bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HIV risk perception and PrEP uptake among pregnant women offered PrEP during antenatal care in Kenya
Authors: Marwa Mary. M. , Larsen Anna , Abuna Felix , Dettinger Julia , Odhiambo Ben , Watoyi Salphine , Omondi Pascal , Ngumbau Nancy , Gómez Laurén , John-Stewart Grace , Kinuthia John , Pintye Jillian 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Self-perceived HIV risk influences PrEP use, though few data on risk perception are available among pregnant women. We evaluated HIV risk perception and PrEP uptake among pregnant women in Kenya.

Methods:
We utilized data from a randomized trial evaluating universal versus risk-based PrEP delivery models at 20 antenatal clinics in Kenya (NCT03070600). Pregnant women enrolled were offered PrEP at any gestational age. A validated risk score for predicting HIV acquisition among perinatal women defined high HIV risk. HIV risk perception was assessed by asking “What is your gut feeling about how likely you are to get infected with HIV?” without a specified timeframe and dichotomized as low (“extremely/very unlikely”) versus high (“extremely/ Somewhat likely/very likely”). All women in the universal PrEP offer arm were included in the analysis.

Results:
Among 2250 pregnant women the median age was 24 years (IQR 21–28), 81% were married, and 22% did not know their partner’s HIV status. Overall, 27% of women had high HIV risk scores of whom 61% self-perceived high risk. Among women with high HIV risk scores (n=617), 69% declined PrEP; those who self-perceived low risk were more likely to decline than those with high risk perception (82% vs. 60%, aPR=1.35, 95% CI 1.17-1.55, p<0.001). Declining PrEP was associated with later gestational age at PrEP offer and with monogamous marriage among women with high HIV risk scores (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
Declining PrEP was common among pregnant women with high HIV risk, especially those who self-perceived low HIV risk. Refining risk perception may encourage PrEP uptake.
International Medical Graduates in Academic Cardiothoracic Surgery
Authors: Bajaj Simar S. , Wang Hanjay , Williams Kiah M. , Boyd Jack H. 
Published: January 2025

Objective:
To assess the research productivity, career advancement, grant funding, and scholarly impact of international medical graduates (IMGs) in academic cardiothoracic surgery.

Summary Background Data:
Physician shortages undermine patient care and risk exacerbating inequities, especially in cardiothoracic surgery, which may lose a quarter of its workforce by 2050—the most substantial reduction in surgery. IMGs could help alleviate these shortages, but there is limited data about their academic experiences.

Methods:
All cardiothoracic surgeons (n=1065) at accredited United States cardiothoracic surgery training centers in 2020 were included. IMGs were defined as surgeons who completed medical school outside the US and Canada, per the Association of American Medical Colleges. Educational and professional backgrounds were recorded from publicly available sources.

Results:
24.0% of academic cardiothoracic surgeons were IMGs. These surgeons started as attendings in later years (2012 vs. 2005, P<0.001) than non-IMGs. In unadjusted analyses, IMGs had lower publication counts and H-index, as well as reduced likelihood of R01 funding and full professor attainment. To match for attending start year, propensity score analysis created two groups of 254 surgeons: both IMGs and non-IMGs had similar publication counts (45.0 vs. 45.0, P=0.98), H-index (10.5 vs. 11.0, P=0.61), R01 funding rates (4.3% vs. 5.1%, P=0.83), and full professor attainment (24.8% vs. 20.5%, P=0.45).

Conclusions:
IMGs represent a more junior cohort of surgeons but contribute significantly to the cardiothoracic surgery workforce, with comparable academic success. Policy efforts to streamline IMGs’ path toward US practice could help alleviate surgical shortages, while enhancing diversity and strengthening academia.
Medication management: supportive care medications in older adults with cancer
Authors: Walsh Darren J. , Herledan Chloé 
Published: January 2025

Purpose of review
This review raises awareness regarding the lack of data available for healthcare professionals caring for older adults with cancer when using supportive care medications.

Recent findings
Guidelines for supportive cancer care lack concrete recommendations on the appropriate use of medications in older adults with cancer. Some guidelines, such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Older Adult Oncology guideline, contain vital information for prescribers to consider when choosing a supportive care medication. Information at present in most guidelines is generally vague, identifying areas where caution is required in older adults, without specific details.

