bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractBackgroundThe 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsEight 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.ConclusionsThis 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

AbstractClip 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

AimTo test the effect on patient mortality of implementing a nursing systems framework across a national health system.BackgroundThere 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.DesignQuasi‐experimental (before and after) study.MethodA 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).FindingsData 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 practiceOur 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

AbstractRecently, 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

AbstractHuman 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

AbstractThe 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

BackgroundThis 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.MethodsqRT‐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.ResultsqRT‐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).ConclusionThe lncRNA TUG1 may represent a potential oncogene in TSCC.
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

AbstractSynthesis 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

ObjectivesTo 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.MethodsData 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.ResultsThree 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 SignificancePercutaneous 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

AbstractSeveral 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

ABSTRACTBrain 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractThe 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.