Seasonal and circadian dynamics of Ageratum conyzoides essential oil and its application in tick control.

In late 2024, a major human metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak in China caused widespread pneumonia and thousands of hospitalizations, drawing global attention to this virus. In Senegal, a concomitant rise in HMPV detections was observed in both community and hospital settings. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, genomic diversity, and the evolutionary dynamics of HMPV strains circulating in Senegal over 7 years of integrated community- and hospital-based surveillance (2018-2024). Nasopharyngeal samples were tested using multiplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A subset of HMPV isolates underwent sequencing, followed by phylogenetic and Bayesian evolutionary analyses. HMPV was detected in 3.3% (n = 19,204) of tested specimens. The highest positivity rate was observed among infants aged ≤ 11 months (31.2%), with decreasing rates in older age groups. Following COVID-19 related disruptions, HMPV circulation re-established a seasonal pattern after 2022, peaking during the rainy season. Genomic analyses revealed sustained cocirculation of sublineages A2b1, A2b2, B1, and B2, with periodic lineage replacement every 1-3 years. Genetic variability was predominantly observed in the G glycoprotein, with evidence of positive selection at codons 102, 153, 167, 169, 179, 181, and 202. Estimated evolutionary rates were 9.30 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year for HMPV-A and 9.86 × 10-4 substitutions per site per year for HMPV-B. Phylogeographic analyses indicate that HMPV epidemics in Senegal are driven by repeated introductions and ongoing exchange with other regions. Our findings indicate sustained circulation and dynamic turnover of pre-existing sublineages rather than the emergence of a novel variant within the population, especially in infants aged ≤ 11 months.

North Atlantic SSTA triggers persistent extreme precipitation over South China by modulating the 25–50-day intraseasonal oscillation

Potentially toxic elements in surface waters across the El Fuerte River, Mexico: chemical speciation, environmental and health risk assessment.

Evaluation of CMIP6 models in simulating precipitation during the rainy season over Indochina Peninsula: Ensemble differences and potential causes

ABSTRACT Strongylids are among the most prevalent helminths affecting equines and are responsible for significant health and economic losses. This study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous suspensions and oil-based formulations of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against equine gastrointestinal nematodes under laboratory and semi-natural conditions during the rainy and dry seasons in the Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil. Faecal samples were collected from naturally infected equines. Four treatment groups were established: water control, oil control, aqueous suspension of B. bassiana, and oil-based formulation of B. bassiana. Semi-natural assays were conducted using pots containing Urochloa brizantha MG-5, while in vitro assays consisted of quantitative stool cultures. The fungal product used was Boveril® WP (B. bassiana), and nematode larvae were recovered and quantified using the Baermann technique. Under laboratory conditions, efficacy reached 80.4% for the aqueous suspension and 92% for the oil-based formulation. In semi-natural assays, the aqueous suspension showed low efficacy during both the rainy 10.51% and dry 14.28% seasons. In contrast, the oil-based formulation achieved high efficacy during the rainy season 92.59% and moderate efficacy during the dry season 46.9%. Soil analysis confirmed fungal persistence under both climatic conditions, with B. bassiana remaining detectable up to 52 days after application. The most frequently identified larvae were Strongyloides westeri, cyathostomins, Strongylus equinus, and Strongylus vulgaris. These results demonstrate that oil-based formulations of B. bassiana are effective against immature stages of equine gastrointestinal nematodes, particularly under favourable environmental conditions.

A synchronized postmetamorphic dispersal event of the Burrowing Toad (Rhinophrynus dorsalis) was documented in Huatulco National Park, Oaxaca, Mexico, observed in july 2025. A massive aggregation of juvenile individuals was recorded, rapidly dispersing in the opposite direction from temporary water bodies. The phenomenon was recorded using linear transects and photographic analysis, estimating approximately 8,223.75 individuals in motion. The observed synchrony suggests an adaptive strategy to reduce predation and maximize survival. This behavior, poorly documented and studied in Mexico, highlights the importance of conserving seasonal wetlands and ecological corridors, as well as implementing systematic monitoring during the rainy season.

