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The article from the New England Journal of Medicine discusses the risks, vertical transmission, prevention, and treatment of Mpox in pregnancy. Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) and can be transmitted from mother to fetus, potentially leading to adverse outcomes. The article highlights the urgent need for data to enhance understanding and mitigate risks associated with MPXV infection during pregnancy. Research efforts are focused on investigating transmission patterns, vertical transmission mechanisms, clinical outcomes, vaccine effectiveness, antiviral treatment evaluation, and community engagement to prevent and treat Mpox in pregnant and breastfeeding women. [Extracted from the article]

Using the examples of plague, smallpox, and HIV/AIDS, the present essay argues for the benefits of incorporating the evolutionary histories of pathogens, beyond visible epidemic spikes within human populations, into our understanding of what pandemics actually are as epidemiological phenomena. The pandemic arc — which takes the pathogen as the defining "actor" in a pandemic, from emergence to local proliferation to globalization — offers a framework capable of bringing together disparate aspects not only of the manifestations of disease but also of human involvement in the pandemic process. Pathogens may differ, but there are common patterns in disease emergence and proliferation that distinguish those diseases that become pandemic, dispersed through human communities regionally or globally. The same methods of genomic analysis that allow tracking the evolutionary development of a modern pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 also allow us to trace pandemics into the past. Reconstruction of these pandemic arcs brings new elements of these stories into view, recovering the experiences of regions and populations hitherto overlooked by Eurocentric narratives. This expanded global history of infectious diseases, in turn, lays a groundwork for reconceiving what ambitions a truly global health might aim for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares the disasters between 1802 and 1812 in South America, differentiating the use of political and religious discourse between those of biological origin, such as smallpox, and geological origin, such as an earthquake. The knowledge that circulated at that time about the possible causes of these phenomena ranged from more scientific explanations in the context of the Enlightenment movement to more traditional opinions rooted in a providential thought inherited from the Ancien Régime. To answer these research questions, official documents, letters, newspapers of the time, and files from the General Archive of the Indies, the National Historical Archive of Spain, and a specialized bibliography were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work implements a method for specific in vivo biotinylation of recombinant proteins M1 and B7 of the variola virus during biosynthesis in CHO-K1 cells. To do this, co-expression of the biotin ligase BirA and target genes encoding the ectodomains of the M1 and B7 proteins with a C-terminal avi-tag was carried out in CHO-K1 cells in the presence of biotin in the culture medium. The optimal biotin concentration for the expression of the M1 and B7 proteins was 125 μM. The production of biotinylated recombinant proteins has been complicated by low yields. To increase the production of target proteins, low molecular weight enhancers were added to the culture medium: lithium acetate, sodium valproate, and caffeine. The enhancers increased the yield of the target protein by 1.3–4.9 times and did not affect the efficiency of biotinylation. The highest yield of biotinylated protein was achieved with the simultaneous addition of a concentration of 10 mM lithium acetate and 2.5 mM sodium valproate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin scar formation following Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or smallpox (Vaccinia) vaccination is an established marker of successful vaccination and ‘vaccine take’. Potent pathogen-specific (tuberculosis; smallpox) and pathogen-agnostic (protection from diseases unrelated to the intentionally targeted pathogen) effects of BCG and smallpox vaccines hold significant translational potential. Yet despite their use for centuries, how scar formation occurs and how local skin-based events relate to systemic effects that allow these two vaccines to deliver powerful health promoting effects has not yet been determined. We review here what is known about the events occurring in the skin and place this knowledge in the context of the overall impact of these two vaccines on human health with a particular focus on maternal-child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Pädagogik is the property of Julius Beltz GmbH & Co. KG Beltz Juventa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mersin University School of Medicine Lokman Hekim