bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rate and predictors of conversion from unipolar to bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kessing Lars Vedel , Willer Inge , Andersen Per Kragh , Bukh Jens Drachman
Published: July 2017

Objectives

For the first time to present a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the conversion rate and predictors of conversion from unipolar disorder to bipolar disorder.

Methods

A systematic literature search up to October 2016 was performed. For the meta‐analysis, we only included studies that used survival analysis to estimate the conversion rate.

Results

A total of 31 studies were identified, among which 11 used survival analyses, including two register‐based studies. The yearly rate of conversion to bipolar disorder decreased with time from 3.9% in the first year after study entry with a diagnosis of unipolar disorder to 3.1% in years 1‐2, 1.0% in years 2‐5 and 0.8% in years 5‐10. A total of eight risk factors were evaluated comprising gender, age at onset of unipolar disorder, number of depressive episodes, treatment resistance to antidepressants, family history of bipolar disorder, the prevalence of psychotic depression, the prevalence of chronic depression, and severity of depression. It was not possible to identify risk factors that were consistently or mainly confirmed to predict conversion across studies.

Conclusions

The conversion rate from unipolar to bipolar disorder decreases with time. It was not possible to identify predictors of conversion that were consistently or mainly confirmed across studies, which may be due to variations in methodology across studies.
Evidence that eye‐movement profiles do not explain slow binocular rivalry rate in bipolar disorder: support for a perceptual endophenotype
Authors: Law Phillip CF , Gurvich Caroline T , Ngo Trung T , Miller Steven M
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Presenting conflicting images simultaneously, one to each eye, produces perceptual alternations known as binocular rivalry (BR). Slow BR rate has been proposed as an endophenotype for bipolar disorder (BD) for use in large‐scale genome‐wide association studies. However, the trait could conceivably reflect eye movement (EM) dysfunction in BD rather than anomalous perceptual processing per se. To address this question, we examined the relationship between EM profiles and BR rate for various stimulus types in BD and healthy subjects. We also examined differences in EM profiles between these groups.

Methods

Employing a repeated‐measures within‐subjects design, 20 BD outpatients and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls completed EM tasks and separate BR tasks involving a range of stimuli with different drift speeds. The association between each EM measure and BR rate was examined with correlational analyses for all stimulus conditions in both groups. Between‐group comparisons were performed to determine any differences in those EM measures. Corresponding Bayesian analyses were also conducted.

Results

There were no EM measures that showed a significant relationship with BR rate in either the BD group or the healthy group (P≥7.87×10−3), where those EM measures were also significantly different between the BD and healthy groups (P≥1.32 × 10−2). These findings were verified with Bayes factors.

Conclusions

The results provide evidence that EM profiles do not explain the slow BR endophenotype for BD, thus indicating that the trait reflects anomalous perceptual processing per se. This perceptual trait can be employed in clinical, genetic, mechanistic and pathophysiological studies.
Differential failure to deactivate the default mode network in unipolar and bipolar depression
Authors: Rodríguez‐Cano Elena , Alonso‐Lana Silvia , Sarró Salvador , Fernández‐Corcuera Paloma , Goikolea José M , Vieta Eduard , Maristany Teresa , Salvador Raymond , McKenna Peter J , Pomarol‐Clotet Edith
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Neuroimaging studies have revealed evidence of brain functional abnormalities in bipolar depressive disorder (BDD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, few studies to date have compared these two mood disorders directly.

Methods

Matched groups of 26 BDD type I patients, 26 MDD patients and 26 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing the n‐back working memory task. A whole‐brain ANOVA was used to compare the three groups and clusters of significant difference were examined further using region‐of‐interest (ROI) analysis.

Results

The whole‐brain ANOVA revealed a single cluster of significant difference in the medial frontal cortex. The BDD and MDD patients both showed failure to deactivate in this area compared to the controls. The BDD patients showed significantly greater failure of deactivation than the MDD patients, which was not accounted for by differences in severity or chronicity of illness between them.

Conclusions

Failure of deactivation, considered to reflect default mode network dysfunction, is present to a greater extent in bipolar than unipolar depression. The study of this network may be useful in the search for brain markers that distinguish the two disorders.
Effects of video‐based flipped class instruction on subject reading motivation
Authors: Tse Wai S. , Choi Lai Y. A. , Tang Wing S.
Published: July 2017

