Search Results (801)

Background: Rabies remains a major zoonotic disease worldwide, particularly in regions with large populations of free-roaming animals. In urban settings, animal-related injuries constitute a substantial healthcare burden and frequently result in the administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of animal exposures and real-world PEP practices in a metropolitan emergency department. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included 1960 patients presenting to a tertiary metropolitan emergency department between 1 March and 1 September 2025 with suspected animal exposure. Demographic data, animal species involved, exposure mechanisms, animal ownership and vaccination status, time to presentation, and PEP practices were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Most exposures were cat-related (86.3%) and were caused by scratching (81.5%). Nearly all injuries were superficial (99.8%), while deep injuries were rare (0.2%). The majority of animals were classified as strays (90.1%), and vaccination status was unknown in 81.2% of cases. Rabies immunoglobulin was administered to only 0.6% of patients; however, rabies vaccination was initiated in 98.8% of patients. Approximately 74.5% of patients presented within 24 h. Post-exposure animal observation was documented in only 20.2% of cases. Conclusions: Urban animal exposures in this metropolitan setting were predominantly superficial and cat-related, yet nearly all patients received rabies vaccination. Limited animal observation and incomplete vaccination documentation appear to constrain risk stratification and may contribute to the use of precautionary PEP. Strengthening surveillance systems, improving documentation, and implementing evidence-based risk-stratification strategies are essential for optimizing rabies prophylaxis practices in urban environments. Full article

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as soil-transmitted helminthiasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, leprosy, rabies, and food-borne trematodiasis are endemic in the Philippines. Despite global and national elimination efforts, these six NTDs remain a persistent burden to the poor, those living in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), and other vulnerable groups. This narrative review synthesized data from Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) reports of the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) from 2020 to 2024, the available literature from electronic databases, and DOH and WHO reports focusing on the challenges, barriers, and gaps in NTD control and elimination in the country. Core challenges include complex epidemiological landscapes, lapses in disease surveillance, infrastructure, and fragmented health care systems. Gaps include access to diagnostics, insufficient funding and human resource training, and scarcity of local studies focusing on endemic NTDs. With these challenges and gaps, this review highlights the need for a real-time feedback loop system in surveillance strategy, community-based interventions, full integration of NTDs in primary health care, and collaboration between government, NGOs and private entities. Addressing these challenges and gaps is key to shifting from control to elimination. Full article

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease once clinical symptoms develop. In Europe, sustained animal rabies control programs have led to a marked decline in animal rabies and subsequently human rabies cases; however, sporadic infections continue to occur. In July 2025, a fatal case of autochthonous (locally acquired) human rabies was confirmed in Romania following a stray dog bite in a patient who did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Here, we report the first molecular characterization of a human rabies virus (RABV) strain isolated in Romania and place it in the context of contemporaneously circulating animal-derived RABV strains. Rabies virus infection was confirmed intra vitam by fluorescent antibody testing and both conventional and real-time RT-PCR on cerebrospinal fluid and saliva, with postmortem confirmation on skin and brain tissue. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on the human isolate and on 22 animal-derived RABV strains collected in northern Romania in 2025. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all recent Romanian sequences clustered within the North-East European (NEE) rabies virus phylogenetic group and segregated into two geographically distinct genetic clusters: a north-western cluster, closely related to strains from Slovakia and Poland, and a larger north-eastern cluster, linked to viruses circulating in eastern Romania and the Republic of Moldova. The human-derived RABV genome was grouped within the north-eastern cluster and showed the highest genetic similarity to animal viral strains from the same geographical area, supporting a local transmission event. This demonstrates the importance of integrating human viral genomic data into the national rabies surveillance framework. Full article

Background: Rabies is almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms develop, yet it is preventable through canine vaccination and timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). In rural Thailand, preventive behaviors likely depend on health literacy and contextual conditions that enable and reinforce protective action, but structural pathways remain unclear. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 750 adults in rabies-risk areas of Si Sa Ket Province, Thailand. A socio-ecological, One Health-informed structural equation model (SEM) examined associations among rabies-related health literacy skills (HLskill), service/system enabling conditions (ENAB), reinforcing community mechanisms (COMM), and rabies-prevention behaviors (BEHAV). Results: Model fit was acceptable (CFI = 0.948; TLI = 0.918; SRMR = 0.047; scaled RMSEA = 0.090). HLskill and COMM showed direct associations with BEHAV (β = 0.352 and 0.371, respectively), while ENAB was strongly associated with COMM (β = 0.939), indicating an indirect pathway through community reinforcement (β = 0.348; 95% CI [0.273, 0.424]). Conclusions: Rabies-prevention behaviors were associated with health literacy skills and reinforcing community mechanisms; service readiness operated primarily through community reinforcement. Rabies control should combine health literacy strengthening with community communication, coordinated dog vaccination, bite management, and timely PEP uptake. Full article

