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Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2026 Jul 15. doi: 10.1186/s40478-026-02372-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chronic wasting disease is a fatal transmissible prion condition of free-ranging and farmed cervids including deer, elk, moose, muntjac and reindeer. Prionemia is a pathogenic feature of chronic wasting disease in cervids and underpins development of an ante-mortem blood test for effective disease management. To help achieve this goal, we show here that cervid PrP transgenic Drosophila can detect prion-infected blood from cervids with chronic wasting disease. We first established that cervid PrP Drosophila were highly sensitive to cervid prions since these flies were responsive to dilutions in the range of 10- 2 to ≥ 10- 10 of brain homogenate from terminal chronic wasting disease-affected cervids. We subsequently showed cervid PrP Drosophila developed a neurotoxic phenotype, evidenced by accelerated loss of locomotor activity and survival, after exposure to blood from cervids with experimental or natural chronic wasting disease. Cervid PrP Drosophila were sensitive to whole blood and blood fractions including plasma, buffy coat and different leukocyte subsets isolated from prion disease-affected cervids. Importantly, we showed that cervid PrP Drosophila were sensitive to blood samples isolated from chronic wasting disease-affected cervids during the pre-clinical phase of the condition. Significantly, we demonstrated that the neurotoxic fly phenotype which developed after exposure to prion-infected cervid blood was transmissible but was not associated with the accumulation of RT-QuIC-detectable prion seeding activity, which does occur after exposure to brain-derived cervid prions. Our data show that cervid PrP Drosophila can successfully detect blood from CWD-affected cervids and indicate that blood-borne prions have distinct propagation properties in PrP transgenic Drosophila compared to brain-derived prions.

PMID:42458630 | DOI:10.1186/s40478-026-02372-1

AVAILABLE TO START MONDAY 01 FEBRUARY 2027, OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD: £29,600.00 PER ANNUM TAX FREE

This scholarship is for one year in the first instance, renewable for periods of one year up to a total of three years.

Our Senior Clinical Training Scholarship (SCTS) provides an outstanding opportunity to receive specialist training in all aspects of veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. We have one scholarship available to start on 1 February 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.

You will be required to register for a post-graduate qualification by enrolling onto the European Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

You will receive core training in all aspects of academic and clinical anaesthesia and pain management plus relevant aspects of peri-operative medicine (including critical care) at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital. Some external rotations to support large animal anaesthesia and critical care experience will also be required to fulfil ECVAA credentialing requirements. These rotations will be arranged with support of the SCTSs supervisor. You will also be required to undertake and publish a research project and participate in one-to-one and small-group teaching of veterinary students. The training programme is approved by the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

You must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or hold a veterinary degree qualifying you for membership. Membership will be required prior to commencing the Scholarship. A minimum of twelve months experience in a rotating internship or at least two years' experience in general practice is essential.

The scholarship has an abundance of benefits such as:

• Tax-free stipend
• Academic opportunities, e.g. teach Cambridge students during rotations and College supervision opportunities; weekly Department research and clinical seminars; journal and clinical seminars; journal and book clubs
• Generous CPD allowance

Here is a link for further details: https://www.hospital.vet.cam.ac.uk/qvsh/internship-and-residency-programmes

Informal enquiries should be directed to Alice Bird (arb59@cam.ac.uk) or Chiara Adami (ca573@cam.ac.uk), by email.

A SCTS application form (SCTS1) and information pack can be downloaded from the following website: https://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job

Applicants should supply a completed SCTS Application Form (SCTS1), Curriculum Vitae and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake the SCTS in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.

Applications should be submitted via e-mail to vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk with the above documents as one attachment, by the closing date stated.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026

Applications will be monitored regularly, and we may contact candidates prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the scholarship. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Please note: The ability to take up this Scholarship is contingent upon you being able to evidence your right to work in the UK, or through gaining the right to work via the UK immigration system. Evidence will need to be provided before an offer can be made. Regrettably, this Scholarship is not suitable for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes as the minimum requirements cannot be met.

Other visa options may be available depending on your individual circumstances. Further information can be found on the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. All visa related costs are the responsibility of the applicant. These charges will not be reimbursed by the University, regardless of the outcome of the application.

