The aftermath of Covid-19: The rise of pandemic animosity among consumers and its scale development.

Consumer animosity captures negative attitudes to foreign products and impacts willingness to buy them. Existing constructs nevertheless fail to account for an emerging dimension: pandemic animosity. This article heeds recent calls to develop a pandemic animosity measurement scale. Its purpose is to: (i) extend Klein et al.'s (1998) animosity model by adding the pandemic animosity construct, (ii) provide a measurement scale for pandemic animosity, and (iii) explain how pandemic animosity impacts consumers' willingness to buy. Study 1 analyzes qualitative data from in-depth personal interviews with NVivo to identify themes and codes. An expert panel helped reach consensus of all indicators. Study 2 filters scale items using a pilot sample. Study 3 validates a 12-item scale with a larger representative sample. The results contribute to the consumer animosity literature by confirming the existence of pandemic animosity, providing an actionable measure, and confirming its negative impact on consumers' willingness to buy.

Smart Sensorization Using Propositional Dynamic Logic.

The current high energy prices pose a serious challenge, especially in the domestic economy. In this respect, one of the main problems is obtaining domestic hot water. For this reason, this article develops a heating system applied to a conventional water tank in such a way as to minimize the necessary energy supply by converting it, under certain circumstances, into atmospheric. For this purpose, the domotic system has been equipped with sensors that automate the pressurization of the compartment and solenoid valves that regulate the external water supply. This design, to which different level sensors are applied, sends the information in real time to an artificial intelligence system, by means of deductive control, which recognizes the states of the system. This work shows the introduction of an extension of propositional dynamic logic in the field of energy efficiency. Thanks to this formalism, a qualitative control of the program variables is achieved by incorporating qualitative reasoning tools. On the other hand, it solves preventive maintenance systems through the early detection of faults in the installation. This research has led to the patenting of an intelligent domestic hot water system that considerably reduces energy consumption by setting disjointed heating intervals that, powered by renewable or non-renewable sources, are controlled by a propositional dynamic logic.

Thermodynamics of OHgX, XHgOH, XHgOCl, XHgOBr, and HOHgY Gaseous Oxidized Mercury Molecules from Isodesmic, Isogyric, and Atomization Work Reactions (X = Halogen, Y = OH, OCl, OBr).

Isogyric, isodesmic, and atomization reactions were used to determine the standard enthalpies of formation (Δ H°f) for a series of OHgX, XHgOH, XHgOCl, XHgOBr, and HOHgY molecules (X = halogen, Y = OH, OCl, OBr) from single-point CCSD(T)/AV nZ//M06-2X/AVTZ ( n = D, T, Q) energies extrapolated to the complete basis set limit using a three-point mixed Gaussian exponential scheme. Standard enthalpies of formation from isogyric and isodesmic reactions are in good agreement with experimental data and values from higher level calculations but at significantly reduced computation time. The established template work reaction scheme and methodology can potentially be extended for Hg species outside the scope of this work. The standard error for the Δ H°f for the studied molecules averaged over several isodesmic/isogyric reactions is 1.67 kcal/mol or less. The X-Hg-Y bond dissociation energies (BDEs) were determined from the Δ H°f and used as a metric of the molecular stability. The BDE decreases from F to I for the X-HgOH and OHg-X series. The trend is reversed for X-HgOCl and X-HgOBr where the BDE increases from F to Br but decreases with I. All studied molecules have significant BDEs in the range of 50-90 kcal/mol. Assuming that the concentrations of halogens OH, OCl, or OBr are reasonably high near the vicinity of a mercury emission source, the studied molecules can potentially exist long enough to affect the mercury oxidation-reduction rate and impact the global mercury budget.

The impact of the use of intraoperative radiotherapy on costs, travel time and distance for women with breast cancer in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The low availability and poor access to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in developing countries makes it hard for women with breast cancer to receive breast conservation. We studied the effect of providing intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) on the travel time, distance, and costs of in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients treated between January 2013 and September 2014 were analyzed. Travel distance and transit time was calculated using Google Maps. The time and distance patients living in the MCMA treated with IORT would have spent if they had received EBRT was calculated. Cost analysis for each modality was performed. RESULTS: 71% (n = 49) lived in the MCMA. Sixteen (33%) received additional EBRT and 33 (66%) received IORT only. Mean driving distance and transit time of those 33 women was 132.6 km (SD 25.7) and 66 min (SD 32.9). Patients from the MCMA receiving IORT alone avoided 990 visits, 43 700 km and 65 400 min in transit. IORT led to a 12% reduction in costs per patient. CONCLUSIONS: By reducing costs and time needed for patients to receive radiotherapy, IORT could potentially enhance access to breast conservation in resource-limited developing countries.

