Identification and quantification of projectile impact marks on bone: new experimental insights using osseous points.

Shifts in projectile technology potentially document human evolutionary milestones, such as adaptations for different environments and settlement dynamics. A relatively direct proxy for projectile technology is projectile impact marks (PIM) on archaeological bones. Increasing awareness and publication of experimental data sets have recently led to more identifications of PIM in various contexts, but diagnosing PIM from other types of bone-surface modifications, quantifying them, and inferring point size and material from the bone lesions need more substantiation. Here, we focus on PIM created by osseous projectiles, asking whether these could be effectively identified and separated from lithic-tipped weapons. We further discuss the basic question raised by recent PIM research in zooarchaeology: why PIM evidence is so rare in archaeofaunal assemblages (compared to other human-induced marks), even when they are explicitly sought. We present the experimental results of shooting two ungulate carcasses with bone and antler points, replicating those used in the early Upper Paleolithic of western Eurasia. Half of our hits resulted in PIM, confirming that this modification may have been originally abundant. However, we found that the probability of a skeletal element to be modified with PIM negatively correlates with its preservation potential, and that much of the produced bone damage would not be identifiable in a typical Paleolithic faunal assemblage. This quantification problem still leaves room for an insightful qualitative study of PIM. We complement previous research in presenting several diagnostic marks that retain preservation potential and may be used to suggest osseous, rather than lithic, projectile technology. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12520-024-01944-3.

Bone aerophones from Eynan-Mallaha (Israel) indicate imitation of raptor calls by the last hunter-gatherers in the Levant.

Direct evidence for Palaeolithic sound-making instruments is relatively rare, with only a few examples recorded from Upper Palaeolithic contexts, particularly in European cultures. However, theoretical considerations suggest that such artefacts have existed elsewhere in the world. Nevertheless, evidence for sound production is tenuous in the prehistoric archaeological record of the Levant, the study of music and its evolution being sparsely explored. Here we report new evidence for Palaeolithic sound-making instruments from the Levant with the discovery of seven aerophones made of perforated bird bones in the Final Natufian site of Eynan-Mallaha, Northern Israel. Through technological, use-wear, taphonomic, experimental and acoustical analyses, we demonstrate that these objects were intentionally manufactured more than 12,000 years ago to produce a range of sounds similar to raptor calls and whose purposes could be at the crossroads of communication, attracting hunting prey and music-making. Although similar aerophones are documented in later archaeological cultures, such artificial bird sounds were yet to be reported from Palaeolithic context. Therefore, the discovery from Eynan-Mallaha contributes new evidence for a distinctive sound-making instrument in the Palaeolithic. Through a combined multidisciplinary approach, our study provides important new data regarding the antiquity and development of the variety of sound-making instruments in the Palaeolithic at large and particularly at the dawn of the Neolithic in the Levant.

Early Upper Paleolithic cultural variability in the Southern Levant: New evidence from Nahal Rahaf 2 Rockshelter, Judean Desert, Israel.

The Levantine Early Upper Paleolithic (ca. 45-30 ka) has been a focus of research because of its unique position as a conduit of human, flora, and fauna species between Africa and Eurasia. Studies have mainly focused on the Early Ahmarian and Levantine Aurignacian, two entities, the former endemic and the latter foreign, which are considered to have coinhabited the region during that period. However, other cultural entities, such as the Atlitian in the Mediterranean region and the Arkov-Divshon in the arid regions of the southern Levant received less attention, and accordingly, suffer from broad definitions and chronological insecurity. These cultures hold potential insights regarding nuanced adaptations, reciprocal influences, and diachronic assimilation processes. The recently discovered site of Nahal Rahaf 2 Rockshelter in the Judean Desert provides integral information on one of these entities-the Arkov-Divshon. Two excavation seasons revealed a sequence of archaeological layers, with lithic assemblages in which laterally carinated items were prominent. Alongside rich faunal assemblages, other components of the material culture include perforated marine shells and bone tools, marking the first association of these elements with Arkov-Divshon and implying some degree of contact with the Mediterranean regions of the Levant. Good preservation of organic materials allowed radiocarbon dating of the human occupation at the site to ca. 37.5-34.0 ka cal BP, indicating chronological overlap with the Levantine Aurignacian, and possibly also with the latest phases of the Early Ahmarian. Thus, challenging the validity of the widely accepted 'Two Tradition' Model of the Levantine Upper Paleolithic. Lithic analyses suggest the use of one main reduction sequence and the primary production of bladelets from carinated items. Faunal remains suggest targeted hunting of ibex and gazelle. Botanical remains and sedimentary analyses suggest roughly similar environmental conditions, with a possible woodier environment in the surroundings of the site.

