Browse Articles

Assessing the spatiotemporal distribution of bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) in Europe

Abstract Adverting biodiversity loss is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. The ongoing amphibian extinction crisis is the result of a multitude of factors, with emerging infectious diseases having played a key role. While extensive contributions have been made to study chytrid fungi and ranaviruses in the last two decades, other amphibian pathogens have remained largely unstudied. Here, we evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution of Bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) in Europe, a pathogen capable infecting true toads (family Bufonidae). Using molecular detection and histology, we identified seven new BfHV1 positive sites in Germany and a first record for Luxembourg. Phylogenetic analysis of samples from these sites revealed a monophyletic cluster with the known BfHV1 reference sequences. Through additional systematic examination of photographic records from citizen scientists, we identified 229 BfHV1 cases (62 positive, 167 suspicious) in the genus Bufo (B. bufo, B. spinosus), with suspicious cases being widespread across Europe and dating back until at least 2007. As such, this first continental assessment suggests that BfHV1 has been rather overlooked than being recently emerging. Yet, in view of increasing observations of population declines in bufonids across Europe, additional research is warranted to assess its effects on amphibian populations.

How could local environmental innovations become a national policy?—A qualitative comparative study on the factors influencing the diffusion of bottom-up environmental policy innovations

Innovation diffusion in China’s local environmental governance occurs both horizontally and vertically from the bottom up. This process is critical to improving environmental policies and advancing our understanding of how local innovations spread. To explore this phenomenon, the study applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to 17 environmental cases. It examines five key factors: central agenda setting, recognition by central government departments, focal events, policy innovation costs and difficulties, and diffusion among local governments. The findings indicate that national policy integration is driven by five distinct pathways, rather than by any single factor. These pathways fall into three broader models: Central Guidance, Drive by Centre and Society, and Local Autonomy. This study introduces a new analytical framework to explain the vertical diffusion of local environmental innovations within China’s governance structure. It deepens our understanding of innovation diffusion in local governance and provides practical guidance for both central and local governments. Additionally, it lays a foundation for future research on environmental policy diffusion.

Performance of theodolites versus drones in land-based studies of marine mammals

Abstract Theodolites and drones are key instruments for observing small whales in coastal areas. This study compared their performance while observing the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the western Baltic Sea. The methods were used simultaneously providing information on location, behaviour and group size during a field campaign in 2022. Theodolite observers were able to detect surfacing positions during 80.5% of porpoise sightings while a drone collected data during 50.7% of total sightings detected by plain eye. The drone footage quality was poor during 47.3% of these sightings. An in-depth analysis of 75:36 h of good quality footage resulted in 16:55 h (22.4%) of cetacean appearance. The determination of group size was significantly more precise using drone footage while the theodolite was more accurate in determining the start/end of a sighting. The accuracy of locations was modelled using the distance (Dt-d) between recorded theodolite and drone coordinates of the same surfacing porpoise. Dt-d varied significantly based on the point quality. Sea state and porpoise to theodolite observer distance did not influence Dt-d. Both methods complement each other and should ideally be used simultaneously to obtain both accurate and detailed information on harbour porpoises and other marine mammals during land-based observation studies.

Economic assessment of potential changes to essential medicines for diabetes in Uganda

Background The World Health Organization suggests selecting essential medicines based on availability, accessibility, affordability, cost-effectiveness, and safety and efficacy. We examined Oral Hypoglycemic Agents (OHAs) for type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Essential Medicines and Health Supplies List for Uganda (EMHSLU), assessed all criteria, and proposed alternative medicines to improve cost-savings and health outcomes. Methods We conducted a literature review followed by budget impact analysis (BIA) to evaluate potential cost-savings from refining EMHSLU. In our literature review, we identified metrics for measuring availability, accessibility, and affordability of medicines and evaluated evidence on cost-effectiveness, safety, and efficacy of OHAs. According to the country context and available data, we used applicable methods to analyze five classes of OHAs available in Uganda. Since the government covers essential medicines in the public sector based on BIA, we assessed affordability for the government by examining potential savings in two scenarios (#1: shifts within the EMHSLU; #2: use of non-EMHSLU drugs). Results OHAs added to the EMHSLU 2023 are less available and accessible compared to OHAs in EMHSLU 2016. BIA scenario 1 revealed that the complete replacement of glimepiride 2 mg and gliclazide 80 mg with glibenclamide 5 mg could save the government up to USD 2.65 million per year. Additionally, scenario 2 showed that full replacement of dapagliflozin 10 mg and glimepiride 4 mg instead of their lower doses can save up to United States Dollar (USD) 230,000 and USD 600,000 per year, respectively. A review and adaptation of a published cost-effectiveness analysis highlights that sitagliptin is a cost-effective OHA in Uganda with an estimated Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio of $6,132/Quality-Adjusted LifeYear. Conclusion The findings suggest several potential type 2 diabetes oral medication substitutions which would reduce costs.

