The earliest evidence of deep-sea vertebrates.

Vertebrate macroevolution has been punctuated by fundamental habitat transitions from shallow marine origins to terrestrial, freshwater, and aerial environments. Invasion of the deep sea is a less well-known ecological shift because of low fossilization potential and continual loss of abyssal fossil record by ocean floor subduction. Therefore, there has been a lack of convincing evidence of bottom-living vertebrates from pre-Paleogene deep seas. Here, we describe trace fossils from abyssal plain turbidites of the Tethys Ocean, which, combined with nannofossil dating, indicate that fishes have occupied the deep seafloor since at least the Early Cretaceous (Hauterivian-Barremian). These structures are identical to those produced by modern demersal fishes that feed by either scratching the substrate or expose their prey by water flow generated by suction or jetting. The trace fossils suggest activity of at least three fish species exploiting a productive abyssal invertebrate sediment fauna. These observations are consistent with Early Cretaceous vertebrate transition to the deep sea triggered by the availability of new food sources. Our results anticipate the appearance of deep-seafloor fishes in the fossil record by over 80 My while reassessing the mode of vertebrate colonization of the deep sea.

Aurochs roamed along the SW coast of Andalusia (Spain) during Late Pleistocene.

In the Iberian Peninsula the fossil record of artiodactyls spans over 53 million years. During the Pleistocene, wild cattle species such as Bison and especially Bos became common. In Late Pleistocene, the aurochs (Bos primigenius) was widespread and the only bovine living along the large river valleys of southern Iberia. Although commonly found in fossil sites and especially in cave bone assemblages, the trace fossil record of aurochs was known worldwide only from the Holocene. Large bovine and roe deer/caprine tracks were found in at least five horizons of the early Late Pleistocene (MIS 5) beach and eolian deposits of Cape Trafalgar (Cadiz Province, South of Spain). The large bovine tracks are formally described as Bovinichnus uripeda igen. et isp. nov. and compared with the record of aurochs tracks, large red deer tracks and steppe bison biogeographical distribution in Iberia. Aurochs were the most likely producers of the newly described Trafalgar Trampled Surface (TTS) and some of the large artiodactyl tracks in the Matalascañas Trampled Surface, representing the oldest aurochs track record known. This new evidence, together with comparisons with the record of possible aurochs tracks in the Mid-Late Pleistocene coastal deposits from the Asperillo cliff section in Matalascañas (Huelva Province, SW Spain) and bone assemblages known in Gibraltar, point to a recurrent use of the coastal habitat by these large artiodactyls in SW Iberia.

First tracks of newborn straight-tusked elephants (Palaeoloxodon antiquus).

Tracks and trackways of newborns, calves and juveniles attributed to straight-tusked elephants were found in the MIS 5 site (Upper Pleistocene) known as the Matalascañas Trampled Surface (MTS) at Huelva, SW Spain. Evidence of a snapshot of social behaviour, especially parental care, can be determined from the concentration of elephant tracks and trackways, and especially from apparently contemporaneous converging trackways, of small juvenile and larger, presumably young adult female tracks. The size frequency of the tracks enabled us to infer body mass and age distribution of the animals that crossed the MTS. Comparisons of the MTS demographic frequency with the morphology of the fore- and hind limbs of extant and fossil proboscideans shed light into the reproductive ecology of the straight-tusked elephant, Palaeloxodon antiquus. The interdune pond habitat appeared to have been an important water and food resource for matriarchal herds of straight-tusked elephants and likely functioned as a reproductive habitat, with only the rare presence of adult and older males in the MTS. The preservation of this track record in across a paleosol surface, although heavily trampled by different animals, including Neanderthals, over a short time frame, permitted an exceptional view into short-term intraspecific trophic interactions occurring in the Last Interglacial coastal habitat. Therefore, it is hypothesized that Neanderthals visited MTS for hunting or scavenging on weakened or dead elephants, and more likely calves.

Dermatological diseases in seamen's lower extremity: a prevalence study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the impact of occupational seafaring on lower limb conditions. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of dermatological diseases affecting the feet and lower extremities of seafarers, as well as the possible impact of working conditions on the development of the pathologies analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prevalence study was performed through self-completed questionnaires at the "Instituto Social de la Marina" (ISM) centres at A Coruña, Ribeira, Noya and Cádiz (Spain). Sociodemographic, anthropometric and podiatric variables, as well as the type of maritime sector, duty on board and, working footwear, were studied (n = 137). The study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of A Coruña (CE 13/2016). RESULTS: The average age of the study subjects was 45.71 ± 9.90 years and the number of years sailed was 20.31 ± 11.64 years. The most prevalent pathologies were mycosis (21.9%), helomas and tylomas (29.9%) and hyperhidrosis (17.5%). A statistically significant relationship was obtained between pruritus and scabies (p ≤ 0.000), xerosis (p ≤ 0.005), eczema (p ≤ 0.000), obesity (p ≤ 0.018) and psoriasis (p ≤ 0.005). A significant relationship was also found between onychocryptosis, and psoriasis (p ≤ 0.000). Frequency with which the study participants have visited the podiatrist was significantly related to the presence of helomas and tylomas (p ≤ 0.013) and hyperhidrosis (p ≤ 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of diverse dermatological diseases has been found, revealing the importance of podiatric assessment in sea workers prior to boarding.

