Global Efforts Research Articles

Rooftop solar PV in Bhutan: A systemic analysis of feed-in-tariff program

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are critical to the global electrification efforts, especially in the rural and remote communities of the developing countries. This study analyses the prospects of a feed-in-tariff program for solar PV systems in Bhutan. It is based on the analysis of a pilot project covering 361 households in rural areas of Bhutan. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods is applied, which captures the multi-disciplinary variables and generates primary data from the pilot project in Bhutan. The two critical variables argued are user acceptability and financial sustainability in the long-term in the context of access to clean energy and empowerment in rural areas. From the field data assessment, it was found that the low existing energy tariff has a cybernetic effect on user acceptability and the financial sustainability of the solar PV feed-in-tariff system in Bhutan. The current tariff rate for low voltage (LV) consumers is $ 0.038/kWh whereas the solar energy generation cost ranges between $ 0.04–0.045/kWh considering the PV project life of 25 years. The findings of the study suggest that users are willing to accept the feed-in-tariff as an enabler for rural livelihood provided the tariff rate is reasonable (at least in the range $ 0.05 to 0.07/kWh) to sustain the capital investment.

Design characteristics of integrated surveillance of antimicrobial resistance at the human, animal, and environment interfaces

Abstract Efforts have been made to strengthen national and global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programs by integrating data collection across the human, animal, and environmental sectors. We searched the literature to review published studies reporting the implementation of integrated AMR surveillance approaches, and we identified a total of 96 articles from 36 countries published from 2000 to 2022, which met our inclusion criteria. Standard review protocols were applied in our study. Out of 96 studies, 47 (49%) articles integrated AMR analysis from human and animal (HA) populations, 24 (25%) considered human, animal, and environmental (HAE) samples together, 11 (12%) studies included animal and environment (AE) samples, and 12 (13%) integrated human and environmental (HE) surveillance. Human isolate-based and animal isolate-based surveillance were the most common study designs (38, 52.8%), with the remainder applying human case-based and isolate-based for animal populations (32, 44.4%). Finally, our results demonstrate that AMR studies on E. coli revealed a lower correlation between human and animal AMR prevalence compared to Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. studies. Different aspects of surveillance design were associated with the level of correlation of AMR prevalence between sectors. Our study found that while global efforts for integrated AMR surveillance have increased in the past 10 years, significant variation exists between studies with regard to the epidemiological and laboratory aspects of their surveillance designs. Our findings indicate that to enable the generation of comparable epidemiological data across countries and sectors, there is a need for the development of a global protocol to support the design of surveillance programs that aim to conduct integrated surveillance of AMR.

Particulate matter pollution and older adult health: global trends and disparities, 1991-2021.

Particulate matter pollution (PMP) is a major global health concern, with the older adult being particularly vulnerable. This study aimed to analyze global trends in PMP-related deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among the older adult from 1991 to 2021. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we examined the impacts of ambient particulate matter pollution (APMP) and household air pollution from solid fuels (HAP-SF). We analyzed trends across different regions, socioeconomic development levels, age groups, and genders. APMP-related older adult deaths increased from 1,745,000 to 3,850,000, and DALYs from 32,000,000 to 70,000,000. However, age-standardized mortality rate decreased from 384 to 337 per 100,000. HAP-SF-related deaths decreased from 2,700,000 to 2,100,000, and DALYs from 54,000,000 to 42,000,000. Age-standardized mortality rate for HAP-SF declined from 580 to 188 per 100,000. High APMP burden was concentrated in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while high HAP-SF burden was found in parts of Africa and South Asia. East Asia had the highest APMP-related older adult deaths (1,680,000) with an age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of 619 per 100,000. For HAP-SF, South Asia bore the heaviest burden with 1,020,000 deaths and an ASMR of 616 per 100,000. Females consistently experienced higher age-standardized DALYs rate than males for both APMP and HAP-SF across all regions and years. APMP burden showed a weak negative correlation with the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) at the regional level (r = -0.25, p < 0.001) but no significant correlation at the country level. HAP-SF burden exhibited strong negative correlations with SDI at both regional (r = -0.74, p < 0.001) and country levels (r = -0.83, p < 0.001). Despite overall improvements, PMP continues to significantly impact older adult health globally, with substantial regional and gender disparities. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions, particularly in developing regions, and continued global efforts in air quality improvement and clean energy promotion.

