Characterization of anti-soybean agglutinin (SBA) IgY antibodies: a new strategy for neutralization of the detrimental biological activity of SBA.

Anti-soybean agglutinin (SBA) IgY was produced, and its potential to neutralize the haemagglutinating activity of SBA in vitro was tested. Thirty-five-week-old hens [treatment (n = 5) and control (n = 5)] were immunized with SBA or injected with saline 4 times every 15 days. Eggs were collected after the last immunization, and IgY was extracted using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. Serum anti-SBA IgY titres in immunized hens increased after the first immunization and reached a plateau between days 45 and 60. In contrast, specific IgY titres in the control group remained at basal levels throughout the evaluation. Average IgY titres were significantly higher in the treatment group on days 15, 30, 45, and 60. Total IgY content in the egg yolk extract was 38.7 ± 1.6 and 37.7 ± 1.5 mg/ml for the treatment and control groups, respectively. The specific anti-SBA IgY titer detected in the egg yolk extract was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for hens in the treatment group compared to the control group, with OD450nm values of 0.98 ± 0.05 and 0.058 ± 0.02, respectively. The specificity of anti-SBA IgY was confirmed by the Western blotting, and the inhibition of SBA-induced haemagglutination in vitro was compared with D-galactose, a known molecule that binds to SBA and blocks its binding to erythrocytes. The inhibition of SBA-induced haemagglutination by the anti-SBA IgY reached 512 units of haemagglutination inhibition (UHI), compared to 8 or 256 UHI, respectively, when IgY from control chickens or D-galactose was used. Thus, anti-SBA IgY antibodies were efficiently produced in large quantities and effectively inhibited SBA-induced haemagglutination in vitro.

Inversion recovery and saturation recovery pulmonary vein MR angiography using an image based navigator fluoro trigger and variable-density 3D cartesian sampling with spiral-like order.

Contrast enhanced pulmonary vein magnetic resonance angiography (PV CE-MRA) has value in atrial ablation pre-procedural planning. We aimed to provide high fidelity, ECG gated PV CE-MRA accelerated by variable density Cartesian sampling (VD-CASPR) with image navigator (iNAV) respiratory motion correction acquired in under 4 min. We describe its use in part during the global iodinated contrast shortage. VD-CASPR/iNAV framework was applied to ECG-gated inversion and saturation recovery gradient recalled echo PV CE-MRA in 65 patients (66 exams) using .15 mmol/kg Gadobutrol. Image quality was assessed by three physicians, and anatomical segmentation quality by two technologists. Left atrial SNR and left atrial/myocardial CNR were measured. 12 patients had CTA within 6 months of MRA. Two readers assessed PV ostial measurements versus CTA for intermodality/interobserver agreement. Inter-rater/intermodality reliability, reproducibility of ostial measurements, SNR/CNR, image, and anatomical segmentation quality was compared. The mean acquisition time was 3.58 ± 0.60 min. Of 35 PV pre-ablation datasets (34 patients), mean anatomical segmentation quality score was 3.66 ± 0.54 and 3.63 ± 0.55 as rated by technologists 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.7113). Good/excellent anatomical segmentation quality (grade 3/4) was seen in 97% of exams. Each rated one exam as moderate quality (grade 2). 95% received a majority image quality score of good/excellent by three physicians. Ostial PV measurements correlated moderate to excellently with CTA (ICCs range 0.52-0.86). No difference in SNR was observed between IR and SR. High quality PV CE-MRA is possible in under 4 min using iNAV bolus timing/motion correction and VD-CASPR.

Implementación de tres guías de buenas prácticas clínicas en la escuela de enfermería de la universidad de talca, chile

El presente artículo describe el proceso de implementación de tres guías elaboradas por la Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) de Canadá, en el módulo enfermería en el adulto en la Escuela de Enfermería de la Universidad de Talca, proceso que se enmarca en el convenio establecido entre la Universidad de Talca y esta asociación, a través del Departamento de Enfermería de la Universidad de Chile, host leader del Programa de Guías de Buenas Prácticas Clínicas de la RNAO. Esta implementación se llevó a cabo a través de diversas metodologías de enseñanza-aprendizaje que han permitido a los estudiantes integrar y aplicar la Enfermería Basada en Evidencia en la práctica clínica y también, establecer una alianza entre la institución académica y los centros de asistencia sanitaria.