Summary
Research is needed to assess the efficacy and safety of supportive cancer care medications in older adults.
Prediction of Enzyme function using interpretable optimized Ensemble learning framework
Authors: Dhibar Saikat , Basak Sumon , Jana Biman 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAccurate prediction of enzyme function, particularly for newly discovered uncharacterized sequences, is immensely important for modern biology research. Recently machine learning (ML) based methods have shown promises. However, such tools often suffer from complexity in feature extraction, interpretability, and generalization ability. Here we present an interpretable ML method, SOLVE that addresses these issues by using only combination of tokenized subsequences from the protein’s primary sequence for classification. Its optimized ensemble learning framework improves prediction accuracy, distinguishes enzymes from non-enzymes, and predicts enzyme commission (EC) numbers for mono- and multi-functional enzymes. Additionally, SOLVE provides interpretability through Shapley analyses, identifying functional motifs at catalytic and allosteric sites of enzymes. By focusing only on primary sequence data, SOLVE simplifies high-throughput enzyme function prediction for functionally uncharacterized sequences and outperforms existing tools. With high prediction accuracy and its identification ability of functional regions, SOLVE can become a promising tool in different fields of biology and therapeutic drug design.
TheArabidopsisTNL immune receptor BNT1 localizes to the plastid envelope and mediates flg22-induced resistance againstPseudomonas
Authors: Margutti Micaela Y. Peppino , Cislaghi Ana P. , Herrera-Vásquez Ariel , Palomeque Julieta R. , Bellino Francisco , Alvarez María E. , Blanco-Herrera Francisca , Cecchini Nicolás M. 
Published: January 2025

SUMMARYPrecise localization and trafficking of plant immune receptors are critical for their function. We identify the TNL-class nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) BURNOUT1 (BNT1) fromArabidopsis thalianaas localized to plastids, key organelles for plant immunity. Alternative transcription start site usage generates two isoforms of BNT1: BNT1.2, which is targeted to the plastid envelope via an N-terminal signal-anchored mechanism, and BNT1.1, which resides in the cytoplasm. Moreover, BNT1.2 is predominantly expressed in epidermal cells, where it localizes to the so-called sensory plastids. Functional analysis revealed thatbnt1mutants exhibit compromised PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) responses, including impaired callose deposition and reduced flg22-induced resistance toPseudomonas syringaepv.tomato, while flg22-induced apoplastic reactive oxygen species production remains unaffected. Notably, only the plastid-localized BNT1.2 isoform is required for these PTI responses. Our findings reveal a role for NLRs in regulating PTI responses from plastids and highlight these organelles as key hubs for signal(s) integration during plant-pathogen interactions.Significance statementThis study identifies BNT1 as a TNL-class immune receptor localized to the plastid envelope. Two distinct isoforms of BNT1 were characterized: one with a plastid-targeting signal anchor that ensures plastid localization and another confined to the cytoplasm. Notably, only the plastid-localized isoform mediates PTI responses and confers resistance toPseudomonas, highlighting the critical role of precise NLR localization and the central role of plastids in plant immunity.
Structure and function of the EDEM:PDI ERAD checkpoint complex
Authors: Hitchman Charlie J. , Lia Andrea , Chiritoiu Gabriela N. , Munteanu Cristian V. A. , Ortigosa Juan R. , Ghenea Simona , Savva Christos , Wada Ikuo , De Benedictis Maria , Tax Gabor , Bayo Yusupha , Crescioli Irene , Alonzi Dominic L. , Quigley Andrew , Modenutti Carlos P. , Petrescu Stefana M. , Santino Angelo , Gooptu Bibek , Hosokawa Nobuko , Roversi Pietro 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe ERAD glycoprotein misfolding checkpoint complex de-mannosylates misfolded glycoproteins to enable retrotranslocation, ubiquitination, and proteasomal degradation. The complex comprises an Endoplasmic Reticulum-Degradation Enhancingα-Mannosidase (EDEM) and a Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI). We solved Cryo-EM structures ofChaetomium thermophilum (Ct) CtEDEM:CtPDI, both as the heterodimer with no client and in complex withα1-antitrypsin (A1AT-NHK). The EDEM catalytic domain nests within the PDI arc, while A1AT-NHK binds EDEM’s C-terminal flexible domains. Mass spectrometry reveals a disulfide bond between A1AT-NHK and an exposed Cys in the PAD of the EDEM. Co-transfection of EDEM, A1AT-NHK, and PDI shifts EDEM:PDI to higher molecular weight in non-reducing SDS-PAGE. Redox chemistry between EDEM and PDI disulfide bonds generates oxidized, demannosylation-competent EDEM and reduced PDI, priming PDI to function as the ERAD reductase, facilitating client retrotranslocation.
A divergent cyclic nucleotide binding protein promotesPlasmodiumookinete infection of the mosquito
Authors: Kwecka Dominika , Eigminas Edvardas , Liu Lijia , Kim Choel , Philip Nisha 
Published: January 2025

