Search Results (24)

The aim of the study is to highlight some characteristics of education during the Almohad, Marinid, and Naṣrid periods, taking into account to the influences exerted in the Andalusian educational system by the Marinids, especially with the establishment of the Andalusian madrasa. Part of the conclusions reached in this study is mainly based on the data offered by the Maghrebi hagiographic literature. The article provides new information on various aspects of education and the educational system in the Islamic West, especially those linked to models of sanctity and educational institutions in the Maghreb and al-Andalus. Other topics covered here include the historical overview of education in the Maghreb and al-Andalus; some examples of women’s education; education and the Berber language; sanctity and education; educational institutions such as the ribāṭ, mosque, madrasa, or school; and the role of the Berber language in the Maghrebi education. In al-Andalus, education was primarily conducted in Arabic, and it will be analyzed. All these aspects are key in understanding not only the processes of Arabization and Islamization, but also the history of religiosity throughout the Islamic West. Full article

The long-term stability of orally transmitted ethnopharmacopoeias is of interest, but difficult to study for lack of information on plants used by a specific past culture. Similarities between modern Italian ethnopharmacopoeias and Dioscorides’ classical text have been proposed to derive from modern replacement of traditional practices with those from published translations of Dioscorides. Ibn al-Baytar produced the best compendium of medicinal substances in medieval Islamic science. He gave “Berber” common names for some plants, which were presumptively used by North African Amazigh people. Since Amazigh traditional knowledge was largely transmitted orally, with little access to medieval literature, this allows comparison of historic (>750 years ago) practices and modern practices that are unlikely to be causally derived. Presumptive identities for Ibn al-Baytar’s plants with Berber names were obtained from key references. Recent ethnomedicinal publications from Amazigh-populated areas in North Africa were surveyed for reports of those species and homologous common names. Of 46 historically used plants, an estimated 60.9% are still used in Amazigh regions, 78.6% with homologous common names. This is likely to underestimate persistence of species use across the entire local pharmacopoeia. Second, emulating a published analysis of Dioscorides, plants reported by three large recent studies in Amazigh regions were compared with plants recorded by Ibn al-Baytar and in a comprehensive modern Moroccan reference. Between 58.2% and 73.8% of species included in individual studies were recorded by Ibn al-Baytar; of the 46 shared among all three, 82.6% were recorded by Ibn al-Baytar and 100% by the modern reference. An historical compilation may be more likely to mention plants that are widely used today simply because a thorough author could document most plants that were widely used at the time; use of such data to assess causality should take that effect into consideration. Full article

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) c.6055G>A (p.G2019S) is a frequent cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD), accounting for >30% of Tunisian Arab-Berber patients. LRRK2 is widely expressed in the immune system and its kinase activity confers a survival advantage against infection in animal models. Here, we assess haplotype variability in cis and in trans of the LRRK2 c.6055G>A mutation, define the age of the pathogenic allele, explore its relationship to the age of disease onset (AOO), and provide evidence for its positive selection. Full article

The noun category exhibits diverse dissimilarities, characterised at the semantic (e.g., countable/uncountable) or/and morphosyntactic (e.g., determined/determinerless) level, which may be more or less important depending on languages. In this paper, we would like to discuss those differences, which we named inter-word and inter-process morphosyntactic variations. The Riffian language served us as a reference in our enquiries, before referring to other languages to show how our discoveries could be applied to them. By putting in perspective those aspects, this led us to propose a formal mathematical model denoted as a Template-Based and Modular Cognitive model. The latter is able to predict the nonlinear dynamic mapping of lexical items onto morphological templates. The aims of this article are thus manifold and cover theoretical issues. We demonstrate that nouns are organised and distributed in modular cognitive sets, having their own morphological template and unmarked forms. The extent of these sets and their number as well as the template, are specific to each language. All sorts of markers can compose with the template, but some, namely countability markers, are prevalent among several languages with no relationship. This approach allows us to explain the marking discrepancies existing between different kinds of nouns (borrowed, proper, countable and uncountable nouns) for a given linguistic variety or between languages. The main assumption of this model is that these irregular markings are caused by a template shift, occurring when items undergo a process of word and meaning formation. Our contribution represents an initial stride toward understanding the fundamental patterns of morphosyntax and opens venues for applying this mathematical model with other behavioural and natural phenomena. Full article