Journal of History of Medicine & Folk Medicine is the property of Mersin University School of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The lack of a universally accepted definition of a pandemic hinders a comprehensive understanding of and effective response to these global health crises. Current definitions often lack quantitative criteria, rendering them vague and limiting their utility. Here, we propose a refined definition that considers the likelihood of susceptible individuals contracting an infectious disease that culminates in widespread global transmission, increased morbidity and mortality, and profound societal, economic, and political consequences. Applying this definition retrospectively, we identify 22 pandemics that occurred between 165 and 2024 AD and were caused by a variety of diseases, including smallpox (Antonine and American), plague (Justinian, Black Death, and Third Plague), cholera (seven pandemics), influenza (two Russian, Spanish, Asian, Hong Kong, and swine), AIDS, and coronaviruses (SARS, MERS, and COVID-19). This work presents a comprehensive analysis of past pandemics caused by both emerging and re-emerging pathogens, along with their epidemiological characteristics, societal impact, and evolution of public health responses. We also highlight the need for proactive measures to reduce the risk of future pandemics. These strategies include prioritizing surveillance of emerging zoonotic pathogens, conserving biodiversity to counter wildlife trafficking, and minimizing the potential for zoonotic spillover events. In addition, interventions such as promoting alternative protein sources, enforcing the closure of live animal markets in biodiversity-rich regions, and fostering global collaboration among diverse stakeholders are critical to preventing future pandemics. Crucially, improving wildlife surveillance systems will require the concerted efforts of local, national and international entities, including laboratories, field researchers, wildlife conservationists, government agencies and other stakeholders. By fostering collaborative networks and establishing robust biorepositories, we can strengthen our collective capacity to detect, monitor, and mitigate the emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between the 8th and 11th centuries CE, the Iberian Peninsula underwent profound upheaval due to the Umayyad invasion against the Visigoths, resulting in population shifts and lasting demographic impacts. Our understanding of this period is hindered by limited written sources and few archaeogenetic studies. We analyzed 33 individuals from Las Gobas, a necropolis in northern Spain, spanning the 7th to 11th centuries. By combining archaeological and osteological data with kinship, metagenomics, and ancestry analyses, we investigate conflicts, health, and demography of these individuals. We reveal intricate family relationships and genetic continuity within a consanguineous population while also identifying several zoonoses indicative of close interactions with animals. Notably, one individual was infected with a variola virus phylogenetically clustering with the northern European variola complex between ~885 and 1000 CE. Last, we did not detect a significant increase of North African or Middle East ancestries over time since the Islamic conquest of Iberia, possibly because this community remained relatively isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the early identification and global spread of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) from Nigeria, highlighting how an initially obscure disease evolved into a worldwide epidemic. Topics include the initial confusion and misdiagnosis of mpox cases in Nigeria, the virus's eventual recognition and spread leading to a global health emergency, and the lessons learned from the outbreak's progression and response.

An outbreak of mpox virus in May 2022 has spread over 110 nonpandemic regions in the world, posing a great threat to global health. Mpox virus E5, a helicase-primase, plays an essential role in DNA replication, but the molecular mechanisms are elusive. Here, we report seven structures of mpox virus E5 in a double hexamer (DH) and six in single hexamer in different conformations, indicating a rotation mechanism for helicase and a coupling action for primase. The DH is formed through the interface of zinc-binding domains, and the central channel density indicates potential double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which helps to identify dsDNA binding residues Arg249, Lys286, Lys315, and Lys317. Our work is important not only for understanding poxviral DNA replication but also for the development of novel therapeutics for serious poxviral infections including smallpox virus and mpox virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to estimate the effect of reported history of smallpox vaccination prior to 1980 on clinical expression of mpox. We included all confirmed mpox cases identified by the national mpox surveillance