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Virological investigation and comparative genomic analysis of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus 1B infection in an Australian captive herd of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV) pose a significant threat to the conservation of Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ) worldwide, with a high mortality rate in young elephants. However, several components of EEHV virology remain underexplored, particularly for EEHV1B. This study describes a fatal case of EEHV1B infection in a nine-year-old Asian elephant from an ex situ conservation herd, examining herd viral dynamics, tissue viral loads and comparative genomics. This elephant succumbed to haemorrhagic disease within three days of developing clinical signs, despite therapeutic intervention. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed on serial trunk washes and whole-blood surveillance samples collected before and after the clinical event, as well as on post-mortem tissues preserved in different storage media (DNA/RNA Shield, RNALater, and viral transport medium). Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of infected tissues was performed to characterise the complete viral genome, analyse variation from other published EEHV genomes and assess for evidence of viral recombination between EEHV subspecies. The affected elephant demonstrated a marked viraemia at onset of clinical disease, with viral load peaking at 5.47 x 10 6 viral genome equivalents per mL of blood, one day after the onset of clinical signs. Samples stored in viral transport medium yielded the greatest viral and host DNA recovery by qPCR, although tissues stored at −80 °C without media were still suitable for molecular detection. Whole genome sequencing demonstrated 96.0% pairwise nucleotide identity between the assembled genome (EEHV1B_AUP_01_2023, GenBank accession: PX651398) and the previously reported EEHV1B sequence (KC462164), and a maximum of 90.9% identity to published EEHV1A genomes, with evidence of recombination between the viral subspecies at several genomic regions. Viral recombination between EEHV subspecies may have significant implications for the pathogenesis of EEHV disease, the reliability of molecular diagnostics and the efficacy of vaccinations and anti-viral therapy.

Long-term loss of TGF-β signaling in smooth muscle cells of aged adult mice disrupts proximal aortic wall structure and homeostasis

Retraction: Determinants of correct knowledge on tuberculosis transmission and self-reported tuberculosis prevalence among general population aged 15–49 years in Myanmar

Psychometric validation and measurement invariance of the Polish Multi-Affect Indicator across diverse demographic and occupational groups

Temporal transcriptomic profiling of pulmonary thromboembolism reveals persistent NETosis- and ferroptosis-associated gene signatures and enhanced thrombolysis with adjunctive DNase I

Objective To investigate the dynamic pathophysiology of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE), focusing on the roles of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and ferroptosis, and to evaluate intravenous DNase I as an adjunct to recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA). Methods A rabbit autologous thrombus PTE model was established using 62 animals for the time-course and therapeutic-intervention experiments. Disease progression was assessed at days 1, 3, 7, and 14 using histology (collagen volume fraction, CVF), serology (e.g., MPO-DNA, PAI-1, t-PA), and RNA-sequencing. Bioinformatics identified NETs- and ferroptosis-related genes, validated by qRT-PCR. Based on peak NETs activity at day 7, an intervention study (n = 12) compared rt-PA monotherapy versus rt-PA plus intravenous DNase I, with outcomes assessed 7 days post-treatment. In addition, an independent four-group mechanistic validation cohort (Control, PTE, PTE + DNase I, and PTE + ferrostatin-1 [Fer-1]; n = 5 per group) was used to evaluate NETs, TLR9, phospho-p65, total p65, and GPX4 by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Results The PTE model demonstrated progressive pulmonary fibrosis (increasing CVF, P < 0.05) and a sustained hypofibrinolytic state. The NETs marker MPO-DNA peaked at day 7 (P < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis revealed persistent activation of neutrophil degranulation and iron homeostasis pathways, with early ferroptosis and late collagen metabolism enrichment. Therapeutically, rt-PA plus DNase I was superior to rt-PA alone, yielding greater improvements in CVF (P < 0.01), pulmonary artery acceleration time (P < 0.01), oxygen saturation (P < 0.001), left ventricular function (P < 0.05), and serological markers of endothelial injury and cardiac strain (P < 0.05). In the independent validation cohort, PTE increased circulating MPO-DNA complexes, TLR9, phospho-p65 signaling, and the phospho-p65/total p65 ratio while decreasing GPX4; DNase I attenuated upstream MPO-DNA-associated changes in TLR9-NF-kB signaling, whereas Fer-1 more prominently restored GPX4 expression. Conclusion These findings suggest sustained NETs-associated activity and ferroptosis-related processes during PTE progression, identify stage-specific molecular signatures, and support DNase I as a potential adjunct to enhance thrombolysis, while mechanistic relationships require further validation.

