bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) in Migraine
Authors: Ali Md Ashraf , Rahaman Habibur
Published: January 2022

Migraine is the second most primary headache. The prevalence of Migraine is 12% in the general population, including 18% in women and 6% in men. Migraine can start in childhood and adolescence and continue throughout lifespan. It is most prevalent among people in their 30s and 40s. Migraine is a debilitating hemicranial headache that is pulsating, aggravated by movement, nausea, vomiting and having sensitivity to light and sound, with or without aura. It can affect all aspects of life as work and school, parenting and family relationships and personal and leisure time. There are some theory regarding pathogenesis of migraine which includes cortical spreading depression, cortical spreading oligemia, activation of trigeminocervical complex leading to neuroinflammation & release of vasodialating neuropeptides which include calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), nitric oxide (NO), and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) & genetic factor. CGRP is a potent vasodilator and causes perivascular plasma protein extravasation and nociceptive pain. Newer medications target CGRP both for acute and preventive treatment of migraine.

Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2017; Vol.  33 (1): 39-43
A Case of Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dystonia : Epilepsy Mimic
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Najim , Rahaman Habibur , Habib Ahsan , Rizvi Abu Nasir , Bhuiyan Md Moniruzzaman , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: January 2022

Background: We report a rare case of movement disorder Paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonia who was misdiagnosed as Epilepsy and Conversion disorder.

Case report: A 35 -year female presented with episodic painful twisting of her Right hand and arm only when she is awake. These events were triggered by sudden movements and would last several seconds to minutes. Her symptoms were unilateral and her physical and neurological examinations were normal. Treatment with anticonvulsants Oxcarbazepine improved her symptoms.

Conclusion: Although an uncommon movement disorder, it is important to recognize the clinical presentation of Paroxysmal kinesigenic dystonia as most patients respond very well to medical treatment.

Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2017; Vol.  33 (1): 44-46
Association between Chlamydia Pneumonia Seropositivity and Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nur , Dey SubashKanti , Ahmed Anis , Islam Md Rafiqul , Jahan Munira , Rauf Dolan Mohammad Abdur , Hassan Shahadat , Md Rakunuzzaman - , Rashid Mohammad Bazlur
Published: January 2022

Background: Apart from traditional risk factors, infectious agent might contribute to ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Chlamydia pneumonia seropositivity and ischemic stroke.

Methods: 42 ischemic stroke patients diagnosed by history, clinical examination and confirmed by CT scan or MRI of brain selected as case. The same number (42) of age and sex matched subjects having no history or clinical evidence of ischemic stroke were selected as control. Blood samples were collected within 2 to 14 days of ischemic stroke from indoor patients. Controls were collected from both indoor and outdoor patients with neurological disorders other than ischemic stroke. Anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies IgG and IgA were detected by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) in the Department of Virology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

Results: Among the study population, 66.7% of cases and 45.2 % of control patients were seropositive to C. Pneumoniae IgG (OR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.00 - 5.85, p = 0.048). Whereas IgA were positive in 81% of case and 57.1% of control (OR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.19 - 8.52, p = 0.018). Seropositivity to IgA showed more significant results than IgG.

Conclusion: There was a significant association between Chlamydia pneumonia seropositivity both IgG and IgA with ischemic stroke.

Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2017; Vol. 33 (2): 47-54
Association of Serum Uric Acid level in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ahtesam Mohammad Saifullah , Habib Md Ahsan , Islam Md Rafiqul , Khan Md Rezaul Karim , Rahman Hasan Zahidur , Rizvi Abu Nasir , Bhuiyan Md Moniruzzaman , Barman Kanuj Kumar , Showkat Syeeda , Islam Md Monirul , Md Raknuzzaman - , Islam Md Fakrul , Sarker Imran , Hannan MA
Published: January 2022

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans and acts as a natural antioxidant, accounting up to 60% of the free radical scavenging activity in human blood to prevent free radicals induced oxidative cell injury. This study aimed to explore the association between serum uric acid level and cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease patients compared to those of the non-demented age and sex matched controls.

Methods: This case control study was carried out in the department of neurology, BSMMU, Dhaka. Total 116 patients were enrolled as study population after satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among them, 58 were grouped as case and rest 58 were control. All blood samples for serum uric acid were measured in the Biochemistry lab, Department of Biochemistry, BSMMU, Dhaka.

Results: A signiûcant reduction of serum uric acid levels in the AD group was found compared to those of the control group (4.35±1.59 Vs 6.89±1.68) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). We also found a positive correlation between serum uric acid levels with severity of Alzheimer’s disease (rp = 0.633, P<0.001). Among demographic variables educational qualification was statistically significant (p=0.006) in AD patients.

Conclusion: This study showed that oxidative injuries have an important role in the pathogenesis of AD. Higher levels of uric acid are associated with a decreased risk of dementia and better cognitive function later in life.

Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2017; Vol. 33 (2): 83-88
Identification of plant genetic resources affected by shrimp farming in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed MB , Islam MM , Islam MM
Published: January 2022

The main purpose of the study was to identify the plant genetic resources (PGRs) affected by shrimp farming and to determine their magnitude of vulnerability. Data were collected from randomly selected 100 respondents, through personal interview, using an interview schedule, at Dumuria upazila of Khulna district, during 16 November 2009 to 15 February 2010. The fruit PGRs were more affected by shrimp farming than that of timber yielding and other types of PGRs. Among the 18-fruit PGRs available, all were endangered, except indigenous velvet apple, Diospyros peregrine (Gaertn.) Gürke, which was in threatened condition. Among the fruit species, banana, Musa acuminate; guava, Psidium guajava L.; jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.; sapota, Manilkara zapota L. and betel nut, Areca catechu L. were in highly endangered. Among the 17-timber yielding and other plant species, only 7-PGRs were affected by shrimp farming while majority (10-PGRs) had been available in different extents. Among the vulnerable PGRs, bamboo, Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss; flame of the forest, Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf.; teak, Tectona grandis L.f. and banyan, Ficus benghalensis L. were endangered, while Indian ash tree, Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.; ipil-ipil, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit and cool mat, Schumannianthus dichotomus (Roxb.) Gagnep. were in threatened condition. In general, the total fruit trees decreased in numbers (-74.17%) after inception of shrimp farming. On the other hand, the total numbers of timber yielding plants increased by 15.45%. From the overall consideration (irrespective of types), the number of plant population decreased (-58.10%) after inception of shrimp farming. It means that the plant species were affected by shrimp farming and became endangered.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 18-26, Dec 2021
Evaluation of improved hermaphrodite papaya (Carica papaya L.) varieties at Arba Minch, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fikre G , Mensa A
Published: January 2022

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the adaptability of newly released papaya varieties at Chano Mille research site of Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center during 2019-2020 cropping seasons. The three hermaphrodite papaya varieties namely; Braz-HS1, Koka-HM1 and Meki-HL1 were used for the study and laid-out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Data on yield and yield components were collected and analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) through Statistical Analytics System software. The ANOVA results revealed that there were significant variations among papaya varieties for the studied parameters. Significantly, the highest number of fruits plant-1, number of leaves and fruit yield were obtained from Braz-HS1 papaya variety. The fruit yield of Braz-HS1 variety was 46% higher than that of Koka-HM1. In general, Braz-HS1 papaya variety performed (in terms of number of fruits and fruit yield) better than the rest two varieties. Thus, Braz-HS1 papaya variety could be recommended for the papaya growers in the study area and vicinity with similar agro-ecology.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 69-71, Dec 2021
A Case of Severe Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy Caused by Urinary Tract Infection in Obstructive Uropathy
Authors: Mun Bo Gyung , Lee Joo Hoon , Park Young Seo , Jung Jiwon
Published: January 2022

Hyperammonemia is mainly caused by diseases related to liver failure. However, there are also non-hepatic causes of hyperammonemia, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) due to urease-producing organisms. Urease production by these bacteria induces a hydrolysis of urinary urea into ammonia that can cross the urothelial cell membrane and diffuse into blood vessels, leading to hyperammonemia. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of hyperammonemia can lead to lethal encephalopathy that can cause brain damage and life-threatening conditions. In the presence of obstructive uropathy, UTI by urease-producing bacteria can lead to more severe hyperammonemia due to enhanced resorption of ammonia into the systemic circulation. In this report, we present a case of acute severe hyperammonemic encephalopathy leading to brain death due to accumulation of ammonia in blood caused by Morganella morganii UTI in a 10-year-old girl with cloacal anomaly, causing obstructive uropathy even after multiple corrections.
Comparative Analysis of American Academy of Pediatrics and European Society of Hypertension Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Hypertension
Authors: Park Se Jin , Shin Jae Il
Published: January 2022