This article reviews the research recently undertaken to characterise and identify early synthetic dyes (ESDs) and synthetic organic pigments (SOPs) as well as study their degradation pathways with a focus on cultural heritage applications. Since the invention of the first fully synthetic dye in 1856, these materials have been used in a variety of historic objects and artworks, such as textiles, furniture, prints, paintings, drawings, etc. The synthesis of new dyes and their implementation into pigment formulations were rapid phenomena, so that by the beginning of the 20th century, thousands of new molecules were patented and commercialised. This review will focus on these early formulations synthesised up to approximately 1914 and the outbreak of World War I. ESDs and SOPs represent a challenge from an analytical point of view. Molecular databases are fundamental for the unequivocal identification of these compounds, but reference materials are not always readily available. A combination of analytical techniques is often needed for characterisation, especially in the case of SOPs, which have both organic and inorganic components. Furthermore, the degradation of these molecules can jeopardise their detection in historic objects that have been exposed to light, humidity and temperature fluctuations. Nevertheless, ESDs and SOPs are important research tools. As the dates of their first synthesis are often known with precision, based on patent information, their detection can be used to refine the production date of objects. Additionally, their trade from Europe to the world and their adoption in artistic practices around the globe is an active area of research. Full article

The Berber and Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 C.E. led to a profound transformation of the agricultural landscape. The layout of the irrigated areas, both rural and urban, is recognisable because it is the result of social and technological choices. But irrigated agriculture was not the only option in Al-Andalus. Rainfed agriculture is supposed to have been the main form of agriculture in large areas of the centre and west of the peninsula, although the field systems have been scarcely identified. In regions where irrigation was the preferred option, rainfed crops were complementary. In regions where dry farming was the only possible agriculture, there were settlement networks linked to livestock breeding and to droveways and pasture areas. The original selections made by the Berber and Arab farmers can still be recognized despite the expansion that has mainly taken place since modern times. However, the more recent and destructive capitalist agriculture is erasing the last vestiges of the Andalusi agricultural landscape. Full article

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a severe threat to infants, particularly preterm infants. Palivizumab, the standard preventive prophylaxis, is primarily utilized in high-risk newborns due to its cost. This study assessed palivizumab’s effectiveness in preventing RSV infections in predominantly very preterm infants during their first year of life. Serum samples from a prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands were analyzed to assess RSV infection rates by measuring IgG levels against three RSV proteins: nucleoprotein, pre-fusion, and post-fusion protein. Infants were stratified based on gestational age (GA), distinguishing very preterm (≤32 weeks GA) from moderate/late preterm (>32 to ≤36 weeks GA). In very preterm infants, palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduced infection rates (18.9% vs. 48.3% in the prophylaxis vs. non-prophylaxis group. Accounting for GA, sex, birth season, and birth weight, the prophylaxis group showed significantly lower infection odds. In infants with >32 to ≤36 weeks GA, the non-prophylaxis group (55.4%) showed infection rates similar to the non-prophylaxis ≤32-week GA group, despite higher maternal antibody levels in the moderate/late preterm infants. In conclusion, palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduces RSV infection rates in very premature infants. Future research should explore clinical implications and reasons for non-compliance, and compare palivizumab with emerging prophylactics like nirsevimab aiming to optimize RSV prophylaxis and improve preterm infant outcomes. Full article

Dental epidemiological studies are essential for analysing and evaluating the population’s health state and dental treatments provided, as well as for planning future oral health programme activities and interventions based on their findings. In order to determine the health condition of children and adolescents in connection to the prevalence of caries, caries indices (decayed and filled teeth (dft) for primary teeth and decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in permanent teeth) and periodontal indices (community periodontal index (CPI)), oral exams of children and adolescents aged 6, 12 and 15 from selected schools were conducted. To assess the achievement of the oral health objectives set for Spain in 2020, these data were compared with those acquired at the national level. At 6 years of age, 278 children were examined, the prevalence of caries was 55.6%, the dft index was 2.77 (±3.44), the DMFT was 0.19 (±0.16), the restorative index (RI) was 4.62%, and the significant caries (SiC) index was 8.40 (±2.07). At 12 years of age, 208 students were examined, the prevalence of caries found was 65.86%, the DMFT index was 1.85 (±2.22), the RI was 36.63%, the SiC index was 5.43 (±2.07), and children without the presence of periodontal pathology was 59.13%. At 15 years of age, 165 students were examined, the prevalence of caries was 70.06%, the DMFT was 3.08 (±3.39), the RI was 42.42%, the SiC index was 8.10 (±2.55), and adolescents without periodontal disease was 47.90%. Conclusions: Melilla-born children and adolescents had higher caries indicators and indices than the corresponding national averages for Spain. Teenagers under the age of 15 have a particularly high frequency of dental caries. The investigation of the children’s origin is where there is the most disparity. Children of Berber descent have much higher values than children of European heritage. Full article

