The 10,000-year biocultural history of fallow deer and its implications for conservation policy.

Over the last 10,000 y, humans have manipulated fallow deer populations with varying outcomes. Persian fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica) are now endangered. European fallow deer (Dama dama) are globally widespread and are simultaneously considered wild, domestic, endangered, invasive and are even the national animal of Barbuda and Antigua. Despite their close association with people, there is no consensus regarding their natural ranges or the timing and circumstances of their human-mediated translocations and extirpations. Our mitochondrial analyses of modern and archaeological specimens revealed two distinct clades of European fallow deer present in Anatolia and the Balkans. Zooarchaeological evidence suggests these regions were their sole glacial refugia. By combining biomolecular analyses with archaeological and textual evidence, we chart the declining distribution of Persian fallow deer and demonstrate that humans repeatedly translocated European fallow deer, sourced from the most geographically distant populations. Deer taken to Neolithic Chios and Rhodes derived not from nearby Anatolia, but from the Balkans. Though fallow deer were translocated throughout the Mediterranean as part of their association with the Greco-Roman goddesses Artemis and Diana, deer taken to Roman Mallorca were not locally available Dama dama, but Dama mesopotamica. Romans also initially introduced fallow deer to Northern Europe but the species became extinct and was reintroduced in the medieval period, this time from Anatolia. European colonial powers then transported deer populations across the globe. The biocultural histories of fallow deer challenge preconceptions about the divisions between wild and domestic species and provide information that should underpin modern management strategies.

Wet feet: developing sulfur isotope provenance methods to identify wetland inhabitants.

The stable isotopes of sulfur provide a distinctive signature for marine proximity and interaction. Exploring coastal proximity has been the principal application of sulfur isotopes in archaeology and palaeoecology, but this deals only with high (greater than 14‰) isotope values, meaning little interpretation has been gained from lower values. Progress has been hindered by issues with biosphere mapping. Air pollution can impact modern landscapes, significantly lowering sulfur isotope baselines, leading to the assumption that modern vegetation-based sulfur maps are not reliable. This research explores the potential of previously undiagnostic low, and often, negative sulfur isotope values for identifying wetland dwellers. Impervious clays that support wetlands are distinctive ecosystems and this study tests the hypothesis that they will produce low isotope values owing to both the underlying substrate and to redox conditions. Primary mapping of targeted areas using modern plants highlights zones with natural negative sulfur values and demonstrates that this constitutes a distinctive wetland signature. Analysis of modern and archaeological fauna demonstrates that these distinctive isotope compositions are transferred into the food chain. These findings propel the interpretative potential of sulfur isotopes forward and add to the growing knowledge to provide means for identifying archaeological humans and animals raised in wetlands.

Applying lead (Pb) isotopes to explore mobility in humans and animals.

Lead (Pb) isotopes provide a complementary method to other provenance tools for tracking the origin and movement of humans and animals. The method is founded in the geographic distribution of Pb isotope ratios. However, unlike the Sr isotope method that is closely linked to the lithology of underlying rocks, Pb more closely reflects the tectonic regimes. This makes it particularly pertinent to use in Britain as there is major tectonic boundary (the Iapetus Suture) that runs between Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Solway Firth providing a compositional boundary in Pb isotope domains that approximates to the geographic areas of Scotland versus England and Wales. Modern pollution makes it difficult to use modern floral or faunal samples to characterize biosphere variation, and so we use geological datasets to define isoscape variation and present the first Pb isotope map of Britain. We have validated the use of these data form biosphere studies using well provenanced samples. Reference fields of diagnostic compositions, are created in µ-T space and these have been used in a test case to assess the geographic origins of Neolithic animals in Great Britain.

Petrological and geochemical characterisation of the sarsen stones at Stonehenge.

