bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale study of clinical and biochemical characteristics of Chinese patients diagnosed with Krabbe disease
Authors: Zhao S. , Zhan X. , Wang Y. , Ye J. , Han L. , Qiu W. , Gao X. , Gu X. , Zhang H.
Published: June 2017

Krabbe disease (KD) is a rare disease caused by the deficiency of β‐galactocerebrosidase. This study investigated 22 unrelated Chinese patients, including their clinical presentations, plasma psychosine levels and β‐galactocerebrosidase gene mutations. We found the late‐onset form of KD present in 82% of the patients in our study, which was more prevalent than in patients from other populations. Plasma psychosine levels were elevated in KD, which were correlated with the severity of clinical presentations. Sanger sequencing identified 8 novel mutations, including 7 missense mutations, p.H253Y, p.S259L, p.P318L, p.F350V, p.T428A, p.L530P, p.G586D, and 1 splicing mutation, c.1251+1G>A. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification identified a novel exon 12 and 14 deletion, separately. Next generation sequencing, applied at the final step, revealed 2 missense mutant alleles missed using Sanger sequencing. The most common mutation in Chinese population is p.P154H, which accounts for 20.5% of alleles. Consistent with the higher prevalence of the late‐onset form of KD, missense mutations predominated in our study, different with the common mutation types in Europe and Japan. This work was the first large‐scale study of Chinese KD patients describing their clinical, biochemical and genetic characteristics, which furthered our understanding of this classical neurological lysosomal storage disease.
International patent applications for non‐injectable naloxone for opioid overdose reversal: Exploratory search and retrieve analysis of the PatentScope database
Authors: McDonald Rebecca , Danielsson Glende Øyvind , Dale Ola , Strang John
Published: June 2017

Issues. Non‐injectable naloxone formulations are being developed for opioid overdose reversal, but only limited data have been published in the peer‐reviewed domain. Through examination of a hitherto‐unsearched database, we expand public knowledge of non‐injectable formulations, tracing their development and novelty, with the aim to describe and compare their pharmacokinetic properties. Approach. (i) The PatentScope database of the World Intellectual Property Organization was searched for relevant English‐language patent applications; (ii) Pharmacokinetic data were extracted, collated and analysed; (iii) PubMed was searched using Boolean search query ‘(nasal OR intranasal OR nose OR buccal OR sublingual) AND naloxone AND pharmacokinetics’. Key Findings. Five hundred and twenty‐two PatentScope and 56 PubMed records were identified: three published international patent applications and five peer‐reviewed papers were eligible. Pharmacokinetic data were available for intranasal, sublingual, and reference routes. Highly concentrated formulations (10–40 mg mL−1) had been developed and tested. Sublingual bioavailability was very low (1%; relative to intravenous). Non‐concentrated intranasal spray (1 mg mL−1; 1 mL per nostril) had low bioavailability (11%). Concentrated intranasal formulations (≥10 mg mL−1) had bioavailability of 21–42% (relative to intravenous) and 26–57% (relative to intramuscular), with peak concentrations (dose‐adjusted Cmax = 0.8–1.7 ng mL−1) reached in 19–30 min (tmax). Implications. Exploratory analysis identified intranasal bioavailability as associated positively with dose and negatively with volume. Conclusion. We find consistent direction of development of intranasal sprays to high‐concentration, low‐volume formulations with bioavailability in the 20–60% range. These have potential to deliver a therapeutic dose in 0.1 mL volume. [McDonald R, Danielsson Glende Ø, Dale O, Strang J. International patent applications for non‐injectable naloxone for opioid overdose reversal: Exploratory search and retrieve analysis of the PatentScope database. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;00:000‐000]
Caste and Regional Influences on the Practice of ‘Untouchability’ in India
Authors: Borooah Vani Kant
Published: June 2017

Millions of people in India are born with scars that will last a lifetime. These are scars of social rather than physical blemish and they reduce the capacity of such persons to function in life, free of prejudice and untainted by stigma. The source of these wounds is the practice of ‘untouchability’, meaning that any physical contact with them is avoided because they are considered ‘unclean’. This article studies the nature of households in India that admit to ‘practising untouchability’ — in the sense of avoiding contact with persons they regard as unclean — and contrasts such households with those that claim to be not ‘practising untouchability’. Such a contrast is possible because the data used, which are from the Indian Human Development Survey, associate with each household a wealth of economic, social and demographic data. Consequently, it is possible to estimate the likelihood of a household practising untouchability, conditional upon the values pertaining to it of a number of relevant factors. These include its social group, its main source of income, the highest educational level of its members, its urban or rural location and its region of residence. The central finding of the analysis is that the practice of untouchability is determined more by the region in which a household is located than by the caste to which it belongs.
Geometric morphometrics meets metacommunity ecology: environment and lineage distribution affects spatial variation in shape
Authors: Maestri Renan , Monteiro Leandro Rabello , Fornel Rodrigo , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena , Patterson Bruce D.
Published: June 2017