Childhood hypertension (HTN) has become a significant public health issue because of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. However, childhood HTN is underrecognized and underdiagnosed in clinical practice. The European Society of Hypertension in 2016 and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2017 published updated guidelines for the screening, prevention, and management of pediatric HTN. There were notable differences between the two guidelines as well as many similarities. The updated AAP guidelines have clarified and simplified the recommendations for screening, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood HTN based on current evidence. This review highlights the important developments in both guidelines, focusing on recent advances in the classification and treatment of childhood HTN.
Biomarkers Predicting Treatment-Response in Nephrotic Syndrome of Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Jiwon M. , Ahn Yo Han , Lim Seon Hee , Kang Hee Gyung
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is the most common form of glomerulopathy in children. Most pediatric patients respond to glucocorticosteroid treatment (steroid-sensitive NS, SSNS), while approximately 10–15% will remain unresponsive or later become steroid-resistant. There has been a long-standing effort to find biomarkers that may predict steroid responsiveness.Methods: We systematically reviewed current studies which investigated clinically relevant biomarkers for predicting steroid responsiveness in pediatric NS. We performed a PubMed and EMBASE search to identify eligible articles. We collected data on urinary markers, blood/serum markers (including cellular phenotypes and mRNA expression), genotypes and HLA allele frequency.Results: A total of 659 articles were identified following electronic and manual searches. After reviewing the titles, abstracts, and full texts, 72 eligible articles were finally included. Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) seemed to be significantly elevated in SRNS than in SSNS, in both serum and urine specimen, although further validation is required.Conclusions: The present paper narratively illustrates current understandings of potential biomarkers that may help predict steroid responsiveness. Further investigation and collaboration involving a larger number of patients are necessary.
THE FEMINIST HUNGARIAN FOLKTALE AS POSTMODERN COMBINATORICS – THE ANALYSIS OF CSENGE VIRÁG ZALKA'S STORY-BOOK TITLED RIBIZLI A VILÁG VÉGÉN [CURRANT AT THE END OF THE WORLD]
Authors: BAKA PATRIK
Published: January 2022

In this paper we analyze the first story-book of the internationally renowned contemporary Hungarian storyteller, Csenge Virág Zalka. In the first section we investigate the differences between folktale and literary tale, storyteller and story writer, further-/retold heritage and own creation as well as how the boundaries between them destabilize if we note down the folktale originally living in the oral traditional form. Furthermore, we will be discussing the female horizon prevalent in the Zalkaian tale-variants as well as the all-time topicality of the stories by putting the contemporary social and psychological analogies and taboo-breaking procedures of the tales in the foreground. In the focus of our investigation the Ribizli a világ végén [Currant at the End of the World] stands as a literary creation, which although we (also) analyze with an approach coming from the relevant literature of folktales and remade fairy tales, we do this all the way through the analysis in light of the postmodern text-organizing strategies.
GRADUATED THESIS AS A CHALLENGE FOR MASTER'S STUDENTS: THE CASE OF R. GLIER KYIV MUNICIPAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC
Authors: ZHORNOVA OLHA , ZHORNOVA OLENA , VASYLIUK OLENA , KRYVOSHEIA TETIANA , HUMENIUK VOLODYMYR
Published: January 2022

This study examines the practice of writing graduated theses by students who have participated in music competitions. The research method was a focus group. The reasons for this practice are described. It is proved the student cannot comply with the prescribed procedure for writing graduated these. It is concluded that it is time to legitimize this practice. The basis for legitimizing one recognizes its existence, its acceptance by both students and leaders, the positive effect of its use. Measures to legitimize this practice are proposed.
Effects of Obesity on Mortality and Morbidity in High-Risk Open Heart Surgery Patients
Authors:   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Istanbul, Turkey, Ak Hulya Yilmaz , Ozsahin Yasemin ,   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Istanbul, Turkey, Yesiltas Mehmet Ali ,   Consultant, Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, Haberal Ismail ,   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey, Sandal Baris ,   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine,Department of Biostatistics, Istanbul, Turkey, Yildiz Mustafa ,   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Cardiology, Istanbul, Turkey, Erkalp Kerem ,   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Istanbul, Turkey, Salihoglu Ziya ,   Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cardiology Institute, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Istanbul, Turkey
Published: January 2022

Background: The results of studies on the effect of obesity on mortality and morbidity in cardiac surgery are limited and contradictory. Today, the population of patients referred for open heart surgery is changing, and high-risk patients now represent a significant proportion of surgical candidates. In this study, the effect of obesity on mortality and morbidity in high risk patients in cardiac surgery was investigated retrospectively. Methods: This study was carried out by retrospectively evaluating the data of patients who had undergone adult Open Heart Surgery (OHS) in a university hospital operating room in the last 5 years (2015-2020). A total of 924 patients were examined in the study. The current online version of EuroSCORE (www.euroscore.org) was used and was calculated separately for all patients. The information in the hospital data system, preoperative evaluation forms, anesthesia follow-up slips, perfusion cards and intensive care, nurse follow-up forms of the patients (n = 95) calculated as EuroSCORE ≥ 6 were examined. The patients were divided into two groups as obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30kg / m²) and non-obese (BMI <30kg / m²). Results: In the preoperative data, patients with diabetes mellitus in the obese group were statistically higher than the non-obese group (p=0.018). Mortality rate did not differ according to the groups (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, no additional negative risk of obesity, which is considered to be an important risk factor for heart diseases, on cardiac surgery was determined.
BELA BADERNA – UMA ANÁLISE APÓCRIFA DA OBRA
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, Pessoa Marcelo
Published: January 2022