Automated antibody structure prediction using Accelrys tools: results and best practices.

We describe the methodology and results from our participation in the second Antibody Modeling Assessment experiment. During the experiment we predicted the structure of eleven unpublished antibody Fv fragments. Our prediction methods centered on template-based modeling; potential templates were selected from an antibody database based on their sequence similarity to the target in the framework regions. Depending on the quality of the templates, we constructed models of the antibody framework regions either using a single, chimeric or multiple template approach. The hypervariable loop regions in the initial models were rebuilt by grafting the corresponding regions from suitable templates onto the model. For the H3 loop region, we further refined models using ab initio methods. The final models were subjected to constrained energy minimization to resolve severe local structural problems. The analysis of the models submitted show that Accelrys tools allow for the construction of quite accurate models for the framework and the canonical CDR regions, with RMSDs to the X-ray structure on average below 1 Å for most of these regions. The results show that accurate prediction of the H3 hypervariable loops remains a challenge. Furthermore, model quality assessment of the submitted models show that the models are of quite high quality, with local geometry assessment scores similar to that of the target X-ray structures.

Second antibody modeling assessment (AMA-II).

To assess the state of the art in antibody 3D modeling, 11 unpublished high-resolution x-ray Fab crystal structures from diverse species and covering a wide range of antigen-binding site conformations were used as a benchmark to compare Fv models generated by seven structure prediction methodologies. The participants included: Accerlys Inc, Chemical Computer Group (CCG), Schrodinger, Jeff Gray's lab at John Hopkins University, Macromoltek, Astellas Pharma/Osaka University and Prediction of ImmunoGlobulin Structure (PIGS). The sequences of benchmark structures were submitted to the modelers and PIGS, and a set of models were generated for each structure. We provide here an overview of the organization, participants and main results of this second antibody modeling assessment (AMA-II). Also, we compare the results with the first antibody assessment published in this journal (Almagro et al., 2011;79:3050).

Validation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1681 protein as a diagnostic marker of active pulmonary tuberculosis.

The development of an accurate antigen detection assay for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) would represent a major clinical advance. Here, we demonstrate that the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1681 protein is a biomarker for active TB with potential diagnostic utility. We initially identified, by mass spectroscopy, peptides from the Rv1681 protein in urine specimens from 4 patients with untreated active TB. Rabbit IgG anti-recombinant Rv1681 detected Rv1681 protein in lysates and culture filtrates of M. tuberculosis and immunoprecipitated it from pooled urine specimens from two TB patients. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay formatted with these antibodies detected Rv1681 protein in unconcentrated urine specimens from 11/25 (44%) TB patients and 1/21 (4.8%) subjects in whom TB was initially clinically suspected but then ruled out by conventional methods. Rv1681 protein was not detected in urine specimens from 10 subjects with Escherichia coli-positive urine cultures, 26 subjects with confirmed non-TB tropical diseases (11 with schistosomiasis, 5 with Chagas' disease, and 10 with cutaneous leishmaniasis), and 14 healthy subjects. These results provide strong validation of Rv1681 protein as a promising biomarker for TB diagnosis.

Polystyrene nanoplastics affect transcriptomic and epigenomic signatures of human fibroblasts and derived induced pluripotent stem cells: Implications for human health.

Plastic pollution is increasing at an alarming rate yet the impact of this pollution on human health is poorly understood. Because human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) are frequently derived from dermal fibroblasts, these cells offer a powerful platform for the identification of molecular biomarkers of environmental pollution in human cells. Here, we describe a novel proof-of-concept for deriving hiPSC from human dermal fibroblasts deliberately exposed to polystyrene (PS) nanoplastic particles; unexposed hiPSC served as controls. In parallel, unexposed hiPSC were exposed to low and high concentrations of PS nanoparticles. Transcriptomic and epigenomic signatures of all fibroblasts and hiPSCs were defined using RNA-seq and whole genome methyl-seq, respectively. Both PS-treated fibroblasts and derived hiPSC showed alterations in expression of ESRRB and HNF1A genes and circuits involved in the pluripotency of stem cells, as well as in pathways involved in cancer, inflammatory disorders, gluconeogenesis, carbohydrate metabolism, innate immunity, and dopaminergic synapse. Similarly, the expression levels of identified key transcriptional and DNA methylation changes (DNMT3A, ESSRB, FAM133CP, HNF1A, SEPTIN7P8, and TTC34) were significantly affected in both PS-exposed fibroblasts and hiPSC. This study illustrates the power of human cellular models of environmental pollution to narrow down and prioritize the list of candidate molecular biomarkers of environmental pollution. This knowledge will facilitate the deciphering of the origins of environmental diseases.

