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Fluctuations of viti- and oleiculture traditions in the Bronze and Iron Age Levant
Various researchers have demonstrated periods of instability in the cultivation of olives and grapes in the eastern Mediterranean, dating back at least to the Early Bronze Age. So far, pollen-based studies have focused primarily on olive cultivation in the southern Levant. Our research extends these studies to include both cash crops throughout the Levant and northern Mesopotamia, including several different climatic zones, to better understand the diversity of human strategies for maintaining agricultural stability. We analysed 1,514 charred olive (Olea europaea) and grape (Vitis vinfera) seed and wood samples from archaeological sites for their stable carbon isotope ratios to reconstruct Bronze and Iron Age growing conditions. The results, with generally 3.7‰ higher Δ13C values in grapevine than in olive, are consistent with the physiological characteristics of the two species, i.e., their water use efficiency, and with their different agronomic needs. Furthermore, higher values in charcoals than in fruits indicate the natural differences in the budgets of water availability associated with the period of formation of the measured plant tissue. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of the complete data set shows clear correlation of the mean Δ13C values with reconstructed average precipitation (RAP) and the general north-south and west-east decline in precipitation of the region, as well as with chronology, including a gradual drying trend through time. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on these variables shows a highly diversified relationship between mean and maximum stress levels and RAP at different sites over time. An important trend is the significant accumulation of Iron Age sites in olive-growing and wine-producing regions above 500 mm RAP. However, there are considerable diachronic differences in the stress signals for the two tree crops. Interpolations of the mean Δ13C values of the crop species are in good agreement with the layout of the isohyets and visualize the PCA patterns of stable carbon isotope and precipitation relationships thereby confirming the major trends such as a better water availability in the Iron Age. The well-known major climatic fluctuations at 4.2 and 3.2 kyr BP correlate with likely irrigation of olive trees, while there are also drought patterns indicated in the Δ13C values at the end of the Middle Bronze Age. In general, the greater commitment to the establishment of agricultural niches and successful production for viticulture compared to oleiculture, which has already been observed in historical times, is confirmed, at least since the Middle Bronze Age and especially in the Iron Age.
Assessing fishery interaction on cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 1986 and 2023
Monitoring stranded cetaceans represents a strategic method to assess their health, conservation status, and ecological role in the marine ecosystem. Efficient stranding networks and standardized protocols are essential to monitor this phenomenon and investigate its causes. This study assesses the evidence of fishery interaction on stranded cetacean carcasses found along the Italian coastline from 1986 to 2023. Evidence assessment and post-mortem investigation methods evolved over three macro-periods, from non-standardized reporting (1986–2014) to an integrated national stranding network (2015–2019), and finally to the creation of a new standardized, evidence-based diagnostic framework under the EU-funded LIFE DELFI project (LIFE18 NAT/IT/000942) (2020–2023). A total of 5355 cases were selected for this analysis. A literature review and evidence of interaction on stranded carcasses supported the categorization of findings, ranging from case history to pathological observations, allowing the assessment of temporal variation, demographic parameters, geographical distribution, and fishing gear identification. Evidence of fishery interaction was found in 12.89% of the cases (690/5355), with an annual average of 18.15 affected animals, and fishery interaction was identified as the likely cause of death in 10.32% of the cases. The most frequently reported species were Stenella coeruleoalba and Tursiops truncatus, showing significant differences in fishery interactions, particularly in relation to sex, age class, and geographical distribution. Adult male Tursiops truncatus exhibited a higher susceptibility to gillnet interaction in the Adriatic Sea. The results of this study emphasize the importance of standardized post-mortem investigations and long-term monitoring to identify risk hotspots, implement species- and region-specific mitigation strategies, and establish threshold values for cetacean conservation.