Elongation of the brachial plexus after reverse shoulder arthroplasty: an anatomical study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is becoming more extended and its clinical results are good or excellent according to the literature. The main biomechanical characteristic of RSA is that it lowers and medializes the centre of rotation of the shoulder causing an arm lengthening. Although the number of neurological complications is low (5%), there are more neurophysiological changes in the brachial plexus with RSA than with the anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. The main goal of this study was to quantify the lengthening of the terminal branches of the brachial plexus suffered after RSA implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 Embalmed cadavers were analysed. Four distances using bone references were employed to measure the lengthening of the arm and subacromial space. The brachial plexus and its terminal branches (radial, axillary, ulnar, musculocutaneous and median nerves) and the axillary artery, were identified and marked. Measurements were made to determine the change of position of the neurovascular structures, the arm lengthening and the lengthening of each nerve before and after the implantation of RSA. Two models of RSA were used: SMR®(Lima) and Delta Xtend®(DePuy-Synthes). RESULTS: The mean arm elongation was 10.5 mm. The subacromial space suffers an elongation of 20.5-29.8%. All the neurovascular structures suffered elongation: median nerve 23.1%, musculocutaneous nerve 22.1%, ulnar nerve 19%, radial nerve 17%, axillary nerve 12-14.5%, axillary artery 24.8%. There were no differences in the results between the types of prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its design, the RSA causes an arm lengthening which is reflected by the elongation of the neurovascular structures of the arm.

New insights into the Upper Palaeolithic of the Caucasus through the study of personal ornaments. Teeth and bones pendants from Satsurblia and Dzudzuana caves (Imereti, Georgia).

The region of western Georgia (Imereti) in the Southern Caucasus has been a major geographic corridor for human migrations during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic. Data of recent research and excavations in this region display its importance as a possible route for the dispersal of anatomically modern humans (AMH) into northern Eurasia. Nevertheless, within the local research context, bone-working and personal ornaments have yet contributed but little to the Upper Palaeolithic (UP) regional sequence's characterization. Here we present an archaeozoological, technological and use-wear study of pendants from two local UP assemblages, originating in the Dzudzuana Cave and Satsurblia Cave. The ornaments were made mostly of perforated teeth, though some specimens were made on bone. Both the manufacturing marks made during preparation and use-wear traces indicate that they were personal ornaments, used as pendants or attached to garments. Detailed comparison between ornament assemblages from northern and southern Caucasus reveal that they are quite similar, supporting the observation of cultural bonds between the two regions, demonstrated previously through lithic techno-typological affinities. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance attributed to red deer (Cervus elaphus) by the UP societies of the Caucasus in sharing aesthetic values and/or a symbolic sphere.

Feasibility study of fluorescent lamp waste recycling by thermal desorption.

