U-series dating applied to speleothems from Los Covachos Cave, South of Spain

U-Series dating method is applied to speleo thems from Los Covachos Cave in the south of Spain. A combination of solvent extraction method with ion exchange resins is used for uranium and thorium isotopes. Uranium concentrations are low and for younger samples correction by detrital contamination is necessary. Ages obtained range from 30 to 135 ky with a hiatus between 50 and 80 ky BP. Changes in uranium isotopes activity ratios indicate a change in climatic conditions

U/Th dating of impure carbonates: 230Th/232Th activity ratios in detrital material

In environmental age dating the 230Th/232Th activity ratio is widely used as an indicator of detrital contamination. A clear relationship between this activity ratio and the carbonate sample’s age has previously been demonstrated, whereby a detrital correction must be applied when the 230Th/232Th activity ratio of the leach drops to 20. We demonstrate that in some cases carbonate samples with 230Th/232Th well above 20 must be corrected, otherwise an overestimation of the sample’s age is obtained. Evaluation of the relationship between 230Th/234U and 230Th/232Th in the carbonate’s aliquots will enable evalua-tion of the limit at which a carbonate can be considered pure or impure.European Union (UE) EU MEDOC Programme: 2002-02-4.1-U-04

U-series dating of speleothems from the Sierra del Endrinal (Grazalema Mountains, S Spain)

The uranium-series method is applied to date relic flowstone from karstic mountains in the south of Spain. Geomorphological mapping shows three staircased erosion surfaces with a typical karst landform. Exhumed flowstones fill the surficial palaeosinkholes and open fractures. Some of the samples analysed were impure carbonates consequently the leachate–leachate method was used to obtain activity ratios in the carbonate fraction. The ages obtained range from 34.4 ky to 266 ky and are grouped in four periods: 30–50 ky, 90–110 ky, 150 ky and 230–270 ky. All these periods are related to the warm climate oxygen isotope stages 3 and 5. Practically all locations present secular equilibrium in uranium isotopes

Estadística. Volum 1

Diplomatura en Ciències Empresarials. C23: Estadístic

Neotectonics and shoreline history of the Rock of Gibraltar, southern Iberia

Several sets of staircased Quaternary marine deposits can be observed along the Gibraltar coast ranging from 1 to 210 m above the present mean sea level. Geomorphological mapping establishes, from the relationship between shore, scree and dune sedimentary formations, five main morphotectonic steps on the Rock: marine terraces between 1 and 25 m, 30–60 m, 80–130 m, 180– 210 m, and above. Each terrace level and its slope-aeolian linked sediments is backed by a steep relict sea cliff margin, so forming a composite cliff. The most recent coastal landforms and sediments are associated with the last 250 ka linked to Oxygen Isotope Stages (OIS) 1, 3, 5 and 7. These landforms determine a morphosedimentary highstand-lowstand sequence, with several staircased and offlapped episodes, comprising a major morphotectonic step. A well-developed palaeocliff usually separates the highstand marine terraces of OIS 9 from those of OIS 7. The Gibraltar mean tectonic uplift value of 0.0570.01 mm/yr is maintained from 200 ka to the present. Before this, at least to 250 ka, the mean uplift rate was higher (0.3370.05 mm/yr), possibly compatible with major tectonic events in response to a NNW–SSE compressive stress field between Africa and Iberia.European Union (UE) EU MEDOC Programme: 2002-02-4.1-U-04

(-)-Oleacein and (-)-oleocanthal, two phenolic compounds present in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, inhibit angiogenesis

Phenolic compounds in the Mediterranean diet contribute to many of the health-related benefits accounted in this dietary choice. (-)-Oleocanthal and the less studied (-)-oleacein, are two phenolic compounds present in the Extra Virgin Olive Oil that have shown anti-tumoural effects both in vitro and in vivo. Among their effects on cancer, they could inhibit tumour cell migration and invasion, key processes also in angiogenesis, the process by which de novo blood vessels are formed. Herein, we explored the anti-angiogenic potential of (-)-oleocanthal and (-)-oleacein in a comparative study in in vitro experiments on endothelial cells, and in two in vivo models. (-)-Oleocanthal and (-)-oleacein affected endothelial viability in the micromolar range, as well as the formation of tubule-like structures by these cells, and their migration. Interestingly, only oleacein inhibited cell migration and induced apoptosis significantly. Regarding cellular signalling, both compounds were able to reduce the activation of the AKT and ERK1/2 pathways, which are related to survival and proliferation, respectively. Finally, both compounds showed anti-angiogenic activity in a zebrafish model of regeneration and in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Altogether, these results support the anti-angiogenic potential of (-)-oleocanthal and (-)-oleacein, and suggest that (-)-oleacein exerts more potent effects on endothelial cell migration and induction of apoptosis. Thus, we propose these two phenolic compounds, with a special focus on (-)-oleacein, as new candidates for clinical use as anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic agents. [Grants: PID2019-105010RB-I00 and RTI2018-098560-BC22 (Spanish Government), UMA18-FEDERJA-220, and PY20_00257 (Andalusian Government and FEDER). Funds from BIO 267 (Andalusian Government). CIBERER, CIBERCV].Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Indicadores del nivel del mar durante el MIS 5 y elevación tectónica en el Estrecho de Gibraltar (Norte de Marruecos)