Little is known of the properties of the sarsen stones (or silcretes) that comprise the main architecture of Stonehenge. The only studies of rock struck from the monument date from the 19th century, while 20th century investigations have focussed on excavated debris without demonstrating a link to specific megaliths. Here, we present the first comprehensive analysis of sarsen samples taken directly from a Stonehenge megalith (Stone 58, in the centrally placed trilithon horseshoe). We apply state-of-the-art petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical techniques to two cores drilled from the stone during conservation work in 1958. Petrographic analyses demonstrate that Stone 58 is a highly indurated, grain-supported, structureless and texturally mature groundwater silcrete, comprising fine-to-medium grained quartz sand cemented by optically-continuous syntaxial quartz overgrowths. In addition to detrital quartz, trace quantities of silica-rich rock fragments, Fe-oxides/hydroxides and other minerals are present. Cathodoluminescence analyses show that the quartz cement developed as an initial <10 µm thick zone of non-luminescing quartz followed by ~16 separate quartz cement growth zones. Late-stage Fe-oxides/hydroxides and Ti-oxides line and/or infill some pores. Automated mineralogical analyses indicate that the sarsen preserves 7.2 to 9.2 area % porosity as a moderately-connected intergranular network. Geochemical data show that the sarsen is chemically pure, comprising 99.7 wt. % SiO2. The major and trace element chemistry is highly consistent within the stone, with the only magnitude variations being observed in Fe content. Non-quartz accessory minerals within the silcrete host sediments impart a trace element signature distinct from standard sedimentary and other crustal materials. 143Nd/144Nd isotope analyses suggest that these host sediments were likely derived from eroded Mesozoic rocks, and that these Mesozoic rocks incorporated much older Mesoproterozoic material. The chemistry of Stone 58 has been identified recently as representative of 50 of the 52 remaining sarsens at Stonehenge. These results are therefore representative of the main stone type used to build what is arguably the most important Late Neolithic monument in Europe.

Population-based surveillance of severe microcephaly and congenital Zika syndrome in Canada.

PURPOSE: To estimate the minimum incidence of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) and severe microcephaly in Canada and describe key clinical, epidemiological, aetiological and outcome features of these conditions. METHODS: Two separate national surveillance studies were conducted on CZS and severe microcephaly using the well-established Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program from 2016 to 2019. Over 2700 paediatricians across Canada were surveyed monthly and asked to report demographic details, pregnancy and travel history, infant anthropometry, clinical features and laboratory findings of newly identified cases. Reports were reviewed to assign an underlying aetiology of severe microcephaly. Incidence rates were estimated using monthly live birth denominators. RESULTS: Thirty-four infants met the case definition for severe microcephaly and <5 met the case definition for CZS. The associated minimum incidence rates were 4.5 per 100 000 live births for severe microcephaly and 0.1-0.5 per 100 000 live births for CZS. Of severe microcephaly cases, 53% were attributed to genetic causes, 15% to infectious or ischaemic causes and 32% to unknown causes. The median head circumference-for-age Z-score at birth was -3.2 (IQR -3.8 to -2.6), and catch-up growth was often not achieved. Common clinical features included intracranial abnormalities (n=23), dysmorphology (n=19) and developmental delays (n=14). Mothers of infants with non-genetic aetiologies travelled during pregnancy more often (10/16) than mothers of infants with genetic aetiologies (<5/18; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Severe microcephaly and CZS are both rare in Canada. Minimum incidence rates can be used as a baseline against which novel or re-emergent causes of severe microcephaly or CZS can be compared.

Feasting and Mobility in Iron Age Ireland: Multi-isotope analysis reveals the vast catchment of Navan Fort, Ulster.

Navan Fort is an iconic prehistoric Irish ceremonial centre and the legendary capital of Ulster. The fort has produced an exceptional pig-dominated faunal assemblage that also contained a barbary macaque skull. Dating from the 4th to 1st century BC, it is likely to be a ceremonial feasting centre that may have drawn people and their animals from across Ulster and beyond. This study uses a multi-isotope (87Sr/86Sr, δ34S, δ13C, δ15N) approach to identify non-local animals and reconstruct site catchment. New biosphere mapping means that isotope data can be more confidently interpreted and the combination of strontium and sulphur analysis has the potential to estimate origins. In the absence of human remains, fauna provide the best proxy for human movement. Results for the 35 analysed animals are wide-ranging, especially in terms of strontium (0.707-0.715), which has the largest range for an Irish site. Sulphur values are more restricted (13.1‰-17.1‰) but are high in the context of British and Irish data. Results provide clear evidence for animals (and thus people) coming from across Ulster and beyond, demonstrating the site's wide catchment. Navan Fort was clearly a major ceremonial centre with far-reaching influence and hosted feasts that drew people and animals from afar.