The proposed Minamata Convention ban on the use of fluorescent lamps at the end of 2020, with a consequent reduction in mercury (Hg) light products, is expected to produce large amounts of discarded fluorescent bulbs. In this context, the most effective recycling options are a thermal mercury recovery system and/or aqueous solution leaching (lixiviation) to recover rare earth elements (REEs). Due to the heterogeneous nature of these wastes, a complete characterization of Hg compounds in addition to a determination of their desorption temperatures is required for their recycling. The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of a fast cost-effective thermal characterization to ameliorate recycling treatments. A pyrolysis heating system with a heat ramping capability combined with atomic absorption spectrometry makes it possible to obtain residue data with regard to the temperature ranges needed to achieve total Hg desorption. The major drawback of these heat treatments has been the amount of Hg absorbed from the residue by the glass matrices, ranging from 23.4 to 39.1% in the samples studied. Meanwhile, it has been estimated that 70% of Hg is recovered at a temperature of 437 °C.

Preliminary observations on the Levantine Aurignacian sequence of Manot Cave: Cultural affiliations and regional perspectives.

A well-preserved sequence of Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP) occupations has been revealed in the past decade in Manot Cave, the studies of which shed light on the cultural dynamics and subsistence patterns and paleoenvironment. Most intriguing is the series of overlying Levantine Aurignacian occupation layers, exposed near the entrance to the cave. Area E is considered the inner part of the main activity area in Manot Cave. Remains of intact combustion features, as well as numerous flint artifacts and faunal remains, were found, indicating a high level of preservation. Within a 2.5 m sequence, nine distinct occupation layers were defined. The presence of characteristic flint and osseous industries alongside a rich mollusk assemblage led to the initial association of the sequence as a whole to the Levantine Aurignacian. However, as research advanced and variability in the material culture became apparent, it became clear that a division of the sequence into two phases, early and late, is required. A preliminary study of the assemblage variability implies distinct changes in human behavior between the two phases. Most prominently, these are indicated by a change in bladelet production method and morphology alongside an increase in the significance of the bladelet component within the flint assemblage, the disappearance of composite osseous industries, and a steep decrease in mollusk shell representation in the late occupation phase. Radiocarbon dating indicates a short time span between the two phases. The earlier phase defined as, Levantine Aurignacian, was ascribed an age range of 38-34 ka cal BP with a more constrained age range of 37-35 ka cal BP suggested based on Bayesian models. In the late phase, which is temporarily referred to as "post-Levantine Aurignacian," an age range of 36-33 ka cal BP is suggested.

Personal ornaments from Hayonim and Manot caves (Israel) hint at symbolic ties between the Levantine and the European Aurignacian.

Situated at the crossroads of Africa and Eurasia, the Levant is a crucial region for understanding the origins and spread of Upper Paleolithic (UP) traditions associated with the spread of modern humans. Of the two local Early Upper Paleolithic technocomplexes, the Ahmarian and the Levantine Aurignacian, the latter appears to be unique in the endemic UP sequence, exhibiting greater similarity to the West European 'classic' Aurignacian than to the local preceding and proceeding UP entities. Previous publications have mostly focused on the similarities between the two lithic industries and less on studies conducted on Levantine Aurignacian bone tools and ornaments. Here, we present an archaeozoological, technological and use-wear study of ornaments on animal teeth from the Levantine Aurignacian layers at Manot and Hayonim caves (the Galilee, Israel). The selection of taxa, the choice of teeth, the mode of modification, and the use-wear analysis exhibit clear similarities with the European Aurignacian. This, with the technology of the osseous raw material exploitation, the presence of antler simple-base points, and some lithic typotechnological features, suggest a link between the symbolic spheres of the Levantine and the European Aurignacian cultural entities. Such similarity also supports some contribution of European Aurignacians groups to the local cultural entities, intermingling with the local material culture features.

Description and relationships of the parotid gland levels proposed by the European Salivary Gland Society staging system: an anatomical study.