Prevalence and associated factors of bullying in medical residents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of bullying in medical residents and its associated factors. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, articles from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, PsycInfo, Cochrane databases, and Web of Science were searched. Published and unpublished cross-sectional studies were included. Cochrane's Q test and I2 statistics were used to assess the existence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed on evidence of heterogeneity. Egger's test and funnel plots were performed to investigate publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 13 cross-sectional studies with a total of 44 566 study participants from different medical residencies were analyzed. The overall prevalence of bullying was 51% (95% CI 36-66). Furthermore, female residents and residents that belong to a minority group had higher odds of experiencing bullying compared to their peers. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of bullying in medical residents exists around the world. There is a need for education, dissemination, and more effective interventions among the residents and authorities about bullying to build and promote adequate behaviors and diminish bullying prevalence.

[Correlation between consultation time and patient´s satisfaction in primary care]. / Correlación entre tiempo consulta y satisfacción del paciente en primer nivel de atención.

Background: It is important to understand how consultation time relates to patient satisfaction, as these two variables have not been extensively studied together. Objective: To determine the correlation between consultation time and patient satisfaction in primary care settings in Mexico. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study that included patients over 18 years old. Time was measured using a stopwatch, and satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). The correlation between both variables was analyzed using the Spearman test, and multiple linear regression was employed to associate satisfaction with the consultation. Results: A total of 115 participants were included. The average consultation duration was 12.1 minutes, and 74% of patients reported that the consultation time was adequate. A weak positive correlation (p < 0.001, r = 0.38) was found between actual consultation time and satisfaction. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that for every minute increase in consultation time, level of satisfaction increased in 0.04 units (p = 0.001, CI95%: 0.016-0.063). Conclusion: Most patients reported satisfaction with the duration of their medical consultation, and longer consultation times were associated with higher satisfaction levels.

Introducción: es importante conocer cómo el tiempo de la consulta se relaciona con la satisfacción del paciente, ya que son dos variables que no se han estudiado a profundidad de forma conjunta. Objetivo: determinar la correlación que existe entre el tiempo de consulta y la satisfacción del paciente en un primer nivel de atención en México. Material y métodos: estudio transversal, observacional y analítico que incluyó a pacientes mayores de 18 años. Se midió el tiempo con cronómetro, así como la satisfacción mediante el cuestionario Patient Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). Se analizó la correlación entre ambas variables con la prueba de Spearman y para asociar la satisfacción con la consulta se empleó regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: se incluyeron 115 participantes. La duración media de la consulta fue de 12.1 minutos y el 74% de los pacientes indicó que el tiempo de consulta les pareció adecuado. Se encontró una correlación positiva leve (p < 0.001, r = 0.38) entre el tiempo real de la consulta y la satisfacción. Mediante la regresión lineal múltiple se demostró que, por cada minuto de aumento en la consulta, el índice de satisfacción aumentaba en un 0.04 (p = 0.001, IC95%: 0.016-0.063). Conclusión: la mayoría de los pacientes refieren estar satisfechos con la duración de la consulta médica; sin embargo, a mayor duración de la consulta los pacientes muestran mayor satisfacción.

Accuracy between 2D Photography and Dual-Structured Light 3D Facial Scanner for Facial Anthropometry: A Clinical Study.

(1) Background: Facial scanners are used in different fields of dentistry to digitalize the soft tissues of the patient's face. The development of technology has allowed the patient to have a 3-dimensional virtual representation, facilitating facial integration in the diagnosis and treatment plan. However, the accuracy of the facial scanner and the obtaining of better results with respect to the manual or two-dimensional (2D) method are questionable. The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of the 3D method (a dual-structured light facial scanner) and compare it with the 2D method (photography) to obtain facial analysis in the maximum intercuspation position and smile position. (2) Methods: A total of 60 participants were included, and nine facial landmarks and five interlandmarks distances were determined by two independent calibrated operators for each participant. All measurements were made using three methods: the manual method (manual measurement), the 2D method (photography), and the 3D method (facial scanner). All clinical and lighting conditions, as well as the specific parameters of each method, were standardized and controlled. The facial interlandmark distances were made by using a digital caliper, a 2D software program (Adobe Photoshop, version 21.0.2), and a 3D software program (Meshlab, version 2020.12), respectively. The data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test revealed that trueness and precision values were normally distributed (p > 0.05), so a Student's t-test was employed. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were observed in all interlandmark measurements in the 2D group (photography) to compare with the manual group. The 2D method obtained a mean accuracy value of 2.09 (±3.38) and 2.494 (±3.67) in maximum intercuspation and smile, respectively. On the other hand, the 3D method (facial scanner) obtained a mean accuracy value of 0.61 (±1.65) and 0.28 (±2.03) in maximum intercuspation and smile, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences with the manual method. (4) Conclusions: The employed technique demonstrated that it influences the accuracy of facial records. The 3D method reported acceptable accuracy values, while the 2D method showed discrepancies over the clinically acceptable limits.

