Eastern Mediterranean Origin Research Articles

Multiple Brucella melitensis lineages are driving the human brucellosis epidemic in Shaanxi Province, China: evidence from whole genome sequencing-based analysis

IntroductionHuman brucellosis is a severe public concern in Shaanxi Province, China, and investigating the epidemiological relationship and transmission pattern of B. melitensis is necessary to devise control strategies.MethodsIn this study, a conventional bio-typing approach and whole genome sequencing of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were employed to identify 189 strains.ResultsBased on the conventional bio-typing, 189 Brucella strains were identified as B. melitensis, of which 14 were in bv. 1, 145 were in bv. 3, and 30 were variant, and the Brucella strains were distributed in all ten cities in Shaanxi Province. SNP analysis was used to identify genetic variation in 189 B. melitensis genomes, and maximum-likelihood was used to generate a phylogeny that identified two clades (A and B) and 19 sequence types (STs). The two clades were highly diverse and exclusively of Eastern Mediterranean origin. Clade B contained 18 STs (2-19), with most isolates originating from a broad swath, implying that multiple B. melitensis lineages circulated in Shaanxi. The 19 STs were composed of 3 to 46 strains isolated from different counties and years, suggesting that multiple cross-county brucellosis outbreak events are driven by multiple B. melitensis lineages. Global phylogenetic analysis revealed that clade A was close to GTIIb, and clade B was placed in the GTIIh lineage, expanding the known diversity of B. melitensis from China.ConclusionThe human brucellosis epidemic in Shaanxi is driven by multiple indigenous circulating B. melitensis lineages, the knowledge of which will contribute to devising a control strategy and providing the foundation for a comprehensive regional phylogeny of this important zoonotic pathogen.

Trade with the West. Glass bowls of Eastern Mediterranean origin found in the courtyard of the Casas del Turuñuelo site (Guareña, Badajoz, Spain): Archaeological context, analysis and conservation

The aim of this work is presenting a group of glasses excavated from the archaeological site Casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Badajoz, Spain), whose destruction dates back to the 5th Century BCE. Different types of glasses were found, among them two thick-walled translucent bowls and a very fine blue-coloured bowl. The study and conservation of these pieces has made it possible to characterize the composition of the different types of glass and their specific degradation, and to identify the possible origin where they were manufactured, in the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, it has managed to recover the original surface and shape of these pieces and has given them the necessary consistency to be well preserved and studied.

Beads from a mediaeval pilgrim centre: Chemical composition and provenance of glass from Banganarti, Nubia, Sudan

AbstractChristian Nubia was a region with intensive transcultural connections that are visible through the understudied overseas glass bead imports found there. This paper presents the results of an analysis of 20 glass beads from Banganarti, a Christian pilgrim site active during the Makuria kingdom (mid‐sixth to 14th centuries CE). Compositional analyses using laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) have identified glass belonging to a number of broad compositional groups. Two beads were made of mineral soda‐lime glass, dated before the mid‐ninth century CE. Numerous beads were made from plant ash‐soda‐lime glass associated with “Mesopotamian” production dated between the eighth and 10th centuries CE. Lead‐soda‐silica glass has parallels in the ninth–10th centuries glass found in Africa and Europe. One plant ash‐soda‐lime bead was of eastern Mediterranean origin dated after the 10th century CE. Results of this study provide new evidence for provenance and chronology of glass beads available in the mediaeval Northeast Africa as well as contribute new data to the research on the pilgrim and/or trade routes of that time.

Glass and faience in the territory of Poland in the 2nd–1st millennium BC: production technology, origin and incoming directions

Abstract Finds of vitreous material from Poland are proof of the long-distance trade routes that passed through the region in the 2nd–1st millennium BC. Faience beads produced in central Europe are known from the Early Bronze Age. Objects made of glass melted in Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Alpine region broadly considered made their way into Polish territory from the Bronze Age II. In the Bronze Age II–III faience beads of Mycenaean and Egyptian provenience are encountered on rare occasions. Glassy faience, made in Italy or the Alpine region, was the most common during the Hallstatt C period. The leader in trading glassy material products in Europe from the BA II–III to the La Tène B period was the Alpine region (especially region of northern Italy). The initial aim of mediating in the transfer to the north of faience and glass beads of Eastern Mediterranean origin grew to include also distribution of products of local production. Artifacts of northern Black Sea provenance started streaming into central Europe in the Hallstatt D, whereas in the La Tène C the Danubian Celtic workshops took over as the primary dealers of the glass jewelry that they produced.

