This meta-analysis confirms that 40 miRNAs are significantly dysregulated in type 2 diabetes. miR-29a, miR-34a, miR-375, miR-103, miR-107, miR-132, miR-142-3p and miR-144 are potential circulating biomarkers of type 2 diabetes. In addition, miR-199a-3p and miR-223 are potential tissue biomarkers of type 2 diabetes.

Background Dinoponera quadriceps is a predatory giant ant that inhabits the Neotropical region and subdues its prey (insects) with stings that deliver a toxic cocktail of molecules. Human accidents occasionally occur and cause local pain and systemic symptoms. A comprehensive study of the D. quadriceps venom gland transcriptome is required to advance our knowledge about the toxin repertoire of the giant ant venom and to understand the physiopathological basis of Hymenoptera envenomation.ResultsWe conducted a transcriptome analysis of a cDNA library from the D. quadriceps venom gland with Sanger sequencing in combination with whole-transcriptome shotgun deep sequencing. From the cDNA library, a total of 420 independent clones were analyzed. Although the proportion of dinoponeratoxin isoform precursors was high, the first giant ant venom inhibitor cysteine-knot (ICK) toxin was found. The deep next generation sequencing yielded a total of 2,514,767 raw reads that were assembled into 18,546 contigs. A BLAST search of the assembled contigs against non-redundant and Swiss-Prot databases showed that 6,463 contigs corresponded to BLASTx hits and indicated an interesting diversity of transcripts related to venom gene expression. The majority of these venom-related sequences code for a major polypeptide core, which comprises venom allergens, lethal-like proteins and esterases, and a minor peptide framework composed of inter-specific structurally conserved cysteine-rich toxins. Both the cDNA library and deep sequencing yielded large proportions of contigs that showed no similarities with known sequences.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report of the venom gland transcriptome of the New World giant ant D. quadriceps. The glandular venom system was dissected, and the toxin arsenal was revealed; this process brought to light novel sequences that included an ICK-folded toxins, allergen proteins, esterases (phospholipases and carboxylesterases), and lethal-like toxins. These findings contribute to the understanding of the ecology, behavior and venomics of hymenopterans.

Dynamic geometry software (DGS) aims to enhance mathematics education. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the quasi-experimental studies on the effectiveness of DGS-based instruction in improving students' mathematical achievement. Research articles published between 1990 and 2013 were identified from major databases according to a prespecified search strategy and selection criteria. A meta-analysis was conducted based on the random-effects model to evaluate the effectiveness of DGS-based instruction in terms of standardized mean differences (SMD) of achievement test scores as outcome measures. Nine quasi-experimental DGS studies with 587 participants were eligible. The overall effect size of DGS-based instruction on achievement scores (i.e., SMD) was distinctive (SMD, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.56-1.48) compared to traditional instruction. Subgroup analysis found some groups to have better effectiveness, for example, short-term instruction with DGS significantly improved the mathematical achievement of elementary school students.

TXL seems to be more effective than beta-blockers in treating angina pectoris, on the basis of the eligible RCTs. Further RCTs are warranted to reduce publication bias and verify efficacy.