bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of ovarian stem cells by follicle stimulating hormone and basic fibroblast growth factor during cortical tissue culture
Authors: Parte Seema , Bhartiya Deepa , Manjramkar Dhananjay D , Chauhan Anahita , Joshi Amita 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue acts as a source of primordial follicles (PF) which can either be auto-transplanted or cultured in vitro to obtain mature oocytes. This offers a good opportunity to attain biological parenthood to individuals with gonadal insufficiency including cancer survivors. However, role of various intra- and extra-ovarian factors during PF growth initiation still remain poorly understood. Ovarian biology has assumed a different dimension due to emerging data on presence of pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs) in ovary surface epithelium (OSE) and the concept of postnatal oogenesis. The present study was undertaken to decipher effect of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the growth initiation of PF during organ culture with a focus on ovarian stem cells.

Methods
Serum-free cultures of marmoset (n=3) and human (young and peri-menopausal) ovarian cortical tissue pieces were established. Cortical tissue pieces stimulated with FSH (0.5 IU/ml) or bFGF (100 ng/ml) were collected on Day 3 for histological and molecular studies. Gene transcripts specific for pluripotency (Oct-4A, Nanog), early germ cells (Oct-4, c-Kit, Vasa) and to reflect PF growth initiation (oocyte-specific Gdf-9 and Lhx8, and granulosa cells specific Amh) were studied by q-RTPCR.

Results
A prominent proliferation of OSE (which harbors stem cells) and transition of PF to primary follicles was observed after FSH and bFGF treatment. Ovarian stem cells were found to be released on the culture inserts and retained the potential to spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures in extended cultures. q-RTPCR analysis revealed an increased expression of gene transcripts specific for VSELs, OGSCs and early germ cells suggestive of follicular transition.

Conclusion
The present study shows that both FSH and bFGF stimulate stem cells present in OSE and also lead to PF growth initiation. Thus besides being a source of PF, cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue could also be a source of stem cells which retain the ability to spontaneously differentiate into oocyte-like structures in vitro. Results provide a paradigm shift in the basic understanding of FSH action and also offer a new perspective to the field of oncofertility research.
Lifespan extension and delay of age-related functional decline caused by Rhodiola roseadepends on dietary macronutrient balance
Authors: Gospodaryov Dmytro V , Yurkevych Ihor S , Jafari Mahtab , Lushchak Volodymyr I , Lushchak Oleh V 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of rhizome powder from the herb Rhodiola rosea, a traditional Western Ukraine medicinal adaptogen, on lifespan and age-related physiological functions of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Results
Flies fed food supplemented with 5.0 mg/ml and 10.0 mg/ml of R. rosea rhizome powder had a 14% to 17% higher median lifespan, whereas at 30.0 mg/ml lifespan was decreased by 9% to 12%. The preparation did not decrease fly fecundity.
The effect of R. rosea supplement on lifespan was dependent on diet composition. Lifespan extension by 15% to 21% was observed only for diets with protein-to-carbohydrate ratios less than 1. Lifespan extension was also dependent on total concentration of macronutrients. Thus, for the diet with 15% yeast and 15% sucrose there was no lifespan extension, while for the diet with protein-to-carbohydrate ratio 20:1 R. rosea decreased lifespan by about 10%.
Flies fed Rhodiola preparation were physically more active, less sensitive to the redox-cycling compound menadione and had a longer time of heat coma onset compared with controls. Positive effects of Rhodiola rhizome on stress resistance and locomotor activity were highest at the ‘middle age’.

Conclusions
The present data show that long-term food supplementation with R. rosea rhizome not only increases D. melanogaster lifespan, but also delays age-related decline of physical activity and increases stress resistance, what depends on protein-to-carbohydrate ratio of the diet.
Clinical staging in psychiatry: a cross-cutting model of diagnosis with heuristic and practical value
Authors: Scott Jan , Leboyer Marion , Hickie Ian , Berk Michael , Kapczinski Flavio , Frank Ellen , Kupfer David , McGorry Patrick 
Published: April 2013

