The myxozoan parasite responsible for proliferative kidney disease (PKD), Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, alternates between salmonid fishes and freshwater bryozoans to complete its life cycle. However, no active hosts (species that shed viable, infectious spores) for the North American (NA) strain have been identified. We used fish-to-bryozoan and bryozoan-to-fish transmission experiments to assess the active host status of steelhead trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss] and the bryozoan Fredericella borealis. Specific pathogen-free F. borealis colonies were first exposed to effluent from naturally infected O. mykiss and monitored weekly using stereomicroscopy for overt T. bryosalmonae infections. Malacospores from infected colonies were then introduced to naïve O. mykiss, which were held at 16 C and sampled for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology 2 and 8 wk post-exposure. Additionally, statoblasts and hatched zooids from overtly infected F. borealis colonies were screened with stereomicroscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to investigate transmission of T. bryosalmonae from zooids to statoblasts. Our results demonstrate that subclinically-infected O. mykiss shed viable fish malacospores of the NA strain of T. bryosalmonae, as evidenced by the development of overt infections in exposed F. borealis. Malacospores shed from the bryozoan subsequently induced clinical PKD in naïve O. mykiss, which exhibited kidney swelling upon necropsy, extrasporogonic stages of the parasite in histology, and PCR detections of T. bryosalmonae DNA. We found no evidence of vertical transmission within F. borealis. Given the widespread rearing and stocking of O. mykiss across North America, these findings highlight the importance of pre-release surveillance in susceptible stocks to prevent dissemination of T. bryosalmonae in habitats where suitable host populations may overlap.

ABSTRACT The Egyptian government's crackdown on dissent extends beyond its borders, with diaspora members facing threats and intimidation even in exile. This article examines the institutional and policy challenges host states face when attempting to tackle transnational repression within their borders, focusing on the post-2013 Egyptian diaspora in the UK as a case study. It highlights that the UK still lacks the necessary awareness and policy tools to adequately respond to the authoritarian targeting of individuals on its territory. The article provides the first systematic review of the background, mechanisms, and consequences of transnational repression against Egyptians in the UK, laying the groundwork for a more critical discussion and contributing to calls for policy reforms to safeguard diaspora rights in host states.

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a common respiratory pathogen that causes seasonal epidemics and severe infections, imposing substantial healthcare and economic burdens. IAV infection can disrupt the gut microbiota, and the resulting dysbiosis influences host status during both the early and later stages of infection. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown considerable potential in the treatment of IAV. Guided by the TCM concept of the exterior-interior relationship between the lung and large intestine and integrated with contemporary research on the gut-lung axis, this review summarizes advances in the mechanistic and preclinical evidence of Chinese herbal formulas, individual compounds, and polysaccharides in influenza A and outlines mechanism-based research directions and translational insights to inform future exploration.

This research examines the dynamics of the relationship between the enforcement of Human Rights (HR) and the role of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) as the principal international arbitration institution in investment disputes. The background of this study is grounded in the tension between the protection of foreign investors—primarily through bilateral investment treaties—and the obligations of host states to safeguard public interests and the human rights of their citizens, which are often overlooked in conventional investment arbitration awards. The research raises two main questions: first, how human rights are positioned within ICSID jurisprudence; and second, how ASEAN countries integrate human rights clauses into their international investment agreements in order to balance economic and social interests. The research employs a normative juridical method, utilizing a conceptual approach, a statutory approach, and a comparative approach across several ASEAN member states. Secondary data in the form of ICSID arbitral awards and international investment agreements are analyzed qualitatively. The findings indicate that although ICSID has traditionally been investor–state centric, there is a discernible shift in which human rights issues are increasingly considered through state counter-claims. From a comparative perspective, several ASEAN countries have begun updating their model bilateral investment treaties to allow greater regulatory space for public policies related to human rights. In conclusion, harmonization between the international investment law regime and human rights law is crucial to prevent fragmentation in international law. This study recommends procedural reforms within the ICSID framework to accommodate third-party participation (amicus curiae) and the standardization of human rights clauses in investment treaties at the ASEAN regional level in order to strengthen the bargaining position of member states.

