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Systematic studies on Late Islamic cemeteries that integrate architectural, ritual, and biological aspects remain relatively rare, particularly in Islamic countries or regions with an active Muslim presence. Typically, available research focuses more on epigraphic and artistic features. Since 2018, excavations at the Cathedral and surveys in the ruins of the city of Adulis (Massawa, Eritrea) have uncovered 326 Muslim graves: six dating to the 15th and 18th centuries CE and 320 attributed to the mid-19th to the early 20th century CE. These discoveries have enabled, for the first time in Eritrea, a detailed scientific study of the biological characteristics of the human remains, the funerary architecture, and the burial rites of Muslim communities from the 15th to the early 20th century. The skeletal remains were analyzed through taphonomic and anthropological studies. The graves were categorized into various typologies based on their structural features, while evidence of funerary rituals was documented as indicative elements of the burial practices adopted. These findings were further enriched by ethnographic sources and collaborative work with local communities, who acted as custodians of the historical memory and traditions of the region. The results provide insights into a historical period of Eritrea that is otherwise poorly documented. More broadly, they contribute to the understanding of the history of the Horn of Africa, a region with limited data from funerary and archaeological contexts. The Muslim cemeteries of Adulis represent the most extensively investigated Muslim burial site in recent years, providing critical insights into the historical Muslim presence in the region. These findings also allow researchers to hypothesize the succession of various communities that chose Adulis as a central location for interring their deceased, reflecting its enduring significance as a focal point for cultural and ritual practices across different periods.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1492328.].

Paleoradiology has become a standard diagnostic method in the study of mummified or embalmed bodies. Among the various available techniques, computed tomography valuing for its ability to provide detailed information. However, computed tomography equipment is not always accessible to research teams, cannot be easily transported to all conservation sites, and raises health concerns. Therefore, mobile digital radiographic technology is often the most suitable investigative tool in specific contexts. In this study, three mummies preserved at the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona, perched on a cliff above the Adige River Valley on the Monte Baldo at an elevation of 775 m a.s.l., were analyzed using radiographic techniques. The impossibility of transferring the bodies due to the sanctuary’s remote location imposed the use of lightweight, portable equipment for the radiological examination. This article highlights next-generation X-ray technology utility, potential, and limitations in investigating clothing fabrics, restoration history, taphonomy, entomology, anthropology, and paleopathology. The interdisciplinary approach in this study has unveiled new historical and biological insights about these mummies, which, though revered in popular devotion, had previously been unknown to both Italian and international scientific communities.

Systematic studies on Late Islamic cemeteries that integrate architectural, ritual, and biological aspects remain relatively rare, particularly in Islamic countries or regions with an active Muslim presence. Typically, available research focuses more on epigraphic and artistic features. Since 2018, excavations at the Cathedral and surveys in the ruins of the city of Adulis (Massawa, Eritrea) have uncovered 326 Muslim graves: six dating to the 15th and 18th centuries CE and 320 attributed to the mid-19th to the early 20th century CE. These discoveries have enabled, for the first time in Eritrea, a detailed scientific study of the biological characteristics of the human remains, the funerary architecture, and the burial rites of Muslim communities from the 15th to the early 20th century. The skeletal remains were analyzed through taphonomic and anthropological studies. The graves were categorized into various typologies based on their structural features, while evidence of funerary rituals was documented as indicative elements of the burial practices adopted. These findings were further enriched by ethnographic sources and collaborative work with local communities, who acted as custodians of the historical memory and traditions of the region. The results provide insights into a historical period of Eritrea that is otherwise poorly documented. More broadly, they contribute to the understanding of the history of the Horn of Africa, a region with limited data from funerary and archaeological contexts. The Muslim cemeteries of Adulis represent the most extensively investigated Muslim burial site in recent years, providing critical insights into the historical Muslim presence in the region. These findings also allow researchers to hypothesize the succession of various communities that chose Adulis as a central location for interring their deceased, reflecting its enduring significance as a focal point for cultural and ritual practices across different periods.