Video‐based flipped class instruction can strengthen the learning motivation of students. The effectiveness of flipped class instruction on teaching effectiveness and subject satisfaction has been evaluated previously. The present study aims to examine the impact of two aspects of subject reading motivation. A total of 100 secondary school students were recruited from 4 classes of 25 students (ie, video‐based flipped Mathematics class, traditional Mathematics class, video‐based flipped Liberal Studies (LS) class and traditional LS class) in two local secondary schools. The same teachers taught both the traditional and video‐based flipped classes in their subject. The students filled in questionnaires which measured: motivation for general reading; motivation for subject reading; academic subject satisfaction and perceived teaching effectiveness of the teachers. Analysis of covariance controlling for motivation for general reading revealed that students in the flipped classes reported significantly lower motivation for subject reading including reading curiosity, reading importance and reading compliance (t (1,98) = 10.52, p < 0.001; t (1,98) = 7.68, p < 0.001; t (1,98) = 20.39, p < 0.001, respectively). However, students in the flipped classes reported significantly higher satisfaction and teaching effectiveness than those in the traditional classes (t (1,98) = −15.61. p < 0.001; t (1,98) = −11.98, p <0.001, respectively). A partial correlation controlling for motivation for general reading indicated that motivation for subject reading was negatively associated with academic subject satisfaction and perceived teaching effectiveness of teachers (rs ranged from −0.51 to −0.62, p < 0.001). Video‐based flipped class instruction was not only related to increased academic subject satisfaction and teaching effectiveness but also associated with lower motivation for subject reading. These findings suggest that video‐based flipped class instruction had limited capability to strengthen the learning motivation of students.
‘Paediatric bipolar disorder’ rates are lower than claimed – a reexamination of the epidemiological surveys used by a meta‐analysis
Authors: Parry Peter , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun
Published: July 2017

Background

‘Paediatric bipolar disorder’ (PBD) is a controversial diagnosis where often prepubertal children as well as adolescents, who may have a range of psychiatric disorders or symptoms, are diagnosed with a severe mental illness requiring lifelong medication. Clinically, it has often been applied in the United States but rarely in most other countries. A meta‐analysis (Van Meter et al., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, , 72, 1250) claimed that the prevalence of PBD was similar to adults at 1.8% with no difference between the United States and other countries. This conclusion has been highly cited.

Methods

The heterogeneous nature of the original 12 epidemiological surveys warrants a qualitative analysis, rather than statistical meta‐analysis as performed by Van Meter et al. (Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2011, 72, 1250). Thus, the meta‐analysis and each of the 12 studies (six from the United States; six from other countries) were reexamined.

Results

Most of the 12 surveys predated the emergence of the PBD hypothesis. The 12 surveys were mainly of adolescents and at times young adults with few prepubertal children. Prevalence rates in the 12 studies suggest a lower rate of bipolar disorder, especially in non‐US samples. For example, the Van Meter et al. (Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2011, 72, 1250) meta‐analysis chose a rate of 2.8% by summation of adolescent and parent responses in a Dutch survey, however the rate fell to 0% if requiring concordance of adolescent and parent responses. Indeed, it could be argued that four of the non‐US studies show 0% rates of PBD.

Conclusions

Rates of PBD were generally substantially lower than 1.8%, particularly in non‐US surveys, and if both parent and adolescent reports were required to meet the diagnostic threshold they fell to close to zero. The reanalysis suggests that bipolar disorder is rare before the expected age of onset in later adolescence.
Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma revisited
Authors: Windfuhr J.P. , Vent J.
Published: July 2017

Background

Angiofibromas in the head and neck region usually arise in the nasopharynx, but may also occur elsewhere. This study aims at evaluating the incidence and clinical features of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma (ENA).

Material and Methods

Systematic review of the literature (Medline® and Google™) up to 31 December 2015.

Results

174 cases of ENA were retrieved from a total of 170 publications. In contrast to former publications and previous understanding, the nasal septum was by far the most common site of the disease. Four patients had a congenital lesion, the oldest patient was 87 years old (mean: 28.7 years; median: 23 years). Male gender was predominantly affected, but the sex ratio was more balanced (2.13:1) than in previous reports in the literature until 12/2015. The majority of patients presented with nasal obstruction, either in combination with epistaxis (25.8%) or other symptoms (12.6%). Symptoms had developed within 13.1 months on average (median: 4 months). Brisk bleeding resulted in 11 of 43 biopsy procedures. Surgical resection as first‐line therapy was performed in 170 patients. A tumour regrowth within 12 months was registered in four patients.

Conclusion

The increasing awareness of ENA and the willingness to publish case reports—not only in Medline‐listed journals—resulted in a significant increase of published case reports lately. Although extremely rare, ENAs have to be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of unclear masses, particularly in adult patients presenting with a rapidly developing nasal obstruction resulting from a nasal septum tumour. Female gender or normal vascularity does not exclude the diagnosis. Transnasal resection is sufficient in most cases, and recurrences are rare. Pathologists as well as clinicians should consider ENA in their differential diagnosis of any mass of the upper airway.
Effect of avulsion storage media on periodontal ligament fibroblast differentiation
Authors: Bağ İrem , Yildirim Sibel
Published: July 2017

Background/Aim

An avulsed tooth must be stored in a solution which maintains periodontal ligament (PDL) cell viability. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and milk on the differentiation of PDL fibroblasts.

Materials and methods

Eighteen extracted third molars, (n = 3 for each group), were immersed in HBSS, milk, and Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium‐Ham's F12 (DMEM‐F12) at 4°C for 30‐ to 60 minutes or 12 hours. The growth dynamics of PDL fibroblasts were evaluated with cell proliferation graphics and population doubling time (PDT) values. Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL), and collagen type XII (COL12) expression were used to evaluate the differentiation of PDL fibroblasts.

