bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2D LDH-MoS2 Clay Nanosheets: Synthesis, Catalase-mimic Capacity, and Imaging-guided Tumor Photo-therapy
Authors: Zhao Jiayan , Wu Hang , Zhao Jiulong , Yin Yichen , Zhang Zhilun , Wang Shige , Lin Kun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Owing to the hypoxia status of the tumor, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during photodynamic therapy (PDT) of the tumor is less efficient. Herein, a facile method which involves the synthesis of Mg-Mn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDH) clay with MoS2 doping in the surface and anionic layer space of LDH was presented, to integrate the photo-thermal effect of MoS2 and imaging and catalytic functions of Mg-Mn-Al LDH. The designed LDH-MoS2 (LMM) clay composite was further surface-coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to maintain the colloidal stability of LMM in physiological environment. A photosensitizer, chlorin e6 (Ce6), was absorbed at the surface and anionic layer space of LMM@BSA. In the LMM formulation, the magnetic resonance imaging of Mg-Mn-Al LDH was enhanced thanks to the reduced and acid microenvironment of the tumor. Notably, the ROS production and PDT efficiency of Ce6 were significantly improved, because LMM@BSA could catalyze the decomposing of the overexpressed H2O2 in tumors to produce oxygen. The biocompatible LMM@BSA that played the synergism with tumor microenvironment is a promising candidate for the effective treatment of cancer.
Enhancement and Extended Release of the Anti-hypertensive Drug Carvedilol using Optimized Ethosomal Gel via Transdermal Route
Authors: Amarachinta Padmanabha Rao , Samed Noufel , Ch. Ananda Kumar , Alle Madhusudhan , Kim Jin-Chul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCarvedilol, a popular anti-hypertensive drug, when orally administered has very poor bioavailability on the account of undergoing hepatic metabolism and therefore it becomes primal to explore an alternative drug delivery route for carvedilol. For a drug to be delivered by undergoing the least number of stages of metabolism and achieve high target specificity, transdermal delivery is the most preferred route. Hence, a study was conducted to test the potential of ethosomes as a candidate for transdermal delivery of carvedilol. A statistical study by using Central Composite Design (CCD) was also conducted for optimizing the quantity of the primary constituents present in the ethosomes. The optimized ethosomal formulation was then incorporated into a hydrogel to prepare the ethosomal gel.ResultsThe optimized formulated ethosomal suspension and the ethosomal gel were undergone physicochemical, compatibility and in-vitro drug release studies along with characterization studies. The incorporation of the ethosomes into the hydrogel proved to be effective for skin application thereby ensuring better transdermal delivery. The optimized ethosomal gel has showed credible physical appearance, spreadability, viscosity and in-vitro drug release. The pharmacodynamic studies conducted on Wister rats revealed that the anti-hypertensive action was gradual and sustained lasting up to a period of 24 hours. The stability studies conducted also showed that prepared formulations maintained its consistency within the range for the measured parameters of physical appearance, rheological properties and entrapment efficiency for a period of 3 months.Conclusions The incorporation of the drug loaded into hydrogel and its effect on regulating systolic blood pressure in a sustained way lasting 24 hours proved to be better than the present available marketed formulation which has a rapid action with the anti-hypertensive effect lasting only for 10 hours. The chosen route for delivering the drug transdermally hence proved to be effective with better enhancement and permeation capability and shows the high potential of ethosomes to be considered for novel delivery of other anti-hypertensive drugs.
Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors and Susceptibility to COVID-19 in Patients With Hypertension: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study in Primary Care
Authors: Haroon Shamil , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Cooper Jennifer , Anand Astha , Gokhale Krishna , Byne Nathan , Dhalla Samir , Acosta-Mena Dionisio , Taverner Thomas , Okoth Kelvin , Wang Jingya , Chandan Joht Singh , Sainsbury Christopher , Zemedikun Dawit Tefra , Thomas G Neil , Parekh Dhruv , Marshall Tom , Sapey Elizabeth , Adderley Nicola J , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
IntroductionRenin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have been postulated to influence susceptibility to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study investigated whether there is an association between their prescription and the incidence of COVID-19 and all-cause mortality.MethodsWe conducted a propensity-score matched cohort study comparing the incidence of COVID-19 among patients with hypertension prescribed ACE inhibitors or ARBs to those treated with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in a large UK-based primary care database (The Health Improvement Network). We estimated crude incidence rates for confirmed/suspected COVID-19 in each drug exposure group. We used Cox proportional hazards models to produce adjusted hazard ratios for COVID-19. We assessed all-cause mortality as a secondary outcome. ResultsThe incidence rate of COVID-19 among users of ACE inhibitors and CCBs was 9.3 per 1000 person-years (83 of 18,895 users [0.44%]) and 9.5 per 1000 person-years (85 of 18,895 [0.45%]), respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.92 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.26). The incidence rate among users of ARBs was 15.8 per 1000 person-years (79 out of 10,623 users [0.74%]). The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.38 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.95). There were no significant associations between use of RAS inhibitors and all-cause mortality. ConclusionUse of ACE inhibitors was not associated with the risk of COVID-19 whereas use of ARBs was associated with a statistically non-significant increase compared to the use of CCBs. However, no significant associations were observed between prescription of either ACE inhibitors or ARBs and all-cause mortality.
A Cysteine-Rich Receptor-Like Protein Kinase CaCKR5 Contributes to Immune Defense Against Ralstonia Solanacearum in Pepper
Authors: Mou Shaoliang , Gao Feng , Zhang Tingting , He Weihong , Meng Qianqian , Guan Deyi , He Shuilin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Cysteine-rich receptor-like kinases (CRKs) represent a large subfamily of receptor-like kinases and have important roles in numerous different physiological processes in plants. Results: CaCRK5 transcripts were observed to accumulate after the inoculation of R. solanacearum and treatment with salicylic acid. The fusion between CaCRK5 and the green fluorescence protein was targeted to the plasma membrane. Suppression of CaCRK5 via virus-induced gene silencing made pepper plants significantly susceptible to R. solanacearum infection, which was accompanied by decreased expression of defense related genes CaPR1, CaSAR8.2, CaDEF1 and CaACO1. Overexpression of CaCRK5 in tobacco conferred increased resistance against R. solanacearum. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation with quantitative real-time PCR analysis verified that a homeodomain zipper I protein CaHDZ27 can bind to the CaCRK5 promoter, and directly active its expression. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses suggested that CaCRK5 could heterodimerize with the homologous member CaCRK6 in the plasma membrane. Conclusions: Our data indicated that CaCRK5 played a positive role in pepper resistance against R. solanacearum infection.
G-Quadruplex Binding Properties of A Potent PARP-1 Inhibitor Derived From 7-Azaindole-1-Carboxamide
Authors: Dallavalle Sabrina , Musso Loana , Artali Roberto , Aviñó Anna , Scaglioni Leonardo , Eritja Ramon , Gargallo Raimundo , Mazzini Stefania 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Poly ADP-ribose polymerases (PARP) are key proteins involved in DNA repair, maintenance as well as regulation of programmed cell death. For this reason they are important therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Recent studies have revealed a close interplay between PARP1 recruitment and G-quadruplex stabilization, showing that PARP enzymes are activated upon treatment with a G4 ligand. In this work the DNA binding properties of a PARP-1 inhibitor derived from 7-azaindole-1-carboxamide, (2-[6-(4-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-1-yl]-acetamide, compound 1) with model duplex and quadruplex DNA oligomers were studied by NMR, CD, fluorescence and molecular modelling. We provide evidence that compound 1 is a strong G-quadruplex binder. In addition we provide molecular details of the interaction of compound 1 with two model G-quadruplex structures: the single repeat of human telomeres, d(TTAGGGT)4, and the c-MYC promoter Pu22 sequence. The formation of defined and strong complexes with G-quadruplex models suggests a dual G4 stabilization/PARP inhibition mechanism of action for compound 1 and provides the molecular bases of its therapeutic potential.
