Os sistemas de Informação geográfica como ferramenta de análise de ocupação do território na época mesolítica - Ocaso do Valle do Telo-

Jornadas de Jóvenes en Investigación Arqueológica, JIA (3as : 5-7 de mayo 2010 : Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona). Sesión 12. Demographic processes and cultural change : archaeological perspectives.A través da análise dos parâmetros locacionais relevantes às ocupações humanas no vale do Tejo durante o período Atlântico (7 500 - 5 000 BP), e com base na correlação entre a paisagem do passado e a actual criou-se um modelo preditivo recorrendo a um Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), com o duplo objectivo de: 1) identificar potenciais novos sítios arqueológicos; 2) e elaborar uma análise espacial dos sítios, não apenas como entidades únicas - escala microespacial -, mas fazendo parte de uma rede de sítios - escala macroespacial.Through a location parameter analysis related to the human occupation of the Tagus Valley during the Atlantic period (7 500 - 5 000 BP), and based on the correlation between the past and today's landscape, it was created a predictive model using a Geographic Information System (GIS), with two main goals: 1) identify potential new sites; 2) and develop a spatial analysis of sites, not just as single entities - microspatial scale - but as part of a settlement network - macrospatial scale.Mitjançant l'anàlisi dels paràmetres d'ubicació corresponent a l'ocupació humana a la vall del Tajo a l'Atlàntic (7500-5000 BP), i en base a la correlació entre el paisatge del passat i el present s'ha creat un model predictiu usant un sistema de Sistemes d'Informació Geogràfica (SIG), amb el doble objectiu de: 1) identificar possibles llocs nous, 2) i desenvolupar una anàlisi espacial dels llocs, no només com a entitats individuals - escala microespacial - sinó que forma part d'una xarxa de llocs - escala macroespacial

Testing the reliability of CT scan‐based dental wear magnitude scoring

Objectives: Digital models are now frequently used in biological anthropology (bio anthropology) research. Despite several studies validating this type of research, none has examined if the assessment of dental wear magnitude based on Computerized Tomography (CT) scans is reliable. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap and assess if dental wear magnitude scoring based on CT scans provides results consistent with scoring based on direct observation of the physical specimens. Materials and Methods: Dental wear magnitude from 412 teeth of 35 mandibles originating from the Portuguese Muge and Sado Mesolithic shell-middens was scored. The mandibles were also CT scanned and visualized using 3D Slicer. CT scan based scoring of dental wear magnitude was then undertaken. Two scoring rounds were undertaken for each observation method (totaling four scoring rounds) and an intra-observer error test was performed. The averaged results of the two observation methods were compared via boxplots with paired cases. Results: Intra-observer error was negligible and non-significant. Scoring results are comparable between the two observation methods. Notwithstanding, some differ ences were found, in which CT scan assessment generally overestimates dental wear when compared to direct observation. Discussion: Our results generally validate the use of CT scans in studies of dental wear magnitude. Notwithstanding several caveats relating to CT scanning and visualization limitations should be considered to avoid over or under-estimation of dental wear.ALG-01-0145-FEDER-29680, 57/2016/CP1361/CT0029info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Variabilidad espacial del óxido nitroso en los estuarios del Miño y Lima (Portugal)

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent long-lived greenhouse gas and estuaries represent potentially important sources of this biogas to the atmosphere. In this work, we analyse the first N2O data obtained in the Minho and Lima estuaries, and the processes and environmental factors that may regulate its production in these systems. In September 2006, N2O attained values of up to 20.0 nmol L–1 in the upper reaches of the Lima estuary and the river was, apparently, the main source of biogas to the system. In Minho N2O reached a maximum of 14.4 nmol L–1 and nitrification appeared to contribute to the enhancement of N2O. In the upper estuary, the relatively high concentrations of nitrification substrate NH4+, the positive correlations found between N2O level above atmospheric equilibrium (ΔN2O) and apparent oxygen utilization and NO2–, and the negative correlations between ΔN2O and NH4+ and pH can be interpreted as in situ N2O production through pelagic nitrification. Principal component analysis gave evidence of considerable differences between upper estuaries, particularly in terms of higher N2O in Lima and NH4+ in Minho. Surface waters of both estuaries were always N2O-supersaturated (101-227%) and estimated N2O emissions from Minho and Lima were 0.28 Mg N2O-N yr–1 and 0.96 Mg N2O-N yr–1, respectively, which represent a reduced fraction of N2O global emission from European estuaries.El óxido nitroso es un poderoso gas de efecto invernadero y los estuarios representan potenciales fuentes de este biogás a la atmósfera. En este trabajo se analizan los primeros datos de N2O obtenidos en los estuarios de Miño y Lima, así como los procesos y factores ambientales que pueden regular su producción en estos sistemas. En septiembre de 2006, N2O alcanzó en el tramo superior del Lima valores de hasta 20,0 nmol L–1 y el río Lima fue, aparentemente, la principal fuente de biogás para el sistema. En el Miño N2O alcanzó una concentración máxima de 14,4 nmol L–1 y la nitrificación parece contribuir al aumento de N2O. En el tramo superior del Miño las concentraciones relativamente altas del substrato de nitrificación NH4+ y las correlaciones positivas encontradas entre el exceso de N2O (ΔN2O) y el consumo aparente de oxígeno (AOU) y NO2–, y las correlaciones negativas entre ΔN2O, NH4+ y pH pueden interpretarse como una producción in situ de N2O debido a la nitrificación pelágica. El Análisis de Componentes Principales evidenció diferencias considerables entre la cabecera de los estuarios particularmente en términos de mayor concentración de N2O en el Lima y NH4+ en el Miño. Las aguas superficiales del Miño y del Lima presentaban sobresaturación de N2O (101-227%) y las emisiones estimadas de N2O fueron de 0,28 Mg de N2O-N año–1 y 0,96 Mg de N2O-N año–1, respectivamente, que representan una fracción reducida de las emisiones totales de N2O procedentes de los estuarios europeos

