bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence and burden of subthreshold generalized anxiety disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Haller Heidemarie , Cramer Holger , Lauche Romy , Gass Florian , Dobos Gustav J 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
To review the prevalence and impact of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) below the diagnostic threshold and explore its treatment needs in times of scarce healthcare resources.

Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted until January 2013 using PUBMED/MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, EMBASE and reference lists to identify epidemiological studies of subthreshold GAD, i.e. GAD symptoms that do not reach the current thresholds of DSM-III-R, DSM-IV or ICD-10. Quality of all included studies was assessed and median prevalences of subthreshold GAD were calculated for different subpopulations.

Results
Inclusion criteria led to 15 high-quality and 3 low-quality epidemiological studies with a total of 48,214 participants being reviewed. Whilst GAD proved to be a common mental health disorder, the prevalence for subthreshold GAD was twice that for the full syndrome. Subthreshold GAD is typically persistent, causing considerably more suffering and impairment in psychosocial and work functioning, benzodiazepine and primary health care use, than in non-anxious individuals. Subthreshold GAD can also increase the risk of onset and worsen the course of a range of comorbid mental health, pain and somatic disorders; further increasing costs. Results are robust against bias due to low study quality.

Conclusions
Subthreshold GAD is a common, recurrent and impairing disease with verifiable morbidity that claims significant healthcare resources. As such, it should receive additional research and clinical attention.
Melanin-templated rapid synthesis of silver nanostructures
Authors: Kiran George Seghal , Dhasayan Asha , Lipton Anuj Nishanth , Selvin Joseph , Arasu Mariadhas Valan , Al-Dhabi Naif Abdullah 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
As a potent antimicrobial agent, silver nanostructures have been used in nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food relevant analytes such as organic molecules, aroma, chemical contaminants, gases and food borne pathogens. In addition silver based nanocomposites act as an antimicrobial for food packaging materials. In this prospective, the food grade melanin pigment extracted from sponge associated actinobacterium Nocardiopsis alba MSA10 and melanin mediated synthesis of silver nanostructures were studied. Based on the present findings, antimicrobial nanostructures can be developed against food pathogens for food industrial applications.

Results
Briefly, the sponge associated actinobacterium N. alba MSA10 was screened and fermentation conditions were optimized for the production of melanin pigment. The Plackett-Burman design followed by a Box-Behnken design was developed to optimize the concentration of most significant factors for improved melanin yield. The antioxidant potential, reductive capabilities and physiochemical properties of Nocardiopsis melanin was characterized. The optimum production of melanin was attained with pH 7.5, temperature 35°C, salinity 2.5%, sucrose 25 g/L and tyrosine 12.5 g/L under submerged fermentation conditions. A highest melanin production of 3.4 mg/ml was reached with the optimization using Box-Behnken design. The purified melanin showed rapid reduction and stabilization of silver nanostructures. The melanin mediated process produced uniform and stable silver nanostructures with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against food pathogens.

