A post-cranial osteometrical database for the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838)

[EN] Body size analyses in zooarchaeology require reliable osteometrical databases in order to evaluate phenomena such as the existence of diachronic and geographic changes and the estimation of the sex ratio. Despite it being a major hunting item in the Iberian Peninsula since Upper Palaeolithic times, the Spanish ibex presently lacks such a reference database. This paper intends to address such absence by offering a comprehensive overview of selected postcranial measurements of the Spanish ibex that includes data from the two extant sub-species, plus a compilation of measurements from Upper Pleistocene Basque Country sites and those retrieved at Sector C of the NE Iberian site of Cova Fosca.[ES] En Zooarqueología la evaluación del tamaño corporal, tanto para inferir cambios de talla espacio-temporales como para estimar la proporción de sexos, requiere de bases de datos que abarquen la variabilidad documentada para dicha especie. Siendo la cabra montés un recurso clave en la Península Ibérica desde el Paleolítico Superior, sorprende la falta de bases de datos osteométricos. Este trabajo pretende neutralizar tal ausencia para el caso del esqueleto postcraneal incorporando medidas de las dos subespecies existentes, así como una recopilación de medidas de yacimientos vascos del Pleistoceno Superior y las de la colección recuperada en el Sector C del abrigo levantino de Cova Fosca.Llorente research is supported by the European Comission under a Marie Curie-Slodowska IF Action 658072.Peer Reviewe

The fishes from Cova Fosca (Castellón, Spain): ¿Lost signatures of a hunter gatherer tradition?

The small collection of marine fish remains retrieved at the Epipaleolithic-Neolithic site of Cova Fosca is presented. The relevance of these presumably food items is not quantitative but qualitatively, as it reveals a movement of people between the mountains and the shore taking place for at least 6 millennia rather than a movement of objects, a phenomenon that is discussed from the standpoint of the characteristics of the fish remains themselves but also their ecology and taphonomy, in the context of the archaeological sequenceEn este trabajo se detalla la minúscula colección de peces recuperados en el yacimiento Epipaleolítico-Neolítico de Cova Fosca. La importancia de estos presumibles restos de comida no es tanto cuantitativa como cualitativa dado que creemos evidencia un movimiento regular de gente, y no sólo de restos animales, entre la costa y la montaña que se prolongó durante, cuando menos, seis milenios. El fenómeno se valora desde la perspectiva de las características de los restos ícticos, así como de la ecología de los peces, su tafonomía y el contexto de la secuencia arqueológic

Las Náyades (Mollusca, Unionoida) del Calcolítico de Camino de las Yeseras (San Fernando de Henares, Madrid)

[ES] El registro pretérito de las náyades o almejas de agua dulce ibéricas continúa siendo muy pobre a pesar del auge de los análisis arqueomalacológicos en la Península durante la pasada década. Las náyades recuperadas en el yacimiento de Camino de Las Yeseras representan, por ello, una importante aportación que proporciona información sobre tres aspectos independientes: (i) el uso dado a estas náyades, que presumiblemente abarcaba tanto actividades utilitarias como rituales, (ii) la paleobiogeografía de estas especies y (iii) la calidad de las aguas en el entorno del yacimiento durante el Calcolítico. El estudio valora la presencia de los peces recuperados en Camino de las Yeseras desde la perspectiva de potenciales hospedadores de las larvas (gloquidios) de las náyades.[EN] The ancient record of the Iberian naiads is still poorly documented despite the development of archaeomalacological research that has taken place over the past decade in the peninsula. The naiad remains retrieved at Camino de las Yeseras thus constitute a welcome addition that provides information concerning three diferent aspects, namely: (i) the use given to these molluscs, which apparently was of both utilitarian and ritual connotations, (ii) the paleobiogeography of the group, and (iii) the quality of the waters close to the site during the Chalcolithic period. The study discusses the presence of the fish taxa documented at Camino de las Yeseras from the standpoint of their role as hosts of the naiads’ larval stages (glochidia).Peer reviewe

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Fresh Produce

15 p.Fresh vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, but microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables is a serious concern to human health, not only for the presence of foodborne pathogens but because they can be a vehicle for the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This work aimed to investigate the importance of fresh produce in the transmission of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae. A total of 174 samples of vegetables (117) and farm environment (57) were analysed to determine enterobacterial contamination and presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Enterobacterial counts above the detection limit were found in 82.9% vegetable samples and 36.8% environmental samples. The average count was 4.2 log cfu/g or mL, with a maximum value of 6.2 log cfu/g in a parsley sample. Leafy vegetables showed statistically significant higher mean counts than other vegetables. A total of 15 ESBL-producing isolates were obtained from vegetables (14) and water (1) samples and were identified as Serratia fonticola (11) and Rahnella aquatilis (4). Five isolates of S. fonticola were considered multi-drug resistant. Even though their implication in human infections is rare, they can become an environmental reservoir of antibiotic-resistance genes that can be further disseminated along the food chainS

Bacterial immunotherapy is highly effective in reducing recurrent upper respiratory tract infections in children: a prospective observational study

