Review
Immunology
Patrice A. Mawa, Julien Kincaid-Smith, Edridah M. Tukahebwa, Joanne P. Webster, Shona Wilson
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease in Africa, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Factors such as parasite characteristics, host factors, and gene-environment interactions play a crucial role in determining the differential morbidity profiles. Research has identified biological hotspots where high transmission and morbidity persist, highlighting the need for revisiting studies to find more effective control measures.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamed A. Almarri, Marc Haber, Reem A. Lootah, Pille Hallast, Saeed Al Turki, Hilary C. Martin, Yali Xue, Chris Tyler-Smith
Summary: In this study, 137 high-coverage physically phased genome sequences from eight Middle Eastern populations were generated using linked-read sequencing. The research found a close association between population movements and admixture in the region and the spread of Semitic languages, and identified traces of Neanderthal and Basal Eurasian ancestry in Middle Eastern populations. The study provides detailed insights into the genetic history and migrations of the Middle East.
Article
Immunology
Gustavo Goncalves-Silva, Lara Geralda Magela dos Santos Vieira, Miguel Cosenza-Contreras, Ana Flavia Pinho Souza, Daniela Caldeira Costa, Wiliam Castro-Borges
Summary: This study explored the serum proteome of mice infected with schistosomiasis using high-throughput mass spectrometric instrumentation. The results showed that over 30% of identified proteins exhibited differential expression in infected versus non-infected mice, with the majority being associated with immune response and lipid transport and metabolism. Additionally, significant alterations in circulating lipid molecules were observed, suggesting their involvement in host-parasite interactions.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin Plackett
Summary: Sickle-cell disease is prevalent in the Middle East, with 2.6% of the population in some areas affected by this genetic disorder. Adlette Inati, a specialist in clinical haematology at the Lebanese American University, and president of a foundation supporting sickle-cell disease patients in Lebanon, discusses the potential benefits of genetic screening in this region.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nirali Pandya, Amit Kumar
Summary: This study developed a subunit vaccine targeting schistosomiasis using advanced immunoinformatics techniques. The vaccine showed non-allergenic and safe characteristics with increased stability. The research provides a promising solution for the severe health problem of schistosomiasis.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Ahmad N. Abou Tayoun, Khalid A. Fakhro, Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Fowzan S. Alkuraya
Summary: We discuss the current status of genomic medicine in Arab countries in the Middle East, highlighting the importance of this region in Mendelian genetics due to inbreeding. We focus on genomic testing, clinical genetics, genetic counseling services, and opportunities for improvement in genomic medicine services in this region.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Riccardo Lanari, Alex Boutoux, Claudio Faccenna, Frederic Herman, Sean D. Willett, Paolo Ballato
Summary: We conducted a study on the spatial-temporal patterns of Cenozoic exhumation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. By analyzing published low-temperature thermochronometric ages, we converted them into exhumation rates using thermal modeling and closure temperature kinetics. Our results show that exhumation rates vary across different tectonic blocks, indicating local control rather than regional control. The main driving processes include collisions between different plates and subduction and retreat of Neo-Tethys slabs and back-arc basins.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kelsey E. Shaw, Rebecca E. Cloud, Raeyan Syed, David J. Civitello
Summary: Host heterogeneity, particularly body size, can affect parasite transmission. In a snail-schistosome system, larger snails have higher parasite exposure but lower susceptibility to infection. Experimental trials and modeling revealed that populations with more large snails had lower disease prevalence, and small snails were protected from infection by co-occurring large snails. Incorporating host traits such as body size into transmission models can provide insights into natural dynamics and disease mitigation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dilhan J. Perera, Adam S. Hassan, Sunny S. Liu, Seyyed Mehdy Elahi, Christine Gadoury, Risini D. Weeratna, RenaId Gilbert, Momar Ndao
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a underestimated neglected tropical disease that affects over 236.6 million people worldwide. The lack of a prophylactic vaccine and the inability of current drugs to prevent reinfection highlight the need for alternative treatment options. Our study suggests that Schistosoma mansoni Cathepsin B could be a potential vaccine target.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming Fung Franco Au, Gray A. A. Williams, Jerome H. L. Hui