Results

The percentage of cell numbers and PDT values of groups were statistically insignificant. In the HBSS groups, RUNX2 expression increased showing a direction to osteogenic differentiation of PDL fibroblasts. In the DMEM‐F12 groups, RANKL expression increased, indicating there was a tendency for osteoclastogenic differentiation. In the milk groups, RUNX2 expression decreased while other markers were stable showing PDL fibroblasts could protect fibroblast identity.

Conclusions

In terms of protecting fibroblast identity and resistance to differentiation, milk was more effective than HBSS.
Using patients as educators for communication skills: Exploring dental students’ and patients’ views
Authors: Coelho C. , Pooler J. , Lloyd H.
Published: July 2017

Title

A qualitative study to explore the issues for patients and students when giving feedback on the communication of dental students.

Objectives

The Department of Health and National Institute for Health Research are committed to involving patients in improving clinical education, research and service delivery. Yet, there is a limited body of evidence on the perceptions of patients when asked to be involved in this way, and specifically when asked to provide feedback on the communication skills of dental students. This study seeks to address this gap and heighten the understanding of the issues faced by patients when asked to be involved in clinical education.

Methods

Data were collected using focus groups with dental students (n=10) and patients (n=8) being treated by these students. Both groups were asked about their thoughts, feelings and beliefs about patients being asked to provide feedback on the communication skills of dental students. Data analysis involved inductive thematic analysis of transcribed audio recordings.

Results

Four themes emerged from the data: “legitimacy,” “co‐educators,” “maintaining the equilibrium of the patient‐student relationship” and the “timing of patient feedback.” Support for involving patients in giving feedback on students’ communication skills was established, with patients considering they were best placed to comment on the communication skills of dental students. Patients and students do not want to provide feedback alone and want support to assist them, especially if feedback was negative. Issues of anonymity, confidentiality and ownership of the feedback process were worrisome, and the positioning of patient feedback in the programme was seen as critical.

Conclusions

Patients and students are willing to engage in patient feedback on students’ communication skills, and with support and training, the concerns around this are not insurmountable and the benefits could potentially profit both groups. These findings have resonance with other healthcare educators when using patients as educators in the development of communication skills.
Transcriptome analysis suggests a role for the differential expression of cerebral aquaporins and the MAPK signalling pathway in human temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Salman Mootaz M. , Sheilabi Mariam A. , Bhattacharyya Dev , Kitchen Philip , Conner Alex C. , Bill Roslyn M. , Woodroofe M. Nicola , Conner Matthew T. , Princivalle Alessandra P.
Published: July 2017

Epilepsies are common disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting up to 2% of the global population. Pharmaco‐resistance is a major clinical challenge affecting about 30% of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients. Water homeostasis has been shown crucial for regulation of neuronal excitability. The control of water movement is achieved through a family of small integral membrane channel proteins called aquaporins (AQPs). Despite the fact that changes in water homeostasis occur in sclerotic hippocampi of people with TLE, the expression of AQPs in the epileptic brain is not fully characterised. This study uses microarray and ELISA methods to analyse the mRNA and protein expression of the human cerebral AQPs in sclerotic hippocampi (TLE‐HS) and adjacent neocortex tissue (TLE‐NC) of TLE patients. The expression of AQP1 and AQP4 transcripts was significantly increased, while that of the AQP9 transcript was significantly reduced in TLE‐HS compared to TLE‐NC. AQP4 protein expression was also increased while expression of AQP1 protein remained unchanged, and AQP9 was undetected. Microarray data analysis identified 3333 differentially regulated genes and suggested the involvement of the MAPK signalling pathway in TLE pathogenesis. Proteome array data validated the translational profile for 26 genes and within the MAPK pathway (e.g. p38, JNK) that were identified as differentially expressed from microarray analysis. ELISA data showed that p38 and JNK inhibitors decrease AQP4 protein levels in cultured human primary cortical astrocytes. Elucidating the mechanism of selective regulation of different AQPs and associated regulatory proteins may provide a new therapeutic approach to epilepsy treatment.
The Drivers of Sovereign CDS Spread Changes: Local Versus Global Factors
Authors: Hibbert Ann Marie , Pavlova Ivelina
Published: July 2017

We use daily data for a panel of 34 countries to investigate regional differences in sovereign credit default swaps (CDS) spread determinants and the significance of local versus global market factors. Similar to prior studies, we find a high level of commonality among CDS spreads, but our results show that this effect is stronger in Latin American CDS. The results of our quantile panel regression model show that although global forces drive spreads across the conditional distribution, changes in credit ratings are significant in explaining CDS spreads only in the upper quantiles. We also confirm the existence of regional differences in spread determinants.
Recharge and Groundwater Flow Within an Intracratonic Basin, Midwestern United States
Authors: Panno Samuel V. , Askari Zohreh , Kelly Walton R. , Parris Thomas M. , Hackley Keith C.
Published: July 2017