Beautiful Trouble – tools for revolution”, is a book, whose original title is Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox For Revolution (2012), was translated and published by Ideal Edições (2013). An abridged version of the work was coedited by School of Activism, fragmented and made available to the public on its website. At the beginning of 2022, the title in Portuguese is sold out for purchase and, in this sense, we removed the disassembled version of the book from the School of Activism website, we repackaged it and, to it, we added another Chapter, there entitled “Beautiful Subverted Presentation”. And it is this new Chapter, which has become the present analysis, slightly adapted to the textual typology required here in this Journal. Through an applied review of expressions and sociocultural concepts that transit in social networks and in the journalistic media, in their various platforms, we bring to the reader's attention a series of information that, in an effervescent political-electoral context, such as what we will have in 2022, makes reading this analysis article as necessary as reading the pages of Beautiful Trouble per se.
Архивные свидетельства о происхождении. Письменные и вещественные следы биологического родства в документах Службы защиты детей (Франция, 1995-2015 гг.)
Authors: Марсьяль Аньес
Published: January 2022

На основе исследования, проведенного в архивах французской Службы защиты детей, мы проанализируем письменные и материальные “следы” биологических родителей, сохраняемые в делах детей-отказников или детей, рожденных анонимными матерями. Административные бумаги, письма, фотографии или вещи рассказывают об отношениях, связанных с рождением, их месте в жизни приемных детей и их новых семей, проливая свет на новое явление множественного родительства.
Framed on an investigation in the French Childhood social welfare services, this article analyses the “trac-es” kept within the files of the children born “in the secret” and/or abandoned. The treatment of the admin-istrative documents, letters, pictures or things that have been kept informs the birth relationships concep-tions in adoptive situations, enlightening a new side of contemporary multiparenthood.
Горняцкий национализм, никелевая промышленность и деколонизация в Новой Каледонии
Authors: Деммер Кристина
Published: January 2022

Задача этой статьи – продемонстрировать, что шахты стали для канаков Новой Каледонии опытным полем деколонизации, параллельно с начатой 30 лет назад институциональной деколонизацией. Мы рассмотрим основные этапы и формы завоевания сторонниками независимости главного ресурса архипелага – никеля. Подчеркнем, что взятие ими под контроль мультинационального предприятия – Южнотихоокеанской горнодобывающей компании – глубоко изменило сектор горнодобычи, где новые металлургические гиганты теснят местные предприятия, экспортирующие сырье. Помимо этого, мы проанализируем особенности деколонизации этой заморской “страны” в свете референдумов о самоопределении, завершающих процесс национального освобождения, начатый подписанием Нумейских соглашений 1998 г.
This article aims to explain that the mine in New Caledonia is for the Kanaks a “grassroots experience” of a decolonization initiated at the same time in institutions since about thirty years. It reminds the steps and the shapes of nickel conquest by independentists, which is the main economic resource of the archipelago. It highlights that the control of a multinational – SMSP – has profoundly reconfigured the mining sector, imposing new giant metallurgical firms against local export of ore firms. Based on contemporary mining landscape description, it examines as a mirror effect the singular decolonization situation going on in this ‘Overseas Country’ at the time of self-determination referendums closing the emancipation process acted in the “Nouméa agreement” of 1998.
Политэкономия натрона в регионе Борку (Республика Чад)
Authors: Браше Жюльен , Шиле Юдит
Published: January 2022

Экспорт натрона с главной кустарной выработки в регионе Борку облагается налогом совместно вождем племенного клана и правительственным чиновником. История формирования этого не-устойчивого соглашения показывает, что “вожди” и “государство” нуждаются друг в друге для утверждения своего рода суверенитета над этим регионом. Частный случай налогообложения натрона является показательным для понимания государственного устройства Республики Чад в целом, с его дублированием официальных административных структур традиционными и системой взаимодействия локального и национального уровней политической власти. Статья основана на результатах восьмимесячного полевого исследования обоих авторов на севере Чада в 2012 г., а также на работе в местных и национальных архивах.
Natron is mined by hand in open-air mines throughout the Chadian Sahara. In the main mine in Borkou, it is taxed by a local “traditional chief” as well as by a government representative. The way this fiscal arrangement came about historically shows how “traditional chiefs” and “the state” need each other in order to claim a particular and particularly restricted kind of sovereignty in the region. This is true of the Chadian state more generally, marked by a doubling up of “official” and “traditional” administrative hierarchies, and a close but rarely simple articulation of the local and the national level.
Integrative In Silico Investigation Reveals the Host-Virus Interactions in Repurposed Drugs Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yu Wenhui , Bai Yuxin , Raha Arjun , Su Zhi , Geng Fei
Published: January 2022