Boost your summer break in 2026 Jacqueline Garget Wed, 07/15/2026 - 09:25 Cambridge experts share their tips to help prevent common holiday health problems, so you can get the most out of your time away.

• Read more about Boost your summer break in 2026

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 18 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position to start from 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible after this date. This project is funded by a grant from the BBSRC and aims to elucidate mechanisms of antiviral immunity and control in bats. The main focus of the research will be to characterise variants of NLRP3, MyD88 and STING which are distinctly found in specific lineages of bats. Collaborating groups have reconstructed ancestral versions of these genes and identified lineage-specific residue substitutions of interest. Gene variants will be introduced by plasmid transfection, lentiviral transduction or CRISPR-mediated genome modification in human or bat cells. Applicants should have a PhD in cell biology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology or a related discipline. Essential skills will be experience with cell culture and cloning. A good understanding of innate immunity and evolutionary bioinformatics would be an advantage. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, and have good administrative, interpersonal and presentational skills. We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging equally all groups of individuals, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity.

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Informal enquiries should be directed to Julie Ingham email ji217@cam.ac.uk

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two references. Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online.

Interviews will be held week commencing 24 August 2026.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Enquiries about the application process can be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PP50380 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Working pattern: Part time - 3 days (0.6FTE) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

We have an exciting opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our nursing team at the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital as a Specialist Nurse working with as part of the Cardiology team on a permanent basis.

The Cardiology service is a key part of our multidisciplinary referral hospital and requires close communication with the other clinical services. There is a busy and variable caseload, which will require you to be adaptable, be an excellent communicator and have the ability to work well under pressure.

The successful applicant will be involved in specialist Cardiology consultations, diagnostic investigations (e.g. echocardiograms and ECG Holter analysis), minimally invasive cardiac procedures (e.g. pacemaker implantation) and inpatient management as well as clinical research. They will also be involved on our Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic.

We are seeking an individual with a passion for nursing and problem-solving, and the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, students and clients. The ability to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision is essential.

In return, we offer an encouraging and nurturing environment and have a dedicated team of clinicians and nurses who are committed to providing the best care for our patients.

Benefits:

• Generous paid annual leave including bank holidays
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• CPD allowance

Informal enquiries about this role, please contact Mr Jose Novo Matos by email on: jms330@cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk, quoting the reference number PP50357.

For further information about the role and to apply online, please visit our University's job pages, where you can download the Further Particulars document and submit your application via our recruitment system: https://www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/term/Department-of-Veterinary-Medicine

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applications will be monitored regularly, and we may contact candidates prior to the closing date. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

The closing date is midnight on Sunday, 23 August 2026.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 02 September 2026.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

JAMA. 2026 Jul 13. doi: 10.1001/jama.2026.13116. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) is increasingly used in research and clinical settings to determine the etiology of cognitive decline and eligibility for amyloid-targeting therapies. To assist with amyloid PET evaluation and to guide clinical decision-making, images can be quantified in a standardized unit called Centiloid, the interpretation of which can vary according to the method and threshold used.

OBJECTIVE: To collect Centiloid values from available studies and determine robust positivity cutoffs using data-driven methods and correspondence with visual reads.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed search (October 2024) identified studies with Centiloid values. Corresponding authors were invited to share individual participant data. Additional data were obtained through access-controlled repositories and conference outreach (July 2024-July 2025).

STUDY SELECTION: Studies were included if they provided Centiloids, radiotracer, age, and sex.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Each study was analyzed using a unified statistical pipeline; study estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) were fitted to Centiloid values for each study. In studies with a bimodal distribution (per integrated completed likelihood), single cutoffs for positivity were set as mean plus 2 SDs of the lower gaussian component. Using GMMs, a double-cutoff approach defined a lower certainty range using a 90% posterior probability cutoff for assignment to the low (amyloid-negative) vs high (amyloid-positive) component. An alternative Centiloid cutoff was derived from maximizing the correspondence (Cohen κ) with the binary visual reads when available.