Echocardiography and cardiorespiratory changes post ketofol or atracurium/ketofol on acepromazine-methadone premedicated dogs

Abstract Cardiovascular failure has been recognized as the predominant cause of perioperative mortality in small animals, particularly dogs. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding intravenous atracurium to a ketofol infusion during anesthesia in dogs. Thirty male mongrel dogs were premedicated with an intramuscular injection containing 0.02 mg/kg of acepromazine and 0.2 mg/kg of methadone. Thirty minutes later, the dogs were equally and randomly divided into two groups (n = 15): the Ketofol Group (KFG), in which anesthesia was induced using IV administration of 0.5 ml/kg of ketofol, and the atracurium/ketofol Group (AKFG), in which anesthesia was induced using IV administration of 0.25 mg/kg of atracurium with 0.5 ml/kg of ketofol. Following intubation, anesthesia was maintained by a variable intravenous infusion at 0.2 ml/kg/min in KFG or a combination of 0.01 mg/kg/min atracurium and 0.2 ml/kg/min ketofol in AKFG. Respiratory frequency (fR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (EtCO2), rectal temperature (RT), the quality of induction, intubation, recovery period, ejection fraction percentage (EF%), fractional shortening percentage (FS%), and stroke volume (SV) were recorded. The ketofol doses were significantly lower, P ≤ 0.01, in the AKFG group (4.2 ± 0.44 mg/kg) than in the KFG group (2.27 ± 0.6 mg/kg). There were statistically significant increases in RR, HR, MAP, EtCO2, and echocardiography parameters in the AKFG group compared to the KFG group. Additionally, the AKFG group exhibited a significant reduction in induction, intubation, and recovery scores compared to the KFG group. Adding atracurium to ketofol during dog anesthesia positively impacts the hemodynamic and cardiac parameters and improves the quality of induction, intubation, and recovery.

Personalized machine learning models for noninvasive hypoglycemia detection in people with type 1 diabetes using a smartwatch: Insights into feature importance during waking and sleeping times

Hypoglycemia is a major challenge for people with diabetes. Therefore, glycemic monitoring is an important aspect of diabetes management. However, current methods such as finger pricking and continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) are invasive, and hypoglycemia has still been shown to occur despite advancements in CGMS. Consequently, a growing body of research has been directed toward noninvasive hypoglycemia detection, relying on data from medical devices and wearables that can record physiological changes elicited by hypoglycemia. Consumer-grade wearables such as smartwatches remain an attractive yet underexplored candidate for such applications. Therefore, we explored the potential of a consumer-grade wearable for hypoglycemia prediction and investigated differing feature importance during waking and sleeping times. Smartwatch data from 18 adults with type 1 diabetes was collected, preprocessed, and imputed. Machine learning (ML) models were built using a tree-based ensemble algorithm to detect hypoglycemic events registered by CGMS. Models were built in a personalized manner using the same participant’s data for training and testing, with separate modeling for daytime and nighttime. The relative importance of input features on model decisions was analyzed using SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations). Seventeen personalized models were built with an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) score of 0.74 ± 0.08. Average specificity and sensitivity were 0.76 ± 0.18 and 0.71 ± 0.15, respectively. Time-of-day, activity, and cardiac features showed comparable importance in daytime models (29.9%, 28.5%, and 24%, respectively), while in nighttime models, cardiac features demonstrated the highest importance (42.2%) followed by time-of-day features (37.5%) and respiratory features (15.2%). In summary, we demonstrate the potential of consumer-grade wearables in noninvasive hypoglycemia detection. By additionally considering different physiological states (waking and sleeping) during modeling, our results offer further insights into differences in relative feature importance influencing the model’s decision, guiding future research in this area.

