tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of the FluoroType MTB and MTBDR VER 2.0 assays for the centralized high-throughput detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA and isoniazid and rifampicin resistance
Authors: Anzaan Dippenaar, Brigitta Derendinger, Tania Dolby, Natalie Beylis, Paul D. van Helden, Grant Theron, Robin M. Warren, Margaretha de Vos
Journal: Clinical Microbiology and Infection (2021)

To evaluate the accuracy of two new molecular diagnostic tests for the detection of drug-resistant tuberculosis, the FluoroType MTB and MTBDR VER 2.0 assays, in combination with manual and automated DNA extraction methods.
IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY AND OUTCOMES IN HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH MYOCARDIAL INJURY AND COVID-19 INFECTION
Authors: Khalil Odeh, Ana Cristina Perez Moreno, Viviana Zlochiver, Fekadesilassie Moges, Michael Peterson, Ashley Mainville, Katherine Busniewski, Jon Wrobel, Hlu Vang, Sara Walczak, Suhail Allaqaband, A. Jamil Tajik, Bijoy Khandheria, M. Fuad Jan
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
CARDIAC STRUCTURAL CHANGES, END-ORGAN MORBIDITIES AND MORTALITY RELATE TO AORTIC STENOSIS IN A DEGREE-REPONSE RELATIONSHIP
Authors: Sameh Yousef, Chirag Ram, Saket Singh, Ritu Agarwal, Rita Milewski, Roland Assi, Arnar Geirsson, Prashanth Vallabhajosyula
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
Prevalence and early‐life risk factors of school‐age allergic multimorbidity: The EuroPrevall‐iFAAM birth cohort
Authors: Sigurveig T. Sigurdardottir, Kristjan Jonasson, Michael Clausen, Kristin Lilja Bjornsdottir, Sigridur Erla Sigurdardottir, Graham Roberts, Kate Grimshaw, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos, Paraskevi Xepapadaki, Ana Fiandor, Santiago Quirce, Aline B. Sprikkelman, Lies Hulshof, Marek L. Kowalski, Marcin Kurowski, Ruta Dubakiene, Odilija Rudzeviciene, Johanna Bellach, Songül Yürek, Andreas Reich, Sina Maria Erhard, Philip Couch, Montserrat Fernandez Rivas, Ronald van Ree, Clare Mills, Linus Grabenhenrich, Kirsten Beyer, Thomas Keil
Journal: Allergy (2021)

Coexistence of childhood asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis is higher than can be expected by chance, suggesting a common mechanism. Data on allergic multimorbidity from a pan-European, population-based birth cohort study have been lacking. This study compares the prevalence and early-life risk factors of these diseases in European primary school children.In the prospective multicentre observational EuroPrevall-iFAAM birth cohort study, we used standardized questionnaires on sociodemographics, medical history, parental allergies and lifestyle, and environmental exposures at birth, 12 and 24 months. At primary school age, parents answered ISAAC-based questions on current asthma, rhinitis and eczema. Allergic multimorbidity was defined as the coexistence of at least two of these.From 10,563 children recruited at birth in 8 study centres, we included data from 5,572 children (mean age 8.2 years; 51.8% boys). Prevalence estimates were as follows: asthma, 8.1%; allergic rhinitis, 13.3%; and eczema, 12.0%. Allergic multimorbidity was seen in 7.0% of the whole cohort, ranging from 1.2% (Athens, Greece) to 10.9% (Madrid, Spain). Risk factors for allergic multimorbidity, identified with AICc, included family-allergy-score, odds ratio (OR) 1.50 (95% CI 1.32-1.70) per standard deviation; early-life allergy symptoms, OR 2.72 (2.34-3.16) for each symptom; and caesarean birth, OR 1.35 (1.04-1.76). Female gender, OR 0.72 (0.58-0.90); older siblings, OR 0.79 (0.63-0.99); and day care, OR 0.81 (0.63-1.06) were protective factors.Allergic multimorbidity should be regarded as an important chronic childhood disease in Europe. Some of the associated early-life factors are modifiable and may be considered for prevention strategies.
SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF CORONARY INTRAVASCULAR LITHOTRIPSY FOR CALCIFIED CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE
Authors: M. Chadi Alraies, Yasar Sattar, Abdul-Rahman Suleiman, Waqas Ullah, Bachar Ahmad, Mohamed Zghouzi, Rajkumar Doshi, Delair Gardi, Omar Ali, Zaher Hakim, Abedelrahim Asfour, Wael Aljaroudi, Waqas Qureshi, Islam Elgendy
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
ASSOCIATION OF AORTIC STIFFNESS AND CORONARY VASCULAR DYSFUNCTION IN WOMEN WITH SUSPECTED ISCHEMIA AND NO OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERIES
Authors: Anum Asif, Chrisandra Shufelt, Galen Cook-Wiens, Judy Luu, Benita Tjoe, C. Noel Bairey Merz, Janet Wei
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
Abstract 17851: Is Defibrillation Threshold Testing Needed for Right-Sided ICD Implants?
Authors: William W Brabham, Sherief Khalil, Michael L Bernard, Peter C Netzler, Christopher P Rowley, Frank A Cuoco, J. L Sturdivant, Robert B Leman, J. M Wharton, Michael R Gold
Journal: Circulation (2012)