RESULTS: This meta-analysis included cross-sectional amyloid PET scans acquired with 5 radiotracers from 49 227 participants across 53 studies from 15 countries (mean age, 71 years; 54% female, 62% cognitively impaired). The data-driven GMM approach identified a bimodal distribution in 51 studies (n = 48 786), resulting in a single cutoff for positivity of 18 Centiloids (95% CI,16-19; I2 = 97%). The double-cutoff approach revealed high confidence for interpreting scans as negative when Centiloid values were lower than 11 (95% CI, 9-13; I2 = 95%) and interpreting scans as positive if Centiloid values were higher than 26 (95% CI, 24-28; I2 = 95%). In analyses of correspondence with binary (positive or negative) visual reads of amyloid PET scans (n = 35 045; 36 studies), Centiloids were highly predictive of visual positivity (Cohen κ, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.83-0.89; I2 = 96%) with a cutoff of 27 Centiloids (95% CI, 24-30; I2 = 80%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this individual participant data meta-analysis, positivity cutoffs converged around 18 Centiloids (data-driven) and 27 Centiloids (visual reads). Findings from a double-cutoff analysis suggest that scans in the 11 to 26 Centiloid range should be interpreted with caution depending on the context of use.

PMID:42441390 | DOI:10.1001/jama.2026.13116

Sci Adv. 2026 Jul 10;12(28):eaea6654. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aea6654. Epub 2026 Jul 10.

ABSTRACT

Prediction and management of zoonotic spillover requires an understanding of infection dynamics within reservoir host populations. Spillover risk is commonly inferred from infection prevalence based on detection of viral genomic material, yet detection alone does not indicate the presence of infectious virus or a sufficient dose for transmission. We undertook a comprehensive investigation of Hendra virus shedding in its primary reservoir, Pteropus bats, analyzing quantitative PCR with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) data from 6151 pooled urine samples collected across five sites over 3 years. We assessed longitudinal associations between viral prevalence (proportion of positive pooled urine samples), viral load proxies, and equine spillover, using generalized additive models and a permutation analysis. Peak prevalence periods associated with spillover events (N = 5) had a higher proportion of samples with high viral loads than periods without spillover. Prolonged periods of low viral load and low prevalence likely reflect noninfectious RNA or doses insufficient for cross-species transmission. Incorporating viral load metrics alongside prevalence can improve prediction of spillover risk.

PMID:42430468 | DOI:10.1126/sciadv.aea6654

Companion Anim Health Genet. 2026 Jul 9;13(1):6. doi: 10.1186/s40575-026-00155-4.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Veterinary epidemiology studies of the Miniature Schnauzer have revealed high prevalence of several breed-associated diseases. However, owner-reported disease data has not been evaluated, particularly with respect to pancreatic diseases, for which this breed is considered predisposed. This study aimed to examine Miniature Schnauzer health from the owner perspective, and explore relationships between reported pancreatitis and other conditions.

METHODS: An online survey open to UK-based owners of Miniature Schnauzers in 2023, including directed disease-specific questions and opportunity for free-text reporting. Analyses were performed using R, including multivariable logistic regression modelling.

RESULTS: Responses from 4,786 owners were received, of which 2,910 contained sufficient data for analysis. The most prevalent diseases reported were categorised as "dermatological", "mass-associated" and "allergic". Pancreatitis was reported in 7.6% of dogs. A reported diagnosis of pancreatitis was also associated with increased odds of a diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Hyperlipidaemia was reported in 1% of all Miniature Schnauzers, increasing to 3.3% of dogs over the age of 9 years.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies a high owner-reported prevalence of pancreatitis in UK Miniature Schnauzers, differing from previous veterinary epidemiological studies. The findings highlight the value of incorporating owner-reported data into breed health research and underscores the importance of effective communication between clinician and owner.

PMID:42426926 | DOI:10.1186/s40575-026-00155-4

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 6 months in the first instance.

The Transmissible Cancer Group at the University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine, is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to join a dynamic team studying the immunogenetics of transmissible cancers. This is a fixed-term 6-month position supported by a research grant. This post is expected to start on 1st September 2026 but there is some flexibility for an earlier start date.

Transmissible cancers are long-lived clonal lineages of malignant cells that operate as infectious parasites, spreading between individuals by the physical transfer of living cancer cells. Among mammals, such diseases have been described in only two species: dogs and Tasmanian devils, and are spread by mating and biting, respectively.

