Return on investment in science: twenty years of European Commission funded research in Alzheimer's dementia, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), breast cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (PC) continue to be high in the research and innovation agenda of the European Commission (EC). This is due to their exceptionally large burden to the national health systems, the profound economic effects of opportunity costs attributable to decreased working ability, premature mortality and the ever-increasing demand for both hospital and home-based medical care. Over the last two decades, the EC has been steadily increasing both the number of proposals being funded and the amounts of financial resources being allocated to these fields of research. This trend has continued throughout four consecutive science funding cycles, namely framework programme (FP)5, FP6, FP7 and Horizon 2020 (H2020). We performed a retrospective assessment of the outputs and outcomes of EC funding in AD, BC and PC research over the 1999-2019 period by means of selected indicators. These indicators were assessed for their ability to screen the past, present and future for an array of causal relationships and long-term trends in clinical, epidemiological and public health sphere, while considering also the broader socioeconomic impact of funded research on the society at large. This analysis shows that public-private partnerships with large industry and university-based consortia have led to some of the most impactful proposals being funded over the analysed time period. New pharmaceuticals, small molecules and monoclonal antibodies alike, along with screening and prevention, have been the most prominent sources of innovation in BC and PC, extending patients' survival and enhancing their quality of life. Unlike oncology, dementia drug development has been way less successful, with only minor improvements related to the quality of supportive medical care for symptoms and more sensitive diagnostics, without any ground-breaking disease-modifying treatment(s). Significant progresses in imaging diagnostics and nanotechnology have been largely driven by the participation of medical device industry multinational companies. Clinical trials funded by the EC were conducted, leading to the development of brand-new drug molecules featuring novel mechanisms of action. Some prominent cases of breakthrough discoveries serve as evidence for the European capability to generate cutting-edge technological innovation in biomedicine. Less productive areas of research may be reconsidered as priorities when shaping the new agenda for forthcoming science funding programmes.

Dietary changes across time: Studying the indigenous period of La Gomera using δ13 C and δ15 N stable isotope analysis and radiocarbon dating.

OBJECTIVES: This article presents new radiocarbon and isotopic data to provide further information about the diet of the indigenous population of La Gomera and its possible changes across time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: δ13 C and δ15 N of 53 human and 19 faunal samples from different sites on the island have been obtained and analyzed. Of these, 52 have been radiocarbon dated to provide insight on chronological changes. RESULTS: Human dates range from the 3rd to 15th centuries AD, while faunal dates range from the 1st to 17th centuries AD. Stable carbon and nitrogen values are significantly different between the human and goat samples and have also a trophic increase of 3.4‰. Although male and female δ15 N data are not significantly different. Both δ13 C and δ15 N values of both human and animal samples tend to discretely decrease over time. DISCUSSION: Radiocarbon dates from humans correlate with other dates obtained in the rest of the archipelago. Animal radiocarbon dates generally coincide except for one date, which requires further study. Isotopic δ15 N data suggest a mix of marine and terrestrial protein consumption in humans, the latter being more abundant given the seasonality of the first. δ13 C data also suggest a possible mixed diet in humans, with a predominance of C3 plants, like Hordeum vulgare, the only grain found in archaeological sites so far. Variations of both δ13 C and δ15 N over time suggest a slight modification on the diet, which could be related to environmental changes.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality from community-acquired pneumonia in Portugal: 2000-2014.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often leading to hospital admissions. In Portugal, the factors associated with in-hospital mortality due to CAP are not fully documented. The aim of this study was to characterize the trends of CAP hospitalization in all age groups and the factors associated with their mortality between 2000 and 2014. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using CAP hospitalization data in all age groups, in Portugal Mainland. Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2011, CAP hospitalization rate increased from 2.8 to 4.3 per 1000 population. Hospitalization rates were higher in the extreme ages ( ≤ 4 and ≥ 75 years). However, a decrease in the hospitalization rate and its mortality was observed, in the younger ages. A total of 548,699 hospitalization CAP episodes, between 2000 and 2014, were analyzed, with male (56.2%) and elderly ≥65 years (91.7%) predominance, resulting in 101,740 deaths (18.5%). Men had a significantly lower mean age (64.3 ± 26.4 years versus 67.9 ± 27.5 years; p < 0.001). During the studied 15 years, there was an increase of 45.2% in the number of annual hospitalizations, concomitant with the admission increase of individuals aged over 75 years. Since 2012 a decrease in hospitalizations and associated deaths were detected. The increase in age represented a progressive and significant rise in the probability of death, except for the age group 1-4 years. The age group ≥85 years old (Adjusted OR = 124.256; 95%CI: 97.838-157.807) and males (Adjusted OR = 1.261; 95%CI: 1.243-1.280) were significantly associated with death risk for CAP hospitalization. After 2010, this risk decreased (Adjusted OR = 0.961; 95%CI: 0.940-0.982). The main factors affecting mortality were age, sex, unemployment rate, number of performed procedures and admission quinquennia. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a trend of decrease in CAP hospitalizations and associated death since 2012, the numbers of in-hospital mortality showed, in the 15 years under analysis, an overall increase over time, mainly associated with age, in particular very old people ( ≥ 75 years), males and a higher parish unemployment rate. Therefore, the implementation of CAP preventive measures should be reinforced in these vulnerable groups.

