bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The La Crosse virus class II fusion glycoprotein
ij
loop contributes to infectivity and replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
Authors: Thannickal Sara A. , Spector Sophie N. , Stapleford Kenneth A. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are an emerging and evolving global public health threat, with limited antiviral treatments or vaccines available. La Crosse virus (LACV) from the
Bunyavirales
order is responsible for pediatric encephalitis cases in the United States, yet little is known about the infectivity of LACV. Given the structural similarities between class II fusion glycoproteins of LACV and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus from the
Togaviridae
family, we hypothesized that LACV would share similar entry mechanisms with CHIKV. To test this hypothesis, we performed cholesterol-depletion and repletion assays and used cholesterol-modulating compounds to study LACV entry and replication. We found that LACV entry was cholesterol dependent, while replication was less affected by cholesterol manipulation. In addition, we generated single-point mutants in the LACV Gc
ij
loop that corresponded to known CHIKV residues important for virus entry. We found that a conserved histidine and alanine residue in the Gc
ij
loop impaired virus infectivity and attenuated LACV replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Finally, we took an evolution-based approach to explore how the LACV glycoprotein evolves in mosquitoes and mice. We found multiple variants that cluster in the Gc glycoprotein head domain, providing evidence for the Gc glycoprotein as a contributor to LACV adaptation. Together, these results begin to characterize the mechanisms of LACV infectivity and how the LACV glycoprotein contributes to replication and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Vector-borne viruses are significant health threats that lead to devastating disease worldwide. The emergence of arboviruses, in addition to the lack of effective antivirals or vaccines, highlights the need to study how arboviruses replicate at the molecular level. One potential antiviral target is the class II fusion glycoprotein. Alphaviruses, flaviviruses, and bunyaviruses encode a class II fusion glycoprotein that contains strong structural similarities at the tip of domain II. Here, we show that the bunyavirus La Crosse virus uses a cholesterol-dependent entry pathway similar to the alphavirus chikungunya virus, and residues in the
ij
loop are important for virus infectivity
in vitro
and replication in mice. These studies show that genetically diverse viruses may use similar pathways through conserved structure domains, suggesting that these viruses may be targets for broad-spectrum antivirals in multiple arboviral families.
Structural evolution of SARS-CoV-2 omicron in human receptor recognition
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shi Ke , Geng Qibin , Herbst Morgan , Wang Michael , Huang Linfen , Bu Fan , Liu Bin , Aihara Hideki , Li Fang 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Understanding the evolutionary strategies of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant is crucial for comprehending the COVID-19 pandemic and preventing future coronavirus pandemics. In this study, we determined the crystal structures of the receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from currently circulating omicron subvariants XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 (also the emerging XBB.1.9.1), each complexed with human ACE2. We studied how individual RBD residues evolved structurally in omicron subvariants, specifically how they adapted to human ACE2. Our findings revealed that residues 493 and 496, which exhibited good human ACE2 adaptation in pre-omicron variants, evolved to poor adaptation in early omicron subvariants (but with good adaption to mouse ACE2) and then reverted to good adaptation in recent omicron subvariants. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that non-human animals facilitated the evolution of early omicron subvariants. Additionally, residue 486, which exhibited good human ACE2 adaptation in early omicron subvariants, evolved to poor adaptation in later omicron subvariants and then returned to good adaptation in recent omicron subvariants. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that immune evasion facilitated the evolution of later omicron subvariants. Thus, our study suggests that both non-human animals and immune evasion may have contributed to driving omicron evolution at different stages of the pandemic.

