Search Results (763)

Despite the significant advancements in treatment and prevention, the fight against cancer is ongoing worldwide. This study evaluated the pharmacological properties and anticancer activity of Afzelia quanzensis bark, traditionally used by the indigenous communities of KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa to treat cancer and related illnesses. Phytochemical screening, high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detection (HPLC-DAD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were carried out using established protocols. The antioxidant activity was assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity and nitric oxide radicals. The anticancer activity was evaluated using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, and phlobatannins. The HPLC-DAD analysis detected seven distinctive peaks in the aqueous extract and three distinctive peaks in the methanolic extract. The FTIR spectra of the aqueous extract displayed characteristic peaks corresponding to O-H, C=O, C=C, and =C–H functional groups. Among the tested extracts, the methanol extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, followed by the ethanolic extract, in both DPPH and nitric oxide. The methanol extract showed a higher cell proliferation inhibition against the DU-145 cancer cell line with the percentage of inhibition of 37.8%, followed by the aqueous extract with 36.3%. In contrast, limited activity was observed against PC-3, SK-UT-1, and AGS cell lines. The results demonstrated notable dose-dependent antioxidant and antiproliferative activities supporting the ethnomedicinal use of Afzelia quanzensis bark in cancer management. These findings warrant further investigation into its bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action. Full article

The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is a devastating pest native to Central America that can cause severe damage to over 35 pepper varieties. Global trade in peppers has significantly increased the risk of its spread and expansion. Moreover, future climate change may add more uncertainty to its distribution, resulting in considerable ecological and economic damage globally. Therefore, we employed an ensemble model combining Random Forests and CLIMEX to predict the potential global distribution of A. eugenii in historical and future climate scenarios. The results indicated that the maximum temperature of the warmest month is an important variable affecting global A. eugenii distribution. Under the historical climate scenario, the potential global distribution of A. eugenii is concentrated in the Midwestern and Southern United States, Central America, the La Plata Plain, parts of the Brazilian Plateau, the Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, sub-Saharan Africa, Northern and Southern China, Southern India, Indochina Peninsula, and coastal area in Eastern Australia. Under future climate scenarios, suitable areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and China, are projected to expand toward higher latitudes. In China, the number of highly suitable areas is expected to increase significantly, mainly in the south and north. Contrastingly, suitable areas in Central America, northern South America, the Brazilian Plateau, India, and the Indochina Peninsula will become less suitable. The total land area suitable for A. eugenii under historical and future low- and high-emission climate scenarios accounted for 73.12, 66.82, and 75.97% of the global land area (except for Antarctica), respectively. The high-suitability areas identified by both models decreased by 19.05 and 35.02% under low- and high-emission scenarios, respectively. Building on these findings, we inferred the future expansion trends of A. eugenii globally. Furthermore, we provide early warning of A. eugenii invasion and a scientific basis for its spread and outbreak, facilitating the development of effective quarantine and control measures. Full article

The mining of essential minerals is often made more difficult by subsurface geological structures such as dykes and contacts. The a priori knowledge of these features can greatly mitigate the problems that they would otherwise cause. For that reason, techniques such as geophysics and drilling are used to plan the mining in detail. This manuscript introduces a new technique which allows for the interpretation of aeromagnetic data without any knowledge of the source of the magnetic anomalies. In addition, the method is stable and does not rely on higher-order derivatives of the data, unlike many other approaches. Platinum mining is extremely important in South Africa, providing much-needed employment and bringing funds to the economy as a whole. The proposed method is demonstrated using data from the Eastern Bushveld complex, where platinum mining is widespread. Full article

Maedi-visna virus (MVV), a small ruminant lentivirus causing chronic multisystemic disease in sheep, poses significant economic burdens due to reduced productivity and a lack of effective treatments. Despite its worldwide prevalence, epidemiological data from Algeria remain absent. This first national seroprevalence study aimed to elucidate MVV distribution, risk factors, and transmission dynamics in Algerian sheep herds. A cross-sectional survey of 1400 sheep across four regions (East, Center, West, South) was conducted, with sera analyzed via indirect ELISA (IDvet). Risk factors (geography, age, sex, breed, farming system) were evaluated using chi-square tests and Cramer’s V. Overall seroprevalence was 9.07% (95% CI: 7.57–10.57), with significant variation by sex (females: 20.44% vs. males: 3.68%; p < 0.05), age (1–5 years: 6.86% vs. <1 year: 0.29%; p = 0.01), and region (Central: 3.36% vs. Eastern: 0.86%; p < 0.05). Notably, no association was found with breed or farming system (p ≥ 0.08), contrasting prior studies and suggesting region-specific transmission dynamics. Females exhibited heightened seropositivity, implicating prolonged herd retention and vertical transmission risks. Geographic disparities highlighted industrialized farming in central Algeria as a potential transmission amplifier. Strikingly, seronegative animals in high-prevalence herds hinted at genetic resistance, warranting further investigation. This study provides foundational insights into MVV epidemiology in North Africa, underscoring the need for targeted surveillance, ewe-focused control measures, and genetic research to mitigate transmission. The absence of prior national data elevates its significance, offering actionable frameworks for resource-limited settings and enriching the global understanding of SRLV heterogeneity. Full article