This article describes the implementation process of three guidelines developed by the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) in the adult nursing module at the School of Nursing of the University of Talca. This process is part of the agreement reached between the University of Talca and this association, through the Department of Nursing of the University of Chile, Host Leader of the RNAO's Best Clinical Practice Guidelines Program. This implementation has been carried out through various teaching-learning methodologies that have allowed students to integrate and apply Evidence-Based Nursing in clinical practice and also to establish an alliance between the academic institution and health care centers.

Este artigo descreve o processo de implementação de três diretrizes desenvolvidas pela Associação de Enfermeiros Registrados de Ontario (RNAO, sigla em inglês) do Canadá no módulo de enfermagem para adultos da Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de Talca. Esse processo faz parte do acordo estabelecido entre a Universidade de Talca e esta associação, por meio do Departamento de Enfermagem da Universidade do Chile, host leader do Programa de Boas Práticas Clínicas da RNAO. Essa implementação foi realizada por meio de várias metodologias de ensino-apredizagem que permitiram aos estudantes integrarem a Enfermagem Baseada em Evidências à prática clínica, e também estabelecer uma aliança entre a instituição académica e os centros de saúde.

Humanizing the intensive care unit experience in a comprehensive cancer center: A patient- and family-centered improvement study.

OBJECTIVES: Improving family-centered outcomes is a priority in oncologic critical care. As part of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Collaborative, we implemented patient- and family-centered initiatives in a comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team was created to implement the initiatives. We instituted an open visitation policy (OVP) that revamped the use of the two-way communication boards and enhanced the waiting room experience by hosting ICU family-centered events. To assess the initiatives' effects, we carried out pre-intervention (PRE) and post-intervention (POST) family/caregiver and ICU practitioner surveys. RESULTS: A total of 159 (PRE = 79, POST = 80) family members and 147 (PRE = 95, POST = 52) ICU practitioners participated. Regarding the decision-making process, family members felt more included (40.5% vs. 68.8%, p < 0.001) and more supported (29.1% vs. 48.8%, p = 0.011) after the implementation of the initiatives. The caregivers also felt more control over the decision-making process in the POST survey (34.2% vs. 56.3%, p = 0.005). Although 33% of the ICU staff considered OVP was beneficial for the ICU, 41% disagreed and 26% were neutral. Only half of them responded that OVP was beneficial for patients and 63% agreed that OVP was beneficial for families. Half of the practitioners agreed that OVP resulted in additional work for staff. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Our project effectively promoted patient- and family-centered care. The families expressed satisfaction with the communication of information and the decision-making process. However, the ICU staff felt that the initiatives increased their work load. Further research is needed to understand whether making this project universal or introducing additional novel practices would significantly benefit patients admitted to the ICU and their family.

Preferred sources of help for mental health problems among Chilean adolescents: a descriptive study / Fuentes de ayuda preferidas para problemas de salud mental por adolescentes chilenos: estudio descriptivo

Abstract Background: A timely search for professional help regarding mental health issues in adolescents is critical in preventing severe disorders. However, adolescents generally tend not to seek help. This investigation aimed to study Chilean adolescents’ willingness to seek help in mental health issues by identifying their preferred help-seeking sources. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional-correlational study with 493 high school students between 14 and 19 years of age (mean ± standard deviation = 16.28 ± 1.29). The instruments we used were the general help-seeking questionnaire (vignette version), adapted and validated in Chile, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: Data showed that adolescents are more willing to seek help from informal rather than from formal sources. We identified no sex differences in terms of willingness to seek help from formal sources. However, males were more willing to seek help from informal sources. Conclusions: Similar to other cultures, Chilean adolescents are more willing to seek help from informal sources regarding mental health problems.