Achieving selective cleavage of specific chemical bonds using ultrafast laser pulses remains a central challenge in ultrafast strong-field molecular physics. Here, we theoretically investigate the coherent control of strong-field dissociation of the heteronuclear molecular ion HD⁺ initially prepared in vibrationally excited states driven by an ultrashort pulse with a quadratic spectral phase. Our results reveal a pronounced sensitivity of both the total dissociation probability and the branching ratio (H⁺ + D vs. H + D⁺) to the chirp rate of the laser pulse. To uncover the underlying physical mechanism, we analyze the population dynamics in the coupled $1s\sigma$ and $2p\sigma$ electronic states and identify pronounced Rabi oscillations arising from the coherent interplay between multiphoton excitation and field-induced stimulated emission. By tuning the laser chirp rate, these oscillations can be suppressed via quantum interference, thereby reshaping the dissociation dynamics and significantly enhancing the dissociation probability of the H + D⁺ channel. These findings demonstrate that spectral-phase engineering provides a robust and versatile strategy for selective control of branching ratios in strong-field molecular dissociation. Full article

Agricultural ecosystems in northeastern Bangladesh are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced stressors, particularly rising temperatures and seasonal droughts. While previous research has examined the climate’s impact on agriculture in broader contexts, no study has specifically investigated long-term seasonal vegetation and thermal dynamics in Sylhet. This study addresses this gap by assessing spatio-temporal variations in vegetation health under climate stress in the Sylhet region from 2005 to 2025 using remote sensing techniques. To investigate this problem, the study derived the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land surface temperature (LST) from Landsat satellite imagery and evaluated their seasonal behavior across the major cropping periods Rabi, Kharif I, and Kharif II. The relationship between vegetation health and surface temperature was examined using Pearson’s correlation matrix along with a statistical comparison to identify change patterns, transitions among vegetation and thermal stress classes, and the seasonal intensity of climate stress. The findings indicate that increased LST generally corresponds with reduced vegetation cover in lowland agricultural zones, whereas elevated areas with forest or tree covers show an opposite response. Distinct spatial hotspots of thermal stress and drought-prone zones were also identified, particularly during the dry Rabi season. These results highlight the idea that rising LST corresponds with declining NDVI values, indicating that increasing thermal stress and potential reductions in agricultural vegetation productivity and climate stress across Sylhet’s agricultural landscape have intensified markedly from 2005 to 2025, with clear seasonal differences in vulnerability. NDVI analysis reveals a consistent decline in vegetation health, while LST patterns show widespread transitions from moderate to high and severe thermal stress, particularly during the Kharif seasons. The observed NDVI decline under elevated LST conditions indicates reduced vegetation vigor and potential productivity within agricultural lands, rather than a direct reduction in cultivated areas, since NDVI primarily captures vegetation density and physiological condition. The strongest NDVI–LST inverse relationship occurs in Rabi and Kharif I, indicating vegetation’s cooling role, whereas this linkage weakens in Kharif II due to dominant monsoon-driven atmospheric controls. Full article

