bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conformational activation and disulfide exchange in HIV-1 Env induce cell-free lytic/fusogenic transformation and enhance infection
Authors: Ang Charles G. , Hyatt Nadia L. , Le Minh Giang , Gupta Monisha , Kadam Manali , Hogg Philip J. , Smith Amos B. , Chaiken Irwin M. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Disulfide exchange is underexplored as a mechanism influencing HIV-1 entry. Prior studies demonstrated that redox enzyme inhibition can prevent HIV-1 infection but with limited mechanistic explanation. We hypothesize that ligand-driven rearrangement (“conformational activation”) enables enzyme-mediated disulfide exchange in Env residues (“disulfide trigger”) that promotes fusion transformations, enhancing virus entry. We tested soluble CD4 and CD4-binding site entry inhibitors as conformational activators and the ubiquitous redox enzyme thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) as disulfide trigger. We found that combination treatment caused fusion-like Env transformation and pseudovirus lysis, independent of cells. Notably, only compounds associated with gp120 shedding caused lysis when paired with Trx1. In each case, lysis was prevented by adding the fusion inhibitor T20, demonstrating that six-helix bundle formation is required as in virus–cell fusion. In contrast to conformationally activating ligands, neither the ground state stabilizer BMS-806 with Trx1 nor Trx1 alone caused lysis. Order of addition experiments reinforced conformational activation/disulfide trigger as a sequential process, with virus/activator preincubation transiently enhancing lysis and virus/Trx1 preincubation reducing lysis. Lastly, addition of exogenous Trx1 to typical pseudovirus infections exhibited dose-dependent enhancement of infection. Altogether, these data support conformational activation and disulfide triggering as a mechanism that can induce and enhance the fusogenic transformation of Env.

IMPORTANCE
HIV remains a global epidemic despite effective anti-retroviral therapies (ART) that suppress viral replication. Damage from early-stage infection and immune cell depletion lingers, as ART enables only partial immune system recovery, making prevention of initial virus entry preferable. In this study, we investigate disulfide exchange and its facilitating conformational rearrangements as underexplored, but critical, events in the HIV entry process. The HIV envelope (Env) protein effects cell entry by conformational rearrangement and pore formation upon interaction with immune cell surface proteins, but this transformation can be induced by Env’s conformational activation and disulfide exchange by redox enzymes, which then integrates into established processes of HIV entry. The significance of this research is in identifying Env’s conformational activation as a mechanistic requirement for initiating fusion by triggering disulfide exchange. This will aid the development of novel preventative strategies against HIV entry, particularly in the context of HIV-enhanced inflammation and comorbidities with redox mechanisms.
Complete genome sequences of three
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages of the genus
Phikmvvirus
Authors: Peters Tracey L. , Kirillina Olga A. , Georges Martin O. , Margulieux Katie R. , Burke Kevin A. , Mzhavia Nino , Lertsethtakarn Paphavee , Musila Lillian A. , Filippov Andrey A. , Nikolich Mikeljon P. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

We describe the genomes of three lytic
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
phages of the genus
Phikmvvirus
. The genomes of phages vB_Pae4841-AFR43, vB_Pae10145-KEN1, and vB_Pae9718-KEN10 consist of 43,426, 43,406, and 43,118 bp, with 62.4%, 62.3%, and 62.2% GC content, contain 63, 66, and 64 coding sequences, respectively, and no tRNA genes.
Identification of
Elizabethkingia
species by MALDI-TOF MS proteotyping
Authors: Takei Satomi , Teramoto Kanae , Sekiguchi Yuji , Miida Takashi , Kirikae Teruo , Tada Tatsuya , Tabe Yoko 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Elizabethkingia
species, isolated from clinical and environmental samples, are emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogens with a high mortality rate in clinical settings worldwide. Taxonomically,
Elizabethkingia
comprises seven species:
E. anophelis
,
E. argenteiflava
,
E. bruuniana
,
E. meningoseptica
,
E. miricola
,
E. ursingii
, and
E. occulta
. In this study, we identified useful biomarker proteins, including ribosomal L29, L30, S21, and the YtxH domain-containing proteins, for distinguishing
Elizabethkingia
species using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) profiles. Evaluation of 29 clinical and environmental
Elizabethkingia
strains revealed that these species could be separated by MALDI-TOF MS profiles into six groups
—E. anophelis
,
E. argenteiflava
,
E. bruuniana/E. miricola
,
E. meningoseptica
,
E. ursingii
, and
E. occulta
—based on the four biomarker protein peaks. This study demonstrates the potential of routine MALDI-TOF MS -based examination methods for the early detection of
Elizabethkingia
species in clinical laboratories.

