkins Lou , Bennell Kim L 
Published: October 2019

Background
Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic condition with no known cure. Treatment focuses on symptom management, with exercise recommended as a core component by all clinical practice guidelines. However, long-term adherence to exercise is poor among many people with knee osteoarthritis, which limits its capacity to provide sustained symptom relief. To improve exercise outcomes, scalable interventions that facilitate exercise adherence are needed. SMS (short message service) interventions show promise in health behavior change. The Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) is a widely used framework that provides a structured approach to designing behavior change interventions and has been used extensively in health behavior change intervention design.

Objective
The study aimed to describe the development of, and rationale for, an SMS program to support exercise adherence in people with knee osteoarthritis using the BCW framework.

Methods
The intervention was developed in two phases. Phase 1 involved using the BCW to select the target behavior and associated barriers, facilitators, and behavior change techniques (BCTs). Phase 2 involved design of the program functionality and message library. Messages arranged into a 24-week schedule were provided to an external company to be developed into an automated SMS program.

Results
The target behavior was identified as participation in self-directed home-based strengthening exercise 3 times a week for 24 weeks. A total of 13 barriers and 9 facilitators of the behavior and 20 BCTs were selected to use in the intervention. In addition, 198 SMS text messages were developed and organized into a 24-week automated program that functions by prompting users to self-report the number of home exercise sessions completed each week. Users who reported ≥3 exercise sessions/week (adherent) received positive reinforcement messages. Users who reported &lt;3 exercise sessions/week (nonadherent) were asked to select a barrier (from a list of standardized response options) that best explains why they found performing the exercises challenging in the previous week. This automatically triggers an SMS containing a BCT suggestion relevant to overcoming the selected barrier. Users also received BCT messages to facilitate exercise adherence, irrespective of self-reported adherence.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates application of the BCW to guide development of an automated SMS intervention to support exercise adherence in knee osteoarthritis. Future research is needed to assess whether the intervention improves adherence to the prescribed home-based strengthening exercise.
Informational Practices of Postacute Brain Injury Patients During Personal Recovery: Qualitative Study
Authors: Masterson Yamini , Brady Erin , Miller Andrew 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundThe effects of brain injury, structural damage, or the physiological disruption of brain function last far beyond initial clinical treatment. Self-tracking and management technologies have the potential to help individuals experiencing brain injury in their personal recovery—helping them to function at their best despite ongoing symptoms of illness. However, current self-tracking technologies may be unsuited for measuring the interconnected, nonlinear ways in which brain injury manifests.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate (1) the current informational practices and sensemaking processes used by postacute brain injury patients during personal recovery and (2) the potential role of quality-of-life instruments in improving patient awareness of brain injury recovery, advocacy, and involvement in care used outside the clinical context. Our objective was to explore the means of improving awareness through reflection that leads to compensatory strategies by anticipating or recognizing the occurrence of a problem caused by impairment.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study and used essentialist or realist thematic analysis to analyze the data collected through semistructured interviews and questionnaires, 2 weeks of structured data collection using brain injury–specific health-related quality of life instrument, quality of life after brain injury (QoLIBRI), and final interviews.ResultsInformational practices of people with brain injury involve data collection, data synthesis, and obtaining and applying the insights to their lifestyles. Participants collected data through structured tools such as spreadsheets and wearable devices but switched to unstructured tools such as journals and blogs as changes in overall progress became more qualitative in nature. Although data collection helped participants summarize their progress better, the lack of conceptual understanding made it challenging to know what to monitor or communicate with clinicians. QoLIBRI served as an education tool in this scenario but was inadequate in facilitating reflection and sensemaking.ConclusionsIndividuals with postacute brain injury found the lack of conceptual understanding of recovery and tools for making sense of their health data as major impediments for tracking and being aware of their personal recovery. There is an urgent need for a better framework for recovery and a process model for choosing patient-generated health data tools that focus on the holistic nature of recovery and improve the understanding of brain injury for all stakeholders involved throughout recovery.
EFFECT OF MANGOSTEEN EXTRACT ON NEUROINFLAMMATION IN RAT MODEL OF ACUTE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Authors: PANGIHUTAN SIAHAAN ANDRE MAROLOP , LUMBANRAJA SARMA 
Published: October 2019

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major health problems regarding morbidity and mortality, especially in productive ages. Following primary injury, there is a secondary insult, resulting in oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cell death. Mangosteen is a powerful natural antioxidant and anti-inflammation that also has neuroprotective property. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of mangosteen extract (ME)on neuroinflammation following TBI.
Methods: A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three treatments group, i.e., sham-operated controls, closed head injury (CHI), and treatment group. In the treatment group, we gave ME once daily every day after CHI for 7 days. As oxidative process marker, we investigated malondialdehyde (MDA) expression. As neuroinflammation marker, we investigated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD-68.
Results: TBI increased the expression of GFAP and CD-68, but not MDA. There was significant GFAP expression difference between treatment group and CHI group. Regarding the expression of CD-68 and MDA, there was no significant difference between treatment and CHI group.
Conclusion: Mangosteen extract supplementation decreased GFAP expression significantly after TBI.