A unified multi scale feature enhancement framework for remote sensing object detection

Drivers of sustainable practices in a developing country’s garment and textile industry: The role of sustainability challenges, limited material access, and economic constraints

Sustainable practices in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical for environmental resilience and economic viability, particularly in developing economies like Ghana’s garment and textile sector. This study investigates the drivers of sustainable practices among SME drivers in the Western Region of Ghana, focusing on sustainability challenges, limited access to materials, and economic constraints. Employing a quantitative approach, data were gathered from textile and garment SMEs via simple random sampling through an online and offline approach. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM 4.0) was used in processing and analysing the 315 valid responses gathered. Findings revealed that sustainability challenges and limited material access have a significant effect, while economic constraints have an insignificant effect. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions, including investments in recycling technology and stakeholder collaboration. The study contributes to SME sustainability literature in developing contexts and offers practical recommendations to foster eco-friendly production, job creation, and regional leadership in West African textile manufacturing.

Development of chimeric monoclonal antibodies as standardised positive controls in rickettsial serodiagnosis

Abstract Rickettsial diseases present ongoing diagnostic challenges due to antigenic diversity, serological cross-reactivity, and the lack of reliable standardised control reagents. Current serodiagnostic assays frequently rely on convalescent human sera as positive controls, which are inherently variable, limited in supply, and poorly suited to assay standardisation and quality assurance. In this study, we developed and validated human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibodies targeting the conserved outer membrane protein B (OmpB) of Rickettsia typhi as defined, renewable, positive-control calibrators for existing rickettsial serological platforms. Murine monoclonal antibodies were generated and engineered into chimeric IgG antibodies, which were expressed in HEK293T cells. The chimeric antibodies demonstrated high antigen specificity, bound native OmpB on the surface of R. typhi , and showed no detectable cross-reactivity within the tested antigen panel when evaluated using dot blot, immunofluorescence microscopy, and Luminex-based multiplex assays. Compared with patient-derived positive control sera, the chimeric antibodies demonstrated improved specificity and consistent performance within the evaluated assay conditions. These findings support the potential use of chimeric monoclonal antibodies as standardised positive controls for rickettsial serodiagnostics, with potential applications in assay validation, quality assurance, and inter-laboratory harmonisation.

Work-life realities of doctors in Georgia and their impact on mental health and work-related well-being: A cross-sectional study