Patterns of univariate trait variation across metacommunities are widely explored, as are searches for their underlying causes. Surprisingly, patterns of multivariate shape remain unknown, and the search for drivers of functional traits of communities often neglect the biogeographical distribution of phylogenetic clades. Our aim was to investigate multivariate shape distribution across metacommunities and to determine the main environmental drivers of shape beyond/taking into account the phylogenetic distribution of lineages. We obtained mean skull and mandible shape for 228 species of Neotropical sigmodontine rodents through geometric morphometrics (GM), and then calculated mean shapes for 1° × 1° cells across the Neotropics based on the incidence of sigmodontines. We investigated the effects of lineage distribution on mean trait variation by using phylogenetic fuzzy weighting to calculate principal coordinates of phylogenetic structure (PCPS). Effects of environmental variables on shape variation incorporating phylogenetic composition were realized through redundancy analysis. We found that the different distributions of major lineages throughout the Neotropics were responsible for much of the mean shape variation. The association of landscape features with tribal groupings (Oryzomyini with Amazonia and Phyllotini and Abrotrichini with the Andes) were standouts. Environmental variables and lineage distribution explain the same (i.e. shared) portion of shape variation, suggesting phylogenetic niche conservatism at the metacommunity level. Seasonality in temperature and land cover were the best environmental predictors of mean shape: larger tympanic bullae, incisive foramina, and check teeth are all associated with highly seasonal and less vegetated areas. Our new approach of using GM shape across metacommunities was demonstrably useful in understanding large‐scale biogeographical patterns of shape variation and identifying its underlying causes. The overlap between environmental variables and phylogenetic lineage distribution suggests that a process of niche conservatism is likely: the phenotype–environment correlation is mediated by the differential biogeographical distribution of the main clades.
Parasitism of Aganaspis daci against Ceratitis capitata under Mediterranean climate conditions
Authors: de Pedro Luis , Beitia Francisco , Sabater‐Muñoz Beatriz , Harbi Ahlem , Ferrara Fernando , Polidori Carlo , Asís Josep Daniel , Tormos José
Published: June 2017

The effect of environmental factors is essential to the success of parasitoids as biological control agents, as it determines their foraging activity, development, and survival. The larval‐pupal parasitoid wasp Aganaspis daci (Weld) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is known to have a very low fertility (i.e., offspring production) in the field in certain Mediterranean areas, probably due to its inability to efficiently oviposit under such climatic conditions. In this study, the percentage of parasitism and induced mortality (mortality of host pupae attributed to parasitoids, from which adults do not emerge) caused by this wasp to the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), was assessed under field conditions across 1 year, using medfly‐infested apples and parasitoid‐confined release in a lemon orchard of southeastern Spain. As A. daci is known to have very few emergences in the field, fertility was assessed in the laboratory from parasitized pupae recovered from the field. We found average parasitism rates of 27% and high induced mortality rates of 66% under field conditions. Consequently, medfly population reduction (total mortality of C. capitata caused by A. daci, i.e., induced mortality + % parasitism) was, on average, 87%. Parasitism and induced mortality varied throughout the year, depending on the average temperature and relative humidity. The interaction of these factors resulted in the highest parasitism rates at low mean temperature and humidity values; likewise, the highest percentages of induced mortality were obtained with a combination of high mean temperature and low mean humidity values. In conclusion, A. daci may exert a strong impact on medfly populations, being a good candidate for inundative field releases for the management of C. capitata in the Mediterranean Basin.
Bethylids attacking stored‐product pests: an overview
Authors: Amante Marco , Schöller Matthias , Suma Pompeo , Russo Agatino
Published: June 2017

Bethylidae is a family belonging to the insect order Hymenoptera and contains about 2 200 described species. Bethylids typically parasitize larvae of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera, including species that are serious pests of stored products. Here, we review the main characteristics of each of the bethylids reported as biological control agent of these pests. The biological characteristics and peculiarities are reported for each species, and the potential for their practical application is discussed.
Attenuated positive psychotic symptoms and the experience of anhedonia
Authors: Cooper Shanna , Kring Ann M. , Ellman Lauren M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Deficits in anticipatory pleasure have been consistently shown among chronic, first‐episode, and clinical high risk for psychosis populations, but much less attention has been given to non‐clinical individuals experiencing attenuated positive psychotic symptoms (APPS).

Methods

Young adults (N = 1839) were administered the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale, which measures anticipatory and consummatory pleasure, and the Prodromal Questionnaire, which measures APPS. Analyses examined (1) total APPS endorsed and (2) comparisons of groups experiencing APPS that were endorsed as distressing (distressing APPS = D‐APPS; experiencing more D‐APPS = high‐D‐APPS, a potentially more clinically meaningful group; experiencing fewer D‐APPS = low‐D‐APPS).

Results

Results indicated that anticipatory, but not consummatory, pleasure deficits were associated with elevated APPS. Additionally, the high‐D‐APPS group exhibited significantly less anticipatory pleasure compared with the low‐D‐APPS group, but did not differ in consummatory pleasure.