Resumen Introducción: La búsqueda de ayuda profesional oportuna para temas de salud mental en adolescentes es fundamental para evitar el desarrollo de trastornos más graves. No obstante, en general los adolescentes tienden a no solicitar ayuda. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue identificar las fuentes de ayuda para problemas de salud mental a las que los adolescentes chilenos están más dispuestos a dirigirse. Métodos: Estudio transversal-correlacional en el que participaron 493 estudiantes de secundaria de entre 14 y 19 años (media ± desviación estándar = 16.28 ± 1.29). Los instrumentos aplicados fueron el Cuestionario General de Búsqueda de Ayuda (versión viñeta), adaptado y validado en Chile, y un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los adolescentes prefieren buscar ayuda en fuentes informales. No se identificaron diferencias por sexo en la disposición a buscar ayuda en fuentes formales, pero sí en la disposición a buscar ayuda en fuentes informales, pues los varones mostraron mayor disposición a hacerlo. Conclusiones: En concordancia con la evidencia en otras culturas, los adolescentes chilenos presentan una mayor disposición a buscar ayuda para problemas de salud mental en fuentes informales.

Preferred sources of help for mental health problems among Chilean adolescents: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: A timely search for professional help regarding mental health issues in adolescents is critical in preventing severe disorders. However, adolescents generally tend not to seek help. This investigation aimed to study Chilean adolescents' willingness to seek help in mental health issues by identifying their preferred help-seeking sources. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional-correlational study with 493 high school students between 14 and 19 years of age (mean ± standard deviation = 16.28 ± 1.29). The instruments we used were the general help-seeking questionnaire (vignette version), adapted and validated in Chile, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Data showed that adolescents are more willing to seek help from informal rather than from formal sources. We identified no sex differences in terms of willingness to seek help from formal sources. However, males were more willing to seek help from informal sources. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other cultures, Chilean adolescents are more willing to seek help from informal sources regarding mental health problems.

Transformation of a myelodysplastic syndrome to acute myeloid leukemia and concurrent necrotizing sweet syndrome.

The Sweet's syndrome, is an inflammatory skin disorder characterized by extensive infiltration of neutrophils in the dermis with extension to the subcutis, known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. It may occur as a paraneoplastic syndrome. To our knowledge, there are currently few reports about transformation of a myelodysplastic syndrome to acute myeloid leukemia and concurrent necrotizing Sweet syndrome in the literature. Herein we describe an unusual case in a young patient with these characteristics that evolved to a fatal outcome.

Validez y confiabilidad de la versión colombiana de la Escala de Cuidado Individualizado ICS-Paciente / Validity and reliability of the Colombian version of the ICS-Patient Individualized Care Scale

Objetivo: Determinar la validez y confiabilidad de la versión colombiana de la Escala de cuidado individualizado (ICS-paciente) diseñada por la Doctora Riitta Suhonen y colaboradores, en pacientes hospitalizados en una institución hospitalaria de la ciudad de Bogotá. Diseño del estudio: Este es un estudio de tipo metodológico, planteado en cuatro etapas que corresponden a la validez facial, validez de contenido, estimación de fiabilidad y validez de constructo. La muestra de pacientes (n=170) para la estimación de confiabilidad y validez de constructo fue recolectada en los servicios de hospitalización de un hospital universitario privado sin ánimo de lucro en la ciudad de Bogotá. Resultados: Esta escala presentó un índice de validez facial y de contenido superior a 0,80 en cada una de las variables evaluadas. En cuanto a la validez de constructo, el instrumento en general evalúa el concepto de cuidado individualizado planteado por la autora; sin embargo, la estructura factorial obtenida difiere de la resultante en la validación de la escala original, y de las obtenidas en otras investigaciones. La confiabilidad, en términos de consistencia interna, fue estimada mediante el coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach, que reportó un valor de 0,935 para la parte A y de 0,919 para la parte B. Conclusión: La versión colombiana de la Escala de cuidado individualizado ICS-paciente resulta válida y confiable para la medición de la percepción del cuidado individualizado de enfermería recibido por el paciente adulto, enmarcado en el modelo de atención centrado en el paciente. Se exponen las recomendaciones para el uso de este instrumento en futuros estudios.