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak have posed a significant threat to public health worldwide. Recently Toll-like receptor (TLR) has been proposed to be the drug target of SARS-CoV-2 treatment, the specificity and efficacy of such treatments remain unknown. In the present study we performed the investigation of repurposed drugs via a framework comprising of Search Tool for Interacting Chemicals (STITCH), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), molecular docking, and virus-host-drug interactome mapping. Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were utilized as probes to explore the interaction network that is linked to SARS-CoV-2. 47 drug targets were shown to be overlapped with SARS-CoV-2 network and were enriched in TLR signaling pathway. Molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation determined the direct binding affinity of TLR9 to CQ and HCQ. Furthermore, we established SARS-CoV-2-human-drug protein interaction map and identified the axis of TLR9-ERC1-Nsp13 and TLR9-RIPK1-Nsp12. Therefore, the elucidation of the interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with TLR9 axis will not only provide pivotal insights into SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis but also improve the treatment against COVID-19.
SPRC Suppresses Experimental Periodontitis by Modulating Th17/Treg Imbalance
Authors: Peng Qian , Zhao Bingkun , Lin Jie , Liu Haixia , Zhou Rong , Lan Dongmei , Yao Chao , Cong Shaohua , Tao Shen , Zhu Yizhun , Wang Raorao , Qi Shengcai
Published: January 2022

Object: The aims of the study were to explore the protective effects of S-propargyl-cysteine (SPRC) on periodontitis and to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: A rat periodontitis model was constructed by injecting LPS and SPRC (0, 25, and 50 mg/kg/d) was administered intraperitoneally. H2S and CSE level were detected. The alveolar bone level was evaluated by micro-CT, HE staining and methylene blue staining analysis. Inflammation-related factors, Treg and Th17 cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, Western blot and flow cytometry. Phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2 and CREB were analysed.

Results: The administration of SPRC significantly increased the expression of CSE in the gingival tissue and the concentration of endogenous H2S in the peripheral blood. Simultaneously, SPRC significantly inhibited the resorption of alveolar bone based on the H&E staining, micro-CT and methylene blue staining analysis. Compared with the periodontitis group, the levels of IL-17A, IL-10 were downregulated and IL-6,TGF-β1 were upregulated in the SPRC groups. In the SPRC group, the percentage of TH17 cells and the expression of ROR-γt were downregulated, while the percentage of Tregs and the expression of Foxp3 were upregulated accompanied with inhibition of phosphorylation ERK1/2 and CREB.

Conclusion: SPRC can prevent the progression of periodontitis by regulating the Th17/Treg balance by inhibition of the ERK/CREB signalling pathway.
The Studies in Constructing Yeast Cell Factories for the Production of Fatty Acid Alkyl Esters
Authors: Zhang Yang , Guo Xiao , Yang Huaiyi , Shi Shuobo
Published: January 2022

Fatty acid alkyl esters have broad applications in biofuels, lubricant formulas, paints, coatings, and cosmetics. Traditionally, these esters are mostly produced through unsustainable and energy-intensive processes. In contrast, microbial production of esters from renewable and sustainable feedstocks may provide a promising alternative and has attracted widespread attention in recent years. At present, yeasts are used as ideal hosts for producing such esters, due to their availability for high-density fermentation, resistance to phage infection, and tolerance against toxic inhibitors. Here, we summarize recent development on the biosynthesis of alkyl esters, including fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), fatty acid short-branched chain alkyl esters (FASBEs), and wax esters (WEs) by various yeast cell factories. We focus mainly on the enzyme engineering strategies of critical wax ester synthases, and the pathway engineering strategies employed for the biosynthesis of various ester products. The bottlenecks that limit productivity and their potential solutions are also discussed in this review.
Meiosis-Based Laboratory Evolution of the Thermal Tolerance in Kluyveromyces marxianus
Authors: Wu Li , Lyu Yilin , Wu Pingping , Luo Tongyu , Zeng Junyuan , Shi Tianfang , Zhou Jungang , Yu Yao , Lu Hong
Published: January 2022

Kluyveromyces marxianus is the fastest-growing eukaryote and a promising host for producing bioethanol and heterologous proteins. To perform a laboratory evolution of thermal tolerance in K. marxianus, diploid, triploid and tetraploid strains were constructed, respectively. Considering the genetic diversity caused by genetic recombination in meiosis, we established an iterative cycle of “diploid/polyploid - meiosis - selection of spores at high temperature” to screen thermotolerant strains. Results showed that the evolution of thermal tolerance in diploid strain was more efficient than that in triploid and tetraploid strains. The thermal tolerance of the progenies of diploid and triploid strains after a two-round screen was significantly improved than that after a one-round screen, while the thermal tolerance of the progenies after the one-round screen was better than that of the initial strain. After a two-round screen, the maximum tolerable temperature of Dip2-8, a progeny of diploid strain, was 3°C higher than that of the original strain. Whole-genome sequencing revealed nonsense mutations of PSR1 and PDE2 in the thermotolerant progenies. Deletion of either PSR1 or PDE2 in the original strain improved thermotolerance and two deletions displayed additive effects, suggesting PSR1 and PDE2 negatively regulated the thermotolerance of K. marxianus in parallel pathways. Therefore, the iterative cycle of “meiosis - spore screening” developed in this study provides an efficient way to perform the laboratory evolution of heat resistance in yeast.
Scaffold-Based Tissue Engineering Strategies for Osteochondral Repair
Authors: Fu Jiang-Nan , Wang Xing , Yang Meng , Chen You-Rong , Zhang Ji-Ying , Deng Rong-Hui , Zhang Zi-Ning , Yu Jia-Kuo , Yuan Fu-Zhen
Published: January 2022

