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L-ilsien Malti għal qalbi
Get PDF“Bonġu!”
“L-għodwa t-tajba!”
“Kif int?”
Ħafna drabi dawn il-frażijiet ngħiduhom mingħajr ma
naħsbu meta nsellmu lil xulxin imma żgur juru li aħna
Maltin. Bosta nies importanti jħaddmu l-lingwa Maltija
fix-xogħol u l-ħajja tagħhom ta’ kuljum. Fost dawn hemm
il-President George Vella li saħaq fuq il-ħtieġa li nħarsu u
ngħożżu l-ilsien Malti.peer-reviewe
An updated taxonomic appraisal of (Amaryllidaceae) in the Maltese Islands
No full textA previous study of Narcissus species on the Maltese Islands had suggested the existence
of a natural hybridogenous species. A fresh study on Narcissus in Malta was conducted in 2021
and 2023 with the primary aim of studying the previously reported populations of intermediate
forms and to update the taxonomy of Narcissus in Malta. Four main taxa of native species were
identified: N. deficiens, two distinct morphotypes of N. tazetta, and a new hybrid species. The species
identified as N. deficiens replaces records of N. serotinus and N. obsoletus. One of the two morphotypes
(“autumn-flowering”) is now combined as subsp. aequilimbus (previously described from Maltese
material as Hermione aequilimba) and the other one (“spring-flowering”) corresponds to subsp. tazetta.
The new hybrid is derived from N. deficiens and N. tazetta and is named N × briffae. This hybrid was
previously incorrectly reported as N. elegans. Detailed morphometric analysis and ecological data
justify these new taxonomic appraisals. A dichotomous identification key for eight Narcissus taxa
(including non-native ones) is provided to facilitate the identification of the occurring and doubtful
species recorded on the Maltese Islands.peer-reviewe
Chamuangone-enriched rice bran oil ameliorates neurodegeneration in haloperidol-induced Parkinsonian rat model via modulation of neuro-inflammatory mediators and suppression of oxidative stress markers
Get PDFA natural bioactive compound chamuangone extracted from Thai salad Garcinia cowa leaves exhibited robust medicinal properties, targeting central oxidative stress pathways, and having neuroprotective potential. Chamuangone-enriched rice bran oil (CERBO), with 1.97 mg/mL chamuangone, was obtained through green extraction. The study was designed to evaluate the anti-Parkinson’s activity of CERBO in the haloperidol-induced Parkinsonian rat model. Animals were categorized into six groups as control, disease control and treatment groups. Parkinson’s disease (PD)-like symptoms were induced by administration of haloperidol 1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally; CERBO treatment groups received 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg orally before the administration of haloperidol for 21 days. Neurobehavioral, biochemical, neurochemical, and histopathological studies along with gene expression analysis were performed at the completion of the study. CERBO markedly recover the motor and non-motor PD-like symptoms in treatment groups dose-dependently. The levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase, increased, while malondialdehyde levels decreased dose-dependently in CERBO-treated groups. CERBO dose-dependent elevations were observed in neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline). PD-associated specific biomarker (α-synuclein) decreased dose-dependently with downregulation in messenger RNA expression of neuro-inflammatory mediators (interleukin α, interleukin 1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Histopathological studies revealed recovery in neuronal loss, formation of Lewy’s bodies, and neurofibrillary tangles in the treatment groups. It was concluded from the data that CERBO possessed good anti-Parkinson’s activity and could be a novel, safe, and effective remedy for the treatment of PD.peer-reviewe
First evidence for human occupation of a lava tube in Arabia : the archaeology of Umm Jirsan Cave and its surroundings, northern Saudi Arabia
Get PDFRecent advances in interdisciplinary archaeological research in Arabia have focused on the evolution and historical development of regional human populations as well as the diverse patterns of cultural change, migration, and adaptations to environmental fluctuations. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of cultural developments such as the emergence and lifeways of Neolithic groups has been hindered by the limited preservation of stratified archaeological assemblages and organic remains, a common challenge in arid environments. Underground settings like caves and lava tubes, which are prevalent in Arabia but which have seen limited scientific exploration, offer promising opportunities for addressing these issues. Here, we report on an archaeological excavation and a related survey at and around Umm Jirsan lava tube in the Harrat Khaybar, north-western Saudi Arabia. Our results reveal repeated phases of human occupation of the site ranging from at least the Neolithic through to the Chalcolithic/Bronze Age. Pastoralist use of the lava tube and surrounding landscape is attested in rock art and faunal records, suggesting that Umm Jirsan was situated along a pastoral route linking key oases. Isotopic data indicates that herbivores primarily grazed on wild grasses and shrubs rather than being provided with fodder, while humans had a diet consistently high in protein but with increasing consumption of C3 plants through-time, perhaps related to the emergence of oasis agriculture. While underground and naturally sheltered localities are globally prominent in archaeology and Quaternary science, our work represents the first such combined records for Saudi Arabia and highlight the potential for interdisciplinary studies in caves and lava tubes.peer-reviewe