Objective: Determine the validity and reliability of the Colombian version of the Individualized Care Scale (ICS-patient) designed by Dr. Riitta Suhonen and collaborators, in patients hospitalized in a hospital institution of the city of Bogotá. Study design: This is a methodological study, raised in four stages that correspond to facial validity, content validity, reliability estimation and construct validity. The sample of patients (n = 170) for estimating reliability and construct validity was collected in the hospitalization services of a private non-profit university hospital in the city of Bogotá. Results: This scale presented an index of face and content validity greater than 0.80 in each of the variables evaluated. Regarding construct validity, the instrument generally assesses the concept of individualized care proposed by the author; However, the factorial structure obtained differs from the one resulting from the validation of the original scale, and from those obtained in other investigations. Reliability, in terms of internal consistency, was estimated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which reported a value of 0.935 for part A and 0.919 for part B. Conclusion: The Colombian version of the ICS-Patient Individualized Care Scale resulting valid and reliable for measuring the perception of individualized nursing care received by adult patients, framed in the patient-centered care model. Recommendations for the use of this instrument in future studies are presented.

Reduced cardiac function is associated with cardiac injury and mortality risk in hospitalized COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac injury is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with increased mortality. However, it remains unclear if reduced cardiac function is associated with cardiac injury, and additionally if mortality risk is increased among those with reduced cardiac function in COVID-19 patients. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess cardiac function among COVID-19 patients with and without biomarkers of cardiac injury and to determine the mortality risk associated with reduced cardiac function. METHODS/RESULTS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 143 consecutive COVID-19 patients who had an echocardiogram during hospitalization between March 1, 2020 and May 5, 2020. The mean age was 67 ± 16 years. Cardiac troponin-I was available in 131 patients and an increased value (>0.03 ng/dL) was found in 59 patients (45%). Reduced cardiac function, which included reduced left or right ventricular systolic function, was found in 40 patients (28%). Reduced cardiac function was found in 18% of patients without troponin-I elevation, 42% with mild troponin increase (0.04-5.00 ng/dL) and 67% with significant troponin increase (>5 ng/dL). Reduced cardiac function was also present in more than half of the patients on mechanical ventilation or those deceased. The in-hospital mortality of this cohort was 28% (N = 40). Using logistic regression analysis, we found that reduced cardiac function was associated with increased mortality with adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 2.65 (1.18 to 5.96). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced cardiac function is highly prevalent among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with biomarkers of myocardial injury and is independently associated with mortality.

Circumscribed storiform collagenoma, an unusual tumor.

Circumscribed storiform collagenoma is a rare benign tumor. It appears as an isolated skin lesion or as part of the clinical spectrum of Cowden syndrome. The pathogenesis is still controversial. Although its clinical expression is heterogeneous, it has a characteristic histological pattern. We describe a case of a solitary circumscribed storiform collagenoma not associated with Cowden syndrome.

Estudio comparativo morfológico y morfométrico para la determinación de sexo en mandíbulas humanas / Comparative morphological and morphometric study for sex determination in human mandibles

Introducción: En la especie humana, las diferencias obedecen a variaciones biológicas ligadas a los caracteres sexuales, conducta socio-cultural y epigenética en cada grupo poblacional. Estas variaciones biológicas entre sexos se analizan desde el punto de vista morfológico. Algunos estudios refieren que la morfometría, relacionando el tamaño y forma del esqueleto humano, conduce a resultados más fidedignos y reproducibles. Objetivo: comparar los caracteres morfológicos y morfométricos de los detalles anatómicos propios de la rama mandibular para determinar el sexo en mandíbulas humanas, en dos poblaciones venezolanas. Materiales e métodos: la muestra fue 16 mandíbulas encontradas como hallazgo fortuito en el 2004 (Población A) y 08 mandíbulas humanas procedentes de la Colección de paleodemográfica, constituida por restos óseos de la población del yacimiento del Valle de Quíbor (Edo. Lara) (Población B). Posteriormente, fueron analizadas morfológico y métricamente, empleando los puntos de referencia anatómicos o PAR/Lamarck, y valoradas en el paquete estadístico SSPS (versión 19). Resultados: la rama mandibular es una muestra confiable para la discriminación sexual, después del análisis morfológico y métrico, de los 16 individuos procedentes de la población A, 07 corresponden con los criterios femeninos y 09 a masculinos. En la muestra de 08 individuos procedente de la población B, se identificaron 03 individuos femeninos y 05 masculinos. Conclusiones: el uso de métodos morfológico e morfométrico siguen siendo necesarios como primer paso para el reconocimiento de individuos en las ciencias forenses. No obstante, fue más efectivo la discriminación sexual mediante los parámetros morfométricos en relación al método morfológico.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis with Isolated Cutaneous Involvement Refractory to Polychemotherapy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a neoplasm of the monocyte-macrophage lineage, characterized by clonal proliferation and dissemination of cells that express CD1a+ and CD207. It is a disorder that predominates in childhood. Although the skin is the second most frequently affected organ (30-60%), isolated cutaneous involvement is rare; its frequency does not exceed 4 to 12 percent of cases. Single system-LCH usually has a good prognosis. We describe a case of LCH with isolated cutaneous involvement that presented in an adult patient and was refractory to polychemotherapy.