Purpose Whilst immunotherapy is an appealing option as it could reduce the burden of recurrent pediatric respiratory tract infections (RTI), there is limited evidence on its effectiveness and more research was requested in order to better understand this therapeutic modality. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study involving 57 subjects to assess the safety and effectiveness a 3-month regimen of either typified or patient-specific bacterial lysates could have in reducing the number of RTIs in children aged 0 to 11 years with histories of recurrent episodes. Results After a 6-month follow-up, the number of RTIs and school absenteeism dropped sharply and significantly, from an adjusted mean (standard error) of 0.6 (0.04) episodes/month to 0.1 (0.03) episodes/month (74.7% reduction, P < 0.001), and from an adjusted mean score of 4.6 (1.06) points to 0.0 (0.01) points over 10 (99.5% reduction, P < 0.001), respectively. There was also a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms. No adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion The use of the study product is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent RTIs in children, with a very favorable safety profile that warrants further investigation in randomized clinical trials

Fish- and Shellmiddens from Galicia (Northwest Spain): Reflections upon a Neglected Coastal Cultural Heritage from the Iberian Peninsula

[EN] The physiographical features of the Galician sea, in particular its temperature, marine currents and plankton richness, have turned its waters into one of the most biologically diversified marine regions of the planet. The 1500 km of shorelines from this Northwest Iberian region are dotted with rías (Galician fjords) where settlements devoted to fishing and trade have existed since prehistoric times. These activities left abundant testimonies in terms of archaeological deposits. In recent decades, urban/industrial development, as well as a number of natural agents (e.g., storms, sea level rise, climate change), is rapidly erasing the evidences of this rich cultural heritage. Loss of fish and shellmiddens in particular will hamper our ability to infer traditional lifeways, doing away with evidence that is crucial to monitoring past climatic changes and to inferring those biological conditions under which marine species and coastal populations thrived in the past. This paper surveys some issues dealing with the coastal bio-archaeological heritage of Galicia, and the risks these deposits face. It concludes with a proposal to save this increasingly threatened marine heritage.S

Elucidating historical fisheries’ networks in the Iberian Peninsula using stable isotopes

[EN] Processed fish is known to have been systematically traded in Europe since the Early Middle Ages to meet increasing demand of incipient markets and religious precepts, yet specific details regarding the supply of different fish in Southern Europe is often missing. Here, we address this gap through an integrated approach involving bone metrics and stable isotopic analysis of archaeological European hake (Merluccius merluccius, Merluccidae) from the Iberian Peninsula. The results offer new insights regarding historical fisheries production systems, including the regions exploited and commercial routes, whilst also revealing biological differences between archaeological and present-day hake populations in the North-east Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. This research highlights the fruitful result of combining ichthyoarchaeological and historical data for tracking down the origin and development of historical fisheries in south-western Europe and their bearing on modern fisheries.SIThis research was mainly supported by the European Commission through the FISHARC-IF 658022 Marie-Curie-Sklodowska-IF fellowship for Career development. Additional support was received by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness [HAR 2014-55722-P (Ictioarqueologia de la Prehistoria cantábrica: Modelos para la caracterización de las primeras pesquerías europeas), HAR 2017-88325-P (Historical archaeobiology of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius, L.1758) in the NE Atlantic: The Iberian evidence (AD 10th–18th)), and the European Molecular Biology Organization (ASTF 354-2016). The research is also under the framework of the the Leidse Universiteit Fonds-Bakels 2021 fund, the PID-118662GB-100 (FISHCIIS - Fishing Isotopes) project from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Research Group of Cultural Landscapes and Heritage of the University of the Basque Country. We finally want to thank two anonymous reviewers for their helpful suggestions that have improved the quality of this paper. This work contributes to the “María de Maeztu” Programme for Units of Excellence of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (CEX2019-000940-M)