Influence of polarization angle on LIPSS formation and ablation efficiency in direct laser interference patterning of metals

Abstract This study explores the influence of the polarization angle on the formation of Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) during Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) and its impact on ablation efficiency in stainless steel and aluminum 2024 substrates. Two pulse durations, 12 ps and 70 ps, with a laser wavelength of 1064 nm, are employed at varying accumulated fluences to evaluate their effects on the surface structuring process. The results demonstrate that the Low Spatial Frequency LIPSS (LSFL) orientation with respect to the line-like structures produced by two-beam DLIP is strongly influenced by the polarization angle and the alignment of DLIP features. In addition, the spatial period of LSFL in stainless steel remained relatively stable regardless of the polarization angle (~ 900–1000 nm), whereas in aluminum 2024, it exhibited significant variation, decreasing from approximately 920 nm to 506 nm as the LSFL rotated. The polarization angle also affected the reached structure depth at constant irradiation conditions, particularly in stainless steel, where greater depths were achieved when the LSFL aligned perpendicularly to DLIP lines (over 50% variation). These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing laser-based surface processing techniques for metallic substrates.

Exploring the Early Neolithic in the Arabian Gulf: A newly discovered 8,400–year-old stone-built architecture on Ghagha Island, United Arab Emirates

The site of GHG0088, with its two successive main phases of occupation, provides crucial data for re-evaluating our understanding of the Early Neolithic period (c. 6600–5400 cal. BCE) in the Arabian Gulf. The initial phase is marked by durable stone-built structures and evidence of domestic activities and funerary practices, presumably reflecting a settled lifestyle. The material culture includes a lithic industry, tools crafted from marine shells, and plaster vessels indicative of early pyrotechnological skills, while the absence of pottery challenges traditional views of Neolithic material assemblages in the Arabian Peninsula. Analysis of faunal remains indicates a subsistence strategy heavily reliant on marine resources, particularly fish, highlighting the exploitation of the neighbouring sea. While there is no evidence of agriculture or animal herding during that period, the rich coastal ecosystems likely ensured food security, reducing the need for residential mobility. The architectural remnants reveal patterns of continuity and adaptation across both phases. A significant layer of accumulated aeolian sand suggests a period of abandonment, potentially linked to the 8.2 ka BP climatic event. The subsequent reoccupation involved the adaptive reuse of the collapsed structures, transforming them into a temporary shelter for fishers, as suggested by numerous stone weights found. Additionally, the presence of shell beads underscores a renewed significance of marine resources during this second phase of occupation and suggests participation in extensive long-distance trade networks. These findings provide valuable new perspectives on the early stages of the Neolithic period in the Arabian Gulf. Comparisons with other contemporary sites offer a foundation for redefining the Early Arabian Neolithic and its timeline in this region.