IMPORTANCE
The sudden emergence and continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant have left many mysteries unanswered, such as the origin of early omicron subvariants and the factors driving omicron evolution. To address these questions, we studied the crystal structures of human ACE2-bound receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from omicron subvariants XBB.1 and XBB.1.5 (XBB.1.9.1). Our in-depth structural analysis sheds light on how specific RBD mutations adapt to either human or mouse ACE2 and suggests non-human animals and immune evasion may have influenced omicron evolution during different stages of the pandemic. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying omicron evolution, deepen our understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have significant implications for preventing future coronavirus pandemics.
Complete genome sequence of
Pediococcus acidilactici
A40, a bacterium with biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties
Authors: Vargas Christian , Bautista Daniel , Jimenez Hugo , Soto-Suarez Mauricio , Restrepo Silvia , Gonzalez Carolina , Zuluaga Paola 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

We report the complete genome assembly of
Pediococcus acidilactici
A40, a bacterium with biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties, obtained from Colombia.
Depression, parenting and the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: results from three nationally representative cross-sectional surveys
Authors: Shields Margot , Tonmyr Lil , Gonzalez Andrea , Atkinson Leslie , Blair Dawn-Li , Hovdestad Wendy , MacMillan Harriet 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesDepression is associated with problems in functioning in many aspects of life, including parenting. COVID-19 has increased risk factors for depression. We investigated the prevalence of depression among parents during the pandemic and the association with dysfunctional parenting.DesignCanadian nationwide cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsThe 2020 and 2021 Surveys on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH) and the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2015‒2019). Responding sample sizes for parents were 3121 for the 2020-SCMH; 1574 for the 2021-SCMH and 6076 for the CCHS.Primary outcome measuresAll three surveys collected information on symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). The SCMH measured harsh parenting.ResultsBased on data from the 2021-SCMH collected during wave 3 of COVID-19, 14.4% of fathers and 21.2% of mothers screened positive for MDD. These prevalence estimates were similar to those from the 2020-SCMH during wave 2, but at least two times higher than pre-COVID-19 estimates from the CCHS. Multivariate analyses revealed a linear association between MDD and harsh parenting. COVID-19-related stressors were associated with harsh parenting. Among mothers, feeling lonely or isolated because of COVID-19 was a risk factor for harsh parenting; among fathers, being a front-line worker was a risk factor. Meditation was a protective factor for mothers.ConclusionsAfter years of stability, the prevalence of MDD increased substantially among Canadian parents during the pandemic. Ongoing monitoring is vital to determine if elevated levels of depression persist because chronic depression increases the likelihood of negative child outcomes. Programmes aimed at addressing depression and bolstering parenting skills are needed as families continue to face stressors associated with COVID-19.
Online training to improve evidence-based leadership competencies among nurse leaders in Finland and China: study protocols for two randomised feasibility trials
Authors: Välimäki Maritta Anneli , Kirsi Hipp , Yang Min , Lantta Tella , Varpula Jaakko , Liu Gaoming , Tang Yao , Chen Wenjun , Hu Shuang , Chen Jiarui , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Li Xianhong 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThis study protocol describes two randomised feasibility trials that will evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an online training course to improve evidence-based leadership competences among nurse leaders working in hospitals in Finland and China.Methods and analysisTwo randomised, parallel-group studies will be conducted separately: one in Finland (n=140) and one in China (n=160). Nurse leaders who fulfil the eligibility criteria will be randomly allocated (1:1) to participate in either the online evidence-based leadership training or conventional online training (reading material only). The primary outcomes will be acceptance of the online course (logging into the platform) and adherence in the online course (returned course tasks and drop-out rate of the participants). The secondary outcomes will be acceptance of the study regarding recruitment, feasibility of the eligibility criteria and outcome measures and potential effectiveness of the online course on leadership skills, evidence-based knowledge, attitudes, practice, self-efficacy, self-esteem and intention to leave. In addition, the feedback will be asked after the course.Ethics and disseminationTwo separate trials have received ethical clearance from local ethics committees (12/2022 in Finland, E2021167 in China). Permission to conduct the study will be granted by hospital authorities. All participants will provide electronic informed consent before baseline data are collected. The trial results will be published locally, nationally and internationally in professional and peer-reviewed journals, and shared at national and international meetings and conferences.Trial registration numbersNCT05244512;NCT05244499.
Conflict of interest and funding in health communication on social media: a systematic review
Authors: Helou Vanessa , Mouzahem Fatima , Makarem Adham , Noureldine Hussein A , El-Khoury Rayane , Al Oweini Dana , Halak Razan , Hneiny Layal , Khabsa Joanne , Akl Elie A 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo synthesise the available evidence on the reporting of conflicts of interest (COI) by individuals posting health messages on social media, and on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.Data sourcesMEDLINE (OVID) (2005–March 2022), Embase (2005–March 2022) and Google Scholar (2005–August 2022), supplemented with a review of reference lists and forward citation tracking.DesignReviewers selected eligible studies and abstracted data in duplicate and independently. We appraised the quality of the included studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. We summarised the results in both narrative and tabular formats. We followed the PRISMA 2020 checklist for reporting our study.ResultsOf a total of 16 645 retrieved citations, we included 17 eligible studies. The frequency of reporting of conflicts of interest varied between 0% and 60%, but it was mostly low. In addition, a significant proportion, ranging between 15% and 80%, of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry. However, three studies assessed the proportion of conflicts of interest of physicians identified through Open Payment Database but not reported by the authors. It was found that 98.7–100% of these relationships with industry are not reported when communicating health-related information. Also, two studies showed that there is evidence of a potential association between COI and the content of posting. No data was found on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.ConclusionsWhile a significant proportion of healthcare professionals using social media have financial relationships with industry, lack of reporting on COI and undisclosed COI are common. We did not find studies on the reporting of funding sources of studies cited in health messages on social media.Trial registrationdx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.5jyl8jj4rg2w/v1.
Masses and magnetic moments of exotic fully heavy pentaquarks
Authors: Zhang Wen-Xuan , An Hong-Tao , Jia Duojie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInspired by the observation of a resonant state X(6600) of fully charm tetraquark by the CMS experiment of LHCb Collaboration in double $$J/\psi $$