Over centuries, several advances have been made in osteochondral (OC) tissue engineering to regenerate more biomimetic tissue. As an essential component of tissue engineering, scaffolds provide structural and functional support for cell growth and differentiation. Numerous scaffold types, such as porous, hydrogel, fibrous, microsphere, metal, composite and decellularized matrix, have been reported and evaluated for OC tissue regeneration in vitro and in vivo, with respective advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, due to the inherent complexity of organizational structure and the objective limitations of manufacturing technologies and biomaterials, we have not yet achieved stable and satisfactory effects of OC defects repair. In this review, we summarize the complicated gradients of natural OC tissue and then discuss various osteochondral tissue engineering strategies, focusing on scaffold design with abundant cell resources, material types, fabrication techniques and functional properties.
Light-Triggered Adhesive Silk-Based Film for Effective Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapy and Rapid Hemostasis
Authors: Huang Tingting , Zhou Zhihao , Li Qiaoyuan , Tang Xiaoxuan , Chen Xiaoli , Ge Yifan , Ling Jue
Published: January 2022

Successful control of massive hemorrhage in deep wounds with irregular shape and low elasticity still remains great challenges in the clinic. As the wound sites are usually at risk of bacterial infection, it is necessary to design an ideal hemostatic agent with rapid hemostasis and excellent antibacterial activity. In this study, we developed a light responsive hemostatic film for effective handling of liver bleeding with promising photodynamic therapy against S. aureus onnear infrared (NIR) irradiation. Based on silk fibroin, the film exhibited desirable biocompatibility and mechanical property as a hemostat tape. Significantly, the film tape achieved excellent tissue adhesion and hemostasis in vivo within 2 min of UV exposure, which would have a great potential as a multifunctional biomedical material in the field of tissue repair such as wound healing, bone repair, and nerve regeneration.
CAMSAP1 Mutation Correlates With Improved Prognosis in Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Yi Yonglin , Qiu Zhengang , Yao Zifu , Lin Anqi , Qin Yimin , Sha Ruizhan , Wei Ting , Wang Yanru , Cheng Quan , Zhang Jian , Luo Peng , Shen Weitao
Published: January 2022

Platinum-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, due to patients developing a resistance to the drug, most experience relapse and their cancer can become untreatable. A large number of recent studies have found that platinum drug sensitivity of various cancers is affected by specific gene mutations, and so with this study, we attempted to find an effective genetic biomarker in SCLC patients that indicates their sensitivity to platinum-based drugs. To do this, we first analyzed whole exome sequencing (WES) and clinical data from two cohorts to find gene mutations related to the prognosis and to the platinum drug sensitivity of SCLC patients. The cohorts used were the Zhujiang cohort (N = 138) and the cohort reported by George et al. (N = 101). We then carried out gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to investigate possible molecular mechanisms through which these gene mutations affect patient prognosis and platinum drug sensitivity. We found that for SCLC patients, CAMSAP1 mutation can activate anti-tumor immunity, mediate tumor cell apoptosis, inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), improve prognosis, and improve platinum drug sensitivity, suggesting that CAMSAP1 mutation may be a potential biomarker indicating platinum drug sensitivity and patient prognosis in SCLC.
The Function, Regulation and Mechanism of Programmed Cell Death of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Chang , Jiang Zecheng , Pan Zhongjie , Yang Liang
Published: January 2022

Atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive inflammatory vascular disease, which is an important pathological basis for inducing a variety of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. As a kind of inflammatory cells, macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in atherosclerotic plaques and participate in the whole process of atherosclerosis and are the most abundant immune cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Recent studies have shown that programmed cell death plays a critical role in the progression of many diseases. At present, it is generally believed that the programmed death of macrophages can affect the development and stability of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques, and the intervention of macrophage death may become the target of atherosclerotic therapy. This article reviews the role of macrophage programmed cell death in the progression of atherosclerosis and the latest therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage death within plaques.
The Crosstalk Between Malignant Cells and Tumor-Promoting Immune Cells Relevant to Immunotherapy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Xuefei , Luo Ziwei , Ren Xuechen , Chen Zhihang , Bao Xiaoqiong , Zheng Jianghua , Zuo Zhixiang
Published: January 2022

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is dominated by an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which makes immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) often non-responsive. Understanding the mechanisms by which PDAC forms an immunosuppressive microenvironment is important for the development of new effective immunotherapy strategies.