Keeping time at Stonehenge

Scholars have long seen in the monumental composition of Stonehenge evidence for prehistoric time-reckoning—a Neolithic calendar. Exactly how such a calendar functioned, however, remains unclear. Recent advances in understanding the phasing of Stonehenge highlight the unity of the sarsen settings. Here, the author argues that the numerology of these sarsen elements materialises a perpetual calendar based on a tropical solar year of 365.25 days. The indigenous development of such a calendar in north-western Europe is possible, but an Eastern Mediterranean origin is also considered. The adoption of a solar calendar was associated with the spread of solar cosmologies during the third millennium BC and was used to regularise festivals and ceremonies.

Analysing drivers of routine and COVID-19 vaccination in migrants to develop tailored interventions

Abstract Background Migrants in Europe are at risk of under-immunisation and may also have lower COVID-19 vaccination intent and uptake. There is an urgent need to better understand the drivers of uptake in these groups to inform the development of migrant-sensitive interventions for COVID-19 vaccination and routine vaccination beyond the pandemic. Methods We did a systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020219214) following PRISMA guidelines to explore factors influencing vaccine uptake in migrants in the EU/EEA and identify determinants of under-immunisation. We also held 3 participatory workshops with multinational migrant community leaders (n = 23) in London, to explore solutions and approaches to strengthen COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. Results We included 66 papers reporting data on 262,761 migrants in the review. Numerous access-related factors (e.g. government policy, communication barriers) influenced uptake. Vaccine hesitancy was attributed to lack of information, concerns about side-effects, and cultural beliefs/stigma around specific vaccinations. Migrants who had recently arrived, were older, female or of African and Eastern Mediterranean origin were at risk for under-immunisation for key vaccine-preventable diseases. Migrant community leaders reported considerable hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination in their communities and misinformation circulating via social media. Leaders requested support in producing simple COVID-19 guidance that could be translated and adapted locally, alongside more meaningful engagement and partnership-working. Conclusions Access barriers and vaccine hesitancy may affect vaccine uptake in some migrant populations in Europe, which needs to be urgently addressed for COVID-19 vaccine roll-out but also beyond the pandemic to strengthen uptake of routine vaccinations. Actively involving migrant communities in the planning, co-production and implementation of tailored and targeted approaches will be essential. On behalf of ESGITM. Key messages Access barriers and vaccine hesitancy (from information gaps, cultural factors) contribute to low vaccine uptake in some migrant populations in the EU/EEA, with implications for COVID-19 vaccination. Meaningful engagement and co-production of tailored approaches with under-immunised migrants are urgently needed to ensure their inclusion in COVID-19 and routine vaccination programmes.

First Report of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (Biotype Q) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in the Dominican Republic

MED was detected for the first time in the Dominican Republic from 2 provinces (Santo Domingo and Santiago), 2 host plants (tomato and tobacco), and 2 environments (greenhouse and open field). All MED sequences were identical and determined to be of Eastern Mediterranean origin. MEAM1 was the predominant B. tabaci cryptic species present, and was detected in all but 1 sample, which was 100% MED. NW was detected twice on eggplant in different geographical regions, and once on Mexican prickly poppy in a native habitat, but always with MEAM1.