Conclusions
The melanin pigment produced by N. alba MSA10 can be used for environmentally benign synthesis of silver nanostructures and can be useful for food packaging materials. The characteristics of broad spectrum of activity against food pathogens of silver nanostructures gives an insight for their potential applicability in incorporation of food packaging materials and antimicrobials for stored fruits and foods.
Cu-doped ZnO nanorod arrays: the effects of copper precursor and concentration
Authors: Babikier Musbah , Wang Dunbo , Wang Jinzhong , Li Qian , Sun Jianming , Yan Yuan , Yu Qingjiang , Jiao Shujie 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Cu-doped ZnO nanorods have been grown at 90°C for 90 min onto a quartz substrate pre-coated with a ZnO seed layer using a hydrothermal method. The influence of copper (Cu) precursor and concentration on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of ZnO nanorods was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the nanorods grown are highly crystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure grown along the c-axis. The lattice strain is found to be compressive for all samples, where a minimum compressive strain of −0.114% was obtained when 1 at.% Cu was added from Cu(NO3)2. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate morphologies and the diameters of the grown nanorods. The morphological properties of the Cu-doped ZnO nanorods were influenced significantly by the presence of Cu impurities. Near-band edge (NBE) and a broad blue-green emission bands at around 378 and 545 nm, respectively, were observed in the photoluminescence spectra for all samples. The transmittance characteristics showed a slight increase in the visible range, where the total transmittance increased from approximately 80% for the nanorods doped with Cu(CH3COO)2 to approximately 90% for the nanorods that were doped with Cu(NO3)2.
Types of sensitization to aeroallergens: definitions, prevalences and impact on the diagnosis and treatment of allergic respiratory disease
Authors: Migueres Michel , Dávila Ignacio , Frati Franco , Azpeitia Angel , Jeanpetit Yasmine , Lhéritier‐Barrand Michèle , Incorvaia Cristoforo , Ciprandi Giorgio ,   PlurAL study group
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe type of allergic sensitization is of central importance in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory allergic diseases. At least 10% of the general population (and more than 50% of patients consulting for respiratory allergies) are polysensitized. Here, we review the recent literature on (i) the concepts of polysensitization, paucisensitization, co‐sensitization, co‐recognition, cross‐reactivity, cross‐sensitization, and polyallergy, (ii) the prevalence of polysensitization and (iii) the relationships between sensitization status, disease severity and treatment strategies. In molecular terms, clinical polysensitization can be divided into cross‐sensitization (also known as cross‐reactivity, in which the same IgE molecule binds to several allergens with common structural features) and co‐sensitization (the simultaneous presence of different IgEs binding to allergens that may not necessarily have common structural features). There is a strong overall association between sensitization in skin prick tests and total IgE values but there is debate as to whether IgE thresholds are useful guides to the presence or absence of clinical symptoms in individual cases. Molecular information from component‐resolved techniques appears to be of value for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Polysensitization develops over time and is a risk factor for respiratory allergy (being associated with disease severity) and therefore has clinical relevance for treatment decisions. The subterm polysensitization has been defined as polysensitization to between two and four allergens. Polyallergy is defined as clinically confirmed allergy to two or more allergens. Single‐allergen grass pollen allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is safe and effective in polysensitized patients, whereas multi‐allergen AIT requires more supporting evidence. Given that AIT may be more efficacious in moderate‐to‐severe disease than in mild disease, polysensitization could be an indication for this type of treatment. There is a need for flowcharts or decision trees for choosing the allergens for AIT in polysensitized patients and polyallergic patients.
Precocious initiation of spermatogenesis in a 19-month-old boy with Hurler syndrome
Authors: Milazzo Jean-Pierre , Bironneau Amandine , Vannier Jean-Pierre , Liard-Zmuda Agnes , Macé Bertrand , Nathalie Rives 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IH (MPS IH) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been proposed for the treatment of MPS IH patients and offers the possibility to grow into their adulthood. Precocious puberty has been described in few MPS patients. We report, to the best of our knowledge and for the first time, the initiation of the first waves of spermatogenesis fortuitously observed in seminiferous tubules of a pre-pubertal 19-month-old boy, affected by MPS IH and who did not present any clinical signs of precocious puberty. This patient benefited from testicular tissue cryopreservation before HSCT. Seminiferous tubule size, germ cell differentiation and Sertoli cell expression of androgen receptor and anti-müllerian hormone corresponded to the pattern observed in a pubertal boy. The Hurler syndrome may be responsible for the precocious initiation of spermatogenesis. A specific follow-up during childhood may be useful to confirm if such abnormal testis development is common in young boys with MPS IH and if it may lead to precocious onset of puberty in survivors despite HSCT. Furthermore, we have observed that Sertoli cell maturation (up-regulation of AR expression, down-regulation of AMH expression) occurred before the clinical signs of puberty and before the increase of testosterone plasmatic level.
LAP degradation product reflects plasma kallikrein-dependent TGF-β activation in patients with hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Hara Mitsuko , Kirita Akiko , Kondo Wakako , Matsuura Tomokazu , Nagatsuma Keisuke , Dohmae Naoshi , Ogawa Shinji , Imajoh-Ohmi Shinobu , Friedman Scott L , Rifkin Daniel B , Kojima Soichi 
Published: May 2014