An atlas of anatomical variants of the human calcaneus.

The usefulness of anatomical variation is determined by the knowledge of why nonmetric traits appear. Clear descriptions of the traits are a necessary task, due to the risk of confusing anatomical variants and evidence of trauma. Numerous interpretations of the appearance of calcaneal anatomical variants add to the need of an anatomical atlas of calcaneal nonmetric traits. We have analyzed a total of 886 calcanei; 559 belong to different modern and pre-Hispanic samples, and 327 bones were studied from a reference collection from Athens. In this study, we present the anatomical variations that exist on the calcaneus bone, some of which have rarely been mentioned in previous research. The standardization of methods proposed may be useful to experts working in human anatomy, physical anthropology as well as comparative morphology, due to usefulness of this information during surgery, and bioanthropology to observe and study the lifestyle of past populations.

Intracemetery relationships: Non-metric trait combination analysis of Maspalomas of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain).

Maspalomas is one of the most important archaeological sites in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. The necropolis is one of the few funerary sites on the island where several the skeletons were found in anatomical position. The burials correspond to graves and cists dated between the 12th and 15th century CE. These graves and cists are clustered together in different formations across the necropolis, giving rise to a complex composition that denotes the existence of possible interpersonal relationships of the people buried there. A total of 135 calcanei and 118 tali were analysed to find non-metric traits and to test whether the clustered burials share a non-metric trait relationship. Trait combinations were formed using talus and calcaneus non-metric traits separately. The results of this study suggest that the individuals of Maspalomas showed a very high prevalence of lateral and medial talar facets, attributed to prolonged squatting position and/or walking on uneven ground. The calcaneal facet pattern (that may be aetiologically genetic) is more closely related to that observed among North-Africans or Indians than to Western Europeans. Calcaneal facet type Ib, and other genetically-determined traits, such as the extra facet extension of Posterior Facet, or the medial root of the inferior extensor retinaculum trait, either as single traits or as the combination of both traits, were significantly associated with individuals buried in different geographical areas of the necropolis defined by differences in burial structures, a finding that may suggest that genetically-linked individuals were buried in a separate area of the necropolis. The use of trait combination analysis in this study shows that the method can be applied to identify relationships among genetically or professionally related individuals that were subjected to a different burial procedure by their contemporaries.

Osteosclerotic disease and bone cyst in a prehispanic burial from Las Cañadas del Teide (Tenerife, Canary Islands).

Skeletal remains of two prehispanic male adult individuals (antiquity ≈ 550 BP) recovered from a burial cave located in Montaña Blanca (Las Cañadas del Teide) at an altitude of 2450 m above sea level, in the highlands of Tenerife (Canary Islands) showed some unusual features. Femora and tibiae of both individuals showed increased bone density, with irregular thickening of the midshaft diaphyses. One individual showed a cystic lesion in the distal third of the left femoral diaphysis, surrounded by a subtle sclerotic reaction of the spongiosa and a thin cortex that was partially fractured. Periosteal thickening was present, but not around the cystic lesion. A thoracic vertebra with rachischisis was also recovered. The bone density of vertebrae and iliac bones were normal, and one recovered jaw was also normal. The tibiae of one individual showed an abnormal location of the foramen nutritium. Hypoplasia of the lesser trochanter and an abnormally thin left femoral neck were also observed. It is possible that both individuals were affected by diaphyseal dysplasia (possibly Camurati Engelmann or Ribbing disease). One of them also showed a lesion compatible with a unicameral bone cyst. The alternative possibility of a Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber disease, with a bone aneurysmal cyst, also exists.