AbstractColonisation of the mosquito by the malarial parasite is critically reliant on the invasive ookinete stage. Ookinete invasion of mosquito is coordinated by the apical complex, a specialised parasite structure containing components for secretion, attachment and penetration. While studies have investigated cytoskeletal and secretory elements, it is currently unknown if signalling modules are present or functional at the apical complex. Here we elucidate the role of a cryptic cyclic nucleotide binding protein which we name CBP-O. PbCBP-O showed a marked localisation to the ookinete apex and disruption of the protein severely compromised ookinete invasion of mosquitos. Domain dissection analysis revealed that the N- and C-termini have distinct functions. Intriguingly, PbCBP-O exhibits dual binding specificity to both cGMP and cAMP. Our findings suggest the apical tip of the ookinete is a platform to transduce cyclic nucleotide signals essential for malaria parasite transmission.Author summaryMalaria parasites complete their life-cycle within mammalian and mosquito hosts requiring specialised forms to invade and establish infection in host tissue. In order to transmit to the mosquito, the parasite forms a motile ookinete that uses the apical end to attach and penetrate the mosquito midgut membrane. Previous studies have identified several proteins localised to the apex of the ookinete. However, functions of many of these proteins are unknown. Here, we dissect the role of a putative cyclic nucleotide binding protein, CBP-O, in establishing ookinete infection within the mosquito. We discovered that in the absence of the protein, efficiency of transmission is significantly compromised. Interestingly the ability of ookinetes to move was not affected, but the parasites were unable to pass through the midgut membrane. We also reveal that both N- and C-terminal domains of the protein perform distinct functions and are both required for parasite transmission. Sequence and spatial conservation of the protein across the phylum Apicomplexa suggests an equivalent and crucial function of CBP-O in these parasites.
Endogenous RALF peptide function is required for powdery mildew host colonization
Authors: Leicher Henriette , Schade Sebastian , Huebbers Jan W. , Munzert-Eberlein Kristina S. , Haljiti Genc , Ludwig Christina , Müller Marion , Kinoshita Toshinori , Engelsdorf Timo , Hückelhoven Ralph , Stegmann Martin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe receptor kinase FERONIA (FER) is a susceptibility factor for biotrophic powdery mildew fungal pathogens in Arabidopsis thaliana, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. FER is required for the perception of endogenous RAPID ALKALINIZATION FACTOR (RALF) peptides to control various aspects of plant growth, development and immunity. RALFs are perceived by FER- LORELEI-LIKE GPI-ANCHORED PROTEIN (LLG) heterocomplexes to induce cellular responses and bind to LEUCINE-RICH REPEAT EXTENSIN (LRX) proteins as structural components of the cell wall. We show that FER‘s RALF ligands are necessary for full success of powdery mildew colonization. Our data reveals that LLGs and LRXs are also powdery mildew susceptibility factors, and that the susceptibility function of RALFs is best explained by a combination of peptide signalling and cell wall-related effects. We further reveal that cell wall and apoplastic pH homeostasis, hallmark features of RALF function, support powdery mildew reproductive success. The function of host RALF peptides is underlined by the fact that, in contrast to previously described pathogens that hijack FER for colonization, powdery mildew fungi do not produce functional RALF mimics. Surprisingly, RALF-dependent powdery mildew pathogenesis is partially independent of FER. The resistance phenotype of ralf and fer mutants is not associated with de-regulated salicylic acid and jasmonic acid signalling, important defense-related phytohormones. Collectively, powdery mildew fungi require RALF signalling for apoplastic pH regulation and cell wall structural organization for successful colonization, highlighting a novel mechanism for host susceptibility by obligate biotrophic fungi.
Mdm38/LETM1 couples ion homeostasis and proteostatic mechanisms in the inner mitochondrial membrane