Analyses of ballast stones from the Akko Tower Wreck, Israel: A clue to the sailing route of the ship

The Akko Tower Wreck is the remains of a 25-m-long merchant brig, dated to the first half of the 19th century, found in the ancient port of Akko in Israel. The ship's remains were covered with a significant amount of dark grey marlstones to argillaceous limestones with white calcite veins, apparently used as ballast. Petrographic studies of ballast stone samples including optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of calcite, quartz and clay minerals (illite and chlorite) in all samples, and small amounts of dolomite in about half of them. Biostratigraphic analyses show that the stones are of Late Cretaceous age (Santonian-Campanian). The results confirm the homogeneous composition of the rock, which is not of local, eastern Mediterranean origin. The specific combination of lithology and depositional age enables comparison with likely provenance areas, while many of which can be ruled out on this basis. It is therefore possible that the sailing route of the ship extended to the western Mediterranean, the Adriatic, or theoretically even as far north as Normandy or eastern England. The estimated total weight of the stones was about 30 tons, which would have been an adequate ballast weight for a brig of these dimensions.

A 57 kB Genomic Deletion Causing CTNS Loss of Function Contributes to the CTNS Mutational Spectrum in the Middle East.

Background: Nephropathic Cystinosis, the most common cause of renal Fanconi syndrome, is a lysosomal transport disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. A large number of mutations in CTNS have been identified as causative to date. A 57 kb deletion encompassing parts of CTNS is most commonly identified in Caucasians but this allele has not been identified in individuals of Eastern Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Persian, or Arab origin to date.Methods and Results: Implementing whole exome sequencing (WES) in a consanguineous Iranian family, we identified this large deletion affecting CTNS in a patient initially presenting with hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis symptoms and considerable proteinuria.Conclusion: We show WES is a cost and time efficient genetic diagnostics modality to identify the underlying molecular pathology in Cystinosis individuals and provide a summary of all previously reported CTNS alleles in the Middle east population. Our work also highlights the importance to consider the 57-kb deletion as underlying genetic cause in non-European populations, including the Middle East. Limited diagnostic modalities for Cystinosis in developing countries could account for the lack of previously reported cases in these populations carrying this allele. Further, our findings emphasize the utility of WES to define genetic causes in clinically poorly defined phenotypes and demonstrate the requirement of Copy number variation (CNV) analysis of WES data.

Characterisation of Byzantine and early Islamic primary tank furnace glass

In order to improve the understanding of glass production and provenance, we present trace element and Sr, Nd and B isotope ratio data for 15 samples of raw natron glass from a single tank furnace in Apollonia (6th–7th century CE) and eight glass samples from two tank furnaces in Bet Eli'ezer (8th century CE) in Israel. This data provides information about the geochemical homogeneity within a single batch of raw glass and about the differences and/or similarities between different tank furnaces on a single site. Four glasses from a secondary workshop at Tell el-Ashmunein, Egypt (8th–9th century CE) are analysed for comparative purposes.All raw glass samples have uniform trace element patterns and ratios. Because of poor mixing of the glass batch before and during firing, absolute concentrations however can vary significantly within a single tank furnace. The concentrations of trace elements commonly associated with (de)colouring are very low and can be attributed to background concentrations in the sand raw materials. This indicates that there was no obvious recycling of glass cullet at this stage of the production process and that the tank furnace glass is primary glass in the true sense of the word. The isotopic compositions of Sr, Nd and B in the tank furnace glasses are relatively homogeneous. This confirms their potential as provenance indicators. The isotopic composition of Sr in tank furnace glass from Apollonia and Bet Eli'ezer indicates that the lime was derived from seashell, suggesting the glass was produced from beach sand. Glass from Tell el-Ashmunein contains Sr with lower 87Sr/86Sr ratios, pointing to the use of limestone as the source of lime. All primary glasses from Israel analysed have Nd isotopic compositions typical for an Eastern Mediterranean origin. δ11B indicates that natron used in the tank furnaces in Apollonia and Bet Eli'ezer was most likely imported from Egypt.