Background Physicians worldwide are exposed to high occupational demands, long working hours, and emotional strain, placing them at increased risk for stress, depressive symptoms, and impaired occupational well-being. However, data describing these challenges among physicians in Georgia remain limited. Study objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress and depressive symptoms among physicians in Georgia across medical specialties and to examine their associations with selected work-related and psychosocial well-being indicators, including emotional well-being, work satisfaction, sleep-related factors, and future-oriented optimism, with attention to differences by specialty, gender, and professional experience. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous, structured online survey administered between February 5 and May 25, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia. A non-probability convenience sampling method was employed. Participation was voluntary, and inclusion criteria required respondents to be 25 years or older and currently employed in either a medical or non-medical profession in Georgia. The study included 390 physicians and a control group of 240 non-medical professionals. Physicians were categorized by medical specialty. Stress and depression were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21) and the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9). Both the PHQ-9 and the DASS-21 depression subscale were included to capture depressive symptom severity using complementary, widely used screening instruments, with analyses focusing on consistency of patterns rather than direct score equivalence. Additional items captured demographic characteristics and work-related and psychosocial factors. Data were collected electronically via Microsoft Forms and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Analyses were primarily descriptive and bivariate. Results In unadjusted analyses, physicians reported significantly higher levels of stress and moderate-to-severe depression compared with non-medical participants ( p  < 0.05). Stress levels decreased with increasing years of professional experience ( p  < 0.001) and were higher among female physicians (OR = 1.7), whereas depression was more prevalent among male physicians (OR = 2.5). Married physicians reported higher stress levels than unmarried physicians ( p  < 0.05). Obstetrics–gynecology, general surgery, urology, and anesthesiology exhibited the highest prevalence of stress and depression ( p  < 0.05). Work-related stressors, sleep disturbances, and reduced optimism were more common among younger physicians. Conclusion Physicians in Georgia reported significantly higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms compared with non-medical professionals, with potential implications for occupational well-being and healthcare system sustainability. These findings may suggest the relevance of targeted, specialty-sensitive approaches addressing workload, organizational factors, and psychosocial support to promote physician well-being and support healthcare quality in Georgia.

Monitoring alpine wetland of Haizishan using Otsu method and Sentinel-1 SAR in Hengduan Mountains, China

Predicting severe COVID-19 disease in adults: A single-centre cohort study during the first three pandemic waves in 2020–2021 in Vilnius, Lithuania

Background Since its emergence, the COVID-19 infection has led to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early identification of patients at risk for severe disease is essential for more effective triage, timely therapeutic intervention, and optimal resource allocation. Differences in population characteristics may contribute to variability in disease outcomes, which emphasizes the need for regional-level data, especially from underrepresented regions. The main aim of this study was to identify the demographic, clinical, and laboratory predictors of severe COVID-19, defined as the need for oxygen therapy, in Lithuania. Materials and methods We conducted an ambispective observational cohort study at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius, Lithuania, from March 2020 to December 2021. Adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and hospitalized longer than 24 hours were included in this study. Data were collected from the electronic medical records and patient interviews. To identify predictors of severe COVID-19 course, a multivariable binary logistic regression model was performed. Results Among 495 patients, 52.9% were male, the median age was 55 years, and 61.2% had at least one underlying condition. The most common symptoms on admission were malaise (77.1%), subfebrile fever (65.9%), and cough (69.7%). CRP demonstrated the highest predictive value for severe COVID-19 (AUC = 0.84), followed by LDH (AUC = 0.80). Older age (OR 1.04 per year, 95% CI 1.00–1.08), obesity (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.35–9.30), lymphopenia (OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.37–9.99), higher LDH (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.00–1.01) and CRP (OR 1.021, 95% CI 1.01–1.04) levels were identified as the strongest predictors for severe COVID-19 disease course. Conclusion Older age, obesity, lymphopenia, and higher CRP and LDH were associated with developing severe COVID-19 disease, indicating that combining patient history and laboratory parameters can provide a practical risk stratification approach to help clinicians identify high-risk patients early upon hospitalisation.

SnRNA-seq reveals seizure-induced remodelling of excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations

Determinants of knowledge and attitudes toward Mpox among medical students: A cross-sectional study from Kurdistan region of Iraq

