bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Expansion Method of Storytelling in the Drama “Chunhyang You’re in Hanyang”
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Daebeom
Published: August 2022

This article looks at the storytelling extension method of MBC’s “Chunhyang, You’re in Hanyang”(1996). This is because considering the type of storytelling conversion method can produce meaningful results when converting well-known theories such as “Chunhyangjeon” into video media. “Chunhyangjeon” was produced as a sequel to “Chunhyangjeon” with a story about a new time zone, focusing on Chunhyang and Yumeryu who became adults. It did not transform the story of the original book “Chunhyangjeon,” but expanded the story world with the story of imagination after that. “Chunhyangjeon” is a three-act, eight-chapter (A-H) structure, and each chapter was narrated according to the diagram of “Meeting - Love - Farewell - Suffering - Reunion,” the basic epic structure of “Chunhyangjeon.” In the first part, the main characters of “Mongryeong Parent-Wolmae-Mongryeong,” “Mongryeong Parent- Chunhyang-Mongryeong” and “Byeonghakdo-Mongryeong Uncle” and “Byeonghakdo-Mongryeong -Chunhyang” are maintaining the original characters and story world. The story was expanded by repeating the existing narrative structure of “Chunhyangjeon” and naturally composed the story after “Chunhyangjeon” through conflicts between characters.
A Study on the Elements of Literature by Analyzing the Lyrics of “Chinese Style” by Fang Wenshan
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Li Shengguo , Hong Sungkyoo
Published: August 2022

This study is an in-depth analysis of the Chinese-style work of modern Chinese lyricist Fang Wen shan. Fang Wen shan's work has been evaluated as a lyric containing ancient elements, so the characteristics of creation and literary elements contained in the lyrics of the song “Fa Ru Xue” were studied. To this end, in order to analyze the characteristics of the rhyme, artistic conception, and rhetoric of the notice contained in the lyrics, Fang When san’s creative career was investigated, and previous studies on Fang Wen shan’s work were found. Through prior research on Fang Wen shan’s work, the keyword and literary value of the song were explored, and the positive effects of Fang Wen shan’s Chinese-style work on the development of the Chinese music industry were explored through creative characteristics and literary value analysis of the lyrics.
Solar System Wave Packet
Authors: Soltani Abolfazl
Published: August 2022

Pluto, Ceres and all planets of solar system except Neptune, with a high approximation, follow a law called Titius-Bode law (TBL) or Bode law, which can by no means be considered as a stochastic event. This law shows that the distance of the planets from the sun in Solar system is regulated. Here, we prove that, probably, the existence of a standing and cosine wave packet in solar system, with the wavelength λ = 0.6 AU (AU represents the distance of earth from the sun) and the phase constant ∅_0=π/6, is the reason for TBL. In this article we will obtain the equation of this wave packet empirically. Finally, we will prove that without solar system wave packet, it is not possible to reach to the TBL from the protoplanetary disk of solar system. Here we prove that the nebular hypothesis without our wave theory is an incomplete theory.
Computation of Combinatorial Geometric Series and its Combinatorial Identities for Machine Learning and Cybersecurity
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: August 2022

Combinatorial techniques with binomial coefficients, factorials and multinomial computation are used as algorithms for the programs development to apply in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Methodological advances in combinatorics and mathematics play a vital role in machine learning and cryptology for data analysis and artificial intelligence-based cybersecurity for protection of the computing systems, devices, networks, programs and data from cyber-attacks. In this article, combinatorial geometric series is discussed more for the application of machine learning and cybersecurity.
Sistem Lokalisasi Robot Humanoid Menggunakan Monocular Camera dan IMU
Authors: Rizaldy Fuad Dzaky , Siradjuddin Indrazno , Winarno Totok
Published: August 2022

Robot humanoid merupakan jenis robot yang menyerupai bentuk tubuh manusia dengan motor servo ynag terpasang pada seluruh bagian tubuhnya. Fungsi dari robot ini yaitu membantu pekerjaan manusia untuk menyelesaikan masalah. Dalam kinerja robot ini diperlukan sistem lokalisasi sebagai umpan balik agar dapat diketahui posisinya sekarang. Kemampuan mengetahui posisi robot ini sangat penting perannya agar sistem jalan robot dapat terarah. Visual Odometry merupakan tipe sistem lokalisasi yang digunakan untuk mengetahui posisi dan orientasi menggunakan kamera tunggal. IMU merupakan sensor yang digunakan untuk mengetahui orientasi robot. Sistem lokalisasi ini dibutuhkan lebih dari satu sensor agar pembacaan data memiliki akurasi yang tinggi. Penggunaan kamera untuk mengetahui posisi dan orientasi akan menyebabkan drift yang menyebabkan tidak akuratnya pembacaan posisi. Dengan permasalahan ini, dibutuhkan penyaringan data odometry dengan menggunakan Extended Kalman Filter  yang ada pada Robot Localization, sebuah package yang disediakan ROS untuk melakukan lokalisasi dengan masukan data odometry, pose, twist dan IMU. Output dari filter ini memiliki tingkat akurasi posisi sebesar 18,3% dan orientasi sebesar 5,2%
Genomic approaches for improving resistance to Phytophthora crown rot caused by P. cactorum in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Sharma Sadikshya , Marin Marcus V. , Lee Man Bo , Baggio Juliana S. , Peres Natalia A. , Lee Seonghee
Published: August 2022

