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Infection by Cardiodectes bellottii (Copepoda: Pennellidae) on Lampanyctodes hectoris (Actinopterygii: Myctophidae) in the southern Benguela Current upwelling ecosystem
(National Inquiry Services Centre Ltd, 2026) van der Lingen, Carl David; Shongwe, Thembeka; Reed, Cecile C.
Hector’s lanternfish Lampanyctodes hectoris is an abundant mesopelagic fish found in the Benguela Current marine ecosystem and is frequently parasitised by the copepod Cardiodectes bellottii. This parasite is relatively large compared with its fish host, and negative impacts of its infection on other lanternfishes have been reported. We examined 1 800 L. hectoris sampled over a wide spatio-temporal range in the southern Benguela to document C. bellottii infection indices in this lanternfish species, and we compare selected biological characteristics of infected and uninfected fish. Infection prevalence showed spatio-temporal variability, with an overall mean of 20.7% (95% confidence limits: 18.9–22.6%; 373/1 800 fish). This is the highest reported infection prevalence by C. bellottii among five lanternfish species for which large sample sizes (of >500 fish) were processed. We found that infection (i) significantly reduced female host weight-at-length but not that of male hosts; (ii) significantly reduced female but not male gonadosomatic index; and (iii) had no significant effect on length frequency distributions. Cardiodectes bellottii infection in L. hectoris does not appear to increase host mortality but can reduce both somatic and/or gonadal growth, and hence reproductive success. These findings suggest that the productivity and population dynamics of L. hectoris in the southern Benguela may be partly driven by infections by this parasitic copepod.
Advancing regional and international cooperation in public health diplomacy: summary of the methods and outcomes of the 2nd University of Memphis school of public health diplomacy summit (2026)
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Amde, Woldekidan; Joshi, Ashish; El-Metwally, Ashraf
Public health diplomacy has emerged as a critical mechanism for addressing complex global health challenges. This paper summarizes the key discussions, lessons learned, and recommendations from the Public Health Diplomacy 2nd Summit, organized by University of Memphis. In the summit, participants explored the role of public health diplomacy in strengthening health systems and building resilient partnerships. This paper employed a qualitative descriptive approach for the data analysis. Participants emphasized the need to integrate diplomacy competencies into public health education and professional training while fostering stronger connections between evidence generation and policy action. The findings suggest that public health diplomacy should be recognized as both a strategic and operational tool for strengthening global health governance, promoting international cooperation, and preparing future public health leaders.
Small molecule inhibition of the mitochondrial lipid transfer protein STARD7 attenuates influenza viral replication
(Public Library of Science, 2026) Adonis, Jihaan; Shaw, Megan L.; Sharma, Shipra
The increasing appearance of drug-resistant and zoonotic influenza strains highlights an urgent need for host-directed antivirals that offer broad-spectrum activity and a higher barrier to resistance. Here, we describe the characterization of M4, a small-molecule identified from a high-throughput screen that potently inhibits influenza A and B viruses. Mechanistic studies reveal that M4 suppresses influenza virus replication by preventing formation of export-competent viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes in the nucleus. Chemoproteomic profiling identified the lipid transfer protein STARD7 as the primary cellular target, and genetic depletion of STARD7 phenocopies the antiviral effects of M4. Additional studies localized the M4 binding site to cysteine 302 within the lipid-binding domain of STARD7, supporting a model in which STARD7-dependent lipid transfer activity promotes efficient vRNP assembly and nuclear export. Combining M4 with baloxavir enhances antiviral efficacy in a murine infection model, providing in vivo support for a host-directed therapeutic strategy. Together, these results identify STARD7 as a metabolic checkpoint licensing vRNP nuclear export and they establish a proof of concept for therapeutic intervention with small molecule inhibitors.
Content validity of digital health competence measures for nursing in South Africa
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Cromhout, Amanda; Daniels, Felicity; Chipps, Jennifer
Introduction – The increasing use of digital technology to improve healthcare outcomes for patients and institutions requires that nurses have adequate levels of digital competence, measured by psychometrically sound measures. However, most measures are developed in high-income countries and have not been adapted to other settings. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the content validity of two measures, developed in Finland, that measure digital competence (DigiHealthCom) and influences on digital competence (DigiComInf), for their application in South Africa. Methods – Participants were predominantly nurses from private and public facilities in South Africa who completed an online content validity rating scale (n = 12) South Africa by rating the relevance and clarity of each item and subscale of competence (DigiHealthCom) and influence (DigiComInf). Of these, ten participated in an online focus group discussion. Ratings were analysed by calculating individual item content validity indices (I-CVI) and scale and subscale average content validity indices (S-CVI/Ave). Results – I-CVI values for relevance and clarity were mostly >.78, except for some items in the “human-centred remote counselling competence” subscale (DigiHealthCom) and one item in DigiComInf. S-CVIs were sufficient for DigiHealthCom (S-CVIrelevance/Ave = 0.86, S-CVIclarity/Ave = 0.87) and DigiComInf (S-CVIrelevance/Ave = 0.95, S-CVIclarity/Ave = 0.89). The focus group discussion highlighted several concerns, such as the absence of discerning, contextually relevant definitions for the constructs measured, lack of clarity about the target population, and applicability of certain items to different healthcare contexts. Discussion – Adaptations included adding relevant definitions, clarifying the target population or management level, adding a “not applicable” option to the rating scale and clarifying the meaning or context using appropriate alternative words. The final measure was approved by the participants and the original authors of the measures.
Ubuntu on the street(s): relationships and relationship(ing)dynamics among waste players in Glenwood, Durban, SouthAfrica
(Routledge, 2026) Sibanda, Princess Alice; Kalina, Marc; Schenck, Catherina
The South African waste management ecosystem is characterisedby competition and rivalry between the formal and informalsectors. Although this dynamic has been widely documented, it istoo often presented as binary, with one sector standing incontrast and opposition to the other, a characterisation thatoverlooks the everyday realities of waste workers. Drawing onethnographic research in eThekwini Municipality (Durban, SouthAfrica), this article reveals the complexities and nuances of theserelationship dynamics. Specifically, we identify alternativerealities, framed as humane encounters, between waste pickers,residents, the city’s Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (CSW) andamong waste pickers themselves. Focusing on the middle-incomesuburb of Glenwood, we draw on notions of ubuntu to explorehow these relationships are forged and sustained in everyday life.Findings reveal that waste pickers build friendships, businesspartnerships, strategic relationships and networks that enablethem to navigate the city, maximise their earnings and cultivatereciprocal relationships with residents and frontline municipalworkers. This story matters because accounts of informal wastepickers in South Africa remain incomplete without acknowledgingthe gestures of love, ethics of care and communal practices thatalso shape their everyday lives. Read through the lens of ubuntu,these everyday encounters invite a different understanding ofwaste picker integration, one that is forged through relationshipsbefore it is institutionalised through policy and begins, first andforemost, on the ground, human to human.