The impact of dietary neem leaf on the growth and biochemical traits of rabbits

Abstract Neem is a plant used both as food and in traditional medicine. Its many active components, such as Carotenoids, Saponins, Triterpenoids and Nimbidin, may render it a beneficial feed additive for rabbits. Healthy weaned rabbits from breed V-line (VL) were selected to examine the effect of neem (Azadirachta indica) on growth performance, carcass traits, morphology, and blood parameters responses. Thirty-two V-line rabbits (45 days old) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8 per group): a control group (G1) receiving a basal diet, and three treatment groups (G2, G3, G4) receiving the basal diet supplemented with 5%, 10%, and 15% neem leaf powder, respectively. Neem leaf supplementation had no significant effect on the rabbits’ growth performance, live body weight, carcass weight, lungs and abdominal fat, dressing percentage and liver. There was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in intestine length in G4. Nevertheless, the cecum considerably shrank (P < 0.05) in G3 and G4, which might have a more negative impact on growth performance. Certain biochemical measures (albumin, globulin, triglycerides, LDL, total protein, cholesterol, glucose, AST, and ALT) did not exhibit significant variations. However, a significant (P < 0.01) drop in blood urea occurred after the higher concentration. A significant (P < 0.05) rise in HDL after neem supplementation. Histologically, the liver showed signs of hepatotoxicity in the group supplemented with neem leaves, such as abnormal hepatocytes’ nuclear membranes, pyknotic nuclei, karyorrhexis and karyolysis. Additionally, the portal and central veins were congested, and a greater number of Kupffer cells were seen. In conclusion, the findings suggest that dietary neem leaf supplementation may have adverse effects on rabbit health and performance, particularly at higher concentrations.

Trends in immobilization following fracture surgery of the wrist and hand in Sweden: A 16-Year Analysis from 2008 to 2023

Introduction Hand and wrist fractures are common orthopaedic injuries, with varied postoperative management strategies. Cast immobilization, traditionally used to ensure fracture stability, is increasingly debated in favour of early mobilization. However, significant regional differences persist. The aim of this study is to analyse regional, age, and sex differences in post-operative cast immobilization rates for hand and wrist fractures in Sweden between 2008 and 2023. Methods This observational, population-based study utilized data from the Swedish National Patient Register, analysing post-operative cast immobilization rates among individuals aged 15 and older. Trends and disparities were examined over time by region, gender, and age group. Results The study found a significant increase in cast immobilization rates across Sweden, with notable differences based on sex and region. By 2023, immobilization rates for men had increased from 46% to 86%, while rates for women increased from 34% to 69%. Conclusion The findings indicate a nationwide trend towards increased immobilization rates, highlighting gender- and region-based disparities. These differences underscore the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines to ensure equitable and effective patient care across Sweden.

Results of upper cervical palpation test in migraine patients are not explained by pain sensitization

Abstract The exact cause for no pain, local pain and referred pain groups according to the upper cervical palpation test (UPT) and whether neck pain in migraine patients is caused due to pain sensitization or influenced by perceived neck-related disability, is not fully understood. The aim was to determine whether upper cervical spine sensitivity tested by the UPT is associated with neck-related disability or increased pain sensitization in patients with migraine. Forty-two patients with episodic migraine were examined regarding mechanical and pressure pain thresholds, central sensitization (CSI), allodynia (ASC-12) and neck-related disability (NDI), and sub-grouped according to the UPT. An ANOVA analysis was performed for group differences. Exploratory regression and correlation analyses were performed with NDI and CSI as dependent variables to understand which factors are related and contribute to either subgroup allocation. No significant differences were found in UPT subgroups regarding CSI and NDI. The UPT subgroups could not be determined by any evaluated variable. The NDI was explained in 43.6% by the CSI and neck pain intensity. CSI results were explained to 49.4% by a model including ASC-12 and NDI. In conclusion, UPT subgroups were neither explained by differences in CSI, mechanical or pressure threshold testing or NDI.

Nanoscale heat transport tracked at interface between semiconductor materials

Time-varing effect of policy uncertainty on A-share industry returns— A novel Bayesian approach

The impact of policy uncertainty on A-share industry returns shows significant time-varying characteristics, amplified by industry input-output relationships. Traditional TVP-VAR models overlook network structures, leading to unquantified spillover effects and imprecise systemic risk identification. To address this problem, this study embeds industry input-output tables as matrices into Time-Varying Parameter Spatial Autoregressive Model, and Bayesian methods are innovatively introduced into this model to capture the parameters. Policy uncertainty is categorized into five dimensions—economic, fiscal, monetary, exchange rate, and trade. Empirical results reveal following key findings: On average, network spillover effects explain approximately 39% of the response of A-share industry returns to policy uncertainty. Group analysis reveal that economic and fiscal policy uncertainties exhibit positive network effects, indicating synergistic effect that amplify their impact across industries. In contrast, exchange rate and trade policy uncertainties generate negative network effects, reflecting competitive or substitution effects. Systemic risk is most pronounced in fiscal and trade policy uncertainty groups. Systemic risk increases across all policy uncertainty groups except trade, which shows a declining trend. This study provides a novel framework for understanding the dual nature of spillover effect in production networks, offering valuable insights for policymakers and investors to manage systemic risks and indentify synergistic and competitive effects in interconnected industries.