Phytophthora crown rot (PhCR) caused by Phytophthora cactorum is one of the most damaging soilborne diseases of strawberry in the United States and worldwide. Limitations on fumigants such as methyl bromide have led to deterioration in the control of P. cactorum in recent years. The development of resistant varieties is a critical component of the strategy for combatting this soilborne disease. Here, we review the biology of the pathogen, molecular mechanisms of infection, and management of PhCR in strawberry. Recent genomics advances in octoploid strawberry breeding have been able to gain a deeper insight into the genetic architecture of resistance to PhCR and identified the genetic resistance sources for the improvement of strawberry varieties against the pathogen. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PhCR resistance have been identified and introgressed for breeding of PhCR resistance in cultivated octoploid strawberry (F. × ananassa). Further characterizing candidate genes and mechanisms of resistance could facilitate incorporating the resistance genes into commercial varieties through genomics-assisted breeding, respectively. In this review, we address important recent advances and progress for genomics-assisted breeding for the resistance to PhCR and the potential use of CRISPR gene editing in cultivated strawberry.
Efficient production of anthocyanins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by introducing anthocyanin transporter and knocking out endogenous degrading enzymes
Authors: Xu Sha , Li Guangjian , Zhou Jingwen , Chen Guicai , Shao Jianzhong
Published: August 2022

Anthocyanins are natural pigments found in various plants. As multifunctional natural compounds, anthocyanins are widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, health products, and cosmetics. At present, the anthocyanins are heterologously biosynthesized in prokaryotes from flavan-3-ols, which is rather expensive. This study aimed to metabolically engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae for anthocyanin production. Anthocyanin production has been extensively studied to understand the metabolic pathway enzymes in their natural hosts, including CHS (chalcone synthase); FLS (flavonol synthase); CHI (chalcone isomerase); F3H (flavanone 3-hydroxylase); F3′H (flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase); F3′5′H (flavonoid 3′,5′-hydroxylase); DFR (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase); ANS (anthocyanidin synthase); LAR (leucoanthocyanidin reductase); and UFGT (flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase). The anthocyanin transporter MdGSTF6 was first introduced and proven to be indispensable for the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. By expressing MdGSTF6, FaDFR, PhANS0, and Dc3GT and disrupting EXG1 (the main anthocyanin-degrading enzyme), the BA-22 strain produced 261.6 mg/L (254.5 mg/L cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and 7.1 mg/L delphinidin-3-O-glucoside) anthocyanins from 2.0 g/L dihydroflavonols, which was known to be the highest titer in eukaryotes. Finally, 15.1 mg/L anthocyanins was obtained from glucose by expressing the de novo biosynthesis pathway in S. cerevisiae, which is known to be the highest de novo production. It is the first study to show that through the introduction of a plant anthocyanin transporter and knockout of a yeast endogenous anthocyanin degrading enzyme, the anthocyanin titer has been increased by more than 100 times.
“Jianbing” styling multifunctional electrospinning composite membranes for wound healing
Authors: Zhao Hanqiang , Xu Youguang , Wang Saisai , Li Pan , Wang Ting , Zhang Fang , Li Juan , Zhang Yapei , Ma Jinlong , Zhang Weifen
Published: August 2022

Wound infection and excessive exudate can affect the process of wound healing. However, the disadvantage of the anti-microbial wound dressings is that the biological fluids are ineffectively removed. Inspired by making “Chinese Jianbing”, a composite wound nano-dressing was developed consisting of a hydrophilic outer layer (chitosan&polyvinyl alcohol: CTS-PVA) and a hydrophobic inner layer (propolis&polycaprolactone: PRO-PCL) by combining casting and electrospinning methods for effective antibacterial and unidirectional removing excess biofluids. In vitro, the composite wound nano-dressing of PRO-PCL and CTS-PVA (PPCP) could strongly inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, PPCP wound dressing had excellent antioxidant properties and blood coagulation index for effective hemostatic. Importantly, it had a preferable water absorption for removing excess biofluid. In vivo, it had anti-inflammatory properties and promoted collagen Ⅰ preparation, which realized 80% wound healing on day 7. In short, the PPCP wound dressing provides a new direction and option for antibacterial and removes excess biofluid.
Identification of key amino acid residues toward improving the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of plant-derived cytochrome P450 monooxygenases CYP716A subfamily enzyme for triterpenoid production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Romsuk Jutapat , Yasumoto Shuhei , Seki Hikaru , Fukushima Ery Odette , Muranaka Toshiya
Published: August 2022