The need for defibrillation testing is controversial due to low defibrillation thresholds (DFT) with standard left pectoral implants and transvenous leads. Ongoing trials of DFT testing excluded ri...
Accelerated Skin Wound Healing by Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Ruizeng Luo, Jieyu Dai, Jiaping Zhang, Zhou Li
Journal: Advanced Healthcare Materials (2021)

Abstract When the integrity of the skin got damaged, an endogenous electric field will be generated in the wound and a series of physiological reactions will be initiated to close the wound. The existence of the endogenous electric field of the wound has a promoting effect on all stages of wound healing. For wounds that cannot heal on their own, the exogenous electric field can assist the treatment. In this review, the effects of exogenous electrical stimulation on wound healing, such as the inflammation phase, blood flow, cell proliferation and migration, and the wound scarring is overviewed. This article also reviews the new electrical stimulation methods that have emerged in recent years, such as small power supplies, nanogenerators (NGs), and other physical, chemical or biological strategies. These new electrical stimulation methods and devices are safe, low‐cost, stable, and small in size. The challenge and perspective are discussed for the future trends of the electrical stimulation treatment in accelerating skin wound healing.
Abstract 12222: Diagnostic Performance of a Novel High-sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Assay: The Westcor Study
Authors: Hilde Lunde L Tjora, Ole-Thomas Steiro, Jørund Langørgen, Ottar K Nygard, Rune O Bjørneklett, Renstrom Renate, Øyvind Skadberg, Vernon V S V Bonarjee, Clare Hunt, Paul Collinson, Torbjørn Omland, Kjell Vikenes, Kristin Moberg Aakre
Journal: Circulation (2019)

Introduction: Several diagnostic algorithms that include high sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn) have been developed to rule-in and rule-out NSTEMI. Hypothesis: A novel 0h/1h algorithm using the hs-cTnI...
EARLY PROGRESSION OF CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN PATIENTS FOLLOWING LIVER TRANSPLANTATION: RESULTS FROM SERIAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: Anoop Ninan Koshy, Nitesh Nerlekar, Paul J. Gow, Ruth P. Lim, Gerard Smith, Michael Galea, Layal Abdelganne, Thalys S. Rodrigues, Andrew W. Teh, Han S. Lim, Omar Farouque
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
ASSESSMENT OF THE JULY EFFECT ON PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION FOR ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME IN TEACHING HOSPITAL SETTING. (A REPORT FROM THE NATIONWIDE INPATIENT SAMPLE)
Authors: Iriagbonse Asemota, Raquel Soon-Shiong, Emmanuel Akuna, Dimeji Williams, Muhammad Usman Almani, Muhammad Usman, Smriti Khanal, Cyra Y. Kang, Mahmoud Elbermawy, Bharosa Sharma, Ibrahim Maghari, Hafeez Shaka, Genaro Velazquez, Precious Eseaton
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
Sedatives for insomnia should not be stopped prematurely
Authors: Lauren Z Waterman, Hugh Selsick
Journal: BMJ (2021)

Soong and colleagues’ paper1 recommending cognitive behavioural therapy as a first line treatment for chronic insomnia (CBT-I) is welcomed. CBT-I can be a highly effective intervention with greater and longer efficacy and fewer adverse effects than sedative drugs.23 Sedatives should not, however, be stopped prematurely.