VDR gene variants FokI and ApaI: Factors associated with susceptibility to multiple sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a commonly observed autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Vitamin D functions as a steroid hormone by interacting with its nuclear receptor, the vitamin D receptor (VDR), to regulate critical biological processes. The polymorphisms of the VDR gene have not yet been investigated in the cohort of MS patients in Jordan. We aimed to examine the genetic associations between polymorphisms in the VDR gene (specifically, TaqI, BsmI, ApaI, and FokI) and susceptibility to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Additionally, we aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and VDR gene polymorphisms in relation to the onset of MS in Jordanian individuals. The study cohort included 218 individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and 200 healthy controls. The Sequenom MassARRAY system was used for genotyping all single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The findings reveal a significant correlation, indicating an increased risk of multiple sclerosis associated with FokI (P = 0.03) and ApaI (P = 0.04), contrasting with the findings for BsmI and TaqI. Only the FokI SNP has been significantly linked (P = 0.03) to a clinical phenotype of multiple sclerosis: vitamin D deficiency. While the cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal interpretations, the results highlight the potential role of the Vitamin D Receptor gene in MS susceptibility. Further studies on gene-environment interactions should be conducted in a distinct population of Arab descent to strengthen and validate the genetic link between VDR and MS susceptibility.
Correction: BanglaNewsClassifier: A machine learning approach for news classification in Bangla Newspapers using hybrid stacking classifiers
Blockade of interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling in dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) decreases mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) oncogenicity via alternative splicing
Effective therapies for retroperitoneal (RP) dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) remain unavailable. Loco-regional recurrence occurs in >80% of cases; 5-year disease-specific survival is only 20%. DDLPS is especially prevalent in the retroperitoneum and abdomen; evaluation of the DDLPS microenvironment in these high-fat compartments appears pertinent. Adipose is a main supplier of interleukin-6 (IL6); excessive activation of IL6 signal transducer glycoprotein 130 (GP130) underlies the development of some diseases. The role of GP130 pathway activation remains unstudied in DDLPS, so we examined the role of microenvironment fat cell activation of the IL6/GP130 signaling cascade in DDLPS. All DDLPS tumors and cell lines studied expressed elevated levels of the GP130-encoding gene IL6ST and GP130 protein compared to normal tissue and cell line controls. IL6 increased DDLPS cell growth and migration, possibly through increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and 3 (STAT3) activation, and upregulated mouse double minute 2 (MDM2). GP130 loss conveyed opposite effects; pharmacological blockade of GP130 by SC144 produced the MDM2 splice variant MDM2-ALT1, known to inhibit full length MDM2 (MDM2-FL). Although genomic MDM2 amplification is pathognomonic for DDLPS, mechanisms driving MDM2 expression, regulation, and function beyond the MDM2:p53 negative feedback loop are poorly understood. Our findings suggest a novel preadipocyte DDLPS-promoting role due to IL6 release, via upregulation of DDLPS MDM2 expression. Pharmacological GP130 blockade reduced the IL6-induced increase in DDLPS MDM2 mRNA and protein levels, possibly through enhanced expression of MDM2-ALT1, a possibly targetable pathway with potential as future DDLPS patient therapy.
Development of the Tool for Advancing Practice Performance, a practice-level survey to assess primary care structures and processes
Despite progress to define primary care practice transformation models, there remain gaps in translating evidence-based guidelines into routine clinical care. Primary care providers (MD, DO, NP, PA) and researchers need tools to assess modifiable factors that improve practice performance to inform practice transformation efforts. We aimed to develop a pragmatic tool for assessing practice-level primary care structures and processes that are associated with better care quality and clinical outcomes. We generated 314 candidate items for the Tool for Advancing Practice Performance (TAPP) using data from a comprehensive literature review, Delphi study, and qualitative interviews with high-performing practices. We used empirical criteria and expert review to eliminate redundancy and improve clarity via removing and retaining items. The retained items were formatted into a survey tool, and we further revised the tool based on feedback elicited from cognitive interviews and pilot testing with primary care providers and staff. The final candidate pool comprised 126 items after refinement and expert review. For the survey tool, we adapted and developed survey questions for each of the 126 items. Eight cognitive interview participants reviewed the tool and provided feedback on its content and language. Based on this feedback, we eliminated 13 items because they were poorly or incorrectly understood by participants, resulting in a 113-item tool. Fifteen participants pilot tested the tool and no additional items were eliminated. The TAPP is a novel, low-burden tool that researchers and primary care providers can use to identify areas for improvement at the practice-level. Practices and health systems could use the TAPP to assess their own performance and identify gaps in their structures and processes, and practice networks and health systems can use the tool to assess structures and processes at individual clinics, track this information over time, and evaluate its relationship to care quality and clinical outcomes.
