Browse Articles

Genomics reveals zoonotic and sustained human mpox spread in West Africa

Abstract Five years before the 2022 multi-country mpox outbreak, Nigeria and Cameroon reported their first cases in more than three decades1,2. Whereas the outbreak in Nigeria is recognized as an ongoing human epidemic, the drivers of the resurgence in Cameroon remain unclear3,4. The rate of zoonoses remains uncertain in both countries, and gaps in genomic data obscure the timing and zoonotic and geographic origin of monkeypox virus (MPXV) emergence in humans. Here, to address these uncertainties, we sequenced 118 MPXV genomes isolated from cases in Nigeria and Cameroon between 2018 and 2023. We show that in contrast to cases in Nigeria, cases in Cameroon are the result of repeated zoonoses, with two distinct zoonotic lineages circulating across the Nigeria–Cameroon border. Our findings suggest that shared animal populations in the cross-border forest ecosystems drive the emergence and spread of the virus. Accordingly, we identify the closest zoonotic outgroup to the Nigerian human epidemic lineage (hMPXV-1) in a southern Nigerian border state. We estimate that the shared ancestor of the zoonotic outgroup and hMPXV-1 circulated in animals in southern Nigeria in late 2013. We find that hMPXV-1 emerged in humans in August 2014 in the southern Rivers State and circulated undetected for three years. Rivers State was the main source of viral spread during the human epidemic. Our study sheds light on the recent establishment of MPXV in the human population and highlights the risk of persistent zoonotic emergence of MPXV in the complex border regions of Cameroon and Nigeria.

A highly chemo- and regioselective synthesis of heterocyclic [3.3.3]propellanes via sequential multicomponent reactions in water

Polarization dependent bound states in continuum in a tetramer metasurface discovered by random forest algorithm

Effect of Capsicum annuum on antioxidant activity, oocyte development and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in jewel cichlid (Hemichromis guttatus)

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effects of 3%, 7%, 11%, and 15% red pepper ( Capsicum annuum ) supplementation to diet on antioxidant, oocyte development and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila A210 of jewel cichlid ( Hemichromis guttatus ). Fifteen fish (3.43 g ± 0.03) were stocked to each aquarium and fed ad libitum for 90 days. At the end of the trial, the number of mature oocytes increased by adding 11% and 15% red pepper to the diets. ( P  < 0.05). Fish fed diets containing 11% and 15% red pepper showed a significant rise in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ( P  < 0.05). In addition, fish fed diets containing 3% and 11% red pepper showed disease resistance against A. hydrophila in jewel cichlids. After challenge with A. hydrophila , cumulative mortality rates in fish fed with diets containing 3%, 7%, and 11% red pepper were significantly reduced compared to the control group ( P  < 0.05). Therefore, using 11% red pepper is appropriate to provide resistance against A. hydrophila infections, increase fertility and antioxidant levels in jewel cichlids (Hemichromis guttatus ).

A 2-year follow-up analysis of individuals with internet use disorders treated with the webcam-based telemedicine OMPRIS intervention

Abstract Evidence-based online treatments for internet use disorders (IUD) are poorly studied. The online-based, therapist-guided, motivational intervention program for internet use disorder (OMPRIS) has shown significant effects on reducing IUD symptoms, while the symptoms remained high in the waiting control group. The current study presents a 2-year follow-up analysis of the IUD symptoms. Participants in the OMPRIS study were followed up 2 years after the intervention. The primary outcome was a reduction in IUD symptoms. Secondary outcomes were time spent on the internet, depression and anxiety symptoms, and general life satisfaction. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were performed to assess the outcomes over time across the intervention and three follow-up measurement, controlling for the covariates age and gender. A total of 116 out of 180 OMPRIS participants (64.4%) were reached for the follow-up survey after 2 years. The LMM showed no significant increase in IUD symptom severity across all three follow-up measurements relative to post treatment measurements. Age and gender had no significant influence in the model. Similar results were found for all secondary outcomes. According to this study, IUD can be effectively treated via webcam and is therefore suitable for patients who are unable or unwilling to undergo face-to-face psychotherapy.

HPV DNA screening and vaccination strategies in Tunisia

Abstract In Tunisia, cervical cancer ranks as the 14th most common cancer, largely driven by high-risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types, notably HPV 16 and 18. Current screening efforts are limited, with only 17% of all women aged 35-60 undergoing Pap-smear testing. The introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2025 through the national school vaccination program, targeting girls aged 11-12, is expected to reduce the burden of cervical cancer. However, alongside vaccination, enhanced screening strategies are essential for early detection and prevention of HPV-related cancers. Aim This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of different HPV screening strategies in Tunisia, specifically examining the combination of varying HPV screening frequencies and a vaccination program targeting girls aged 11-12. The objective is to determine the most cost-efficient screening strategy to complement vaccination efforts in reducing cervical cancer incidence. A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Tunisian healthcare system using the HPVsim model, a multi-agent-based simulation tool that captures HPV transmission dynamics and cervical cancer progression. Four approaches were compared: (1) maintaining the current Pap-smear screening strategy combined with vaccination; (2) introducing HPV DNA testing once between ages 35-40; (3) introducing HPV DNA testing twice between ages 35-45, with a 5-year interval; and (4) introducing HPV DNA testing every 5 years for women aged 35-60. All approaches were combined with the vaccination program. Screening coverage rates of 15%, 25%, 33%, 50%, and 70% were tested for each approach. Primary outcomes included the number of cancer cases averted, total intervention costs, and cost increase per cancer case averted. Academic literature and existing evidence were included on the demographic variables, cervical cancer incidence and mortality, treatment costs, vaccine delivery costs and other model parameters. All interventions resulted in substantial reductions in cervical cancer cases, with decreases ranging from 41% to 59% in cumulative cases between 2025 and 2090. The most intensive approach, involving HPV DNA testing every 5 years for women aged 35-60, achieved the largest reduction, with a 59% decrease in cumulative cervical cancer cases by 2090, although it also incurred the highest costs. The least costly option, which retained current Pap-smear testing alongside vaccination, reduced cervical cancer cases by 41%. Although the introduction of HPV DNA testing significantly increases costs, a high frequency of screening allows for quicker public health benefits. The scenario combining vaccination and maintaining current screening practices is found to be the most cost-effective for the Tunisian context. If the price of the HPV DNA test is reduced to $9 USD, the most frequent testing strategy would become the most cost-effective option, offering both high effectiveness and financial viability. Lowering the cost of HPV DNA testing could make more frequent screening financially sustainable, providing greater public health benefits. These findings offer valuable guidance for decision-makers in shaping future strategies for cervical cancer prevention in Tunisia.

