bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amphipathic Dendritic Poly-peptides Carrier to Deliver Antisense Oligonucleotides Against Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Chen Zhou , Hu Yue , Mao Xinggang , Nie Dan , Zhao Hui , Hou Zheng , Li Mingkai , Meng Jingru , Luo Xiaoxing , Xue Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Outbreaks of infection due to multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially gram-negative bacteria, have become a global health issue in both hospitals and communities. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) based therapeutics hold a great promise for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, ASOs therapeutics are strangled because of its low cell penetration efficiency caused by the high molecular weight and hydrophilicity.Results: Here, we designed a series of dendritic poly-peptides (DPP1 to DPP12) to encapsulate ASOs to form DSPE-mPEG2000 decorated ASOs/DPP nanoparticles (DP-AD1 to DP-AD12) and observed that amphipathic DP-AD2, 3, 7 or 8 with a positive charge ≥ 8 showed great efficiency to deliver ASOs into bacteria, but only the two histidine residues contained DP-AD7 and DP-AD8 significantly inhibited the bacterial growth and the targeted gene expression of tested bacteria in vitro. DP-AD7anti-acpP remarkably increased the survival rate of septic mice infected by ESBLs-E. coli, exhibiting strong antibacterial effects in vivo.Conclusions: For the first time, we designed DPP as a potent carrier to deliver ASOs for combating MDR bacteria and demonstrated essential features, namely, amphipathicity, 8–10 positive charges, and 2 histidine residues, that are required for efficient DPP based delivery, and provide a novel approach for the development and research of the antisense antibacterial strategy.
Biochemical Signatures in Growth Hormone Deficiency: a Pilot Study Using Metabolomics Approaches by Direct Infusion-mass Spectrometry
Authors: De San-Martin Breno , Ferreira Vinícius , Bitencourt Mariana , Pereira Paulo Cesar , Furtado Danielle , Ferreira Rodolfo , Carrilho Emanuel , Carvalho Luciani , Assunção Nilson 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The discovery of biomarkers to detect growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and monitor growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) remains challenging. Among “omics” technologies used for screening biomarkers, metabolomics stands out as a powerful tool for large-scale identification and quantification of small molecules present in biological matrixes. Metabolomic profiles allow us to infer the phenotypic state; therefore, metabolomics is a great ally in investigating biomarkers and understanding biological processes. Methods: In this study, global metabolomics (N = 39; range scan 50-600 m/z) and lipidomics (N = 36; range scan 50-1500 m/z) approaches were performed by high-resolution direct infusion-mass spectrometry. Partial least-square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models were used for data-driven diagnosis of GHD and evaluation of GHRT (VIP score >1.5). Cross-validation, permutation test, and ROC curves confirmed the predictive accuracy of PLS-DA models. The features were annotated using accurate mass measurements matched against the metabolomics database. Results: Data analysis revealed changes in the class of proteinogenic/glycogenic acids, carnitines, n-acyl-amines, unsaturated fatty acids, and sulfur amino acids, and pathway analyzes revealed changes in glycerophospholipid metabolism. Regardless of GH therapy, GHD individuals remain with changes in lipids and amino acids compared to healthy control. Conclusion: GHRT influences the metabolism status of GHD patients in order to compensate for dysregulations caused by GHD. The data has corroborated the action of GHRT and indicated new potential biomarkers for treatment follow-up.
Unravelling the genetic architecture of grain quality traits under optimum and low-nitrogen stress conditions using tropical maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm
Authors: Ndlovu Noel , Spillane Charles , McKeown Peter C. , Cairns Jill E. , Das Biswanath , Gowda Manje 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Soils in sub-Saharan Africa are nitrogen deficient due to low fertilizer use and inadequate soil fertility management practices. This has resulted in a significant yield gap for the major staple crop maize, which is undermining nutritional security and livelihood sustainability across the region. Dissecting the genetic basis of grain protein, starch and oil content under nitrogen-starved soils can increase our understanding of the governing genetic systems and improve the efficacy of future breeding schemes. An association mapping panel of 410 inbred lines and four bi-parental populations were evaluated in field trials in Kenya and South Africa under optimum and low nitrogen conditions and genotyped with 259,798 SNP markers. Genetic correlations demonstrated that these populations may be utilized to select higher performing lines under low nitrogen stress. Furthermore, genotypic, environmental and GxE variations in nitrogen-starved soils were found to be significant for oil content. Broad sense heritabilities ranged from moderate (0.18) to high (0.86). Under low nitrogen stress, GWAS identified 42 SNPs linked to grain quality traits. These significant SNPs were associated with 51 putative candidate genes. Linkage mapping identified multiple QTLs for the grain quality traits. Under low nitrogen conditions, average prediction accuracies across the studied genotypes were higher for oil content (0.78) and lower for grain yield (0.08). Our findings indicate that grain quality traits are polygenic and that using genomic selection in maize breeding can improve genetic gain. Furthermore, the identified genomic regions and SNP markers can be utilized for selection to improve maize grain quality traits.