Chronic insomnia is often characterised by a feeling of a lack of control …
FULMINANT MYOCARDITIS DUE TO ARBOVIRUS INFECTION
Authors: Karina Auristela Gonzalez Carta, Ivan Mendoza Britto, Igoor Morr, Yolimar Meza, Elias Urbaez, Maria Mateu, Vicente Finizola, Nahir Martinez, Ivan Mendoza
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
NOD/SCID-ベータ(2)m(-/-)再増殖細胞を含むヒト間質細胞の造血支持を増やすIndian hedgehog遺伝子導入
Authors: Kobune M, Ito Y, Kawano Y, Sasaki K, Uchida H, Nakamura K, Dehari H, Chiba H, Takimoto R, Matsunaga T, Terui T, Kato J, Niitsu Y, Hamada H
Journal: Blood (2004)
Activation of the kidney sodium chloride cotransporter by the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol increases blood pressure
Authors: Søren B. Poulsen, Lei Cheng, David Penton, Marleen L.A. Kortenoeven, Vladimir V. Matchkov, Johannes Loffing, Robert Little, Sathish K. Murali, Robert A. Fenton
Journal: Kidney International (2021)
Population Structure Limits Parallel Evolution in Sticklebacks
Authors: Bohao Fang, Petri Kemppainen, Paolo Momigliano, Juha Merilä
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2021)

Abstract Population genetic theory predicts that small effective population sizes (Ne) and restricted gene flow limit the potential for local adaptation. In particular, the probability of evolving similar phenotypes based on shared genetic mechanisms (i.e., parallel evolution), is expected to be reduced. We tested these predictions in a comparative genomic study of two ecologically similar and geographically codistributed stickleback species (viz. Gasterosteus aculeatus and Pungitius pungitius). We found that P. pungitius harbors less genetic diversity and exhibits higher levels of genetic differentiation and isolation-by-distance than G. aculeatus. Conversely, G. aculeatus exhibits a stronger degree of genetic parallelism across freshwater populations than P. pungitius: 2,996 versus 379 single nucleotide polymorphisms located within 26 versus 9 genomic regions show evidence of selection in multiple freshwater populations of G. aculeatus and P. pungitius, respectively. Most regions involved in parallel evolution in G. aculeatus showed increased levels of divergence, suggestive of selection on ancient haplotypes. In contrast, haplotypes involved in freshwater adaptation in P. pungitius were younger. In accordance with theory, the results suggest that connectivity and genetic drift play crucial roles in determining the levels and geographic distribution of standing genetic variation, providing evidence that population subdivision limits local adaptation and therefore also the likelihood of parallel evolution.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluations of a long-acting, hypoxia-activated prodrug of fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, to reduce its systemic side-effects
Authors: Taslim A. Al-Hilal, Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Ahmed Alobaida, Farzana Alam, Ali Keshavarz, Eva Nozik-Grayck, Kurt R. Stenmark, Nadezhda A. German, Fakhrul Ahsan
Journal: Journal of Controlled Release (2021)
The deacylase SIRT5 supports melanoma viability by influencing chromatin dynamics
Authors: William Giblin, Lauren Bringman-Rodenbarger, Angela H. Guo, Surinder Kumar, Alexander C. Monovich, Ahmed M. Mostafa, Mary E. Skinner, Michelle Azar, Ahmed S.A. Mady, Carolina H. Chung, Namrata Kadambi, Keith-Allen Melong, Ho-Joon Lee, Li Zhang, Peter Sajjakulnukit, Sophie Trefely, Erika L. Varner, Sowmya Iyer, Min Wang, James S. Wilmott, H. Peter Soyer, Richard A. Sturm, Antonia L. Pritchard, Aleodor A. Andea, Richard A. Scolyer, Mitchell S. Stark, David A. Scott, Douglas R. Fullen, Marcus W. Bosenberg, Sriram Chandrasekaran, Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska, Monique E. Verhaegen, Nathaniel W. Snyder, Miguel N. Rivera, Andrei L. Osterman, Costas A. Lyssiotis, David B. Lombard
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2021)