Implementation of a SMART-based infection control plan in an emergency intensive care unit: a prospective study

Liquid–liquid interfacial tension stabilized Li-metal batteries

Structure and performance analysis of magnetic suspension gripper driving system

Founder smiles increase investor trust and funding

Investigating the Impact of the Stationarity Hypothesis on Heart Failure Detection using Deep Convolutional Scattering Networks and Machine Learning

Multi-heat keypoint incorporation in deep learning model to tropical cyclone centering and intensity classifying from geostationary satellite images

Quantum dot molecular beacons achieve sub-10 pM CRISPR-Cas detection in field-ready assays

Abstract CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionized molecular diagnostics through their specificity and programmability, yet their broad adoption is hindered by the reliance on expensive and complex instrumentation. Here, we present an optimized quantum dot (QD) molecular beacon (QD-MB) platform that integrates Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based detection with CRISPR-Cas functionality, achieving sub-picomolar sensitivity without the need for target amplification. By systematically tuning components, including His-tag modifications for improved QD conjugation, nucleic acid hairpin structures for enhanced enzyme interaction, and QD surface passivation strategies, we demonstrate a two-order-of-magnitude improvement in detection sensitivity. Using LwaCas13a and RNA targets, the limit of detection (LOD) decreased to under 1 pM with plate-reader-based fluorescence measurements and below 10 pM with a lamp-and-smartphone setup, establishing the feasibility of portable, field-ready applications. This work highlights the transformative potential of QD-MBs in biosensing and sets a foundation for further advances in CRISPR-based diagnostics and nanotechnology-enabled sensing platforms.

Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension

Synthesis and in silico studies of new thiophene-isoquinolinone hybrids as potential larvicides against Culex pipiens

Abstract Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant global public health challenge. This challenge is further exacerbated by the growing resistance of disease-vector species such as Culex pipiens to conventional insecticides. In this study, we present the design, synthesis, and biological assessment of a new series of thiophene-isoquinolinone hybrids as potential larvicides. Among the synthesized compounds, derivatives 5f, 6, and 7 showed significant larvicidal effectiveness against Culex pipiens larvae, with LC₅₀ values of 0.3, 0.1, and 1.85 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, all twelve thiophene-isoquinolinone derivatives were much more toxic than the reference organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos (LC₅₀ = 293.8 µg/mL), demonstrating the strength of these chemical structures. Interestingly, the synthetic intermediate compound 1a, a thiophene-based half-ester, exhibited the highest activity (LC₅₀ = 0.004 µg/mL), outperforming all final derivatives despite not being fully optimized. Mechanistic bioassays showed consistent neurotoxic symptoms that suggest a disruption of cholinergic function. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations supported this observation, revealing strong and specific interactions with both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which points to a possible dual-target mechanism. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations further confirmed the favorable electronic properties and reactivity of the active compounds. The structural variety within this series, along with consistently high potency, may lower the risk of cross-resistance and aid resistance management strategies through compound rotation or combination. Overall, these findings highlight thiophene-isoquinolinone hybrids as a promising option for developing next-generation larvicides that target neurophysiological pathways in insect vectors.

Human Papillomavirus and Cancer

A simplified method for calculating the reliability of rockfill dams slope stability using nonlinear parameters

Mitochondrial Donation in a Reproductive Care Pathway for mtDNA Disease

Investigation of dry sliding wear and mechanical properties of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with pineapple leaf and roselle fibers

Abstract Natural fiber composites have gained significant potential in past decades due to their favorable physical properties and mechanical characteristics. Pineapple leaf fibers and roselle fibers are abundant agricultural wastes and tend to be recycled to minimize environmental pollution. The present work aims to investigate and analyze the effects of reinforcing pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) and roselle fiber with epoxy hybrid composites. The composites are fabricated using the hot compression molding process. The mechanical attributes of the composites are studied through tensile, flexural, and impact tests. Along with a hybrid combination of fibers, a neat resin sample and samples of PALF and roselle fiber alone were also fabricated for test comparison. The wear behaviour of the fabricated specimen was explored by pin-on-disc wear test and examined the specific wear rate and co-efficient of friction properties. The fractographic studies of the hybrid composite fractured specimen through tensile and impact tests and the worn surface from the wear tests were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. The results discovered that 25 wt% of PALF with 25 wt% of roselle fiber composite showed significant improvements in tensile characteristics, flexural and impact strength of 42.03 MPa, 38.17 MPa, and 46 KJ/m2. The best wear resistance was observed for 30 wt% PALF with 20 wt% of roselle fiber hybrid composite. Based on the experiments, hybrid fiber composite sample getting better wear and mechanical properties and suggesting their suitability to applications for cabinets like wardrobes, cupboards, and storage shelves.

A Randomized Trial of Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution in Cardiac Surgery