Background: Pemphigus diseases are rare autoimmune blistering disorders mediated by pathogenic autoantibodies directed mainly against desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3. Although most cases are considered idiopathic, external triggers that can disrupt immune tolerance have been described. Vaccination has been discussed as a potential precipitating factor in autoimmune skin diseases. However, the relationship between vaccination and the induction of pemphigus-related autoantibodies has not been comprehensively summarized. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of all available studies published in the last 25 years identified through medical databases, excluding studies on COVID-19 vaccinations. Reports describing either new-onset pemphigus or exacerbation of preexisting pemphigus with a temporal association to vaccination were included. Clinical characteristics, vaccine type, latency period, direct immunofluorescence findings, and ELISA results for desmoglein autoantibodies were analyzed. In addition, we present our own clinical-laboratory experience illustrating this issue. Results: The current evidence consists predominantly of case reports and small case series. Published cases describe pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus occurring after vaccinations against influenza, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, rabies, and other routinely administered immunizations. The latency period most often ranged from several days to a few weeks. Immunopathological findings were consistent with classical pemphigus diseases, including intercellular IgG deposits in the epidermis and circulating autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 and/or desmoglein 3. Our patient was a 78-year-old woman who developed cutaneous form of pemphigus vulgaris, diagnosed with direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and multiplex ELISA, 10 days after diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis vaccination. The patient had a positive family history of autoimmune blistering disease, namely mucous membrane pemphigoid. Conclusions: Based on the currently available evidence, a direct causal relationship between vaccination and pemphigus diseases cannot be established. Nevertheless, accumulated clinical and serological observations suggest that vaccination may act as a triggering factor in genetically or immunologically predisposed individuals, possibly by amplifying pre-existing subclinical autoreactive immune responses. Further population-based and mechanistic studies are required to clarify this association, while the overall benefits of vaccination remain substantial. Full article

The rapid expansion of the golden jackal (Canis aureus) across Eastern Europe has reshaped mesocarnivore communities, with potential influence on the dynamics of zoonotic disease. In Romania, where both Trichinella spp. and rabies remain public health concerns, updated data on wildlife reservoirs are essential. This study aims to provide an integrated assessment of Trichinella prevalence and rabies virus-neutralising antibody (RVNA) profiles in 134 wild canids (96 golden jackals and 38 red foxes, Vulpes vulpes) from northwestern Romania (August 2025–January 2026). Trichinella larvae were detected using the artificial digestion method, and infection intensity was expressed as larvae per gram. Rabies serology was performed using a commercial ELISA kit, with 0.5 IU/mL considered the protective threshold. Trichinella prevalence was significantly higher in foxes (78.9%) in comparison with jackals (60.4%), with similar larval burdens in both species. More than half of the individuals in both species exhibited RVNA titers below the protective threshold, indicating heterogeneous immunity levels in the population. No significant age- or sex-related differences in seroconversion were observed. These findings confirm intense sylvatic circulation of Trichinella spp. and highlight potential immunity gaps in wildlife rabies control. The results support the need for integrated, multi-pathogen surveillance and explicit inclusion of the golden jackal in disease monitoring and management strategies. Full article

Background: Rabies is a highly fatal zoonotic disease that causes approximately 59,000 human deaths worldwide each year. Current inactivated rabies vaccines require multiple doses and are associated with high costs. The full-length rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG), a membrane protein, exhibits substantial instability in its trimeric structure during recombinant expression. This instability makes it difficult to obtain high-purity, correctly folded antigens. Objectives: This study focuses on the preparation of a full-length recombinant RVG subunit vaccine candidate expressed in a glycoengineered Pichia pastoris system with mammalian-like glycosylation. Methods: The full-length RVG gene (including the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail) from the Challenge Virus Standard-11 (CVS-11) strain was codon-optimized and inserted into the pPICZαA vector to construct the recombinant expression plasmid pPICZαA-RVG. The plasmid was transformed into glycoengineered Pichia pastoris X33-7 (low-mannose type) by electroporation for inducible expression. The target protein was purified by nickel affinity chromatography, anion-exchange chromatography, and Superdex-200 size-exclusion chromatography. The structural characteristics of the purified protein were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The purified antigen was formulated with the adjuvants AS03 or MF59. BALB/c mice (n = 5 per group) were immunized intramuscularly following a four-dose schedule (days 0, 7, 14, and 28). Antigen-specific IgG antibody titers were measured by ELISA, and neutralizing antibody titers were determined using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Results: Glycoengineered Pichia pastoris yeast strains expressing wild-type RVG (RVG-WT) or a mutant variant (RVG-M6: R84S, R199S, H270P, R279S, K300S, and R463S) were successfully constructed. The purified RVG antigen formed nanoparticles with an average particle size of approximately 75 nm. Immunized mice generated robust RVG-specific IgG responses, with titers reaching approximately 6.31 × 10⁵ for RVG-WT after the fourth immunization, compared to 3.16 × 10³ for RVG-M6 and 5.62 × 10³ for the RVG-WT-PEG control. Two weeks after the fourth immunization, RVG-WT formulated with AS03 or MF59 induced significant neutralizing antibody responses compared with the control group (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The neutralizing antibody titers reached 1:79.43 in the AS03 group and 1:33.11 in the MF59 group, whereas the WT-PEG + AS03 control group showed a low titer of 1:3.72. In contrast, RVG-M6 formulated with MF59 failed to induce detectable neutralizing antibodies (1:3.02). Furthermore, RVG-WT + AS03 induced significantly higher neutralizing antibody responses than the WT-PEG + AS03 control group (p < 0.0001), and a significant difference was also observed between the RVG-WT + MF59 and RVG-M6 + MF59 groups (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The glycoengineered Pichia pastoris expression system successfully produced uniform full-length rabies virus glycoprotein nanoparticles with high purity. When formulated with the AS03 adjuvant, RVG-WT induced high-titer neutralizing antibodies in mice, suggesting a promising strategy for the development of recombinant subunit vaccines against rabies. However, this study is limited by the absence of challenge studies and validation in target animal species, which will be further investigated in future work. Full article