Decomposing socioeconomic inequality in skilled birth attendant utilization in Ethiopia: A secondary data analysis
Background Inequalities in access to and utilization of skilled birth attendants (SBA) present a substantial challenge in low- and middle-income countries, hindering progress towards achieving universal health coverage in maternal health. Countries should regularly monitor inequality in access to SBA at both national and subnational levels. Therefore, this study aimed to measure socioeconomic inequalities and the contributing factors to the utilization of SBA among postpartum women in Ethiopia. Method We used secondary data from the second cohort’s 6-week postpartum survey in combination with the baseline data of the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia longitudinal study, conducted between November 2021 and October 2022. The study employed a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique to select 1,966 postpartum women. Socioeconomic inequality in the utilization of SBA was measured using the Erreygers Normalized Concentration Index (ECI) and visualized by a concentration curve. A concentration index decomposition analysis was conducted to identify the factors that contribute to the socioeconomic related health inequality in the utilization of SBA. Result Utilization of SBA was 61.6% (95% CI: 59.0–64.0) in Ethiopia. The concentration curve in the utilization of SBA lay below the line of equality, and the ECI was 0.5308, with a standard error of 0.0398 and a p value < 0.001, demonstrating that the utilization of SBA was disproportionally concentrated among women belonging to the highest socioeconomic status. The concentration index decomposition analysis showed that household wealth index (40.3%), educational level (16.5%), place of residence (16.5%), antenatal care visits (15.7%), administrative regions (5.3%), and use of maternal waiting homes (2.9%) were the contributing factors to the socioeconomic inequality in the utilization of SBA in Ethiopia. Conclusion We found a strong pro-rich socioeconomic related health inequality in the utilization of SBA in Ethiopia. Therefore, the government and responsible stakeholders need to implement targeted interventions such as improving health literacy, improving the coverage of antenatal care four visits, promoting the utilization of maternal waiting homes, and establishing financial support mechanisms for economically disadvantaged women to reduce the observed socioeconomic related health inequality in utilizing SBA.
Unravelling the nuances: A scoping review on fatherhood and men’s participation in antenatal care in rural Sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction Men’s participation in antenatal care (ANC) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is shaped by diverse conceptions and experiences of fatherhood. However, most discussions rely on biomedical models that typically view men’s participation narrowly as a strategy to increase ANC uptake in mainstream health facilities, often marginalizing culturally specific forms of participation. We aimed to consolidate the existing literature on the complex nuances of how attitudes, knowledge, variations in involvement, and decision-making dynamics influence men’s participation in ANC in rural SSA. Methods Following the scoping review methodology developed by Arksey and O’Malley, we searched ten databases (African Index Medicus, Africa Journals Online, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Sociology Collection, Social Sciences Abstract, Social Sciences Citation Index) for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1st, 2000, and October 31st, 2024. We included only studies that systematically analyzed primary or secondary data to examine fatherhood and men’s participation in ANC in a rural setting in SSA. We applied no language restrictions. Results We identified 7665 articles, full-text reviewed 797 articles, and included 77 articles that reported 58 qualitative, 6 quantitative, and 13 mixed-methods studies conducted in 15 SSA countries. We identified nine themes under three categories addressing our review’s objective: 1) three themes described men’s attitudes and knowledge around participating in ANC; 2) four themes depicted variations in men’s participation in ANC throughout pregnancy; and 3) two themes described how men’s participation in ANC was shaped by largely collaborative communal decision-making structures in rural SSA. Conclusion While heterogeneous, the existing body of evidence highlights contextually-valid and socioculturally meaningful nuances that reflect the lived realities of fatherhood and men’s participation in ANC across rural SSA. Policymakers and practitioners should leverage these nuances as strengths, and further research should employ Afrocentric approaches to better understand these issues.