Cutaneous melanoma remains the most lethal skin cancer, and ranks third among all malignancies in terms of years of life lost. Despite the advent of immune checkpoint and targeted therapies, only roughly half of patients with advanced melanoma achieve a durable remission. Sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) is a member of the sirtuin family of protein deacylases that regulates metabolism and other biological processes. Germline Sirt5 deficiency is associated with mild phenotypes in mice. Here we showed that SIRT5 was required for proliferation and survival across all cutaneous melanoma genotypes tested, as well as uveal melanoma, a genetically distinct melanoma subtype that arises in the eye and is incurable once metastatic. Likewise, SIRT5 was required for efficient tumor formation by melanoma xenografts and in an autochthonous mouse Braf Pten-driven melanoma model. Via metabolite and transcriptomic analyses, we found that SIRT5 was required to maintain histone acetylation and methylation levels in melanoma cells, thereby promoting proper gene expression. SIRT5-dependent genes notably included MITF, a key lineage-specific survival oncogene in melanoma, and the c-MYC proto-oncogene. SIRT5 may represent a druggable genotype-independent addiction in melanoma.
LIVER BIOPSY AS A PREDICTOR FOR RISK STRATIFICATION IN HEART TRANSPLANT CANDIDATES
Authors: Sanika Tolia, Tareq Al Saadi, Nikhil Narang, Anjali Joshi, Chris Sciamanna, Sunil Pauwaa, Gregory Macaluso, Muhyaldeen Dia, Antone Tatooles, Patroklos Pappas, William Cotts, Ambar Andrade
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
CircUbe3a from M2 macrophage-derived small extracellular vesicles mediates myocardial fibrosis after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yan Wang, Chaofu Li, Ranzun Zhao, Zhimei Qiu, Changyin Shen, Zhenglong Wang, Weiwei Liu, Wei Zhang, Junbo Ge, Bei Shi
Journal: Theranostics (2021)

This study aimed to explore the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in M2 macrophage (M2M)-derived small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) in myocardial fibrosis development.
Transcription-dependent domain-scale three-dimensional genome organization in the dinoflagellate Breviolum minutum
Authors: Georgi K. Marinov, Alexandro E. Trevino, Tingting Xiang, Anshul Kundaje, Arthur R. Grossman, William J. Greenleaf
Journal: Nature Genetics (2021)

Abstract Dinoflagellate chromosomes represent a unique evolutionary experiment, as they exist in a permanently condensed, liquid crystalline state; are not packaged by histones; and contain genes organized into tandem gene arrays, with minimal transcriptional regulation. We analyze the three-dimensional genome of Breviolum minutum , and find large topological domains (dinoflagellate topologically associating domains, which we term ‘dinoTADs’) without chromatin loops, which are demarcated by convergent gene array boundaries. Transcriptional inhibition disrupts dinoTADs, implicating transcription-induced supercoiling as the primary topological force in dinoflagellates.
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NEW YORK STATE CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY COLLABORATIVE FOR LONGITUDINAL OUTCOMES AND UTILIZATION OF RESOURCES: A STATEWIDE, MULTI-SOURCE, DATABASE TO ASSESS LONGITUDINAL HEALTH OUTCOMES, EXPENDITURES AND HEALTH EQUITY FOR CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
Authors: Brett R. Anderson, Kacie Dragan, Sarah Crook, Joyce Woo, Stephen Cook, Edward Hannan, Jane W. Newburger, Marshall L. Jacobs, Emile A. Bacha, Robert Vincent, Khanh Nguyen, Kathleen E. Walsh-Spoonhower, Ralph Mosca, Neil Devejian, Steven A. Kamenir, George M. Alfieris, Michael F. Swartz, David B. Meyer, Erin A. Paul, John Billings
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
Vulture Genomes Reveal Molecular Adaptations Underlying Obligate Scavenging and Low Levels of Genetic Diversity
Authors: Dahu Zou, Shilin Tian, Tongzuo Zhang, Nima Zhuoma, Guosheng Wu, Muyang Wang, Lu Dong, Stephen J Rossiter, Huabin Zhao
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2021)

