Dengue in Taiwan: Pointing the finger at Aedes aegypti.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal we explore the history of dengue infection in Taiwan and what current trends have to say about the vector responsible for transmitting the disease on the island. We focus on original research reporting the development of a new perfusion bioreactor to engineer bone from human cord blood stem cells. Finally, we look at trends in osteoporosis in Taiwan and how they highlight the success of public health campaigns.

Tainted air: The link between pollution and Alzheimer's disease.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we learn how air pollution may contribute to cognitive decline and even increase risk for Alzheimer's disease. We also highlight original research documenting the body's response to infection with a common oral pathogen. Finally, we learn how a cellular antioxidant protein protects against mitochondrial dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.

Saliva biomarkers in neurological disorders: A "spitting image" of brain health?

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we learn how biomarkers in saliva may be able to provide insight into the health of the brain and the central nervous system. We also discover how computational modeling can help to identify potential epitopes for vaccine development against Chlamydia, the world's most common sexually transmitted infection.

For better or worse: Immune system involvement in Alzheimer's Disease.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we explore the key role of the immune system in the development of Alzheimer's disease. We also learn more about the link between two disorders related to metabolic imbalances, with findings that could help to inform future screening programs. Finally, we would like to highlight some big news for our journal: the Biomedical Journal will be indexed in the Science Citation Index and receive its first official impact factor from this year.

Microbes are off the menu: Defective macrophage phagocytosis in COPD.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we learn about the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and how defective macrophage phagocytosis may lead to the build up of microbes and pollutants in inflamed lungs. We also focus on new findings that may take us a step closer to full automation in diagnostic bacteriology laboratories. Finally, we highlight the anti-tumor properties of microalgae and the application of algorithms to predict human emotion from electrocardiogram.

Oxidative stress and diabetes: Glucose response in the cROSsfire.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we discuss the emerging role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the development of insulin resistance and ultimately type 2 diabetes. We focus also on research investigating the outcome of in vitro fertilization after laproscopic surgery for ovarian endometriosis. Finally, we learn the results of a study on the hunt for new probiotic bacteria.

Antiviral Properties of Chemical Inhibitors of Cellular Anti-Apoptotic Bcl-2 Proteins.

Viral diseases remain serious threats to public health because of the shortage of effective means of control. To combat the surge of viral diseases, new treatments are urgently needed. Here we show that small-molecules, which inhibit cellular anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins (Bcl-2i), induced the premature death of cells infected with different RNA or DNA viruses, whereas, at the same concentrations, no toxicity was observed in mock-infected cells.

Radiotherapy and the tumor microenvironment: The "macro" picture.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we explore the inner workings of tumor-associated macrophages and seek to understand how these cells can boost or limit the efficacy of radiotherapy, depending on the context. We also highlight a study revealing that staffing patterns in the intensive care unit may affect the outcome of patients with severe sepsis. Finally, we learn how an advanced imaging technique can improve endodontic treatment planning.

Can cannibalizing cancer cells challenge classic cell death classification?

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we learn about a novel are still largely mysterious mechanism of cell death that is challenging classification systems of cell death pathways and could have important implications for future cancer therapy. We also learn of a promising biomarker to stratify patients into risk groups after stroke. Finally, this issue also includes two studies investigating factors that influence outcome after heart surgery.

Make immunological peace not war: Potential applications of tolerogenic dendritic cells.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we explore the powerful immunosuppressive properties of tolerogenic dendritic cells and discuss their potential to bring about lifelong tolerance in transplantation and autoimmune disease. We also highlight an exciting new development in the field of malaria diagnosis that could facilitate early detection of the disease.

Food for thought: Autophagy researcher wins 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

This special edition of the Biomedical Journal honors the awarding of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine to Yoshinori Ohsumi for his pioneering work on elucidating the mechanisms of autophagy. We also highlight a study reporting a new and simple animal model for a widespread surgical technique called interbody spinal fusion. Finally, this issue also includes two articles reporting protocols that could produce specific cell types for cell based therapies.

Pralidoxime and pesticide poisoning: A question of severity?

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we highlight new data supporting the use of pralidoxime in the treatment of cases of organophosphate poisoning, which also suggest that WHO treatment guidelines should be updated. We also learn about a modified surgical technique to repair severe spinal injuries, as well as new insight into the structure of human adenovirus that could inform vaccine development.

The inflammasome: Friend or foe in Chlamydia infection?

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we take a look at the still somewhat perplexing role of the inflammasome in Chlamydia infection. We also highlight findings suggesting a link between structural changes to arteries in the brain and the onset of depression. Finally, we learn about some of the implications of co-morbidity between diabetes and infectious diseases.