OBJECTIVES: To perform an anatomical study to analyze the size, weight, and the relationships of the parotid levels proposed by the European Salivary Gland Society (ESGS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anatomical dissections of the parotid region in 19 human specimens were performed. All dissections were systematically carried out to study the dimensions and weight of each level. We also studied the facial nerve distribution between the different levels and the relative position of the facial nerve main trunk and parotid duct in regard to the Frankfort line plane. RESULTS: The facial nerve trunk and the parotid duct were identified in all the 19 specimens, which made it feasible to define the 4 principal levels of the parotid gland body (levels I-IV). Level V was identified in 9 out of 19 dissections (47.5%). For the whole gland, the mean for the height and width dimensions were 66.37 mm and 46.84 mm, respectively, and it weighted 18.13 g. In terms of relative weight regarding the whole gland, level II was always the heaviest, representing from 41 to 47% of the gland's weight, depending on the presence of level V. Levels I and III represent almost the same amount of relative weight as they range from 20 to 22% for each one. Level IV was the lightest body level representing 8-10% of the whole, and when present, level V represented less than 5% of the whole parotid weight. The temporal and zygomatic terminal branches were always found between the cranial levels, whereas the cervical and marginal nerves lie in all cases between the caudal levels. The buccal branches had multiple ramifications that lie between both cranial and caudal levels in 47% of the cases, being found exclusively between cranial levels in 21% and between the caudal levels in the remaining 32%. CONCLUSION: As traditionally reported, the caudal superficial portion of the gland represents the most voluminous portion of the gland, being labeled in our classification as level II. Levels I and III represent similar amounts of gland, though presenting a significantly different morphological disposition. Level IV is the smallest portion of the body gland and level V, when present represents a scarce 5% of the whole body gland weight. The ESGS levels have a clear anatomical basis and the basic references needed to define them are always present.

The Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition occupations from Cova Foradada (Calafell, NE Iberia).

The Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition in Europe covers the last millennia of Neanderthal life together with the appearance and expansion of Modern Human populations. Culturally, it is defined by the Late Middle Paleolithic succession, and by Early Upper Paleolithic complexes like the Châtelperronian (southwestern Europe), the Protoaurignacian, and the Early Aurignacian. Up to now, the southern boundary for the transition has been established as being situated between France and Iberia, in the Cantabrian façade and Pyrenees. According to this, the central and southern territories of Iberia are claimed to have been the refuge of the last Neanderthals for some additional millennia after they were replaced by anatomically Modern Humans on the rest of the continent. In this paper, we present the Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition sequence from Cova Foradada (Tarragona), a cave on the Catalan Mediterranean coastline. Archaeological research has documented a stratigraphic sequence containing a succession of very short-term occupations pertaining to the Châtelperronian, Early Aurignacian, and Gravettian. Cova Foradada therefore represents the southernmost Châtelperronian-Early Aurignacian sequence ever documented in Europe, significantly enlarging the territorial distribution of both cultures and providing an important geographical and chronological reference for understanding Neanderthal disappearance and the complete expansion of anatomically Modern Humans.

Symbolic emblems of the Levantine Aurignacians as a regional entity identifier (Hayonim Cave, Lower Galilee, Israel).

The Levantine Aurignacian is a unique phenomenon in the local Upper Paleolithic sequence, showing greater similarity to the West European classic Aurignacian than to the local Levantine archaeological entities preceding and following it. Herewith we highlight another unique characteristic of this entity, namely, the presence of symbolic objects in the form of notched bones (mostly gazelle scapulae) from the Aurignacian levels of Hayonim Cave, Lower Galilee, Israel. Through both macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the items, we suggest that they are not mere cut marks but rather are intentional (decorative?) human-made markings. The significance of this evidence for symbolic behavior is discussed in its chrono-cultural and geographical contexts. Notched bones are among the oldest symbolic expressions of anatomically modern humans. However, unlike other Paleolithic sites where such findings were reported in single numbers, the number of these items recovered at Hayonim Cave is sufficient to assume they possibly served as an emblem of the Levantine Aurignacian.

Radiocarbon chronology of Manot Cave, Israel and Upper Paleolithic dispersals.