We introduce an index based on the composition of amphibian communities that can be used to assess and monitor over time the biotic integrity of wetlands and to evaluate the priority of these sites for conservation. The Rwanda Anuran-based Biotic-Integrity Index (RABI) integrates three sub-indices, which reflect the conservation priority of species based on their distribution in Rwanda, their conservation status, and their susceptibility to habitat alteration. The functionality of the RABI was tested on 51 wetland sites distributed over the five ecozones of Rwanda. The wetland sites showed a wide range of RABI values, with marked differences between the different ecozones. The RABI reliably identified sites with a high number of threatened, range-restricted, and habitat-sensitive species and sites with high species richness. Although wetlands in agriculturally exploited areas often had high anuran-species numbers, their assemblages contained mostly widespread generalist species, resulting in lower RABI values compared to sites with lower species numbers but with threatened, specialized species. Wetlands within the four Rwandan national parks had particularly high RABI values, confirming that these areas require special protection. We identified five sites with high conservation value outside the national parks that should be considered for future protection. Full article

Background: Global immunization programs continue to rely on needle-based injections despite persistent concerns regarding sharps disposal, accidental injuries, and the technical skill required for accurate intradermal administration. Needle-free jet injectors (NFJIs) are an alternative delivery method in which narrow, high-velocity liquid jets penetrate the skin without a needle. Contemporary designs, ranging from single-use disposable-syringe injectors to digitally controlled electromechanical devices, address historical safety issues and meet current WHO and FDA device expectations. Methods: Evidence from engineering analyses, preclinical modeling, and clinical trials was reviewed to characterize how jet velocity, nozzle structure, and formulation rheology influence skin penetration and drug dispersion. Published vaccine studies were examined for antibody responses, seroconversion, and reactogenicity compared with needle–syringe injection. Field vaccination campaign data from national campaigns and operational reports were evaluated to describe implementation steps, acceptability, and implementation constraints. Results: Published studies evaluating vaccines, including inactivated influenza, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and measles, report antibody titers and seroconversion rates after NFJI administration that are comparable to those achieved with conventional intramuscular or intradermal needle injection. Needle-free delivery was associated with operational advantages in several immunization programs, including reduced sharps waste and improved vaccination rate during high-volume immunization campaigns. Local and systemic reactogenicity follows expected patterns, with slightly higher injection-site responses in some NFJI studies. Imaging and mechanical data confirm that jet performance depends on nozzle geometry and controlled pressure pulses. At the same time, formulation stability remains a critical determinant of successful jet-based vaccine administration, particularly for protein antigens, adjuvanted formulations, and emerging mRNA vaccines that may experience transient shear stress during high-velocity injection. Evidence from vaccination campaigns further indicates that needle-free jet injectors reduce sharps waste, simplify vaccine handling and administration procedures, and support rapid vaccine delivery in large-scale immunization programs. Conclusions: Needle-free jet injectors are a practical alternative to traditional needle-based injections for some vaccines. Their main benefits include enabling intradermal dose-sparing strategies, reducing reliance on sharps disposal methods, and enabling the efficient vaccination of large groups without compromising immunogenicity. Future research should define the physicochemical stability limits of biologic formulations subjected to jet injection and evaluate digitally controlled injectors capable of precise pressure modulation and adjustable delivery parameters. In addition, needle-free jet injection eliminates needle penetration and sharps handling, which may reduce needle-associated anxiety and improve vaccine acceptability among individuals with needle aversion. Full article