Mass dog vaccination to control rabies usually involves centralized planning and team-led annual campaigns. We evaluated the implementation processes of a decentralized, community-based continuous approach to mass dog vaccination (CBC-MDV), delivered as an arm of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) across the Mara region, Tanzania. We employed the socio-anthropological framework to assess the implementation process of the CBC-MDV approach. We embedded a mixed method process evaluation into the RCT and conducted in-depth interviews with district and village-level implementers, focus group discussions with ward-level implementers and community leaders and members, non-participant observation of the campaigns, and an audit of the vaccination campaign activities. We analyzed the resulting data following the five domains of the socio-anthropological framework. Refining the five domains, we report that 1) Environmental context affected CBC-MDV campaigns, which were interrupted by rainy and farming seasons, school schedules, market days and funerals, whilst village size and routes of access reduced their reach. 2) Social difference and pressures, and community involvement influenced delivery; cultural celebrations and social statuses of implementors hindered delivery, while by-laws and perceived rabies risk improved delivery. Community involvement facilitated implementation, but there was a need to strategically select who did what and how. 3) Strategies and incentives affected implementers, who were motivated by training and resources provided, and delivered 88% of components as planned. 4) Socio-materiality and resilience of intervention strategies and tools made it feasible to deploy the required equipment across a wide geographic scale, with adequate vaccination opportunities, but implementers found house-to-house and on-demand strategies demanding and less effective than central point delivery. 5) Governance also affected delivery with closer supervision by veterinary officials and community leaders, and co-reflexive appraisal of implementation with communities constrained by resource limitations. CBC-MDV with local storage of dog vaccine can be deployed across the rural landscape of Tanzania. Deeper involvement of communities in planning when and how campaigns are conducted, and in the appraisal of outcomes can significantly address barriers to dog-owner participation. The socio-anthropological framework provides a useful framing for understanding intervention delivery but not refinement for use cases.

Between October 2021 and February 2022, there was an outbreak of yellow fever viral disease that spread within several districts in the northern part of Ghana. Malaria is the leading cause of death in most sub-Saharan countries including Ghana. It is important that surveillance is focused on malaria among febrile patients during a yellow fever outbreak in Ghana. This study investigated infection with malaria among febrile patients during a yellow fever outbreak in Ghana. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in two yellow fever outbreak sites (Wenchi and Damongo) and two non-outbreak sites (Kumbungu and Tamale). A total of 498 febrile patients from healthcare facilities were recruited in the rainy and dry seasons. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect patients' demographic information. Venous blood was collected from consented study participants for malaria parasite detection via microscopy and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Total RNA was extracted from serum samples for the detection of yellow fever virus using Reverse Transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). None of the patients tested positive for yellow fever virus by RT-PCR. Out of a total of 498 febrile participants, 129/498 (25.90%) tested positive by PCR for P. falciparum parasites and 378 were examined for malaria microscopy with 54/378 (14.29%) testing positive to P. falciparum parasite detection. While there were 54/410 (13.17%) cases of P. falciparum infections via microscopy in the rainy season there was no positive infection in the dry season 0/88 (0%). However, the difference in malaria prevalence via PCR in the rainy and dry seasons was not significant (P > 0.05). Nucleic acid for yellow fever was not detected among all the febrile patients. High malaria prevalence was found in participants in the study sites, affecting preschool and the school-aged children the most. This suggests an underscoring urgent need for malaria interventions to mitigate high transmission within communities especially among school-based populations.