Conclusion

Our results mirror findings in schizophrenia samples and suggest that anticipatory pleasure deficits occur along the entire continuum of psychotic experiences.
Fracture resistance of zirconia‐based all‐ceramic crowns after bur adjustment
Authors: Rues Stefan , Schwindling Franz S. , Meyer Andre , Rammelsberg Peter , Schmitter Marc
Published: June 2017

Intra‐oral grinding is often required to optimize occlusion of all‐ceramic restorations. The effect of burs of different grit size on the fracture resistance of veneered zirconia crowns was investigated in this study. Forty‐eight standardized zirconia copings were produced. The ceramic veneer was designed with a positive ellipsoidal defect on the palatal aspect of the crowns. To simulate adjustment of dental restorations by burs, this palatal defect was removed by use of three different diamond‐coated burs with grit sizes 46, 107, or 151 μm (fine, medium, or coarse, respectively). Each different grit size of bur was used to grind 16 crowns. All crowns were then polished and surface roughness was measured. Half of the specimens underwent thermomechanical aging (10,000 thermocycles between 6.5°C and 60°C) and 1.2 million cycles of chewing simulation (F = 108 N). A linear regression model was computed to test the effect of aging and grinding grit size at a level of significance of α = 0.05. Fracture loads increased with decreasing grit size. Grit size and aging had a significant effect on the fracture resistance of the crowns. Use of fine and coarse burs for intra‐oral adjustments resulted in different fracture resistance of veneered zirconia crowns. Coarse burs should be avoided in the final stage of grinding before polishing.
The prevalence of anxiety and associated factors in persons with epilepsy
Authors: Pham Tram , Sauro Khara M. , Patten Scott B. , Wiebe Samuel , Fiest Kirsten M. , Bulloch Andrew G. M. , Jetté Nathalie
Published: June 2017

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, anxiety in epilepsy. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using data from the Neurological Disease and Depression Study. The prevalence of anxiety and associated factors were assessed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Of the total sample (n = 250 patients), nearly 40.0% of participants had anxiety according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The most prevalent symptom of anxiety was “worrying thoughts” (35.6%). After adjustment for age and sex, depression (odds ratio [OR] = 8.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.38–18.40), medication side effects (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.04–3.05), smoking (OR = 4.35, 95% CI = 2.27–8.31), and illicit substance use (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.18–4.96) were significantly associated with higher odds of anxiety, whereas higher education (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.28–0.80) was associated with lower odds of anxiety. Furthermore, participants with anxiety reported more severe epilepsy, debilitating seizures, and overall lower quality of life. Evidence from our study reveals a high prevalence of anxiety in persons with epilepsy and that anxiety is associated with a variety of negative outcomes. These findings further emphasize the need for more studies to understand the impact of anxiety and its relationship with various sociodemographic and clinical factors.
Spread of false alarms in foraging flocks of house sparrows
Authors: Boujja‐Miljour Hakima , Leighton Patrick A. , Beauchamp Guy
Published: June 2017

In group‐foraging species with no alarm signals, the sudden departure of neighbours can be used to inform the rest of the group about the detection of a threat. However, sudden departures are ambiguous because they can be triggered by factors unrelated to predator detection. We evaluated how animals react to the sudden departure of neighbours in groups of foraging house sparrows (Passer domesticus). We focussed on false alarms that occurred for no apparent reasons to us because predation attempts were not frequent. Three factors can explain how the sudden departure of a neighbour can influence reaction times, namely group size, the distance between neighbours, and predation risk. We predicted reaction times to be longer in larger groups where individual vigilance levels are low, and when group members are further apart and cannot easily monitor each other. In addition, we expected reaction times to be longer when predation risk is lower. Departures that are more temporally clumped are also expected to be less ambiguous and should trigger faster reaction times. Our results show that sparrows reacted faster, not more slowly, to the sudden departures of neighbours in larger groups, and, as predicted, more slowly when neighbours were more distant from each other. Reaction times were longer in one of the two study years in which predation risk was deemed lower. Sparrows reacted more quickly when earlier departures were more temporally clumped. The results thus provided partial support for the predictions, and future work is needed to assess how individuals react to fleeing responses by their neighbours in species with no alarm signals.
Asset pricing puzzles in an OLG economy with generalized preference
Authors: DaSilva Amadeu , Farka Mira
Published: June 2017

We seek to explain a number of asset pricing anomalies – the equity premium puzzle, the risk‐free rate puzzle, and portfolio allocation puzzle – in a parsimonious overlapping generations (OLG) model with two key features: borrowing constraint and Epstein–Zin–Weil (1989) preference. The model goes a long way towards the resolution of these puzzles, and is able to simultaneously match asset pricing moments and individual portfolio decisions using reasonable values of parameters governing behavior. We find that the main driver of savings behavior, equity returns, and asset allocation is the relative difference between the two parameters: the level of relative risk aversion and the inverse of the elasticity of substitution.
Impact of anthropogenic disturbances on a diverse riverine fish assemblage in Fiji predicted by functional traits
Authors: Lin Hsien‐Yung , Jupiter Stacy D. , Jenkins Aaron P. , Brown Christopher J.
Published: June 2017

Anthropogenic disturbances particularly affect biodiversity in sensitive freshwater ecosystems by causing species loss. Thus, measuring the response of species to multiple disturbances is a key issue for conservation and environmental management.