Authors: Bohovych Iryna , Menezes da Silva Gabriella , Ali Saieeda Fabia , Bergmeyer Emma J. , Germany Edward M. , Mayank Adarsh , Wohlschlegel James A. , Casler Jason C. , Rahman Muhammad Arifur , Nazarko Taras Y. , Tarsio Maureen , Shiota Takuya , Lackner Laura L. , Claypool Steven M. , Kane Patricia M. , Barrientos Antoni , Khalimonchuk Oleh 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThe mitochondrial inner membrane is among the most protein-dense cellular membranes. Its functional integrity is maintained through a concerted action of several conserved mechanisms that are far from clear. Here, using the baker’s yeast model, we functionally characterize Mdm38/LETM1, a disease-related protein implicated in mitochondrial translation and ion homeostasis, although the molecular basis of these connections remains elusive. Our findings reveal a novel role for Mdm38 in maintaining protein homeostasis within the inner membrane. Specifically, we demonstrate that Mdm38 is required for mitochondrial iron homeostasis and for signaling iron bioavailability from mitochondria to vacuoles. These processes are linked to the m- AAA quality control protease, whose unrestrained activity disrupts the assembly and stability of respiratory chain complexes in Mdm38-deficient cells. Our study highlights the central role of Mdm38 in mitochondrial biology and reveals how it couples proteostatic mechanisms to ion homeostasis across subcellular compartments.
Stiffening cells with light
Authors: Gonzalez Eva , El Husseiny Jana , Molzahn Finn Bastian , Campion Tiffany , Jalaber Hadrien , Dogniaux Stéphanie , Puech Pierre-Henri , Nüsse Oliver , Gibot Laure , Husson Julien 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFluorescence microscopy is widely used to observe structures and dynamic processes in living cells and organisms and is often used as if it were purely innocuous to the cells or structures of interest. However, it can lead to phototoxicity, which can affect the cellular behavior and lead to erroneous interpretations of the observations. The major cause of cell damage through phototoxicity is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can form crosslinks between intracellular molecules, including proteins and nucleic acids. By using profile microindentation and atomic force microscopy, we demonstrate that the excitation of various fluorescent probes leads to a large increase in the stiffness of several cell types within seconds of illumination. The stiffening exhibits a dose-dependent response, where longer exposure times to exciting light are correlated with larger stiffening.This photostiffening effect explains why T cells loaded with the Fluo-4 Calcium probe stop emitting a protrusion within seconds after the excitation light is turned on. We observed photostiffening in different cell types and fluorophores. We showed that repeated cell indentation alone led to cell stiffening as well as excitation with blue or UV light in the absence of a fluoroph ore. However, in the latter case, the stiffening was much smaller than that when the fluorophore was excited. We used both sharp and blunt indenters to show that stiffening occurred not only at the cell cortex level but also deeper in the cell interior and that photostiffening is independent of actin cytoskeleton organization. We correlated the increase in cell stiffness with the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and reproduced cell stiffening by incubating cells with a ROS inducer, H2O2. The excitation of the photosensitizer Pheophorbidea, which induces a specific type of reactive oxygen species, namely singlet oxygen, also led to cell stiffening. This study reminds the experimentalists that it is crucial to perform controls when using fluorescence. It further allows us to propose exploiting photostiffening as a new method for rapidly quantifying phototoxicity.SignificanceThis study reveals a direct relationship between fluorescence excitation and cell mechanical properties. The generality of th is phenomenon across diverse fluorophores and cell types highlights the importance of controlling phototoxicity in fluorescence experiments, in particular in complex, quantitative cell biology and biophysical experiments, but also reveals an unexpected rol e of intracellular reactive oxygen species production and identifies cell stiffness as a proxy for assessing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy.
Virtual influencers going head-to-head with human influencers: the impact of influencer type on trust perceptions of endorsement
Authors: Liu Xing (Stella) , Wan Lisa C. , Mattila Anna S. 
Published: January 2025