Kidney donation after circulatory death (DCD) is a less than ideal option to meet organ shortages. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) with Belzer solution (BS) improves the viability of DCD kidneys, although the graft clinical course remains critical. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) promote tissue repair by releasing extracellular vesicles (EV). We evaluated whether delivering MSC‐/MSC‐derived EV during HMP protects rat DCD kidneys from ischaemic injury and investigated the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Warm ischaemic isolated kidneys were cold‐perfused (4 hrs) with BS, BS supplemented with MSC or EV. Renal damage was evaluated by histology and renal gene expression by microarray analysis, RT‐PCR. Malondialdehyde, lactate, LDH, glucose and pyruvate were measured in the effluent fluid. MSC‐/EV‐treated kidneys showed significantly less global ischaemic damage. In the MSC/EV groups, there was up‐regulation of three genes encoding enzymes known to improve cell energy metabolism and three genes encoding proteins involved in ion membrane transport. In the effluent fluid, lactate, LDH, MDA and glucose were significantly lower and pyruvate higher in MSC/EV kidneys as compared with BS, suggesting the larger use of energy substrates by MSC/EV kidneys. The addition of MSC/EV to BS during HMP protects the kidney from ischaemic injury by preserving the enzymatic machinery essential for cell viability and protects the kidney from reperfusion damage.

Apolipoprotein A-I is the main protein of high-density lipoprotein particles, and is encoded by the APOA1 gene. Several APOA1 mutations have been found, either affecting the lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity, determining familial HDL deficiency, or resulting in amyloid formation with prevalent deposits in the kidney and liver. Evaluation of familial tubulointerstitial nephritis in patients with the Leu75Pro APOA-I amyloidosis mutation resulted in the identification of 253 carriers belonging to 50 families from Brescia, Italy. A total of 219 mutation carriers underwent clinical, laboratory, and instrumental tests. Of these, 62% had renal, hepatic, and testicular disease; 38% were asymptomatic. The disease showed an age-dependent penetrance. Tubulointerstitial nephritis was diagnosed in 49% of the carriers, 13% of whom progressed to kidney failure requiring dialysis. Hepatic involvement with elevation of cholestasis indices was diagnosed in 30% of the carriers, 38% of whom developed portal hypertension. Impaired spermatogenesis and hypogonadism was found in 68% of male carriers. The cholesterol levels were lower than normal in 80% of the mutation carriers. Thus, tubulointerstitial nephritis was highly prevalent in this large series of patients with Leu75Pro apoA-I amyloidosis. Persistent elevation of alkaline phosphatase, reduced HDL cholesterol plasma levels, and hypogonadism in men are key diagnostic features of this form of amyloidosis.

Background Intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinomas (ITACs) are aggressive malignancies related to wood dust and leather exposure. ITACs are generally associated with advanced stage at presentation due to the insidious growth pattern and non-specific symptoms. Therefore, biomarkers that can detect the switch from the benign disease to malignancy are needed. Essential for tumour growth, angiogenesis is an important step in tumour development and progression. This process is strictly regulated, and MiR-126 considered its master modulator. Methods We have investigated MiR-126 levels in ITACs and compared them to benign sinonasal lesions, such as sinonasal-inverted papillomas (SIPs) and inflammatory polyps (NIPs). The tumour-suppressive functions of MiR-126 were also evaluated. Results We found that MiR-126 can significantly distinguish malignancy from benign nasal forms. The low levels of MiR-126 in ITACs point to its role in tumour progression. In this context, restoration of MiR-126 induced metabolic changes, and inhibited cell growth and the tumorigenic potential of MNSC cells. Conclusions We report that MiR-126 delivered via exosomes from endothelial cells promotes anti-tumour responses. This paracrine transfer of MiRs may represent a new approach towards MiR-based therapy.