As it is not practical to assess the response of every species in a community, we compared the performance of trait and taxonomic‐based groupings of species for their abilities to predict species loss in a threatened freshwater fish assemblage. Specifically, we examined responses of a Fijian freshwater fish assemblage to deforestation, placement of anthropogenic barriers (overhanging culverts) and the presence of introduced cichlids.

Species grouped by traits showed more consistent responses to disturbances than taxonomic groups. In particular, species belonging to trait groups that were estuary associated favoured medium‐to‐hard substrate, while feeding specialists were highly likely to be absent in catchments with high deforestation and overhanging culverts. The presence of introduced cichlids (Oreochromis mossambicus and O. niloticus) had a smaller effect than deforestation and barriers, but was negatively associated with species richness of diadromous species with climbing ability and positively associated with presences of some piscivores. The trait groups also revealed that detritivores, species favouring soft substrate, and those with a broad dietary range were less sensitive to anthropogenic disturbances.

Our study indicates that using traits to predict species loss from disturbed environments can aid in detecting the responses of rare species to disturbance. In addition, we provided a method to estimate the consistency of species’ responses to disturbance. This study may ultimately help managers identify the most effective actions for conserving sensitive species that are seldom recorded in surveys.
Meta‐analysis: Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with Parkinson's diseases
Authors: Shen Xiaoli , Yang Huazhen , Wu Yili , Zhang Dongfeng , Jiang Hong
Published: June 2017

Background

The results from observational studies on the relationship between helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and Parkinson's disease remain controversial. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between helicobacter pylori infection and Parkinson's disease.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed on relevant studies published from January 1983 to January 2017 in PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. The fixed or random effects model was used to pool the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval from individual studies. Publication bias was estimated by Egger's test and the funnel plot.

Results

Eight eligible studies involving 33 125 participants were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with the no helicobacter pylori infected person, the pooled odds ratio of Parkinson's disease in helicobacter pylori infected person was 1.59 (95% confidence interval: 1.37‐1.85). In subgroup analyzes, the combined odds ratios were 1.96 (1.23‐3.12) in Asia, 1.55 (1.32‐1.82) in Europe, 1.59 (1.35‐1.88) in case‐control studies, 1.56 (1.01‐2.39) in cross‐sectional studies, 1.56 (1.32‐1.85) in studies with confounders adjusted, and 1.71 (1.21‐2.43) in studies with no confounder adjusted, respectively.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis indicated that H. pylori infection might be associated with the risk of Parkinson's disease.
A clip domain serine protease involved in moulting in the silkworm, Bombyx mori: cloning, characterization, expression patterns and functional analysis
Authors: Liu H.‐W. , Wang L.‐L. , Meng Z. , Tang X. , Li Y.‐S. , Xia Q.‐Y. , Zhao P.
Published: June 2017

Clip domain serine proteases (CLIPs), characterized by one or more conserved clip domains, are essential components of extracellular signalling cascades in various biological processes, especially in innate immunity and the embryonic development of insects. Additionally, CLIPs may have additional non‐immune functions in insect development. In the present study, the clip domain serine protease gene Bombyx mori serine protease 95 (BmSP95), which encodes a 527‐residue protein, was cloned from the integument of B. mori. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that BmSP95 is a typical CLIP of the subfamily D and possesses a clip domain at the N terminus, a trypsin‐like serine protease (tryp_spc) domain at the C terminus and a conserved proline‐rich motif between these two domains. At the transcriptional level, BmSP95 is expressed in the integument during moulting and metamorphosis, and the expression pattern is consistent with the fluctuating 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) titre in B. mori. At the translational level, BmSP95 protein is synthesized in the epidermal cells, secreted as a zymogen and activated in the moulting fluid. Immunofluorescence revealed that BmSP95 is distributed into the old endocuticle in the moulting stage. The expression of BmSP95 was upregulated by 20E. Moreover, expression of BmSP95 was downregulated by pathogen infection. RNA interference‐mediated silencing of BmSP95 led to delayed moulting from pupa to moth. These results suggest that BmSP95 is involved in integument remodelling during moulting and metamorphosis.
Implementing a nursing systems framework in a developing country
Authors: Cannaby A.M. , Gkantaras I. , Finn A. , Foreman B. , Butler G. , Topping A. , Gray R.
Published: June 2017

Aim

To test the effect on patient mortality of implementing a nursing systems framework across a national health system.

Background

There have been five previous observational studies that have tested the effect of a nursing systems framework on clinical outcomes for patients. Implementation of a nursing systems framework in the health system of a developing country has not been evaluated.

Design

Quasi‐experimental (before and after) study.