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a key crop in the arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East, with substantial socioeconomic value. Although multiple genome assemblies have been generated using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, they primarily focus on Middle Eastern cultivars, leaving North African varieties unrepresented. This study aims to address this gap by sequencing and assembling the first genome of a North African date palm using Illumina sequencing technology. We present a draft genome assembly of the elite Tunisian variety Deglet Nour. By comparing it with the Barhee BC4 reference genome, we identify key genetic variants, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (INDELs), potentially associated with ripening processes and fruit quality. This work expands the genomic resources for date palm research, particularly for North African cultivars, and provides new insights into the nucleotide-level variability of the genes linked to key agronomic traits. Full article

Large-scale land restoration projects require on-the-ground monitoring and evidence-based evaluation. This study, part of the World Bank Burundi Landscape Restoration and Resilience Project (in French: Projet de Restauration et de Résilience du Paysage du Burundi-PRRPB), examines the impact of slow-forming terraces on surface conditions and erosion in Isare (Mumirwa) and Buhinyuza (Eastern Depressions), Burundi. Slow-forming, or progressive, terraces were installed on 16 December 2022 (Isare) and 30 December 2022 (Buhinyuza), featuring ditches and soil bunds to enhance soil and water conservation. Twelve plots were established, with 132 measurement pins, of which 72 were in non-terraced plots (n_PT) and 60 were in terraced plots (PT). Monthly measurements, conducted until May 2023, assessed erosion reduction, surface conditions, roughness, and soil thickness. Terracing reduced soil loss by 54% in Isare and 9% in Buhinyuza, though sediment accumulation in ditches was excessive, especially in n_PT. Anti-erosion ditches improved surface stability by reducing slope length, lowering erosion and runoff. Covered Surface (CoS%) exceeded 95%, while Opened Surface (OS%) and Bare Surface (BS%) declined significantly. At Isare, OS% dropped from 97% to 80%, and BS% from 96% to 3% in PT. Similar trends appeared in Buhinyuza. Findings highlight PRRPB effectiveness in this short-term timeframe, and provide insights for soil conservation in steep-slope regions of Central Africa. Full article

Fascioliasis, a parasitic disease caused by liver flukes of the genus Fasciola, remains a significant threat to livestock productivity globally. Despite its economic and zoonotic importance, the knowledge levels of dairy farm personnel regarding this disease remain insufficiently explored in South Africa. This study assessed knowledge and awareness of bovine fasciolosis, including its etiology, risk factors, clinical signs, zoonotic implications, and control measures, among dairy farm personnel in the Eastern Cape Province. A structured questionnaire was randomly administered to 152 dairy farm workers. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their knowledge of fasciolosis. Most respondents were males (65.8%), aged 31–40 years (45.4%), with tertiary education (64%), over six years of experience (65%), and residing in inland regions (65.4%). A high proportion reported implementing pasture management practices such as irrigation (90.8%), pasture resting (69.8%), and rotation (94.7). Significant associations were found between geographic location and knowledge of Fasciola spp. as the causative agent, as well as awareness of swampy areas and water snails as key risk factors (p < 0.01). Educational level was significantly associated with awareness of the zoonotic potential of fasciolosis (p < 0.01), and regional location influenced knowledge on control practices (p < 0.01). These findings highlight persistent gaps in the understanding of bovine fasciolosis among dairy farm personnel, particularly in relation to causative agents, clinical signs, and zoonotic risk. Strengthening extension services, enhancing community awareness, and implementing targeted training programs are essential to address these knowledge gaps and improve disease control strategies in the Eastern Cape Province. Full article