Methods: This study comprehensively evaluated the cell-cell communications between malignant cells and immune cells by integrative analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing data and bulk RNA sequencing data of PDAC. A Malignant-Immune cell crosstalk (MIT) score was constructed to predict survival and therapy response in PDAC patients. Immunological characteristics, enriched pathways, and mutations were evaluated in high- and low MIT groups.

Results: We found that PDAC had high level of immune cell infiltrations, mainly were tumor-promoting immune cells. Frequent communication between malignant cells and tumor-promoting immune cells were observed. 15 ligand-receptor pairs between malignant cells and tumor-promoting immune cells were identified. We selected genes highly expressed on malignant cells to construct a Malignant-Immune Crosstalk (MIT) score. MIT score was positively correlated with tumor-promoting immune infiltrations. PDAC patients with high MIT score usually had a worse response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapy.

Conclusion: The ligand-receptor pairs identified in this study may provide potential targets for the development of new immunotherapy strategy. MIT score was established to measure tumor-promoting immunocyte infiltration. It can serve as a prognostic indicator for long-term survival of PDAC, and a predictor to ICB immunotherapy response.
Adipose Stem Cell-Based Treatments for Wound Healing
Authors: Zeng Ning , Chen Hongbo , Wu Yiping , Liu Zeming
Published: January 2022

Wound healing is one of the most complex physiological regulation mechanisms of the human body. Stem cell technology has had a significant impact on regenerative medicine. Adipose stem cells (ASCs) have many advantages, including their ease of harvesting and high yield, rich content of cell components and cytokines, and strong practicability. They have rapidly become a favored tool in regenerative medicine. Here, we summarize the mechanism and clinical therapeutic potential of ASCs in wound repair.
Revisiting the Past to Understand the Present: The Linguistic Ecology of the Singapore Deaf Community and the Historical Evolution of Singapore Sign Language (SgSL)
Authors: Tay Phoebe , Ng Bee Chin
Published: January 2022

Singapore, a young nation with a colonial past from 1819, has seen drastic changes in the sociolinguistic landscape, which has left indelible marks on the Singapore society and the Singapore deaf community. The country has experienced many political and social transitions from British colonialism to attaining independence in 1965 and thereafter. Since independence, English-based bilingualism has been vigorously promoted as part of nation-building. While the roles of the multiple languages in use in Singapore feature prominently in the discourse on language planning, historical records show no mention of how these impacts on the deaf community. The first documented deaf person in archival documents is a Chinese deaf immigrant from Shanghai who established the first deaf school in Singapore in 1954 teaching Shanghainese Sign Language (SSL) and Mandarin. Since then, the Singapore deaf community has seen many shifts and transitions in education programming for deaf children, which has also been largely influenced by exogeneous factors such as trends in deaf education in the United States A pivotal change that has far-reaching impact on the deaf community today, is the introduction of Signing Exact English (SEE) in 1976. This was in keeping with the statal English-based bilingual narrative. The subsequent decision to replace SSL with SEE has dramatic consequences for the current members of the deaf community resulting in internal divisions and fractiousness with lasting implications for the cohesion of the community. This publication traces the origins of Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) by giving readers (and future scholars) a road map on key issues and moments in this history. Bi- and multi-lingualism in Singapore as well as external forces will also be discussed from a social and historical perspective, along with the interplay of different forms of language ideologies. All the different sign languages and sign systems as well as the written/spoken languages used in Singapore, interact and compete with as well as influence each other. There will be an exploration of how both internal factors (local language ecology) and external factors (international trends and developments in deaf education), impact on how members of the deaf community negotiate their deaf identities.
Quantum-Inspired Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Wirsching Günther
Published: January 2022

Reasonable quantification of uncertainty is a major issue of cognitive infocommunications, and logic is a backbone for successful communication. Here, an axiomatic approach to quantum logic, which highlights similarity to and differences to classical logic, is presented. The axiomatic method ensures that applications are not restricted to quantum physics. Based on this, algorithms are developed that assign to an incoming signal a similarity measure to a pattern generated by a set of training signals.
RETRACTED: Prevalence, Predictors, and Clinical Presentation of Acute Pericardial Effusion Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Zhao Bei , Zhang Jie , Li Yun , Feng Xueyao , Mao Shuai , Yin Zhao , Liu Li , Song Dapeng , Wang Shouli
Published: January 2022

Background: Iatrogenic pericardial effusion (PE) has been demonstrated to lead to cardiac injury as a sign of systemic inflammatory response.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the anatomical characteristics and clinical presentation associated with PE after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by using echocardiography.

Methods: The clinical outcomes of all patients with coronary artery disease who underwent PCI from July 2014 to December 2018 were evaluated. The quantitative and qualitative analyses of PE were performed. The associations between the presence of PE and procedural factors were also evaluated.

