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First evidence of lost-wax casting in the earlier Bronze Age of south-eastern Spain: the silver bangle from El Argar, grave 292
No full textIn 1884, one of the burials discovered at El Argar, the eponymous site of the El Argar culture, revealed the remains of a woman wearing an unusual silver bangle. This ornament appears to be the first evidence of a silver object produced by lost-wax casting in Bronze Age Iberia and, to date, in Western Europe. It demonstrates that El Argar metalworking technology was probably more complex and innovative than previously thought, opening up new perspectives on the organization of metalwork production and the degree of craft specialization in the earlier Bronze Age of south-eastern Spain.<br/
Novel synthetic strategies towards analogues of cadaside and malacidin antibiotic peptides
No full textWith antibiotic resistance becoming an increasingly pressing issue, the search for novel antimicrobial drugs is more important than ever before. The recently discovered calcium-dependent lipopeptides cadaside A/B and malacidin A/B have promising activity against resistant Gram-positive bacteria. With limited reports of synthetic routes towards these peptides available in the literature, especially for cadasides, we herein report a novel on-resin synthesis strategy. We used this strategy to produce fifteen simplified malacidin and cadaside analogues. In addition, both minimum inhibitory concentration and thin layer chromatography assays were conducted to determine antimicrobial activity and advance our understanding of these peptides’ structure–activity relationships
Stepwise structural optimisation and functional evaluation of dermaseptin-DI2, an antimicrobial peptide identified from <i>Phyllomedusa tomopterna</i>
No full textFunctional characterization and optimization of antimicrobial peptides, QUB2061 and Esculentin-1-OR3, from <i>Odorrana</i> species
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Formulation development and physicochemical characterisation of liposomal antibiotic dry powders for inhaled treatment of chronic respiratory infections
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Surgical repair of cleft lip: comparison of neonatal and standard timing in a systematic review
No full textCleft lip and palate (CLP) abnormalities are common birth defects encompassing isolated cleft lip, cleft palate, or combined CLP. Current knowledge indicates that CLP has both genetic and environmental causes, with strong associations between a positive family history and maternal factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, teratogenic substance use, and poor nutrition. The upper lip develops as a result of the fusion of the paired medial nasal prominences to the maxillary prominences, forming the philtrum and lateral portions of the upper lip, respectively. Cleft lip, therefore, arises from a failure in those named structures to fuse. The current best treatment involves surgical repair to reconstruct the lip to restore normal appearance and function, including feeding and speech. This normally occurs around the age of six months (standard time) in most centers, but is performed much earlier, in the neonatal period, in other centers. This study aims to determine whether neonatal cleft lip repair is superior to standard time repair. Secondary aims are to determine both the feasibility and the safety of neonatal repair. Advanced literature searches were carried out using Medline ALL (1946 to date) and Embase (1974 to date); 11 articles were deemed relevant and included in this study. Aesthetic results showed excellent outcomes with neonatal repair with regard to the appearance of the scar, facial (lip and nasal) symmetry, but those aesthetic results are no better than those achieved at standard time. Although early intervention can be beneficial as early repair takes place when the cleft is less severe and when the tissues are more malleable, making the surgery less challenging, and when some aspects of fetal scar healing remain. Additionally, early repair has a positive impact on the development of the alveolar projections and can assist in reducing an alveolar cleft if present, improving the aesthetic outcome. Moreover, neonatal surgery carries with it no greater risk than surgery carried out at six months and will allow feeding to begin at an early stage, promoting recovery. Early repair also brings with it a large positive psychosocial impact, where infants and mothers can build a normal relationship from an early stage. Later in life, children and adults will be less self-conscious following good aesthetic repair. In conclusion, based on the limited available evidence, neonatal repair may be recommended over standard time repair. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025, Walsh et al.
Navigating the protein transition: why dairy and its matrix matter amid rising plant protein trends
No full textThe concept of the protein transition represents a shift from a diet rich in animal proteins to one richer in plant-based alternatives, largely in response to environmental sustainability concerns. However, a simple swap by replacing dairy protein with plant protein will lead to lower protein quality and a lower intake of key micronutrients that sit naturally within the dairy matrix. Owing to antagonistic effects within the plant food matrix, micronutrients in plant sources exhibit lower bioavailability which is not reflected in food composition data or dietary guidelines. The dairy matrix effect includes moderation of blood lipid levels in which calcium plays a key role. Protein recommendations often take a muscle-centric approach. Hence, strategies to increase the anabolic potential of plant proteins have focused on increasing total protein intake to counter the suboptimal amino acid composition relative to dairy protein or leucine fortification. However, emerging evidence indicates a role for nutrient interactions and non-nutrient components (milk exosomes, bioactive peptides) of the dairy matrix in modulating postprandial muscle protein synthesis rates. To ensure food system transformation is environmentally sustainable and optimal from a nutrition perspective, consideration needs to be given to complementary benefits of different food matrices and the holistic evaluation of foods in the protein transition. This narrative review critically examines the role of dairy in the protein transition, emphasizing the importance of the food matrix in nutrient bioavailability and muscle health. By considering both nutritional and sustainability perspectives, we provide a holistic evaluation of dairy's contribution within evolving dietary patterns
Methodology for research on psychology of the Arts: A systematic review, critique, and argument for mixed methods
No full textWe present a systematic review covering the prevalence of research methodology published on psychology of the arts topics in the field's leading journal, Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts (N = 612) over the lifespan on the journal (2006–2024) to exemplify the fields methodological orientation and point to the dearth of mixed methods studies. We suggest the field of psychology of the arts would benefit from expanding its methodological focus and argue for mixed methods as an advantageous approach. We base this argument on the inherent qualitative and quantitative qualities of art itself and the qualitative and quantitative nature of how humans experience art. Insight into how mixed methods may help the field of psychology of the arts overcome current issues is also offered. This includes a) contributing to a fuller understanding of art forms themselves and the psychological processes associated with the arts, b) remedying existing measurement issues, c) addressing common problems faced with longitudinal study in the field, d) addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion related issues in the field, and e) advancing the fields contributions to inference, insight, methodological transparency and reflexivity, dissemination, the potential for generalizability or transferability of findings, and practical utility of the research. Lastly, we discuss ongoing issues and considerations for employment of mixed methods especially for psychology of the arts topics. This is the first review to call attention to the field's methodological stance and to situate the unique merit of mixed methods for empirical study of the arts