Method

A nursing systems framework consisting of six themes: (i) Professionalisation; (ii) Education; (iii) Structure; (iv) Quality of nursing care; (v) An academic health system; and (vi) Communication (Professional), was implemented across the national health system of Qatar in March 2015. Routine administrative data were extracted (March 2014–February 2016) for elective admissions. Our primary and secondary outcomes were, respectively, all cause mortality at discharge and readmission to hospital (within 28 days of discharge). We split the data into two time periods: before (March 2014–February 2015) and after (March 2015–February 2016) the implementation of the nursing systems framework. Multivariable regression modelling was used to examine the effect of the framework on patient mortality, after adjusting for key confounding variables (patient age, episode acuity, intensive care admission and length of stay).

Findings

Data were extracted for 318 548 patients (year 1 = 130 829; year 2 = 187 725). After adjusting for confounding, there was a significant association between the implementation of the nursing systems framework, mortality and readmission.

Conclusion and implications for nursing policy and practice

Our observations suggest that the implementation of a nursing systems framework may be important in improving outcomes for patients in emerging health systems.
DLEU1 contributes to ovarian carcinoma tumourigenesis and development by interacting with miR‐490‐3p and altering CDK1 expression
Authors: Wang Li‐Li , Sun Kai‐Xuan , Wu Dan‐Dan , Xiu Yin‐Ling , Chen Xi , Chen Shuo , Zong Zhi‐Hong , Sang Xiu‐Bo , Liu Yao , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2017

Recently, a large number of studies have focused on the important role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in metabolism and development and have found that abnormal lncRNA expression is associated with the pathogenesis and development of many diseases. The lncRNA DLEU1 is involved in many solid tumours and haematological malignancies. However, its role in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) and the associated molecular mechanisms has not been reported. In this study, quantitative reverse transcription–PCR (qRT–PCR) demonstrated higher lncRNADLEU1 expression in EOC tissues than in normal tissues. Plasmid transfection of DLEU1 to up‐regulate its expression in the ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and OVCAR3 increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibited apoptosis. Nude mouse xenograft assay demonstrated that DLEU1 overexpression promoted tumour growth in vivo. QRT–PCR showed decreased miR‐490‐3p expression, while Western blotting demonstrated increased its target genes CDK1, cyclinD1 and SMARCD1, as well as matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2), Bcl‐xL and P70S6K protein expression, respectively. Short interfering RNA silencing of DLEU1 produced opposite results, where qRT–PCR showed increased miR‐490‐3p expression. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed a direct interaction between DLEU1 and miR‐490‐3p. MiR‐490‐3p plays a tumour suppressor role in epithelial ovarian cancer by targeting CDK1 regulation and influencing SMARCD1 and cyclin D1 (CCND1) expressions. Therefore, we suggest that through interaction with miR‐490‐3p, DLEU1 may influence the expression of CDK1, CCND1 and SMARCD1 protein, subsequently promoting the development and progression of EOC.
Immaturity of insulin secretion by pancreatic islets isolated from one human neonate
Authors: Henquin Jean‐Claude , Nenquin Myriam
Published: June 2017

Human β‐cells are functionally mature by the age of 1 year. The timeline and mechanisms of this maturation are unknown owing to the exceptional availability of testable tissue. Here, we report the first in vitro study of insulin secretion by islets from a 5‐day‐old newborn. Glucose was inefficient alone, but induced insulin secretion, which was concentration‐dependent, showed a biphasic time‐course and was of similar magnitude as in infant islets when β‐cell cyclic adenosine monophosphate was raised by forskolin. Tolbutamide alone was effective in low glucose, but its effect was not augmented by high glucose. Metabolic amplification by glucose was thus inoperative, in contrast to amplification by cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Newborn islets showed high basal insulin secretion that could be inhibited by diazoxide or omission of CaCl2. Postnatal acquisition of functional maturity by human β‐cells implicates control of basal secretion and production of metabolic signals able to activate both triggering and amplifying pathways of insulin secretion.
CAUSAL INFERENCE ON EDUCATION POLICIES: A SURVEY OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES USING PISA, TIMSS AND PIRLS
Authors: Cordero José M. , Cristóbal Víctor , Santín Daniel
Published: June 2017

The identification of the causal effects of educational policies is the top priority in recent education economics literature. As a result, a shift can be observed in the strategies of empirical studies. They have moved from the use of standard multivariate statistical methods, which identify correlations or associations between variables only, to more complex econometric strategies, which can help to identify causal relationships. However, exogenous variations in databases have to be identified in order to apply causal inference techniques. This is a far from straightforward task. For this reason, this paper provides an extensive and comprehensive overview of the literature using quasi‐experimental techniques applied to three well‐known international large‐scale comparative assessments, such as PISA, PIRLS or TIMSS, over the period 2004–2016. In particular, we review empirical studies employing instrumental variables, regression discontinuity designs, difference in differences and propensity score matching to the above databases. Additionally, we provide a detailed summary of estimation strategies, issues treated and profitability in terms of the quality of publications to encourage further potential evaluations. The paper concludes with some operational recommendations for prospective researchers in the field.
An in vitro study of the long non‐coding RNA TUG1 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Zhi‐qiang , Zou Rui , Ouyang Ke‐Xiong , Ai Wei‐Jian
Published: June 2017

Background

This study sought to study the expression of the long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) taurine‐upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and reveal its possible function.