Triterpenoids constitute a group of specialized plant metabolites with wide structural diversity and high therapeutic value for human health. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP) are a family of enzymes important for generating the structural diversity of triterpenoids by catalyzing the site-specific oxidization of the triterpene backbone. The CYP716 enzyme family has been isolated from various plant families as triterpenoid oxidases; however, their experimental crystal structures are not yet available and the detailed catalytic mechanism remains elusive. Here, we address this challenge by integrating bioinformatics approaches with data from other CYP families.Medicago truncatulaCYP716A12, the first functionally characterized CYP716A subfamily enzyme, was chosen as the model for this study. We performed homology modeling, structural alignment,in silicosite-directed mutagenesis, and molecular docking analysis to search and screen key amino acid residues relevant to the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of the CYP716A subfamily enzyme in triterpenoid biosynthesis. Anin vivofunctional analysis using engineered yeast that endogenously produced plant-derived triterpenes was performed to elucidate the results. When the amino acids in the signature region and substrate recognition sites (SRSs) were substituted, the product profile of CYP716A12 was modified. We identified amino acid residues that control the substrate contraction of the enzyme (D292) and engineered the enzyme to improve its catalytic activity and substrate specificity (D122, I212, and Q358) for triterpenoid biosynthesis. In addition, we demonstrated the versatility of this strategy by changing the properties of key residues in SRSs to improve the catalytic activity ofArabidopsis thalianaCYP716A1 (S356) and CYP716A2 (M206, F210) at C-28 on the triterpene backbone. This research has the potential to help in the production of desired triterpenoids in engineered yeast by increasing the catalytic activity and substrate specificity of plant CYP716A subfamily enzymes.
Two-photon polymerization for 3D biomedical scaffolds: Overview and updates
Authors: Jing Xian , Fu Hongxun , Yu Baojun , Sun Meiyan , Wang Liye
Published: August 2022

The needs for high-resolution, well-defined and complex 3D microstructures in diverse fields call for the rapid development of novel 3D microfabrication techniques. Among those, two-photon polymerization (TPP) attracted extensive attention owing to its unique and useful characteristics. As an approach to implementing additive manufacturing, TPP has truly 3D writing ability to fabricate artificially designed constructs with arbitrary geometry. The spatial resolution of the manufactured structures via TPP can exceed the diffraction limit. The 3D structures fabricated by TPP could properly mimic the microenvironment of natural extracellular matrix, providing powerful tools for the study of cell behavior. TPP can meet the requirements of manufacturing technique for 3D scaffolds (engineering cell culture matrices) used in cytobiology, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this review, we demonstrated the development in 3D microfabrication techniques and we presented an overview of the applications of TPP as an advanced manufacturing technique in complex 3D biomedical scaffolds fabrication. Given this multidisciplinary field, we discussed the perspectives of physics, materials science, chemistry, biomedicine and mechanical engineering. Additionally, we dived into the principles of tow-photon absorption (TPA) and TPP, requirements of 3D biomedical scaffolders, developed-to-date materials and chemical approaches used by TPP and manufacturing strategies based on mechanical engineering. In the end, we draw out the limitations of TPP on 3D manufacturing for now along with some prospects of its future outlook towards the fabrication of 3D biomedical scaffolds.
Neuroendocrine regulations in tissue-specific immunity: From mechanism to applications in tumor
Authors: Liu Si-Qing , Li Bei , Li Juan-Juan , Sun Si , Sun Sheng-Rong , Wu Qi
Published: August 2022

Immune responses in nonlymphoid tissues play a vital role in the maintenance of homeostasis. Lots of evidence supports that tissue-specific immune cells provide defense against tumor through the localization in different tissue throughout the body, and can be regulated by diverse factors. Accordingly, the distribution of nervous tissue is also tissue-specific which is essential in the growth of corresponding organs, and the occurrence and development of tumor. Although there have been many mature perspectives on the neuroendocrine regulation in tumor microenvironment, the neuroendocrine regulation of tissue-specific immune cells has not yet been summarized. In this review, we focus on how tissue immune responses are influenced by autonomic nervous system, sensory nerves, and various neuroendocrine factors and reversely how tissue-specific immune cells communicate with neuroendocrine system through releasing different factors. Furthermore, we pay attention to the potential mechanisms of neuroendocrine-tissue specific immunity axis involved in tumors. This may provide new insights for the immunotherapy of tumors in the future.
Mechanical regulation of signal transduction in angiogenesis
Authors: Flournoy Jennifer , Ashkanani Shahad , Chen Yun
Published: August 2022