This position is suited for someone with skills in computational biology and clinical training, and with an interest in comparative cancer evolution and tumour immunology. The role-holder will perform analysis of genome and transcriptome data from tumours belonging to transmissible cancer lineages. The role-holder will analyse MHC and other immune gene genotypes.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in evolutionary biology and a medical or veterinary qualification, and should have experience in MHC gene annotation and interpretation in the context of transmissible cancer. They should have knowledge of immunotherapies and how these are used to treat cancer. The candidate must value teamwork and collaboration, have good organisational and interpersonal skills, and should be able to effectively manage their time. They will have the opportunity to make their own original contribution to the field of study within the framework of the project.

More information about the Transmissible Cancer Group can be found on our website at www.tcg.vet.cam.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Elizabeth Murchison (epm27@cam.ac.uk), and enquiries about the application process should be directed to Julie Ingham (ji217@cam.ac.uk). Further particulars for the role and information about the Department www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Applicants should submit a CHRIS/6, CV, covering letter outlining suitability for the role and contact details for two referees.

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. Any additional documents, which have not been requested, will not be considered as part of your application.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Enquiries about the application process can be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PP50309 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Interim Deputy Business & Operations Manager to join the Department of Veterinary Medicine at a pivotal moment of organisational development and change. This senior role sits at the heart of a complex and dynamic Department, supporting world leading research, innovative teaching and substantial clinical operations.

As the Department progresses an ambitious programme of organisational and operational change, the Deputy Business & Operations Manager will play a central role in ensuring continuity, stability and high quality service delivery across all administrative functions. The role exists to release capacity for the Business & Operations Manager to lead this programme, while working closely with them to advance strategic aims in governance, finance, policy and operational management. Acting as line manager for service team leads, you will provide senior administrative leadership across finance, HR, facilities, safety, research support and departmental governance. You will contribute to strategic planning, prepare policy and committee papers, and advise senior academic and professional services colleagues on matters relating to financial management, personnel, operational processes and resource planning.

You will also play a key role in shaping and improving administrative systems, policies and procedures, ensuring they remain fit for purpose during a period of significant change. This includes supporting departmental and course governance, servicing senior committees, ensuring effective information flow, and helping deliver strategic actions and operational improvements.

We are seeking an experienced senior administrator with excellent organisational, financial and people management skills, and the ability to work confidently with senior stakeholders in a varied and fast paced environment. You will bring sound judgement, strong analytical skills and the ability to balance operational oversight with strategic insight. Experience of managing staff, servicing high level committees and overseeing budgets is essential; experience within higher education is desirable.

You will join a collaborative and supportive professional services community within Veterinary Medicine and across the wider University. The role offers opportunities for professional development, networking and engagement with colleagues across Schools, Departments and central services.

Benefits include: 41 days' annual leave inclusive of bank holidays Generous defined benefit pension scheme Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (in line with service needs) On site parking (subject to need/availability) Enhanced family friendly policies Access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team Occupational Health and Staff Counselling services Staff discount scheme and shopping vouchers Cycle to Work and travel loan schemes Eye care vouchers Discounted gym membership

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Alex Drury, Business & Operations Manager, via email: bom@vet.cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Department's HR team by email : hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk quoting reference PP50178.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Enquiries about the application process can be directed to hr.enquiries@vet.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference PP50178 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Cell Rep Methods. 2026 Jun 29:101508. doi: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101508. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Antigenically diverse pathogens such as coronaviruses pose substantial global health threats, highlighting the need for broad-spectrum vaccines. Here, we introduce Spectravax, a computational method that designs broad-spectrum vaccines accounting for genetic diversity in both host and pathogen populations. Using Spectravax, we designed a nucleocapsid (N) antigen to elicit cross-reactive immune responses to viruses from the Sarbecovirus and Merbecovirus subgenera of Betacoronaviruses. In silico analyses demonstrated superior predicted host and pathogen coverage for Spectravax compared to wild-type sequences and existing computational designs. Experimental validation in mice supported these predictions: Spectravax N elicited robust immune responses to SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV-the three coronaviruses responsible for major outbreaks in humans since 2002-while wild-type and existing computational designs elicited limited responses. Furthermore, we identified the MERS-CoV N epitopes responsible for Spectravax's cross-reactivity, advancing the rational design of broad-spectrum vaccines for pandemic preparedness.