Methods

qRT‐PCR was used to evaluate 27 samples of fresh TSCC tissues and adjacent normal tongue tissues. siRNA technology was employed to downregulate TUG1 expression in CAL‐27 and SCC‐9 cell lines. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was utilized to assess cell proliferation ability; apoptosis and cell‐cycle phases were analysed via flow cytometry.

Results

qRT‐PCR findings indicated that the lncRNA TUG1 was upregulated in TSCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tongue tissues (P<.05). After TUG1 expression was downregulated using siRNA technology, cell proliferation was significantly inhibited (P<.05), and the number of cells in S phase was reduced (P<.05).

Conclusion

The lncRNA TUG1 may represent a potential oncogene in TSCC.
A Three‐Year Emotional Intelligence Intervention to Reduce Adolescent Aggression: The Mediating Role of Unpleasant Affectivity
Authors: Castillo‐Gualda Ruth , Cabello Rosario , Herrero Marta , Rodríguez‐Carvajal Raquel , Fernández‐Berrocal Pablo
Published: June 2017

Adolescents’ aggressive behavior is a growing social problem with important implications for psychosocial adjustment. The teaching of emotional skills has an important impact on reducing aggression in schools. However, little scientific evidence has shown the explanatory mechanism through which this training reduces aggression during adolescence. This article aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of a 3‐year longitudinal intervention among adolescents in nine Spanish schools. A total of 476 adolescents participated. Results showed a reduction in physical and verbal aggression in Time 2 through the reduction in negative affect, anger, and hostile feelings, compared with an active control group. The training seems to be crucial for dealing with the emotional and cognitive components of aggression and, thus, their behavioral manifestations.
Plant mitochondria synthesize melatonin and enhance the tolerance of plants to drought stress
Authors: Wang Lin , Feng Chao , Zheng Xiaodong , Guo Yan , Zhou Fangfang , Shan Dongqian , Liu Xuan , Kong Jin
Published: June 2017

Synthesis of melatonin in mitochondria was reported in animals. However, there is no report on whether plant mitochondria also produce melatonin. Herein, we show that plant mitochondria are a major site for melatonin synthesis. In an in vitro study, isolated apple mitochondria had the capacity to generate melatonin. Subcellular localization analysis documented that an apple SNAT isoform, MzSNAT5, was localized in the mitochondria of both Arabidopsis protoplasts and apple callus cells. The kinetic analysis revealed that the recombinant MzSNAT5 protein exhibited high enzymatic activity to catalyze serotonin to N‐acetylserotonin with the Km and Vmax of 55 μmol/L and 0.909 pmol/min/mg protein at 35°C, respectively; this pathway functioned over a wide range of temperatures from 5 to 75°C. In an in vivo study, MzSNAT5 was drought inducible. The transgenic Arabidopsis ectopically expressing MzSNAT5 elevated the melatonin level and, hence, enhanced drought tolerance. The mechanistic study indicated that the ectopically expressing MzSNAT5 allows plant mitochondria to increase melatonin synthesis. As a potent free radical scavenger, melatonin reduces the oxidative stress caused by the elevated reactive oxygen species which are generated under drought stress in plants. Our findings provide evidence that engineered melatonin‐enriched plants exhibit enhanced oxidative tolerance.
Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis: complications and association of ultrasonographic findings with bile culture results
Authors: Schiborra F. , McConnell J. F. , Maddox T. W.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To retrospectively evaluate cases presented for percutaneous ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis for associated complications, identify risk factors associated with complications and to assess ultrasonographic findings and relate these to bacterial culture results.

Methods

Data on 300 patients presented for percutaneous ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis were retrospectively collected and ultrasonographic images were assessed for defined structural changes. The incidence of major complications was determined. Multi‐variable multi‐level logistic regression was used to investigate the association of ultrasonographic findings with positive bile culture.

Results

Three hundred percutaneous ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis procedures performed in 201 dogs and 51 cats were included; 35 patients had the procedure performed more than once. The overall incidence of major complications was 8 of 300 procedures (2·7%). Bile peritonitis occurred in 2 of 300 procedures (0·7%). An ultrasonographically abnormal gall bladder was found in 52% of cases and had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 82, 55·7 and 61·5% respectively, to predict a positive bile culture.