Asistencia médica a bordo de los buques en altamar basada en la telemedicina / Medical assistance via telemedicine on ships at sea

Introduction: Statistical study about the health care provided to seafarers on board their ships by the Spanish Radio Medical Center of the Marine Social Institute (Ministry of Employment and Social Security). Material and results: In 2015, 1658 calls were received requesting medical assistance and 1014 patients were attended (average: 1.64 calls / case). The use of satellite communication was the most common means of communication used (92.2%). The mean age of the patients was 44.51 (standard deviation = 9.892). The average age of Spanish and European Union crew members is higher than those of other origin (p < 0.01). Trawlers account for the 76.4% of the calls asking for medical assistance, merchant ships the 13.2%, travelling ships 1%, yachts 0.5% and others 8.8%. No significant differences were found between the pathology seen and the type of vessel (p> 0.1). 25% of medical consultations were due to trauma conditions and 75% to other diseases. In trauma patients, the affected body regions were: the upper limbs (40.2%), the head (10.8%), the lower limbs (16.7%) and the trunk (12.7%). Isolated eye traumas represented the 11.2% of cases. 81.6% of all the cases were treated on board until port destination. In the 18.4% of the cases, rescue was required (3.2% per helicopter). In the trauma cases, only 61.26% were able to remain on board. Rescue was more frequent in the event of trauma (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Assistances due to diseases are more frequent than those due to trauma. Most patients could be assisted on board. It was observed that seafarer population is becoming older.

Introducción: Estudio estadístico de la atención sanitaria prestada por el Centro Radio Médico Español del Instituto Social de la Marina a los marinos a bordo de sus buques. Material y resultados: Durante un año, se asistieron 1014 pacientes y se recibieron 1658 llamadas demandando consulta médica (media: 1.64 llamadas/caso). El satélite es el medio de comunicación más empleado para la consulta (92.2%). La media de edad de los pacientes fue de 44.51 (desviación estándar = 9.892). La media de edad de los tripulantes españoles y de la Unión Europea es mayor que el resto (p = 0,00). Los pesqueros representan un 76.4% de las asistencias; los mercantes, 13.2%; pasaje, 1%; buques de recreo, 0.5%, y otros, 8.8%. No se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre la afección consultada y el tipo de buque (p > 0.1). El 25% de las atenciones se debieron a accidentes y el 75% a enfermedades. En los accidentes, las regiones corporales afectadas fuern: miembros superiores (10%), cabeza (5.5%), miembros inferiores (4.1%) y tronco (3.2%). Los ojos representan el 2.8% de los casos. El 81.6% de todos los casos fue atendido a bordo hasta la siguiente llegada a puerto. En el 18.4% fue necesaria la evacuación (3.2% por helicóptero). En el caso de los accidentados, sólo el 6.26% pudo permanecer a bordo. La evacuación es más frecuente en caso de accidente (p = 0.00). Conclusiones: Son más frecuentes las asistencias por enfermedad que por accidente. La mayoría de los pacientes pueden permanecer a bordo. Se observa un envejecimiento de la población embarcada.

Correlacionan las urgencias marítimas con los antecedentes clínicos de los tripulantes / Correlation between maritime emergencies and medical histories of crew members

El trabajo relaciona la asistencia médica a bordo y los reconocimientos laborales. Para mejorar la asistencia a los marinos se precisa mayor conexión entre los centros de reconocimiento médico y las clínicas que los asisten.

Effect of therapeutic horseback riding on balance and gait of people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Exercise therapy is an important part of symptomatic and supportive treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). According to the literature, equine-assisted therapies--such as therapeutic horseback riding (THR) and hippotherapy (HT)--are exercise therapies that can have positive physical effects on coordination, muscle tone, postural alignment, stiffness/flexibility, endurance and strength, correcting abnormal movement patterns and improving gait and balance. While HT is known to have a positive effect on balance in PwMS, data about THR are limited. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of THR on the balance and gait of ambulatory PwMS. METHODS: Twenty-seven PwMS were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: 12 underwent THR and 15 traditional physiotherapy (for both groups, two series of 10 weekly sessions were performed). Before and after the study period, the following outcome measures were applied: Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Barthel Index, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). In addition, patients of the THR group underwent a gait analysis to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters and ground reaction forces. RESULTS: The THR group showed a significant improvement in POMA scores (p<0.005) and two gait parameters: stride time (p<0.04) and ground reaction forces (p<0.01). No statistically significant change was found in the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that THR can improve balance and gait of ambulatory PwMS. Findings are preliminary, but promising and in line with the recent literature.