Purpose
This study aims to explore how the extensive implementation of virtual influencers (VIs) in the hospitality and tourism industry shapes tourists’ trust perceptions. Specifically, it compares the differences between human influencers (HIs) and VIs based on mind perception theory and outlines the strategies for hospitality and tourism marketers to efficiently adopt influencers to enhance customers’ trust in diversified consumption contexts.

Design/methodology/approach
Three experiments were conducted with online panels (n = 799). Study 1 outlines the anticipated focal effect and the mediating role of perceived experience. Study 2 replicates the effect and investigates its downstream consequences. Study 3 examines the moderating effect of product type.

Findings
The results reveal that customers are more likely to distrust VIs than their human counterparts because the former is thought to possess a lower degree of perceived experience. This effect is more prominent in the endorsement of experiential (versus functional) products and services.

Originality/value
This research advances the understanding of how tourists perceive HIs andVIs differently in social media endorsement, enriching the growing literature on VIs. Hospitality marketers can also gain insights into the advantages and limitations of VIs, providing valuable information to optimize their marketing effectiveness.
Understanding determinants of GenAI usage and its effect on SCM performance using dynamic capability view
Authors: Gangwar Hemlata , Shameem Mohammad , Patel Sandeep , Koohang Alex , Sharma Anuj 
Published: January 2025

PurposeGenerative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can potentially improve supply chain management (SCM) processes across levels and verticals. However, despite its promise, the implementation of GenAI for SCM remains challenging, mainly due to the lack of knowledge regarding its key drivers. To address this gap, this study examines the factors driving GenAI implementation in an SCM environment and how these factors optimize SCM performance.Design/methodology/approachA thorough literature review was followed to identify the drivers. The resultant model from the drivers was validated using a quantitative study based on partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) that used responses from 315 expert respondents from the field of SCM.FindingsThe results confirmed the positive effect of performance expectancy, output quality and reliability, organizational innovativeness and management commitment to GenAI usage. Further, they showed that successful GenAI usage improved SCM performance through improved transparency, better decision-making, innovative design, robust development and responsiveness.Practical implicationsThis study reports the potential drivers for the contemporary development of GenAI in SCM and highlights an action plan for GenAI’s optimal performance. The findings suggest that by increasing the rate of GenAI implementation, organizations can continuously improve their strategies and practices for better SCM performance.Originality/valueThis study establishes the first step toward empirically testing and validating a theoretical model for GenAI implementation and its effect on SCM performance.
Service quality and earnings management in Brazilian electricity distributors
Authors: Souza Paulo Vitor Souza de , Paulo Edilson 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis article examines the relationship between service quality and earnings management in Brazilian electricity distributors.Design/methodology/approachService quality was measured using the Global Continuity Performance Indicator, as released by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL). To measure earnings management, the models by Dechow et al. (1995), Kothari et al. (2005), and Pae (2005) were used.FindingsThe results show that lower service quality is related to greater opportunism in management through earnings management. Furthermore, the study shows that managing earnings can distort the true economic and financial position of companies with low operational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research enhances comprehension regarding the correlation between service quality, measured by the Global Continuity Performance Indicator, and earnings management within a distinct industrial and regulatory framework. This could establish a foundation for prospective studies delving into analogous relationships across diverse sectors or regions.Practical implicationsThe findings offer insights for regulatory authorities to promote higher standards in the generation of informational quality, which can impact the quality of services.Social implicationsEnhancing the quality of electrical service through more responsible management practices leads to increased consumer satisfaction, driven by improvements in the continuity of energy supply.Originality/valueA gap exists in the literature due to the lack of studies examining the relationship between the quality of electrical service, measured by the continuity index, and opportunistic management practices through earnings management.