North and South in Medieval Iberia: A historical and environmental estimate through isotopic analyses.

The Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula is a period of special interest for studying the relationship of climate change with historical and socioeconomic processes. Between the 8th and 15th centuries AD, the Peninsula was characterized not only by complex political, cultural, and social transitions but also by major variations in the climate. The objective of this study was to examine differences in diet and mobility between distinct populations of the Peninsula and explore the possible relationship of diet, mobility, and culture with environmental variables and geographical settings. For this purpose, we obtained stable isotopic ratios of carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O) from the enamel apatite of first upper incisors from 145 individuals at eight archeological sites that represent both Christian and Islamic communities and both rural and urban social settings. Results revealed a dietary difference between Christian and Islamic populations, observing a greater contribution of C4 plants, possibly sorghum, in the diet of the latter, especially in a rural setting. The disparity in oxygen isotopic ratios between populations from the North and South of the Peninsula is consistent with modern climatic differences between these regions. In this line, intraregional variability in oxygen isotopic ratios may hint at diachronic occupation phases under varying climatic conditions. The few isotopic outliers in our sample suggest overall low mobility levels.

As above, so below: Deposition, modification, and reutilization of human remains at Marmoles cave (Cueva de los Marmoles: Southern Spain, 4000-1000 cal. BCE).

The deposition and manipulation of human remains in natural caves are well known for the Neolithic of Southern Iberia. The cultural meaning of these practices is however still largely unclear. Cueva de los Marmoles (CM, Priego-Córdoba) is one of the most important cave contexts from Southern Spain, which returned a large number of commingled skeletal remains suggesting its funerary use from the Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age. Here we discuss CM from a chronological and cultural perspective based on new radiocarbon, anthropological, and taphonomic analyses. These include the estimation of the minimum number of individuals, the exploration of fragmentation patterns characterizing different skeletal regions, and the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of modifications to the remains of possible anthropic origin. Radiocarbon data point to a funerary use of CM between the 5th -2nd millennium cal. BCE. MNI estimates reveal the presence of at least 12 individuals (seven adults and five nonadults). The low representation of elements from hands and feet suggests that individuals were placed in the cave while partially decomposed. Anthropic traces on the remains (e.g. fresh fractures, marrow canal modifications, and scraping marks) hint at their intentional fragmentation, cleaning from residual soft tissues, and in some cases reutilization. These practices are well-exemplified by the recovery of one "skull cup" and of two long bones used as tools. These data align with those from other cave contexts from the same geographic region, suggesting the presence, especially during the Neolithic period, of shared ideologies centered on the human body.

Sex differences in diet and life conditions in a rural Medieval Islamic population from Spain (La Torrecilla, Granada): An isotopic and osteological approach to gender differentiation in al-Andalus.

OBJECTIVES: Gender differentiation can influence the diet, physical activity, and health of human populations. Multifaceted approaches are therefore necessary when exploring the biological consequences of gender-related social norms in the past. Here, we explore the links between diet, physiological stress, physical activity, and gender differentiation in the Medieval Islamic population of La Torrecilla (Granada, Spain, 13th-15th century AD), by analyzing stable isotope patterns, stature, and long bone diaphyseal measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample includes 96 individuals (48 females, 48 males) classified as young and middle adults (20-34 and 35-50 years of age respectively). Diet was reconstructed through the analysis of δ13 C and δ15 N. Stature, humeral and femoral diaphyseal shape and product of diaphyseal diameters served as proxies of physiological stress and physical activity. RESULTS: Isotopic ratios suggest a substantial dietary contribution of C4 plants (e.g., sorghum, millet), a variable access to animal proteins, and no differences between the sexes. Sexual dimorphism in stature derives from a markedly low female stature. Long bone diaphyseal properties suggest that men performed various physically stressful activities, whereas women were involved in less physically demanding activities (possibly related to household work). DISCUSSION: Gender differentiation in La Torrecilla was expressed by a possibly differential parental investment in male versus female offspring and by culturally sanctioned gender differences in the performance of physical tasks. Diet was qualitatively homogenous between the sexes, although we cannot rule out quantitative differences. Our results shed new light on the effects of gender-related social norms on human development and lifestyle.

Gendered division of labor in a Celtic community? A comparison of sex differences in entheseal changes and long bone shape and robusticity in the pre-Roman population of Verona (Italy, third-first century BC).

OBJECTIVES: The presence of a gendered subdivision of labor has been bioarchaeologically investigated in various prehistoric and historical contexts. Little is known, however, about the type of differences in daily activities characterizing men and women among the Celtic communities of Italy. The focus of the present study is the analysis of differences in patterns of entheseal changes (ECs) and long bone shape and robusticity between sexes among the Cenomani Gauls of Seminario Vescovile (SV-Verona, Italy, third-first century BC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample includes 56 adult individuals (22 females and 34 males). Presence of ECs on nine bilateral postcranial attachment sites, and values of humeral and femoral shape and robusticity indices based on external measurements were compared between sexes by means of generalized linear models and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: Results show a lack of difference between sexes in long bone shape and robusticity, and a higher incidence of upper and, especially, lower limb ECs in males. DISCUSSION: These results suggest the presence of sex-specific activities at SV mostly related to farming and differently influencing the considered variables. Also, this study suggests the relevance of a series of nonbiomechanical factors (developmental, hormonal, genetic, and methodological) when attempting biocultural reconstructions from osteoarchaeological samples.