system in France between May and July 2022. Cases tested positive for monkeypox virus or orthopoxviruses by PCR. Cases were interviewed by phone using a questionnaire documenting demographics, symptoms and exposures. To estimate the effect of smallpox vaccination on the presence of marked mpox symptoms (association of fever, lymphadenopathy and extensive mucocutaneous lesions), we estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors. There were 1888 confirmed mpox cases with date of symptom onset between 7 May and 31 July 2022. Overall, 7% (93/1394) presented marked mpox symptoms. Among patients who provided information about their vaccination status, 14% (207/1469) reported smallpox vaccination prior to 1980. The proportion of cases with marked symptoms was 2% (3/170) among those reporting smallpox vaccination prior to 1980 and 8% (76/974) among those who reported no vaccination. The proportion of marked symptoms was four times lower among cases reporting previous smallpox vaccination than in cases reporting no vaccination (PR, 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08–0.76). There was no evidence of an effect of smallpox vaccination on development of complications (PR, 0.65; 95% CI: 0.35–1.22) or hospitalization due to mpox (PR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.23–1.80). Our results suggest that smallpox vaccination during childhood attenuated the clinical expression of monkeypox virus infection, but there was no evidence of an effect on complications or hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent worldwide incidence of mpox infection and concerns about future emerging variants of mpox viruses highlight the need for the development of a new generation of mpox vaccines. To achieve this goal, we utilized our norovirus S nanoparticle vaccine platform to produce and evaluate two pseudovirus nanoparticles (PVNPs), S-L1 and S-J1. These PVNPs displayed the L1 neutralizing antigen target of the vaccinia virus and a yet-untested J1 antigen of the mpox virus, respectively, with the aim of creating an effective nanoparticle-based mpox vaccine. Each self-assembled PVNP consists of an inner shell resembling the interior layer of the norovirus capsid and multiple L1 or J1 antigens on the surface. The PVNPs improved the antibody responses toward the displayed L1 or J1 antigens in mice, resulting in significantly greater L1/J1-specific IgG and IgA titers than those elicited by the corresponding free L1 or J1 antigens. After immunization with the S-L1 PVNPs, the mouse sera exhibited high neutralizing antibody titers against the vaccinia virus, and the S-L1 PVNPs provided mice with 100% protection against mortality caused by vaccinia virus challenge. In contrast, the S-J1 PVNPs induced low neutralizing antibody titers and conferred mice weak protective immunity. These data confirm that the L1 protein is an excellent vaccine target and that the readily available S-L1 PVNPs are a promising mpox vaccine candidate worthy of further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The article discusses the problem of the impact of epidemic diseases on ethnogenesis. As an ancient agricultural ethnic group in contact with nomadic and Mediterranean populations, the Adyghe were formed during periods of frequent epidemics of dangerous diseases caused by the process of animal domestication and subsequent impact of anthropogenic factors. The devastating effect of smallpox and measles pandemics was felt following the establishment of intensive trade exchange during the 2nd century CE by the Roman and the Han empires. The first plague pandemic (beginning with the “Justinianic Plague”, 542–543) mostly affected the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. The second plague pandemic, the so-called “Black Death” (1346–1353), which appeared in the center of the Mongol Empire, quickly spread via caravan routes across most of Eurasia. The scale of the epidemic was influenced by the pathogenic complex that had developed by the 14th century, which included humans, the bacterial pathogenic agent itself, and its carriers (large rodents especially black rats, fleas). Factors such as famine caused by overpopulation, low standards of personal and public hygiene, the prevalence of wooden buildings in cities and towns, the fur trade, etc., also had contributory effects. Objectives. The study set out to identify the natural and the socio-cultural factors that influenced the spread of the plague and the smallpox epidemics in the North-West Caucasus. Methods. The data on which this study is based are formed from collections of narrative sources (Russian, Arabic-Persian, European), archaeological and historical-anthropological works, medical and genetic studies (electronic platforms: eLIBRARY.RU, Academia.edu, CyberLeninka, J-STAGE [Japan Science Technology Information Aggregator, Electronic]). Research methods: historical and comparative, on which basis a comparative analysis of the impact of the plague pandemic of the mid-14th century