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Systematic studies on Late Islamic cemeteries that integrate architectural, ritual, and biological aspects remain relatively rare, particularly in Islamic countries or regions with an active Muslim presence. Typically, available research focuses more on epigraphic and artistic features. Since 2018, excavations at the Cathedral and surveys in the ruins of the city of Adulis (Massawa, Eritrea) have uncovered 326 Muslim graves: six dating to the 15th and 18th centuries CE and 320 attributed to the mid-19th to the early 20th century CE. These discoveries have enabled, for the first time in Eritrea, a detailed scientific study of the biological characteristics of the human remains, the funerary architecture, and the burial rites of Muslim communities from the 15th to the early 20th century. The skeletal remains were analyzed through taphonomic and anthropological studies. The graves were categorized into various typologies based on their structural features, while evidence of funerary rituals was documented as indicative elements of the burial practices adopted. These findings were further enriched by ethnographic sources and collaborative work with local communities, who acted as custodians of the historical memory and traditions of the region. The results provide insights into a historical period of Eritrea that is otherwise poorly documented. More broadly, they contribute to the understanding of the history of the Horn of Africa, a region with limited data from funerary and archaeological contexts. The Muslim cemeteries of Adulis represent the most extensively investigated Muslim burial site in recent years, providing critical insights into the historical Muslim presence in the region. These findings also allow researchers to hypothesize the succession of various communities that chose Adulis as a central location for interring their deceased, reflecting its enduring significance as a focal point for cultural and ritual practices across different periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections pose a significant threat to morbidity and mortality during treatments for pediatric cancer patients. Efforts to minimize the risk of infection necessitate preventive measures encompassing both environmental and host-focused strategies. While a substantial number of infections in oncologic patients originate from microorganisms within their native microbiological environment, such as the oral cavity, intestines, and skin, the concrete risk of bloodstream infections linked to the consumption of contaminated food and beverages in the community cannot be overlooked. Ensuring food quality and hygiene is essential to mitigating the impact of foodborne illnesses on vulnerable patients. The neutropenic diet (ND) has been proposed to minimize the risk of sepsis during neutropenic periods. The ND aims to minimize bacterial entry into the gut and bacterial translocation. However, a standardized definition for ND and consensus guidelines for specific food exclusions are lacking. Most centers adopt ND during neutropenic phases, but challenges in achieving caloric intake are common. The ND has not demonstrated any associated benefits and does not ensure improved overall survival. Consequently, providing unified and standardized food safety instructions is imperative for pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Despite the lack of evidence, ND is still widely administered to both pediatric and adult patients as a precautionary measure. This narrative review focuses on the impact of foodborne infections in pediatric cancer patients and the role of the ND in comparison to food safety practices in patients undergoing chemotherapy or HCT. Prioritizing education regarding proper food storage, preparation, and cooking techniques proves more advantageous than merely focusing on dietary limitations. The absence of standardized guidelines underscores the necessity for further research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with cancer are at high risk for developing short-term and long-term nutritional problems related to their underlying disease and side effects of multimodal treatments. Nutritional status (NS) can influence several clinical outcomes, such as overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), treatment tolerance, risk of developing infections and quality of life (QoL). However, the importance of nutrition in children with cancer is still underestimated. This review focuses on alterations of NS that occurs in children during cancer treatment. In particular, we reviewed the pathogenesis of undernutrition in oncological children, as well as how NS affects treatment tolerance and response, the immune system and the risk of infections of children with cancer. Thanks to recent advances in all types of supportive therapy and to the progress of knowledge on this topic, it has been realized that NS is a modifiable prognostic factor that can be intervened upon to improve the outcome of these patients. Currently, there is a lack of a systematic approach and standard recommendations for nutritional care in the pediatric cancer population. Literature analysis showed that it is essential to define the NS and treat any alterations in a timely manner ensuring proper growth and development. Nutritional follow-up should become an integral part of the care pathway. Regular nutritional monitoring should be performed at diagnosis, during treatment and during follow-up. A close collaboration and sharing of expertise between pediatric oncologists and nutrition specialists, combined with careful and participatory sharing of the feeding experience with the family and the child (after age 6 years), is strongly required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an immune-mediated, inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that usually affects children and young adults after an infection or vaccination. The presence of several conditions mimicking ADEM, added to the lack of specific biomarkers, makes diagnosis potentially hard. Prompt diagnosis is necessary to start adequate treatment to improve the clinical course and long-term outcome. Because of its heterogeneity in both clinical presentation and course, challenges remain in establishing the most appropriate therapeutic approach in each patient. The aim of this review is to provide an update on management of this disease with a focus on acute treatment and to give suggestions for future research. We showed that there are currently no guidelines that help clinicians manage ADEM and therapeutic decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis. Further studies are necessary to identify clinical, laboratory, and instrumental criteria that could be correlated with outcomes and guide clinicians in choosing when and what treatment should be given in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]