The conservative nature of chloride (Cl−) in groundwater and the abundance of geochemical data from various sources (both published and unpublished) provided a means of developing, for the first time, a representation of the hydrogeology of the Illinois Basin on a basin‐wide scale. The creation of Cl− isocons superimposed on plan view maps of selected formations and on cross sections across the Illinois Basin yielded a conceptual model on a basin‐wide scale of recharge into, groundwater flow within and through the Illinois Basin. The maps and cross sections reveal the infiltration and movement of freshwater into the basin and dilution of brines within various geologic strata occurring at basin margins and along geologic structures. Cross‐formational movement of brines is also seen in the northern part of the basin. The maps and cross sections also show barriers to groundwater movement created by aquitards resulting in areas of apparent isolation/stagnation of concentrated brines within the basin. The distribution of Cl− within the Illinois Basin suggests that the current chemical composition of groundwater and distribution of brines within the basin is dependent on five parameters: (1) presence of bedrock exposures along basin margins; (2) permeability of geologic strata and their distribution relative to one another; (3) presence or absence of major geologic structures; (4) intersection of major waterways with geologic structures, basin margins, and permeable bedrock exposures; and (5) isolation of brines within the basin due to aquitards, inhomogeneous permeability, and, in the case of the deepest part of the basin, brine density effects.
Multimodel Groundwater Analysis in U.S. Courts: Potential Applications and Limitations
Authors: Womble Philip
Published: July 2017

Article impact statement: This article highlights challenges that multimodel analysis may encounter in U.S. courts and legal contexts where it may be more successful.
Analytical Solutions of Three‐Dimensional Contaminant Transport Models with Exponential Source Decay
Authors: Paladino Ombretta , Moranda Arianna , Massabò Marco , Robbins Gary A.
Published: July 2017

Despite the availability of numerical models, interest in analytical solutions of multidimensional advection‐dispersion systems remains high. Such models are commonly used for performing Tier I risk analysis and are embedded in many regulatory frameworks dealing with groundwater contamination. In this work, we develop a closed‐form solution of the three‐dimensional advection‐dispersion equation with exponential source decay, first‐order reaction, and retardation, and present an approach based on some ease of use diagrams to compare it with the integral open form solution and with earlier versions of the closed‐form solution. The comparison approach focuses on the relative differences associated with source decay and the effect of simulation time. The analysis of concentration contours, longitudinal sections, and transverse sections confirms that the closed‐form solutions studied can be used with acceptable approximation in the central area of a plume bound transversely within the source width, both behind and beyond the advective front and for concentration values up to two orders of magnitude less than the initial source concentration. As the proposed closed‐form model can be evaluated without nested numerical computations and with simple mathematical functions, it can be very useful in risk assessment procedures.
A revision of species limits in Neotropical pipits Anthus based on multilocus genetic and vocal data
Authors: Van Els Paul , Norambuena Heraldo V.
Published: July 2017

Previous investigations of the systematics of Neotropical pipits Anthus revealed multiple cases of paraphyly. We revised the species limits of this group based on sequence data of mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear genes (ACOI9, MB, FGB5) from 39 tissue samples of all 22 subspecies‐level taxa in the New World Anthus clade, as well as analysis of display song. We found that Anthus lutescens peruvianus is not part of Yellowish Pipit Anthus lutescens genetically or vocally; thus, we elevate peruvianus to species rank (Peruvian Pipit). Anthus lutescens abariensis Chubb (Bull. Br. Orn. Club., 41, 1921a, 79) should be placed in synonymy with Anthus lutescens parvus (instead of A. l. lutescens), at least until further morphological or vocal data become available. Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis is likewise paraphyletic, with Anthus meridae sister to all other bogotensis subspecies and also to Hellmayr's Pipit Anthus hellmayri. However, placement of the taxon is based on a relatively short stretch of mitochondrial DNA, and further data are needed. Andean populations of Short‐billed Pipit Anthus furcatus are split as Puna Pipit Anthus brevirostris, based on genetic and vocal data. South Georgia Pipit Anthus antarcticus is, at least genetically, part of Correndera Pipit Anthus correndera, and we recommend considering it a subspecies of Correndera Pipit, in line with the taxonomy of other morphologically distinct but genetically little‐differentiated insular bird taxa.
Age‐specific reproduction and disposable soma in an urban population of Common BlackbirdsTurdus merula
Authors: Jankowiak Łukasz , Zyskowski Dawid , Wysocki Dariusz
Published: July 2017