IMPORTANCE

Elizabethkingia
species are groups of emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogens with a high mortality rate, causing healthcare-associated outbreaks worldwide. Rapid identification of
Elizabethkingia
species is important becausethese species show intrinsically carbapenem resistance and there are few data for using appropriate antibiotics. Until now, only whole-genome sequencing could accurately identify the seven
Elizabethkingia
species. Therefore, establishing rapid and accurate identification methods for
Elizabethkingia
species in clinical laboratories is vital. In this study, we developed new methods for identifying
Elizabethkingia
species using four biomarker protein peaks-ribosomal L29, L30, S21, and the YtxH domain-containing proteins by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) proteotyping. This study demonstrates the potential of routine MALDI-TOF MS -based laboratory examination for the early identification of
Elizabethkingia
species.
Decision-making under epistemic, strategic and institutional uncertainty during COVID-19: findings from a six-country empirical study
Authors: Asthana Sumegha , Mukherjee Sanjana , Phelan Alexandra L , Gobir Ibrahim B , Woo JJ , Wenham Clare , Husain Mohammad Mushtuq , Shirin Tahmina , Govender Nevashan , Al Nsour Mohannad , Ukponu Winifred , Ihueze Adachioma Chinonso , Lin Roujia , Asthana Sumit , Mutare Renee Vongai , Standley Claire J 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundUncertainty is defined as limited knowledge or lack of predictability about past, present or future events. The COVID-19 pandemic management was significantly impacted by uncertainty, as the gaps between existing information and the necessary knowledge hindered decision-making. Current uncertainty literature primarily focuses on natural disasters, leaving a gap in understanding decision-making under uncertainty in times of public health emergencies. Analysing strategies for making decisions under uncertainty during the pandemic is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.MethodsUsing a comparative research design, we study the strategies governments used to make decisions under uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data through desk reviews, stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders from government, academia and civil society from six purposefully selected countries: Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Bangladesh, Jordan and the UK.ResultsRegardless of political, geographic and economic context, all six countries adopted common strategies to make decisions under three types of uncertainties. Decision-making under epistemic uncertainty involved seeking expert advice and collecting evidence from other countries and international organisations. Decision-making under strategic uncertainty involved coordination, collaboration and communication. Decision-making under institutional uncertainty involved using or adapting pre-existing experiences, structures and relationships and establishing new institutions and processes.ConclusionsWe contribute to the theory and practice of public health crisis decision-making by presenting a unified national-level applied decision-making framework for events involving uncertainty. We provide practical guidance for approaches to enhance decision-making in future health crises that could also be used for other emergencies.
Evaluation of a pragmatic approach to predicting COVID-19-positive hospital bed occupancy
Authors: Lovett Derryn , Woodcock Thomas , Naude Jacques , Redhead Julian , Majeed Azeem , Aylin Paul 
Published: February 2025