Biophysical and biochemical cues work in concert to regulate angiogenesis. These cues guide angiogenesis during development and wound healing. Abnormal cues contribute to pathological angiogenesis during tumor progression. In this review, we summarize the known signaling pathways involved in mechanotransduction important to angiogenesis. We discuss how variation in the mechanical microenvironment, in terms of stiffness, ligand availability, and topography, can modulate the angiogenesis process. We also present an integrated view on how mechanical perturbations, such as stretching and fluid shearing, alter angiogenesis-related signal transduction acutely, leading to downstream gene expression. Tissue engineering-based approaches to study angiogenesis are reviewed too. Future directions to aid the efforts in unveiling the comprehensive picture of angiogenesis are proposed.
Mathematical algorithm–based identification of the functional components and mechanisms in depression treatment: An example of Danggui-Shaoyao-San
Authors: Gong Wenxia , Wang Kexin , Wang Xueyuan , Chen Yupeng , Qin Xuemei , Lu Aiping , Guan Daogang
Published: August 2022

Depression, a complex epidemiological mental disorder, affects around 350 million people worldwide. Despite the availability of antidepressants based on monoamine hypothesis of depression, most patients suffer side effects from these drugs, including psychomotor impairment and dependence liability. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is receiving more and more attention due to the advantages of high therapeutic performance and few side effects in depression treatment. However, complex multicomponents and multi-targets in TCM hinder our ability to identify the functional components and molecular mechanisms of its efficacy. In this study, we designed a novel strategy to capture the functional components and mechanisms of TCM based on a mathematical algorithm. To establish proof of principle, the TCM formula Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), which possesses remarkable antidepressant effect but its functional components and mechanisms are unclear, is used as an example. According to the network motif detection algorithm, key core function motifs (CIM) of DSS in treating depression were captured, followed by a functional analysis and verification. The results demonstrated that 198 pathways were enriched by the target genes of the CIM, and 179 coincided with the enriched pathways of pathogenic genes, accounting for 90.40% of the gene enrichment pathway of the C-T network. Then the functional components group (FCG) comprising 40 components was traced from CIM based on the target coverage accumulation algorithm, after which the pathways enriched by the target genes of FCG were selected to elucidate the potential mechanisms of DSS in treating depression. Finally, the pivotal components in FCG of DSS and the related pathways were selected for experimental validation in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicated good accuracy of the proposed mathematical algorithm in sifting the FCG from the TCM formula, which provided a methodological reference for discovering functional components and interpreting molecular mechanisms of the TCM formula in treating complex diseases.
PanCircBase: An online resource for the exploration of circular RNAs in pancreatic islets
Authors: Sinha Tanvi , Mishra Smruti Sambhav , Singh Suman , Panda Amaresh Chandra
Published: August 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel class of covalently closed RNA molecules that recently emerged as a critical regulator of gene expression in development and diseases. Recent research has highlighted the importance of novel circRNAs in the biosynthesis and secretion of insulin from β-cells of pancreatic islets. However, all circRNAs expressed in pancreatic islets or β-cells are not readily available in the database. In this study, we analyzed publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets of the pancreatic islets to catalog all circRNAs expressed in pancreatic islets to construct the PanCircBase (https://www.pancircbase.net/) database that provides the following resources: 1) pancreatic islet circRNA annotation details (genomic position, host gene, exon information, splice length, sequence, other database IDs, cross-species conservation), 2) divergent primers for PCR analysis of circRNAs, 3) siRNAs for silencing of target circRNAs, 4) miRNAs associated with circRNAs, 5) possible protein-coding circRNAs and their polypeptides. In summary, this is a comprehensive online resource for exploring circRNA expression and its possible function in pancreatic β-cells.
Early patterning followed by tissue growth establishes distal identity in Drosophila Malpighian tubules
Authors: Beaven Robin , Denholm Barry
Published: August 2022

Specification and elaboration of proximo-distal (P-D) axes for structures or tissues within a body occurs secondarily from that of the main axes of the body. Our understanding of the mechanism(s) that pattern P-D axes is limited to a few examples such as vertebrate and invertebrate limbs. Drosophila Malpighian/renal tubules (MpTs) are simple epithelial tubules, with a defined P-D axis. How this axis is patterned is not known, and provides an ideal context to understand patterning mechanisms of a secondary axis. Furthermore, epithelial tubules are widespread, and their patterning is not well understood. Here, we describe the mechanism that establishes distal tubule and show this is a radically different mechanism to that patterning the proximal MpT. The distal domain is patterned in two steps: distal identity is specified in a small group of cells very early in MpT development through Wingless/Wnt signalling. Subsequently, this population is expanded by proliferation to generate the distal MpT domain. This mechanism enables distal identity to be established in the tubule in a domain of cells much greater than the effective range of Wingless.
Transfer RNAs-derived small RNAs and their application potential in multiple diseases
Authors: Chu Xiaohua , He Chenyang , Sang Bo , Yang Chaofei , Yin Chong , Ji Mili , Qian Airong , Tian Ye
Published: August 2022