Summary: Schistosomiasis, caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, is a parasitic disease affecting over 230 million people worldwide. Infection occurs through various activities, with freshwater snails Biomphalaria releasing larvae that penetrate human skin. Understanding the biology of these snails is crucial for controlling the spread of schistosomiasis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Zainab Taha, Ludmilla Wikkeling-Scott
Summary: Mothers and newborns have a natural physiological need for immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth, known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). KMC has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for successful breastfeeding. However, breastfeeding rates in the Middle East are still suboptimal, and practices such as KMC should be promoted to improve outcomes.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Akihiko Hirayama, Mark N. Sueyoshi, Takashi Nakano, Yuki Ota, Hiroyuki Kurita, Masaharu Tasaki, Yoichi Kuroiwa, Takahiro Kato, Sadayoshi Serizawa, Keisuke Kojima, Rashid S. Al-Maamari, Takeshi Hasegawa, Skye R. Thomas-Hall, Peer M. Schenk
Summary: Microalgae production in the Middle East faces challenges in scalability and durability, but monitoring in Oman over 2 years confirmed the region's suitability for commercial production.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elizabeth Gibney
Summary: Arab governments are increasing their efforts towards green development but have shown little progress in reducing fossil-fuel exports.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Mehdi Khaki, Ibrahim Hoteit
Summary: Water scarcity and environmental challenges are affecting many parts of the world, particularly the arid Middle East region. A considerable water storage depletion is observed across the Middle East, including groundwater, not only over dryer parts but also in areas with above-average annual rainfall. The study also reveals a close link between water storage declines and other environmental factors such as dust storms and loss of vegetation canopies.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alice Kamau, Robert S. Paton, Samuel Akech, Arthur Mpimbaza, Cynthia Khazenzi, Morris Ogero, Eda Mumo, Victor A. Alegana, Ambrose Agweyu, Neema Mturi, Shebe Mohammed, Godfrey Bigogo, Allan Audi, James Kapisi, Asadu Sserwanga, Jane F. Namuganga, Simon Kariuki, Nancy A. Otieno, Bryan O. Nyawanda, Ally Olotu, Nahya Salim, Thabit Athuman, Salim Abdulla, Amina F. Mohamed, George Mtove, Hugh Reyburn, Sunetra Gupta, Jose Lourenco, Philip Bejon, Robert W. Snow
Summary: This study explores the relationship between age patterns of malaria hospitalization and malaria transmission intensity. The results indicate that the majority of malaria admissions occur in children under 5 years old, and in areas with higher transmission intensity, the average age of malaria hospitalization is younger. In moderate and high transmission settings, chemoprevention and vaccines can target a significant proportion of the children in the target age range.
Article
Archaeology
Bea De Cupere, Lien Speleers, Piers D. Mitchell, Ann Degraeve, Marc Meganck, Emma Bennion-Pedley, Ariadin K. Jones, Marissa L. Ledger, Koen Deforce
Summary: Analysis of the fill of two late and post-medieval cesspits in Brussels revealed insights into the dietary habits of the residents, suggesting a mix of affluent households with some characteristics of lower socioeconomic status. The presence of luxury foods indicates wealth, while the identification of seven species of parasites suggests poor sanitation practices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Sophie Rabinow, Tianyi Wang, Roger J. A. Wilson, Piers D. Mitchell
Summary: Chamber pots are a challenging ceramic form to identify in Roman pottery studies. By analyzing mineralized concretions from a fifth-century CE Sicilian ceramic vessel, researchers have identified intestinal parasite eggs, suggesting the potential use of paleoparasitology in detecting chamber pots. This discovery can provide insights into the sanitation, diet, and intestinal health of populations using these chamber pots.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE-REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Jenna M. Dittmar, Yossi Nagar, Kfir Arbiv, Tehillah Lieberman, Piers D. Mitchell
Summary: A mass grave containing 124 skeletal remains with evidence of weapon injuries was discovered in a salvage excavation in Jerusalem. The analysis of the injuries suggests that these individuals were victims of a massacre, possibly during the reign of the Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus, providing archaeological evidence for socially sanctioned violence in the ancient kingdom.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Piers D. Mitchell, Jenna M. Dittmar