Practice guideline: joint CCMG-SOGC recommendations for the use of chromosomal microarray analysis for prenatal diagnosis and assessment of fetal loss in Canada.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this guideline is to provide updated recommendations for Canadian genetic counsellors, medical geneticists, maternal fetal medicine specialists, clinical laboratory geneticists and other practitioners regarding the use of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for prenatal diagnosis. This guideline replaces the 2011 Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)-Canadian College of Medical Geneticists (CCMG) Joint Technical Update. METHODS: A multidisciplinary group consisting of medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, maternal fetal medicine specialists and clinical laboratory geneticists was assembled to review existing literature and guidelines for use of CMA in prenatal care and to make recommendations relevant to the Canadian context. The statement was circulated for comment to the CCMG membership-at-large for feedback and, following incorporation of feedback, was approved by the CCMG Board of Directors on 5 June 2017 and the SOGC Board of Directors on 19 June 2017. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations include but are not limited to: (1) CMA should be offered following a normal rapid aneuploidy screen when multiple fetal malformations are detected (II-1A) or for nuchal translucency (NT) ≥3.5 mm (II-2B) (recommendation 1); (2) a professional with expertise in prenatal chromosomal microarray analysis should provide genetic counselling to obtain informed consent, discuss the limitations of the methodology, obtain the parental decisions for return of incidental findings (II-2A) (recommendation 4) and provide post-test counselling for reporting of test results (III-A) (recommendation 9); (3) the resolution of chromosomal microarray analysis should be similar to postnatal microarray platforms to ensure small pathogenic variants are detected. To minimise the reporting of uncertain findings, it is recommended that variants of unknown significance (VOUS) smaller than 500 Kb deletion or 1 Mb duplication not be routinely reported in the prenatal context. Additionally, VOUS above these cut-offs should only be reported if there is significant supporting evidence that deletion or duplication of the region may be pathogenic (III-B) (recommendation 5); (4) secondary findings associated with a medically actionable disorder with childhood onset should be reported, whereas variants associated with adult-onset conditions should not be reported unless requested by the parents or disclosure can prevent serious harm to family members (III-A) (recommendation 8).The working group recognises that there is variability across Canada in delivery of prenatal testing, and these recommendations were developed to promote consistency and provide a minimum standard for all provinces and territories across the country (recommendation 9).

Analytic Methods for Evaluating Patterns of Multiple Congenital Anomalies in Birth Defect Registries.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 20 to 30% of infants with birth defects have two or more birth defects. Among these infants with multiple congenital anomalies (MCA), co-occurring anomalies may represent either chance (i.e., unrelated etiologies) or pathogenically associated patterns of anomalies. While some MCA patterns have been recognized and described (e.g., known syndromes), others have not been identified or characterized. Elucidating these patterns may result in a better understanding of the etiologies of these MCAs. METHODS: This article reviews the literature with regard to analytic methods that have been used to evaluate patterns of MCAs, in particular those using birth defect registry data. RESULTS: A popular method for MCA assessment involves a comparison of the observed to expected ratio for a given combination of MCAs, or one of several modified versions of this comparison. Other methods include use of numerical taxonomy or other clustering techniques, multiple regression analysis, and log-linear analysis. Advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, as well as specific applications, were outlined. CONCLUSION: Despite the availability of multiple analytic approaches, relatively few MCA combinations have been assessed. The availability of large birth defects registries and computing resources that allow for automated, big data strategies for prioritizing MCA patterns may provide for new avenues for better understanding co-occurrence of birth defects. Thus, the selection of an analytic approach may depend on several considerations. Birth Defects Research 110:5-11, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A multi-isotope investigation of diet and subsistence amongst island and mainland populations from early medieval western Britain.

OBJECTIVES: This is the first investigation of dietary practices amongst multiple early medieval populations (AD 500-1000) from Wales and the Isle of Man using carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotope analysis. The analysis will illuminate similarities or differences between the diets and subsistence strategies of populations occupying different geographical regions, specifically those living in marginal coastal regions in comparison to inland populations well-connected to ecclesiastical centres and high-status settlements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two human skeletons were sampled for carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis, and 69 human skeletons were sampled for sulphur isotope analysis from nine cemetery sites from western Britain (Isle of Man = 3, southwest Wales = 4, southeast Wales = 2). Thirteen faunal skeletons from St Patrick's Chapel (southwest Wales) were sampled for carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur isotope analysis. RESULTS: Human δ13 C values range from -19.4‰ to -21.2‰ (δ13 C mean=-20.4 ±0.4‰, 1σ, n = 86), and δ15 N values range from 9.1‰ to 13.8‰ (δ15 N mean = 10.8 ± 0.9‰, 1σ, n = 86). δ34 S values range from 1.2‰ to 18.4‰ (δ34 S mean = 11.6 ± 4.5‰, 1σ, n = 66). Significant differences were noted between the mean δ13 C, δ15 N and δ34 S values according to geographic region: Isle of Man (δ13 C = -20.7 ± 0.4‰, δ15 N = 11.4 ±0.6‰, n = 13/86; δ34 S mean = 17.1 ±0.6, n = 4/66), southwest Wales (δ13 C = -20.5 ± 0.4‰, δ15 N = 11.0 ±1‰, n = 32/86; δ34 S = 16.1 ± 2.1, n = 21/66), and southeast Wales (δ13 C =-20.3 ±0.4‰, δ15 N = 10.4 ±0.7‰, n = 41/86; δ34 S= 8.8 ±3‰, n = 41/66). Faunal δ13 C values range from -23.1‰ to -21.2‰ (δ13 C mean= -22.1 ±0.5‰, 1σ, n = 13), and δ15 N values range from 6.3‰ to 9.8‰ (δ15 N mean = 7.3 ± 1.1‰, 1σ, n = 13). δ34 S values range from 4.7‰ to 18.4‰ (δ34 S mean= 16.3 ± 3.6‰, 1σ, n = 13). CONCLUSIONS: The data reveal a reliance on terrestrial protein, however differences are observed between the resource consumption of populations from southwest Wales and the Isle of Man in comparison to the populations from southeast Wales. Populations from the west coast have a marine sulphur signature that reflects their coastal proximity and may also include a reliance on seaweed as a fertiliser/food source. Populations in the southeast were connected to ecclesiastical centres and high-status settlements and had access to inland-grown produce. The data add support to the suggestion that δ34 S can be used as a mobility indicator.