Over the past two decades, the conflict management and peacebuilding (CM/PB) domain has undergone significant transformations. This has resulted in a shift from traditional Western-centric approach to a more crowded CM/PB market that is particularly evident in the African continent. However, academic discourse has evolved from evaluating the effectiveness of the liberal peace model, to scrutinising the characteristics of an alleged alternative CM/PB paradigm proposed by these rising powers. Drawing on a (neo)realist perspective, the study proposes two lines of argumentation to advance a new research agenda. Firstly, it explores the supply side of CM/PB policies by emphasising the motivations and policy choices driven primarily by strategic interests and the regime survival of intervening states. Secondly, it analyses the demand side of CM/PB by highlighting the active role of intervened states in shaping intervention strategies based on their interests and preferences. Through illustrative examples from Africa, this paper demonstrates how national interests and host states' agency intersect to shape CM/PB strategies. The article challenges simplistic categorisations of Western/liberal versus Eastern/illiberal CM/PB, and advocates for a nuanced understanding that considers the complexities of global power dynamics and national interests.

The purpose of the paper is to question the challenges of arbitration as a method for settlement of foreign direct investment disputes and to provide answers to several important questions, such as: defining the challenges of the concept as an alternative to domestic courts decisions, determining its outline, explaining the basic advantages and disadvantages of arbitration, analyzing the arbitration systems and their features, the enforcement mechanisms, the way to reform the investor-state dispute settlement, arbitration institutions in the Western Balkan and the challenges of investment arbitration in North Macedonia. It discusses the legal remedies available to foreign investors if state conduct breaches those standards. The default rule usually is that the investor must bring the case to national courts in the host state. However, many states have allowed investors to bring disputes to international arbitration instead of (or in addition to) national courts, as part of strategies to promote foreign investment. In the paper is discussed the concept of arbitration as a procedure whereby both sides to a dispute agree to let a designated third party, the arbitrator or the arbitral tribunal, decide the outcome of a legal dispute. Arbitration serves a purpose of advancing the collaboration of the disputing parties, with an ultimate objective of effective and efficient settlement of legal issues. It explores dispute settlement in international investment law, evaluating the criticisms that it is undemocratic and non-transparent and at the same time seen as a major advantage to foreign firms because it ensures fairness and confidentiality. Use of investor-state arbitration has increased sharply since the late 1990s. By the end of 2014, there were over 600 known cases of international arbitration under investment treaties; while up to the year 2000, this number was below 50. Choosing arbitrators, as well as the desired characteristics of an arbitrator is an important step in any international arbitration. It will be reviewed the claim that the common practice in international arbitration is that disputes are decided by a three-arbitrator panel. The advantages of arbitration over conventional litigation are numerous and cover issues such as: highly-qualified arbitrators, better ratio cost and result, less adversarial system and confidentiality of the procedure. In general, it could be made difference between 2 arbitration systems: ad-hoc and institutional which is furtherly explained in this paper. One important difference of the available arbitration systems is in regards to the enforcement mechanism. For that purpose are being compared the enforcement mechanisms under the ICSID and under the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. Moreover, the reforming initiatives for investor-state dispute settlement are being presented. Next, arbitration institutions in the Western Balkan are being previewed. Finally, the challenges of investment arbitration in North Macedonia are being presented.

ABSTRACT Since Myanmar’s 2021 coup, the military has intensified domestic repression and extended autocratic control to target diaspora communities. This paper explores the regime’s transnational repression strategies and examines the role of host states in enabling or resisting these tactics. While democratic countries offer relative protection, some ASEAN states facilitate repression through cooperation and deportations, demonstrating how geopolitical alignments, proximity and economic interests shape the prevalence and nature of transnational repression. Situating Myanmar’s case in the broader global context, this study argues that the junta’s actions reflect a growing phenomenon in which repressive regimes construct “new state spaces” in foreign territories, not only suppressing opposition but also challenge conventional understandings of sovereignty and human rights protections.