Summary: Clinical research on biomolecules from infectious diseases and cancers has advanced rapidly in recent years, focusing on DNA analysis and proteomics. Techniques allowing accurate biopsy of lesions in excavated human skeletal remains are required to understand important diseases and their associated biomolecules in past populations. The use of two novel image guided techniques to improve accuracy in localizing lesions within bones from medieval individuals has been effective, with the grid technique requiring fewer radiographs and a lower overall radiation dose compared to the pointer technique. However, limitations of X-ray guided approach include not all cancer metastases being visible on plain radiographs, especially lytic metastases requiring erosion of cortical bone for visualization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Piers D. Mitchell, Evilena Anastasiou, Helen L. Whelton, Ian D. Bull, Mike Parker Pearson, Lisa-Marie Shillito
Summary: This study analyzed 19 coprolites found at Durrington Walls and discovered that 5 of them contained parasite eggs. One of the coprolites had eggs likely from a human, while the other 4 were likely from dogs. The presence of fish tapeworm eggs suggests that the Neolithic people who gathered at Durrington Walls were at risk of infection from eating raw or under-cooked freshwater fish. The finding of capillariid nematode eggs in multiple coprolites provides new evidence of the consumption of animal internal organs. These novel findings enhance our understanding of parasitic infection and dietary habits associated with this important Neolithic ceremonial site.
Editorial Material
Anthropology
Piers D. Mitchell, Robin Bendrey
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Tianyi Wang, Craig Cessford, Jenna M. Dittmar, Sarah Inskip, Peter M. Jones, Piers D. Mitchell
Summary: This study investigates the impact of lifestyle on the risk of contracting intestinal parasites in medieval England. The findings suggest that regular clergy members had a significantly higher infection rate compared to the lay population.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Piers D. Mitchell, Tianyi Wang, Ya'akov Billig, Yuval Gadot, Peter Warnock, Dafna Langgut
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine if protozoa causing dysentery were present in Jerusalem during the Iron Age. Results showed that sediments from latrines dating back to that time period contained the protozoa Giardia, providing the first microbiological evidence of infective diarrhoeal illnesses in the ancient near east.
Article
Paleontology
Sophie Rabinow, Koen Deforce, Piers D. Mitchell
Summary: The study characterized the taxonomic diversity of parasites infecting the population of Aalst, Belgium between the 12th and 17th centuries. Four species of helminths, including roundworm and whipworm, were identified in sediment samples from seven cesspits. Protozoal parasites were not detected. The research suggests that parasite infections remained constant over the six centuries, with poor sanitation contributing to the dominance of roundworm and whipworm.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Jenna M. Dittmar, Bram Mulder, Anna Tran, Piers D. Mitchell, Peter M. Jones, Sarah A. Inskip, Craig Cessford, John E. Robb
Summary: The study combined paleopathological and biomechanical analysis to reconstruct the impact of a severe skeletal injury on an individual's ability to function and participate in medieval society.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Anthropology
Piers D. Mitchell, Robin Bendrey
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
P. D. Mitchell, A. Abraham, C. Carpenter, P. D. Henman, J. Mavrotas, J. McCaul, A. Sanghrajka, T. Theologis
Summary: The aim of this study was to establish a consensus best practice approach for the investigation and management of children with musculoskeletal infection in the UK. A Delphi approach was used to determine consensus in three core aspects of care. The study resulted in 40 approved consensus statements.
BONE & JOINT JOURNAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Anthropology
Piers D. D. Mitchell, Robin Bendrey
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Emilia R. Franklin, Piers D. Mitchell, John Robb
Summary: This study examines the paleoepidemiology of Black Death mass graves in Hereford, England, through osteological analysis. It reveals that young adults were disproportionately affected by the plague, and that linear enamel hypoplasia may be more closely associated with vulnerability to the disease.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Marissa L. Ledger, Piers D. Mitchell
Summary: This study investigates the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic parasites throughout human evolution by combining genetic studies, archaeological evidence, and modern epidemiological data. It reveals the ancient origins of some key zoonotic parasites and their long coevolutionary history with humans. The factors contributing to the presence of many zoonotic parasites in the past and today are also discussed, including dietary preferences, urbanization, waste disposal, and population density.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY
(2022)