Bilayer ventilated labyrinthine metasurfaces with high sound absorption and tunable bandwidth
Authors: Du Jiayuan , Luo Yuezhou , Zhao Xinyu , Sun Xiaodong , Song Yanan , Hu Xinhua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The recent advent of acoustic metamaterials offers unprecedented opportunities for sound controlling in various occasions, whereas it remains a challenge to attain broadband high sound absorption and free air flow simultaneously. Here, we demonstrated, both theoretically and experimentally, that this problem can be overcome by using a bilayer ventilated labyrinthine metasurface. By altering the spacing between two constituent single-layer metasurfaces and adopting asymmetric losses in them, near-perfect (98.6%) absorption is achieved at resonant frequency for sound waves incident from the front. The relative bandwidth of absorption peak can be tuned in a wide range (from 12% to 80%) by adjusting the open area ratio of the structure. For sound waves from the back, the bilayer metasurface still serves as a sound barrier with low transmission. Our results present a strategy to realize high sound absorption and free air flow simultaneously, and could find applications in building acoustics and noise remediation.
Aphid Endosymbiont Facilitates Virus Transmission by Modulating the Volatile Profile of Host Plants
Authors: Shi xiao-bin , Yan Shuo , Zhang Chi , Zheng Li-Min , Zhang Zhan-hong , Sun Shu-E , Gao Yang , Tan Xin-qiu , Zhang De-yong , Zhou Xuguo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Most plant viruses rely on vectors for their transmission and spread. One of the outstanding biological questions concerning the vector-pathogen-symbiont multi-trophic interactions is the potential involvement of vector symbionts in the virus transmission process. Here, we used a multi-factorial system containing a non-persistent plant virus, cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), its primary vector, green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, and the obligate endosymbiont, Buchnera aphidicola to explore this uncharted territory. Results: Based on our preliminary research, we hypothesized that aphid endosymbiont B. aphidicola can facilitate CMV transmission by modulating plant volatile profiles. Gene expression analyses demonstrated that CMV infection reduced B. aphidicola abundance in M. persicae, in which lower abundance of B. aphidicola was associated with a preference shift in aphids from infected to healthy plants. Volatile profile analyses confirmed that feeding by aphids with lower B. aphidicola titers reduced the production of attractants, while increased the emission of deterrents. As a result, M. persicae changed their feeding preference from infected to healthy plants. Conclusions: We conclude that CMV infection reduces the B. aphidicola abundance in M. persicae. When viruliferous aphids feed on host plants, dynamic changes in obligate symbionts lead to a shift in plant volatiles from attraction to avoidance, thereby switching insect vector’s feeding preference from infected to healthy plants.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Late Blight Resistance Traits in Potato Germplasm Resources
Authors: Wang Fang , Zou Meiling , Zhao Long , Li Huaqing , Xia Zhiqiang , Wang Jian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Potatoes are dicotyledonous plants of the genus Solanum, family Solanaceae, and contain large amounts of starch, proteins, and trace elements required by the human. Potato late blight is the main disease hindering potato production. In this study, Phytophthora infestans were used to quantify late blight resistance in 284 germplasm resources, and resistance genes were mined through genome-wide association analysis.Results: The results showed that among the 284 potato germplasm resources, 37 showed immunity, 15 were highly resistant to late blight, 30 were moderately resistant to late blight, 107 were moderately susceptible to late blight, and 95 were highly susceptible to late blight. Through screening and filtering, 22,489 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and indels were obtained. Through population structure analysis and principal-component analysis, 284 germplasm resources were divided into eight subgroups, which was consistent with the results of the phylogenetic tree analysis. The genetic diversity index of the 284 potato germplasm resources was 0.2161, and the differentiation index of each subgroup was 0.0251-0.1489. A mixed linear model was built to perform an association analysis on the diameter of the lesions identified from isolated leaves of potato affected by late blight. The genes within 100 kb of both sides of the obtained significant SNP loci were searched and functionally annotated, and 18 candidate genes were obtained. Twenty-two candidate genes were obtained from the association analysis of disease resistance grade.Conclusions: 284 potato germplasm resources were used to identify for Phytophthora infestans resistance. The potato germplasm resources were divided into 8 subgroups by population structure analysis, and the main differentiation among subgroups was moderate. Candidate genes were mined by genome-wide association analysis.The results of this study provides the foundation for the genetic improvement of potato varieties resistant to late blight.