AbstractByproducts of cytokine activation are sometimes useful as surrogate biomarkers for monitoring cytokine generation in patients. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β plays a pivotal role in pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. TGF-β is produced as part of an inactive latent complex, in which the cytokine is trapped by its propeptide, the latency-associated protein (LAP). Therefore, to exert its biological activity, TGF-β must be released from the latent complex. Several proteases activate latent TGF-β by cutting LAP. We previously reported that Camostat Mesilate, a broad spectrum protease inhibitor, which is especially potent at inhibiting plasma kallikrein (PLK), prevented liver fibrosis in the porcine serum-induced liver fibrosis model in rats. We suggested that PLK may work as an activator of latent TGF-β during the pathogenesis of liver diseases in the animal models. However, it remained to be elucidated whether this activation mechanism also functions in fibrotic liver in patients.Here, we report that PLK cleaves LAP between R58and L59residues. We have produced monoclonal antibodies against two degradation products of LAP (LAP-DP) by PLK, and we have used these specific antibodies to immunostain LAP-DP in liver tissues from both fibrotic animals and patients.The N-terminal side LAP-DP ending at R58(R58LAP-DP) was detected in liver tissues, while the C-terminal side LAP-DP beginning at L59(L59LAP-DP) was not detectable. The R58LAP-DP was seen mostly in α-smooth muscle actin-positive activated stellate cells.These data suggest for the first time that the occurrence of a PLK-dependent TGF-β activation reaction in patients and indicates that the LAP-DP may be useful as a surrogate marker reflecting PLK-dependent TGF-β activation in fibrotic liver both in animal models and in patients.
Ginsenoside Rh1 potentiates dexamethasone’s anti-inflammatory effects for chronic inflammatory disease by reversing dexamethasone-induced resistance
Authors: Li Jun , Du Juan , Liu Dong , Cheng Binbin , Fang Fanfu , Weng Li , Wang Chen , Ling Changquan 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Acquired resistance to glucocorticoids constitutes a major clinical challenge, often overlooked in the search for compounds to improve the effect of classic steroids. We sought to unravel how a plant-original compound, ginsenoside Rh1, potentiates dexmethasone (DEX)’s potential anti-inflammation properties.

Methods
Ginsenoside Rh1 combined with DEX was applied in a short-term and long-term treatment protocol for inflammation. Its potential mechanism on anti-inflammation was explored. In addition, the effect of Rh1 on the side-effect induced by DEX was studied. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Rh1 combined with DEX were evaluated in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model.

Results
Ginsenoside Rh1 potentiates DEX’s anti-inflammatory effects even after prolonged DEX treatment. Rh1 could improve the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)’s transrepression on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and transactivation on dual specificity protein phosphatase 1 (DUSP1), which is responsible for DEX’s anti-inflammatory effects. Parallel Western blot assay and radioligand binding analysis revealed that Rh1 could increase the expression and binding of GR. This is in sharp contrast to DEX alone, showing a direct link among prolonged treatment, decreasing GR and the abolishment of anti-inflammation. Interestingly, Rh1 does not enhance the transactivation of glucocorticoid-responsive elements (GRE) driven genes - gluconeogenic enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinasee phosphatase (PEPCK) in primary mouse hepatocytes, a mechanism partly held accountable for the metabolic side-effects. Similar results were found in CIA mice.