Promoting child welfare and supporting families in Europe : multi-dimensional conceptual and developmental frameworks for national family support systems
Get PDFFamily members across Europe are currently experiencing a range of socio-economic adversities, as well as
health and welfare risks. These issues are particularly challenging in the context of recovery from the COVID-19
pandemic, war in Ukraine, increasing poverty, socio-economic disadvantages, and societal and technological
transformation. Consequently, there is an ongoing and pressing need to provide effective support for families in
response to their diverse needs and circumstances. However, European governments have diverse political
persuasions regarding social and family policies and operate in differentiated and complex contexts. Such factors
influence their approaches to, and configurations of, family support policies and provisions. This article investigates the conceptualisation and development of family support policies and provisions, and proposes a
multi-dimensional, multi-modal, and multi-level conception of formal family support. It also provides a framework for analysing and developing family support and highlights challenges that arise within and across the
relevant ‘policy, provision and practice’ domains while promoting a participatory ethos.peer-reviewe
A comparative in vitro study of the anticoagulant effect of branded versus generic rivaroxaban
Get PDFBackground: Several generic formulations of rivaroxaban were recently marketed to be used interchangeably with their branded equivalent. However, there have been no previously published studies that directly compared the in vitro anticoagulant effect of branded vs. generic rivaroxaban. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the effects of three raw rivaroxaban materials, obtained from the branded (Xarelto®) and two generic (Rivarolto® and Rivaroxaban Sandoz®) rivaroxaban formulations on an array of coagulation assays. Methods: A pool of normal plasma was spiked with several concentrations of the three rivaroxaban (range 50–750 ng/ml). The concentrations were assessed with a rivaroxaban calibrated anti-Xa assay and confirmed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The following assays were performed: Prothrombin time (PT), activated Partial Thromboplastin time (aPTT), Diluted Russell's Viper Venom Test (dRVVT), Thrombin time (TT), Clauss Fibrinogen, Factor VII, VIII and IX assays, and thromboelastography. Results: The results obtained by the three rivaroxaban at similar concentrations were comparable. Increasing concentrations of the three rivaroxaban showed a strong positive correlation with the PT, aPTT and dRVVT assays (r > 0.95, p < 0.01 for all), and a strong negative correlation with the Factors assays (r < 0.95, p < 0.01 for all). TT and Clauss Fibrinogen were not affected by rivaroxaban. No significant difference was identified in the mean assays' results obtained by the three rivaroxaban. Conclusion: This study showed that the branded and generic rivaroxaban exert an identical in vitro anticoagulant effect across a wide range of concentrations.peer-reviewe
Non–invasive vital signs monitoring in the adult population in clinical settings — current state of the art and beyond
Get PDFThe aim is to delineate the current state of the art in non-contact red-green-blue (RGB) camera-based heart rate and rhythm monitoring in adult populations in the clinical setting. In addition, the challenges that still exist for more widespread use of this technology are outlined, as well as potential ways to overcome them. A search using Boolean operators was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, CINAHL and Cochrane databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies within hospital settings that extract heart rate data from videos of adult patients were identified and their successes and limitations were analysed from a clinical perspective. Fifteen studies were identified that fit the inclusion criteria. Many of these studies took place in emergency department settings, with the postoperative care unit being another environment that was investigated. Although good correlation between gold standard measurements and camera-based values were obtained overall, there are still challenges related to patient movement, changes in illumination and standardisation of techniques. This may be the reason that the use of this technology is not yet commonplace. Although a lot of valuable work has been performed highlighting the advantages and feasibility of using camera-based photoplethysmography to extract heart rate data in clinical scenarios, challenges still need to be overcome before these systems can become more mainstream in clinical practise. Therefore more research needs to be conducted in the eld of non-invasive vital signs monitoring in the clinical setting.peer-reviewe