Ankylosing spondylitis and heterotopic calcification: a case from the Prehispanic population of Buenavista del Norte (Tenerife, Canary Islands).

Skeletal remains of an adult (estimated age at death ≈ 27-30 years) Prehispanic male with fusion in the sacroiliac joints showed a heterotopic ossification consisting of a flat, 10 × 5 cm bone formation covering the posterior aspect of the right sacroiliac joint. The bones were recovered from a burial cave containing remains of 4 individuals, located on the side of a ravine, in Buenavista del Norte (NW corner of Tenerife, Canary Islands), at ≈ 450 m altitude. This individual was probably affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS) that led to bony fusion of the pelvic bones with the sacrum, but several unusual features prompted us to compare the pelvis with those belonging to two modern individuals affected by AS (20th century) housed at the Department of Anatomy of the school of medicine (University of La Laguna, Tenerife). The Prehispanic individual possibly suffered a pelvic fracture that caused a hematoma which underwent ossification. Some features (periosteal reaction, formation of new foramina) may also suggest a superimposed infection. The fracture altered the pelvic structure, severely narrowing the right sciatic notch, possibly causing neural and/or vascular compromise of the lower limbs. Living in a steep mountainous environment, this individual (possibly a goatherder) probably suffered a fall, that caused the fracture complicated by a severe bleeding and pelvic deformation.

The early lives of the islanders: Stable isotope analysis of incremental dentine collagen from the prehispanic period of the Canary Islands.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents isotopic information for incremental dentine collagen and bone bulk collagen from individuals from the Canary Islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria) to explore dietary differences during childhood life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight individuals have been studied, which comprises 122 δ15 N and δ13 C incremental dentine measurements and eight bulk bone collagen analyses. A baseline of potentially consumed food sources has been developed for comparative purposes. A food reconstruction using isotopic transferred signals (FRUITS) model of probable contributions of each food source towards the diet of each individual has been developed. All samples but one belongs to the later period of indigenous occupation of the archipelago. RESULTS: The dentine collagen data are presented in correlated δ13 C and δ15 N plots per individual, showing the isotopic changes throughout time. δ15 N values for each individual tend to be variable whereas δ13 C data are generally more stable with a range of +9.1 to +14‰ for δ15 N and -17.4 to -20.8‰ for δ13 C. CONCLUSION: The isotopic analysis allows for the reconstruction of eight dietary profiles, which allow us to estimate the different dietary protein sources. The FRUITS model shows different percentages of the primary food sources for each individual. Where both δ13 C and δ15 N are elevated, this could be indicative of a higher marine contribution to the diet. There appear to be two main dietary profiles identifiable in the dataset and these may be related to changes in status or place of residence. Short-term variations in δ13 C and δ15 N and opposing co-variance of isotopic values can be indicative of nutritional stress, although metabolic changes during growth are also considered.

A Prehispanic infant from Tenerife with diffuse microporotic lesions.

We describe diffuse microporotic lesions observed in most of the scattered skeletal remains belonging to a ≈ 6 months-old female (genetic sexing) prehispanic (antiquity ≈ 600 years BP) individual recovered from a small recess of a basaltic burial cave in the highlands (2300 m above sea level) of Tenerife. Although sphenoid wings were lacking, microporotic lesions were present in several bones, especially in the hard palate, basilar part of the occipital bone, outer aspect of the maxilla, and proximal half of the right humerus, accompanied by a subtle periosteal reaction. Although non-specific, bone lesions may be compatible with scurvy, possibly in the context of malnutrition, that probably also affected the mother, given the young age of the infant and her dependence on maternal feeding. Pathophysiological connections among iron deficiency, vitamin C deficiency and vitamin D deficiency are discussed. Both observational reports on paleopathological cases of diffuse microporotic lesions as well as experimental studies devoted to discern the relative and combined effects of hypoxia-mediated bone marrow expansion, protein-calorie malnutrition, ascorbate, vitamin D or iron deficiency on such lesions are needed.

Paleoparasitologic, paleogenetic and paleobotanic analysis of XVIII century coprolites from the church La Concepción in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

We present the results of a paleoparasitologic, paleogenetic and paleobotanic analysis of coprolites recovered during the excavation of the church La Concepción in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Coprolites (n = 4) were rehydrated and a multidisciplinary analysis was conducted. The paleobotanic analysis showed numerous silicates, seeds and fruits of the family Moraceae. In the paleoparasitologic study, Ascaris sp. eggs (n = 344) were identified. The paleogenetic results confirmed the Ascaris sp. infection as well as the European origin of human remains. These findings contribute to our knowledge of ancient helminthes infections and are the first paleoparasitological record of Ascaris sp. infection in Spain.