Late survival of Neanderthals at the southernmost extreme of Europe.

The late survival of archaic hominin populations and their long contemporaneity with modern humans is now clear for southeast Asia. In Europe the extinction of the Neanderthals, firmly associated with Mousterian technology, has received much attention, and evidence of their survival after 35 kyr bp has recently been put in doubt. Here we present data, based on a high-resolution record of human occupation from Gorham's Cave, Gibraltar, that establish the survival of a population of Neanderthals to 28 kyr bp. These Neanderthals survived in the southernmost point of Europe, within a particular physiographic context, and are the last currently recorded anywhere. Our results show that the Neanderthals survived in isolated refuges well after the arrival of modern humans in Europe.

[The estimated economic impact of cardiovascular and diabetes mellitus complications 2019-2028]. / Estimación del impacto económico por complicaciones cardiovasculares y de diabetes mellitus 2019-2028.

Background: In Mexico, diabetes mellitus (DM) and diseases cardiovascular, register an upward trend. Objective: To estimate the number of complications due to cardiovascular events (CVD) and complications derived from DM (CDM) accumulated in beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) from 2019 to 2028, as well as the expense for medical and economic benefits in a scenario baseline and one of change in metabolic profile due to lack of medical follow-up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: The number of CVD and CDM was estimated from 2019, with a 10-year risk projection using the ESC CVD Risk Calculator and United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, considering risk factors registered in the institutional databases. Results: From 2019 to 2028, cumulative CVD cases were estimated at 2 million and those of CDM in 960 thousand, with an impact on medical spending of 439,523 million pesos and on the economic benefits of 174,085 millions. When considering the COVID-19 pandemic, CVD events and CDM increased by 589 thousand, with an increase in spending of 93,787 million pesos for medical care and 41,159 million for economic benefits. Conclusions: Without a comprehensive intervention in the management of CVD and CDM, the cost by both diseases will continue to increase, with financial pressures getting older.

Introducción: en México la diabetes mellitus (DM) y las enfermedades cardiovasculares, registran una tendencia ascendente. Objetivo: estimar el número de complicaciones por eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) y complicaciones derivadas de la DM (CDM) acumuladas en derechohabientes del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) de 2019 a 2028, así como el gasto por prestaciones médicas y económicas en un escenario de referencia y uno de cambio en el perfil metabólico debido a la falta de seguimiento médico durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Material y métodos: se estimó el número de ECV y CDM a partir de 2019, con una proyección de riesgo a 10 años con los modelos ESC CVD Risk Calculator y United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, considerando los factores de riesgo registrados en las bases de datos institucionales. Resultados: de 2019 a 2028, los casos acumulados de ECV se estimaron en 2 millones y los de CDM en 960 mil, con un impacto sobre el gasto médico de 439,523 millones de pesos y sobre las prestaciones económicas de 174,085 millones. Al considerar la pandemia por COVID-19, los eventos de ECV y de las CDM aumentaron en 589 mil, con un incremento del gasto en 93,787 millones de pesos por atención médica y en 41,159 millones por prestaciones económicas. Conclusiones: sin una intervención integral al manejo de ECV y de CDM, el gasto por ambas enfermedades seguirá incrementándose, con presiones financieras cada vez mayores.

First wave of SARS-CoV-2 in Santiago Chile: Seroprevalence, asymptomatic infection and infection fatality rate.