Securitization of immigrants is the framing of immigrants as security threats that need to be curbed, thwarted and eliminated. Yet immigration is only but a small segment of migration, which is necessary for economic growth. Migration is an organic phenomenon that is as old as humanity itself. It happens within national borders, often referred to as internal migration, or even internal displacement at times. When migration happens in the international realm, immigration processes and laws become necessary, and should be adhered to, observed, and enforced. However, when immigrants become securitized, it often puts them at risk of being targeted, victimized and objectified, by not only the authorities of the host state, but communities where immigrants live in. This paper sets out to interrogate the claims that influence and inform movements such as Operation Dudula and other political parties in South Africa, that African immigrants particularly pose a security risk in South Africa. The research question that the paper seeks to answer is: Are African immigrants a national security risk for South Africa? The paper uses a qualitative research methodology to conduct textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, policy documents as well as government documents. A genealogical approach informs this research as it is interested in situating the current tensions in context.

This review examines how bacterial pathogens disrupt vascular barrier integrity and manipulate coagulation with a focus on endothelial signaling pathways, bacterial effectors, and contextual determinants of host-pathogen interactions. Particular attention is given to a contact activation system member, factor XII (FXII), that operates in infection not merely via coagulation but also through immune modulation and direct antimicrobial activity. Emerging work reveals that loss of endothelial barrier integrity arises from both inflammatory cues and pathogen-directed manipulation of junctional complexes, the glycocalyx, and cell death programs such as pyroptosis. These mechanisms are influenced by pathogen diversity, tissue-specific environments, and heterogeneity across experimental models. Studies demonstrate that FXII function is context-dependent, supporting pathogen containment through fibrin deposition in some infections, yet promoting inflammation and dissemination in others. Additionally, pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii directly inhibit FXII, thereby impairing immune defense and coagulation-driven containment. Therapeutic efforts now increasingly target endothelial stabilization and coagulation-immune crosstalk, yet outcomes depend on timing, infectious context, and host state. While approaches such as glycocalyx restoration, inflammasome inhibition, and FXII-based biomimetics show promise, successful intervention will likely require combination strategies that preserve host defense while limiting vascular damage. Given the diversity of host-pathogen interactions, no single therapy is expected to be universally effective.

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) hydrolyze a broad range of β-lactams, including carbapenems. VIM-28, an MBL identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is an H224L/S228R variant of VIM-1 and H224L variant of VIM-4. Compared with VIM-26 (R228S), VIM-28 displayed decreased Km (12.5 for VIM-28 vs 513 μM for VIM-26; 9.66 vs 150 μM) and increased kcat/Km(15.3 vs 1.81 μM-1s-1; 28.6 vs 5.89 μM-1s-1) for ampicillin and cephalothin, respectively. VIM-1, which has a His in position 224 and Ser in position 228, displayed intermediate kinetic values (Km 215 and 77.0 μM; kcat/Km 2.63 and 8.61 μM-1s-1) for ampicillin and cephalothin, respectively, indicating that the presence of a positively charged residue at either position 224 or 228 enhanced substrate interactions. The combined L224H/R228S substitutions in VIM-1 increased the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme for ceftazidime by more than one order of magnitude. These kinetic trends were consistent with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data, with an eightfold increase in ceftazidime MIC for VIM-1-producing cells. Moreover, relative MIC assay showed that VIM-26 (R228S)-producing cells were more refractory to the addition of chelators than cells producing VIM-28, whereas VIM-4 (L224H)-producing cells showed reduced resistance, suggesting that the residues at positions 224 and 228 influence the metal-binding affinity of the enzyme. Differential scanning fluorimetry assay revealed that the R228S substitution increased the melting temperature of the enzyme, whereas the L224H substitution reduced its thermal stability. VIM-28 exhibited high catalytic efficiency for substrates other than ceftazidime, and the H224L substitution conferred higher zinc-binding affinity and thermal stability compared with VIM-4.IMPORTANCEβ-Lactam-resistant bacteria, especially carbapenem-resistant strains, pose a major global health threat, often through metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs). To anticipate resistance evolution, we characterized VIM-28, a variant of the widespread VIM-1/VIM-4-type enzymes, focusing on the roles of two variable L10 loop residues. Substitutions at positions 224 and 228 strongly affected substrate specificity, enzyme stability, and zinc affinity. Arg228 was important for carbapenem recognition, while combined substitutions at positions 224 and 228 could enhance activity toward ceftazidime. Notably, the R228S substitution improved zinc binding and thermal stability, supporting enzyme function under zinc-limited host conditions. These findings reveal mechanisms driving MBL diversity and highlight evolutionary strategies sustaining antibiotic resistance.