PMID:42372721 | DOI:10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101508

The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital (QVSH) is seeking an experienced and motivated Small Animal Head Nurse to lead our inpatient nursing team.

QVSH provides 24-hour multidisciplinary small animal referral care, alongside supporting a growing first opinion practice. Our inpatient nursing team plays a central role in ensuring safe inpatient care, effective patient flow, and high-quality support for clinical teams and students.

The Role

As Head Nurse, you will lead and develop the inpatient nursing and Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) teams, ensuring consistently high standards of care across all inpatient areas. You will hold professional oversight of nursing practice, driving operational efficiency and fostering a positive, collaborative working and learning environment.

Working as part of the hospital's operational leadership structure, you will be responsible for ensuring that nursing provision, staffing models, and patient care processes support the effective delivery of clinical services. You will work closely with the wider Leadership Team to maintain high clinical and regulatory standards, contribute to service improvement initiatives, and support staff development across the hospital.

Key Responsibilities

You will ensure high standards of patient care and smooth day-to-day operations. You will oversee workforce planning, staffing, and patient flow, working closely with clinical and leadership teams to support service delivery, continuous improvement, and compliance. The role also involves fostering a positive learning environment and supporting staff and student development. This role requires flexibility to support a 24/7, 365-day service, including participation in a weekend rota.

About You

You are an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse with a strong background in small animal practice and demonstrable leadership experience. You have excellent organisational and communication skills and are confident leading teams in a fast-paced environment. You are committed to high standards of care, collaborative working, and driving service improvement within a clinical setting.

Benefits:

• 41 days' annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Generous defined benefit pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements, with scope for informal hybrid working in line with service needs
• On¿site parking (subject to need/availability)
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Discounted gym membership

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Alice Bird, Associate Hospital Director via email: arb59@cam.ac.uk.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk quoting the reference number PP50051.

For information about the Department, please visit: www.vet.cam.ac.uk

Further particulars for the role and information about the Department are available in the Further Particulars document enclosed with this advert. If you are viewing this advert on an external site, please visit the University's job pages for access.

Interviews for this role will take place in August 2026.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and applicants may be invited to visit and/or attend an interview prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close the position early if all available roles are filled. This advert may be extended if a sufficient number of applications has not been received by the closing date.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Please quote reference PP50051 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Sci Rep. 2026 Jun 28. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-58971-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Salmonella Paratyphi A (SPA) causing paratyphoid fever, a significant health concern in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan. This research aimed to explore the antibiotic resistance pattern, genetic diversity, and the evolutionary dynamics of SPA isolated from suspected paratyphoid patients in Pakistan. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of (n = 10) isolates predicted predominantly serotype O-2, H1: a, H2:1,5. Sequence type (ST85) was detected, alongside three STs (ST21eb, ST6d3b, ST95c4) and eight pathogenicity islands. The study reported extensively drug resistant (XDR) isolates (SPA 2,14,27,79) as per the AMR genes detected in IncY and IncQ1 plasmids (blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-15, sul1, sul2, dfrA7, catA1, qnrS1) along with multiple resistance associated mutations in gyrA (S83F, E133G), gyrB (T14M), ParC (T57S) and AcrB (L40P) genes. These genomic results were co-related with phenotypic resistance exhibited by XDR Paratyphi A isolates against different class of antibiotics. The Paratyphi A strains (SPA 1,2,14,27 and 79) harbored highest number of unique genes determined by pangenome analysis. Interestingly these strains were highly virulent and exhibited XDR profile which indicated significant resistance and virulence genes transfer through horizontal gene transfer mechanism. The phylogenetic Tree constructed by maximum likelihood method showed that eight of the ten SPA isolates of the study belonged to genotype 2.3 as they formed a tight cluster with reference strain (AKU_12601). The present study represents a well-characterized genomic profiling of Salmonella Paratyphi A isolates from Pakistan. The detection of XDR alarms the situation in the country as no XDR reported yet in Paratyphi A. Unavailability of vaccines for Paratyphi A strains further warns of limited treatment and prevention strategies thus possess serious public health threat. The findings emphasize the need for urgent action by public health authorities to mitigate the potential emerging XDR Salmonella Paratyphi A and prevent its future outbreaks in Pakistan.