BACKGROUND: The first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Chile occurred during the cold season reaching a peak by the end of June 2020, with 80 % of the cases concentrated in its capital, Santiago. The main objective of this study was to estimate the attack rate during this first wave of SARS-CoV-2 in a large, densely populated city with more than seven million inhabitants. Since the number of confirmed cases provides biased information due to individuals' potential self-selection, mostly related to asymptomatic patients and testing access, we measured antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 to assess infection prevalence during the first wave in the city, as well as estimate asymptomatic cases, and infection fatality ratio. To our knowledge this is one of the few population-based cross-sectional serosurvey during the first wave in a highly affected emerging country. The challenges of pandemic response in urban settings in a capital city like Santiago, with heterogeneous subpopulations and high mobility through public transportation, highlight the necessity of more accurate information regarding the first waves of new emerging diseases. METHODS: From April 24 to June 21, 2020, 1326 individuals were sampled from a long-standing panel of household representatives of Santiago. Immunochromatographic assays were used to detect IgM and IgG antibody isotypes. RESULTS: Seroprevalence reached 6.79 % (95 %CI 5.58 %-8.26 %) in the first 107 days of the pandemic, without significant differences among sex and age groups; this figure indicates an attack rate 2.8 times higher than the one calculated with registered cases. It also changes the fatality rate estimates, from a 2.33 % case fatality rate reported by MOH to an estimated crude 1.00 % (CI95 % 0.97-1.03) infection fatality rate (adjusted for test performance 1.66 % [CI95 % 1.61-1.71]). Most seropositive were symptomatic (81,1 %). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high number of cases registered, mortality rates, and the stress produced over the health system, the vast majority of the people remained susceptible to potential new epidemic waves. We contribute to the understanding of the initial spread of emerging epidemic threats. Consequently, our results provide better information to design early strategies that counterattack new health challenges in urban contexts.

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.

Antibody modeling assessment.

A blinded study to assess the state of the art in three-dimensional structure modeling of the variable region (Fv) of antibodies was conducted. Nine unpublished high-resolution x-ray Fab crystal structures covering a wide range of antigen-binding site conformations were used as benchmark to compare Fv models generated by four structure prediction methodologies. The methodologies included two homology modeling strategies independently developed by CCG (Chemical Computer Group) and Accerlys Inc, and two fully automated antibody modeling servers: PIGS (Prediction of ImmunoGlobulin Structure), based on the canonical structure model, and Rosetta Antibody Modeling, based on homology modeling and Rosetta structure prediction methodology. The benchmark structure sequences were submitted to Accelrys and CCG and a set of models for each of the nine antibody structures were generated. PIGS and Rosetta models were obtained using the default parameters of the servers. In most cases, we found good agreement between the models and x-ray structures. The average rmsd (root mean square deviation) values calculated over the backbone atoms between the models and structures were fairly consistent, around 1.2 Å. Average rmsd values of the framework and hypervariable loops with canonical structures (L1, L2, L3, H1, and H2) were close to 1.0 Å. H3 prediction yielded rmsd values around 3.0 Å for most of the models. Quality assessment of the models and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the methods are discussed. We hope this initiative will serve as a model of scientific partnership and look forward to future antibody modeling assessments.

Cross-sectional assessment reveals high diabetes prevalence among newly-diagnosed tuberculosis cases.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the contribution of clinically-confirmed diabetes mellitus to tuberculosis (TB) rates in communities where both diseases are prevalent as a way to identify opportunities for TB prevention among diabetic patients. METHODS: This is a prospective study in which TB patients ≥ 20 years old at TB clinics in the Texas-Mexico border were tested for diabetes. The risk of tuberculosis attributable to diabetes was estimated from statistics for the corresponding adult population. FINDINGS: The prevalence of diabetes among TB patients was 39% in Texas and 36% in Mexico. Diabetes contributed 25% of the TB cases studied, whereas human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection contributed 5% or fewer. Among TB patients, fewer Mexicans than Texans were aware that they had diabetes before this study (4% and 19%, respectively). Men were also less frequently aware than women that they had diabetes (P = 0.03). Patients who knew that they had diabetes before the study had an 8-year history of the disease, on average, before being diagnosed with TB. CONCLUSION: Patients with diabetes are at higher risk of contracting TB than non-diabetic patients. Integrating TB and diabetes control programmes worldwide would facilitate TB prevention among diabetes patients and increase the number of diabetics who learn of their condition, particularly among males. Such a strategy would lead to earlier case detection and improve the management of both TB and diabetes.

Where myth and archaeology meet: Discovering the Gorgon Medusa's Lair.

Here we report the discovery of ceramic fragments that form part of a Gorgoneion, a ceramic image representation of the Gorgon Medusa. The fragments were found in a deep part of Gorham's Cave, well known to ancient mariners as a natural shrine, between the 8th and 2nd century BCE. We discuss the context of this discovery, both within the inner topography of the cave itself, and also the broader geographical context. The discovery is situated at the extreme western end of the Mediterranean Sea, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. The location was known to ancient mariners as the northern Pillar of Herakles, which marked the end of the known world. We relate the discovery, and its geographical and chronological context, to Greek legends that situated the lair of the Gorgon sisters at a location which coincides with the physical attributes and geographical position of Gorham's Cave. We thus provide, uniquely, a geographical and archaeological context to the myth of Perseus and the slaying of the Gorgon Medusa.