Clinical Significance

Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis is overall a safe technique when carried out in selected patients. Abnormal ultrasonographic findings are only a fair predictor of a positive bile culture.
Chromosome number variation and polyploidy in 19 Kaempferia (Zingiberaceae) taxa from Thailand and one species from Laos
Authors: Nopporncharoenkul Nattapon , Chanmai Jatuporn , Jenjittikul Thaya , Anamthawat‐Jónsson Kesara , Soontornchainaksaeng Puangpaka
Published: June 2017

Several Kaempferia species, endemic to Thailand, are rare and therefore entitled to conservation status; other species are widely cultivated. We conducted extensive cytogenetic investigation of this genus to elucidate the botanical and taxonomic characterization of these plants. The study included 42 accessions belonging to 15 Kaempferia species and four undescribed taxa from regions throughout Thailand, and one species from Laos. We determined chromosome numbers from root‐tip cells collected from germinating rhizomes ex situ, but examined meiosis in flowers collected from the wild. The mitotic analyses verify that 2n chromosome numbers range from 22 (diploid, 15 taxa), 33 (triploid, three species), 44 (tetraploid, five taxa) to 55 (pentaploid, one species). Four taxa included accessions with different ploidy levels. The meiotic analyses demonstrated that all 14 diploid accessions investigated displayed normal meiosis, forming 11 bivalents, indicating the base chromosome number x = 11 for this genus. Meiotic figures were obtained from one triploid and four tetraploid accessions. The triploid showed 11 trivalents, most likely indicating autotriploidy. Two tetraploid accessions showed regular meiotic figures consisting of 22 bivalents, probably indicating allopolyploidy originating from interspecific hybrids, a hypothesis that is consistent with observations of plant morphology. The other two tetraploid accessions belong to the same species and show mostly irregular meiotic figures. Cytogenetic information is useful for evaluating fertility and hybridity in the genus. Good seed set was observed among diploid and tetraploid accessions. Triploid and pentaploid plants, on the other hand, do not set seeds, but produce large clusters of vegetatively‐propagated rhizomes.
Wanting and Liking: Components of Situated Motivation Constructs?
Authors: Palmer David
Published: June 2017

Brain studies have revealed that 2 neurological systems, one for “wanting” and one for “liking,” are responsible for many instances of motivated behavior. If wanting and liking are fundamental elements of motivation, then we should also expect to see them represented in educational models of motivation for learning. However, it has not yet been established whether this is the case. Situated instances of motivation, such as when a student feels motivated to immediately engage in learning, can potentially be informed by education constructs such as curiosity, situational interest, intrinsic motivation, achievement emotions, and flow. The purpose of this article is to investigate whether the two elements, wanting and liking, can be identified in each of these constructs. The analysis revealed that the education constructs could be inferred to include wanting and liking. It is proposed that a focus on these fundamental elements might aid our understanding of motivation in educational settings.
Program considerations for integration of nutrition and family planning: Beliefs around maternal diet and breastfeeding within the context of the nutrition transition in Egypt
Authors: Kavle Justine A. , Mehanna Sohair , Khan Ghada , Hassan Mohamed , Saleh Gulsen , Engmann Cyril
Published: June 2017

In Egypt, rising maternal overweight and obesity is consistent with the transition to westernized diets and a growing reliance on energy‐dense, low nutrient foods. Although the first 1,000 days of life are the focus of many programmes designed to prevent many forms of malnutrition, little attention has been paid to maternal dietary practices and weight gain during pregnancy. This study used in‐depth interviews with pregnant women (N = 40), lactating women (N = 40), and nonlactating women (N = 40) to gain an understanding of behaviours, perceptions, and cultural beliefs in relation to maternal dietary intake during pregnancy, lactation, and nonlactation; weight gain during pregnancy; birth spacing; and family planning. Study findings reveal that food choice was driven by affordability, favoured foods, or foods considered appropriate for a specific life stage (pregnant, lactating, and nonlactating). Knowledge of weight gain during pregnancy is limited, especially with regards to excessive weight gain during pregnancy. Diet is often modified during lactation to support breast milk production, and a normal diet resumed when breastfeeding ceases. Within the context of breastfeeding, the lactational amenorrhea method provides an opportunity to improve exclusive breastfeeding practices, maternal diet during lactation, and the transition to other family planning methods by 6 months postpartum. Health care providers should discuss limiting maternal consumption of low nutrient foods such as junk foods, soda, and teas during pregnancy and postpartum. Dietary counselling should accompany information on appropriate weight gain during pregnancy and exercise to prevent excessive weight gain, in the context of the nutrition transition.
Zooplankton community structure along a pollution gradient at fine geographical scales in river ecosystems: The importance of species sorting over dispersal
Authors: Xiong Wei , Ni Ping , Chen Yiyong , Gao Yangchun , Shan Baoqing , Zhan Aibin
Published: June 2017

The release of anthropogenic pollution into freshwater ecosystems has largely transformed biodiversity and its geographical distribution patterns globally. However, for many communities including ecologically crucial ones such as zooplankton, it is largely unknown how different communities respond to environmental pollution. Collectively, dispersal and species sorting are two competing processes in determining the structure and geographical distribution of zooplankton communities in running water ecosystems such as rivers. At fine geographical scales, dispersal is usually considered as the dominant factor; however, the relative role of species sorting has not been evaluated well, mainly because significant environmental gradients rarely exist along continuously flowing rivers. The Chaobai River in northern China represents a rare system, where a significant environmental gradient exists at fine scales. Here, we employed high‐throughput sequencing to characterize complex zooplankton communities collected from the Chaobai River, and tested the relative roles of dispersal and species sorting in determining zooplankton community structure along the pollution gradient. Our results showed distinct patterns of zooplankton communities along the environmental gradient, and chemical pollutant‐related factors such as total phosphorus and chlorophyll‐a were identified as the major drivers for the observed patterns. Further partial redundancy analyses showed that species sorting overrode the effect of dispersal to shape local zooplankton community structure. Thus, our results reject the dispersal hypothesis and support the concept that species sorting caused by local pollution can largely determine the zooplankton community structure when significant environmental gradients exist at fine geographical scales in highly polluted running water ecosystems.
Performing the national territory: The geography of national‐day celebrations
Authors: N'Guessan Konstanze , Lentz Carola , Gabriel Marie‐Christin
Published: June 2017

