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Evolutionary and spatiotemporal analyses reveal multiple introductions and cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 VOC/VOI in Malta

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Evolutionary and spatiotemporal analyses reveal multiple introductions and cryptic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 VOC/VOI in Malta Authors: Trovao, Nidia S.; Pan, Vincent; Goel, Chirag; Gallego-García, Pilar; Liu, Yunxi; Barbara, Christopher; Borg, Rebecca; Briffa, Mark; Cilia, Chanelle; Grech, Laura; Vassallo, Mario; Treangen, Todd J.; Posada, David; Beheshti, Afshin; Borg, Joseph J.; Zahra, Graziella Abstract: Genomic surveillance and epidemiology have shed light on the viral diversity driving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks and are important during waves of highly transmissible and immune-escaping variants of interest or of concern (VOCs). We analyzed the epidemiological data of the understudied country of Malta and related the patterns observed with viral genetic sequences obtained through the surveillance system headed by the Mater Dei Hospital and the University of Malta. We reconstructed the evolutionary history and spatiotemporal dynamics of Maltese severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 viruses using a phylodynamics framework. Our findings suggest that the number of cases associated with B.1.1.7/Alpha, B.1.617.2.X/Delta, and B.1.1.529.X/Omicron VOCs was nine times higher than those associated with wild-type variants. The positivity rates in Malta remained low to moderate (<10%). A combination of public health interventions appeared to have allowed Malta to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Our phylodynamic reconstruction traced most of the 173 viral introductions inferred to countries in Northern Europe, which is consistent with flight connectivity patterns. We also observed prolonged periods of cryptic transmission (median = 102 days) until expansion into larger outbreaks. These larger outbreaks were more easily detected by the intermittent genomic surveillance in Malta, characterized by periods of sequencing hiatus. Our study demonstrates that integrating epidemiological and genomic data are crucial for uncovering the COVID-19 dynamics of understudied locations, particularly when genomic surveillance is suboptimal. Accordingly, strengthening the genomic surveillance system in Malta should help in the earlier detection of introductions and minimize viral expansion in the country while informing public health interventions.

Dysbiosis testing and chronic intestinal inflammation

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Dysbiosis testing and chronic intestinal inflammation Authors: Khan, Moien; Grech, Godfrey; Boyko, Nadiya Abstract: Chronic intestinal inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to metabolic dysfunction and non-communicable diseases. Central to this process is gut dysbiosis, defined by alterations in microbial richness, function, and distribution that disrupt immune balance, compromise barrier integrity, and impair gut–brain–liver–adipose signaling. Clinical manifestations include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). Importantly, the concept of a “healthy” microbiome is now seen as highly individualized, with microbial strains exerting context-dependent effects within different host environments.; Our next-generation sequencing datasets and predictive mathematical models across cohorts with IBS, IBD, atherosclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder highlight consistent features: depletion of protective species such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila, alongside the expansion of pro-inflammatory organisms. These microbial shifts correlate with barrier damage, immune dysregulation, and greater disease severity. Despite advances in stool sequencing, molecular diagnostics, metabolomics, and breath testing, standardization and predictability remain major challenges.; Within predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (3 PM), microbiome-based signatures hold promise for identifying at-risk individuals, guiding targeted interventions, and enabling longitudinal monitoring. Lifestyle interventions including fiber-rich diets, prebiotics, probiotics, physical activity, stress management, and circadian alignment represent practical strategies for restoring microbial homeostasis and reducing chronic inflammation. Furthermore, Delphi consensus efforts, artificial intelligence tools, and curated databases are advancing the development of precise pharmabiotics and targeted microbiome corrections.; This review advocates for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates microbiome diagnostics, computational modeling, and personalized therapeutics to improve metabolic health and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.

The hidden treasure : exploring the uses and properties of palm date seeds

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The hidden treasure : exploring the uses and properties of palm date seeds Abstract: Palm dates have long been a staple food in many cultures, prized for their rich taste, high nutritional value, and long shelf life. However, one often overlooked part of the date fruit is its seed. In recent years, scientific research and traditional knowledge have revealed a wealth of potential uses for date seeds. From medicinal applications to sustainable materials, these small but powerful seeds are gaining recognition for their remarkable properties.

Wearables for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Wearables for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine Authors: Grech, Godfrey Abstract: Wearable technologies represent one of the most rapidly advancing domains in healthcare innovation. Reflecting the pace of development, the majority of references cited in this chapter were published in 2024 or the first half of 2025. Recent progress has expanded wearable systems far beyond early activity trackers to encompass microneedle patches, hydrogel-based sensors, flexible and skin-conformal devices, and emerging modalities such as wearable ultrasound. These platforms enable continuous, real-world monitoring of a broad spectrum of physiological parameters, including physical signals (e.g., pulse, blood pressure and strain), chemical signals (e.g., pH, glucose and lactate), and electrophysiological signals (e.g., ECG, EMG and EEG).; Multifunctional wearable systems are increasingly prevalent, often integrating sensing, wireless communication, and data analytics within a single platform. Advances in self-powered devices further support long-term, unobtrusive monitoring. Applications now extend across diverse clinical and lifestyle-relevant domains, including sleep and circadian rhythm assessment, cardiovascular monitoring, and musculoskeletal dynamics. In parallel, ingestible “internal” wearables are creating new opportunities for diagnosis and treatment that were previously invasive or impractical, ranging from smart pills to monitoring and management of gastrointestinal infection, hemorrhage and postoperative ileus.; Underpinned by advances in materials science, flexible electronics, wireless communication, and artificial intelligence–driven analytics, wearable technologies are redefining how health is monitored, interpreted and managed. Within the framework of predictive, preventive and personalized medicine, these systems provide the foundation for data-driven lifestyle medicine, enabling early risk detection, personalized intervention and continuous health stewardship. As remaining technical and translational challenges are addressed, wearables are poised to become a central pillar of proactive, personalized healthcare delivery.