Introduction and Objectives Mpox is a re-emerging zoonotic viral infection that has recently caused widespread outbreaks in previously non-endemic regions, becoming an international public health concern. Medical students are future healthcare workers (HCWs); they play a critical role in public health initiatives and targeted preventive measures. Therefore, it’s necessary to assess and enhance their knowledge and attitude concerning new emerging infectious diseases like Mpox. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to fill the literature gap by assessing medical students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding Mpox infection in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Additionally, the study intends to demonstrate a correlation between knowledge and attitudes levels and demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, from January 30, 2024, to April 4, 2024, involving a total of 330 medical students. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising 36 items categorized into three distinct sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge, and attitude. To maximize the response rate, both digital questionnaires distributed via Google Forms and traditional paper-based formats were employed. Results The participants’ mean age was 21.57 ± 1.69 years, with a slight female predominance (52.12%). Only (8.18%) of students had received Mpox training program. Social media was the primary information source for (36.97%) of students. The median [IQR] scores for knowledge and attitude were 20 [16 –23], and 42 [37 –45], respectively. About (40.91%) of respondents exhibited good knowledge, while (47.88%) demonstrated a positive attitude. A better knowledge score was significantly associated with age (p = 0.0067), and prior awareness of smallpox (p = 0.0011). In contrast, students who relied on friends as the main source of Mpox information demonstrated significantly lower knowledge levels (p = 0.015). Attitude was significantly linked to gender (p = 0.012), and a history of chickenpox (p = 0.0019). Conclusion Medical students in the present study demonstrated relatively insufficient knowledge about Mpox. However, their attitudes were more favorable, albeit still suboptimal. These findings highlight the urgent necessity for structured educational programs on emerging infectious diseases for health sciences students, with prioritization of students lacking knowledge of smallpox and chickenpox, and those who depended on non-formal information sources. Such programs are essential to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enhance their ability to respond to and control infectious diseases outbreaks.

A time-scale representation of EEG Higuchi fractal dimension

Abstract Higuchi Fractal Dimension (HFD) is a widely used nonlinear metric with extensive application in biological signal analysis, including electroencephalography (EEG) signal processing. HFD relies on a single free parameter, k max , which is the maximum scale in samples, used to assess the signal’s self-similarity. While fractal dimension estimation is independent of sampling frequency ( Fs ) in ideally fractal signals, EEG signals do not exhibit ideal fractality, also making the HFD estimates sensitive to both parameter k max and sampling frequency. As a result, HFD results reported across studies are difficult to compare with different parameter settings. In this work, we emphasize the need to account for the sampling frequency and present the HFD results in terms of the maximum time interval, t max = k max /Fs , rather than k max , thereby facilitating comparisons across studies. Additionally, we demonstrate that the choice of maximum time interval ( t max ) determines the frequency range that HFD focuses on, improving the interpretation of the results and enabling a more informed parameter selection.

Comprehensive multi-omics analysis reveals prognostic, immune, and therapeutic signatures of TNFAIP family genes in breast cancer

Background Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced proteins (TNFAIPs) are key regulators of inflammation, apoptosis, and immune signaling, yet their integrated roles in breast cancer (BC) remain poorly characterized. While individual TNFAIP members have been studied in other cancers, a comprehensive multi-omics characterization of this gene family in BC is still needed. Methods We performed an integrative bioinformatics analysis using public datasets (UALCAN, TIMER, bc-GenExMiner, cBioPortal, STRING, GeneMANIA, Enrichr, MethSurv, GDSC, CTRP, and HPA) to evaluate TNFAIP family members in BC. Expression, genomic alterations, methylation patterns, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity were analyzed across clinical and molecular subtypes. Where applicable, multiple hypothesis testing was controlled using the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) method. Results Among TNFAIPs, TNFAIP6 and EFNA1 were significantly upregulated in BC, while TNFAIP1, TNFAIP2, TNFAIP3, PTX3, TNFAIP8, and STEAP4 were downregulated. Elevated TNFAIP2, TNFAIP3, and TNFAIP8 expression correlated with improved overall survival (OS). Multi-database integration revealed that TNFAIP3 expression was strongly correlated with infiltration of CD4 ⁺ T cells, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Functional enrichment highlighted the NF-κB, PI3K-Akt, and TNF signaling pathways as key regulatory axes. Drug-sensitivity analyses indicated subtype-dependent responses linked to TNFAIP dysregulation. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive multi-omics characterization of TNFAIP family genes in BC, addressing the role of inflammatory signaling in tumor progression and identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These findings enhance the understanding of TNFAIP-mediated molecular networks and offer a resource for translational and experimental research in BC.