A comparative study on semen quality and cryopreservation ability in Italian native chicken breeds

This study provides a comparative assessment of fresh semen quality and sensitivity to cryopreservation in several Italian chicken breeds. The research involved 145 roosters from 13 breeds. The results showed a wide variability in all the parameters considered among the different breeds, especially in the quantitative variables of fresh semen, such as volume and concentration. For the qualitative characteristics (sperm membrane integrity and motility parameters), the variability across breeds was more pronounced for frozen than fresh semen. Interestingly, apart from total motility in fresh semen, breed had a significant effect on all semen quality parameters in both fresh and thawed ejaculates. Considering the overall qualitative characteristics, the Robusta maculata, Siciliana, and Mericanel della Brianza breeds produced ejaculates with better semen quality compared to other Italian breeds. By evaluating the main parameters of semen quality, our results underline the potential of these traits to influence the reproductive success and genetic conservation. The Bionda piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo, Livorno bianca, Pepoi, and Siciliana breeds showed better resilience to cryopreservation, suggesting the need for breed-specific protocols to optimise semen quality after thawing. Importantly, the research highlights the central role of semen quality for both immediate fertilisation success and long-term conservation efforts. Future studies integrating OMICS technologies could elucidate molecular markers influencing breed-specific differences, helping to refine cryopreservation techniques and improve conservation strategies for indigenous Italian chicken breeds. This work contributes valuable insights to global efforts aimed at safeguarding poultry genetic diversity and sustainability.

Awareness of Family Planning Services among Pregnant Women in Arumeru District, Tanzania: Implications for Public Health Interventions

The demand for health literacy in family planning continues to be a global issue, particularly in developing regions. It is also estimated that over 225 million women in developing countries face challenges accessing and utilizing family planning services. Sub-Saharan Africa has the lowest family planning prevalence, at 24%, with high unmet needs, despite global efforts to improve access and knowledge. This study aimed at assessing the family planning services among pregnant women in Arumeru District, Tanzania. Using a sample size of 269 respondents, data was collected through questionnaires and interviews with healthcare officers between February and March 2024. Data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics techniques for quantitative data whereas qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis approach. Results reveal that 92.9% of respondents were aware of family planning services, with varying levels of understanding. Education and occupation played significant roles in awareness, with younger, educated individuals showing higher knowledge. Improving awareness about maternal and child health can lead to better healthcare practices, timely interventions, and increased utilization of services, ultimately reducing mortality rates and contributing to broader public health goals of improved health equity and universal health coverage. However, cultural, religious, and literacy barriers continue to hinder full understanding. The study concludes that respondents in the study area have high level of awareness regarding family planning, particularly among younger individuals and those with higher education levels. The study recommends targeted awareness programs, especially for underserved populations, and emphasizes the importance of involving men in family planning education to improve reproductive health outcomes.

Association between toxin-antitoxin system mutations and global transmission of MDR-TB.

The emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant threat to global tuberculosis control efforts. This study aimed to examine the influence of mutations in Toxin-Antitoxin system genes on the global transmission of MDR-TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 13,518 M. tuberculosis isolates. Genes of the Toxin-Antitoxin system were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene database. Techniques such as Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree, and Generalized Linear Mixed Models were employed to identify mutation sites in Toxin-Antitoxin system-related genes that facilitated the transmission of MDR-TB. 4,066 (30.08%) were identified as MDR-TB strains of all analyzed isolates. We found significant associations between specific gene mutations and MDR-TB transmission clusters including mutations in Rv0298 (G213A), Rv1959c (parE1, C88T), Rv1960c (parD1, C134T), Rv1991A (maze, G156A), Rv2547 (vapB, C54G), Rv2862A (vapB23, T2C), and Rv3385c (vapB46, G70A). Additionally, several gene mutations associated with MDR-TB transmission clades such as Rv1956 (higA, G445T), Rv1960c (parD1, C134T), and Rv1962A (vapB35, G99A) were noted. Certain gene mutations including vapB35 (G99A), higA (G445T), and parD1 (C134T) correlated with cross-regional transmission clades. This study highlights the significant association between specific gene mutations in the Toxin-Antitoxin system and the global transmission of MDR-TB, providing valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to control MDR-TB.