An extinct vertebrate preserved by its living hybridogenetic descendant

Hybridogenesis is a special mode of hybrid reproduction where one parental genome is eliminated and the other is transmitted clonally. We propose that this mechanism can perpetuate the genome of extinct species, based on new genetic data from Pelophylax water frogs. We characterized the genetic makeup of Italian hybridogenetic hybrids (P. kl. hispanicus and esculentus) and identified a new endemic lineage of Eastern-Mediterranean origin as one parental ancestor of P. kl. hispanicus. This taxon is nowadays extinct in the wild but its germline subsists through its hybridogenetic descendant, which can thus be considered as a “semi living fossil”. Such rare situation calls for realistic efforts of de-extinction through selective breeding without genetic engineering, and fuels the topical controversy of reviving long extinct species. “Ghost” species hidden by taxa of hybrid origin may be more frequent than suspected in vertebrate groups that experienced a strong history of hybridization and semi-sexual reproduction.

First records of two planktonic Indo-Pacific diatoms: Chaetoceros bacteriastroides and C. pseudosymmetricus in the Adriatic Sea

Summary Unusual occurrence of planktonic diatom species, Chaetoceros bacteriastroides and Chaetoceros pseudosymmetricus , was noticed in three different marine ecosystems of Adriatic Sea: the Krka Estuary and Telascica Bay in the Central Adriatic, and in southern Adriatic offshore. From 2010 to 2015, these two Chaetoceros species were recorded in heterogeneous environmental conditions and in a very low abundances. Both species are regarded as very rare in world oceans, and consequently knowledge of their distribution and ecology is rather poor. Primarily described from tropical waters and showing Indo-Pacific distribution, C . bacteriastroides and C . pseudosymmetricus findings in Adriatic represent the northernmost records in world's oceans and seas. For C. pseudosymmetricus this is also the first occurrence in European seas. Areal expansion and introduction of new phytoplankton species in the Adriatic Sea might be related to different circulation regimes in the Ionian Sea and the concurrent rise in sea temperature in the Mediterranean in the last decade. Recent investigations have shown that entering currents, of either Atlantic/Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean origin, modify the composition of the plankton community in the Adriatic by bringing different newcomers.

Deir el-Naqlun 2014–2015. Preliminary report

The complex of the Nekloni monastery in Fayum (Deir el-Naqlun) was explored in yet another three seasons of fieldwork by a team from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology. On the plateau, investigations were carried out in the southern part of Building D (Rooms D.50 and D.41–D.44), northern part of Building E, western part of the 12th–13th-century Cemetery A and Building I. A 6th-century Hermitage EE.06 in the Naqlun hills to the east of the plateau was cleared, yielding a collection of study material, especially pottery from the kitchen unit dated to the second half of the 5th–6th century. The assemblage from the kitchen unit was composed of cooking pots and saucepans; tableware was represented by goblets, plates and bottles (qullae), while storage/ transport vessels mainly by amphorae. Products of Egyptian workshops were mixed with imported wares of North African and Eastern Mediterranean origin (including Cyprus, Cilicia and Gaza).

Outbreak of Salmonella Reading in persons of Eastern Mediterranean origin in Canada, 2014–2015

Outbreak of Salmonella Reading in persons of Eastern Mediterranean origin in Canada, 2014–2015

Outbreak of Salmonella Reading in persons of Eastern Mediterranean origin in Canada, 2014-2015.