Conclusion
Rh1 could potentiate DEX’s anti-inflammatory effects and does not cause a hyperglycemic side effect. Ginsenoside Rh1 combined with DEX may be a promising candidate treatment option for chronic inflammatory diseases in need of long-term immunosuppression therapies.
Gene targeting using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated CRISPR-Cas system in rice
Authors: Xu Rongfang , Li Hao , Qin Ruiying , Wang Lu , Li Li , Wei Pengcheng , Yang Jianbo 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
The type II clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system is a novel molecular tool for site-specific genome modification. The CRISPR-Cas9 system was recently introduced into plants by transient or stable transformation.

Findings
Here, we report gene targeting in rice via the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated CRISPR-Cas9 system. Three 20-nt CRISPR RNAs were designed to pair with diverse sites followed by the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) of the rice herbicide resistance gene BEL. After integrating the single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 cassette in a single binary vector, transgenic rice plants harboring sgRNA:Cas9 were generated by A. tumefaciens-mediated stable transformation. By analyzing the targeting site on the genome of corresponding transgenic plants, the mutations were determined. The mutagenesis efficiency was varied from ~2% to ~16%. Furthermore, phenotypic analysis revealed that the biallelic mutated transgenic plant was sensitive to bentazon.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that the agricultural trait could be purposely modified by sgRNA:Cas9-induced gene targeting. CRISPR-Cas9 system could be exploited as a powerful tool for trait improvements in crop breeding.
Color Directional Local Quinary Patterns for Content Based Indexing and Retrieval
Authors: Vipparthi Santosh Kumar , Nagar Shyam Krishna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a novel evaluationary approach to extract color-texture features for image retrieval application namely Color Directional Local Quinary Pattern (CDLQP). The proposed descriptor extracts the individual R, G and B channel wise directional edge information between reference pixel and its surrounding neighborhoods by computing its grey-level difference based on quinary value (−2, −1, 0, 1, 2) instead of binary and ternary value in 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° directions of an image which are not present in literature (LBP, LTP, CS-LBP, LTrPs, DExPs, etc.). To evaluate the retrieval performance of the proposed descriptor, two experiments have been conducted on Core-5000 and MIT-Color databases respectively. The retrieval performances of the proposed descriptor show a significant improvement as compared with standard local binary pattern LBP, center-symmetric local binary pattern (CS-LBP), Directional binary pattern (DBC) and other existing transform domain techniques in IR system.
Class III correction using an inter-arch spring-loaded module
Authors: Vanlaecken Robert , Williams Michael O , Razmus Thomas , Gunel Erdogan , Martin Chris , Ngan Peter 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background
A retrospective study was conducted to determine the cephalometric changes in a group of Class III patients treated with the inter-arch spring-loaded module (CS2000®, Dynaflex, St. Ann, MO, USA).

Methods
Thirty Caucasian patients (15 males, 15 females) with an average pre-treatment age of 9.6 years were treated consecutively with this appliance and compared with a control group of subjects from the Bolton-Brush Study who were matched in age, gender, and craniofacial morphology to the treatment group. Lateral cephalograms were taken before treatment and after removal of the CS2000® appliance. The treatment effects of the CS2000® appliance were calculated by subtracting the changes due to growth (control group) from the treatment changes.

Results
All patients were improved to a Class I dental arch relationship with a positive overjet. Significant sagittal, vertical, and angular changes were found between the pre- and post-treatment radiographs. With an average treatment time of 1.3 years, the maxillary base moved forward by 0.8 mm, while the mandibular base moved backward by 2.8 mm together with improvements in the ANB and Wits measurements. The maxillary incisor moved forward by 1.3 mm and the mandibular incisor moved forward by 1.0 mm. The maxillary molar moved forward by 1.0 mm while the mandibular molar moved backward by 0.6 mm. The average overjet correction was 3.9 mm and 92% of the correction was due to skeletal contribution and 8% was due to dental contribution. The average molar correction was 5.2 mm and 69% of the correction was due to skeletal contribution and 31% was due to dental contribution.