Effect of the MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312 adjuvant on the innate and adaptive immune responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Streptococcusagalactiae through immersion vaccination

Streptococcus agalactiae is a common pathogenic bacterium caused of streptococcosis, which has a negative impact on Nile tilapia aquaculture. Numerous vaccines have been developed recently to combat this disease, which are key components of global health efforts to prevent disease outbreaks. MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312 is a micro-emulsion recommended for immersion of fish. However, the data on the effectiveness of those immersion vaccines containing this aqueous adjuvant in fish are limited. The objective of this research was to explore the potential of MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312, an adjuvant for immersion vaccination, administered with an S. agalactiae inactivated whole-cell vaccine (SAIV) in Nile tilapia. Fish were separated into three groups: 1) fish were vaccinated by immersion vaccination with PBS (CTRL), 2) fish were vaccinated by immersion vaccination with SAIV vaccine alone (SAIV), and 3) fish were vaccinated by immersion vaccination with SAIV containing MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312. We found that the activity of several innate immunity parameters was increased significantly (P < 0.05) following the immunization. As expected, the levels of specific IgM antibody were significantly increased post-vaccination, and the highest IgM antibody levels were found in the fish vaccinated with SAIV containing MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312. Analysis of the transcriptional expression of major pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as the presence of IgM+ B cells, revealed significant increases, suggesting that Nile tilapia were able to initiate cellular immune responses following vaccination. Taken together, our results indicate that using MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312 in combination with a SAIV can induce strong protection post S. agalactiae infection. Importantly, administration of an adjuvanted immersion vaccine is safe, no side effects were observed, and it does not negatively impact fish growth. In conclusion, MONTANIDE™ IMS 1312 has the potential to be used as adjuvants for immersion vaccines against streptococcosis in Nile tilapia.

Quantification of persistent organic pollutants in breastmilk and estimated infant intake, Norway.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are environmental contaminants that can accumulate in human tissues and pose potential health risks. Despite global efforts to reduce their prevalence, follow-up studies are needed to see if the measures are successful. Since most infants in Norway are breastfed for the first 6 months of life, monitoring POP contamination in breastmilk is important for children's health and development. This study aims to evaluate the current levels of various POPs in women's breastmilk in Innlandet County, Norway. A cross-sectional study was conducted measuring concentrations of 35 different POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlordanes (ChlDs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), Mirex, and brominated flame retardants in 120 breastmilk samples. The study analysed the impact of maternal age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI, and infant age on POPs levels and compared the estimated daily intake per body weight of infants to existing health guidelines. The detected percentages for PCBs were 100%, for DDTs 98.3%, and for ChlDs 98.3%. The highest median concentration was found for ΣPCBs (26.9 ng/g lw). Maternal age, parity, and infant age were significant determinants of POP concentrations. Most infants exceeded the health-based guidance values for ΣPCB, and 6.4% percent did so for ΣHCHs. Despite lower POPs concentrations in breastmilk than in earlier studies, many breastfed infants are still exposed to levels exceeding health-based guidance values. Although the study's design had limitations, the study provides updated population-based data on POPs in breastmilk. Continued monitoring and research are necessary to understand and mitigate potential health risks associated with POPs.

Household Consumption of Adequately Iodized Salt: A Multi-Country Analysis of Socioeconomic Disparities.

Despite global efforts to promote universal salt iodization, iodine deficiency remains a public health issue in developing countries. This study assessed the proportion and sociodemographic characteristics of households consuming adequately iodized salt in 49 low- and middle-income countries. Data from DHS surveys of 49 low- and middle-income countries (2005-2021) were used to analyze household iodized salt prevalence. R version 4.0 was employed for statistical analyses. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate overall and regional prevalence. We found that 83.4% of households consume adequately iodized salt, although with high heterogeneity (I2 = 100.0%). The East Asia and Pacific and the Europe and Central Asia regions showed high consumption rates of 87.6% and 87.7%, respectively, while Latin America and the Caribbean presented a significantly lower proportion of 30.8%. The study highlights the need for enhanced public health strategies to increase iodized salt consumption, especially in low-income and rural households. Addressing disparities in access, education, and affordability is crucial for improving iodine intake and preventing deficiency disorders, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

The impact of sex/gender-specific funding and editorial policies on biomedical research outcomes: a cross-national analysis (2000–2021)

Reflecting sex and gender characteristics in biomedical research is critical to improving health outcomes and reducing adverse effects from medical treatments. This study investigates the impact of sex/gender-specific funding policies and journal editorial standards on the integration of sex/gender analysis in biomedical research publications. Using data from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries between 2000 and 2021, we assessed how these policies influenced research output in the fields of medicine and life sciences. Our findings show that countries with progressive funding policies and journals promoting sex/gender-based reporting have significantly improved research quality and publication rates. This highlights the importance of coordinated policy efforts and editorial practices in advancing integrated sex/gender research. We recommend continued global efforts from policymakers, funding bodies, and journals to embed sex/gender perspectives in scientific inquiry, ensuring more effective and equitable biomedical advancements.