Identifying sialoliths through SEM technology.

OBJECTIVE: To define SEM characteristics that may aid identification of sialoliths. MATERIALS: Two sialoliths from modern patients affected by sialadenitis. METHODS: Samples were coated with silver and subjected to scanning electron microscopy using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector. Samples were then sectioned to permit study of the internal structure. RESULTS: Sialoliths show an external smooth surface with no distinctive features. Internal structures consist of a distinctive aggregate of coarse granules of different sizes surrounded by a lamellar coat. Elemental composition consists of carbon, phosphate, calcium and oxygen, with traces of magnesium. The proportion of these elements differs between the core and the surface. CONCLUSION: Although elemental composition is not specific, SEM analyses of sialoliths greatly differ from those of sesamoid bones, gallstones and nephroliths. Therefore, SEM analysis constitutes a useful tool for the precise identification of small calcified structures recovered during archaeological excavations. SIGNIFICANCE: Precise identification of calcified structures may provide information about nutritional and/or pathological aspects of past individuals. LIMITATIONS: Sialoliths are less common than other types of calcifications, and only two cases were analyzed in this study. FUTURE PROSPECTS: SEM technology should be applied to identify the etiology of all minute calcified remains recovered during archaeological excavations of burial sites.

Identifying small pelvic inclusions through SEM technology.

Tiny calcified structures may be occasionally recovered during excavation of human skeletal remains. Since taphonomic processes may displace these structures from their topographical relation with neighbouring organs or bones, differential diagnoses may pose a major challenge to the archeologist and/or anthropologist. Enteroliths, kidney stones or gallstones, phleboliths, calcified ganglia, or sesamoid bones account for most of such calcified tiny structures. In addition to their pure medical/paleopathological interest, some remains may be related to diet, to chronic haemolytic conditions, and/or to infections or chronic intestinal diseases. We here describe the technical procedures carried out to confirm or refute the identification of a sesamoid bone. The object in question was a small (5 × 3 × 2 mm) calcified structure that appeared over the right coxal bone of an 18th century individual buried in the church Nuestra Señora de La Concepción, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands). For comparative purposes we also analyzed kidney stones and gallstones from modern individuals. As shown in this study, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis is the preferred method to establish a precise differential diagnosis in these cases.

Factores relacionados al estado nutricional y actividad en estudiantes universitarios de Santiago / Factors related to nutritional status and physical activity in university students from Santiago

Introducción: La actividad física y el estado nutricional son dos componentes fundamentales en el estilo de vida de las personas. Los jóvenes universitarios, al encontrarse expuestos a distintos entornos, son vulnerables a adquirir ciertos hábitos y actitudes que pueden llegar a perjudicar su salud. En República Dominicana se carecen de estos datos, dándole importancia a este estudio, investigando sobre dichos factores modificables. Objetivos: Determinar los factores relacionados al estado nutricional y actividad física en estudiantes universitarios de la provincia Santiago de los Caballeros en el período de mayo-julio 2022. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo corte transversal utilizando fuentes primarias en el periodo 2021-2022 en Santiago, a través de un cuestionario con 33 preguntas, aplicado previo a consentimiento informado, en una muestra de 201 estudiantes seleccionados por un muestreo no probabilístico, de tipo bola de nieve en una población desconocida. Resultados: La mayoría de la población encuestada era de sexo femenino (67.2%), el estado nutricional predominante era aquel con un IMC normal (36.8%), la mayor parte de los universitarios eran inactivos físicamente (41.8%), y los hábitos alimenticios de los mismos eran parcialmente inadecuados (57.2%). Conclusión: La relación entre los factores sociodemográficos y académicos con la actividad física y el estado nutricional no fue estadísticamente significativa. Sin embargo, se evidenció una relación significativa entre la actividad física inactiva y los hábitos alimenticios parcialmente inadecuados de los participantes.