The timing of archeological industries in the Levant is central for understanding the spread of modern humans with Upper Paleolithic traditions. We report a high-resolution radiocarbon chronology for Early Upper Paleolithic industries (Early Ahmarian and Levantine Aurignacian) from the newly excavated site of Manot Cave, Israel. The dates confirm that the Early Ahmarian industry was present by 46,000 calibrated years before the present (cal BP), and the Levantine Aurignacian occurred at least between 38,000 and 34,000 cal BP. This timing is consistent with proposed migrations or technological diffusions between the Near East and Europe. Specifically, the Ahmarian could have led to the development of the Protoaurignacian in Europe, and the Aurignacian in Europe could have spread back to the Near East as the Levantine Aurignacian.

An estimation of mercury concentrations in the local atmosphere of Almadén (Ciudad Real Province, South Central Spain) during the twentieth century.

We show the first estimations of long-term (100 years, 1900 to 2000) total gaseous mercury concentrations (TGM) in the urban area of Almadén. The estimation was carried out by comparing data on known metallic mercury production with measured TGM concentrations. The estimated diurnal background level ranges from 60 to 120 ng m(-3) and corresponds to periods when the metallurgical complex (cinnabar roasting plant) was shut down. The average TGM concentration during the period from 1900 to 2000 was about 600 ng m(-3) (with peaks above 1,200 ng m(-3)). Additionally, a 24-h-based TGM monitoring program has highlighted significant differences between the diurnal and nocturnal concentrations, particularly during the warmer months. In this regard, given that the average nocturnal to diurnal ratio is 2.12, we suggest that the average nocturnal concentrations must have exceeded 1,200 ng m(-3), and peak nocturnal concentrations could have reached levels up to 2,400 ng m(-3). Our estimations indicate that most parts of the town of Almadén were generally exposed to TGM concentrations in air that exceed the World Health Organization air quality guideline for Hg (1,000 ng m(-3)) for countryside and urban areas.

Cifoplastia percutánea con balón en el tratamiento de aplastamientos vertebrales. Evaluación en nuestro medio / Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty in the treatment of vertebral collapse. Evaluation in our environment

Introducción: Las fracturas vertebrales representan un importante problema de salud en la población. Por grupos de edad, la etiología varía ampliamente, siendo los traumatismos toracolumbares de alta energía en el contexto de precipitaciones y accidentes de tráfico la causa más frecuente en pacientes jóvenes y de mediana edad, y los aplastamientos vertebrales secundarios a fracaso por estrés de hueso patológico la causa más habitual en edades avanzadas, siendo además el sustrato patológico vertebral más habitual la existencia de metástasis óseas, tumores primarios vertebrales, ó la concomitancia de osteoporosis, ostensiblemente más prevalente a medida que aumenta la edad en la población de estudio. La vertebroplastia y la cifoplastia con balón son técnicas percutáneas de mínima invasión, indicadas en el tratamiento de ciertas fracturas somáticas vertebrales, basadas en la introducción intrasomática de cemento (PMMA) ó sustitutos óseos. Objetivo: Presentamos una revisión de las fracturas vertebrales que fueron tratadas en nuestro centro mediante cifoplastia percutánea con balón, y un análisis de los resultados obtenidos de acuerdo con lo aceptado por la comunidad científica y la literatura en el momento actual. Conclusiones: La cifoplastia percutánea con balón es una técnica segura, fiable y recomendable según indicación, en el tratamiento de fracturas vertebrales, mejorando los resultados obtenidos mediante el tratamiento convencional (conservador vs. artrodesis instrumentada), reduciendo la morbilidad asociada por dolor, efecto cifosante y daño reumático y neurológico secundario a la progresión de deformidades, permitiendo al paciente la incorporación precoz a sus actividades cotidianas y a su ocupación laboral, con una tasa de complicaciones asumibles y el consiguiente ahorro para el sistema sociosanitario