Does pre-existing diabetes correlate with long COVID-19 in Europe? Evidence from the analysis of the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe’s Corona surveys
Get PDFBackground. A substantial proportion of those infected with COVID-19 are presenting with persistent symptoms, referred to as long COVID-19. Emerging evidence suggests that the presence of pre-existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may increase the risk of long COVID-19. Objectives. To investigate whether having pre-existing diabetes increases the risk of developing long COVID-19 in the population of middle-aged and older adults (≥50 years old) in Europe, while assessing if this relationship can be accounted for or is modified by the known long COVID-19 and diabetes risk factors (age, sex, hospitalization, pre-existing hypertension, and weight status). Methods. A population-based longitudinal prospective study involving a sample of respondents aged 50 years and older (n = 4,004) with probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection from 27 countries that participated in both waves 7 and 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and its 2020 and 2021 Corona Surveys. Logistic regression modeling was performed. Results. Overall, 66.8% of the respondents affected by COVID-19 infection reported at least one long COVID-19 symptom; 55.2% were female, and the average age was 64.6 years; 13.2% had pre-existing diabetes. Respondents with pre-existing diabetes had significantly higher odds of developing long COVID-19, compared to those without diabetes (OR = 1.37 ; 95% CI = 1.12 , 1.68). This relationship remained significant (OR = 2.00 ; 98% CI = 0.25 , 1.14) after adjusting for sex (OR = 1.64 for females; 95% CI = 1.43 , 1.88), hospitalization for COVID-19 illness (OR = 3.19 ; 95% CI = 2.41 , 4.23), pre-existing hypertension (OR = 1.17 ; 95% CI = 1.01 , 1.36), and overweight (OR = 1.31 ; 95% CI = 1.11 , 1.56) and obese (OR = 1.77 ; 95% CI = 1.44 , 2.19) weight status. The effect of pre-existing diabetes on the risk of long COVID-19 is moderated by age; it was highest at the age of 50 (OR = 2.00 ; 95% CI = 1.28 , 3.14), and then, it declined with age. Conclusions. There is a relationship between pre-existing diabetes and long COVID-19, even after controlling for literature-based confounding factors, with age having a moderating effect on this relationship.peer-reviewe
A seismic monitoring tool for tidal-forced aquifer level changes in the Río de la Plata coastal plain, Argentina
Get PDFAmbient seismic noise has gained extensive applications in seismology and plays a pivotal role in environmental seismic studies. This study focuses on the Río de la Plata Coastal Plain, employing the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method on ambient seismic noise records to analyze subsurface dynamics. The region’s hydrogeology is complex, featuring partially interconnected coastal aquifers. The HVSR analysis reveals two peaks, with P0 associated with the sediment-basement interface and P1 linked to a shallower stratigraphic discontinuity. Temporal analysis of P1 highlights cyclical patterns correlated with estuarine levels, suggesting a relationship between variations in seismic velocities and tidal dynamics. Comparisons with aquifer data support the hypothesis that tidal variations influence subsurface mechanical properties, impacting the HVSR function. The study hints at the potential of ambient seismic noise analysis as a non-invasive and cost-effective method for studying coastal aquifers and understanding groundwater dynamics. Ongoing research aims to further explore these relationships for enhanced groundwater resource management.peer-reviewe
Further evidence on core inflation in Malta : a dynamic factor model approach
Get PDFA good core inflation measure is best placed
to explain the true price pressures seen in an economy,
rather than the overall index of consumer prices. This is
especially so in periods of heightened inflation caused by
short-lived or transitory shocks. This study defines a core
inflation measure for Malta based on harmonised indices
of consumer prices data from January 2006 to August
2022, using a dynamic factor model. The measure indicates that price inflation experienced in Malta post-March
2021 was not transitory in nature, and the current high
rate of overall inflation is consistent with a period of persistent and generalised inflation. An understanding of the
difference between core and headline inflation is particularly important for a small, open economy like Malta.
The inflation rate presented in this paper is well-behaved,
with a number of desirable properties: It is stable, unlike
headline HICP inflation, and unbiased. The core inflation
measure appears to be a good signal for policymakers and
social institutions with an interest in price pressures and
wage bargaining.peer-reviewe