Derivation of a Nonstoichiometric 1/1 Quasicrystal Approximant from a Stoichiometric 2/1 Quasicrystal Approximant and Maximization of the Magnetocaloric Effect
The burden of non-communicable disease risk factors in a low-income population: Findings from a cross-sectional study highlighting the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and metabolic disorders in the south of Quito, Ecuador
Objectives We describe the prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors in a low-income health district in the South of Quito, Ecuador. Study design We conducted a cross-sectional study between November 2020 and October 2021 Methods We used multi-stage cluster sampling to select 656 of población total adult residents of 17D06 health district, enabling a prevalence estimation with at least ±5.73% absolute precision. We collected socio-demographic information and behavioural risk factors using the expanded WHO STEPwise approach to NCD surveillance. We measured height, weight, and blood pressure, and collected blood samples to assess glucose levels, lipid profiles, and renal function. We estimated the prevalence of behavioural and metabolic NCD risk factors by sex and age groups (18–44, 45–69, and >70). Results One-third of participants were obese (33.2% overall, 148 women, 38,7%, and 41 men, 22%), and more than half had a raised waist circumference (56.8%, N = 322). Hypertension affected 26.9% of participants (63 men, 33% and 90 women, 24%). Hyperglycaemia affected 7.9% (N = 45) of participants and increased with age and peaked at 22% among women over 70. More than half of the participants presented hypercholesterolemia (317 individuals, 56.2%). Low consumption of fruit and vegetables, high salt consumption and high sugar consumption were common in all population groups (88.4%, N = 580, 33.2%. N = 218 and 72.4%, N = 475, respectively). Conclusions The critical prevalence of NCD risk factors in this low-income urban district of Quito, alongside similar trends observed in other settings across Latin America, underscores the need for ecological public health strategies to create healthy environments and promote healthier behaviours. Gender-sensitive approaches may be useful to address differences between sexes.
Analyzing real-world adverse events of spironolactone with the FAERS database
Background Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, is commonly prescribed for conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, and hyperaldosteronism. This study aims to explore and analyze the safety profile of spironolactone by examining adverse event reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Methods This study conducted a retrospective pharmacovigilance analysis using FAERS data (2004 Q1–2024 Q3). Adverse drug events (ADEs) related to spironolactone were identified and categorized by system organ class and specific adverse events. Statistical methods such as Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) were employed to detect potential safety signals. Results A total of 8,566 ADE reports were associated with spironolactone, with 2409 preferred terms and 25 system organ classes showing significant disproportionality. Notable rare ADEs identified included endometriosis male (n = 7; ROR 13615.84), 5-alpha-reductase deficiency (n = 5; ROR 1620.81), bulbospinal muscular atrophy congenital (n = 6; ROR 402.42) and double-hit lymphoma (n = 5; ROR 243.12). Conclusion While most findings were consistent with spironolactone’s known effects, new signals, including a potential link to male endometriosis in high-risk groups, were identified. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and improve long-term safety assessment and clinical management.
Navigating alcohol’s impact: A mixed-methods analysis of community perceptions and consequences in Northern Tanzania
Background Worldwide, alcohol is a leading risk factor for death and disability. Tanzania has particularly high rates of consumption and few resources dedicated to minimizing alcohol-related harm. Ongoing policy efforts are hampered by dynamic sociocultural, economic, and regulatory factors contributing to alcohol consumption. Through the voices of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) patients, this study aimed to investigate community perceptions surrounding alcohol and the impact of its use in this region. Methods This mixed-methods study was conducted at KCMC between October 2021 and May 2022. 676 adult (≥18 years old) Kiswahili-speaking patients who presented to KCMC’s Emergency Department (ED) or Reproductive Health Clinic (RHC) were enrolled through systematic random sampling to participate in quantitative surveys. Nineteen participants were selected for in-depth interviews (IDIs) through purposeful sampling. The impact and perceptions of alcohol use were measured through Drinkers’ Inventory of Consequences (DrInC) scores and analyzed in RStudio using means and standard deviations. IDI responses were explored through a grounded theory approach using both inductive and deductive coding methodologies in NVivo. Results Men attending the ED were found to have the highest average [SD] DrInC scores (16.4 [19.6]), followed by ED women (9.11 [13.1]), and RHC women patients (5.47 [9.33]), with higher scores indicating a broader array of consequences. Participants noted alcohol to have both perceived advantages and clear harms within their community. Increased conflict, long-term health outcomes, financial instability, stigma, and sexual assault were seen as negative consequences. Benefits were primarily identified for men and included upholding cultural practices, economic growth, and social unity. Physical and financial harm from alcohol impacted both genders; however, alcohol-related stigma and sexual assault were found to affect women disproportionately. Conclusion Our findings suggest that perceptions around drinking are nuanced, and alcohol’s social and physical consequences differ significantly by gender. To effectively minimize local alcohol-related harm, future alcohol-focused research and policy efforts should consider the complex sociocultural role that alcohol holds in the Moshi community.
Risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation in the treatment of HBsAg and HBV DNA double-negative lymphoma patients
Background It is well-known that lymphoma patients undergoing treatment are at risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. This study aims to explore the risk factors for HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients who tested negative for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV DNA before treatment, during their course of therapy. It provides clinical evidence for early intervention in HBV reactivation and rational preventive antiviral treatment. Methods From January 2019 to December 2021, a total of 1,229 patients were diagnosed with lymphoma at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. Among them, 616 patients who tested negative for both HBsAg and HBV DNA and underwent therapy were recruited for the study. The recruited patients had a median age of 53.9 years (range: 14–88 years), with 358 males (58.12%) and 258 females (41.88%). The risk factors associated with HBV reactivation in these patients were then analyzed. Results Among the 616 lymphoma patients enrolled in this study, 44 patients (7.14%, 44/616) exhibited HBV reactivation. Notably, the rate of HBV reactivation was significantly higher in patients with hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) (+) (10.00%) compared to those with HBcAb (-) (1.46%) (P < 0.001, OR = 7.52). An analysis of HBV reactivation rates across different age groups demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P = 0.002). In particular, patients aged over 60 years showed a markedly elevated rate of HBV reactivation compared to those in other age brackets (P < 0.001). Conversely, no statistically significant differences in HBV reactivation rates were observed between patients of different genders (P = 0.637, OR = 0.855) or across varying treatment durations (P = 0.851). Conclusion For lymphoma patients undergoing treatment, HBV reactivation may occur even if both HBsAg and HBV DNA are negative at the initiation of treatment. It is noteworthy that this study found that patients with HBcAb (-) also experienced HBV reactivation. Therefore, patients who are negative for HBsAg, HBcAb, and HBV DNA should also be closely monitored to mitigate the risk of HBV reactivation.
Correlations between the prescribing patterns of psychotropic medications and socio-economic factors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional Swedish registry study
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profoundly negative impact on all societal sectors, public health systems, and state economies. The pandemic led to high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and substance abuse, while the impact on changes in psychotropic medication prescribing was complex. Despite less restrictive measures in the first stage of the pandemic, Sweden experienced significant mental health consequences and changes in psychotropic medication prescribing. Aim This study aimed to characterize the different psychotropic medication prescribing patterns (antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives, and drugs used in addictive disorders: nicotine, alcohol, and opioid dependence) at regional levels and investigate the correlations of disease spread and socio-economic factors with the Swedish regional prescribing patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We employed an observational and retrospective design, incorporating time-series analysis, spatial visualization, and regression analysis. Results The prescribing of anxiolytics and drugs used in addictive disorders decreased during the pandemic, with the most striking reductions seen in medications used for nicotine dependence. Considerable regional variations were observed across Sweden during the pandemic years, with antidepressant prescribing increasing slightly, and hypnotics and sedatives showing a relatively stable trend. None of the four key variables of disease spread and socio-economic factors showed a statistically significant correlation with the changes in the prescribing of drugs used for nicotine dependence. Conclusions Our study demonstrated differentiated changes in psychotropic medication prescribing patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. We found a pandemic effect on nicotine dependence drug prescribing, which the key variables could not explain. Targeted mental health interventions and specific regional health policies should be developed to reduce disparities and address regional variations during future health emergencies.