PMID:42366200 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-026-58971-4

J Vet Intern Med. 2026 May 4;40(3):aalag118. doi: 10.1093/jvimsj/aalag118.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-specialist vets are often required to make decisions in the absence of specialist knowledge and support. Care pathways (CPs) use knowledge engineering to convert expert knowledge into a computer-interpretable format, delivered to clinicians at the point-of-care via patient-specific clinical decision recommendations.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Non-specialist vets make diagnostic and management decisions that are more consistent with specialists when they have access to CP decision support.

ANIMALS: Clinical information from 8 historical cases of dogs with myelopathy presenting to a university referral hospital with para/tetra-paresis/plegia were used for the study.

METHODS: A CP was developed to prioritize differential diagnoses and provide management recommendations for cases of dogs with myelopathy resulting in para/tetra-paresis/plegia. A crossover study was then performed comparing answers 45 non-specialist vets and 17 final-year vet students gave to case-based questions for 8 clinical cases, with and without the use of the CP. Each participant answered half the questions without any decision support (CP-) and half the questions with CP decision support (CP+), with the question order randomized each time. Participant answers were then scored against a pre-agreed expert consensus, represented by the full score of 100 points.

RESULTS: Mean scores were improved by 40.4 points (95% CI [36.4, 44.4]), P < .05) for differential diagnosis listing and prioritization and 7.1 points (95% CI [2.3, 11.6]), P < .05) for management decisions when using the CP.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: CP clinical decision support could be a useful adjunctive tool for non-specialist vets, particularly in supporting their ability to produce prioritized differential diagnoses.

PMID:42348907 | DOI:10.1093/jvimsj/aalag118

Front Immunol. 2026 Jun 9;17:1825939. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1825939. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The complement system has an important role in physiological bone healing, as studied mainly in animal models and local bone tissues. However, the role of the complement system in human fractures, particularly at the systemic level, remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to investigate the activation levels of the serum complement system during three healing phases (inflammation, repair and remodeling) of normal healing of long bone fractures and in patients diagnosed with fracture non-union.

METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from two groups of long bone fracture patients (normal healers and non-union) and healthy controls with no fractures. Blood samples from patients with normally healed fractures were collected at 1 week, 1 month, and 4-6 months post-fracture. Blood samples from patients diagnosed with non-union were collected at 1-year post-fracture. The serum samples were processed using mass spectrometry to quantify the complement protein expression. The ELISA was used for validation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software was used for molecule-pathway interactions.

RESULTS: The classical complement pathway components, complement C1s and C1r, were significantly increased during the inflammation phase of normally healed fractures but reduced subsequently. The levels of serum C3, C3a, and C9 were significantly greater in the inflammatory phase than in the other phases. No significant differences were observed for other complement pathway components, complement factor B (CFB), complement factor H and I (CFH, CFI), ficolin 2 and 3 (FCN2, FCN3) and mannan-associated serine protease-1 (MASP1) when comparing the three phases. In fracture non-union, the serum MASP1 level was significantly higher than that of normal fracture healers and healthy controls. The IPA analysis showed a link between MASP1 as a part of the lectin pathway and damage in bone and cartilage.

DISCUSSION: Collectively, our data indicate temporal changes of the serum complement system with activation via the classical pathway, particularly during the inflammatory phase of normal healing of human bone fractures. Furthermore, systemic MASP1 levels were high in non-united fractures, indicating that the lectin pathway plays a unique role in abnormal fracture healing. This data will offer fresh avenues for utilizing complement system components, such as follow-up biomarkers and therapeutic targets, in bone injuries and diseases.

