0232 : Small, medium but not large arteries are involved in digital ulcers associated with systemic sclerosis

BackgroundDigital ulcers (DU) are a burden in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Microangiopathy is a cardinal feature of SSc that plays a critical role in the development of DU. However, whether injury of medium or large vessels also contributes to DU in SSc is unknown.MethodsTo measure concomitantly in SSc patients with and without active DU i) the Augmentation Index of the reflected wave (Aix_75) by radial applanation tonometry, an index of small and medium arterial function, II) the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of large vessel injury (aortic stiffness).Results63 consecutive SSc patients were included (49 females, aged 57±12 years, disease duration 9.7±7.1 years), including 10 (15.9%) with active DU.Patients with active DU versus those without had increased Aix_75 (35% [28-38] versus 28% [20-34], p=0.041) whereas no difference existed in PWV (7,0m/s [6.7-10.1] versus 7,6m/s [6.8-8.7], p=0.887), in systolic, diastolic, as well as aortic pulse pressure (p=0.126, 0.592, and 0.161 respectively).By multivariate analysis, DU remained independently associated with Aix_75 (p=0.020).Using Aix_75 as a longitudinal variable, and when compared to patients in the low tertile, patients having Aix_75 in the highest tertile had ten-fold more DU (OR=10.23; 95% CI 1.12 to 93.34, p=0.039).ConclusionThe presence of DU is independently associated with Aix_75 whereas there is no relation with PWV. These data suggest that small and medium arteries are involved in the occurrence of DU whether large vessel stiffness does not contribute. Whether Aix_75 is predictive of further DU remained to be studied

Steppes, savannahs, forests and phytodiversity reservoirs during the Pleistocene in the Iberian Peninsula

A palaeobotanical analysis of the Pleistocene floras and vegetation in the Iberian Peninsula shows the existence of patched landscapes with Pinus woodlands, deciduous and mixed forests, parklands (savannah-like), shrublands, steppes and grasslands. Extinctions of Arctotertiary woody taxa are recorded during the Early and Middle Pleistocene, but glacial refugia facilitated the survival of a number of temperate, Mediterranean and Ibero-North African woody angiosperms. The responses of Iberian vegetation to climatic changes during the Pleistocene have been spatially and temporarily complex, including rapid changes of vegetation in parallel to orbital and suborbital variability, and situations of multi-centennial resilience or accommodation to climatic changes. Regional characteristics emerged as soon as for the Middle Pleistocene, if not earlier: Ericaceae in the Atlantic coast indicating wetter climate, thermo-mediterranean elements in the south as currently, and broad-leaf trees in the northeastern. Overall, steppe landscapes and open Pinus woodlands prevailed over many continental regions during the cold spells of the Late Pleistocene. The maintenance of a high phytodiversity during the glacials was linked to several refuge zones in the coastal shelves of the Mediterranean and intramountainous valleys. Northern Iberia, especially on coastal areas, was also patched with populations of tree species, and this is not only documented by palaeobotanical data (pollen, charcoal) but also postulated by phylogeographical models

Neanderthal firewood management: Evidence from Stratigraphic Unit IV of Abric del Pastor (Eastern Iberia)

This paper presents anthracological data from Abric del Pastor (Alcoi, Spain), a Middle Paleolithic rock shelter site. Analysis of 1077 wood charcoal remains from Stratigraphic Unit IV (S.U. IV), collected within archaeological combustion structures and from loose sediment outside of structures, allowed us to characterise the local landscape, as well as to approach the interaction between Neanderthal groups and their local environment. Taxonomic identification suggests that firewood was gathered from nearby sources, with predominance of juniper (Juniperus sp.) followed by thermophilous shrubby taxa. Additional analysis focussing on post-depositional processes affecting charcoal have shown features indicative of biodegradation and mechanical action. The results of this study contribute significant anthracological data towards our understanding of Late Pleistocene Mediterranean landscapes and Neanderthal forest management in this region