Introduction: Physical activity and nutritional status are two fundamental components of a person's lifestyle. Young university students, being exposed to different environments, are vulnerable to acquiring certain habits and attitudes that may be detrimental to their health. In the Dominican Republic these data are deficient, giving importance to this study, investigating these modifiable factors. Objectives: To determine the factors related to the nu-tritional status and physical activity in university stu-dents of the Santiago de los Caballeros province in the period of May-July 2022. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was ca-rried out using primary sources in the period 2021-2022 in Santiago, using a questionnaire with 33 questions, applied prior to informed consent, in a sample of 201 students selected by a non-probabilistic sampling of snowball type in an unknown population. Results: The majority of the population surveyed was female (67.2%), the predominant nutritional status was normal BMI (36.8%), most of the university students were physically inactive (41.8%), and their eating ha-bits were partially inadequate (57.2%). Conclusion: The relationship between sociodemogra-phic and academic factors with physical activity and nu-tritional status was not statistically significant. Howe-ver, a significant relationship was evidenced between inactive physical activity and partially inadequate eating habits of the participants.

Prehispanic (Guanches) mummies and natrium salts in burial caves of Las Cañadas del Teide (Tenerife).

ABSTRACT: The prehispanic population of Tenerife (Guanches) buried their dead in caves. Many corpses are totally or partially mummified. Embalming procedures are largely unknown, besides some information recorded by chroniclers and the general idea that environmental conditions in some areas may favour natural mummification. Detailed observation of burial caves containing mummified corpses revealed the presence of a white mineral in form of crusts or powder that was not present in the vast majority of non-burial caves, especially in basaltic and trachybasaltic lava flows. We analysed these crusts and they consist of natrium carbonate salts. Therefore, we conducted a search visiting 30 caves, 3 of them harbouring mummified corpses, and made analyses if there were natrium salts in these caves and their amount. One burial cave was located in trachyphonolitic lava flow, and two further caves in trachybasaltic and basaltic lava flows. There was a significant association between presence of natrium salts and use of the cave as a burial site (χ2 = 9.37; p = 0.0259). The semiquantitatively assessed amount of natrium salts was also by far higher in burial caves than in non-burial ones (Z = 2.58, p = 0.01). There are no reports that support the use of natrium salts in the embalming process among the Guanches, but we found a clear-cut relationship between the presence and/or amount of natrium salts in caves and their use as burial sites by the prehispanic population buried in the central highlands, suggesting an intentional use of caves containing this mineral as burial caves, based perhaps on the observation of the ability of natrium salts to preserve corpses.

Differences in tibial shape among the Prehispanic inhabitants from Gomera, Punta Azul (El Hierro), and Gran Canaria (Canary Islands).

ABSTRACT: The Canary Archipelago was colonized by North African Berbers who arrived at the Islands in the first millenium BC. Although it was classically considered that the prehispanic population was more or less uniform, recent genetic analysis has disclosed that some differences did exist between inhabitants of the different islands. From pure anthropometrical point of view, detailed inspection of some bones such as tibiae of prehispanic inhabitants of different islands allow the detection of some differences in tibial shape, especially regarding the relative size of both the proximal and distal thirds of these bones. On this basis, we have elaborated and calculated several indexes combining distal and proximal breadth measurements that define the global shape of the tibia. We have compared these indexes among the prehispanic population of the three islands for which sex has been accurately established. Both men and women from La Gomera, and, especially, from El Hierro, showed thicker distal ends of the tibiae with respect to proximal ones, in contrast with the population of Gran Canaria. In addition, differences among male and female tibiae were more marked among the population of Gran Canaria than among those of Gomera and El Hierro. Differences in these indexes could point either to differences in genetical background or to differences in activity. Compared with single anthropometric measurements, these indices separate better the population of the different islands. Just the opposite was observed when logistic regression analysis was used to analyse differences in sex.

Ten years of hospital admissions for liver cirrhosis in Portugal.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: More data on epidemiology of liver diseases in Europe are needed. We aimed to characterize hospital admissions for liver cirrhosis in Portugal during the past decade. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed all hospital admissions for cirrhosis in Portugal Mainland between 2003 and 2012 registered in the national Diagnosis-Related Group database. Cirrhosis was classified according to etiology considering alcohol, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2012, there were 63,910 admissions for cirrhosis in Portugal Mainland; 74.4% involved male patients. Etiologies of admitted cirrhosis were as follows: 76.0% alcoholic, 1.1% hepatitis B, 1.4% hepatitis B plus alcohol, 3.6% hepatitis C, and 4.0% hepatitis C plus alcohol. There was a significant decline (P<0.001) in admissions for alcoholic cirrhosis, whereas hospitalizations for cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C or hepatitis C plus alcohol increased by almost 50% (P<0.001). Patients admitted with alcoholic plus hepatitis B or C cirrhosis were significantly younger than those with either alcoholic or viral cirrhosis (53.1 vs. 59.4 years, respectively, P<0.001). Hospitalization rates for cirrhosis were 124.4/100,000 in men and 32.6/100,000 in women. Hepatocellular carcinoma and fluid retention were more common in viral cirrhosis, whereas encephalopathy and variceal bleeding were more frequent in alcoholic cirrhosis. Hepatorenal syndrome was the strongest predictor of mortality among cirrhosis complications (odds ratio 12.97; 95% confidence interval 11.95-14.09). In-hospital mortality was 15.2%. CONCLUSION: Despite the decline in admissions for alcoholic cirrhosis and the increase in those related to hepatitis C, the observed burden of hospitalized liver cirrhosis in Portugal was essentially attributable to alcoholic liver disease.