This study investigates the morpho-sedimentary evidence of two highstands registered and dated during MIS 5 stage by U-series dating in the North of Morocco (Strait of Gibraltar). Bioerosive notch and mixed siliciclastic and carbonate deposits, high energy beaches with algal bioherms, were formed in coastal environments during MIS 5a. A sea-level altitude of +10 m asl was inferred for this substage. The record of MIS 5e-2 substage is less complete, consisting in upper foreshore and storm deposits located some meters above the sea-level (+13-15 m asl). A tectonic uplift rate of ~0.1 mm/yr has been estimated for the last 130 ky. This data is consistent with models of coastal uplifts elaborated for the Gibraltar Strait.Este trabajo analiza las evidencias morfosedimentarias de dos altas paradas del nivel marino datadas en el MIS 5 mediante series de U en el Norte de Marruecos. Durante el MIS 5a se formaron socaves bioerosivos (notches) y facies de playas de alta energía constituidas por depósitos mixtos siliciclástico-carbonatados. Una altura de 10 m snm ha sido estimada para esta etapa. El registro del MIS 5e-2 es menos completo, constituidos por depósitos de foreshore y de tormenta formados varios metros sobre el nivel del mar (+13-15 m snm). Se ha deducido una tasa de elevación tectónica de 0.1 mm/año para los últimos 130 ka. Estos datos son consistentes con los modelos previos de levantamiento tectónico elaborados para el Estrecho de Gibraltar.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades CGL2010-15810/BT

(−)-Methyl-Oleocanthal, a New Oleocanthal Metabolite Reduces LPS-Induced Inflammatory and Oxidative Response: Molecular Signaling Pathways and Histones Epigenetic Modulation

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses of (−)-methyl-oleocanthal (met-OLE), a new metabolite of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenolic oleocanthal (OLE), were explored in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine peritoneal macrophages. Possible signaling pathways and epigenetic modulation of histones were studied. Met-OLE inhibited LPS-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite (NO) production and decreased the overexpression of the pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-2, mPGES-1 and iNOS in murine macrophages. In addition, met-OLE was able to significantly decrease the activation of p38, JNK, and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and blocked canonical and non-canonical inflammasome signaling pathways. On the contrary, met-OLE upregulated haem oxigenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf-2) expression in treated cells. Finally, met-OLE pretreated spleen cells counteracted LPS induction, preventing H3K18 acetylation or H3K9 and H3K27 demethylation. Overall, these results provide novel mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of met-OLE regarding the regulation of the immune–inflammatory response through epigenetic changes in histone markers. This revealing evidence suggests that the methylated metabolite of OLE may contribute significantly to the beneficial effects that are associated with the secoiridoid-related compound and the usual consumption of EVOO.España Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad grant number AG-2017-89342-PJunta de Andalucía funded by CTS-259, FQM-18

A Genetic Predictive Model for Canine Hip Dysplasia : Integration of Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) and Candidate Gene Approaches

Canine hip dysplasia is one of the most prevalent developmental orthopedic diseases in dogs worldwide. Unfortunately, the success of eradication programs against this disease based on radiographic diagnosis is low. Adding the use of diagnostic genetic tools to the current phenotype-based approach might be beneficial. The aim of this study was to develop a genetic prognostic test for early diagnosis of hip dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers. To develop our DNA test, 775 Labrador Retrievers were recruited. For each dog, a blood sample and a ventrodorsal hip radiograph were taken. Dogs were divided into two groups according to their FCI hip score: control (A/B) and case (D/E). C dogs were not included in the sample. Genetic characterization combining a GWAS and a candidate gene strategy using SNPs allowed a case-control population association study. A mathematical model which included 7 SNPs was developed using logistic regression. The model showed a good accuracy (Area under the ROC curve = 0.85) and was validated in an independent population of 114 dogs. This prognostic genetic test represents a useful tool for choosing the most appropriate therapeutic approach once genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia is known. Therefore, it allows a more individualized management of the disease. It is also applicable during genetic selection processes, since breeders can benefit from the information given by this test as soon as a blood sample can be collected, and act accordingly. In the authors' opinion, a shift towards genomic screening might importantly contribute to reducing canine hip dysplasia in the future. In conclusion, based on genetic and radiographic information from Labrador Retrievers with hip dysplasia, we developed an accurate predictive genetic test for early diagnosis of hip dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers. However, further research is warranted in order to evaluate the validity of this genetic test in other dog breeds