SummaryStaging models are used routinely in general medicine for potentially serious or chronic physical disorders such as diabetes, arthritis and cancers, describing the links between biomarkers, clinical phenotypes and disease extension, and promoting a personalised or stratified medicine approach to treatment planning. Clinical staging involves a detailed description of where an individual exists on a continuum of disorder progression from stage 0 (an at-risk or latency stage) through to stage IV (late or end-stage disease). The approach is popular owing to its clinical utility and is increasingly being applied in psychiatry. The concept offers an informed approach to research and the active promotion of indicated prevention and early intervention strategies. We suggest that for young persons with emerging bipolar disorder, such transdiagnostic staging models could provide a framework that better reflects the developmental psychopathology and matches the complex longitudinal inter-relationships between subsyndromal and syndromal mood, psychotic and other disorders.
Effect of psychosocial interventions on social functioning in depression and schizophrenia: meta-analysis
Authors: De Silva Mary J. , Cooper Sara , Li Henry Lishi , Lund Crick , Patel Vikram 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundPsychosocial interventions may contribute to reducing the burden of mental disorders in low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries by improving social functioning, but the evidence has not been systematically reviewed.AimsSystematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of psychosocial interventions on social functioning in people with depression and schizophrenia in LAMI countries.MethodStudies were identified through database searching up to March 2011. Randomised controlled trials were included if they compared the intervention group with a control group receiving placebo or treatment as usual. Random effects meta-analyses were performed separately for depressive disorders and schizophrenia and for each intervention type.ResultsOf the studies that met the inclusion criteria (n=24), 21 had sufficient data to include in the meta-analysis. Eleven depression trials showed good evidence for a moderate positive effect of psychosocial interventions on social functioning (standardised mean difference (SMD)=0.46, 95% CI 0.24-0.69, n=4009) and ten schizophrenia trials showed a large positive effect on social functioning (SMD = 0.84, 95% CI 0.49-1.19, n=1671), although seven of these trials were of low quality. Excluding these did not substantially affect the size or direction of effect, although the precision of the estimate was substantially reduced (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI 0.05-1.72, n=863).ConclusionsPsychosocial interventions delivered in out-patient and primary care settings are effective at improving social functioning in people with depression and should be incorporated into efforts to scale up services. For schizophrenia there is an absence of evidence from high-quality trials and the generalisabilty of the findings is limited by the over-representation of trials conducted in populations of hospital patients in China. More high-quality trials of psychosocial interventions for schizophrenia delivered in out-patient settings are needed.
Invited commentary on … Ethnic variations in pathways into early intervention services for psychosis
Authors: Warner Richard 
Published: April 2013

SummaryAdvocates of early intervention in psychosis choose to treat the association between long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and poor outcome as evidence that reducing DUP will improve outcomes. I question this view and argue that DUP does not predict outcome but rather that mode of onset of psychosis predicts DUP and outcome.
Acceptability and necessity of HIV and other blood-borne virus testing in a psychiatric setting
Authors: Sanger Camilla , Hayward Janine , Patel Gira , Phekoo Karen , Poots Alan J. , Howe Cathy , Bowden-Jones Owen , Green John 
Published: April 2013

SummaryStudies in North America and Europe indicate that the prevalence of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) is elevated in individuals with severe mental illness; there are no comparable data for the UK. We offered routine testing for HIV, and hepatitis B and C in an inner-London in-patient psychiatric unit as a service improvement. Of the patients approached 83% had mental capacity to provide informed consent for testing and 66% of patients offered testing accepted. Although it was not our objective to establish the prevalence of BBVs, 18% of patients had serological evidence of a current or previous BBV infection, we found that offering routine testing in an in-patient psychiatric setting is both practical and acceptable to patients.
Polygraph testing of sex offenders in a high secure hospital
Authors: Ho David K. , Collins Nikki , Vinestock Morris , Das Mrigendra 
Published: April 2013

Aims and methodTo illustrate the clinical benefit of polygraph testing for mentally disordered sex offenders at a high secure psychiatric hospital. It is a retrospective review of two patients' case notes and of interviews with clinicians. Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PSCOT) was used to assist these patients in making disclosures regarding their sexual history and to aid their treatment.ResultsPost Conviction Sex Offender Testing was responsible for bringing about new disclosures relating to the patients' sexual histories and aiding their treatment progression to lower secure settings. New information was incorporated into the patients' treatment programmes and risk management plans. Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing also encouraged a more honest and effective participation in sex offender treatment programmes and allowed the evaluation of antilibidinal medication.Clinical implicationsPost Conviction Sex Offender Testing should be more widely considered among mentally disordered sex offenders who have been challenging to treat, as it has the potential to aid their management and progression to lower-security settings.
Voice recognition software: psychiatrist as transcriber
Authors: Sandilyan Malarvizhi Babu , Darley Jonathan 
Published: April 2013

Aims and methodVoice recognition software is promoted to improve clinician efficiency and decrease overall costs. Our aim was to compare its efficiency against the traditional method of dictation and typing in an older people's community mental health team. We compared the time taken to dictate, edit and type letters, and the total number of days required to send them out after seeing the patient, using the two methods. We also correlated the time taken by one doctor to dictate and edit clinic letters with the actual days on which they were dictated.ResultsThe voice recognition system reduced the time taken to turn around clinic letters but at the cost of increased doctor's time being spent on dictating and editing the letters. We found no increase in efficiency with experience.Clinical implicationsThe benefits of faster letter production may be outweighed by the effect of the extra time spent by clinicians to the detriment of their other commitments. The narrative form of psychiatry letters may make them less suited to computer transcription than those in other specialties.
Readmission after discharge from a medium secure unit
Authors: Clarke Martin , Duggan Conor , Hollin Clive R. , Huband Nick , McCarthy Lucy , Davies Steffan 
Published: April 2013