Salmonella Reading (S. Reading) is a rare serotype of Salmonella subspecies (spp.) in Canada with less than nine cases reported each year (2011-2013). An increase in S. Reading was identified in several Canadian provinces in early 2015, prompting the initiation of a national outbreak investigation. To describe a multi-provincial S. Reading outbreak in Canada that affected over 30 people. Cases were defined as laboratory-confirmed S. Reading with related pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns. Onset dates were between November 2014 and September 2015.​: Early in the investigation, investigators noted cases were predominantly of Eastern Mediterranean origin, mainly Afghan and Lebanese and many of those affected had consumed food items not typically captured on standard enteric outbreak hypothesis-generating questionnaires. An open-ended three day food consumption survey was conducted with a convenience sample of community informants to better understand food preferences of the affected ethnocultural populations. Results of the survey were used to design a focused questionnaire for case re-interviews and subsequent outbreak cases. Public health investigators obtained food samples from case homes and relevant food premises. Food safety authorities conducted traceback of suspected food items and collected food samples for laboratory testing. There were 31 confirmed cases (Ontario=23, Alberta=7, New Brunswick=1) and three probable (Ontario=2, Alberta=1) cases of S. Reading identified as part of the outbreak. The median age was 31 years (range less than one to 85 years) and 53% (18/34) of cases were female. Seven cases were hospitalized. No deaths were reported. Most cases were of Eastern Mediterranean origin (n=23) or had reported consuming Eastern Mediterranean foods (n=3). The predominant ethnic origins reported by cases were Afghan in Ontario (n=12) and Lebanese in Alberta (n=3). Genetic similarity of clinical isolates was further confirmed using whole genome sequencing.​: Three ethnic bakeries were identified as possible common exposures for the cases; however, traceback of foods of interest from these bakeries did not identify a common supplier and the source of the illness was not identified. In total, 227 food samples from retail premises (n=142), restaurants (n=13) and case homes (n=72) were tested; two food samples, kalonji seeds and tahini, were positive for S. Ruiru and S. Meleagridis. These products were recalled from the marketplace. Despite extensive epidemiological, microbiological and food traceback investigations, a common source was not identified for this S. Reading outbreak. Challenges included lack of familiarity with the food items consumed in affected ethnocultural groups, as well as a lack of background data on expected food exposures in the outbreak population. Engaging local partners helped build understanding of food preferences in affected communities. Given Canada's ethnic and cultural diversity, culturally competent approaches to enteric outbreak investigations and food consumption surveys may be useful.

The transition from Roman to Late Antique glass: new insights from the Domus of Tito Macro in Aquileia (Italy)

The present paper focuses on the archaeological, chemical and isotopic characterisation of glass finds from the Domus of Tito Macro (former Domus dei Fondi Cossar) in Aquileia (Italy), dated between the 1st and the 7th century AD. The assemblage comprises both vessels and glassworking residues, including a few chunks. Aims of the study are the identification of the main glass compositions and their contextualisation in Roman and Late Antique reference groups, and of provenance of primary glass. Chemical analyses were conducted by XRF and EPMA. All the analysed fragments are silica-soda-lime glasses, produced with natron as a flux, and are compositionally similar to the Roman coloured (intentionally and unintentionally) and colourless (antimony-, manganese-, and antimony + manganese-decoloured) groups and to the Late Antique groups HIMT, Série 3.2 and Levantine 1. Specific compositional traits of HIMT glass circulating in the north-Adriatic area and a scarcity of Levantine 1 glass are evidenced. The presence of rare HIT blue glasses including a chunk suggests that colouring took place also at primary stage of production. Sr and Nd isotopic analyses, performed on a selection of samples, confirmed the eastern Mediterranean origin of the glasses, although with minor internal differences depending on the compositional group. Chemical and isotopic data suggest a continuity between the Roman and Late Antique glassmaking in terms of sand deposits and sand/flux ratio, although with a major change in the decolouring technique after the 4th century AD. The prompt reception of the Late Antique glass compositions took place in Aquileia alongside the persistence of earlier compositions, probably with the aim of satisfying different segments of the glass market.

Roman and late-Roman glass from north-eastern Italy: The isotopic perspective to provenance its raw materials

In this study, the strontium, neodymium and oxygen isotopic composition of Roman (1st–3rd century AD) and late-Roman glass (4th–6th century AD) from Adria and Aquileia, two of the most important archaeological sites of north-eastern Italy, is discussed.The majority of glass analysed, independent from age, shows values of strontium isotope ratios close to that of modern seawater, indicating that the source of lime in the glass was marine shell, and likely coastal sands were used in its production. The Nd signature of all late-Roman glasses from Aquileia and of the majority of the Roman ones from Adria, independent from their chemical composition, is homogeneous and higher than −6 εNd, supporting the hypothesis of an eastern Mediterranean origin, probably located on Syro-Palestinian coast. However, the composition of late-Roman samples with HIMT signature, with lower 87Sr/86Sr values correlated to higher contents in Fe2O3, TiO2, MgO and lower contents in CaO, suggests an area of origin for this glass on the Egyptian coast. In addition, the different Nd signatures of two Adria Roman glasses (εNd < −7) suggest their primary production in western Mediterranean. Oxygen isotopes proved to be a further diagnostic method to discriminate natron and soda plant ash glass, and different silica sources, in the case of the soda plant ash glass. The combination of isotopic and chemical data supports the hypothesis of an eastern Mediterranean origin for late-Roman glass, which may be produced in few primary workshops on the Syro-Palestinian and Egyptian coast, although not necessarily in the same ateliers as have been identified so far. In the case of the Roman glass investigated, although the majority of data suggests an eastern Mediterranean origin, on the basis of Nd isotopes and chemical compositions, the existence of other primary glass producers located in the western Mediterranean can be suggested.