Mycotoxins production by Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from harvested maize

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by some species of filamentous fungi known to cause serious health problems in humans and animals. In cereals, the key mycotoxigenic fungi in partially dried grains are Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxins), A. ochraceus (ochratoxin A) and some Fusarium species (fumonisins, trichothecenes), being maize is one of the more susceptible commodities. Aflatoxins (AF) produced by Aspergillus section Flavi species and fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides are prominent mycotoxins associated with maize economic losses. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is produced predominantly by A. flavus strains and occurs naturally in a wide variety of crop products as a co-contaminant with AF. In Portugal, maize is one of the most important field crops. In 1999, maize occupied 163 497 ha, with a production of 933 800 tons. The aim of this work was to detect whether the isolated species of Aspergillus section Flavi were AF and CPA producers and whether these mycotoxins were present in post-harvested maize samples. In order to do so, ninety five maize samples were collected from different agroclimatic regions of Portugal. From these samples, 25 grains chosen randomly were plated in 5 Petri dishes with solidified agar, incubated and the Aspergillus section Flavi strains were isolated under stereomicroscope observation. All these strains were screened for AF and CPA production, as described elsewhere (Soares et al, 2010). Also, the maize samples were screened for AF and CPA. The extraction methodology was based on protocols provided by Vicam for aflatoxins (AF), with immunoaffinity clean-up and a chloroform extraction was used for cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Both methods were validated by analysis of replicate spiked samples with 40 µg/Kg of AF and 4000 µg/Kg of CPA. A matrix blank was also analyzed to determine any residual mycotoxin levels. In conclusion, four hundred and seventeen strains of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from maize grains from three Portuguese regions were evaluated for AF and CPA production on agar plates. These were found in seventy four samples (78%). CPA and AF were produced by 74% and 40% of the isolates, respectively. Mycotoxin detection of the 95 samples obtained was also performed revealing that 8% of the samples were positive for aflatoxins. CPA was not detected in any sample.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH / BD / 37264 / 200

Mycotoxins in post-harvest maize in three Portuguese regions

The reduction of yield, quality, and nutritional value of grain cereals by filamentous fungi and subsequent contamination with mycotoxins is of great concern around the world. Mycotoxins are known to cause serious health problems in animals causing weight gain reduction, capillary fragility, reduced fertility, suppressed disease resistance, and even death. Some mycotoxins such as fumonisins, aflatoxins and ochratoxins, in particular, have also been associated with human health problems. The key mycotoxigenic moulds in partially dried grain are Aspergillus flavus(aflatoxins), A. ochraceus (ochratoxins) and some Fusarium species (fumonisins, trichothecenes) on temperate and tropical cereals. Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus section Flavi species, and fumonisins, produced by Fusarium verticillioides, are prominent among the mycotoxins associated to maize economic losses (Zea mays L.). The presence of aflatoxins and fumonisins in maize is of particular concern for maize products, as both mycotoxins are heat stable and survive the temperatures used in drying and maize processing. The presence of a given fungus does not mean that the mycotoxin(s) associated with that fungus are also present. There are many factors, especially environmental conditions and agricultural practices, involved in the production of mycotoxins.The aim of this work was to detect whether mycotoxins were present in post-harvested maize. Ninety five maize samples collected from different agroclimatic regions of Portugal (Beira Litoral, Ribatejo, Alto Alentejo) were analyzed by HPLC for mycotoxin contamination. These samples were taken in three different steps of the storage chain and moisture content was measured immediately after sampling. Strains of Aspergillus section Flavi and Aspergilllus section Nigri were isolated after plating in MEA10. Several assays with different solvent mixes and shaking times were tested allowing the development of a simultaneous extraction based in protocols provided by Vicam of aflatoxins (AF), ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) with immunoaffinity columns. This method was validated by analysis of replicate spiked samples with 40µg/Kg of AF; 7 µg/Kg of OTA and 200µg/Kg of FB2. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) extraction was the one used by Mictotox LTDA. This method was validated by analysis of replicate spiked samples with 4000µg/Kg of CPA. Spiked samples were allowed to equilibrate for 24 hours prior to extraction. In addition, a matrix blank was also analyzed to determine any residual mycotoxin levels. Overall, three batches of duplicate spiked samples and one blank sample were analysed. From the 95 samples obtained 287 strains belonging to Aspergillus section Nigri and 417 strains belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi were isolated. Mycotoxins were detected in 67% the samples. Sixty four percent of the samples were positive for FB1 and FB2 with values below 100µg/Kg (LOD of 0.1µg/Kg). Only 8% of the samples were positive for aflatoxins (LOD of 0.1µg/Kg), being AFB1, AFG1 and AFG2 detected in 5, 5 and 1 sample, respectively. AFB2 was not detected. Levels for AFB1 and AFG1 ranged from 0.1-0.5 µg/Kg. Neither OTA (LOD of 0.04µg/Kg) nor CPA (LOD of 10µg/Kg) was detected in any sample. Validation tests revealed recovery values between 61- 68 % for AF, 70% for OTA, 81 % for FB2 and 83% for CPA.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BD/37264/200