centering on contact between on nomadic and sedentary ethnic groups (Mongols and Russians, Mongols and Circassians) was carried out; the individualizing comparison method, which was used to identify the specific means by which the Circassian ethnic group overcame the Black Death pandemic; the systems analysis method, on which basis the roles of pathogenic complex and anthropogenic factors in the course of epidemics were compared. Results. The results of the analysis show that the population of the North-West Caucasus were affected by the Black Death plague of the mid-14th century to a significantly lesser extent than the urban centers of the Golden Horde, Rus’ and Europe. The serendipitous failure of the pathogenic complex in the former region was due to the following natural and anthropogenic factors: (1) the North-West Caucasus (more precisely, the entire area to the west of the Teberda River) was naturally bereft of effective carriers of the plague bacillus (marmots, gophers, etc.); (2) Matrega and Copa, the two contemporaneous Circassian towns serving as ports for the shipment of grain and other agricultural products, were located on the periphery of the Adyghe settlement area; (3) the dispersed, farmstead way of life among the estuaries and the complex network of peninsulas of the Kuban Delta, mountains and forests of the NWC contributed to the rapid adoption of quarantine measures; (4) a reliable vitamin-rich nutrition system (sturgeon and their caviar, goat meat and cheese, fruit, honey, etc.); (5) a well-developed system of hygiene and disease prevention (smallpox, malaria), whose existence was retrospectively established based on sources from the 17th–19th centuries. Conclusion. The plague pandemic that took place within the unified space of Mongol imperial communications had a huge impact on the historical fate of the Adyghe ethnic group, which was manifested in their paradoxical numerical growth against the backdrop of general depopulation. Against the backdrop of frequent epidemics, Adyghe developed strict and quite effective rules for preserving life and health, covering disease prevention, personal and public hygiene. Some particularly impressive practices, if not created by Adyghe folk medicine, then preserved there and later transmitted to Ottoman Turkey and Western Europe, was manifested in the original practice of smallpox inoculation.

While there is strong evidence that maternal smallpox infection can cause foetal loss, it is not clear whether smallpox infections were a demographically important cause of stillbirths historically. In this paper, we use parish-level data from the Swedish Tabellverket data set for 1780–1839 to test the effect of smallpox on stillbirths quantitatively, analysing periods before and after the introduction of vaccination in 1802. We find that smallpox infection was not a major cause of stillbirths before 1820, because most women contracted smallpox as children and were therefore not susceptible during pregnancy. We do find a small, statistically significant effect of smallpox on stillbirths from 1820 to 1839, when waning immunity from vaccination put a greater share of pregnant women at risk of contracting smallpox. However, the reduced prevalence of smallpox in this period limited its impact on stillbirths. Thus, smallpox was not an important driver of historical stillbirth trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After the eradication of smallpox, there have been no specific public health measures for any Orthopoxviruses (OPXVs). Therefore, it is necessary to countermeasure OPXV infections after Mpox (formerly monkeypox) occurrences, such as the latest global outbreak in 2022–2023. This study aimed to provide crucial insights for the development of effective public health policy making against mpox in populations residing in regions where the virus is not prevalent. Methods: This study used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to examine smallpox and mpox antibodies in Koreans with three different age groups. We analyzed 56 sera obtained from a tertiary care hospital in South Korea between September 2022 and April 2023. Plasma levels of antibodies against the viral proteins of smallpox (variola cytokine response-modifying protein B) and MPXV (A29) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Plasma samples from participants in their early 40 s and older exhibited higher reactivity to viral antigens than those from younger participants. Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation in antibody positivity for the two different viruses across the sera. Conclusions: The presence of low antibody levels in participants ˂40 years may hinder their ability to defend against OPXV. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effective public health measures to mitigate the transmission of OPXV within the community. These findings serve as fundamental information for devising strategies to combat mpox efficiently, particularly in regions where the virus is not prevalent.