Simultaneous optical and X-ray detection of a thermonuclear burst in the 2024 outburst of EXO 0748−676

ABSTRACT The neutron star low-mass X-ray binary, EXO 0748−676, recently returned to outburst after a $\sim\!\! 16$ yr-long quiescence. Since its return, there has been a global effort to capture the previously unseen rise of the source and to understand its somewhat early return to outburst, as it is typical for a source to spend longer in quiescence than in outburst. Here, we report on the simultaneous optical and X-ray detection of a type I X-ray burst, captured by XMM–Newton during a director’s discretionary time observation on 2024 June 30. The data show three X-ray eclipses consistent with the known ephemeris and one type I X-ray burst at 60492.309 MJD. The X-ray burst is reprocessed into the optical band and captured by XMM–Newton’s Optical Monitor during a 4399 s exposure with the B filter in image $+$ fast mode. We determine that the optical peak lags the X-ray peak by $4.46 \pm 1.71$ s. The optical and X-ray rise times are similar, but the optical decay time-scale is shorter than the X-ray decay time-scale. The reprocessing site is likely within a few light-seconds of the X-ray emitting region, so the companion star, accretion disc, and ablated material are all plausible.

Enhancing SARS-CoV-2 Lineage Surveillance through the Integration of a Simple and Direct qPCR-Based Protocol Adaptation with Established Machine Learning Algorithms.

Emerging and evolving Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages, adapted to changing epidemiological conditions, present unprecedented challenges to global public health systems. Here, we introduce an adapted analytical approach that complements genomic sequencing, applying a cost-effective quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assay. Viral RNA samples from SARS-CoV-2 positive cases detected by diagnostic laboratories or public health network units in Ceará, Brazil, were tracked for genomic surveillance and analyzed by using paired-end sequencing combined with integrative genomic analysis. Validation of a key structural variation was conducted with gel electrophoresis for the presence of a specific open reading frame 7a(ORF7a) gene deletion within the "BE.9" lineages tracked. The analytical innovation of our method is the optimization of a simple intercalating dye-based qPCR assay through repositioning primers from the ARTIC v4.1 amplicon panel to detect large molecular patterns. This assay distinguishes between "BE.9" and "non-BE.9" lineages, particularly BQ.1, without the need for expensive probes or sequencing. The protocol was validated against lineage predictions from next-generation sequencing (NGS) using 525 paired samples, achieving 93.3% sensitivity, 95.1% specificity, and 92.4% agreement, as measured by Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Machine learning (ML) models were trained using the melting curves from intercalating dye-based qPCR of 1724 samples, enabling highly accurate lineage assignment. Among them, the support vector machine (SVM) model had the best performance and after fine-tuning showed ∼96.52% (333/345) accuracy in comparison to the test data set. Our integrated approach provides an adapted analytical method that is both cost-effective and scalable, suitable for rapid assessment of emerging variants, especially in resource-limited settings. In this work, the protocol is applied to improve the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 sublineages but can be extended to track any key molecular signature, including large insertions and deletions (indels) commonly observed in pathogenic agent subtypes. By offering a complement to traditional sequencing methods and utilizing easily trainable machine learning algorithms, our methodology contributes to enhanced molecular surveillance strategies and supports global efforts in pandemic control.

Harnessing Digital Strategies to Combat Cryptocurrency-Enabled Crimes: Addressing Money Laundering, Illicit Trade, and Cyber Threats

Purpose: This research explores how advanced digital strategies can be harnessed to combat cryptocurrency-enabled crimes, focusing on the use of blockchain analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and enhanced regulatory frameworks to detect, trace, and prevent illegal transactions on cryptocurrency platforms. Materials and Method: The study examines the challenges law enforcement and regulatory bodies face due to the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrencies and their cross-border complexities. It analyses emerging digital tools that facilitate the de-anonymization of transactions and enable real-time monitoring of suspicious activities. Case studies from recent high-profile cryptocurrency crimes, such as the Silk Road shutdown and recent ransomware attacks, are utilized to highlight the effectiveness of these digital strategies. Findings: The findings indicate that a multi-layered approach, which combines technological innovations with global regulatory efforts, is essential for mitigating risks associated with cryptocurrency as a facilitator of cybercrime. Advanced analytics and regulatory techniques are identified as key resources for detecting and preventing illicit activities. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research demonstrates practical implications for law enforcement agencies in developing strategies that integrate advanced digital tools to improve their capabilities to manage and investigate cryptocurrency-related crimes. From a policy perspective, the study highlights the importance of creating adaptive regulatory frameworks that can evolve alongside cryptocurrency technology to effectively address the unique challenges it presents in combating cybercrime.