Study objectivesThis study evaluates the feasibility and accuracy of a pragmatic approach to predicting hospital bed occupancy for COVID-19-positive patients, using only simple methods accessible to typical health system teams.MethodsWe used an observational forecasting design for the study period 1st June 2021 to –21st January 2022. Evaluation data covered individuals registered with a general practitioner in North West London, through the Whole Systems Integrated Care deidentified dataset. We extracted data on COVID-19-positive tests, vaccination records and admissions to hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 within the study period. We used linear regression models to predict bed occupancy, using lagged, smoothed numbers of COVID-19 cases among unvaccinated individuals in the community as the predictor. We used mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) to assess model accuracy.ResultsModel accuracy varied throughout the study period, with a MAPE of 10.8% from 12 July 2021 to 18 October 2021, rising to 20.0% over the subsequent period to 15 December 2021. After that, model accuracy deteriorated considerably, with MAPE 110.4% from December 2021 to 21 January 2022. Model outputs were used by senior healthcare system leaders to aid the planning, organisation and provision of healthcare services to meet demand for hospital beds.ConclusionsThe model produced useful predictions of COVID-19-positive bed occupancy prior to the emergence of the Omicron variant, but accuracy deteriorated after this. In practice, the model offers a pragmatic approach to predicting bed occupancy within a pandemic wave. However, this approach requires continual monitoring of errors to ensure that the periods of poor performance are identified quickly.
Echocardiographic cardiac damage classification and clinical outcomes in atrial functional mitral regurgitation
Authors: Okada Taiji , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Kaneko Tomohiro , Amano Masashi , Sato Yukio , Ohno Yohei , Obokata Masaru , Sato Kimi , Morita Kojiro , Machino-Ohtsuka Tomoko , Abe Yukio , Furukawa Yutaka 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAtrial functional mitral regurgitation (AFMR) arises from left atrial (LA) dilation, commonly associated with atrial fibrillation, and leads to progressive cardiac damage. This study evaluated the prognostic value of a novel echocardiographic cardiac damage classification system for patients with moderate or severe AFMR.MethodsIn a retrospective multicentre study, 1007 patients with AFMR were stratified into four groups based on echocardiographic findings: group 1, LA damage (dilation); group 2, left ventricular damage (reduced ejection fraction and/or dilation); group 3, right heart damage (tricuspid regurgitation and/or pulmonary hypertension); and group 4, combined left and right heart damage. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, heart failure hospitalisations and mitral valve (MV) interventions over a median follow-up of 3.0 years.ResultsThe cohort’s mean age was 78±10 years, with 56% female. Event rates for the primary outcome were progressively higher across groups 1–4 (31.0%, 38.0%, 46.3% and 57.2%, respectively; p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, group 4 was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary outcome compared with group 1 (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.11, p<0.001). This classification consistently stratified risks for individual components of the composite endpoint, particularly in patients without MV intervention.ConclusionsA cardiac damage classification system based on echocardiographic parameters provides prognostic insights in patients with AFMR, identifying subgroups at higher risk of adverse outcomes. Future studies are needed to validate its use in guiding therapeutic decisions.
Understanding Tsarist Patronage of Islam in the Qazaq Steppe
Authors: Kabdylkhak Nurlan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The study of Islam on the Qazaq steppe has traditionally revolved around the idea of “pseudo-Islamic” nature of Qazaq nomads and their “late Islamization” under Russian sponsorship of Islam. Recent scholarship exploring indigenous Muslim sources has rejected the “Qazaqs as half-Muslims” argument as historically inaccurate. However, the narrative about tsarist patronage of Islam on the Qazaq steppe has proven more resilient. This article critically examines the idea of Russian sponsorship of Islam, arguing that, more often than not, what is described as tsarist patronage amounted to a mere acknowledgment and formal confirmation of the religious demands and aspirations of tsarist Muslim subjects.
Influence of Mother–Father Relationship on Perceived Stress among Black Pregnant Women
Authors: Wheeler Jenna M. , Davis Jean W. , Xie Rui , LaManna Jacqueline , Giurgescu Carmen 
Published: February 2025