Obligate scavenging on the dead and decaying animal matter is a rare dietary specialization that in extant vertebrates is restricted to vultures. These birds perform essential ecological services, yet many vulture species have undergone recent steep population declines and are now endangered. To test for molecular adaptations underlying obligate scavenging in vultures, and to assess whether genomic features might have contributed to their population declines, we generated high-quality genomes of the Himalayan and bearded vultures, representing both independent origins of scavenging within the Accipitridae, alongside a sister taxon, the upland buzzard. By comparing our data to published sequences from other birds, we show that the evolution of obligate scavenging in vultures has been accompanied by widespread positive selection acting on genes underlying gastric acid production, and immunity. Moreover, we find evidence of parallel molecular evolution, with amino acid replacements shared among divergent lineages of these scavengers. Our genome-wide screens also reveal that both the Himalayan and bearded vultures exhibit low levels of genetic diversity, equating to around a half of the mean genetic diversity of other bird genomes examined. However, demographic reconstructions indicate that population declines began at around the Last Glacial Maximum, predating the well-documented dramatic declines of the past three decades. Taken together, our genomic analyses imply that vultures harbor unique adaptations for processing carrion, but that modern populations are genetically depauperate and thus especially vulnerable to further genetic erosion through anthropogenic activities.
MELATONIN, METFORMIN, AND RANOLAZINE PROTECT HEART AGAINST DOXORUBICIN-INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY THROUGH MODULATING CARDIAC MITOCHONDRIAL DYNAMICS IN RATS
Authors: Apiwan Arinno, Krekwit Shinlapawittayatorn, Chayodom Maneechote, Thawatchai Khuanjing, Titikorn Chunchai, Nanthip Prathumsap, Benjamin Ongnok, Busarin Arunsak, Thidarat Jaiwongkam, Sasiwan Kerdphoo, Siriporn Chattipakorn, Nipon Chattipakorn
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
EOSINOPHILIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN A PATIENT WITH CHRONIC EOSINOPHILIC LEUKEMIA
Authors: Ravi A. Thakker, Krishna Suthar, Aiham Albaeni, Ayman Elbadawi, Nouman Tanveer, Murtaza Mazhar, Tony Tran, Shreyas Modi, Wissam Khalife
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021)
Inhibition of Secretin/Secretin Receptor Axis Ameliorates NAFLD Phenotypes
Authors: Lixian Chen, Nan Wu, Lindsey Kennedy, Heather Francis, Ludovica Ceci, Tianhao Zhou, Niharika Samala, Konstantina Kyritsi, Chaodong Wu, Amelia Sybenga, Burcin Ekser, Wasim Dar, Constance Atkins, Vik Meadows, Shannon Glaser, Gianfranco Alpini
Journal: Hepatology (2021)