Water and cryoprotectant permeability of mature equine oocytes: experimental measurements and in silico predictions

Probiotics, synbiotics and berberine in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and molecular dynamics simulation study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by impaired regulation of blood glucose. Probiotics, synbiotics, and berberine (BBR) have been proposed as adjunctive interventions, but their overall effectiveness remains uncertain. Objective To evaluate the effects of these interventions on glycemic control and to explore a potential molecular interaction of BBR with a key carbohydrate-digesting enzyme. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Pooled effects were estimated for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) using random-effects models. A subgroup analysis compared probiotics with placebo. An exploratory computational analysis examined the interaction of BBR with α-glucosidase. Results More than 30 trials involving over 2,000 participants were included. The pooled analysis showed significant but modest reductions in FPG (−0.71 mmol·L ⁻ ¹) and HbA1c (−0.19%), with substantial between-study variability. Probiotics alone also reduced FPG (approximately −0.80 mmol·L ⁻ ¹) and HbA1c (approximately −0.21%) compared with placebo. Computational analysis indicated weaker enzyme binding for BBR than for the reference inhibitor acarbose. Conclusions Probiotics, synbiotics, and BBR provide statistically significant but clinically modest improvements in glycemic control. These findings support their use as adjunctive, rather than primary, therapeutic options and highlight the need for larger and longer trials with standardized interventions. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251116387 , identifier CRD420251116387.

Wireless charging ferrite core design with improved material efficiency for mobile devices by enhancing outer-region flux density

Towards intelligent railway monitoring: A novel hybrid deep learning architecture for railway obstacle detection

Railways are among the most efficient modes of transportation, capable of moving large quantities of goods and passengers over long distances at relatively low cost. However, accidents frequently occur due to objects or individuals present on the tracks, as trains are unable to swerve and require long braking distances. While the localization of objects within the track bed is a well-explored topic, the reliable and high-performance classification of such obstacles across all relevant categories remains an unresolved challenge. This study proposes an innovative hybrid architecture that leverages the specific visual characteristics of track bed imagery, setting a new benchmark in this domain. The hybrid design effectively leverages the strengths of ResNet50 and Swin Transformer V2, allowing the model to capture both local and global features. In addition, an Efficient Attention Module is integrated to further emphasize the most relevant features for robust obstacle classification. Using stratified five-fold cross-validation on a dataset of 2,003 images across six classes (iron bar, boulder, person, branch, canister, and barrel), the model achieved an average balanced accuracy of 99.46%. The results have implications for accident prevention, improving operational efficiency, and modernizing railway safety systems, thereby enabling the future application of automatic railway surveillance systems to ultimately enhance operational security.

Epstein-Barr virus serology in relation to the outcomes of oral and genital human papillomavirus infections in women during 3-year follow-up

Abstract Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are common oncoviruses that infect similar anatomical sites, persist as latent infections, and contribute to oncogenesis. However, the role of EBV as a cofactor in HPV infection outcomes remains unclear. This study assessed the implications of EBV serology on oral and genital HPV infections in a longitudinal setting. The study included 280 women from the Finnish Family HPV cohort, followed for three years. Oral, genital, and blood samples were collected at baseline and 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-ups. EBV-IgG antibodies to Zebra, EA-D, EBNA-1, and VCAp18 proteins were analyzed using multiplex serology, and HPV genotyping was performed with the Multimetrix® assay. Among the 280 women, 98.2% (n = 275) were seropositive for at least two EBV antibodies, with stable antibody levels over the follow-up. Self-reported atopy increased the likelihood of high Zebra and VCAp18 antibody levels OR 2.11 (95%CI 1.07–4.17) and OR 2.45 (95%CI 1.24–4.83). No clear associations between EBV serology and longitudinal oral and genital HPV outcomes were found. In conclusion, nearly all women tested positive for EBV antibodies, however, no notable implications between EBV antibody levels and longitudinal outcomes of oral and HPV infection outcomes could be determined.