The role of tRNAs is best known as adapter components of translational machinery. According to the central dogma of molecular biology, DNA is transcribed to RNA and in turn is translated into proteins, in which tRNA outstands by its role of the cellular courier. Recent studies have led to the revision of the canonical function of transfer RNAs (tRNAs), which indicates that tRNAs also serve as a source for short non-coding RNAs called tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). tsRNAs play key roles in cellular processes by modulating complicated regulatory networks beyond translation and are widely involved in multiple diseases. Herein, the biogenesis and classification of tsRNAs were firstly clarified. tsRNAs are generated from pre-tRNAs or mature tRNAs and are classified into tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNA). The tRFs include five types according to the incision loci: tRF-1, tRF-2, tRF-3, tRF-5 and i-tRF which contain 3′ tiRNA and 5′ tiRNA. The functions of tsRNAs and their regulation mechanisms involved in disease processes are systematically summarized as well. The mechanisms can elaborate on the specific regulation of tsRNAs. In conclusion, the current research suggests that tsRNAs are promising targets for modulating pathological processes, such as breast cancer, ischemic stroke, respiratory syncytial virus, osteoporosis and so on, and maintain vital clinical implications in diagnosis and therapeutics of various diseases.
Integrating single cell transcriptomics and volume electron microscopy confirms the presence of pancreatic acinar-like cells in sea urchins
Authors: Paganos Periklis , Ronchi Paolo , Carl Jil , Mizzon Giulia , Martinez Pedro , Benvenuto Giovanna , Arnone Maria Ina
Published: August 2022

The identity and function of a given cell type relies on the differential expression of gene batteries that promote diverse phenotypes and functional specificities. Therefore, the identification of the molecular and morphological fingerprints of cell types across taxa is essential for untangling their evolution. Here we use a multidisciplinary approach to identify the molecular and morphological features of an exocrine, pancreas-like cell type harbored within the sea urchin larval gut. Using single cell transcriptomics, we identify various cell populations with a pancreatic-like molecular fingerprint that are enriched within the S. purpuratus larva digestive tract. Among these, in the region where they reside, the midgut/stomach domain, we find that populations of exocrine pancreas-like cells have a unique regulatory wiring distinct from the rest the of the cell types of the same region. Furthermore, Serial Block-face scanning Electron Microscopy (SBEM) of the exocrine cells shows that this reported molecular diversity is associated to distinct morphological features that reflect the physiological and functional properties of this cell type. Therefore, we propose that these sea urchin exocrine cells are homologous to the well-known mammalian pancreatic acinar cells and thus we trace the origin of this particular cell type to the time of deuterostome diversification. Overall, our approach allows a thorough characterization of a complex cell type and shows how both the transcriptomic and morphological information contribute to disentangling the evolution of cell types and organs such as the pancreatic cells and pancreas.
Recent advances in stereoselective 1,2-cis-O-glycosylations
Authors: Ishiwata Akihiro , Tanaka Katsunori , Ao Jiaming , Ding Feiqing , Ito Yukishige
Published: August 2022

For the stereoselective assembly of bioactive glycans with various functions, 1,2-cis-O-glycosylation is one of the most essential issues in synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. The cis-configured O-glycosidic linkages to the substituents at two positions of the non-reducing side residue of the glycosides such as α-glucopyranoside, α-galactopyranoside, β-mannopyranoside, β-arabinofuranoside, and other rather rare glycosides are found in natural glycans, including glycoconjugate (glycoproteins, glycolipids, proteoglycans, and microbial polysaccharides) and glycoside natural products. The way to 1,2-trans isomers is well sophisticated by using the effect of neighboring group participation from the most effective and kinetically favored C-2 substituent such as an acyl group, although high stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-cis glycosides without formation of 1,2-trans isomers is far less straightforward. Although the key factors that control the stereoselectivity of glycosylation are largely understood since chemical glycosylation was considered to be one of the useful methods to obtain glycosidic linkages as the alternative way of isolation from natural sources, strictly controlled formation of these 1,2-cis glycosides is generally difficult. This minireview introduces some of the recent advances in the development of 1,2-cis selective glycosylations, including the quite recent developments in glycosyl donor modification, reaction conditions, and methods for activation of intermolecular glycosylation, including the bimodal glycosylation strategy for 1,2-cis and 1,2-trans glycosides, as well as intramolecular glycosylations, including recent applications of NAP-ether-mediated intramolecular aglycon delivery.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties and their burn wound healing efficacy
Authors: Bold Bum-Erdene , Urnukhsaikhan Enerelt , Mishig-Ochir Tsogbadrakh
Published: August 2022