The human monkeypox virus (Mpox) is classified as a member of the Poxviridae family and belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus. Mpox possesses double-stranded DNA, and there are two known genetic clades: those originating in West Africa and the Congo Basin, commonly known as Central African clades. Mpox may be treated with either the vaccinia vaccination or the therapeutics. Modifying the smallpox vaccine for treating and preventing Mpox has shown to be beneficial because of the strong link between smallpox and Mpox viruses and their categorization in the same family. Cross-protection against Mpox is effective with two Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000 and JYNNEOSTM). However, ACAM2000 has the potential for significant adverse effects, such as cardiac issues, whereas JYNNEOS has a lower risk profile. Moreover, Mpox has managed to resurface, although with modified characteristics, due to the discontinuation and cessation of the smallpox vaccine for 40 years. The safety and efficacy of the two leading mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its many variants have been shown in clinical trials and subsequent data analysis. This first mRNA treatment model involves injecting patients with messenger RNA to produce target proteins and elicit an immunological response. High potency, the possibility of safe administration, low-cost manufacture, and quick development is just a few of the benefits of RNA-based vaccines that pave the way for a viable alternative to conventional vaccines. When protecting against Mpox infection, mRNA vaccines are pretty efficient and may one day replace the present whole-virus vaccines. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide a synopsis of the ongoing research, development, and testing of an mRNA vaccine against Mpox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smallpox was a major cause of human mortality until its eradication, but the threat of orthopox viruses has not disappeared. Since the eradication of smallpox and the cessation of the related vaccination campaigns, the threat has been growing, as evidenced by the currently ongoing worldwide Mpox outbreak. In addition to threats of an evolving Mpox, we must also be aware of a myriad of other threats that remain. Many countries still lack biosecurity regulations reflecting the recent technological advances, and the threat of bioterrorism remains ever present. Reconstruction of smallpox is a distinct possibility, as are other scenarios whereby other orthopox viruses may be made more fit for transmission in humans. To outline and discuss potential biosafety and biosecurity threats posed by orthopox viruses. Published scientific literature, news articles, and international agreements. It would be wise to take steps to mitigate these threats now. Vaccination campaigns should be considered in areas with frequent orthopox outbreaks, and more efforts must be made to put a final end to the Mpox outbreak. In many countries, national biosafety and biosecurity regulations may need to be revised and strengthened to better reflect the threats posed by new technologies, including controls on synthesis of smallpox sequences. Furthermore, more international cooperation and aid is needed. The present global Mpox outbreak could likely have been prevented had areas where Mpox is endemic not been neglected. Future outbreaks could be much worse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two years after its discovery in 1798, the smallpox vaccine was introduced in France. • A privately funded vaccine committee was established in 1800 to evaluate its value. • An official vaccine society was established in 1804 to distribute the vaccine in France. • Vaccination activities were supported by Napoleon Bonaparte. • Different medals and tokens were issued to commemorate vaccine introduction. The smallpox vaccine developed by Jenner in 1798 was successfully introduced in France in 1800 with the support of Napoleon Bonaparte. The medals and tokens (coin-like medals) issued to encourage early-day vaccination activities are described in the context of the changing political situation in that country. In 1800 a private society of subscribers, led by the Duke of La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt was created, along with a Vaccine Committee charged with evaluating the safety and efficacy of vaccination before deciding if vaccination should be extended to the entire population. The Vaccine Committee published a positive report in 1803, and in 1804, the Ministry of the Interior established the "Society for the extinction of smallpox in France by means of the propagation of the vaccine". The creation of the Society made smallpox vaccination an official activity of the empire, facilitating collaboration between government agencies. The vaccine institution, established by Napoleon in 1804, continued its functions until 1820 when the Royal Academy of Medicine was created and took over those functions. This case exemplifies the collaboration that was needed between science and politics to rapidly bring the recently developed smallpox vaccine to the needed population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been much writing and speculation