Results: A total of 882 patients were enrolled. PE was found in 144 patients (16.3%) and was mostly located in the anterior pericardium at low amounts. The serum levels of high-sensitive C-reaction protein before PCI and troponin T in the group with PE after PCI were significantly higher than those in the group without PE (p < 0.0001). The presence of PE was associated with the procedural time (OR = 1.02, p = 0.035) and the degree of interventional complexity (multiple vessels OR = 1.89, p = 0.014; chronic total occlusion OR = 2.04, p = 0.005; and PCI with rotational atherectomy OR = 1.15, p = 0.011) independent of the number of culprit vessels and stents. During 1-year follow-up, a significantly higher number of cardiac deaths (3) and myocardial infarctions (8) occurred in patients with PE than in patients without PE (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Post-PCI acute PE was frequent, generally mild, mainly asymptomatic, and independently associated with procedural time and complexity. This effusion, which is considered as a cardiac damage marker, could be a predominant clinical sign for long-term prognosis.
Case Report: Hematoma Formation After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Rupture
Authors: Liang Weitao , Yue Honghua , Zhang Tailong , Wu Zhong
Published: January 2022

We report a case of hematoma formation in the right coronary artery after spontaneous rupture. A 48-year-old female patient was admitted with a suspected right cardiac mass. Despite diagnostic work-up, the dignity of the mass could not be determined. Due to acute clinical symptoms, explorative surgery was decided and performed. Hereby, the mass was partially incised, and thrombus-like tissue was detected without active bleeding. We described the challenges during the diagnostic process, and the diagnosis was finally made according to a multimodality approach. For further assessment, we reviewed related literature and highlighted the importance of coronary angiography in the preoperative evaluation of such patients. The therapy may vary according to the location and size of such lesions.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Acts as an Independent Risk Factor for Intracranial Atherosclerosis in Women Less Than 60 Years Old
Authors: Guo Yinjie , Xu Canxia , Zhang Linfang , Chen Zhiheng , Xia Xiujuan
Published: January 2022

Background: Studies show inconsistent results regarding the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and stroke. The present study assessed a potential association between H. pylori infection and an important risk factor for stroke, intracranial atherosclerosis.

Methods: In total, 15,798 subjects with transcranial Doppler (TCD) and 13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT) were enrolled from March 2012 to March 2017. Intracranial atherosclerosis was further measured using intracranial carotid artery calcification (ICAC) on past or recent head CT, and 14,084 subjects were ultimately included in the study. Baseline demographics, atherosclerosis risk factors, and laboratory results were investigated. Since endothelial dysfunction is critical to the development of atherosclerosis, the role of H. pylori in migration, tube formation, and proliferation of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) was assessed in vitro.

Results: The intracranial atherosclerosis group had a higher proportion of women and a greater rate of H. pylori infection than those without intracranial atherosclerosis. H. pylori infection was significantly more common in women with intracranial atherosclerosis than males. In addition, the incidence of intracranial atherosclerosis was significantly higher in women with H. pylori infection than uninfected women (53.8 vs. 46.4%, p < 0.001). In an adjusted model, H. pylori was shown to be an independent risk factor for intracranial atherosclerosis in women ≤ 60 years of age [odds ratio (OR) = 2.261, 95% CI = 1.839–2.780, p < 0.001]. Serum exosomes from patients with H. pylori infection had significantly reduced brain endothelial cell migration, tube formation, and proliferation in vitro.

Conclusion:Helicobacter pylori infection may be an important independent risk factor for intracranial atherosclerosis in women ≤ 60 years of age.
The 4.2 ka Event and the End of the Maltese “Temple Period”
Authors: Groucutt Huw S. , Carleton W. Christopher , Fenech Katrin , Gauci Ritienne , Grima Reuben , Scerri Eleanor M. L. , Stewart Mathew , Vella Nicholas C.
Published: January 2022

The small size and relatively challenging environmental conditions of the semi-isolated Maltese archipelago mean that the area offers an important case study of societal change and human-environment interactions. Following an initial phase of Neolithic settlement, the “Temple Period” in Malta began ∼5.8 thousand years ago (ka), and came to a seemingly abrupt end ∼4.3 ka, and was followed by Bronze Age societies with radically different material culture. Various ideas concerning the reasons for the end of the Temple Period have been expressed. These range from climate change, to invasion, to social conflict resulting from the development of a powerful “priesthood.” Here, we explore the idea that the end of the Temple Period relates to the 4.2 ka event. The 4.2 ka event has been linked with several examples of significant societal change around the Mediterranean, such as the end of the Old Kingdom in Egypt, yet its character and relevance have been debated. The Maltese example offers a fascinating case study for understanding issues such as chronological uncertainty, disentangling cause and effect when several different processes are involved, and the role of abrupt environmental change in impacting human societies. Ultimately, it is suggested that the 4.2 ka event may have played a role in the end of the Temple Period, but that other factors seemingly played a large, and possibly predominant, role. As well as our chronological modelling indicating the decline of Temple Period society in the centuries before the 4.2 ka event, we highlight the possible significance of other factors such as a plague epidemic.