The current study aims to develop a novel burn wound ointment consisting of sheep’s tail ointment loaded with AgNP. The AgNP in the ointment serves as an antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. The AgNP was developed via the biological method with the assistance of the medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea. The characterization of AgNP was assessed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, Zeta Potential, XRD, PCCS, SEM, and EDX techniques. The formation of AgNP was confirmed by UV-Vis spectrum at the absorbance of ∼430 nm, and the biomolecules responsible for reducing and capping the AgNP were characterized by FTIR analysis. The stability of AgNP was determined with Zeta potential, which revealed a highly stable colloidal solution with a surface charge of −68.38 ± 3.4 mV. The synthesized AgNP had a face-centered cubic structure with a crystallite size of 23 nm and average grain size of 67.5 nm. The SEM image showed a fairly monodisperse 20 nm-sized spherical-shaped AgNP. The synthesized AgNP contained high purity of the silver, and a low concentration of AgNP inhibited both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Moreover, the scavenging activity of AgNP was investigated using DPPH and H2O2 scavenging assay, and the results revealed a dose-dependent antioxidant activity with the highest activity at a concentration of 450 μg/ml. Finally, the burn wound healing effect was evaluated by applying the AgNP-loaded ointment to the wound site of BALB/c mice. The in-vivo studies confirmed that AgNP-loaded ointment reduced the wound size, decreased the epidermis layer, and lowered mast cell migration compared to untreated burn wounds. And the synthesized AgNP regulated both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory gene expression, thereby promoting burn wound closure on BALB/c mice. The developed AgNP-loaded ointment has the potential to be applied in the biomedical field.
Rapid diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria using a point-of-care loop-mediated isothermal amplification device
Authors: Puri Madhu , Kaur Brar Harsimran , Madan Evanka , Srinivasan Rajesh , Rawat Kapil , Gorthi Sai Siva , Kumari Geeta , Sah Raj , Ojha Sashi Bhusan , Panigrahi Subhendu , Dhangadamajhi Gunanidhi , Muthuswami Rohini , Singh Shailja , Madhubala Rentala
Published: August 2022

LAMP diagnosis of malaria is simple and cost-effective with acceptable sensitivity and specificity as compared to standard diagnostic modules such as microscopy, RDTs and nested PCR, and thus its deployment for onsite screening of malaria in resource-limited regions is under consideration. However, the requirement of an electricity-operated dry bath and bulky read-out unit is still a major concern. In an effort to simplify this limitation, we have developed a portable LAMP device and fluorescence readout unit which can be used in the rapid point-of-care diagnosis of malaria. We have developed a point-of-care diagnostic LAMP device that is easy to operate by a mobile application, and the results can be quantified with a fluorescent readout unit. The diagnostic performance of the device was evaluated in 90 P. falciparum-infected clinical isolates stored at 4°C for 6-7 years and 10 freshly collected isolates from healthy volunteers. The LOD and quantitative ability of LAMP in estimating parasitemia levels were revealed with laboratory-grownP. falciparumstrain (3D7). The LAMP assay performed in our device was exclusive forP. falciparumdetection with sensitivity and specificity determined to be 98.89% and 100%, respectively, in clinical isolates. The LOD was documented to be 1 parasite/µl at the cut-off ADC value of 20. Parasite density estimated from ADC values showed concordance with microscopically determined parasite density of the culturedP. falciparum3D7 strain. The LAMP assay performed in our device provides a possible portable platform for its deployment in the point-of-care diagnosis of malaria. Further validation of the quantitative ability of the assay with freshly collected or properly stored clinical samples of known parasitemia is necessary for field applicability.
Detection and quantification of Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum by droplet digital PCR versus quantitative real-time PCR
Authors: Wang Di , Jiao Xinya , Jia Haijiang , Cheng Shumei , Jin Xi , Wang Youhua , Gao Yunhua , Su Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

Vascular wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum, limits the quality and yield of agricultural crops. Although quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has greatly improved the diagnosis of these two pathogens over traditional, time-consuming isolation methods, the relatively poor detection sensitivity and high measurement bias for traceable matrix-rich samples need to be improved. Here, we thus developed a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for accurate, sensitive detection and quantification of V. dahliae and V. longisporum. We compared the analytical and diagnostic performance in detail of ddPCR and the corresponding qPCR assay against the genomic DNA (gDNA) of the two fungi from cultures and field samples. In our study, the species specificity, quantification linearity, analytical sensitivity, and measurement viability of the two methods were analyzed. The results indicated that ddPCR using field samples enhanced diagnostic sensitivity, decreased quantification bias, and indicated less susceptibility to inhibitors compared with qPCR. Although ddPCR was as sensitive as qPCR when using gDNA from cultures of V. dahliae and V. longisporum, its detection rates using field samples were much higher than those of qPCR, potentially due to the inhibition from residual matrix in the extracts. The results showed that digital PCR is more sensitive and accurate than qPCR for quantifying trace amounts of V. dahliae and V. longisporum and can facilitate management practices to limit or prevent their prevalence.
Climate justice for the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md , Gomes Carla , Guerra João
Published: August 2022