Human exposure to environmental contaminants and congenital anomalies: a critical review.

Congenital anomalies are an important cause of infant mortality and disability. Developmental exposure to environmental contaminants is thought to increase the risk for congenital anomalies. Herein, we describe a critical review of the literature conducted between February and March 2014 yielding 3057 references from which 97 unique relevant articles published from 2003 through 2014 were evaluated. Common congenital anomalies including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, anogenital distance (AGD), congenital heart defects and oral clefts were well represented in the literature whereas other outcomes such as neural tube defects, limb deficiency defects and gastroschisis were rarely described. While definitions used for congenital anomalies and methods of ascertainment were usually consistent across studies, inconsistencies were frequently found in grouping of different congenital heart defects. Despite strong links between some congenital anomalies and parental occupation, these studies are unable to provide clear insight into the specific chemicals responsible owing to lack of direct measures of exposure. In comparison, data are mixed for contaminant exposures at concentrations representative of results from contemporary biomonitoring studies. Of the environmental contaminants studied, the association between phthalate exposures and developmental abnormalities of the male reproductive tract received the greatest attention. Important limitations of the literature studied relate to adequacy of sample size, absence of or weaknesses in exposure assessment methodologies, failure to account for biological plausibility and grouping of congenital anomalies with divergent mechanisms. We conclude that the literature is inadequate at this time to support a conclusion that exposure to environmental contaminants are or are not associated with increased risks for congenital anomalies in the general population.

Using state and provincial surveillance programs to reduce risk of recurrence of neural tube defects in the United States and Canada: A missed opportunity?

BACKGROUND: Once a woman has had a fetus or infant affected with a neural tube defect (NTD), the risk of recurrence is approximately 3%. This risk can be significantly reduced by folic acid supplement consumption during the periconceptional period; however, this requires women at risk to be adequately informed about the appropriate dosage and timing of supplement intake before planning another pregnancy. As birth defects surveillance programs are tasked with identifying and documenting NTD-affected pregnancies and births, they are in a unique position to support recurrence prevention activities. METHODS: In 2015, we surveyed state and provincial birth defects surveillance programs to assess their NTD recurrence prevention activities. The online survey was sent to programs in 52 United States (U.S.) jurisdictions and all 13 provinces and territories in Canada. Findings were compared with a similar survey conducted in 2005 among U.S. programs. RESULTS: In 2015, of the 44 U.S. and Canadian surveillance programs that responded, only 9 programs (7 U.S. and 2 Canadian) reported currently having activities specifically directed toward preventing NTD recurrence. Compared with a 2005 survey of U.S. programs, the number of U.S. programs working on NTD recurrence prevention decreased by almost 50% (from 13 to 7 programs). CONCLUSION: The number of birth defects surveillance programs with NTD recurrence prevention activities has decreased over the past decade due to a range of barriers, most notably a lack of resources. However, while some recurrence prevention activities require part-time staff, other activities could be accomplished using minimal resources. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:875-880, 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Geogenic lead isotope signatures from meat products in Great Britain: Potential for use in food authentication and supply chain traceability.