Background: Perceived stress during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal health and birth outcomes. Compared to White pregnant women, Black pregnant women in the United States report higher levels of perceived stress and experience higher rates of maternal mortality and preterm birth. Mother–father relationship has been associated with perceived stress among pregnant women, though literature among Black pregnant women is limited. Objective: We aimed to examine the associations of mother–father relationship with perceived stress among Black pregnant women. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, correlational design, we conducted a secondary analysis of data obtained from 418 Black pregnant women enrolled in the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study. Participants completed questionnaires between 19- and 29 weeks gestation with items related to maternal characteristics, measures of the mother–father relationship, including the level of contact, involvement, closeness, support, and conflict with the father of the baby (FOB), and maternal perceived stress. Results: Participants who reported lower levels of support ( ρ[416] = −0.279, P < .001) and higher levels of conflict ( ρ[416] = 0.401, P < .001) with the FOB also reported higher levels of perceived stress. Levels of involvement, closeness, support, and conflict with FOB also predicted levels of maternal perceived stress after controlling for covariates. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the mother–father relationship significantly influences perceived stress among Black pregnant women, thus warranting further study and intervention.
Assessment of wind energy potential of remote area of Umerkot site, empowering the local population with renewable energy
Authors: Hulio Zahid Hussain 
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the detailed assessment of wind potential of newly Umerkot site which was never assessed before this study. The purpose of this study is to assess the wind energy potential of Umerkot site. The wind measurements have been taken at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m above the ground level (AGL). The wind shear coefficient and turbulence intensity were investigated to determine the site specific loads on turbine. The wind measurements were studied to assess the wind power and energy density corresponding to cost/kWh of site. The mean wind shear coefficient was observed to be 0.2615, 0.2989, and 0.2451 at 20, 40, and 60 m, respectively. The mean values of turbulence intensity were observed to be 0.154, 0.128, 0.113, and 0.107 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The mean wind speed was observed to be 4.489, 5.375, 5975, and 6.391 m/s at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The mean values of k parameters were observed to be 2.065, 2.596, 2.715, and 2.923 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m. The mean values of c (m/s) parameter were found to be 5.065, 6.064, 6.682, and 7.211 m/s at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The values of standard deviation are observed in between 0.1 to 3 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The mean coefficient of variation was found to be 0.164, 0.128, 0.108, and 0.098 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The sum of wind power density (W/m2) values were observed to be 486, 797, 1230, and 1326 W/m2 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The mean energy density was observed to be 355, 582.3, 898.5, and 968.7 kWh/m2 at 20, 40, 60, and 80 m, respectively. The economic assessment is showing that wind turbine C has the minimum cost US$ 0.0602/kWh.
Gender and Affect in Schizophrenia
Authors: Addington Donald , Addington Jean , Patten Scott 
Published: February 2025

Objective: The objective of this srudy was to test the hypothesis that males with schizophrenia have more negative symptom and females with schi::ophrenia have more depressive symptoms. Previous studies examining gender differences in negative and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia have been inconclusive, being limited by rerro pecrive _design and lack of suirable assessment instruments. Method: A consecutive series of 113 consenting inpatients meeting DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia (45 females, 68 males) were assessed using reliable measures of depression and negative symptoms. Negative Symptoms were assessed by the Pos irive and Negative Syndrome Scale and depression by the Calgary Depression Scale/or Schi::ophrenia. inety-two of the subjects were reassessed 3 months later. Results: There were no differences in levels of negative or depressive symptoms between men and women. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, the res ults do not support the hypothesis of sex differences in negative and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia.
Retrospective review of assisted peritoneal dialysis: The Alberta, Canada experience
Authors: Hammer Veronica , Fox Danielle , Munawar Warda , Lee Chel Hee , Quinn Robert R , MacRae Jennifer M 
Published: February 2025