Climate change is considered a moral, ethical and social issue, which makes it different from other developmental issues. The foremost instance of lack of justice regarding climate change is that the worst impacted areas are the ones with the lowest contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, such as the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh (SWCRB). Climate change is principally triggered by the presence and eventual spread of industrialization. This study employed the mixed method, combining qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis for development of a framework for climate justice. Data and information were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. In primary sources, quantitative data were collected from climate vulnerable community households using a structured close ended questionnaire and interactive sessions such as focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, workshops, and case studies. This study explored the perceptions of people in the SWCRB, currently experiencing devastating effects of climate change and sea level rise including extreme natural disasters, seasonal changes, flooding, salinization, riverbank erosion, and waterlogging. These climate-induced changes are causing loss of housing, livelihoods, and land to the natives, in addition to a lack of access to proper nutrition, potable water, and healthcare thus exacerbating social injustice. A capability-based approach to climate justice is introduced in this paper, which allows for residents of this region to prepare and rebuild their own communities and create adaptive mechanisms based on their specific capabilities. This approach requires compensation (funding) from the global community, in addition to organizational connection between local people and other stakeholders. The people in the SWCRB are increasingly opting for community-based disaster management and inclusion in policy making. Persistent issues faced by these communities require sustainable development of embankments and infrastructure, as well as affordable and sustainable access to potable water. Industrialized nations should provide this compensation for climate change, in addition to acting promptly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and opt for renewable energy to avoid worst-case scenario. Lastly, involuntarily displaced climate refugees must be provided rights, compensation, and relocation assistance.
Advanced imaging for risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death
Authors: Xie Eric , Sung Eric , Saad Elie , Trayanova Natalia , Wu Katherine C. , Chrispin Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of mortality, comprising approximately half of all deaths from cardiovascular disease. In the US, the majority of SCD (85%) occurs in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and a subset in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), who tend to be younger and whose risk of mortality is less clearly delineated than in ischemic cardiomyopathies. The conventional means of SCD risk stratification has been the determination of the ejection fraction (EF), typically via echocardiography, which is currently a means of determining candidacy for primary prevention in the form of implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). Advanced cardiac imaging methods such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET), and computed tomography (CT) have emerged as promising and non-invasive means of risk stratification for sudden death through their characterization of the underlying myocardial substrate that predisposes to SCD. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR detects myocardial scar, which can inform ICD decision-making. Overall scar burden, region-specific scar burden, and scar heterogeneity have all been studied in risk stratification. PET and SPECT are nuclear methods that determine myocardial viability and innervation, as well as inflammation. CT can be used for assessment of myocardial fat and its association with reentrant circuits. Emerging methodologies include the development of “virtual hearts” using complex electrophysiologic modeling derived from CMR to attempt to predict arrhythmic susceptibility. Recent developments have paired novel machine learning (ML) algorithms with established imaging techniques to improve predictive performance. The use of advanced imaging to augment risk stratification for sudden death is increasingly well-established and may soon have an expanded role in clinical decision-making. ML could help shift this paradigm further by advancing variable discovery and data analysis.
Association of metabolic syndrome with carotid atherosclerosis in low-income Chinese individuals: A population-based study
Authors: Zhan Changqing , Wang Qiao , Chen Zongsheng , Pang Hongbo , Tu Jun , Ning Xianjia , Wang Jinghua , Fei Shizao , Ji Xuelei
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the association of the presence and number of components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with carotid atherosclerosis by measuring the presence of carotid plaque and total plaque area (TPA) in a population from a low-income area with high incidence of stroke of northern China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area of Tianjin, China from April 2014 to January 2015. The presence of plaque and TPA measurement was determined by carotid ultrasound. The presence and number of components of MetS was ascertained using the modified International Diabetes Federation criteria for the Asian population.

Results

Among a total of 3,583 individuals aged ≥ 45 years, the overall prevalence of MetS was 54.5%. MetS and its components were related to the presence of carotid plaque as well as TPA. Multivariate analysis showed MetS was associated with a 20% higher risk of carotid plaque presence (95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.42; P = 0.036) and an 18% increase in TPA (95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.27; P < 0.001). The number of MetS components showed an increasing trend with the risk of carotid plaque presence and increased TPA. Among single components of MetS, high BP accounted for the largest proportion and was an independent risk factor of carotid plaque and increased TPA.

Conclusions

Among individuals aged 45 years or more, we confirmed MetS and its components were associated with carotid atherosclerosis in a low-income population of northern China. The presence of MetS and a higher number of MetS components exacerbated the risk of carotid atherosclerosis; among the five MetS components, high blood pressure was associated with the greatest risk. Targeted atherosclerosis prevention and intervention should include identification and treatment of MetS, especially high blood pressure.
Circulating sex hormones and risk of atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Peng , Huang Jun , Lu Yi , Zheng Murui , Li Haiyi , Duan Xueru , Deng Hai , Zhao Wenjing , Liu Xudong
Published: August 2022

Background

Sex hormones are associated with many cardiovascular risk factors, but their effects on atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association of circulating sex hormones with AF risk by pooling available data from observational studies.

Methods

A systematic literature search for pertinent articles with case-control and cohort designs was conducted via five databases up to 7 July 2021. A meta-analysis with six cohort studies was conducted separately on men and women. Adjusted relative risk (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was derived by comparing the highest with the lowest levels of a specific sex hormone and by using a random-effect or fixed-effect model. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic and the Q-test.

Results

A total of six cohort studies and four case-control studies were included. In a meta-analysis of cohort studies, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) was associated with a decreased risk of AF in men (RR: 0.729, 95% CI: 0.559–0.952, I2 = 50.0%, P–heterogeneity = 0.157) after combining results from two cohort studies; total testosterone was not associated with any risk of AF in men and postmenopausal women, and AF risk was not associated with estradiol in men after synthesizing available studies.