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) remains a major obstacle to livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. In Benin, the epidemiological role of hematophagous flies in trypanosome circulation remains insufficiently documented. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Trypanosoma infections in these potential vectors and to characterize their blood meal sources in livestock interface zones of southern Benin. Hematophagous flies were trapped using Vavoua, biconical and Nzi traps in 6 communes during dry and rainy seasons. The sample size for molecular analyses was determined using Cochran's formula, resulting in the selection of 384 individuals. These were analyzed by species-specific PCR targeting T. vivax, T. congolense (savannah and forest types) and T. brucei s.l. Blood meal identification was performed on engorged flies using multiplex PCR targeting cattle, humans, pigs, dogs and sheep. A total of 6550 hematophagous flies were collected across the 6 communes. The overall prevalence of trypanosomes was 13.8% (53/384; 95% CI 10.7-17.6%). T. vivax (6.8%) and T. congolense savannah type (6.5%) were the predominant species, while T. brucei s.l. was detected in only one specimen (0.3%); T. congolense forest was absent. The highest prevalences were recorded in Allada and Djidja (20.3% each). Dry season prevalence (16.1%) exceeded rainy season prevalence (11.8%), without statistically significant difference (p = 0.238). Blood meal analysis showed a predominance of cattle (44.4%), followed by humans (20.4%) and mixed sources. No significant association was observed between blood meal origin and infection status. These results suggest that non-tsetse hematophagous flies may contribute to trypanosome circulation in livestock systems of southern Benin. Their inclusion in trypanosomosis surveillance and control programs is strongly recommended.

Seasonal variation in metal concentrations in the Gualaxo do Norte River following the Fundão dam collapse is associated with behavioural and cholinergic alterations in Astyanax lacustris.

The current study describes first records of a common edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and two inedible mushrooms (A.glabriusculus and A. trisulphuratus) from district Gujranwala. These three Agaricus species were collected during field surveysfor the collection of macro-fungi from the Punjab province during rainy seasons of years 2021 and 2022. The comprehensivemorphological characterization in terms of morphoanatomical descriptions, macro & micro-photography and illustrations of thecollected specimens are provided. Detailed comparison of all three Agaricus species with their morpho-anatomically similar species of the genus is also given in the article.

Changes in vector biology and behaviour resulting from interventions such as indoor residual spraying (IRS), long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), and the use of insecticidal aerosol sprays, coils, and other mosquito control measures underscore the need for strengthened and regular vector surveillance. Understanding vector behaviour and species diversity is crucial for adapting interventions to achieve more effective and sustainable malaria control. This study examined malaria vector biting behaviour and transmission risk in Simiw, a community located in the coastal forest of Ghana's Central Region. Adult malaria vectors were collected using human landing catch (HLC) method during the dry and rainy season of 2021. Vector densities, biting patterns and entomological transmission indices of An. gambiae s.l. were evaluated. Molecular techniques were employed to identify vector species, detect Plasmodium falciparum infection, and analyze insecticide resistance genes. A total of 4,173 mosquitoes from four different genera were collected during the sampling period, with a surprising higher abundance recorded in the dry season compared to the rainy season. Indoor collections of An. gambiae s.l. outnumbered outdoor collections in both seasons. An. coluzzii was the most prevalent species, making up 79.0% (678/858), followed by An. gambiae s.s. at 17.6%, hybrids of An. gambiae and An. coluzzii at 1.9% (16/858), and An. melas at 1.5% (13/858). The biting rate for An. gambiae s.l. peaked in the early morning hours between 04:00 and 05:00. The overall entomological inoculation rate (EIR) was calculated at 61.20 infective bites per person per year. The study found higher abundance and biting rates of An. gambiae s.l. during the dry season, with both the HBR and EIR being greater indoors than outdoors. The observed species diversity and transmission risk indices emphasize the importance of ongoing vector monitoring.