J
/
ψ

decay channel, we perform a systematical study of all configurations of fully heavy pentaquarks $$P_{Q_{1}Q_{2}Q_{3}Q_{{4}}\bar{Q_{5}}}$$

P

Q
1

Q
2

Q
3

Q
4

Q
5

¯

($$Q_{i}=c,b$$

Q
i

=
c
,
b

, $$i=1,2,3,4,5$$

i
=
1
,
2
,
3
,
4
,
5

) in their ground states in unified framework of MIT bag model. The color-spin wavefunctions of pentaquarks, classified via Young tableau and presented in terms of the Young–Yamanouchi bases, are used to compute masses and magnetic moments of fully heavy pentaquarks via numerical variational method, predicting a set of masses ranging from 8.229 GeV for the $$P_{cccc\bar{c}}$$

P

c
c
c
c

c

¯

to 24.770 GeV for the $$P_{bbbb\bar{b}}$$

P

b
b
b
b

b

¯

. Combining with computed masses of fully heavy mesons and baryons, we find that masses of fully heavy hadrons(mesons, baryons, tetraquarks and pentaquarks) with identical flavor rise almost linearly with the number of valence quarks in hadrons, being consistent with the heavy quark symmetry in the heavy-quark limit.
Electrical Resynchronization and Clinical Outcomes During Long-Term Follow-Up in Intraventricular Conduction Delay Patients Applied Left Bundle Branch Pacing-Optimized Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Chen Xueying , Li Xiao , Bai Yingnan , Wang Jingfeng , Qin Shengmei , Bai Jin , Wang Wei , Liang Yixiu , Chen Haiyan , Su Yangang , Ge Junbo 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Left bundle branch-optimized cardiac resynchronization therapy (LOT-CRT) has shown encouraging results for QRS duration reduction and heart function improvement. However, the feasibility and efficacy of LOT-CRT have not been well established in intraventricular conduction delay patients. This study aims to assess and compare the efficacy and clinical outcome of CRT based on left bundle branch pacing, combined with coronary sinus left ventricular pacing (LOT-CRT) with CRT via biventricular pacing (BiV-CRT) in intraventricular conduction delay patients indicated for CRT.