Conclusion

This study indicates that a higher endogenous DHEAS level was associated with a lower AF risk in men, whereas total testosterone and estradiol were not associated with AF risk. Longitudinal studies with multiple monitoring are needed to further promulgate the relationship between various circulating sex hormones and AF risk.
AAV-mediated gene therapy: Advancing cardiovascular disease treatment
Authors: Zhang Huili , Zhan Qi , Huang Biao , Wang Yigang , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2022

Gene therapy has revolutionized the field of medicine, offering new hope for those with common and rare diseases. For nearly three decades, adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown significant therapeutic benefits in multiple clinical trials, mainly due to its unique replication defects and non-pathogenicity in humans. In the field of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared with non-viral vectors, lentiviruses, poxviruses, and adenovirus vectors, AAV possesses several advantages, including high security, low immunogenicity, sustainable and stable exogenous gene expression etc., which makes AAV one of the most promising candidates for the treatment of many genetic disorders and hereditary diseases. In this review, we evaluate the current information on the immune responses, transport pathways, and mechanisms of action associated with AAV-based CVD gene therapies and further explore potential optimization strategies to improve the efficiency of AAV transduction for the improved safety and efficiency of CVD treatment. In conclusion, AAV-mediated gene therapy has great potential for development in the cardiovascular system.
Effective management of atherosclerosis progress and hyperlipidemia with nattokinase: A clinical study with 1,062 participants
Authors: Chen Hongjie , Chen Jiepeng , Zhang Fuping , Li Yuanhui , Wang Ronghua , Zheng Qiang , Zhang Xu , Zeng Jun , Xu Feng , Lin Yiguang
Published: August 2022

Nattokinase (NK), known as a potent fibrinolytic and antithrombotic agent, has been shown to have antiatherosclerotic and lipid-lowering effects. However, data on human clinical studies are limited. In this clinical study involving 1,062 participants, our objective was to examine the efficacy of NK in atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia and safety at the dose of 10,800 FU/day after 12 months of oral administration. Various factors, including lower doses that influence NK pharmacological actions, were also investigated. We found that NK at a dose of 10,800 FU/day effectively managed the progression of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia with a significant improvement in the lipid profile. A significant reduction in the thickness of the carotid artery intima-media and the size of the carotid plaque was observed. The improvement rates ranged from 66.5 to 95.4%. NK was found to be ineffective in lowering lipids and suppressing atherosclerosis progression at a dose of 3,600 FU/day. The lipid-lowering effect of NK was more prominent in subjects who smoked, drank alcohol, and subjects with higher BMI. Regular exercise further improved the effects of NK. Co-administration of vitamin K2 and aspirin with NK produced a synergetic effect. No noticeable adverse effects associated with the use of NK were recorded. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that atherosclerosis progression and hyperlipidemia can be effectively managed with NK at a dose of 10,800 FU/day. The lower dose of 3,600 FU per day is ineffective. The dose of 10,800 FU/day is safe and well tolerated. Some lifestyle factors and the coadministration of vitamin K2 and aspirin lead to improved outcomes in the use of NK. Our findings provide clinical evidence on the effective dose of NK in the management of cardiovascular disease and challenge the recommended dose of 2,000 FU per day.
The effect of percutaneouS vs. cutdoWn accEss in patients after Endovascular aorTic repair (SWEET): Study protocol for a single-blind, single-center, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Yuhang , Wang Jiarong , Zhao Jichun , Yuan Ding , Weng Chengxin , Wang Tiehao , Huang Bin
Published: August 2022

Background

Endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) have become the first-line treatment for aortic diseases, but current evidence is uncertain regarding whether a percutaneous approach has better outcomes than cutdown access, especially for patient-centered outcomes (PCOs). This study is designed to compare these outcomes of percutaneous access vs. cutdown access after endovascular aortic repair.

Method

The SWEET study is a randomized, controlled, single-blind, single-center non-inferiority trial with two parallel groups in two cohorts respectively. After eligibility screening, subjects who meet the inclusion criteria will be divided into Cohort EVAR or Cohort TEVAR according to clinic interviews. And then participants in two cohorts will be randomly allocated to either intervention groups receiving percutaneous access endovascular repair or controlled groups receiving cutdown access endovascular repair separately. Primary clinician-reported outcome (ClinRO) is access-related complication, and primary patient-centered outcome (PCO) is time back to normal life. Follow-up will be conducted at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months postoperatively.

Discussion

The choice of either percutaneous or cutdown access may not greatly affect the success of EVAR or TEVAR procedures, but can influence the quality of life and patient-centered experience. Given the very low evidence for ClinROs and few data for PCOs, comparison of the percutaneous vs. cutdown access EVAR and TEVAR is essential for both patient-centered care and clinical decision making in endovascular aortic repair.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100053161 (registered on 13th November, 2021).