PMID:42344890 | PMC:PMC13286776 | DOI:10.3389/fimmu.2026.1825939

Virus Evol. 2026 Jun 1;12(1):veag032. doi: 10.1093/ve/veag032. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever that poses a persistent public health threat in several West African countries, particularly Nigeria. The scarcity of Lassa virus (LASV) sequences isolated from small mammal reservoirs limits our knowledge and understanding of LASV genomic diversity and transmission dynamics. To address this knowledge gap, we sampled 1189 small mammals, including mice, rats, and shrews, from two LASV-endemic states in southern Nigeria (Ondo and Ebonyi States) and tested them for the presence of LASV RNA using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Selected quantitative polymerase chain reaction-positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing and small mammal speciation through next-generation sequencing outputs. We recorded an overall polymerase chain reaction positivity rate of 61.6%, with rat species demonstrating the highest LASV prevalence. We also conducted a serosurvey of 269 small rodents using indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and obtained an overall anti-LASV seroprevalence of 45%. Using the Nextera XT metagenomic sequencing protocol, we produced 55 LASV partial (n = 28) and full-length genomes (n = 27) from small mammals sampled, all of which clustered within sublineage 2g. LASV sequences generated from this study suggest that LASV variation is mostly driven by location, as isolates from this study tend to cluster more closely with other isolates collected from within the same region, rather than by collection date or host. However, samples collected from Ebonyi State were more closely related to isolates collected in Ondo State than to isolates from Edo, despite a larger physical distance. Overall, the data from this study suggest free movement of the virus across states in Nigeria, among humans and various non-human taxa. The finding of LASV in additional small mammal hosts suggests that the virus reservoir is vast and may include many small mammals not well-characterized.

PMID:42339070 | PMC:PMC13285998 | DOI:10.1093/ve/veag032

Scholarship award: £21,970.00 (Tax Exempt) per annum.

University accommodation package, see details below.

Start date: from mid-August 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, for 12 months

Applications are invited from recently qualified veterinarians for this twelve month post-graduate training programme offering high-quality, post-graduate training in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging. The emphasis will be on gaining practical clinical experience in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging under the supervision of board-certified diplomates. On site accommodation is available for £300 per month including bills.

Applicants must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or hold a veterinary degree qualifying them for membership.

Summary of benefits

• Competitive tax-free stipend including accommodation in Central Cambridge and bills included package
• Good work-life balance with manageable weekend and night work
• University library and journal access
• Academic opportunities, e.g. teaching Cambridge students during rotations and College supervision opportunities; weekly department research and clinical seminars; journal and book clubs
• Proven track-record with publications and research projects with guidance on presentation and scientific writing skills.
• Assigned intern supervisor: - regular progress meetings, interview practice, provision of professional references and CV/cover letter proof reading by experienced senior clinicians to aid residency applications
• Generous CPD allowance and encouragement to present at scientific meetings

We would welcome anyone wishing to apply for this scholarship to arrange a visit to the hospital to meet the team and find out more.

To arrange a visit to the hospital please contact the Radiology Team via email: vet-radiology@lists.cam.ac.uk. For general enquiries please contact Clinical HR via email: vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk.

An application form (JCTS1) and information pack can be downloaded from the link below or via the following website: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/job

Applicants should supply a completed Junior Clinical Training Scholarship Application Form (JCTS 1), a CV and Covering Letter giving reasons for wishing to undertake the JCTS in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge.

Applications should be submitted via e-mail to: vetmed@vet.cam.ac.uk with the above documents as one attachment, by the closing date stated.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Wednesday, 08 July 2026.

Please note: The ability to take up this Scholarship is contingent upon you being able to evidence your right to work in the UK, or through gaining the right to work via the UK immigration system. Evidence will need to be provided before an offer can be made. Regrettably, this Scholarship is not suitable for sponsorship via the Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker visa routes as the minimum requirements cannot be met.

Anim Genet. 2026 Jun;57(3):e70145. doi: 10.1002/age.70145.