Recurrent intrusions of transitional waters of Eastern Mediterranean origin in the Cretan Sea as a tracer of Aegean Sea dense water formation events

Available temperature and salinity data in the Cretan Sea from 1955 up to 2014 as well as literature sources were revisited in order to trace the appearance of low salinity, temperature, oxygen and nutrient-rich waters inside the basin at depths below the intermediate layer. First appearing as far back as 1961 in literature, these waters were found originating in the layers that separate intermediate and deep waters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (EMed) and were named Transitional Mediterranean Water (TMW) in the 1990s. Data analysis showed that the appearance of TMW in the Cretan Sea is a recurrent phenomenon connected to water mass exchanges between the Aegean Sea and the EMed. In particular, the inflow of TMW in the Cretan basin acts as compensation for the outflow of equally dense or denser masses from the Aegean. This export is a result of dense water formation (DWF) events taking place inside the Aegean Sea triggering TMW compensatory inflow into the Cretan Sea through the Cretan Straits. In this context, TMW intrusions in the Cretan basin can be used as a tracer of DWF in the Aegean Sea while the depth of the intrusion can provide valuable information about the intensity of the DWF event. The importance of TMW intrusions is not solely restricted to the tracing and evaluation of DWF events but could additionally expand to the impact on local ecological processes as TMW is a nutrient carrier for the oligotrophic Cretan Sea.

The ‘Dor 2006’ Shipwreck: The Ceramic Material

The ‘Dor 2006’ shipwreck was discovered in 2006 south of the Dor/Tantura lagoon, Israel. The hull remains are of a large ship that was unable to enter the shallow anchorage. Among the finds were 20 ceramic items, including bowls, cooking–pots, jugs, a juglet, lids and amphoras. The cargo has not yet been found. Pottery typology, coins and 14C tests of organic material date the shipwreck to between the second half of the 6th and the first quarter of the 7th centuries CE. The construction tradition is different from contemporary shipwrecks from Dor. Petrography and chemical composition analyses of the ceramics indicate an eastern Mediterranean origin.

Roman glass across the Empire: an elemental and isotopic characterization

This study focuses on natron glass, dated from the 1st to 5th century AD, excavated in different areas of the Roman Empire. The eastern side of the Roman Empire is accounted for by three archaeological sites, Petra and Barsinia, both in Jordan, and Gonio, in Georgia. The Italian peninsula is represented by the Iulia Felix and Embiez shipwrecks, and by samples from Augusta Praetoria. Samples from Barcino in Spain are examples of the western side of the Empire, and the sites of Tienen and Oudenburg represent the northern provinces. No clear distinctions in glass composition and origin between the different regions of the Roman Empire can be made based on the major elemental compositions. However, the western, central and eastern Roman Empire samples can be divided into two groups, coloured and colourless, which also are reflected in the K2O contents. Sr–Nd isotopes, used for provenancing geological raw materials in primary glass production, indicate an eastern Mediterranean origin (εNd between −2.5 and −6.0) for most of the samples. Conversely, samples with more negative εNd, between −7.02 and −10.8, indicate a western Mediterranean origin. By applying this technique on samples from well known archaeological contexts, this study demonstrates that several primary glass factories were located throughout the Roman Empire. This is in contrast with current interpretations of late Roman to early Byzantine data.