Gaze cluster analysis reveals heterogeneity in attention allocation and predicts learning outcomes

Abstract Instructional videos need to maintain learners’ attention to foster learning, therefore, a fine-grained measurement of attention is required. Existing gaze measures like inter-subject correlation (ISC) assume a singular focal point deemed meaningful for indicating attention. We argue that multiple meaningful foci can exist and propose an automatically generated gaze measure labeled gaze cluster membership (GCM). By applying the density-based clustering in spatial databases (DBSCAN) algorithm to gaze position data from over 100 participants, we categorize viewers as attentive when they are part of a cluster and as inattentive when they are not. Using two videos, we demonstrate that our settings of DBSCAN generate meaningful clusters. We show that low ISC values (neuronal and eye tracking data) during multiple meaningful foci do not necessarily indicate a lack of attention. Additionally, GCM predicts participants’ self-reported mental effort and their tested knowledge. Our innovative approach is of high value for assessing learner attention and designing instructional videos.

Opportunities and challenges in access to healthcare for international migrants with work-related diseases and injuries in Gulf Cooperation Council countries: A systematic literature review protocol

Introduction International labor migrants form a significant part of the global workforce, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which host around 11% of the world’s migrant workforce. This high concentration presents unique challenges in healthcare access and delivery. This systematic review aims to evaluate whether international labor migrants in GCC countries have effective access to healthcare for work-related diseases and injuries and to propose evidence-based recommendations for policy and healthcare interventions. Methods We will include studies from 2013 to 2023 published in peer-reviewed journals in English or Arabic (with English abstracts) available on PubMed, Embase and CINAHL. Search strategies are developed using MeSH terms and key terms related to our study population (international labor immigrants), context (the GCC countries), and exposure (migrant status; work-related diseases and injuries). The screening process involves two stages: initial review of titles/abstracts and full-text review. Studies meeting eligibility criteria and focusing on our primary outcome (access to healthcare) will be included. Data extraction will cover study characteristics, population demographics, described exposures, outcomes measured, and key findings. Given the expected heterogeneity, narrative synthesis will be primarily used, with meta-analysis as an option. Discussion By considering both migrant workers and expatriate professionals, we provide a culturally tailored perspective. Methodological rigor is ensured through the gold standard screening process, where at least two reviewers independently screen the literature at each stage, with a senior reviewer resolving discrepancies. We will identify barriers, facilitators, and inform targeted interventions for policymakers. Our findings will support evidence-based strategies to improve healthcare access for international labor migrants in the GCC countries. Systematic review registration This systematic review protocol was registered on the international registry PROSPERO (CRD42024532851) on April 21, 2024.

Nimodipine protects Schwann and neuronal cells from cell death induced by cisplatin without affecting cancer cells

Abstract Cisplatin is a well-established drug for the treatment of solid tumors. One of the most common side effects is neurotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy, which affects patients’ quality of life. In previous studies, a protective effect of nimodipine on neuronal cell stress was demonstrated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the impact of nimodipine on cisplatin-treated Schwann cells, neuronal cells, and tumor cells. Schwann and neuronal cells were used to investigate the neuroprotective effect of nimodipine, as well as the cancer cell lines A549, SAS and SKOV-3 to determine the effect on tumor cells. Cell death was measured using extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity and propidium iodide staining. In addition, the protein level of the LIM-domain only four protein and the activation of known interacting anti-apoptotic pathways were analyzed. The cytotoxic effect of cisplatin was reduced by up to 23.6% in neuronal cells (p ≤ 0.0001) and up to 30.6% in Schwann cells (p ≤ 0.05) by nimodipine pre-treatment. However, no decrease in apoptosis could be shown in the cancer cells. Nimodipine-dependent activation of anti-apoptotic signaling pathways was detectable in Schwann cells and neuronal cells, whereas the opposite effect could be demonstrated in the cancer cells. In conclusion, the treatment with nimodipine may represent a new approach against neurotoxically side effects in cisplatin chemotherapy.