The nation is a relatively abstract imagined community that is visualised through a variety of symbols as well as communicative and performative practices. In this paper, we explore how the national territory, one of the foundations of the nation‐state, is performed on national‐day celebrations and brings the nation into being. Drawing on ethnographic research on national days in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, we show how the state's internal administrative divisions and ethnic differences are at once made explicit but also subordinated to the nation. Moreover, we show how in such celebrations, potentially disruptive or competing affiliations such as ethnicity and regional loyalties are re‐imagined. Both the rotation of the central celebration and its replication all over the national territory carry the nation into the regions and integrate the regions into the nation‐state. The ‘co‐memoration’ turns participants and spectators from locals into national compatriots and thus not only performs nationality but also performs the relationship among nation, state and citizen, set within a particular territory.
GmTIR1/GmAFB3‐based auxin perception regulated by miR393 modulates soybean nodulation
Authors: Cai Zhaoming , Wang Youning , Zhu Lin , Tian Yinping , Chen Liang , Sun Zhengxi , Ullah Ihteram , Li Xia
Published: June 2017

Auxins play important roles in the nodulation of legumes. However, the mechanism by which auxin signaling regulates root nodulation is largely unknown. In particular, the role of auxin receptors and their regulation in determinate nodule development remains elusive.

We checked the expression pattern of the auxin receptor GmTIR1/GmAFB3 genes in soybean. We analyzed the functions of GmTIR1/AFB3 in the regulation of rhizobial infection and nodule number, and also tested the functions of miR393 during nodulation and its relationship with GmTIR1/AFB3.

The results showed that GmTIR1 and GmAFB3 genes exhibit diverse expression patterns during nodulation and overexpression of GmTIR1 genes significantly increased inflection foci and eventual nodule number. GmTIR1/AFB3 genes were post‐transcriptionally cleaved by miR393 family and knock‐down of the miR393 family members significantly increased rhizobial infection and the nodule number. Overexpression of the mutated form of GmTIR1C at the miR393 cleavage site that is resistant to miR393 cleavage led to a further increase in the number of infection foci and nodules, suggesting that miR393s modulate nodulation by directly targeting GmTIR1C.

This study demonstrated that GmTIR1‐ and GmAFB3‐mediated auxin signaling, that is spatio‐temporally regulated by miR393, plays a crucial role in determinate nodule development in soybean.
Impact of exotic invasion on the temporal stability of natural annual plant communities
Authors: Valone Thomas J. , Balaban‐Feld Jesse
Published: June 2017

Much work in ecology has focused on understanding how changes in community diversity and composition will affect the temporal stability of communities (the degree of fluctuations in community abundance or biomass over time). While theory suggests diversity and dominant species can enhance temporal stability, empirical work has tended to focus on testing the effect of diversity, often using synthetic communities created with high species evenness. We use a complementary approach by studying the temporal stability of natural plant communities invaded by a dominant exotic, Erodium cicutarium. Invasion was associated with a significant decline in community diversity and change in the identity of the dominant species allowing us to evaluate predictions about how these changes might affect temporal stability. Community temporal stability was not correlated with community richness or diversity prior to invasion. Following invasion, community stability was again not correlated with community richness but was negatively correlated with community diversity. Before and after invasion, community stability was positively correlated with the stability of the most dominant species in the community, even though the identity of the dominant species changed from a native (prior to invasion) to an exotic species. Our results demonstrate that invasion by a dominant exotic species may reduce diversity without negatively affecting the temporal stability of natural communities. These findings add support to the idea that dominant species can strongly affect temporal stability, independent of community diversity.
Rhinovirus and preschool wheeze
Authors: Stenberg‐Hammar Katarina , Hedlin Gunilla , Söderhäll Cilla
Published: June 2017

Rhinovirus (RV) known as the common cold virus generally only causes a mild upper respiratory infection, but severe lower respiratory symptoms have been associated with RV infections especially in asthmatic individuals. Wheezing is a symptom of airway obstruction, and preschool children wheezing with RV have been associated with increased risk of asthma at school age. There are, however, conflicting opinions as to whether there are differences in response to RV infection or whether wheezing with RV reveals a preexisting impairment that promotes asthma mainly in predisposed children. The advent of molecular diagnostics to detect respiratory viruses has led to new insights into the role of RV infections. This review will discuss recent information concerning the role of RV as an important respiratory pathogen related to early onset wheeze and exacerbation of established asthma in preschool children.