Conclusions
Mild to moderate Class III malocclusion can be corrected using the inter-arch spring-loaded appliance with minimal patient compliance. The overjet correction was contributed by forward movement of the maxilla, backward and downward movement of the mandible, and proclination of the maxillary incisors. The molar relationship was corrected by mesialization of the maxillary molars, distalization of the mandibular molars together with a rotation of the occlusal plane.
Pharmacological treatment of bipolar depression
Authors: Vázquez Gustavo H. , Tondo Leonardo , Undurraga Juan , Zaratiegui Rodolfo , Selle Valerio , Baldessarini Ross J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBipolar depression remains a major challenge for psychiatric therapeutics. It is associated with disability and excess mortality, and accounts for three-quarters of the time spent in morbid states by treated patients with bipolar disorder. Major limitations of research on the treatment of depression in bipolar disorder include a paucity of short-term and lack of long-term trials, probably reflecting concern about inducing mania. In addition, polytherapy with multiple drugs appears to be widespread, but it is virtually untested for efficacy and safety. Here, we summarise the evidence concerning efficacy of treatment of bipolar depression with antidepressants, mood-stabilising anticonvulsants, lithium and second-generation antipsychotics.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Gain critical appreciation of the paucity of research on the treatment of bipolar depression.•Rationally balance the benefits and risks of using antidepressants in patients with bipolar disorder.•Assess the evidence supporting a range of research-based treatment options for bipolar depression.
Interventions for challenging behaviour in intellectual disability
Authors: Ali Afia , Blickwedel Jessica , Hassiotis Angela 
Published: May 2014

SummaryChallenging behaviour is common in intellectual disability but it is difficult to diagnose and manage. It can adversely affect the quality of life of the individual and cause the breakdown of community placements, resulting in hospital admission. This article discusses the aetiology of challenging behaviour (including the complex relationship with mental illness), diagnostic problems, the current evidence base in relation to psychosocial and pharmacological treatments, and service delivery.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand the aetiological basis of challenging behaviour.•Understand the role of functional analysis.•Appreciate the evidence base in relation to the psychological and pharmacological treatment of challenging behaviour.
Getting the measure of outcomes in clinical practice
Authors: Lewis Glyn , Killaspy Helen 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIt has been argued that the routine use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) should be encouraged in order to improve the quality of services and even to determine payment. Clinician-rated outcome measures (CROMs), patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) and process measures also should be considered in evaluating healthcare quality. We discuss difficulties that the routine use of outcome measures might pose for psychiatric services. When outcome and experience measures are used to evaluate services they are difficult to interpret because of differences in case mix and regression to the mean. We conclude that PROMs and CROMs could be useful for monitoring the progress of individuals and that clinical audit still has an important role to play in improving the quality of services.LEARNING OBJECTIVESUnderstand the difference between process measurement and outcome measurement.Understand the limitation of using outcome measures to assess and promote quality of services.Understand the difficulties in assessing the psychometric properties and validity of outcome measures.
Making decisions in the management of perinatal depression and anxiety
Authors: Wand Anne P. F. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThe care of women with anxiety and depressive disorders in the perinatal period is complex. The literature in this field is vast and may be difficult for busy clinicians to keep abreast of. The first part of this article provides an overview of the potential risks and benefits of treatment options, including no treatment, at various stages in the perinatal period. The second part explores the frameworks which may assist clinicians in decision-making with their pregnant patients, including risk-benefit analysis, ethical considerations, evaluating capacity, and mental health legislation. The common pitfalls and limitations of these approaches are examined to guide good practice.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand the potential risks and benefits of treating, or not treating, maternal mental illness at various stages in the perinatal period.•Understand the limitations of the literature in this field.•Be able to use different frameworks for deciding with patients about the management of mental illness in the perinatal period.