The role of senescence-related hub genes correlating with immune infiltration in type A aortic dissection: Novel insights based on bioinformatic analysis

Background Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAD) is a fatal disease that confers extremely high morbidity and mortality. Cellular senescence, characterized by a permanent cell cycle arrest, has been implicated in the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease and immune cell infiltration has been observed in the aortic walls of dissected specimens. However, the precise mechanisms through which senescent cells interact with immune infiltration to contribute to the development and progression of AAD remain unclear. Methods Cellular senescence-related genes (SRGs) were identified via the CellAge database. Patient and normal control datasets (GSE52093 and GSE190635) were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, with GSE190635 serving as the validation set. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to AAD were determined from the GSE52093 dataset. We intersected SRGs with DEGs to identify differentially expressed senescence-related genes (DESRGs), which were subsequently analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, and protein-protein interactions (PPI). Hub DESRGs were selected based on their connectivity degree and diagnostic genes were further refined via gene expression level evaluation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Additionally, a miRNA-gene network involving hub DESRGs was constructed. Finally, CIBERSORT was employed to analyze the compositional patterns of the 22 types of immune cell fractions in AAD. Results A total of 700 DEGs were identified from the GSE52093 dataset, and 279 SRGs were obtained from the CellAge database. 20 DESRGs, comprising 9 senescence suppressor genes and 11 senescence inducible genes, were identified eventually by overlapping DEGs and SRGs. The top 8 hub DESRGs, including CHEK1, CENPA, FOXM1, BRCA1, AURKA, MAD2L1, PTTG1 and EZH2 were identified. Moreover, three diagnostic genes with high Area Under the Curve (AUC > 0.9) were identified: CHEK1, FOXM1, BRCA1. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed correlations between hub DESRGs and CD8 T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. Compared with normal tissues, AAD tissues exhibited a significant decrease in CD8 T cells and an increase in NK cells and macrophages. Conclusion Cellular SRGs, such as CHEK1, CENPA, FOXM1, BRCA1, AURKA, MAD2L1,PTTG1 and EZH2 might hold significance in AAD, among which CHEK1, FOXM1, BRCA1 could potentially serve as molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of AAD. These genes might contribute significantly to the occurrence and advancement of AAD by modulating the inflammatory response or immune regulation.

Structural and phylogenetic comparisons of the complete mitochondrial genomes among taxa in genus Toona

Surface Enhanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at Solid–Liquid Interfaces Using Overhauser Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

PADI4-mediated citrullination of histone H3 stimulates HIV-1 transcription

Abstract HIV-1 infection establishes a reservoir of long-lived cells with integrated proviral DNA that can persist despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Certain reservoir cells can be reactivated to reinitiate infection. The mechanisms governing proviral latency and transcriptional regulation of the provirus are complex. Here, we identify a role for histone H3 citrullination, a post-translational modification catalyzed by protein-arginine deiminase type-4 (PADI4), in HIV-1 transcription and latency. PADI4 inhibition by the small molecule inhibitor GSK484 reduces HIV-1 transcription after T cell activation in ex vivo cultures of CD4 + T cells from people living with HIV-1 in a cross-sectional study. The effect is more pronounced in individuals with active viremia compared to individuals under effective ART. Cell models of HIV-1 latency show that citrullination of histone H3 occurs at the HIV-1 promoter upon T cell stimulation, which facilitates proviral transcription. HIV-1 integrates into genomic regions marked by H3 citrullination and these proviruses are less prone to latency compared to those in non-citrullinated chromatin. Inhibiting PADI4 leads to compaction of the HIV-1 promoter chromatin and an increase of heterochromatin protein 1α (HP1α)-covered heterochromatin, in a mechanism partly dependent on the HUSH complex. Our data reveal a novel mechanism to explain HIV-1 latency and transcriptional regulation.