Evaluation of the cobas plasma separation card to identify HIV-infected patients in virological failure in real-life conditions in Vietnam
Background The standard of care for HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) relies on regular monitoring of HIV viral load. Access to viral load monitoring has improved in recent years, but remains scarce in some settings. Alternatives to plasma, such as dried specimens, can help bring routine viral load testing to remote settings. This study aimed to evaluate performances of the cobas® plasma separation card (PSC) to detect virological failure at the threshold of 1,000 copies/mL in real-life conditions in Vietnam. Setting Patients were enrolled in two hospitals in Hanoi (Vietnam). Methods This cross-sectional evaluation enrolled 250 HIV-infected adults using convenience sampling. All provided plasma and PSC samples. The sensitivity and specificity of PSC, as compared to plasma, to identify patients in virological failure were estimated. Convenience sampling was used to reach the target numbers of 150 and 100 patients with plasma viral load ≥ and <1,000 copies/mL, respectively. Results Overall, 250 patients were enrolled. Of the 127 (50.8%) patients with plasma viral load ≥1,000 copies/mL, the PSC viral load was also ≥1,000 copies/mL in 126 (sensitivity (95% confidence interval (CI)): 99.2% (95.7–99.9)). Of the 123 (49.2%) patients with plasma viral load <1,000 copies/mL, the PSC viral load was also <1,000 copies/mL in 108 (specificity (95% CI): 87.8% (80.7–93.0)). Overall, the concordance rate was 93.6%. Conclusions This field evaluation of the cobas® PSC showed its high effectiveness in identifying patients in virological failure. The specificity was 87.8%, lower than in previous reports. However, in cases of discrepancy, the PSC viral load level was never far from the 1,000 copies/mL threshold, which may be due to measurement error inherent to the technique.
Using virtual reality to study preference and restorativeness for streetscape vegetation design
The presence of small urban green spaces, such as streetscape vegetation, plays a significant role in the daily exposure to nature for a considerable proportion of urban inhabitants across the globe. This study examines how specific design elements (vegetal and non-vegetal) of small urban green spaces influence human preferences and their alignment with perceived restorativeness dimensions. In each of the 30 trials, participants selected their preferred option and gave reasons for their choice based on the four aspects of the Attention Restoration Theory (fascination, coherence, being away, compatibility). The results demonstrate that the absence of a fence was the most preferred option, irrespective of the fence type. Shorter fences and fences that include greenery were found to be significantly more favored than other types, primarily due to the factor of fascination. Conversely, attributes such as metal and high fences were selected less frequently, with coherence identified as the primary reason for this preference. The most preferred vegetation type was trees, which were selected primarily due to their capacity to evoke fascination. In contrast, bushes and grass, which were less favored, were chosen for their contribution to coherence. A medium level of diversity was preferred over high or low levels when the arrangement of vegetation was not regular. Furthermore, random and regular arrangements were less favored than an intermediate level of arrangement. With regard to the Attention Restoration Theory dimensions, fascination was the primary motive for all options except for the regular arrangement. These findings could assist designers of small urban green spaces in creating more restorative environments. Additionally, the study illustrates the value of employing virtual environments in environmental preference research.