METHODS:
Consecutive patients with intraventricular conduction delay and CRT indications were assigned nonrandomized to LOT-CRT (n=30) or BiV-CRT (n=55). Addition of the left bundle branch pacing (or coronary venous) lead was at the discretion of the implanting physician guided by suboptimal paced QRS complex and on clinical grounds. Echocardiographic parameters and clinical characteristics were accessed at baseline and during 2-years’ follow-up.

RESULTS:

Success rate for LOT-CRT and BiV-CRT was 96.8% and 96.4%. LOT-CRT had greater reduction of QRS duration compared with BiV-CRT (42.7±17.4 ms versus 21.9±21.5 ms;
P
<0.001). Higher left ventricular ejection fraction was also achieved in LOT-CRT than BiV-CRT at 6-month (36.7±9.8% versus 30.5±6.4%;
P
<0.05), 12-month (34.8±7.6% versus 30.3±6.2%;
P
<0.05), 18-month (36.3±7.9% versus 28.1±6.6%;
P
<0.005), and 24-month follow-up (37±9.5% versus 30.5±7%;
P
<0.05). Adverse clinical outcomes including heart failure rehospitalization and mortality were lower in LOT-CRT group for 24 months follow-up (hazard ratio, 0.33;
P
=0.035).

CONCLUSIONS:
LOT-CRT improves ventricular electrical synchrony and may provide greater clinical outcomes as compared with BiV-CRT in intraventricular conduction delay patients. These findings need further evaluation in future randomized controlled trials.
Physician-Modified Endograft–Facilitated Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Large Right Ventricular Outflow Tract
Authors: Ueyama Hiroki A. , Greenbaum Adam B. , Leshnower Bradley G. , Keeling Brent , Block Peter C. , Byku Isida , Ligon R. Allen , Grier Elizabeth , Shekiladze Nikoloz , Gleason Patrick T. , Xie Joe , Kim Dennis W. , Babaliaros Vasilis C. , Duwayri Yazan 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) in patients with a congenital or acquired abnormality resulting in enlarged right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is challenging and may preclude treatment with dedicated devices. We describe a technique using a physician-modified endograft to facilitate TPVR.

METHODS:
Six patients underwent physician-modified endograft–facilitated TPVR for severe symptomatic pulmonary insufficiency with enlarged RVOT. The fenestration was created in a commercially available endograft before implantation, which was then deployed from the dominant branch pulmonary artery into the RVOT, with the fenestration aligned with the ostium of the nondominant pulmonary artery. A covered stent was placed through the fenestration into the nondominant branch pulmonary artery, and a transcatheter heart valve was deployed within the endograft at the level of the original pulmonary valve.

RESULTS:

Four patients had tetralogy of Fallot, 1 had pulmonary atresia, and 1 had rheumatic valve disease. The RVOT/main pulmonary artery was severely enlarged (diameter, 44.2 [43.5–50.6] mm). All patients had reduced right ventricular (RV) function and dilated RVs (RV end-diastolic volume, 314 [235–316] mL). Successful endograft, covered stent, and transcatheter heart valve deployment were achieved in all cases without stent/valve embolization, vascular complications, or bleeding complications. At 30 days, 1 patient had mild pulmonary insufficiency, while others had none. The RV size measured by echocardiography was significantly reduced after TPVR (RV area, 34.4 [baseline] versus 29.0 [pre-discharge] versus 25.3 [30 days] cm
2
;
P
=0.03). During median follow-up of 221.5 (range, 29–652) days, there were no deaths or need for pulmonary valve reintervention. One patient developed severe tricuspid regurgitation due to entrapment of the anterior tricuspid leaflet by the endograft. The patient underwent successful tricuspid replacement and resection of the offending endograft with preservation of the pulmonary valve prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS:
Simple fenestration of an off-the-shelf endograft and associated covered stent placement through the fenestration allows TPVR for patients with dysfunctional native or patch-repaired pulmonary valves and RVOT enlargement.
Electric Field Navigated 1-Hz rTMS for Poststroke Motor Recovery: The E-FIT Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Edwards Dylan J. , Liu Charles Y. , Dunning Kari , Fregni Felipe , Laine Jarmo , Leiby Benjamin E. , Rogers Lynn M. , Harvey Richard L. 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