ClyA is a pore‐forming toxin from virulent Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica strains. Here, we show that the intrinsic hemolytic activity of ClyA is independent of its redox state, and that the assembly of both reduced and oxidized ClyA to the ring‐shaped oligomer is triggered by contact with lipid or detergent. A rate‐limiting conformational transition in membrane‐bound ClyA monomers precedes their assembly to the functional pore. We obtained a three‐dimensional model of the detergent‐induced oligomeric complex at 12 Å resolution by combining cryo‐ and negative stain electron microscopy with mass measurements by scanning transmission electron microscopy. The model reveals that 13 ClyA monomers assemble into a cylinder with a hydrophobic cap region, which may be critical for membrane insertion.

Background Since primary membranous nephropathy is a heterogeneous disease with variable outcomes and multiple possible therapeutic approaches, all 13 Nephrology Units of the Italian region Emilia Romagna decided to analyze their experience in the management of this challenging glomerular disease. Methods We retrospectively studied 205 consecutive adult patients affected by biopsy-proven primary membranous nephropathy, recruited from January 2010 through December 2017. The primary outcome was patient and renal survival. The secondary outcome was the rate of complete remission and partial remission of proteinuria. Relapse incidence, treatment patterns and adverse events were also assessed. Results Median (IQR) follow-up was 36 (24–60) months. Overall patient and renal survival were 87.4% after 5 years. At the end of follow-up, 83 patients (40%) had complete remission and 72 patients (35%) had partial remission. Among responders, less than a quarter (23%) relapsed. Most patients (83%) underwent immunosuppressive therapy within 6 months of biopsy. A cyclic regimen of corticosteroid and cytotoxic agents was the most commonly used treatment schedule (63%), followed by rituximab (28%). Multivariable analysis showed that the cyclic regimen significantly correlates with complete remission (odds ratio 0.26; 95% CI 0.08–0.79) when compared to rituximab ( p  < 0.05). Conclusions In our large study, both short- and long-term outcomes were positive and consistent with those published in the literature. Our data suggest that the use of immunosuppressive therapy within the first 6 months after biopsy appears to be a winning strategy, and that the cyclic regimen also warrants a prominent role in primary membranous nephropathy treatment, since definitive proof of rituximab superiority is lacking. Graphic Abstract

A study was undertaken to assess the impact of the timing of grazing on rumen and plasma metabolites and some metabolic hormones in lactating dairy sheep allocated to an Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) pasture in spring for 4 h/d. Twenty-four mid lactation Sarda ewes stratified for milk yield, body weight, and body condition score, were divided into four homogeneous groups randomly allocated to the treatments (2 replicate groups per treatment). Treatments were morning (AM, from 08:00 to 12:00) and afternoon pasture allocation (PM, from 15:30 to 19:30). Samples of rumen liquor (day 39) and blood plasma (days 17 and 34 of the experimental period) were collected before and after the grazing sessions. Moreover, on days 11 and 35, grazing time was assessed by direct observation and herbage intake measured by the double weighing procedure. Grazing time was longer in PM than AM ewes (P < 0.001) but herbage intake was undifferentiated between groups. The intake of water-soluble carbohydrates at pasture was higher in PM than AM ewes (P < 0.05). The post-grazing propionic and butyric acid concentration, as measured on day 39, were higher in PM than AM ewes (P < 0.05). The basal level of glucose on day 34 and insulin (on both sampling days) were higher in PM than AM (P < 0.05). The opposite trend was detected for non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.05, day 34) and urea (both days). Pasture allocation in the afternoon rather than in the morning decreased plasma concentration of ghrelin (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.001), with a smoothed trend on day 34 in the latter variable. To conclude, postponing the pasture allocation to afternoon increased the intake of WSC, favoring a glucogenic pattern of rumen fermentation and a rise of glucose and insulin levels in blood, although these effects were not consistent across the whole experimental period. Moreover, the afternoon grazing decreased the level of cortisol and ghrelin, suggesting a higher satiation-relaxing effect.