Transcriptome Analysis of Resistant and Susceptible Mulberry Responses to Meloidogyne Enterolobii Infection
Authors: hudie Shao , Fu Yu , Zhang Pan , You Chunping , Li Chuanren 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Mulberry is an important crop for sericulture and root-knot nematode infection is a major factor limiting its production. Understanding the interaction mechanism of mulberry and nematode is important for the control of infection. Results: Through sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly from root samples of resistant and susceptible mulberry cultivars at different stages after infection with the nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, we assembled a total of 55,894 unigenes, among which 33,987 were annotated the in Nr, SWISS-PROT, KEGG, and KOG databases. According to GO and pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), key genes were involved in hormone metabolic processes, plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid biosynthesis, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and peroxisomal and photosynthetic pathways. Analysis of key trends in co-expression networks, indicated that expression of unigenes 0015083, 0073272, 0004006, and 0000628 was positively correlated with resistance to M. enterolobii. Unigene 0015083 encodes tabersonine 16-O-methyltransferase, ROMT, which is involved in alkaloid biosynthesis. Unigene 0073272 encodes a transcription factor, which contributes to nitric oxide accumulation during plant immune responses. Unigenes 0004006 and 0000628 encode the ERF and MYB transcription factors, respectively, involved in plant hormone signaling. To verify the accuracy of transcriptome sequencing results, 21 DEGs were selected for RT-qPCR verification; the results confirmed the reliability of the sequencing data. Conclusions: The results of the present study increase understanding of and provide insights into the resistance mechanisms and candidate genes involved in mulberry-M. enterolobii interaction. Thus, our data will contribute to the development of effective control measures against this pathogen.
Extraction Process Optimization, Identification, and Profiling of Phenolic Antioxidant Compounds from the Fruits of Ficus auriculata
Authors: Shahinuzzaman M. , Akhtar Parul , Amin N. , Ahmed Yunus , Anuar Farah , Misran H. , Akhtaruzzaman Md. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this study, the extraction conditions to maximize the antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Ficus auriculata were optimized using response surface methodology. For the purpose of extraction, the Ultrasonic assisted extraction technique was employed. A second-order polynomial model satisfactorily fitted to the experimental findings concerning antioxidant activity (R2 = 0.968, P<0.0001) and total phenolic content (R2 = 0.961, P<0.0001), indicating a significant correlation between the experimental and expected value. The highest antioxidant activity (85.20 ± 0.96 %) for DPPH were achieved at the optimum extraction parameters of 52.5% ethanol (v/v), 40.0 °C temperature, and 22 min extraction time. Alternatively, the highest yield of total phenolic content was found 31.65 ± 0.94 mg GAE/g DF at the optimum extraction conditions. From the LC-ESI-MS profiling of the optimized extract, 18 bioactive compounds were tentatively identified, which may regulate the antioxidant activity of fruits of F. auriculata.
WITHDRAWN: Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi Granule for Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yebei , Yan Zhipeng , Wang Kang , Huang Tianlun , Liu Xin , Xu Gaosi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The present study aims to explore the relative efficacy and safety of Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi (YSHS) granule in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients. Methods: A total of 260 DKD patients with the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) ≥ 30 mg/g and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 were included. 130 patients receiving YSHS plus irbesartan and 130 patients with irbesartan alone. The primary outcomes were included serum creatinine (Scr), 24-hour urinary protein (24h UTP), UACR, and the overall response rate (ORR). The secondary outcomes included fasting blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C). Results: At the end of 12 weeks, compared with the controls, the YSHS group could effectively improve the level of 24h UTP (P = 0.007), UACR (P = 0.001), FBG (P = 0.024), HbA1c (P = 0.005), TC (P = 0.018), TG (P = 0.001), and LDL-C (P = 0.034). The ORR in the YSHS group and control group was 47 % versus 30 % at 12 weeks (P = 0.005), respectively. There was no statistical difference in major adverse reactions between the two groups during treatment.Conclusions: The YSHS granule has significant curative effects on DKD, especially in reducing proteinuria, improving blood glucose and lipid metabolism, with no obvious adverse reactions.
Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen-Based Rapid Diagnostic Kits in Pakistan: Formulation of COVID-19 National Testing Strategy.
Authors: Saeed Umar , Uppal Sara Rizwan , Piracha Zahra Zahid , Rasheed Azhar , Aftab Zubair , Zaheer Hafsah , Uppal Rizwan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 during pandemic enables timely treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Evaluating the accuracy and reliability of rapid diagnostic testing kits is crucial for surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections in general population, injection drug users, multi-transfused populations, healthcare workers, prisoners, barbers and other high risk populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate performance and effectiveness of nasopharyngeal swab (NSP) and saliva based rapid antigen detection testing kits in comparison with USFDA approved triple target gold standard real-time polymerase chain reaction. A cross-sectional sectional study was conducted on 33,000 COVID-19 suspected patients. From RT-PCR positive patients, nasopharyngeal swab (NSP) and saliva samples were obtained for evaluation of rapid COVID-19 testing kits (RDT). 100/33000 (0.3%) of specimens were RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. Among RT-PCR positive, 62% were males, 34% were females, and 4% were children. The NSP-RDT (Lepu Medical China) analysis revealed 53% reactivity among males, 58% reactivity among females, and 25% reactivity among children. However saliva based RDT (Lepu Medical China) analysis showed 21% reactivity among males and 23% among females, and no reactivity in children. False negative results were significantly more pronounced in saliva based RDT as compared to NSP-RDT. The sensitivity of these NSP-RDT and saliva based RDT were 52% and 21% respectively. The RDTs evaluated in this study showed limited sensitivities in comparison to gold standard RT-PCR, indicating that there is a dire need in Pakistan for development of suitable testing to improve accurate COVID-19 diagnosis in line with national demands.
Gametocyte Carriages of Plasmodium falciparum (pfs25) and Plasmodium vivax (pvs25) during Mass Screening and Treatment in West Timor, Indonesia a Longitudinal Prospective Study
Authors: Kosasih Ayleen Alicia , Koepfli Cristian , Dahlan M. Sopiyudin , Hawley William A. , Baird J. Kevin , Mueller Ivo , Lobo Neil F. , Sutanto Inge 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Three rounds of mass screening and treatment (MST) demonstrated no effect on Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax incidence in West Timor, Indonesia. This study nested within that trial evaluated the effect of MST on gametocyte carriage.Methods: Microscopy and PCR diagnostics were applied to study subjects through 3 months of MST involving dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) and primaquine based on infecting Plasmodium species. RT-qPCR targeting the pfs25 and pvs25 sequences was conducted to detect and quantify gametocytes in blood samples of P. falciparum and P. vivax- infected subjects. Data from the baseline and endpoint were compared (p<=0.05 as the significance threshold).Results:Between baseline and endpoint, prevalence remained unchanged for P. falciparum (6%=52/811 versus 7%=50/740, p=0.838) and decreased slightly for P. vivax (24%=192/811 versus 19%=142/740, p=0.035). No significant difference was observed in gametocyte carriage rates for either P. falciparum (43%=19/44 versus 59%=23/39, OR & 95%CI=1.89, 0.72-4.97) or P. vivax (39%=49/125 versus 37%=39/106, OR & 95%CI=0.90, 0.51-1.59). Despite the insignificant differences between the two time points, the majority of positive subjects at the endpoint were newly parasitemic individuals (new infections) (Pf:92%=46/50, Pv: 65%=93/142). This result was similarly demonstrated for the transmissible stage - where new gametocyte carriers dominated endpoint positive subjects (Pf: 96%=22/23, Pv: 95%=37/39). Conclusion:Although three rounds of MST decreased individual parasitemia and gametocytemia based on diagnosis and treatment, this failed to impact malaria prevalence at a population level due to the development of new infected individuals that can sustain transmission. These observations in part explains why MST failed to impact transmission of malaria in this transmission context.