Mediterranean countries represent a dynamic hub of cultural exchange, where wild plants play a significant role in culinary traditions. A substantial number of these plants belong to the Asteraceae family. The climate similarities across the region contribute to the common distribution ranges of the plants. While many species are widely distributed, others are confined to specific subregions, such as the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, or North Africa. Only six taxa of the traditionally consumed wild Asteraceae plants are endemic to just one country. This review focuses on wild plants from the Asteraceae family traditionally used as food across 13 study sites, comprising 11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories, including both mainland areas and three islands. The objective is to identify and analyze patterns of native distribution in relation to actual consumption. As a result, 167 edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family were identified. Their patterns of distribution and consumption are described and analyzed. The highest number of these edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family is consumed in Spain (n = 65), followed by southern Italy (n = 44) and Morocco (n = 32). A similar pattern of consumption is seen in Turkey (n = 24), Sicily (n = 23), Jordan and Palestine (n = 21), and Bulgaria (n = 21). It is notable that 106 plants are used as food in one particular country only, although most of them are distributed in several other countries. Many of the species consumed in certain countries are not used by neighboring populations, highlighting a limited cross-border transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. The findings from a Jaccard index statistical analysis are discussed. Full article

The Sustainable Development Goals commit states to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all; yet displaced populations—including asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and undocumented migrants—remain systematically excluded from national health systems across southern and eastern Africa. This paper applies a whole-of-route, rights-based framework to examine how legal status, policy implementation, and structural governance shape healthcare access for displaced populations across South Africa, Kenya, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Drawing on 70 key informant interviews and policy analysis conducted between 2020 and 2025, the study finds that despite formal commitments to health equity, access remains constrained by restrictive legal regimes, administrative discretion, and fragmented service delivery models. Critical gaps persist in migration-sensitive planning, gender-responsive care, and mental health integration. The findings highlight the limitations of rights-based rhetoric in the absence of legal coherence, intersectoral coordination, and political will. To realise UHC in displacement contexts, health systems must move beyond citizen-centric models and embed migration-aware, inclusive, and sustainable approaches across all stages of displacement. Without such structural reforms, displaced populations will remain at the margins of national health agendas—and the promise of health for all will remain unmet. Full article

Dengue, an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, remains a major public health problem in the 21st century. This study investigated the global dengue burden, identified high-risk regions, evaluated the long-term incidence trends, and can inform evidence-based control strategies. Using GBD 2021 data, we analysed the dengue incidence from 1992 to 2021 using age–period–cohort models. We determined the net drift (overall annual percentage change), local drift (annual percentage change for each age group), longitudinal age curves (expected longitudinal age-specific rates), and periods’ (cohorts’) relative risks. In 2021, the global age-standardised incidence rate reached 752.04/100,000 (95% UI: 196.33–1363.35), a 47.26% increase since 1992. High-risk regions included eastern sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Southeast Asia experienced the largest rise (65.43%), with a net drift of 2.47% (1992–2021). While individuals aged 5–39 years bore the highest burden, those over 80 faced an elevated risk. Dengue remains a critical public health threat, disproportionately affecting younger populations but increasingly endangering older adults. Targeted interventions in high-risk regions and age groups, coupled with precision public health strategies, are essential to enhance prevention and control efforts. Full article

Beetles of the family Mordellidae, important global pollinators, include Glipa, the third largest genus, which retains plesiomorphic traits related to pollination and is mainly found between 38° S–38° N. Existing studies on Glipa focus largely on taxonomy and systematics. The ecological response of Glipa to climate change remains poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate how the distribution of Glipa may respond to climate change using a species-level MaxEnt based model with 297 geographic distribution data points and seven bioclimatic environmental variables. The study showed that the MaxEnt model had a high predictive accuracy, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) value of 0.963. The maximum temperature of the warmest month, mean annual precipitation, and mean precipitation of the driest quarter were the three most important factors affecting the distribution of Glipa. Currently, the suitable distribution areas of Glipa are mainly located in East Asia, Southeast Asia, eastern North America, South America, and central and western Africa. Under future climate scenarios, the area of suitable habitat is expected to increase gradually as global temperatures rise. Under the SSP585 scenario in the 2070s, the suitable habitat area is projected to expand by 53.89% compared to the present. Additionally, the centroid of suitable habitat is expected to shift northward. This study not only deepens the understanding of the distribution patterns of Glipa and their response to climate change but also provides important scientific evidence for the conservation of pollinator diversity. Full article

As a re-emerging disease, the worldwide burden and trends of yellow fever (YF) remain inadequately quantified. This study aims to assess the incidence of YF both globally and in major endemic regions from 1990 to 2021. Utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, we evaluated the burden of YF. We employed an age–period–cohort model to assess the influence of age, period, and cohort on the incidence of YF from 1992 to 2021. A secondary data analysis based on GBD database showed the following: in 2021, there were 86,509 incident cases of YF. Between 1990 and 2021, the number of incident cases decreased by 74.7%, while the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) declined at an EAPC of −4.76% (95% confidence interval: −5.10 to −4.42). In 2021, the highest ASIRs of YF were observed in Western Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Sub-Saharan Africa, and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis of age effects indicates that children aged 5–10 years old exhibit the highest incidence rate. Both period and cohort effects demonstrated a decline in morbidity risk. The decomposition analysis identified epidemiological changes as the primary factor contributing to the global reduction in the YF burden. Despite considerable reduction in incidence, YF remains a significant public health threat in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article