The mechanism of senescence is an important subject of current research, but our knowledge of the factors influencing the rate of ageing in naturally occurring populations remains rudimentary. Evolutionary theories of senescence predict that investment in reproduction in early life should come at the cost of reduced somatic maintenance and thus result in earlier or more rapid senescence. We use data on the complete reproductive histories of 431 Common Blackbirds (222 males and 209 females) collected during a 19‐year study of the ecology of an urban population of this species to test the main hypotheses addressing the issue of senescence. On average, the birds in this population survived for 3.7 (± 1.9 sd) years. Reproductive success in females peaked at the age of 4, but in males remained stable until the 5th year of life. We observed declines in reproductive success, indicative of senescence, after the peak years in both sexes. The mechanism of age‐related changes in the reproduction of females confirms the individual improvement and selective disappearance hypotheses. In the case of males, the increase in reproductive performance comes as a consequence of the disappearance of poor reproducers. The parental investment associated with early life fecundity (the first two breeding seasons in males and females) impairs the breeding success of females later on. Contrary to expectations, there was no negative impact of high early life fecundity on either mortality or lifespan. Individuals of both sexes with a high early life fecundity had a higher lifetime reproductive success than those in which early life fecundity was low. Hence, the most profitable strategy is to maximize reproductive effort in the early stages of life. This yields the highest lifetime reproductive success, despite the increased impact of senescence, especially in females. These results are consistent with the disposable soma hypothesis.
Food availability and breeding season as predictors of geophagy in Amazonian parrots
Authors: Brightsmith Donald J. , Hobson Elizabeth A. , Martinez Gustavo
Published: July 2017

Geophagy, the consumption of soil, is common in many species, but the drivers of geophagy are not well understood. The best‐studied example of avian geophagy is the parrots of the western Amazon Basin, but even here, there is debate over what drives the behaviour. There are two possible explanations: (1) extra nutritional demands of reproduction drive an increase in geophagy, which would predict that geophagy should be highest during the breeding season, and (2) consumption of naturally toxic plant foods increases the need for the toxin protection effects of soil, which would predict that geophagy should be highest when food availability is low and animals are forced to consume more toxic foods. We used long‐term data from lowland Amazonia to compare seasonal fluctuations in rainfall, food availability, parrot breeding and parrot geophagy, and conducted novel tests of these hypotheses. Our analyses of annual patterns suggested that seasonal changes in rainfall drive plant fruiting, the resulting food availability patterns drive the timing of parrot breeding, and breeding drives seasonal patterns of geophagy. Surprisingly, chicks of the largest psittacine species fledged as food supplies approach their annual lows, suggesting that future climatic changes that alter peaks in food availability could have unexpected impacts on the reproduction of large psittacines in this system. Our tests found no evidence to support the toxin‐protection hypothesis. Instead, we found that the peak of geophagy occurred during species’ breeding seasons, which strongly supports the supplemental nutrients hypothesis. Our findings join a growing body of biochemical, physiological, behavioural, ecological and biogeographical evidence suggesting that a need for sodium is driving soil consumption in this classic model system of avian geophagy.
Purification and identification of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel phenolics with evaluation of antioxidant and antiglycation activities in vitro
Authors: Yongliang Zhuang , Qingyu Ma , Yan Guo , Liping Sun
Published: July 2017

The crude rambutan peel phenolic (RPP) extracts were purified by resin adsorption technology. NKA‐9 resin with the best adsorption capacity and desorption ratio was chosen to dynamically purify crude RPP. Adsorption capacity and desorption ratio of NKA‐9 resin were 91.85 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g−1 and 90.45%, respectively. Purification processes enriched total phenolic content, and the contents in crude and purified RPP were 579.72 and 877.11 mg GAE g−1 extract powder, respectively. Phytochemical compounds of RPP were qualitatively and quantitatively indentified by mass spectrometry. Purification of the resin as expected elevated the concentrations of major phenolic compounds, especially geraniin and ellagic acid. Antioxidant and antiglycation activities of crude and purified fractions were evaluated in vitro. Crude and purified RPP had high inhibitory effects on oxidation and glycation, and purified RPP showed stronger bioactivity than crude RPP (P < 0.05), which might be due to their differences in phenolic profiles.
Stir‐frying treatments affect the phenolics profiles and cellular antioxidant activity of Adinandra nitida tea (Shiyacha) in daily tea model
Authors: Chen Yongsheng , Shen Yingbin , Fu Xiong , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood , Yan Rian
Published: July 2017

Adinandra nitida tea (Shiyacha) is a well‐known resource of functional foods with many healthful features. Effect of stir frying on phenolics, aromatic compounds, cellular antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in A. nitida tea was investigated. Stir‐fried samples depicted a significant increase in total water‐soluble solid, phenolics and flavonoids contents, respectively. In stir‐fried treated samples, main compounds were higher than in corresponding untreated samples. Similar trend was observed in aromatic compounds. Hydrophilic peroxyl radical scavenging capacity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity were enhanced immensely in the treated samples. Furthermore, cellular antioxidant activities of treated samples were higher than those of untreated samples. Stir‐fried samples exhibited higher antiproliferative activity on HepG2 cells, whereas an lack in untreated samples. These findings suggest that stir frying could be an effective technique to improve A. nitida tea quality, and support that A. nitida tea could act as a potential functional food against intracellular oxidative stress and inhibitor of liver cancer.
Water‐soluble myofibrillar proteins prepared by high‐pressure homogenisation: a comparison study on the composition and functionality
Authors: Chen Xing , Li Yong , Zhou Ruiyun , Liu Dongmei , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong
Published: July 2017