Introduction: Vertebral fractures are a major health problem in the population. By age group, the etiology varies widely, with the thoracolumbar highenergy trauma in the context of rainfall and traffic accidents the most common in young and middleaged patients cause, and secondary to vertebral ompression failure stress of pathological bone the most common cause in old age, being also the most common spinal significantly more prevalent as the pathological substrate bone metastases, primary vertebral tumors, or the concomitant osteoporosis,increasing age in the study population. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty balloon are minimally invasive percutaneous techniques, indicated in the treatment of certain somatic vertebral fractures, based in the introduction of cement (PMMA) or bone substitutes into the vertebral body. Objective: We present a review of vertebral fractures who were treated in our hospital by percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty, and an analysis of the results obtained in accordance with accepted by the scientific community and the recent literature. Conclusions: Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty is a safe , reliable and recommended technique as indicated in the treatment of vertebral fractures by improving the results obtained by the conventional treatment (conservative vs. instrumented arthrodesis), reducing the morbidity associated, pain, cifosis effect and secondary rheumatic and neurological damage to the progression of deformity , allowing the patient early incorporation into their daily activities and their occupation, with a rate of assumable complications and consequent savings for the social services system

Relevance of human anatomy in daily clinical practice.

AIM: the aim of this study has been to evaluate the relevance of gross human anatomy in daily clinical practice and to compare it to that of other basic sciences (biochemistry, bioethics, cytohistology, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology, psychology). MATERIALS AND METHODS: a total of 1250 questionnaires were distributed among 38 different medical speciality professionals. Answers were analyzed taking into account speciality (medical, surgery and others), professional status (training physician or staff member) and professional experience. RESULTS: the response rate was 42.9% (n=536). Gross human anatomy was considered the most relevant basic discipline for surgical specialists, while pharmacology and physiology were most relevant for medical specialists. Knowledge of anatomy was also considered fundamental for understanding neurological or musculoskeletal disorders. In undergraduate programmes, the most important focuses in teaching anatomy were radiological, topographical and functional anatomy followed by systematic anatomy. In daily medical practice anatomy was considered basic for physical examination, symptom interpretation and interpretation of radiological images. When professional status or professional experience was considered, small variations were shown and there were no significant differences related to gender or community. CONCLUSION: our results underline the relevance of basic sciences (gross anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology) in daily professional activity. Evidence-based studies such as ours, lend greater credibility and objectivity to the role of gross anatomy in the undergraduate training of health professionals and should help to establish a more appropriate curriculum for future professionals.

Impacto de nuevas metodologías en el estudio de parásitos: V. Dinámica del disparo del filamento polar en el microsporidio Nosema algerae, analizado por videomicroscopía de contraste acentuado electrónicamente / Impact of new methodologies in the study of parasites: V. Dynamics of the polar filament shot in the microsporidium Nosema algerea, analyzed by electronically enhanced contrast videomicroscopy

Por medio de video-microscopía de contraste acentuado electrónicamente, se consiguió el primer análisis cinemático de la descarga del filamento polar y el esporoplasma por esporas de un microsporidio. La estimulación in vitro de esporas de Nosema algerea, un parásito de los mosquitos, provoca la salida explosiva del filamento polar con una velocidad instantánea máxima de 105 µm/s en promedio, seguida por la expulsión del esporoplasma en el extremo del filamento luego de un lapso variable con un máximo de 500 ms. La descarga total se completa en menores de 2 s. La morfología de la parte del filamento ya descargada en cada instante no cambia durante la salida, lo que sugiere que el alargamiento ocurre tan solo en el extremo distal, conforma a la opinión de que el filamento es extruido por eversión. Por lo común, la longitud del filamento disminuye entre 5 y un 10 por ciento después de la expulsión del esporoplasma, lo que indica elasticidad del material constitutivo y presurización interna durante el proceso. Una vez liberado el esporoplasma aumenta de volumen, como es de esperar de una alta presión osmótica residual que, de acuerdo con la hipótesis prevaleciente, es ocasionada por la estimulación. Los resultados apoyan el modelo de que las esporas de los microsporidios germinan cuando el estímulo causa un aumento de presión osmótica interna, que a su vez determina un influjo de agua de manera que la presión hidrostática se eleva y finalmente rompe la tapa polar de la espora, por donde son entonces expulsados el filamento y enseguida el esporoplasma.