Blocking anticyclones are important atmospheric phenomena generally associated with extreme weather (e.g., droughts and cold air surges). Blockings also constitute large-scale indicators of climate change. The study of blockings in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) has been traditionally carried out utilizing reanalysis products. This paper is aimed at presenting an updated, comprehensive climatology of blockings in the SH as extracted from the ERA5 and the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis datasets in the 1940–2022 and 1948–2022 periods, respectively. Blockings were located by means of a unidimensional index at 500 hPa. The results were stratified by season, longitude, region, persistence, and intensity, and the climatology from both datasets was compared. The primary location of blockings was close to the Date Line in every season. Additionally, depending on the season, up to fourth-rank maxima could be located. Generally, the secondary maxima were found in the south Atlantic; lower-order maxima were located in the south-eastern Pacific, west of South America, and in the south-western Indian Ocean east of South Africa. The most intense blockings were concentrated in the Pacific and in the south Atlantic in both datasets, and they were also located in the Indian Ocean, but in the ERA5 reanalysis only. The longest-lived blockings occurred in the south Pacific and in the south Atlantic during southern winter. Full article

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) and tick infestations remain critical health challenges limiting cattle productivity in rural South Africa, particularly within communal farming systems. The Eastern Cape Province, characterized by high livestock densities and variable management practices, provides a unique context in which to examine parasitic burdens across systems. This study aimed to compare the prevalence, intensity, and diversity of GIPs and tick species in cattle raised under rural communal grazing versus communal feedlot systems in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A total of 160 cattle (n = 80 per system) were randomly selected for fecal and tick examinations in community-based feedlots in Holela (Centane) and Gxwalibomvu (Tsomo), as well as from surrounding rural villages. Fecal samples were analyzed using the McMaster technique to determine fecal egg counts (FEC), while tick species were identified and counted from standardized body regions. Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded, and farmer practices related to parasite control were surveyed. Results showed significantly higher GI parasite prevalence and FEC in rural community cattle compared to feedlot cattle (p < 0.05), with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. being the most prevalent. Similarly, rural cattle had significantly higher tick infestation rates, dominated by Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma hebraeum. Logistic regression identified rural production system, poor body condition (BCS ≤ 2), and absence of recent deworming as significant risk factors for GI parasitism (p < 0.05). Strong negative correlations were found between BCS and both FEC (r = −0.63) and tick burden (r = −0.57). Additionally, rural farmers reported lower acaricide usage and greater reliance on traditional remedies. The study confirms that rural communal systems expose cattle to higher parasitic risks due to unmanaged grazing, limited veterinary support, and poor parasite control strategies. Communal feedlots, by contrast, offer more controlled conditions that reduce parasitic burden. Integrating strategic parasite management, farmer training, and expanded veterinary outreach is essential to improving cattle health and productivity in communal areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: The recent Executive Order suspending the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes, including Development Assistance for Health (DAH), has sparked serious debates about the sustainability of ongoing HIV/AIDS control programmes, particularly in Africa. In this study, we examined HIV/AIDS-specific DAH allocation to Africa from 1990 to 2022, and the potential effects of funding cutbacks on disease outcomes. Methods: We nested 54 countries within five sub-regions of Africa and applied linear mixed-effects models to estimate the effects of DAH on HIV/AIDS incidence and mortality rates, accounting for clustering by sub-region and potential variability due to baseline incidence and mortality and other sources of heterogeneity. Results: Total DAH allocated to Africa increased from US$534,343 in 1990 to US$5,273,264 in 2022. The United States (U.S.) public sector contributed nearly two-thirds (US$58,399,088; 63.01%) of the total funding. Most of these funds were disbursed to Southern and Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly countries with the highest HIV/AIDS burdens, including South Africa and Kenya. The fixed effects results and predicted margins indicate that, in addition to having a direct effect, U.S. public sector-specific DAH moderates the effectiveness of other international donor funding and domestic general government health spending (GHES) on HIV/AIDS incidence and mortality. Conclusions: Based on the historical trends and funding interactions, the cutback in U.S. DAH could be associated with weakening of the overall effectiveness of other donor funding and GHES. However, any future effects are contingent on African countries’ resilience to evolving challenges and resource allocation. Full article