Mycotoxin detection of harvested maize kernels

Mycotoxins are known to cause serious health problems in animals. Some mycotoxins such as fumonisins, aflatoxins and ochratoxins, in particular, have also been associated with human health problems. Aflatoxins, produced by Aspergillus section Flavi species, and fumonisins, produced by Fusarium verticillioides, are prominent among the mycotoxins associated to maize economic losses (Zea mays L.) (Kumar et al. 2008). There are many factors, especially environmental conditions and agricultural practices, involved in the production of mycotoxins (Chulze, 2010).The aim of this work was to detect whether mycotoxins were present in post-harvested maize. Ninety five maize samples collected from different agroclimatic regions of Portugal (Beira Litoral, Ribatejo, Alto Alentejo) were analyzed by HPLC for mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins were detected in 67% the samples. Sixty four percent of the samples were positive for FB1 and FB2. Only 8% of the samples were positive for aflatoxins (LOD of 0.1µg/Kg). Neither OTA (LOD of 0.04µg/Kg) nor CPA (LOD of 10µg/Kg) was detected in any sample

Eosinophilic esophagitis-endoscopic distinguishing findings

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is the most frequent condition found in a group of gastrointestinal disorders called eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. The hypothetical pathophysiological mechanism is related to a hypersensitivity reaction. Gastroesophageal reflux disease- like complaints not ameliorated by acid blockade or occasional symptoms of dysphagia or food impaction are likely presentations of EE. Due to its unclear pathogenesis and unspecific symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose EE without a strong suspicion. Although histological criteria are necessary to diagnosis EE, there are some characteristic endoscopic features. We present the case of a healthy 55-year-old woman with dysphagia and several episodes of esophageal food impaction over the last six months. This case report stresses the most distinguishing endoscopic findings-mucosa rings, white exudative plaques and linear furrows-that can help in the prompt recognition of this condition

Mesolithic and chalcolithic mandibular morphology: using geometric morphometrics to reconstruct incomplete specimens and analyse morphology

Human skeletal remains are routinely used to examine cultural and biological aspects of past populations. Yet, archaeological specimens are frequently fragmented/incomplete and so excluded from analyses. This leads to decreased sample sizes and to potentially biased results. Digital methods are now frequently used to restore/estimate the original morphology of fragmented/incomplete specimens. Such methods include 3D digitisation and Geometric Morphometrics (GM). The latter is also a solidly established method now to examine morphology. In this study, we use GM-based methods to estimate the original morphology of incomplete Mesolithic and Chalcolithic mandibles originating from present Portugal and perform ensuing morphological analyses. Because mandibular morphology is known to relate to population history and diet, we hypothesised the two samples would differ. Thirty-seven specimens (12 complete and 25 incomplete) were CT-scanned and landmarked. Originally complete specimens were used as reference to estimate the location of absent anatomical landmarks in incomplete specimens. As predicted, our results show shape differences between the two samples which are likely due to the compounded effect of contrasting population histories and diets.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Intermediate water masses off south-southwest Portugal: Chemical tracers

Biogeochemical tracers, as dissolved oxygen and nutrients, were measured during several surveys carried out between 1999 and 2001, off south-southwestern Portugal. The dense vertical and horizontal sampling allows the extensions of intermediate water masses present in the region to be resolved. A subsurface minimum salinity water layer, exhibiting values of apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) in the range 40 – 60 μmol/kg and intruding into the study area mainly from the south-southwest, is proposed to be a remnant of the Subarctic Intermediate Water (SAIW). A deeper salinity minimum displaying high concentrations of nutrients and AOU (~100 μmol/kg) and identified as a branch of the Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), is observed to derive from the western African coast and to penetrate the area predominantly from the south-southeastern side. The salty and warm Mediterranean Water (MW) present in the same density range as the fresher intermediate waters, reveals differentiated chemical properties at the various depths depending on the surrounding waters. Analysis of water masses gives an indication that the collapse of the fresher waters into a narrow range of salinity values (35.58 –35.64) at intermediate levels is favored by the strong presence of the MW outflow, and that the admixture of the fresher waters with the MW outflow very likely induces the formation, splitting and spreading of several MW cores extending westwards along the Portuguese coast