This paper presents lead (Pb) isotope data from samples of farm livestock raised in three areas of Britain that have elevated natural Pb levels: Central Wales, the Mendips and the Derbyshire Peak District. This study highlights three important observations; that the Pb found in modern British meat from these three areas is geogenic and shows no clear evidence of modern tetraethyl anthropogenic Pb contribution; that the generally excellent match between the biological samples and the ore field data, particularly for the Mendip and Welsh data, suggests that this technique might be used to provenance biological products to specific ore sites, under favourable conditions; and that modern systems reflect the same process of biosphere averaging that is analogous to cultural focusing in human archaeological studies that is the process of biological averaging leading to an homogenised isotope signature with increasing Pb concentration.

Brief report pregnancy outcome in women assigned an ICD-9/ICD-9-CM 655.0 code "central nervous system malformation in fetus affecting management of pregnancy": can these codes aid in surveillance for central nervous system defects?

BACKGROUND: The difficulty many birth defects registries have in identifying early pregnancy terminations can lead to significant underreporting of certain types of malformations. This study was designed to determine the potential benefit of using maternal ICD-9 codes relating to management of pregnancy due to fetal anomaly in surveillance of central nervous system (CNS) defects (655.0). METHODS: Women assigned the ICD-9/ICD-9-CM (henceforth termed ICD-9) code 655.0 between 1990 and 2000 were ascertained from two administrative health databases in Manitoba, Canada, one relating to maternal serum screening and one based on hospital discharges. Information was collected on the type of CNS defect identified and whether it was isolated or associated with other anomalies. The relationship of these variables to pregnancy outcome and its potential impact on surveillance for these types of defects was explored. RESULTS: Neural tube defects were the most common finding (67%) identified in the fetuses/infants of women assigned code 655.0, followed by hydrocephaly (20%) and Dandy-Walker anomaly (6%), but the proportion of neural tube defect cases declined after food fortification with folic acid. Termination of pregnancy occurred in ∼50% of neural tube defect cases, 18% before 20 weeks of gestation, but was rare for other CNS defects. CONCLUSION: The maternal ICD-9 code 655.0 had a very high (97%) positive predictive value for identifying fetuses with a CNS defect; 655.00 was particularly effective in identifying neural tube defects pregnancies terminated before 20 weeks gestation that would be difficult to ascertain, especially by passive surveillance systems using infant related data alone.

Multiple congenital anomalies: issues for birth defects surveillance.

Approximately 1 in 200 individuals and 20 percent to 30 percent of those in whom any major structural malformation is found will have 2 or more serious and potentially unrelated birth defects. In addition to the challenges that multiple malformations create for affected persons, their families, and the health care system, appropriate surveillance of such complex patterns can be a concern for birth defects registries. This paper provides examples of how monitoring of multiple anomalies can be beneficial from clinical and public health perspectives; presents a staged approach to documentation of such defects, including suggestions for their coding; describes the types of patterns in which they occur; and discusses some of the unique issues that arise with respect to statistical analysis of multiple versus isolated birth defects.

The oxygen isotope relationship between the phosphate and structural carbonate fractions of human bioapatite.

RATIONALE: Oxygen isotope analysis of archaeological human dental enamel is widely used as a proxy for the drinking water composition (δ(18)O(DW)) of the individual and thus can be used as an indicator of their childhood place of origin. In this paper we demonstrate the robustness of structural carbonate oxygen isotope values (δ(18)O(C)) in bioapatite to preserve the life signal of human tooth enamel by comparing it with phosphate oxygen isotope values (δ(18)O(P)) derived from the same archaeological human tooth enamel samples. METHODS: δ(18)O(C) analysis was undertaken on 51 archaeological tooth enamel samples previously analysed for δ(18)O(P) values and strontium isotopes. δ(18)O(C) values were determined on a GV IsoPrime dual inlet mass spectrometer, following a series of methodological tests to assess: (1) The reaction time needed to ensure complete release of CO(2) from structural carbonate in the enamel; (2) The effect of an early pre-treatment with dilute acetic acid to remove diagenetic carbonate; (3) Analytical error; (4) Intra-tooth variation; and (5) Diagenetic alteration. RESULTS: This study establishes a direct relationship between δ(18)O(C) and δ(18)O(P) values from human tooth enamel (δ(18)O(P) = 1.0322 × Î´(18)O(C) - 9.6849). We have combined this equation with the drinking water equation of Daux et al. (J. Hum. Evol. 2008, 55, 1138) to allow direct calculation of δ(18)O(DW) values from human bioapatite δ(18)O(C) (δ(18)O(DW) = 1.590 × Î´(18)O(C) - 48.634). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive study of the relationship between the ionic forms of oxygen (phosphate oxygen and structural carbonate) in archaeological human dental enamel. The new equation will allow direct comparison of data produced by the different methods and allow drinking water values to be calculated from structural carbonate data with confidence.