on the deliberate use of smallpox as a tool of genocide, this article documents the use of the bluff threat of spreading smallpox as a tool of power and manipulation in the early days of European trade and settlement in the Pacific Northwest. By documenting ten cases when a bluff threat was used, the article argues that it was a common strategy of Europeans when they felt threatened or thwarted. Because it was compatible with existing Indigenous beliefs about the spread of disease, it was highly credible and was occasionally used by Indigenous people to manipulate others. While Europeans in this era did not actually have the power to control smallpox, the fact that outbreaks of the disease often occurred following a threat to spread it gave credence to the threat and to today's widespread belief that some or all of the epidemics were deliberate genocide. Recognizing bluff threat bioterrorism as a tool in the newcomer's arsenal is essential to understanding how the heavily outnumbered and out-gunned newcomers were so often able to manipulate Indigenous people and then establish the settlements that eventually evolved into full scale colonial occupations of Indigenous territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the eradication of smallpox, there have been no specific public health measures for any Orthopoxviruses (OPXVs). Therefore, it is necessary to countermeasure OPXV infections after Mpox (formerly monkeypox) occurrences, such as the latest global outbreak in 2022–2023. This study aimed to provide crucial insights for the development of effective public health policy making against mpox in populations residing in regions where the virus is not prevalent. This study used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to examine smallpox and mpox antibodies in Koreans with three different age groups. We analyzed 56 sera obtained from a tertiary care hospital in South Korea between September 2022 and April 2023. Plasma levels of antibodies against the viral proteins of smallpox (variola cytokine response-modifying protein B) and MPXV (A29) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Plasma samples from participants in their early 40 s and older exhibited higher reactivity to viral antigens than those from younger participants. Furthermore, there was a strong positive correlation in antibody positivity for the two different viruses across the sera. The presence of low antibody levels in participants ˂40 years may hinder their ability to defend against OPXV. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effective public health measures to mitigate the transmission of OPXV within the community. These findings serve as fundamental information for devising strategies to combat mpox efficiently, particularly in regions where the virus is not prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent outbreak of mpox epidemic, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), poses a new threat to global public health. Here, we initially assessed the preexisting antibody level to the MPXV B6 protein in vaccinia vaccinees born before the end of the immunization program and then identified two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), hMB621 and hMB668, targeting distinct epitopes on B6, from one vaccinee. Binding assays demonstrate that both MAbs exhibit broad binding abilities to B6 and its orthologs in vaccinia (VACV), variola (VARV) and cowpox viruses (CPXV). Neutralizing assays reveal that the two MAbs showed potent neutralization against VACV. Animal experiments using a BALB/c female mouse model indicate that the two MAbs showed effective protection against VACV via intraperitoneal injection. Additionally, we determined the complex structure of B6 and hMB668, revealing the structural feature of B6 and the epitope of hMB668. Collectively, our study provides two promising antibody candidates for the treatment of orthopoxvirus infections, including mpox. There are limited therapeutics available for treatment of mpox. In this study, the authors identify two non-competing human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies with protective effects against orthopoxvirus infection in a mouse model and structurally resolve the targeted epitope within the MPXV B6 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus and some related poxviruses including smallpox virus pose a significant threat to public health, and effective prevention and treatment strategies are needed. This study utilized a reverse vaccinology approach to retrieve conserved epitopes for monkeypox virus and construct a vaccine that could provide cross-protection against related viruses with similar antigenic properties. The selected virulent proteins of monkeypox virus, MPXVgp165, and Virion core protein P4a, were subjected to epitope mapping for vaccine construction. Two vaccines were constructed using selected T cell epitopes and B cell epitopes with PADRE and human beta-defensins adjuvants conjugated in the vaccine sequence. Both constructs were found to be highly antigenic, non-allergenic, nontoxic, and soluble, suggesting their potential to generate an adequate immune response and be safe for humans. Vaccine construct 1 was selected for molecular dynamic simulation