New case of concha bullosa from Bronze Age Iberia (Granada, Spain).

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to expand knowledge of Concha bullosa in a prehistoric population. MATERIALS: The skull of an adult female from the Bronze Age archeological site ofCastellón Alto (Granada, Spain), dated between 1900 and 1600 BCE. METHODS: The diagnosis of middle turbinateconcha bullosa was based on macroscopic, radiographic, and computed tomography studies. RESULTS: This is one of the oldest findings ofconcha bullosa in Europe. Despite the possible obstruction of the osteomeatal complex by the concha bullosa in this individual, no signs of sinusitis were observed in maxillary sinuses. CONCLUSIONS: The maxillary sinuses of this female showed no signs of sinusitis related to theconcha bullosa. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides new evidence on the chronological limits of this condition. The particular funeral rites of these populations have preserved the majority of skeletons at this site in an excellent condition. LIMITATIONS: The identification ofconcha bullosa continues to be rare in ancient populations, in part due to the poor preservation of nasal bones in archeological collections. Suggestions for further research: Detailed study of the nasal cavity of adequately preserved individuals can be expected to identify further cases of concha bullosa in ancient populations.

Stable C &N isotopes in 2100 Year-B.P. human bone collagen indicate rare dietary dominance of C4 plants in NE-Italy.

C4 plants (e.g. maize, millet), part of our current diet, are only endemic of reduced areas in South-Europe due to their need of warm climates. Since the first vestiges of agriculture in Europe remains of C4 plants were recorded but their overall proportion in the human diet remains unknown. Therefore, isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) composition of bone collagen from the skeletal remains (human and animals) of a Celtic population, Cenomani Gauls, from Verona (3rd to 1st century BC) in the NE Italy provide a new perspective on this matter. The δ13C collagen values of 90 human skeletal individuals range between -20.2‰ and -9.7‰ (V-PDB) with a mean value of -15.3‰. As present day C4 plants have δ13C values around -11‰, which is equivalent to -9.5‰ for samples of preindustrial age, the less negative δ13C values in these individuals indicate a diet dominated by C4 plants. This palaeodietary study indicates that some European populations predominantly consumed cultivated C4 plants 2100 year B.P. This is supported by the paleobotanical records and ancient Roman sources (e.g. Pliny the Elder), which indicate that millet was a staple food in South-Europe.

Vertebral pathologies and related activity patterns in two mediaeval populations from Spain.

The main aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of several types of vertebral pathology as activity markers in osteological populations. A total of 2165 vertebrae from 124 individuals were studied. They were derived from cemeteries in two villages: Villanueva de Soportilla (Burgos, north of Spain), with a Christian population, and La Torrecilla (Granada, south of Spain), inhabited by Muslims. Degenerative joint diseases, Schmorl's nodes, compression fractures and spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis were analysed in individuals and separate vertebral pieces. All pathological conditions, except compression fractures, were significantly more frequent in males than in females, reflecting more intensive labour conditions for males. They were significantly more frequent in males from Villanueva, a border population of peasant-soldiers, than in males from La Torrecilla. They were also significantly more frequent in females from Christian Villanueva than in those from Muslim La Torrecilla, where the women mainly worked at home. The benefits and limitations of the study of these vertebral pathologies are discussed.

Vertebral pathologies and related activity patterns in two mediaeval populations from Spain.

The main aim of this study was to explore the usefulness of several types of vertebral pathology as activity markers in osteological populations. A total of 2165 vertebrae from 124 individuals were studied. They were derived from cemeteries in two villages: Villanueva de Soportilla (Burgos, north of Spain), with a Christian population, and La Torrecilla (Granada, south of Spain), inhabited by Muslims. Degenerative joint diseases, Schmorl's nodes, compression fractures and spondylolysis with spondylolisthesis were analysed in individuals and separate vertebral pieces. All pathological conditions, except compression fractures, were significantly more frequent in males than in females, reflecting more intensive labour conditions for males. They were significantly more frequent in males from Villanueva, a border population of peasant-soldiers, than in males from La Torrecilla. They were also significantly more frequent in females from Christian Villanueva than in those from Muslim La Torrecilla, where the women mainly worked at home. The benefits and limitations of the study of these vertebral pathologies are discussed.

La promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades como actividades propias de la labor de los psicólogos / A promoção da saúde e a prevenção de doenças como atividades pertinentes à intervenção dos psicólogos / Health promotion and disease prevention. The role of the psychologist in public health

La sociedad actual presenta nuevos perfiles biológicos, conductuales y epidemiológicos. Todo ello conlleva la necesidad de rediseñar prácticas y asistencias para priorizar la promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades. La asistencia psicológica a nivel primario representa un intento de responder a tal demanda, sin embargo, el modelo psicológico predominante es el de la psicología clínica que evidencia el carácter curativo desbordando el preventivo. La psicología de la salud propone un soporte epistemológico y práctico para las intervenciones psicológicas más allá de la clínica. A partir de esto, proponemos en este artículo presentar y explicar algunas nociones sobre promoción de la salud, prevención de enfermedades, enseñar la compatibilidad de las acciones de salud con el trabajo del psicólogo en salud pública en los distintos niveles de atención, y proponer una guía de actividades del psicólogo en los niveles primario, secundario y terciario de asistencia en salud(AU)

Modern-day societies present with new biological, behavioral and epidemiological profiles, implying the need to redesign care practices and activities and prioritize health promotion and disease prevention. Psychological care at the primary care level represents an attempt to respond to this need. However, the predominant psychological model is clinical psychology, focusing on cure rather than prevention. Health psychology proposes epistemological and practical support for psychological interventions beyond the clinical setting. Based on this approach, this article presents and explains some ideas in health promotion and disease prevention, showing the compatibility between health actions and the work of the psychologist in public health at the different care levels, proposing guidelines for the activities of the psychologist in primary, secondary and tertiary care(AU)

As sociedades atuais apresentam novos perfis biológicos, comportamentais e epidemiológicos. Tal fato implica na necessidade de se redesenhar práticas de assistência à saúde, em que se priorize a prevenção de enfermidades e a promoção de saúde. A assistência psicológica de nível primário representa uma tentativa de responder a essa demanda. Entretanto, o modelo clínico predominante enfatiza o caráter curativo sobre o preventivo. Na psicologia da saúde encontramos o suporte epistemológico e prático para as intervenções psicológicas que se estendem para além da clínica. Neste artigo, propomos apresentar algumas noções sobre a promoção de saúde e a prevenção de enfermidades; mostrar a compatibilidade das ações de saúde com o trabalho do psicólogo na saúde pública nos distintos níveis de atenção e sugerir algumas atividades desse profissional nos níveis primário, secundário e terciário de assistência à saúde(AU)

La promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades como actividades propias de la labor de los psicólogos / A promoção da saúde e a prevenção de doenças como atividades pertinentes à intervenção dos psicólogos / Health promotion and disease prevention. The role of the psychologist in public health

La sociedad actual presenta nuevos perfiles biológicos, conductuales y epidemiológicos. Todo ello conlleva la necesidad de rediseñar prácticas y asistencias para priorizar la promoción de la salud y la prevención de enfermedades. La asistencia psicológica a nivel primario representa un intento de responder a tal demanda, sin embargo, el modelo psicológico predominante es el de la psicología clínica que evidencia el carácter curativo desbordando el preventivo. La psicología de la salud propone un soporte epistemológico y práctico para las intervenciones psicológicas más allá de la clínica. A partir de esto, proponemos en este artículo presentar y explicar algunas nociones sobre promoción de la salud, prevención de enfermedades, enseñar la compatibilidad de las acciones de salud con el trabajo del psicólogo en salud pública en los distintos niveles de atención, y proponer una guía de actividades del psicólogo en los niveles primario, secundario y terciario de asistencia en salud

Modern-day societies present with new biological, behavioral and epidemiological profiles, implying the need to redesign care practices and activities and prioritize health promotion and disease prevention. Psychological care at the primary care level represents an attempt to respond to this need. However, the predominant psychological model is clinical psychology, focusing on cure rather than prevention. Health psychology proposes epistemological and practical support for psychological interventions beyond the clinical setting. Based on this approach, this article presents and explains some ideas in health promotion and disease prevention, showing the compatibility between health actions and the work of the psychologist in public health at the different care levels, proposing guidelines for the activities of the psychologist in primary, secondary and tertiary care

As sociedades atuais apresentam novos perfis biológicos, comportamentais e epidemiológicos. Tal fato implica na necessidade de se redesenhar práticas de assistência à saúde, em que se priorize a prevenção de enfermidades e a promoção de saúde. A assistência psicológica de nível primário representa uma tentativa de responder a essa demanda. Entretanto, o modelo clínico predominante enfatiza o caráter curativo sobre o preventivo. Na psicologia da saúde encontramos o suporte epistemológico e prático para as intervenções psicológicas que se estendem para além da clínica. Neste artigo, propomos apresentar algumas noções sobre a promoção de saúde e a prevenção de enfermidades; mostrar a compatibilidade das ações de saúde com o trabalho do psicólogo na saúde pública nos distintos níveis de atenção e sugerir algumas atividades desse profissional nos níveis primário, secundário e terciário de assistência à saúde