Conventional Water Quality Indices (WQIs) are commonly used to assess anthropogenic impacts on aquatic systems, but they often oversimplify complex parameter interactions, rely on subjective weighting, and inadequately capture spatial or temporal variations. This study hypothesizes that a parameter-based index can enhance diagnostic precision and provide clearer insights into pollutant behavior. The objective was to develop and apply a Parametric WQI that disaggregates water quality into parameter-specific sub-indices for high-resolution monitoring without subjective weighting. Water samples were collected during the peak rainy season from Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant (WSTP), Abuja, Nigeria-covering influent, effluent, the point of discharge (POD), and sites 1-2km downstream. Thirteen chemical parameters, including nutrients, organic load indicators, and heavy metals, were analyzed. Pollutant levels peaked at the POD but generally declined downstream due to dilution, sedimentation, and microbial degradation. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) increased downstream in June and August but dropped in July (-4.30% at 2km). TDS rose at the POD in July (+ 16.67%), while TSS fell sharply near the POD (-86.64% in June). Nutrients exhibited strong variability: NH₄⁺ increased (+ 60%), PO₄3⁻ rose sharply (+ 185%), and NO₃⁻ declined (-38.46%), suggesting eutrophication risk. Cu2⁺ spiked (+ 134.17% at POD), whereas Pb2⁺ and Fe2⁺ declined downstream. PWQI classified water quality as poor to very poor at influent, moderate at effluent, and good to excellent downstream. The approach enhances interpretative accuracy, identifies residual contamination (notably NH₄⁺, TSS, and alkalinity), and offers a robust, transferable framework for sustainable wastewater and river system management in tropical environments.

In 2015, the collapse of the Fundão tailings dam released millions of cubic meters of mine waste into the Rio Doce Basin, causing profound and lasting environmental impacts. We analyzed 3 years of seasonal variation of water quality and metal concentrations across two middle Rio Doce sub-basins: one impacted by the tailings (Doce River) and a non-impacted reference system (Santo Antônio River). We hypothesized that tailings-associated variables (e.g., turbidity, Mn, As, Fe, Al) would differ in concentration and seasonality between the sub-basins, reflecting altered ecological responses nearly a decade after the collapse. Multivariate analyses (PCA, PERMANOVA) and mixed-effects models revealed significant spatial and temporal differences, with the impacted sub-basin showing persistently higher turbidity and metal loads, especially during the rainy season. Cluster analysis identified spatial groups corresponding to contamination gradients relative to the tailings source and confluence zones. Overall, our results demonstrate that the legacy of the tailings continues to shape water quality dynamics and suspended particulate matter in the Rio Doce system, highlighting the need for ongoing, spatially explicit monitoring to support ecosystem recovery and management.

ABSTRACT Microplastics are pervasive in freshwater systems and can enter the human food chain via fish consumption. This study examined microplastic ingestion in 75 individuals (23 species) from upstream, midstream, and downstream sections of the Kahayan River (rainy season). Microplastics occurred in 65.2% of fish with a mean of 2.21 items/ind. Fibers dominated (80-90%), and most particles were in the 500-1000 µm and >1000 µm size classes, with polyethylene (PE) was the most common polymer. Correlation analyses showed moderate positive coefficients between fish length/weight and total microplastic counts. However, most correlations were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Notably, fish length was significantly associated with fiber particles and particles >1000 µm, suggesting larger individuals tend to retain larger and fibrous particles. Because sampling occurred only during the rainy season and sample sizes per species were limited, results should be interpreted cautiously. These findings highlight the importance of ecological traits in explaining microplastic loads and point to potential human exposure through fish consumption, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and improved waste management in riverine communities.