To expand utilisation of meat in various products, the characterisation and functionalities of water‐soluble myofibrillar proteins (WSMP) induced by high‐pressure homogenisation (HPH) were determined by comparison with those of soy protein isolate (SPI) and whey protein isolate (WPI). WSMP had high contents of protein (87.40%), which was mainly composed of myosin, actin and tropomyosin. The essential amino acids of WSMP achieved the FAO/WHO/UNO (2007) standards for preschool children, and the contents of lysine and sulphur‐containing amino acids of WSMP were higher than those of SPI, making it desirable for children formulations. WSMP showed higher surface hydrophobicity while its water solubility was similar to that of SPI, but lower than that of WPI. WSMP demonstrated superior water/oil absorption capacities and emulsifying properties. The fibrous structure and high hydrophobic activity characteristics of WSMP were able to stabilise oil droplets with submicron droplet size, consequently responsible for its excellent emulsifying properties.
Lineage‐specific epitope profiles for HPAI H5 pre‐pandemic vaccine selection and evaluation
Authors: Qiu Xueting , Duvvuri Venkata R. , Gubbay Jonathan B. , Webby Richard J. , Kayali Ghazi , Bahl Justin
Published: July 2017

Background

Multiple highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 viruses continue to co‐circulate. This has complicated pandemic preparedness and confounded effective vaccine candidate selection and evaluation.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to predict and map the diversity of CD8+ T‐cell epitopes among H5 hemagglutinin (HA) gene lineages to estimate CD8+ T‐cell immunity in humans induced by vaccine candidates.

Methods

A dataset consisting of 1125 H5 HA sequences collected between 1996 and 2017 from avian and humans was assembled for phylogenetic and lineage‐specific epitope analyses. Conserved epitopes were predicted from WHO‐endorsed vaccine candidates and representative clade‐defining strains by pairwise comparison with Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). The distribution of predicted epitopes was mapped to each HPAI H5 lineage. We assume that high similarity and conservancy of predicted epitopes from vaccine candidates among all circulating HPAI H5 lineages is correlated with high immunity.

Results

A total of 49 conserved CD8+ T‐cell epitopes were predicted at 28 different amino acid positions of the HA protein. Mapping these epitopes to the phylogenetic tree allowed us to develop epitope profiles, or “fingerprints,” for each HPAI H5 lineage. Vaccine epitope percentage analyses showed some epitope profiles were highly conserved for all H5 isolates and may be valuable for universal vaccine design. However, the positions with low coverage may explain why the vaccine candidates do not always function well.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that our analytical approach to evaluate conserved CD8+ T‐cell epitope prediction in a phylogenetic framework may provide important insights for computational design of vaccine selection and future epitope‐based design.
Demographic and ecological risk factors for human influenza A virus infections in rural Indonesia
Authors: Root Elisabeth Dowling , Agustian Dwi , Kartasasmita Cissy , Uyeki Timothy M. , Simões Eric A. F.
Published: July 2017

Background

Indonesia has the world's highest reported mortality for human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus. Indonesia is an agriculturally driven country where human‐animal mixing is common and provides a unique environment for zoonotic influenza A virus transmission.

Objectives

To identify potential demographic and ecological risk factors for human infection with seasonal influenza A viruses in rural Indonesia, a population‐based study was conducted in Cileunyi and Soreang subdistricts near Bandung in western Java from 2008 to 2011.

Methods

Passive influenza surveillance with RT‐PCR confirmation of influenza A viral RNA in respiratory specimens was utilized for case ascertainment. A population census and mapping were utilized for population data collection. The presence of influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infections in a household was modeled using Generalized Estimating Equations.

Results

Each additional child aged <5 years in a household increased the odds of H3N2 approximately 5 times (OR=4.59, 95%CI: 3.30‐6.24) and H1N1pdm09 by 3.5 times (OR=3.53, 95%CI: 2.51‐4.96). In addition, the presence of 16‐30 birds in the house was associated with an increased odds of H3N2 (OR=5.08, 95%CI: 2.00‐12.92) and H1N1pdm09 (OR=12.51 95%CI: 6.23‐25.13).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an increase in influenza A virus infections in rural Indonesian households with young children and poultry.
Editorial: Let's talk about sex – the gender binary revisited
Authors: Oldehinkel Albertine J.
Published: July 2017