Perturbing purinergic signaling: A pathogen's guidebook to counteracting inflammatory responses.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we learn how bacteria and parasites alike counteract inflammatory signaling by manipulating purinergic signaling. We also focus on an original article shedding light on the role of an Epstein-Barr virus encoded gene in metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Finally, we learn about a possible link between Trichomonas vaginalis and recurrent urinary tract infection.

On the road to epigenetic therapy.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we examine how far the explosion of epigenetic studies in recent years has translated to benefits for patients in the clinic, and we highlight an original study suggesting that increased vegetable intake protects against osteoporotic fractures. We also hear several opinions on the use, or perhaps misuse, of Impact Factor and what the future should hold for this publication metric.

The dual role of ROS, antioxidants and autophagy in cancer.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we highlight a review revealing that the effect of autophagy, reactive oxygen species, and antioxidants in cancer may be a question of timing and context. We also discuss original research showing that the prevalence of cleft lip with or without palate in Taiwan has declined over the past 20 years, and what this might mean in terms of trends in abortion. Finally, we also learn about risk factors for recurrent hospital-acquired infection with multi-drug resistant bacteria, and the value of dental screening for patients with tinnitus.

Helicobacter pylori's road to colonization.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal we learn about the virulence factors that have made Helicobacter pylori such a successful pathogen. We also highlight some in vitro findings that may shed light on epithelial-mesenchymal transition that occurs during renal fibrosis. This issue also includes the findings of clinical trials testing the effectiveness of drugs to limit nausea in chemotherapy patients and the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

The two faces of invariant natural killer T cells.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we take a look at some of the immune system's most peculiar cells, invariant natural killer T cells, which have features of both innate and adaptive cells. We also highlight a clinical study revealing that high serum phosphate levels could show that it's time to start dialysis in patients with chronic kidney diseases. Finally, this issue also includes some case reports, including an unusual case of aspergillosis related to long-term inhaler use.

Positive perspectives from proton therapy.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we take a look at some of the benefits of proton therapy, which is an emerging technique in cancer treatment and highlight an animal study, showing that a common fruit ripening agent is toxic when used in excessive doses. Finally, this issue includes reports that shed light on the genetics of stroke and childhood leukemia.

From mishap to model: The origins and utility of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

This special edition of the Biomedical Journal focuses on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, and includes three reviews showing how this model has greatly facilitated our understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis. We also highlight a small single center study which suggests that the use of calcium bone substitutes during core decompression surgery may do more harm than good. Finally, we see how policy changes affect the management of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients and we learn about antibiotic resistance among strains of Streptococcus agalactiae circulating in Taiwan.

The surprising activities of APOBEC3B and 5-fluorouracil.

In this mini-special issue on cancer, we learn how DNA editing enzymes can accelerate the development of cancer and we discover some remarkable effects of the chemotherapeutic agent, 5-fluorouracil, on the immune system. We also discuss a study revealing the continuing problem of vitamin B deficiencies in children in developing countries, and we determine how to distinguish two near-identical forms of necrotizing fasciitis.

Buried treasure: Unlocking the secrets of medicinal mushrooms.

In this issue of the Biomedical Journal, we investigate the potential of plants and fungi as a source of beneficial molecules for human health. We explore the weird and wonderful world of the mushroom and examine how Western medicine still has a lot to learn from Eastern practices dating back thousands of years. We also discuss a study further supporting claims that flaxseed, the plant kingdom's richest source of omega-3 fatty acids, can have lipid-lowering and fat-busting properties in the right physiological context.

Dnmt3b Prefers Germ Line Genes and Centromeric Regions: Lessons from the ICF Syndrome and Cancer and Implications for Diseases.

The correct establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation patterns are critical for mammalian development and the control of normal cell growth and differentiation. DNA methylation has profound effects on the mammalian genome, including transcriptional repression, modulation of chromatin structure, X chromosome inactivation, genomic imprinting, and the suppression of the detrimental effects of repetitive and parasitic DNA sequences on genome integrity. Consistent with its essential role in normal cells and predominance at repetitive genomic regions, aberrant changes of DNA methylation patterns are a common feature of diseases with chromosomal and genomic instabilities.

Germline genes hypomethylation and expression define a molecular signature in peripheral blood of ICF patients: implications for diagnosis and etiology.

Background: Immunodeficiency Centromeric Instability and Facial anomalies (ICF) is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by reduction in serum immunoglobulins with severe recurrent infections, facial dysmorphism, and more variable symptoms including mental retardation. ICF is directly related to a genomic methylation defect that mainly affects juxtacentromeric heterochromatin regions of certain chromosomes, leading to chromosomal rearrangements that constitute a hallmark of this syndrome upon cytogenetic testing. Mutations in the de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B, the protein ZBTB24 of unknown function, or loci that remain to be identified, lie at its origin.