In this work, we present a theoretical investigation of electron–surface optical phonon (SOP) interactions and Auger recombination processes in monolayer PtSe₂ and PtS₂ supported on polar dielectric substrates such as SiO₂ and hBN. The analysis is based on a low-energy effective Hamiltonian describing the electronic structure near the K and K′ valleys of the Brillouin zone, combined with the Fröhlich interaction model to account for the coupling between charge carriers and substrate-induced optical phonons. The comparison between Auger recombination and SOP scattering is performed at a representative carrier density of ${n=10}^{12} {\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{-2}$ within the investigated temperature range. We analyze the formation of polaronic states arising from the hybridization between electronic excitations and SOPs and evaluate the associated Rabi splitting energies and oscillator strengths. The temperature dependence of the SOP-induced scattering rates and the influence of the monolayer–substrate separation on carrier–phonon interactions are also examined. Our results show that electron–phonon coupling strongly depends on the dielectric properties of the supporting substrate, with larger anticrossing gaps predicted for hBN-supported structures compared with SiO₂-supported systems. Auger recombination constitutes the dominant carrier relaxation channel within the investigated temperature range, whereas SOP scattering becomes increasingly significant at elevated temperatures, where both mechanisms approach a comparable inelastic phonon-limited regime. These findings highlight the role of dielectric engineering in controlling carrier relaxation dynamics in Pt-based TMDC heterostructures. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) affects both domestic and wild carnivores and is associated with a high mortality rate. The virus can cross species barriers, infecting a wide range of mammals, which raises concerns for both wildlife conservation and domestic animal health. During our study, we processed a total of n = 552 oral and rectal swab samples from n = 260 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and n = 16 golden jackals (Canis aureus). The samples were collected by the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH) as part of a Rabies monitoring programme from Hungary in 2024. We performed a Real-Time RT-PCR, followed by a CDV-specific amplicon-based sequencing method using Oxford Nanopore Technologies to obtain the complete genome. All golden jackal samples tested negative, while both oral and rectal samples of one red fox tested positive for viral RNA. From this positive sample, we were able to sequence a partial CDV genome. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin gene, our CDV sequence was assigned to the Europe lineage, one of the endemic lineages in the continent, infecting both threatened and common animals. This finding highlights the ongoing presence of CDV in wildlife populations and illustrates the value of integrated monitoring systems. Full article

Rabies remains a zoonotic public health problem in Ghana despite the availability of effective preventive measures, including mass dog vaccination and timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). We conducted a community-based cross-sectional mixed-methods study between June and December 2025 to assess rabies-related knowledge, risk perception, health-seeking behaviour following dog bites, and dog vaccination practices within a One Health framework. Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 450 adults from selected urban and rural communities in the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Bono East regions, supplemented by focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 68% of respondents had heard of rabies; however, detailed knowledge of transmission and prevention was limited, with 189 (42.0%) correctly identifying dogs as the main source of transmission. Following suspected exposure, 162 (36.0%) reported using home remedies or traditional treatments. Dog vaccination coverage was 31.1%, below the level required to interrupt transmission. Educational level, place of residence, and prior dog-bite exposure were significantly associated with rabies knowledge, health-seeking behaviour, and vaccination practices (p < 0.05). This study provides updated evidence on community rabies knowledge, risk perception, and preventive practices, highlighting behavioural and structural gaps that may hinder effective control in Ghana. Full article

mRNA vaccines represent a revolutionary advance in vaccinology, boasting advantages like rapid development, robust immunogenicity and flexible antigen design over traditional vaccines. This review systematically summarizes the core research progress of mRNA vaccines, including their structural composition with five functional elements and novel subtypes (linear mRNA, self-amplifying RNA, circular RNA) with unique biological characteristics and application value. It elaborates on the immune activation mechanism of mRNA vaccines, which mimic natural viral infection to trigger both innate and adaptive immunity, and analyzes mainstream delivery systems (lipid nanoparticles, dendritic cells, protamine, exosomes, polymers) with their respective performance, advantages and bottlenecks. This review also details the clinical application status of mRNA vaccines in infectious diseases (influenza, rabies, monkeypox, SARS-CoV-2, HIV, parasites) and cancer therapy, highlighting promising preclinical and clinical results of candidate vaccines and combined therapeutic regimens. Additionally, it addresses the current limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as delivery inefficiency, production costs, and cold chain constraints. Finally, this review prospects the future development direction, emphasizing that the optimization of delivery systems, antigen design and production processes will further promote the clinical translation and diversified application of mRNA vaccines in disease prevention and treatment. Full article