Effective Treatment of Morbihan's Disease with Long-term Isotretinoin: A Report of Three Cases.

Morbihan's disease is characterized by the presence of chronic and persistent edema of the periorbital tissue, forehead, glabella, nose, and cheeks. In some cases, it is related to acne and rosacea, but its exact etiology remains unknown. A defined therapeutic approach has yet to be established for the treatment of Morbihan's disease. To date, the systemic and surgical options attempted have not been very successful and/or do not yield sustained results. Isotretinoin is a key systemic treatment used for the treatment of various skin conditions. However, there are few reports of isotretinoin being used to treat Morbihan's disease. Here, we present the details of three patients with Morbihan's disease who were successfully treated long-term with isotretinoin.

[Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in adolescents and adults]. / Consenso mexicano para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica en adolescentes y adultos.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies of atopic dermatitis (AD) are generally inconsistent among physicians and health institutions. OBJECTIVE: To develop a consensus statement among experts to reduce the variations in practice regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients ≥ 12 years with AD to improve their care. METHODS: Systematic literature search in PubMed and GREAT. With methodological support and using the Delphi method, a formal consensus was developed among 16 experts in Dermatology and Allergology, based on the current evidence and its applicability in the Mexican context. Apart from intense electronic communication, several issues of disagreement were discussed in two face-to-face meetings. RESULTS: The clinical experts reached consensus on 46 statements related to the definition, classification, diagnostic strategies and treatment of AD. For the diagnosis we suggest the Williams criteria and for severity scoring the SCORAD (by the doctor) and POEM (by the patient). In addition to general care and treatment education (workshops), we suggest four steps for treatment, depending on severity: 1. Topical treatment with anti-inflammatory agents (and systemic: antihistamines/antileukotrienes -low level evidence-) 2. Phototherapy, 3. Cyclosporin A and 4. Dupilumab, with the possibility of managing this biological earlier on if a fast effect is needed. In extrinsic AD we suggest evaluating the addition of allergen immunotherapy or an elimination diet, if there is an IgE-mediated respiratory or food allergy, respectively. CONCLUSION: The panel of experts reached consensus on relevant aspects of AD with a focus on the transcultural adaptation of recent evidence.

Antecedentes: Los abordajes diagnósticos y las estrategias terapéuticas de la dermatitis atópica generalmente son inconsistentes entre los médicos y entre las instituciones de salud. Objetivo: Consensar las opiniones de expertos para reducir las variaciones en la práctica respecto al diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes ≥ 12 años con dermatitis atópica para mejorar su cuidado. Métodos: Búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en PubMed y GREAT. Con apoyo metodológico y utilizando el método Delphi se desarrolló un consenso formal entre 16 expertos en dermatología y alergología, basándose en la evidencia actual y su aplicabilidad en el contexto mexicano. A parte de una comunicación electrónica intensa, se discutieron los puntos en desacuerdo en dos reuniones presenciales. Resultados: Los expertos clínicos alcanzaron consenso en 46 declaraciones relacionadas con la definición, clasificación, estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica. Para el diagnóstico sugerimos se usan los criterios de Williams y el SCORAD (por parte del médico) y POEM (por parte del paciente) para definir la gravedad. Aunado a cuidados generales y educación terapéutica, sugerimos cuatro pasos para tratamiento, según gravedad: 1. Manejo tópico con antiinflamatorio (y sistémico: antihistamínico/antileucotrieno ­evidencia reducida­) 2. Fototerapia, 3. Ciclosporina A y 4. Dupilumab, con la posibilidad de manejarlo antes si se necesita efecto rápido. En la dermatitis atópica extrínseca sugerimos agregar inmunoterapia con alérgenos o una dieta de eliminación si existe una alergia IgE-mediada, inhalatoria o alimentaria, respectivamente. Conclusión: El panel de expertos realizó consenso en aspectos relevantes de la dermatitis atópica con enfoque en la adaptación transcultural de evidencia reciente.