Daily climate data at high spatial resolution is essential for impact assessment in mainland Southeast Asia, yet existing products either lack spatial detail or temporal coverage. We present MSEA-Daily, a gridded daily climate dataset at 4-km resolution spanning 1981-2014 for mainland Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam). The dataset provides daily precipitation, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and mean temperature that maintain strict consistency with TerraClimate monthly values while incorporating realistic daily variability from CHIRPS (precipitation) and AgERA5 (temperature). Independent validation against 77 GHCND stations across mainland Southeast Asia and peninsular Malaysia demonstrate moderate skill for precipitation and high-to-excellent skill for the three temperature variables, with minimum and mean temperature showing the strongest agreement against station observations. Residual systematic biases are dominated by a small cool bias in maximum temperature inherited from TerraClimate, near-zero bias in mean temperature, and spatially structured precipitation biases linked to orography. MSEA-Daily reproduces the seasonal cycle and the timing of monsoon onset and withdrawal across the dry, hot, rainy and transition seasons, although precipitation extremes at the 95th percentile and above are underestimated by approximately 10-15% relative to station observations. MSEA-Daily also reproduces the spatial pattern of the JJAS ENSO-monsoon teleconnection over mainland Southeast Asia, including the central Indochina dry/central Vietnamese wet precipitation dipole during El Niño years and the lagged temperature response over Indochina. The dataset enables integrated climate assessments requiring both monthly climatological consistency for trend analysis and daily resolution for process modeling, with primary applications in agricultural modeling, hydrological simulation, and climate extreme analysis.

Due to the short rainy season in the cashew producing region in Northeast Brazil, foliar fertilization has been widely adopted for the nutrition of dwarf cashew trees. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects on growth, physiology, nutrition, and productivity of ‘BRS 226’ dwarf cashew. The experiment was conducted for three consecutive years in Pacajus, Ceará, Brazil. The design was randomized blocks with the following treatments: sources of foliar fertilizers (Master®; Mega 10®; FH CaB®; Master® + FH CaB®; Spray Dunger®) and the control (without foliar fertilizer) with eight replicates each. Growth (crown volume and relative growth rate), physiological (gas exchange, photochemical efficiency and relative chlorophyll index - RCI), nutritional (macronutrients and micronutrients), and production (immature cashew nuts number, percentage of ripe fruits and nut yield) variables were evaluated. Plants that received the Master® + FH CaB® foliar fertilizer showed a higher relative growth rate, with increments of 113, 139 and 95% in the first, second, and third cycles, respectively, compared to the control. Gas exchange increased by approximately 40% with foliar fertilizers, while RCI increased by about 20% to 30%, for these variables, the FH CaB® and Master® + FH CaB® treatments stood. Production aspects were also positively influenced by the application of foliar fertilizers, especially by Master® + FH CaB®. Complementary foliar fertilization in ‘BRS 226’ dwarf cashew, especially with the commercial products Master® + FH CaB®, is a recommended complementary practice to favor vegetative development, gas exchange and increase crop yield.

Background Dengue virus is a major cause of febrile illness and is often misdiagnosed as malaria in regions lacking appropriate diagnostics. This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors for dengue infection among febrile patients attending community health centers in the malaria hyperendemic Sikasso region of southern Mali. Methods From June (beginning of the rainy season) to December (post rainy season) 2023, patients presenting with fever at four community health centers (Bamba, Fakola, Filamana, and Guélélenkoro) were tested for dengue infection using rapid diagnostic tests. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify risk factors associated with symptomatic infection. Results Of 251 enrolled patients, 63.0% were male, and the median age was 15 years (± 13.7). The prevalence of dengue infection varied between 9.7% to 47.8% with the highest observed in December after the rainy season. Headache, muscle pain, and abdominal pain were the most common clinical symptoms associated with dengue fever. Children 5-15 years had significantly higher risk of infection compared to those under 5 years of age (OR = 7.4; 95% CI [1.44; 38.26]). The risk of infection was highest in November (OR = 4.29; 95% CI [1.12; 16.48]) and December (OR = 10.30; 95% CI [2.56; 41.36]). Conclusion Dengue infections contribute substantially to febrile illness in southern Mali, particularly among school-aged children, mainly during the late rainy season and early dry season. The finding highlights the need for integration of dengue testing into routine diagnostic protocols for febrile patients in malaria-endemic rural settings to reduce misdiagnosis and improve patient outcomes.

Spatiotemporal distribution and characteristics of microplastics across environmental matrices associated with a non-sanitary municipal solid waste landfill.