Exploring the Role of WRKY Transcription Factor in the Growth and Development of Bletilla striata based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Li Qingqing , Huang Ceyin , Liu Chaobo , Jia Xueyan , Wen Weie , Li Lin , He Yihuai , Xu Delin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
WRKY type transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in the growth and development of plants. However, a comprehensive analysis of the WRKY family members in a valuable Chinese herbal orchid, Bletilla striata, or in other orchids, is limited. In this study, WRKY gene family was screened out from the transcriptome data of Bletilla striata by bioinformatics method. The 29 WRKY TFs that were identified from the B. striata genome and named BsWRKY1 to BsWRKY29 were divided into three clades: group Ⅰ (involving 8 WRKY sequences), group Ⅱ (18) and group Ⅲ (3), in which group Ⅱ was further divided into 5 subgroups: Ⅱ-a (involving 1 WRKY sequences), Ⅱ-b (5), and Ⅱ-c (3), Ⅱ-d (7), Ⅱ-e (3). EST-SSR marker mining test showed that 10 markers could be stably amplified with obvious polymorphisms among 4 landraces. Our data suggest that BsWRKY genes may work together to regulate plant growth and development. In different subcellular locations, BsWRKY genes not only played its own functions, but also coordinated the regulation of the whole life activities. Taken together, these results provided a theoretical basis for further studies on the gene functions and regulatory mechanisms of what in B. striata.
Fabricating a Low-cost and Low-immune Xenogeneic Aortic Valve Bio Prosthesis
Authors: Walawalkar Sonal , Almelkar Shahdab , Christoforidis Savvas , Rath Subha N 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCardiac valve replacement is the only available treatment for end-stage valvular dysfunction patients. In this treatment, among the available choices of valves, the bio-prosthetic valves are better than the mechanical ones in terms of hemodynamic and infection-resistant properties. However, they tend to fail with time, posing a catastrophic event. This study focuses on fabricating the heart valve to eliminate the flaws of bio-prosthetic valves. MethodsPerfusion-based decellularization method was adapted for decellularisation to the sheep heart. Further, decellularised aortic valves were cross-linked with 0.2% Glutaraldehyde (Group C). ResultsAll valves were tested for biochemical and molecular assays including biomechanical tensile testing. Histology, SEM showed a complete lack of cells with intact matrix for decellularised groups. The fibrin glue coated valves leaflet scaffolds showed remodeling of the cells as per the matrix (plasticity). Characterization studies emphasized the cellular behaviour onto matrigel assay, live-dead assay, and the expression of vWF, glycocalyx lectin. ConclusionsThis study focuses on fabricating a re-endothelialized xenogeneic aortic valve leaflet using cross-linking reaction to mask antigenicity of the host proteins (low-immune humanized) and avoid post-implantation cross-reaction.
The Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 in Spinal Cord Ischemia- Reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Fang Te , Chen Fengshou , Wang Dan , Zhang Zaili 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Neuronal survival after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCII) is a major factor affecting the motor function. Recently, matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) plays an important role in a variety of diseases, but the specific role of MMP-7 in SCII remains unclear. This paper aims to further investigate the role of MMP7 in SCII.Methods: We built the SCII model by clipping the aortic arch for 14 minutes. The RNA and protein expression of MMP-7 was detected by Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) during the groups. The co-localization of major cell types and MMP-7 in the spinal cords was detected by Immunofluorescence staining. To further study the specific mechanism, rats were intrathecally pretreated with si-MMP7 or negative control (NC) siRNA 3 days before clipping the aortic arch for 14 minutes. The Tarlov criteria and Haematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect neurological function and histological assessment. Western blot, PCR and Immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the effect of silencing MMP-7.Results: The expression of MMP-7 RNA and protein increased both at 12 h and 24 h after SCII. At 24 h after SCII, the expression of MMP-7 RNA reached its maximum amount. Compared with the sham group, MMP-7 fluorescent expression in the SCII group greatly enhanced, and MMP-7 fluorescence was mainly co-expressed with neuronal nuclei (NeuN) fluorescence. The Tarlov scores and number of intact neurons were increased by pre-treatment with si-MMP7. Pre-treatment with si-MMP7 could also decrease the expression of MMP-7, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cleaved caspase-3 and reduce the MMP-7 expression in neurons. Conclusions: Silencing MMP-7 protected the rats against SCII by inhibiting the neuroapoptosis and inflammation. Silencing MMP-7 could be a hopeful therapeutic treatment after SCII.