Elevated Serotonin Interacts with Angiotensin-II to Result in Altered Valve Interstitial Cell Contractility and Remodeling.

While the valvulopathic effects of serotonin (5HT) and angiotensin-II (Ang-II) individually are known, it was not clear how 5HT and Ang-II might interact, specifically in the context of the mechanobiological responses due to altered valve mechanics potentiated by these molecules. In this context, the hypothesis of this study was that increased serotonin levels would result in accelerated progression toward disease in the presence of angiotensin-II-induced hypertension. C57/BL6 J mice were divided into four groups and subcutaneously implanted with osmotic pumps containing: PBS (control), 5HT (2.5 ng/kg/min), Ang-II (400 ng/kg/min), and 5HT + Ang-II (combination). Blood pressure was monitored using the tail cuff method. Echocardiography was performed on the mice before surgery and every week thereafter to assess ejection fraction. After three weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their hearts excised, embedded and sectioned for analysis of the aortic valves via histology and immunohistochemistry. In separate experiments, porcine valve interstitial cells (VICs) were directly stimulated with 5HT (10-7 M), Ang-II (100 nM) or both and assayed for cellular contractility, cytoskeletal organization and collagen remodeling. After three weeks, average systolic blood pressure was significantly increased in the 5HT, Ang-II and combination groups compared to control. Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated significantly reduced ejection fraction in Ang-II and the combination groups. H&E staining demonstrated thicker leaflets in the combination groups, suggesting a more aggressive remodeling process. Picrosirius red staining and image analysis suggested that the Ang-II and combination groups had the largest proportion of thicker collagen fibers. VIC orientation, cellular contractility and collagen gene expression was highest for the 5HT + Ang-II combination treatment compared to all other groups. Overall, our results suggest that 5HT and Ang-II interact to result in significantly detrimental alteration of function and remodeling in the valve.

Dissecting mitochondrial dna variability of balearic populations from the bronze age to the current era.

OBJECTIVES: To determine ancient population influences on ancient and current Balearic populations and to reconstruct their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene pool evolution. METHODS: We analyzed 239 individuals belonging to five archaeological populations from Majorca and Minorca, four dating to the transition between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, and one Late Roman Majorcan population. Six additional individuals from Santa Teresa di Gallura from the Nuragic period were characterized and added to the existing samples from that culture to make comparisons with Talaiotic populations. RESULTS: We characterized the haplogroups of 138 individuals and obtained 69 sequences from mtDNA hypervariable region I. In the intra-island study, the apparent differences in social and funerary rites between two contiguous Majorcan necropolises were correlated with genetic characteristics. Also, the likely occurrence of consanguinity in a population with a very particular burial pattern was supported by genetic data. Despite the uniqueness of each necropolis, the global comparison of the five necropolises revealed no significant differences between them, or between ancient and modern populations from the islands. Ancient Balearics showed a similar mtDNA gene pool to Ancient Catalans, had a Near Eastern component, and showed continuity with European populations since at least the Bronze Age. CONCLUSION: We characterized five Balearic necropolises in the context of their geographic and cultural characteristics. The similarity between ancient Balearic and ancient Catalan gene pools reinforces their known historic interactions, while the lack of a consistent genetic continuity with Ancient Sardinians suggests that Talaiotic and Nuragic cultures arose in differentiated populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 29:e22883, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.