Aims and methodWe examined readmission to psychiatric hospital of 550 patients discharged from one medium secure unit over 20 years. Multiple sources were used to obtain readmission data.ResultsReadmission was common, particularly to non-secure psychiatric hospitals. At least 339 patients (61.6%) were readmitted to any psychiatric hospital (mean follow-up 9.5 years), with over a third (37.6%) subsequently being readmitted to medium- or high-security or both. Of those discharged directly to the community, having previous in-patient treatment and a Mental Health Act classification of mental illness were associated with shorter time to first readmission.Clinical implicationsThe long-standing nature of disorders is evident in the high rates of readmission overall and the need for readmission to medium and high secure services, suggesting that these patients require long-term follow-up and support from mental health services.
Randomized Phase III Study of Gemcitabine Plus S-1, S-1 Alone, or Gemcitabine Alone in Patients With Locally Advanced and Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer in Japan and Taiwan: GEST Study
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Ioka Tatsuya , Ikeda Masafumi , Ohkawa Shinichi , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Boku Narikazu , Fukutomi Akira , Sugimori Kazuya , Baba Hideo , Yamao Kenji , Shimamura Tomotaka , Sho Masayuki , Kitano Masayuki , Cheng Ann-Lii , Mizumoto Kazuhiro , Chen Jen-Shi , Furuse Junji , Funakoshi Akihiro , Hatori Takashi , Yamaguchi Taketo , Egawa Shinichi , Sato Atsushi , Ohashi Yasuo , Okusaka Takuji , Tanaka Masao 
Published: April 2013

Purpose The present phase III study was designed to investigate the noninferiority of S-1 alone and superiority of gemcitabine plus S-1 compared with gemcitabine alone with respect to overall survival. Patients and Methods The participants were chemotherapy-naive patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients were randomly assigned to receive only gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle), only S-1 (80, 100, or 120 mg/d according to body-surface area on days 1 through 28 of a 42-day cycle), or gemcitabine plus S-1 (gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 plus S-1 60, 80, or 100 mg/d according to body-surface area on days 1 through 14 of a 21-day cycle). Results In the total of 834 enrolled patients, median overall survival was 8.8 months in the gemcitabine group, 9.7 months in the S-1 group, and 10.1 months in the gemcitabine plus S-1 group. The noninferiority of S-1 to gemcitabine was demonstrated (hazard ratio, 0.96; 97.5% CI, 0.78 to 1.18; P < .001 for noninferiority), whereas the superiority of gemcitabine plus S-1 was not (hazard ratio, 0.88; 97.5% CI, 0.71 to 1.08; P = .15). All treatments were generally well tolerated, although hematologic and GI toxicities were more severe in the gemcitabine plus S-1 group than in the gemcitabine group. Conclusion Monotherapy with S-1 demonstrated noninferiority to gemcitabine in overall survival with good tolerability and presents a convenient oral alternative for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Rituximab Purging and/or Maintenance in Patients Undergoing Autologous Transplantation for Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma: A Prospective Randomized Trial From the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Pettengell Ruth , Schmitz Norbert , Gisselbrecht Christian , Smith Graeme , Patton William N. , Metzner Bernd , Caballero Dolores , Tilly Herve , Walewski Jan A. , Bence-Bruckler Isabelle , To Bik , Geisler Christian H. , Schots Rik , Kimby Eva , Taverna Christian J. , Kozák Tomáš , Dreger Peter , Uddin Ruzena , Ruiz de Elvira Carmen , Goldstone Anthony H. 
Published: April 2013

Purpose The objective of this randomized trial was to assess the efficacy and safety of rituximab as in vivo purging before transplantation and as maintenance treatment immediately after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDC-ASCT) in patients with relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). Patients and Methods Patients with relapsed FL who achieved either complete or very good partial remission with salvage chemotherapy were randomly assigned using a factorial design to rituximab purging (P+; 375 mg/m2 once per week for 4 weeks) or observation (NP) before HDC-ASCT and to maintenance rituximab (M+; 375 mg/m2 once every 2 months for four infusions) or observation (NM). Results From October 1999 to April 2006, 280 patients were enrolled. The median age was 51 years (range, 26 to 70 years), and baseline characteristics were well balanced between groups. On average, patients were 44 months (range, 3 to 464 months) from diagnosis, with 79% having received two lines and 15% three lines of prior therapy. Median follow-up was 8.3 years. In contrast to purging, 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 48% for P+ and 42% for NP groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.11; P = .18); maintenance had a significant effect on PFS (10-year PFS, 54% for M+ and 37% for NM; HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.91; P = .012). Overall survival (OS) was not improved by either rituximab purging or maintenance. Conclusion Rituximab maintenance after HDC-ASCT is safe and significantly prolongs PFS but not OS in patients undergoing transplantation for relapsed FL. Pretransplantation rituximab in vivo purging, even in rituximab-naive patients, failed to improve PFS or OS.
Assessment and Rationing of Risks Connected with Operation of Complex Technical Systems
Authors: Махутов  , Makhutov Nikolay , Резников  , Reznikov D. 
Published: April 2013