Studying Effects of Laser Penetration-Depth and Temperature on the Stability of Gabapentin-Loaded Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Wei Zhenli , Tayebee Reza , Koushki Ehsan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Herein, release of gabapentin molecules from gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is studied by using two kinds of laser beams. The first is a green laser, which matches well with the frequency of the Au NPs’ SPR and the second is a red laser that has the longest penetration depth in the tissue. Au NPs are synthesized by the Turkevich method and characterized with different techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, TEM, UV-VIS, and DLS. Then, the effects of two green and red lasers as well as temperature are investigated in the delivery of gabapentin drug molecules from Au NPs. Slices of chicken breast muscle with different thicknesses are also used in order to disclose an experimental condition close to the in vivo study. The drug release amount is, then, correlated with the return of the absorption-peak to its primary position. The effects of temperature and penetration depth of the laser beam investigated on the UV-VIS spectrum of Au NPs and the results are compared to attain the best release conditions. It is found that although the green laser is better than the red one to stimulate the SPR of Au NPs, however, the red laser is preferred for the drug delivery purposes due to its greater penetration depth. Also, increasing the temperature of the capped nanocolloid enhances the rate of drug release by the laser irradiation. Therefore, this investigation is helpful to understand the effect of temperature and a red laser beam on different metallic nanoparticles carrying drug molecules.
Imaging of Neuroinflammation Due to Repetitive Head Injury in Currently Active Kickboxers
Authors: Stormezand Gilles N. , Doorduin Janine , Rakers Sandra E. , Spikman Joke M. , Naalt Joukje van der , García David Vállez , Hoorn Anouk van der , Weijden Chris W.J. van der , Kremer Berry P.H. , Renken Remco J. , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
PURPOSEChronic traumatic encephalopathy refers to a neurodegenerative disease resulting from repetitive head injury of participants in contact sports. Similar to other neurodegenerative diseases, neuroinflammation is thought to play a role in the onset and progression of the disease. Limited knowledge is regarding the neuroinflammatory consequences of repetitive head injury in currently active contact sports athletes. PET imaging of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) allows quantification of microglial activation in vivo, a marker of neuroinflammation. METHODS11 rank A kickboxers and 11 age matched controls underwent TSPO PET using [11C]-PK11195, anatomical MRI, diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological testing. Relevant imaging parameters were derived an correlated with the outcomes on the neuropsychological testing.RESULTSOn a group level, no statistically significant differences were detected in non displacable binding potential (BPND) using PET. DTI parameters did not differ between groups. Individually, 3 kick boxers showed increased BPND’s in widespread regions of the brain without a correlation with other modalities.CONCLUSIONDespite negative results on a group level, individual results suggest that neuroinflammation may be present as a consequence of repetitive head injury in active kickboxers. Future studies using a longitudinal design may determine whether the observed TSPO upregulation is related to the future development of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Equisetum Hyemale - Derived Unprecedented Bioactive Composite for Hard and Soft Tissues Engineering
Authors: Silva Rosangela Maria da Costa e , Diniz Ivana Márcia , Gomes Natália , Silva Guilherme Jorge , Ferreira Jose , Filho Rubens Freitas , Freitas Erico Tadeu , Martins Darliane , Domingues Rosana , Andrade Ângela 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Although Bioactive Glasses (BG) has been progressively optimized, their preparation still uses toxic reagents and calcination at high temperatures to remove organic solvents. The drawbacks related to the BG synthesis were overcome by treating the ashes from the Equisetum hyemale plant in an ethanol/water solution to develop a bioactive composite [glass/carbon (BG-Carb)]. The BG-Carb was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and its chemical composition was assessed by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) gas adsorption analysis showed a specific surface area of 121 m2 g-1. The formation of hydroxyapatite (HA) surface layer in vitro was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)analyse before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. The Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analyses confirmed HA in the sample before the immersion in SBF solution and after immersion in SBF solution; and increase of the HA layer on the sample surface, after the immersion in SBF solution. The BG-Carb samples showed no cytotoxicity on MC3T3-E1 cells and osteo-differentiation capacity similar to the positive control. Altogether, the BG-Carb material data reveals a promising plant waste-based candidate for hard and soft tissue engineering.
Distribution of Pfmdr 1 and Kelch 13 Genes Among the Children 5 Years and Below Attending a Secondary Health Facility, South-West, Nigeria.