Background Assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD), where trained health care providers assist individuals with PD in their home, allows individuals, who would otherwise be ineligible, to pursue home dialysis. Alberta Kidney Care South started an assisted PD program in 2011 using licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and switched to health care aids (HCA) July 2018. Methods A retrospective chart review to describe characteristics of assisted PD patients and their outcomes for each of the models of health care. The primary outcome was the duration of assisted PD from initiation to exit. Secondary outcomes included reasons for exit and the proportion of patients who performed independent PD. Results A total of 135 patients received assisted PD, mean age 70.7 ± 11.2 years and 44.4% (60/135) women. The average time to exit from assisted PD was 366.2 ± 378.1 days. There was no difference between time in PD between LPN (1.89 [1.02, 3.85] years) and HCA (2.09 [0.89, 3.26] years), p = 0.98. Main reasons for exit from assisted PD included death 30.4% (41/135) and switching to hemodialysis 26.7% (36/135). Total of 29 patients (21.5%) continued PD independently for an additional 495 ± 399 days. There was no difference in reasons for exit, p = 0.90 or peritonitis rates between the two care models, p = 0.60. Conclusion Assisted PD allows patients to maintain independence in the community and facilitates the uptake of independent PD in a significant proportion. Utilizing an HCA model offers a cost-effective alternative while still providing high-quality care.
Investigating the Visit-to-visit Repeatability of Autonomic Neuropathy Assessment Measures in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Jose Annie S , Srivastav Shival , Mehta Bharati 
Published: February 2025

Background Autonomic neuropathy assessment is needed for the diagnosis and prognostication of different clinical disorders. Heart rate variability (HRV) and autonomic reactivity assessment by Ewing’s battery of tests form the cornerstones of laboratory assessment of cardiac autonomic neuropathy evaluation. Purpose While these tests are routinely used, there are conflicting reports regarding the visit-to-visit repeatability of these tests. Therefore, we assessed autonomic measures derived using aforementioned tests on multiple visits in healthy subjects. Methods We enrolled 31 healthy subjects and performed autonomic function evaluation on five visits by assessment of HRV and autonomic reactivity on day 1 forenoon and afternoon, next day, one week later and one month later. Repeatability assessment was evaluated using Intraclass correlation coefficients. Values were defined as moderate, good and excellent based on previously reported criteria. Results Thirty-one subjects completed all five visits (17 males, 14 females; mean age = 29 ± 5.44 years). While time-domain measures demonstrated good to excellent repeatability, frequency-domain measures were only moderately repeatable. Autonomic reactivity indices also displayed good to excellent repeatability with the exception of blood pressure response to orthostatic challenge which was moderately repeatable. Conclusion We recommend that sole reliance on frequency domain metrics for HRV assessment should be avoided. HRV indices and autonomic reactivity measures may continue to be used for cardiac autonomic neuropathy assessment.
Reporting of Adverse Events in Studies Involving Treadmill Gait Training After Stroke: A Systematic Review
Authors: Souza Jesimiel Missias de , Cardoso Daiane Carla Rodrigues , Silva Stephano Tomaz da , Azevedo Josicleide Araújo de , Oliveira Samara Katiane Rolim de , Borges Lorenna Raquel Dantas de Macedo , Gomes Larissa Araújo , Quirino Maria Amanda Ferreira , Ribeiro Tatiana Souza 
Published: February 2025

Background Treadmill gait training has been widely employed in post-Stroke Rehabilitation. This form of training is not exempt from complications. As with any healthcare intervention, reports of adverse events must be adequately documented. Objective To assess the reporting of adverse events in clinical trials utilizing treadmill training in individuals with Stroke. Methods Searches were carried out in seven databases, spanning from October to November 2019, with updates in May and June 2021, as well as in November and December 2022. Studies mentioning adverse events and having full-text available in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were considered. Outcome measures were occurrence, assessment, type, and severity of adverse events. Results Fifty-one studies were included with 1,571 participants. The most frequent adverse events reported were pain (6 studies), new strokes (6 studies), and medical complications (4 studies) were the most commonly observed. Studies whose groups underwent treadmill training reported a higher number of adverse events compared to groups that did not receive this intervention. Conclusions The reporting of adverse events in studies involving treadmill training post-stroke is inconsistent and non-systematic. There appears to be an association between treadmill training and the occurrence of adverse events in this population.