To determine if low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting the primary motor cortex contralateral (M1
CL
) to the affected corticospinal tract in patients with hemiparetic stroke augments intensive training–related clinical improvement; an extension of the NICHE trial (Navigated Inhibitory rTMS to Contralesional Hemisphere Trial) using an alternative sham coil.

METHODS:

The present E-FIT trial (Electric Field Navigated 1Hz rTMS for Post-stroke Motor Recovery Trial) included 5 of 12 NICHE trial outpatient US rehabilitation centers. The stimulation protocol remained identical (1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, M1
CL
, preceding 60-minute therapy, 18 sessions/6 wks; parallel arm randomized clinical trial). The sham coil appearance mimicked the active coil but without the weak electric field in the NICHE trial sham coil. Outcomes measured 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months after the end of treatment included the following: upper extremity Fugl-Meyer (primary, 6 months after end of treatment), Action Research Arm Test, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, quality of life (EQ-5D), and safety.

RESULTS:

Of 60 participants randomized, 58 completed treatment and were included for analysis. Bayesian analysis of combined data from the E-FIT and the NICHE trials indicated that active treatment was not superior to sham at the primary end point (posterior mean odds ratio of 1.94 [96% credible interval of 0.61–4.80]). For the E-FIT intent-to-treat population, upper extremity Fugl-Meyer improvement ≥5 pts occurred in 60% (18/30) active group and 50% (14/28) sham group. Participants enrolled 3 to 6 months following stroke had a 67% (31%–91% CI) response rate in the active group at the 6-month end point versus 50% in the sham group (21.5%–78.5% CI). There were significant improvements from baseline to 6 months for both active and sham groups in upper extremity Fugl-Meyer, Action Research Arm Test, and EQ-5D (
P
<0.05). Improvement in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was observed only in the active group (
P
=0.004). Ten serious unrelated adverse events occurred (4 active group, 6 sham group,
P
=0.72).

CONCLUSIONS:
Intensive motor rehabilitation 3 to 12 months after stroke improved clinical impairment, function, and quality of life; however, 1 Hz-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was not an effective treatment adjuvant in the present sample population with mixed lesion location and extent.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03010462.
Good Practices and Common Pitfalls in Climate Time Series Changepoint Techniques: A Review
Authors: Lund Robert B. , Beaulieu Claudie , Killick Rebecca , Lu QiQi , Shi Xueheng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Climate changepoint (homogenization) methods abound today, with a myriad of techniques existing in both the climate and statistics literature. Unfortunately, the appropriate changepoint technique to use remains unclear to many. Further complicating issues, changepoint conclusions are not robust to perturbations in assumptions; for example, allowing for a trend or correlation in the series can drastically change changepoint conclusions. This paper is a review of the topic, with an emphasis on illuminating the models and techniques that allow the scientist to make reliable conclusions. Pitfalls to avoid are demonstrated via actual applications. The discourse begins by narrating the salient statistical features of most climate time series. Thereafter, single- and multiple-changepoint problems are considered. Several pitfalls are discussed en route and good practices are recommended. While most of our applications involve temperatures, a sea ice series is also considered.

Significance Statement
This paper reviews the methods used to identify and analyze the changepoints in climate data, with a focus on helping scientists make reliable conclusions. The paper discusses common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid in changepoint analysis and provides recommendations for best practices. The paper also provides examples of how these methods have been applied to temperature and sea ice data. The main goal of the paper is to provide guidance on how to effectively identify the changepoints in climate time series and homogenize the series.