Human NAFLD is characterized at early stages by hepatic steatosis, which may progress to NASH when the liver displays microvesicular steatosis, lobular inflammation, and pericellular fibrosis. The secretin (SCT)/secretin receptor (SCTR) axis promotes biliary senescence and liver fibrosis in cholestatic models through down-regulation of miR-125b signaling. We aim to evaluate the effect of disrupting biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b signaling on hepatic steatosis, biliary senescence, and liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH.In vivo, 4-week-old male wild-type, Sct-/- and Sctr-/- mice were fed a control diet or high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks. The expression of SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis was measured in human NAFLD/NASH liver samples and HFD mouse livers by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. Biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were evaluated in mouse liver and human NAFLD/NASH liver samples. miR-125b target lipogenesis genes in hepatocytes were screened and validated by custom RT2 Profiler PCR array and luciferase assay. Biliary SCT/SCTR expression was increased in human NAFLD/NASH samples and in livers of HFD mice, whereas the expression of miR-125b was decreased. Biliary/hepatocyte senescence, ductular reaction, and liver angiogenesis were observed in human NAFLD/NASH samples as well as HFD mice, which were decreased in Sct-/- and Sctr-/- HFD mice. Elovl1 is a lipogenesis gene targeted by miR-125b, and its expression was also decreased in HFD mouse hepatocytes following Sct or Sctr knockout. Bile acid profile in fecal samples have the greatest changes between wild-type mice and Sct-/- /Sctr-/- mice.The biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis promotes liver steatosis by up-regulating lipid biosynthesis gene Elovl1. Targeting the biliary SCT/SCTR/miR-125b axis may be key for ameliorating phenotypes of human NAFLD/NASH.
Integrated trajectories of the maternal metabolome, proteome, and immunome predict labor onset
Authors: Ina A. Stelzer, Mohammad S. Ghaemi, Xiaoyuan Han, Kazuo Ando, Julien J. Hédou, Dorien Feyaerts, Laura S. Peterson, Kristen K. Rumer, Eileen S. Tsai, Edward A. Ganio, Dyani K. Gaudillière, Amy S. Tsai, Benjamin Choisy, Lea P. Gaigne, Franck Verdonk, Danielle Jacobsen, Sonia Gavasso, Gavin M. Traber, Mathew Ellenberger, Natalie Stanley, Martin Becker, Anthony Culos, Ramin Fallahzadeh, Ronald J. Wong, Gary L. Darmstadt, Maurice L. Druzin, Virginia D. Winn, Ronald S. Gibbs, Xuefeng B. Ling, Karl Sylvester, Brendan Carvalho, Michael P. Snyder, Gary M. Shaw, David K. Stevenson, Kévin Contrepois, Martin S. Angst, Nima Aghaeepour, Brice Gaudillière
Journal: Science Translational Medicine (2021)

Peripheral blood dynamics in the 100 days before delivery reveal a transition from pregnancy maintenance to prelabor biology.
Multi-tissue single-cell analysis deconstructs the complex programs of mouse natural killer and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in tissues and circulation
Authors: Adelle P. McFarland, Adam Yalin, Shuang-Yin Wang, Victor S. Cortez, Tomer Landsberger, Raki Sudan, Vincent Peng, Hannah L. Miller, Biancamaria Ricci, Eyal David, Roberta Faccio, Ido Amit, Marco Colonna
Journal: Immunity (2021)
Blowing hot and cold over asthma hospitalisations
Authors: Liuhua Shi
Journal: Thorax (2021)

<h3>ABSTRACT</h3> Worldwide, ∼250 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are at increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The HBV persists as covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), which acts as the template for all HBV mRNA transcripts. Nucleos(t)ide analogs do not directly target the HBV cccDNA and cannot eradicate the HBV. We have discovered a unique structural motif, a G-quadruplex in HBV’s pre-core promoter region that is conserved amongst nearly all genotypes, and is central to critical steps in the viral life-cycle including the production of pre-genomic RNA, core and polymerase proteins, and encapsidation. Thus, an increased understanding of the HBV pre-core may lead to the development of novel anti-HBV cccDNA targets. We utilized biophysical methods to characterize the presence of the G-quadruplex, employed assays using a known quadruplex- binding protein (DHX36) to pull-down HBV cccDNA, and compared HBV infection in HepG2 cells transfected with wild-type and mutant HBV plasmids. This study provides insights into the presence of a G-quadruplex in the HBV pre-core promoter region essential for HBV replication. The evaluation of this critical host-protein interaction site in the HBV cccDNA may ultimately facilitate the development of novel anti-HBV therapeutics against the resilient cccDNA template.