Weeds, especially purple nutsedge, are not just alternative hosts but highly susceptible host that drive the persistence and spread of rice root-knot nematodes. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the host status of eight plant species, including rice and common rice-associated weeds, to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola. By integrating quantitative infection assays with confocal laser scanning microscopy, we combined whole-plant measurements of nematode development with cellular-level visualization of feeding-site structures to characterize host suitability more precisely. The results revealed a continuum of responses ranging from weakly supportive to highly susceptible hosts. Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) showed the highest susceptibility under controlled conditions, with a reproduction factor (Rf = 77.25) exceeding that of rice (Oryza sativa, Rf = 15.45) and jungle rice (Echinochloa colona, Rf = 19.81). Digitaria sanguinalis also supported considerable nematode multiplication (Rf = 10.92). Confocal imaging provided temporal snapshots of feeding-site formation, giant cell development and gall progression in C. rotundus, complementing the quantitative findings. Several species, including Glinus oppositifolius and Stellaria media, supported minimal development, indicating limited suitability as hosts. Overall, the study demonstrates that multiple weeds commonly present in rice ecosystems can sustain M. graminicola development to varying degrees under experimental conditions. These results highlight the importance of considering weed species when evaluating nematode population dynamics and designing integrated management strategies for rice-based agroecosystems.

The design of dual organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from both the host and guest remains a significant challenge, as most organic doping systems generally enable either the guest or the host to serve as a single static phosphorescent emitter. Here we report a host-guest dual RTP system featuring dynamically tunable colors, controllable host-to-guest phosphorescence ratios, and widely tunable lifetimes of 18.8-472ms. This unique performance is enabled by bidirectional triplet energy transfer processes between host and guest, which not only activates RTP of the host molecules but also induces a blue shift of the phosphorescence from 673 to 528nm, with CIE chromaticity coordinates ranging from (0.51, 0.45) to (0.40, 0.57). More importantly, alkyl ring groups effectively modulate the triplet energy levels of the identical π-conjugated host molecules at the aggregate level, resulting in the lowest triplet energy levels of host crystals ranging from 2.88 to 2.53eV. This work provides a unique insight into achieving dual RTP in organic doping systems and holds great potential for applications in multilevel information encryption and optoelectronics research.

Giant DNA viruses encode a hallmark translation initiation complex of eukaryotic life.

The infection-inducible chitin deacetylase AwCDA1 drives virulence in postharvest fungus Aspergillus westerdijkiae.

Intracellular Zn²⁺ dynamics regulate cefiderocol resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Candida species are among the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens affecting humans, particularly immunocompromised individuals. While Candida albicans has historically been the predominant etiological agent of candidiasis, recent epidemiological trends indicate a significant rise in infections caused by non-albicans Candida species, many of which exhibit intrinsic or acquired resistance to commonly used antifungal agents. These yeasts, which normally exist as commensals within the human microbiota, can transition to pathogenic forms under favourable host or environmental conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical and epidemiological features of Candida infections, with emphasis on laboratory diagnosis, virulence mechanisms, and antifungal resistance. Conventional and advanced diagnostic methods, including culture-based techniques, phenotypic tests, and molecular assays, are critically discussed. The growing challenge of antifungal resistance, biofilm-associated infections, and emerging multidrug-resistant species such as Candida auris is also addressed. Understanding these evolving dynamics is essential for improving patient outcomes, guiding antifungal therapy, and informing public health interventions