Research on the Carbon Emission Reduction Effect of the Dual Pilot Policy of Low-Carbon Cities and New Energy Demonstration Cities

Achieving the “double carbon” goal and optimizing the energy structure necessitates strategic deployments such as low-carbon cities (LCCs) and new energy demonstration cities (NEDCs). Prior research has primarily examined the effectiveness of these two policies when implemented independently. Despite overlapping scopes, there remains a need for a definitive conclusion regarding whether the concurrent implementation of these policies will yield a synergistic effect, thereby further reducing carbon emissions. Employing panel data spanning 2007–2021 from 280 Chinese cities, this study investigates the carbon emission reduction (CER) effect of the dual pilot policy (DPP), focusing specifically on LCCs and NEDCs through a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) analysis. The findings reveal a significant synergistic effect between LCCs and NEDCs on CER, with the sequence of policy implementation playing a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of CER. Notably, cities first become NEDCs and subsequently transition into LCCs, demonstrating a more pronounced CER effect. Further analysis of the impact mechanism underscores that the DPP fosters urban CER by elevating inventive and improved green technology innovation. Among these, the contribution of inventive green technology innovation is particularly prominent, accounting for as much as 24%, far surpassing the 20% contribution of improved green technology innovation. A heterogeneity analysis indicates that the DPP’s impact is more significant in western and non-resource-based cities. Given China’s status as one of the world’s foremost carbon emitters, exploring China’s CER pathways holds profound practical significance and offers invaluable empirical insights for advancing global CER efforts.

Deep Learning-Based Automatic Estimation of Live Coral Cover from Underwater Video for Coral Reef Health Monitoring

Coral reefs are vital to marine biodiversity but are increasingly threatened by global climate change and human activities, leading to significant declines in live coral cover (LCC). Monitoring LCC is crucial for assessing the health of coral reef ecosystems and understanding their degradation and recovery. Traditional methods for estimating LCC, such as the manual interpretation of underwater survey videos, are labor-intensive and time-consuming, limiting their scalability for large-scale ecological monitoring. To overcome these challenges, this study introduces an innovative deep learning-based approach that utilizes semantic segmentation to automatically interpret LCC from underwater videos. That is, we enhanced PSPNet for live coral segmentation by incorporating channel and spatial attention mechanisms, along with pixel shuffle modules. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model achieved a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 89.51% and a mean Pixel Accuracy (mPA) of 94.47%, showcasing superior accuracy in estimating LCC compared to traditional methods. Moreover, comparisons indicated that the proposed model aligns more closely with manual interpretations than other models, with an mean absolute error of 4.17%, compared to 5.89% for the original PSPNet, 6.03% for Deeplab v3+, 7.12% for U-Net, and 6.45% for HRNet, suggesting higher precision in LCC estimation. By automating the estimation of LCC, this deep learning-based approach can greatly enhance efficiency, thereby contributing significantly to global conservation efforts by enabling more scalable and efficient monitoring and management of coral reef ecosystems.

Mandatory salt targets: a key policy tool for global salt reduction efforts

Mandatory salt targets: a key policy tool for global salt reduction efforts

Multi-Scenario land cover changes and carbon emissions prediction for peak carbon emissions in the Yellow River Basin, China

Research on future land cover changes and carbon emissions is essential for effective land resource management and developing feasible carbon mitigation strategies. This study focused on the Yellow River Basin and employed the Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models to project future land cover and carbon emissions. Additionally, bivariate spatial autocorrelation was utilized to analyze the relationship between them. Key findings are as follows: 1) Historically, the Yellow River Basin has experienced an expansion in construction land, forests, grasslands, and water, while cropland and unused land have diminished. Notably, construction land displayed the most significant changes, whereas grasslands showed minimal modification. Looking ahead, both the ecological protection and inertial development scenarios exhibit consistent trends with historical patterns across the land type categories. In contrast, the economic priority development scenario forecasts an increase in construction land, cropland, and grasslands, indicating a distinct shift compared to the other scenarios. However, the ecological protection scenario proves to be more sustainable. 2) In the absence of intervention, the simulated carbon emissions from construction land throughout the basin display a linear increase across various scenarios, with provincial-level variations showing an increase from southwest to northeast. However, Henan and Sichuan are expected to experience slower reductions in carbon emissions, compared to other projections. There is a notable positive correlation between carbon emissions and the comprehensive index, indicating that regions with high emissions typically experience substantial land and economic development. 3) Energy consumption projections for 2030 and 2060 indicate that to align with China’s carbon goals, it is essential to reduce energy consumption and adjust the fossil to non-fossil fuel ratio to reduce carbon emissions. Substituting coal with clean energy and enhancing energy efficiency will be more effective for achieving low-carbon emission targets. In summary, this study provides significant guidance for China’s ecological conservation, low-carbon emission strategies, and global carbon emission control efforts.