Sex refers to biological differences and gender to socioculturally delineated masculine and feminine roles. Sex or gender are included as a covariate or effect modifier in the majority of child psychology and psychiatry studies, and differences found between boys and girls have inspired many researchers to postulate underlying mechanisms. Empirical tests of whether including these proposed explanatory variables actually reduces the variance explained by gender are lagging behind somewhat. That is a pity, because a lot can be gained from a greater focus on the active agents of specific gender differences. As opposed to biological sex as such, some of the processes explaining why a specific outcome shows gender differences may be changeable and so possible prevention targets. Moreover, while the sex binary may be reasonable adequate as a classification variable, the gender binary is far from perfect. Gender is a multidimensional, partly context‐dependent factor, and the dichotomy generally used in research does not do justice to the diversity existing within boys and girls.
Evolutionary relationships among pollinators and repeated pollinator sharing in sexually deceptive orchids
Authors: Phillips R. D. , Brown G. R. , Dixon K. W. , Hayes C. , Linde C. C. , Peakall R.
Published: July 2017

The mechanism of pollinator attraction is predicted to strongly influence both plant diversification and the extent of pollinator sharing between species. Sexually deceptive orchids rely on mimicry of species‐specific sex pheromones to attract their insect pollinators. Given that sex pheromones tend to be conserved among related species, we predicted that in sexually deceptive orchids, (i) pollinator sharing is rare, (ii) closely related orchids use closely related pollinators and (iii) there is strong bias in the wasp lineages exploited by orchids. We focused on species that are pollinated by sexual deception of thynnine wasps in the distantly related genera Caladenia and Drakaea, including new field observations for 45 species of Caladenia. Specialization was extreme with most orchids using a single pollinator species. Unexpectedly, seven cases of pollinator sharing were found, including two between Caladenia and Drakaea, which exhibit strikingly different floral morphology. Phylogenetic analysis of pollinators using four nuclear sequence loci demonstrated that although orchids within major clades primarily use closely related pollinator species, up to 17% of orchids within these clades are pollinated by a member of a phylogenetically distant wasp genus. Further, compared to the total diversity of thynnine wasps within the study region, orchids show a strong bias towards exploiting certain genera. Although these patterns may arise through conservatism in the chemical classes used in sex pheromones, apparent switches between wasp clades suggest unexpected flexibility in floral semiochemical production. Alternatively, wasp sex pheromones within lineages may exhibit greater chemical diversity than currently appreciated.
Body wall structure in the starfish Asterias rubens
Authors: Blowes Liisa M. , Egertová Michaela , Liu Yankai , Davis Graham R. , Terrill Nick J. , Gupta Himadri S. , Elphick Maurice R.
Published: July 2017

The body wall of starfish is composed of magnesium calcite ossicles connected by collagenous tissue and muscles and it exhibits remarkable variability in stiffness, which is attributed to the mechanical mutability of the collagenous component. Using the common European starfish Asterias rubens as an experimental animal, here we have employed a variety of techniques to gain new insights into the structure of the starfish body wall. The structure and organisation of muscular and collagenous components of the body wall were analysed using trichrome staining. The muscle system comprises interossicular muscles as well as muscle strands that connect ossicles with the circular muscle layer of the coelomic lining. The collagenous tissue surrounding the ossicle network contains collagen fibres that form loop‐shaped straps that wrap around calcite struts near to the surface of ossicles. The 3D architecture of the calcareous endoskeleton was visualised for the first time using X‐ray microtomography, revealing the shapes and interactions of different ossicle types. Furthermore, analysis of the anatomical organisation of the ossicles indicates how changes in body shape may be achieved by local contraction/relaxation of interossicular muscles. Scanning synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray diffraction (SAXD) scans of the starfish aboral body wall and ambulacrum were used to study the collagenous tissue component at the fibrillar level. Collagen fibrils in aboral body wall were found to exhibit variable degrees of alignment, with high levels of alignment probably corresponding to regions where collagenous tissue is under tension. Collagen fibrils in the ambulacrum had a uniformly low degree of orientation, attributed to macrocrimp of the fibrils and the presence of slanted as well as horizontal fibrils connecting antimeric ambulacral ossicles. Body wall collagen fibril D‐period lengths were similar to previously reported mammalian D‐periods, but were significantly different between the aboral and ambulacral samples. The overlap/D‐period length ratio within fibrils was higher than reported for mammalian tissues. Collectively, the data reported here provide new insights into the anatomy of the body wall in A. rubens and a foundation for further studies investigating the structural basis of the mechanical properties of echinoderm body wall tissue composites.
Tolterodine treatment of women with overactive bladder syndrome: Comparison of night‐time and daytime dosing for nocturia
Authors: Tsai Ko‐Hsin , Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Lin Ho‐Hsiung
Published: July 2017

Aim

We aimed to clarify the impact of night‐time dosing with tolterodine extended release (ER) on nocturia.