ABSTRACT

Until recently, due to the absence of standardized guidelines tailored for veterinary use, the evaluation of genetic variant pathogenicity for single-gene diseases was based on a personal interpretation of the presented evidence, which has led to inconsistencies. With the publication of the animal variant classification guidelines (AVCG), a more objective approach became available. Variants are evaluated by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG)-endorsed Variant Pathogenicity Working Group (VPWG) based on 23 criteria and are subsequently labeled as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, variant of uncertain significance, likely benign or benign. While the accuracy was thoroughly tested in the original publication, the reproducibility of the various steps involved was only briefly checked, which is why the current analysis was performed. Each variant from a set of 150 published likely causal variants for single-gene diseases from three species (dog, cat, horse) was independently and blindly assessed by three different VPWG reviewers, each applying the same AVCG. An overall agreement of 93% for decisions on the scope, that is, whether they fit the inclusion criteria to allow evaluation with AVCG, was found. More importantly, the reproducibility of pathogenicity label assignment was 65% and the reproducibility of clinical relevance was 83%. The reproducibility of AVCG-pathogenicity classification is in line with reports using the human American College for Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines for human variants. Overall, the reproducibility of the AVCG classifications as used by the ISAG-endorsed VPWG supports the utility of these classifications in veterinary species.

PMID:42315170 | DOI:10.1002/age.70145

Arch Virol. 2026 Jun 18;171(7):215. doi: 10.1007/s00705-026-06672-8.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the potential of oral antiseptic agents to reduce viral transmission. Strategies that enhance and sustain antiviral activity in the oral cavity may further support control of respiratory viruses. In this study, we evaluated the virucidal activity of selected antiseptic agents against influenza A virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), individually and in combination, under controlled in vitro conditions. Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), benzethonium chloride (BZT), thymol, and tannic acid were assessed using a quantitative suspension assay in the presence of mucin and representative mucoadhesive polymers. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses were performed to characterize interactions between active agents and mucin or polymers. CPC, BZT, and thymol exhibited dose-dependent viral inactivation. CPC reduced IAV and SARS-CoV-2 titres by approximately 4 log₁₀ at > 200 µg/mL and 25 µg/mL, respectively, while thymol achieved comparable reductions at 1000 µg/mL and 750 µg/mL. Tannic acid showed minimal virucidal activity. Notably, CPC-thymol and BZT-thymol combinations achieved > 4 log₁₀ reductions at substantially lower concentrations than individual agents, indicating enhanced virucidal activity and improved cytocompatibility. Mucin markedly attenuated the virucidal activity of CPC-thymol combinations; however, selected polymers partially preserved antiviral efficacy under mucin-rich conditions. Physicochemical analyses suggest that electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen-bonding interactions contribute to these effects. These findings demonstrate the enhanced antiviral activity of quaternary ammonium compound-thymol combinations and highlight the influence of mucosal components and macromolecules interactions in modulating oral antiseptic activity.

PMID:42310234 | DOI:10.1007/s00705-026-06672-8

Nature. 2026 Jun;654(8119):622-628. doi: 10.1038/s41586-026-10617-1. Epub 2026 Jun 17.

ABSTRACT

Gravitational waves and ultralight dark matter are among the most compelling frontiers in fundamental physics, motivating proposals for very-long-baseline atom interferometerssuch as AION1, MAGIS2, AICE3 and AEDGE4 that aim to detect at frequencies at which ground-based5 and space-borne6 laser interferometers lose sensitivity. Very-long-baseline atom interferometers look for signals by comparing the quantum phase evolution of widely separated atomic ensembles interrogated by a common laser. However, their performance depends critically on suppressing noise sources, particularly laser phase noise. The experimental validation of such noise rejection remains an important challenge. Here we demonstrate a prototype differential atom interferometer based on the single-photon clock transition of fermionic 87Sr. Thus, we obtain a gradiometer configuration with a species intrinsically suited to kilometre-scale and space-baseline operation. The instrument operates at the standard quantum limit7 with no excess noise beyond atom shot noise. The differential configuration maintains quantum-limited sensitivity in the presence of several radians of artificially injected laser phase noise per shot, which emulates the conditions expected in a very-long-baseline atom interferometer. We also demonstrate the recovery of coherent oscillatory signals across a broad frequency range under fully phase-randomized conditions, a capability that is inaccessible to a single interferometer operating in the same regime. These results provide an experimental validation of the noise-immune measurement principle underlying very-long-baseline atom interferometers and mark an important step towards next-generation quantum sensors for gravitational-wave detection and searches for ultralight dark matter8,9.

PMID:42310113 | DOI:10.1038/s41586-026-10617-1