Riverbank plastic distributions and how to sample them

As plastic pollution exists in aquatic ecosystems globally, monitoring its abundance and distribution has become crucial for understanding transport pathways, sources, sinks, and impacts. Riverbanks are accumulation zones for plastic, but the selection of monitoring methods is constrained by research goals, available resources, and site-specific conditions. This diversity in approaches has led to disparate datasets, highlighting the need for standardized monitoring protocols. Here, we study the spatial distribution of plastic at the riverbank scale, quantify the uncertainty of existing riverbank methods, and provide recommendations for improved monitoring based on the balance between uncertainty loss and increase in effort. We measured riverbank plastic abundance at eight Dutch riverbanks, categorizing the items using 108 item categories (River-OSPAR). For every riverbank, an area of 100 by 25 meters was subdivided into five-by-five-meter squares, resulting in 100 individual monitored sub-areas. We found riverbank plastic exhibited high spatial variability, with deposition patterns ranging from parallel to the waterline to clustered, random, or uniform (Moran’s I between -0.050 and 0.301). Individual measurements from diverse sampling protocols are 5-49 times less accurate than estimates derived from extensive sampling, highlighting the diminishing impact of specific methods with increased data collection. Lastly, our findings suggest that increasing the sampling area quickly reaches diminishing returns in terms of accuracy. Reducing the sampled area by 80% only increases the uncertainty in estimating the true plastic density by 20%. While standardized protocols are essential for data comparability, a rigid, uniform sampling approach may be less efficient and resource-intensive than a flexible (step-wise) strategy that adapts to local conditions. By demonstrating that extensive sampling can mitigate the differences between unique sampling protocols, this study promotes a shift towards flexible and efficient riverbank plastic monitoring, ultimately accelerating global efforts to combat plastic pollution.

Oropouche Virus Infection: Differential Clinical Outcomes and Emerging Global Concerns of Vertical Transmission and Fatal Cases

Oropouche virus (OROV), a member of the Peribunyaviridae family, has emerged as a significant arboviral threat, particularly in South and Central America. Traditionally causing mild febrile illness, recent outbreaks have revealed severe clinical outcomes, including aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and, more recently, vertical transmission leading to congenital anomalies and fatalities. Environmental changes, including deforestation and climate shifts, have expanded the virus's geographic range, as seen in Brazil, where over 8,000 cases were reported by August 2024, compared to fewer than 831in 2023. For the first time, vertical transmission has been confirmed, with cases of fetal deaths and congenital anomalies such as microcephaly and agenesis of the corpus callosum, drawing parallels to the Zika virus outbreak in 2015–2016. Despite these alarming trends, key mechanisms of placental transmission, maternal immunity, and fetal susceptibility remain poorly understood. This perspective highlights the urgent need for a coordinated global response, focusing on enhanced surveillance in newly affected regions, vector control strategies, and research into the factors driving severe clinical outcomes. Strengthening global efforts will be crucial in mitigating the public health threat posed by OROV, particularly in light of its potential for further geographic expansion and severe clinical manifestations.

The Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition: Enhanced in-Country Coordination for Sustainable Access.

The disparity in access to essential cancer medicines between less and more affluent countries is a major source of inequities in access to cancer care. In May 2022, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) launched a new initiative, the Access to Oncology Medicines Coalition (ATOM Coalition), bringing together over 40 organisations from the private and civil society sectors to cooperate and combine resources to address key barriers of access to cancer medicines in low- and lower-middle income countries. While the ATOM Coalition is engaged in global efforts to make cancer medicines more accessible, the initiative also includes a country-level support programme to enhance coordinated locally-led action and accelerate access. This is supported by a transparent governance and organisational structure as well as a working framework with governments and other key stakeholders to assess the current capacity and develop tailored responses that can lift and/or relax some of the identified barriers through joint collaborations with ATOM Coalition partners.