Osteoarthritis among the prehispanic population from La Gomera and El Hierro (Canary Islands): a comparative study.

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still unclear, and several factors may play a role in its development, including joint trauma or microtrauma (usually related to lifestyle), local inflammation, loading charge, and genetics. Assessment of osteoarthritis among ancient populations is important, since it may yield information relative to life habits. Therefore, we have performed the present study in order to assess the prevalence of osteoarthritis among the prehispanic populations from La Gomera and El Hierro, two islands of the Canary Archipelago with a similar size and altitude which were colonized by individuals of North African origin about 2000 - 2500 years ago. The economy of these people was based on goat herding, shellfishing, and agriculture together with consumption of some wild vegetal species. However, despite a similar geographic environment and a similar economic pattern, prevalence of osteoarthritis was by far higher among the population from La Gomera (78.57 % vs 15.85 %, p < 0.001), and that of eburnation, 11.65 % and 1.05 %, respectively (p = 0.016); in contrast, the population of El Hierro was markedly more robust than that of La Gomera. Globally, a trend to an inverse relationship was observed between epiphyseal robusticity index and the presence of osteoarthritis, which was statistically significant when only men were analysed. However, after performing a multivariate analysis, the only factor that was independently related to the presence of osteoarthritis was the variable "island" (i.e., population group), suggesting that - possibly - genetic factors played a major role in the differences observed.

A case of calcaneal osteomyelitis from the prehispanic population of El Hierro (Canary Islands).

A right calcaneus with a deep resorptive lesion surrounded by an osteosclerotic reaction in its lateral aspect was found among intermingled bone remains in a collective burial cave of the island of El Hierro, in the Canary Archipelago. It belonged to an adult prehispanic man, with an estimated antiquity of ≈1000 years BP. The bone shows a penetrating lesion in the lateral aspect slightly superior-anterior to the calcaneal tuberosity, surrounded by a bone rim, and communicating with a large cavity opening cranially where Achilles tendon is inserted. The lesion is suggestive of calcaneal osteomyelitis. The initiating cause was probably a puncture wound, perhaps with a retained foreign body that caused the large abscess. Other infectious and non-infectious etiologic possibilities are discussed.

A skeletal case of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy from the Canary Islands dating from 1000 BP.

A left tibia, the distal right tibia, and the proximal four fifths of the right ulna and radius, probably belonging to an adult prehispanic man (antiquity of ≈1000 years BP) were found among commingled bone remains in a collective burial cave of the island of El Hierro, in the Canary Archipelago. All four bones show an intense periosteal bone formation, encrusting the preserved cortical bone of the diaphyses. Differential diagnosis include melorheostosis, syphilis, and leprosy, although the most likely diagnosis is hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which is usually associated with lung neoplasm or non-malignant diseases leading to chronic hypoxemia. The marked bone proliferation, possibly due to a chronic condition, suggests that possibly the underlying illness was a non-malignant one.

Cartilage-derived tumor in a prehispanic individual from La Gomera (Canary Islands).

We present the case of a left tibia with an outgrowth at its distal metaphyseal/epiphyseal end, composed of cancellous bone, surrounding a destructive process that, on radiological examination, reaches the tibiotalar joint surface. The cancellous bone of the outgrowth is well preserved and is in continuity with intramedullary cancellous bone. The tibia belonged to a prehispanic adult individual, probably male, from La Gomera, in the Canary Archipelago. The antiquity of the sample is unknown, but radiocarbon dating of other samples ranges from 1600 to1800 years BP. The lesion is suggestive of a cartilage-derived tumor, most likely a chondrosarcoma. Other etiologic possibilities are also discussed, including osteochondroma, enchondroma, chondromyxoid fibroma or chondroblastoma.