The uses of natural plant origin bioactive compounds are emerging as a promising strategy to detoxify aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This study aimed to explore the potential of cooking, phytochemicals content, and antioxidant activities derived from garlic, ginger, cardamom, and black cumin to detoxify AFB1 on spice mix red pepper powder (berbere) and sauté. The effectiveness of the samples was analyzed for AFB1 detoxification potential through standard methods for the examination of food and food additives. These major spices showed an AFB1 level below the detection limit. After cooking in hot water for 7 min at 85 ℃, the experimental and commercial spice mix red pepper showed the maximum AFB1 detoxification (62.13% and 65.95%, respectively). Thus, mixing major spices to produce a spice mix red pepper powder had a positive effect on AFB1 detoxification in raw and cooked spice mix red pepper samples. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, and ferrous ion chelating activity revealed good positive correlation with AFB1 detoxification at p < 0.05. The findings of this study could contribute to mitigation plans of AFB1 in spice-processing enterprises. Further study is required on the mechanism of AFB1 detoxification and safety of the detoxified products. Full article

This article traces the history of the medieval oasis city of Sijilmassa, southeastern Morocco, and that of its modern, continuation city of metropolitan Rissani in the Tafilalt region. Elements of mobility and transition are discussed in light of the prominent historical role of the urban settlement in Tafilalt in long-distance trans-Saharan trade infrastructure. These elements are developed with a focus on the region’s Jewish communities, their socio-spatial characteristics, the employed toponymy with respect to Sijilmassa, and the material culture. Within the material culture of Tafilalt’s Jewry until the 1950s and 1960s (that is, upon their dramatic emigration from Morocco, mostly to Israel), the article analyzes in an original manner their traditional marriage contracts (ketubah-s) as a textual and especially as an esthetic artifact. The analysis interprets the visual imagery that appears in these manuscripts—an imagery that corresponds with global Jewish symbols, with the vernacular architecture in the Tafilalt, and with wider regional, trans-Saharan conceptual motifs. Revealing the composite symbolic imagery and decoding the visual repertoire of the ketubah-s against the rich cultural histories of the pre-Sahara region—with affinity to both northern Morocco and sub-Saharan, “black”, Africa—necessitates an interdisciplinary approach. This study brings together area studies (of the Middle East and Africa), art histories (of architecture and built forms, artifacts, and manuscripts), cultural studies (critical intra-group relations between Arabs, Berbers and Jews), and human geography (forms of settlements and long-distance trade activity)—in a type of meeting that is quite uncommon in the relevant research literature. Its contribution lies in tracing the dissemination of ideas and material cultures among less researched groups (southeastern Jewry) and regions (pre-Saharan) in Morocco, through engaging a transdisciplinary lens that requires an intimate acquaintance with associated research historiographies. Full article

Booster vaccinations for pertussis are advised in many countries during childhood or adulthood. In a phase IV longitudinal interventional study, we assessed long-term immunity following an extra pertussis booster vaccination in children and adults. Children (9 years of age) were primed in infancy with either the Dutch whole cell pertussis (wP) vaccine (n = 49) or acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines (n = 59), and all children received a preschool aP booster. Adults (25–29 years, n = 86) were wP-primed in infancy and did not receive a preschool booster. All were followed-up for approximately 6 years. After the additional booster, antibody responses to pertussis were more heterogeneous but generally higher in adults compared with children, and additional modelling showed that antibody concentrations remained higher for at least a decade. Serologic parameters indicative of recent pertussis infection were more often found in aP-primed children (12%) compared with wP-primed individuals (2%) (p = 0.052). This suggests that the aP booster vaccination in aP-primed children offers less long-term protection against pertussis infection and consequently against transmission. Together, these data show that aP priming in combination with aP boosting may not be sufficient to prevent circulation and transmission, while wP-primed adults may benefit from enhanced long-lasting immunity. Full article

The argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels) is one of the most important floristic resources in Morocco. This Moroccan endemic tree is known for its numerous therapeutic and medicinal uses. In addition to some medicinal and cosmetic uses, argan fruit pulp and press cake are traditionally used by the Berber population for heating and feeding livestock. Molecular docking is an in silico approach that predicts the interaction between a ligand and a protein. This approach is mainly used in chemistry and pharmacology of natural products as a prediction tool with the purpose of selecting plant extracts or fractions for in vitro tests. The aim of this research is to study the evaluation of potential tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase inhibitory activities of argan fruit press-cake and pulp extracts. Extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), and the major polyphenols of both press-cake and pulp extracts were submitted to molecular docking in order to determine the mechanisms of action of these compounds. Obtained results revealed that fruit pulp had the strongest dermocosmetic activities, as well as the highest TPC, with values above 55 mg gallic-acid equivalent per gram of dry matter (mg_eq AG/g_DM). Moreover, those results were positively correlated with the docking findings, suggesting that the pulp lead compounds have higher affinity with tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase action sites. The results here presented are very promising and open new perspectives for the exploitation of argan-tree by-products as cosmetic agents towards the development of new anti-aging products. Full article

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Over the past years, the incidence and mortality of pertussis increased significantly. A possible cause is the switch from whole-cell to acellular pertussis vaccines, although other factors may also contribute. Here, we applied high-dimensional flow cytometry to investigate changes in B cells in individuals of different ages and distinct priming backgrounds upon administration of an acellular pertussis booster vaccine. Participants were divided over four age cohorts. We compared longitudinal kinetics within each cohort and between the different cohorts. Changes in the B-cell compartment were correlated to numbers of vaccine-specific B- and plasma cells and serum Ig levels. Expansion and maturation of plasma cells 7 days postvaccination was the most prominent cellular change in all age groups and was most pronounced for more mature IgG1+ plasma cells. Plasma cell responses were stronger in individuals primed with whole-cell vaccine than in individuals primed with acellular vaccine. Moreover, IgG1+ and IgA1+ plasma cell expansion correlated with FHA-, Prn-, or PT- specific serum IgG or IgA levels. Our study indicates plasma cells as a potential early cellular marker of an immune response and contributes to understanding differences in immune responses between age groups and primary vaccination backgrounds. Full article

Oral health concerns in Eritrean refugees have been an overlooked subject. This qualitative study explored the access of Eritrean refugees and asylum-seekers (ERNRAS) to oral health care services in Heidelberg, Germany, as well as their perceptions and attitudes towards oral health care. It involved 25 participants. We employed online semi-structured interviews (n = 15) and focus group discussions (n = 2). The data was recorded, transcribed, and analysed, using thematic analysis. The study found out that most of the participants have a relatively realistic perception and understanding of oral health. However, they have poor dental care practices, whilst a few have certain misconceptions of the conventional oral hygiene tools. Along with the majority’s concerns regarding psychosocial attributes of poor oral health, some participants are routinely consuming Berbere (a traditional spice-blended pepper) to prevent bad breath. Structural or supply-side barriers to oral healthcare services included: communication hurdles; difficulty in identifying and navigating the German health system; gaps in transculturally, professionally, and communicationally competent oral health professionals; cost of dental treatment; entitlement issues (asylum-seekers); and appointment mechanisms. Individual or demand-side barriers comprised: lack of self-sufficiency; issue related to dental care beliefs, trust, and expectation from dentists; negligence and lack of adherence to dental treatment follow-up; and fear or apprehension of dental treatment. To address the oral health burdens of ERNRAS, it is advised to consider oral health education, language-specific, inclusive, and culturally and professionally appropriate healthcare services. Full article

The migrant population has increased in recent years and, as a result, so has cultural diversity. Universities are incorporating specific modules addressing cultural diversity. However, the native population has negative attitudes towards immigrants, as they believe that immigrants receive more social benefits and abuse healthcare services. Nurses may have these attitudes too, which may affect the way they treat patients. The objective of this study was to determine nursing students’ attitudes towards the rights of the migrant population. This is a descriptive ex post facto study using a cross-sectional design, with 821 nursing students in Melilla, Ceuta, and Almeria, Spain. An anonymous questionnaire was used for data collection. Students recognize the same rights for both the immigrant and native populations. More than 80% of the sample upholds the right of undocumented immigrants and their families to access publicly funded healthcare. Attitudes were more positive among students with a Berber background and first-year students. Students approved of the right of immigrants and their families to healthcare and education. The students’ negative attitudes towards the social rights of immigrants need to be addressed with intercultural training to reduce their prejudices as future professionals in a multicultural society. Full article