Methods

The bladder diaries, urodynamic studies, and medical records of female patients with overactive bladder syndrome who were diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015, and treated with tolterodine ER 4 mg once per day (night‐time or daytime dosing) for 12 weeks in the urogynecology outpatient clinics of two tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 72 female patients were reviewed. Thirty‐six patients were in the daytime dosing group, and the other 36 patients were in the night‐time dosing group. In the daytime dosing group, a decrease in the volume of fluid intake was found at 06.00–12.00, 12.00–18.00, and 18.00–24.00 hours, and a decrease in total voided volume was found at 12.00–18.00, 18.00–24.00, and 24.00–06.00 hours with a between‐group difference at 18.00–24.00 hours (coefficient = 542 mL, P = 0.01). In the night‐time dosing group, an increase in voided volume per micturition was found at 06.00–12.00 and 24.00–06.00 hours with a between‐group difference at 24.00–6.00 hours (coefficient = 92 mL, P = 0.003) compared with the daytime dosing group. Nonetheless, pre‐treatment proportions of nocturnal polyuria did not differ from post‐treatment proportions (night‐time: 20% vs 20%, P = 1.00; daytime: 48% vs 42%, P = 0.48). Decreases in the number of voiding and urgency episodes at nearly all time periods and increases in the volumes at strong desire to void were also found in both groups.

Conclusion

Night‐time dosing of tolterodine ER may benefit female patients suffering from nocturia due to a greater voided volume per micturition at midnight.
Vitamin D and bone health: interpreting observational studies
Authors: Sugiyama T.
Published: July 2017

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. K. Michaëlsson & H. Melhus.
The origins of oral medicine in the Hippocratic collected works
Authors: Askitopoulou Helen , Nyktari Vasileia , Papaioannou Alexandra , Stefanakis Georgios , Konsolaki Elina
Published: July 2017

The collected works of Hippocrates describe for the first time in a systematic way a large number of oral diseases, such as ulcers, inflammations, abscesses and tumours from the epiglottis, mouth, tongue, palate, uvula and the sublingual area. Several of these case reports are remarkable for the accurate observation of clinical symptoms and signs, the aetiology, the pathogenesis and their therapeutic approach in relation to prognosis. The Hippocratic authors report cases of aphthae as part of a polysystemic disease, described many centuries later by Behçet and Adamantiades, while they associate features of splenomegaly from endemic malaria with gingivitis (ulitis). Benign lip ulcers, caused by sharp teeth bites, were distinguished from the difficult to treat herpes labialis (herpes) and from the necrotising nomae. Although staphylitis and angina (kynanche) were attributed to phlegm accumulation, they were recognised as true emergencies when they were associated with a swollen tongue and uvula. Several cases of kynanche with forward displacement of the first cervical vertebrae, atrophy of the uvula and oedema of the jaws are illustrated. A fatal outcome was anticipated in cases of phagedaenic ulcers of the teeth, causing necrosis and abscess formation. The therapeutic approach of oral diseases proceeded step by step, starting with simple regimens and progressing to invasive techniques, such as phlebotomy, surgical incisions for fluid drainage, and cauterisation. With the aim to avoid adverse events, special attention was paid to the correct timing of surgery and the maintenance of a patent airway with the insertion of small pharyngeal tubes.
The Public Debt Crisis of the United States
Authors: Mendoza Enrique G.
Published: July 2017

Since the birth of the Republic, the United States has gone through five debt‐crisis episodes defined as year‐on‐year increases in net federal debt in the 95‐percentile. The Great Recession is the second largest, and the only one in which primary deficits continue six years later and are expected to persist at least through 2026. Persistent deficits are also sharply at odds with the surpluses that contributed to the reversal of all major debt surges in U.S. history. There is a view that high debt is not a concern and more debt is needed for fiscal stimulus and/or strong global demand for ‘safe assets’. This paper makes four points to the contrary based on findings from the literature: First, empirical work shows that debt sustainability conditions display a significant break after 2008 and fiscal stimulus fails when debt is high. Second, a dynamic general equilibrium model predicts that tax adjustments may not make the debt sustainable and will have adverse effects on macro aggregates and social welfare. Third, the strong appetite for U.S. public debt worldwide can be a slow‐moving, transitory result from financial globalization in an environment in which U.S. financial markets are relatively more developed and the expected financing needs of the U.S. government are large. Fourth, domestic sovereign default could become optimal if the cost of regressive redistribution in order to make debt payments outweighs default costs related to the social value of debt for liquidity provision, self‐insurance and risk‐sharing.
Diffusion as a strategy for survival in an invasion predator–prey model
Authors: Olmos‐Liceaga Daniel , Villavicencio‐Pulido Geiser , Acuña‐Zegarra Manuel Adrian
Published: July 2017

In some ecosystems, the invasion of species may lead to extinction or displacement of the local species that are in the medium. In this work, we present a theoretical predator–prey model based on reaction diffusion equations, where each species has a strong Allee effect. We use the diffusion coefficients as parameters in a one‐dimensional environment to show that prey can either survive or become extinct from its habitat. When the results are extended to two spatial dimensions, diffusion alone is no longer a sufficient condition in order to assure extinction or survival of the prey species; in this case, the geometry of the propagation front plays an essential role in the dynamics. Finally, a discussion about strategies for survival and extinction of the prey species is considered. The results can be useful in understanding invasion for species such as the Argentine ant Linepithema humile or to help to find control strategies for unwanted species in an ecosystem by introducing a predator.