Adequacy and study of skeletal remains in forensic anthropology

Demostrada la importancia de la antropología forense en la identificación positiva de restos óseos humanos, consideramos relevante el aprendizaje de un manejo básico de las técnicas por los estudiantes del Grado de Medicina, en el contexto de la asignatura “Medicina Legal y Ética”. El objetivo principal era aplicar conocimientos teóricos y técnicas de antropología física y forense para identificación de casos reales mediante dinámicas de trabajo en grupo, concluyendo con una toma de decisiones justificada. Se organizaron 16 talleres de 2 horas de duración para grupos de 8 alumnos, utilizando restos esqueléticos de 4 individuos mezclados con huesos animales. Distribuidos por parejas, y una vez identificados los restos humanos, aislaron los 4 esqueletos realizando un inventario de los huesos disponibles, y una estimación básica del perfil biológico de cada uno de ellos: sexo, edad y estatura. Dichos datos fueron consignados en un formulario protocolizado de trabajo, que entregaron al finalizar la práctica. Posteriormente, realizaron un cuestionario anónimo de 10 preguntas, sobre el grado de satisfacción acerca de contenidos, metodología, y utilidad en su formación. Con una tasa de respuesta del 78,4% (n=125) las puntuaciones medias más elevadas fueron otorgadas a los ítems relacionados con: profesor y materia (χ 4,98; Dt. 0,14), claridad expositiva (χ 4,94; Dt. 0,24) y adecuación de metodología (χ 4,92; Dt. 0,28). Además de los resultados favorables obtenidos, se objetivó mediante los formularios protocolizados, la adecuada resolución de casos prácticos reales, basada en una toma de decisiones conjunta y justificada en base a los conocimientos teóricos aprendidos.Having demonstrated the importance of forensic anthropology in the positive identification of human skeletal remains, we consider it relevant to learn a basic management of the techniques by the students of the Medical Degree, in the context of the subject "Legal Medicine and Ethics". The main objective was to apply theoretical and technical knowledge on physical and forensic anthropology to identify real cases through group work dynamics, concluding with justified decision making. Sixteen 2-hour workshops were organized for groups of 8 students, using skeletal remains of 4 individuals mixed with animal bones. After the human remains were identified, the four skeletons were isolated and an inventory of the available bones was made. The basic biological profile of each of them was analyzed: sex, age and height. These data were entered in a protocol form, which they delivered at the end of the practice. Subsequently, they conducted an anonymous questionnaire of 10 items about the degree of satisfaction on contents, methodology, and utility in their training. With a response rate of 78.4% (n = 125), the highest mean scores were given to items related to: teacher and subject (χ 4,98; Dt. 0.14), expository clarity (χ 4, 94, Dt. 0.24) and adequacy of methodology (χ 4,92, Dt. 0,28). In addition to the favorable results obtained, it was objectified through the protocolized forms, the adequate resolution of real practical cases, based on a joint decision making and justified on the theoretical contents learned

Lisofosfolipidoen eta Alzheimer gaixotasunaren arteko erlazioa: etorkizuneko itu farmakologikoaren bila

Lipidoak funtzio energetikoaz eta egitura-funtzioez gain deskribatu diren beste funtzioei esker garrantzitsuak bilakatzen ari dira. Funtzio neurotransmisorea edota neuromoduladorea aurkeztu duten lipidoen artean, lisofosfolipidoak aurkitu ditzakegu. Lisofosfolipidoak lipido molekula txiki bioaktiboak, karbonodun kate bakarra eta buru polar bat edukitzeagatik bereizten direnak dira. Lisofosfolipidoen artean, azido lisofosfatidikoa eta esfingosina 1-fosfatoaren egitura eta sistemen funtzioak izan dira hobeto deskribatu direnak. Lisofosfolipidoak zelulaz kanpoko bitartekari aritzen dira berentzat espezifikoak diren G proteinei loturiko hartzaileak aktibatuz. Molekula horien seinaleztapenaren bidez zenbait prozesu neurokimiko modulatzen dira, adibidez, neuromodulazioa eta neuroinflamazioa. Gainera, ikasketarekin eta oroimenarekin erlazioa erakutsi dute. Horren haritik, orain arte ondoen deskribatutako lisofosfolipidoen sistemak, azido lisofosfatidikoa eta esfingosina l-fosfatoa, hain zuzen ere, asaldatuta daude Alzheimer gaixotasunean eta gaixotasun honetako zenbait animalia-eredutan. Aldaketa horien zentzua oraindik ez dago finkatuta, baina haien eragina beste neurotransmisio-sistemen edota bestelako funtzio biologikoen modulazioaren bidez gerta daitezke. Beraz, lipido hauek etorkizun handiko itu farmakologikoak izan daitezke Alzheimer gaixotasunean agertzen diren sintoma neuropatologikoak eta neuropsikiatrikoak arintzeko. Hortaz, merkatuan dauden lipidoen seinaleztapena itutzat duten eta beste neuroendekapenezko gaixotasunak tratatzeko erabilgarriak diren farmakoak baliagarriak izan litezke Alzheimer gaixotasuna tratatzeko, aukera emanez horrela Alzheimer gaixotasuna tratatzeko dagoen hutsune farmakologikoa betetzeko.; In addition to energy and structural functions, lipids are becoming important thanks to the other functions described. Some lipids have been shown to exhibit neurotransmitter or neuromodulatory function, including lysophospholipids. Lysophospholipids are small bioactive lipid molecules that are distinguished only by having a single carbon chain and a single polar head. The lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine l-phosphate structure and system functions are best described among those with neurotransmitter function. Lysophospholipids act as extracellular mediators that activate receptor-specific G proteins that are specific to them. The signaling of these molecules modulate certain neurochemical processes, including neuromodulation and neuroinflammation. They have also presented the relationship with learning and memory. In this respect, the best described lysophospholipid systems, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate, are indeed disturbed in Alzheimer’s disease and in some animal models of this disease. The meaning of these changes is not yet established, but their effect may be related to the modulation of other neurotransmission systems or other biological functions. These lipids are therefore supposed to be the promising pharmacological targets to alleviate the neuropathological and neuropsychiatric symptoms that appear in Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, marketed drugs that have lipid signaling as a pharmacological target and that are useful to treat other neurodegenerative diseases could be also helpful to treat the Alzheimer’s disease, and with this it might be possible to fill the pharmacological gap in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease so far