Authors: Afolabi Olajide Joseph , Oluwafemi Rosena Olubanke , Oniya Mobolanle Oladipo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Malaria is a major public health concern in some part of the world especially in the tropical Africa where children are more vulnerable. The occurrence of resistant gene in Plasmodium falciparum to some antimalarial drugs could increase the malaria morbidity and mortality among the children. The study evaluates the distribution of P. falciparum resistant kelch protein gene on chromosome 13 (PfKelch 13) and multidrug resistant (Pfmdr1) mutant genes among children aged five years and below who attended Mother and Child Hospital, Akure, Nigeria. Methods: Thin and thick smears were prepared from the blood collected aseptically through venepuncture from five hundred (500) children (age 5years and below). Two hundred (200) malaria positive samples were randomly selected from the 500 samples for PCR analysis to detect Pfmdr1 and Kelch 13 mutant genes from the positive samples. Discussion: The results showed that of the 500 respondents who gave their consent to participate in the study, 288 (57.6%) were males while 212 (42.4%) were females. The distribution of Pfmdr1 are; mixed group (mutant/wild) 38.5% (77/200), mutant gene 35.5% (71/200), wild gene 20.5% (41/200) and the resistant genes were absent in 5.5% (11/200) of the infected children. The mixed group of Pfmdr1 gene was higher among infants (51.9%), male (44.3%), children with birth order 4 (60.0%) and children that have blood group B (51.3%), however, there is no significant difference in the distribution of Pfmdr1 between gender (χ2 = 0.634, df = 1, p>0.05). There was a point mutation in the codon position 557 where the amino acid Alanine was replaced by Serine in the PfK13. The research revealed high prevalence of Pfmdr1 mutant genes and point mutation in the PfK13 gene of P. falciparum among children which may be as a result of treatment of malaria with different antimalarial drugs which the parasite has developed resistance against. It is therefore important to administer other malaria drugs apart from the drugs the parasite has developed resistance against.
Optimized Weight Programming for Analogue Memory-based Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Mackin Charles , Rasch Malte , Chen An , Timcheck Jonathan , Bruce Robert , Narayanan Pritish , Ambrogio Stefano , Gallo Manuel Le , Rajaleksh Nandakumar , Fasoli Andrea , Luquin Jose , Friz Alexander , Sebastian Abu , Tsai HsinYu , Burr Geoffrey 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Analogue memory-based Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) provide energy-efficiency and per-area throughput gains relative to state-of-the-art digital counterparts such as graphic processing units (GPUs). Recent advances focus largely on hardware-aware algorithmic training and improvements in circuits, architectures, and memory device characteristics. Optimal translation of software-trained weights into analogue hardware weights---given the plethora of complex memory non-idealities---represents an equally important goal in realizing the full potential of this technology. We report a generalized computational framework that automates the process of crafting complex weight programming strategies for analogue memory-based DNNs, in order to minimize accuracy degradations during inference, particularly over time. This framework is agnostic to DNN structure and is shown to generalize well across Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs), and Transformer networks. Being a highly-flexible numerical heuristic, our approach can accommodate arbitrary device-level complexity, and is thus broadly applicable to a variety of analogue memories and their continually evolving device characteristics. Interestingly, this computational technique is capable of optimizing inference accuracy without the need to run inference simulations or evaluate large training, validation, or test datasets. Lastly, by quantifying the limit of achievable inference accuracy given imperfections in analogue memory, weight programming optimization represents a unique and foundational tool for enabling analogue memory-based DNN accelerators to reach their full inference potential.
Equus roundworms (Parascaris univalens) are undergoing rapid divergence due to host and environment factors
Authors: Han Lei , Lan Tianming , Lu Yaxian , Zhou Mengchao , Li Haimeng , Lu Haorong , Wang Qing , Li Xiuyun , Du Shan , Guan Chunyu , Zhang Yong , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Qian Puyi , Zhang Shaofang , Zhou Hongcheng , Guo Wei , Chai Hongliang , Wang Sibo , Liu Quan , Liu Huan , Hou Zhijun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

The evolution of parasites is often directly affected by the host's environment. Studies on the evolution of the same parasites in different hosts are extremely attractive and highly relevant to our understanding of divergence and speciation.
Methods

Here we performed whole genome sequencing of Parascaris univalens from different Equus hosts (horses, zebras and donkeys). Phylogenetic and selection analysis was performed to study the divergence and adaptability of P. univalens.
Results

At the genetic level, multiple lines of evidence support that P. univalens were mainly separated into two clades (Horse-derived and Zebra & Donkey-derived). This divergence began at 300-1000 years ago, and we found that most of the key enzymes related to glycolysis were under strong positive selection in zebra & donkey-derived roundworms, but lipid related metabolism system was under positive selection in the horse-derived roundworms, indicating that the adaptive evolution of metabolism may drive the divergence in past few centuries. In addition, we found that some drug-related genes have a significantly higher degree of selection in different populations.
Conclusions

This work reports evidence that the host’s diet drives the divergence of roundworms for the first time, and also supports that divergence is a continuous and dynamic process, and continuous monitoring of the effects of differences in nutritional and drug history on rapid evolution of roundworms are conducive to further understanding host-parasite interactions.