studies. The simulation studies revealed that the TLR8-vaccine complex was more stable than the TLR3-vaccine complex. The lower RMSD and RMSF values of the TLR8 bound vaccine compared to the TLR3 bound vaccine suggested better stability and consistency of hydrogen bonds. The Rg values of the vaccine chain bound to TLR8 indicated overall stability, whereas the vaccine chain bound to TLR3 showed deviations throughout the simulation. These results suggest that the constructed vaccine could be a potential preventive measure against monkeypox and related viruses however, further experimental validation is required to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce a new mathematical epidemic model with the effect of vaccination. We formulate a Susceptible-High risk-Infective-Recovered-Vaccinated (SHIRV) model in which the susceptible individuals with a higher probability of being infected (H) are selected as a separate class. We study the dynamical behavior of this model and define the basic reproductive number, R0. It is proved that the disease-free equilibrium is asymptotically stable if R0 < 1, and it is unstable if R0 1. Also, we investigate the existence and stability of the endemic equilibrium point analytically. For the system of differential equations of the SHIRV model, we give an approximating solution by using the Legendre-Ritz-Galerkin method. Finally, we study the influence of vaccination on measles and smallpox, two cases of the epidemic, using the proposed method in this paper. Numerical results showed that choosing high-risk people for vaccination can prevent them from getting infected and reduce mortality in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Different library construction methods, combined with high-throughput sequencing methods, were used to understand the genetic characteristics of the virus of the first confirmed imported monkeypox case in mainland China, and to compare the advantages and disadvantages of different library types. Methods The herpetic fluids and nasopharyngeal swabs of the first imported monkeypox case in the Chinese mainland were used as samples. After nucleic acid extraction and quantification, the library was directly constructed or the amplicon library was constructed using the monkeypox virus whole genome capture kit, and the whole genome sequence of the virus was obtained by high-throughput sequencing. Combined with 34 monkeypox virus sequences downloaded from the NCBI and GISAID databases, a phylogenetic evolutionary tree was constructed using vaccinia, variola, and cowpox sequences as out groups. Results The whole genome sequence of the virus was obtained by both library construction methods, named hMpxV/China/CQ-CQCDC-001/2022, which belongs to the monkeypox virus branch lib, located in the same branch as hMpxV/Germany/BE-ChVir28656/2022 belonging to the IIb B.1 branch. Metagenomic libraries have more uniform sequence coverage than amplicon libraries, but the sequencing depth is lower and the effective data volume accounts for less. Conclusion Clade IIb B.1 monkeypox viruses have already been introduced into the mainland China, and the sequencing of subsequently discovered monkeypox viruses should be based on the sample size and sequencing timeframe, sequencing cost-effectiveness ratio, and other factors to choose the appropriate library construction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about research in Foundling Hospitals during the 18th century. Summary: The London "Hospital for the Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children" opened in 1741, after fundraising by the former shipmaster Thomas Coram and a Charter by King George II. From 1741 to 1756, fewer than 100 infants a year were admitted by lot. With onset of the Seven Years' War in 1756, the House of Commons resolved and financed the admission of all deserted babies. The number of admitted babies rose to 4,000 per year, and their mortality increased. The Institution was not intended as a research and teaching facility but soon became a site for gaining knowledge of young infants. Appointed physicians included Richard Conyers, William Cadogan, William Watson, and William Buchan. Their research focused on frequent conditions in the hospital's infirmary such as scabies, fever, measles, chilblains and scorbutic eruptions, and set standards for infant care and nutrition in the English-speaking world during the 18th century. They described the dangers connected with tight swaddling, meconium purgation, artificial feeding, and the difficulty to obtain wet nurses in the big cities. A major topic was their fight against smallpox, then fatal for 80% if infected infants, and the development of an effective technique of inoculation. Key Messages: Research at the London Foundling Hospital differed from modern understanding of controlled clinical trials but revealed systematic, hypothesis-driven approaches in the mid-18th century. As in other Foundling Hospitals, absent parental interference facilitated innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mersin University School of Medicine Lokman Hekim Journal of History of Medicine & Folk Medicine is the property of Mersin University School of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)