Bacterial assemblages on eggs reflect nesting strategies in wetland-associated birds
Birds host diverse bacterial assemblages, which play a critical role in individual health, but which can also lead to disease or mortality. It is therefore important for developing embryos to acquire appropriate bacterial communities from maternal (vertical transmission) and environmental (horizontal transmission) sources. Eggshell bacterial assemblages are acquired before and after oviposition, and are shaped by external factors, including habitat, nesting material and parental incubation. Understanding the source of eggshell bacteria is important, because eggshell penetration of horizontally-transmitted bacteria can affect embryonic health. Most research on eggshell-associated bacteria has occurred on ‘dry-nesting’ terrestrial birds. However, little is known on bacterial acquisition in waterbirds, particularly in nests where eggs are in direct contact with water. Moist environments favour bacterial growth and wet-nesting species are therefore expected to have higher bacterial loads. To date, no study has focussed on contrasting the abundance and diversity of eggshell bacterial assemblages in wet- and dry-nesting species. We used both bacterial culture and genetic techniques (automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis) to document the bacterial load and assemblage structure of eggshell-associated bacteria in both wet- and dry-nesting wetland-associated bird species. Bacterial loads were several orders of magnitude greater on eggs of wet-nesting species and bacterial assemblages tended to cluster by nesting strategy. These findings suggest a possible association of eggshell-associated bacteria with nesting strategies in these species. Further research is, however, required to confirm these patterns, incorporating more comprehensive sampling and utilising more advanced genetic approaches. Overall, our findings highlight a promising direction for future research into the association between nesting in moist environments and eggshell-associated bacteria, as well as the potential for antimicrobial adaptations that may characterise the eggshells of these species.
Green synthesis, characterization, molecular simulation, and in vitro biomedical application of magnesium oxide nanoparticles
Microbial infections represent a major hazard to global public health, resulting in extensive morbidity and mortality across the globe. As a result, in the past 10 years, nanoparticles have drawn a lot of interest in their potential to manage microbial diseases. One of the few studies that has used a green and environmentally acceptable approach of producing magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) was employed via using an extract from watermelon peels. UV–visible, FTIR, XRD, and TEM were used to comprehensively characterize the biosynthesized MgONPs. The synthetic MgONPs have a polycrystalline form with a median particle size of 6–17 nm, according on the characterization of the material. According to the antimicrobial results, MgONPs showed notable antimicrobial properties toward B. subtitles, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, with an inhibition zone measuring 18.2 ± 0.36, 23.7 ± 0.4, 15.4 ± 0.25, 17.6 ± 0.56, and 16.3 ± 0.32 mm respectively. While the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) varied from 50 to 200 µg/mL. MgONPs have successfully demonstrated antibiofilm potential versus MRSA. A molecular docking simulation was carried out to obtain a better understanding of the potential mechanism of MgO-NPs against the S. aureus strain. The results imply that the activity may be attributed to the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) with a varying degree, and the predominant interaction observed is the hydrophobic interaction with the residues’ amino acids in the active site of the pocket in S. aureus. Furthermore, the DPPH technique revealed that MgONPs had considerable antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 223 µg/mL. Additionally, at a dosage of 62.5 µg/mL, MgONPs exhibit possible antiviral efficacy against HAV and HSV1, with proportions of 84.7 and 49.7%, respectively. Finally, the watermelon peel extract biosynthesized MgONPs exhibit antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and antiviral properties that show promise to be utilized in the biomedical field.
Does the Netherlands comply with national law and Article 2 of human rights concerning deceased minors?
Background In the Netherlands, reporting the death of a minor to a forensic physician has been legally required since 2010. Additionally, the Postmortem Evaluation of Sudden Death in Youth (PESUDY) procedure can be initiated for unexplained natural deaths. Objective This study assesses the reporting rate of deceased minors to forensic physicians, evaluates PESUDY submission rates, and explores reasons for declining PESUDY, under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) obligations. Participants and setting This observational, retrospective study examined data on deceased minors in the Netherlands in 2022 and 2023. Methods Data were collected from forensic registration databases, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) and the PESUDY scientific committee. PESUDY submission rates were analyzed, along with reasons for declining the procedure. Results The reporting rate of deceased minors to forensic physicians represented 69% in 2022 and 68% in 2023. The reporting rates for perinatal deaths and deaths outside this period were 47% and 96% in 2022, and 57% and 83% in 2023, respectively. The submission rate of PESUDY-eligible cases was 66% in 2022 and 68% in 2023. The reasons for not pursuing PESUDY were parental refusal without explanation (nine cases), and religious reasons (three cases). In 40 cases, there were no reasons documented. Conclusions The reporting of deceased minors is not adhered to, with stagnating reporting rates. Additionally, the need for parental consent for post-mortem investigations hinders thorough examination, potentially obscuring cases of child abuse. This brings about nonconformity with the ECHR and CRC on the right to life.