In postwar Europe, US intelligence increasingly targeted Soviet-orbit refugees for Cold War intelligence needs. Austria became a key arena as a country of first asylum for Soviet-orbit refugees, many of whom were Jewish transiting to Israel. Yet beyond narrow US intelligence objectives, the broader state-building effects of these covert activities for Austria as the host state and for Israel remain insufficiently understood. This article shows that US intelligence activities targeting Soviet-orbit refugees in Austria (1945–1956) significantly contributed to postwar reconstruction efforts in both countries. First, intelligence requirements became the central rationale for expanding US refugee-aid policies, improving Austrian refugee-handling infrastructure, and benefiting Jewish migration to Israel. Second, emerging cooperation among US, Austrian, and Israeli intelligence services surrounding refugees fostered postwar alliance-building, with spillover effects into adjacent policy domains. The findings demonstrate that refugees became a key space through which intelligence shaped wider postwar reconstruction, informing debates on intelligence in humanitarian and post-conflict settings.

ABSTRACT According to scholars studying UN-led peace operations, the missions generate a wide range of ‘unintended consequences’ that affect their ability to fulfil their mandate, the host societies in which they are deployed, and even the societies of states that contribute troops. While studying the ‘unintended consequences’ of peace operations usefully draws attention to their multifaceted effects, the concept raises both analytical and normative issues. Analytically, the concept centres the intentions of interveners as a key variable and posits that we can clearly disentangle the intended effects of peace operations from their unintended ones. But ‘unintended’ effects are rarely unanticipated and can instead be productively conceptualised as the results of choices or trade-offs, raising questions of responsibility and accountability. This is apparent in cases of UN missions enabling authoritarian practices by the host state and increasing the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse. While the ‘unintended consequences’ concept is analytically thin, it performs significant normative work and ultimately reproduces the idea that peace operations are inherently good. Unpacking the concept makes visible structures and power relations involved in the peacekeeping project.

This study develops a data-driven predictive framework integrating hybrid feature selection, interpretable machine learning, and uncertainty quantification to forecast Olympic medal performance among elite nations. Focusing on the top ten countries from Paris 2024, the analysis employs a three-stage feature selection procedure combining Spearman correlation screening, random forest embedded importance, and the Caterpillar Fungus Optimizer (CFO) to identify stable long-term predictors. A novel test variable, rank, capturing historical competitive strength, and a refined continuous host-effect indicator derived from gravity-type trade models are introduced. Two complementary modeling strategies—a two-way fixed-effects econometric model and a CFO-optimized random forest—are implemented and validated. SHAP, LIME, and partial dependence plots enhance model interpretability, revealing nonlinear mechanisms underlying medal outcomes. Kernel density estimation generates probabilistic interval forecasts for Los Angeles 2028. Results demonstrate that historical performance and event-specific characteristics dominate medal predictions, while macroeconomic factors (GDP, population) and conventional host status contribute marginally once related variables are controlled. Consistent variable rankings across models and close alignment between 2028 projections and 2024 outcomes validate the framework’s robustness and practical applicability for sports policy and resource allocation decisions.

Microfilariae are blood parasites transmitted by hematophagous vectors, yet short-term, within-morning dynamics of the infection in wild passerines are poorly understood. This study aimed to (i) assess within-morning fluctuations in microfilariae prevalence and intensity in breeding adult village weavers ( Ploceus cucullatus ), and (ii) evaluate the influence of infection on host body condition (reflected in their body mass). A total of 124 birds (72 males, 52 females) were trapped in the Amurum Forest Reserve, Nigeria, using mist nets during early, mid-, and late-morning intervals. Microfilariae were detected via the buffy coat method, and body condition was estimated from body mass. Overall, 94.4% of males and 30.8% of females were infected. Contrary to our hypothesis that early-morning captures would predominantly sample filaria-free birds, prevalence and intensity peaked in mid-morning, especially in males (P < 0.05). Infected males were consistently in better condition than uninfected males, indicating trade-offs favoring reproductive investment over immune defense, whereas infected females exhibited a mid-morning reduction in body mass, likely reflecting the energetic costs of infection. These results reveal pronounced sex-biased infection patterns and highlight temporal variation in host activity and condition, with implications for sampling and understanding host-parasite interactions in wild passerines.