Comparative assessment of approaches to estimation and rationing of risks connected with operation of complex engineering
systems that are accepted in various countries is presented in this article. Various risk indexes that can be used while choosing the most preferable safety option of the system are presented.
Risk Management at Operation of Hydro-geological Wells
Authors: Го  , Guo Haylin , Забабурин  , Zababurin V. , Третьяк  , Tretyak A. , Фролов  , Frolov A. 
Published: April 2013

The system of risk management principles is formed. The most acceptable mode for technical condition research of operational
hydro-geological wells is offered. The risk management algorithm is developed. Mathematical model for operation reliability
assessment of wells is created.
Radioecological Aspects of Radon Exhalation on Uranium Extraction Industry Objects
Authors: Самонов  , Samonov A. 
Published: April 2013

The main ecological and geochemical feature of uranium extraction industry is a receipt of natural radionuclides (ERN) of
radioactive families 238U, 235U, 232Th in environment. Radiating pollution is generally caused by natural 238U and products of its disintegration, such as long-living alpha-nuclides 230Th and 226Ra, as well as short-living alpha-nuclides 222Rn (radon) and products of its disintegration. The most dangerous of these products are 210Po, 210Bi and 210Pb. Radon is potentially radioactive carcinogen. Some especially human dangerous radionuclides are formed in the course of its disintegration. The most dangerous of these radionuclides is 210Ро. Polonium poisoning of human body can be predicted in 15—20 years of continuous inhalation of air with radon aerosols. In this regard in areas of uranium ores production and processing it is extremely important to carry out annual calculation of radiating risks under irradiation by radon and affiliated products of its disintegration.
Using Linear Viscoelastic Modeling to Evaluate the Low Temperature Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Prepared With Aggregates of Different Sizes
Authors: Ho Chun-Hsing , Romero Pedro 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This paper evaluates the low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures prepared with aggregates of different sizes using a linear viscoelastic analysis method. Three nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) asphalt mixtures (i.e., 12.5 mm, 9.5 mm, and 4.7 5 mm) were produced and trimmed into small asphalt mixture beams to be tested using a bending beam rheometer (BBR). Creep compliance data were obtained from the BBR at three different temperatures (−18°C, −24°C, and −30°C). Linear viscoelastic modeling associated with Laplace transform methods was performed to determine the relaxation modulus curves and thermal stresses of three NMAS mixture specimens. The results indicate that even though the maximum aggregate sizes were different, the behavior was essentially the same, suggesting that the effect of aggregate size on the low temperature behavior of asphalt mixtures is minimal. The low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures are not affected by spatial distributions within an asphalt mixture beam.
Interventions for Preschool Children at High Risk for ADHD: A Comparative Effectiveness Review
Authors: Charach Alice , Carson Patricia , Fox Steven , Ali Muhammad Usman , Beckett Julianna , Lim Choon Guan 
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVES:The US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality sponsored a comparative effectiveness review of interventions for preschoolers at risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).METHODS:Medline, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, PsycInfo, and Education Resources Information Center were searched from 1980 to November 24, 2011. Selected studies were comparative, and enrolled children &lt;6 years with clinically significant disruptive behavior, including ADHD. The interventions evaluated were parent behavior training (PBT), combined home and school/day care interventions, and methylphenidate use. Data were extracted by using customized software. Two independent raters evaluated studies as good, fair, or poor by using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies Risk of Bias. Overall strength of evidence (SOE) was rated for each intervention’s effectiveness, accounting for study design, systematic error, consistency of results, directness of evidence, and certainty regarding outcome.RESULTS:Fifty-five studies were examined. Only studies examining PBT interventions could be pooled statistically using meta-analysis. Eight “good” studies examined PBT, total n = 424; SOE was high for improved child behavior, standardized mean difference = –0.68 (95% confidence interval: –0.88 to –0.47), with minimal heterogeneity among studies. Only 1 good study evaluated methylphenidate, total n = 114; therefore, SOE for methylphenidate was low. Combined home and school/day care interventions showed inconsistent results. The literature reported adverse effects for methylphenidate but not for PBT.CONCLUSIONS:With more studies consistently documenting effectiveness, PBT interventions have greater evidence of effectiveness than methylphenidate for treatment of preschoolers at risk for ADHD.