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We have performed a multivariate analysis to explore the influence on birth and ultrasound fetal weight estimation of traditional factors as biochemical data and maternal characteristics in combination with non- traditionally explored predictors as paternal height, Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A), single umbilical artery or Free-beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (fß- HCG). The study was performed for a Spanish population (region of Aragon) in singleton pregnancies at term (37-42 weeks). Also, we have created a nomogram and in order to predict the occurrence of SGA (small for gestational age) and LGA (large for gestational age) cases we provide a multivariate predictive model of fetal weight that have been compared with other models in the prediction of ultrasound and birth weights. After study we have created a software application for automated calculation of percentile fetal weight, adjusting the variables when they were significant.

Introduction: The placenta aging has been related with intrauterine fetal growth, low maternal age, Caucasian, multiparity, hypertensive states and smoking habit. Grannum P. classification is the most used for its assessment. The association between grade III placenta (G3P) and ex-smoking or smokeexposed pregnants has not been studied Main outcome: To asses if smoking, being an ex-smoker or a passive-smoker is a risk factor for developing grade III placenta, as well as if there is a smoking-free period of time to avoid the effect of smoking over placenta Material and methods: A retrospective case-control study of single pregnancies followed-up at the Obstetric Ultrasound Unit between January 2013 and January 2014. Placental grading according to Grannum classification was stablished through abdominal approach between 34-36 weeks of gestation and two groups were established: grade III placenta and grade I-II placenta (G1-2P) Maternal and paternal characteristics, type of delivery and perinatal outcomes were collected Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. In G3P the incidence of hypertensive disease of pregnancy was higher(p=0,0107). The percentage was similar for premature birth, 1st and 5th minute Apgar, type of delivery and cesarean due to risk of loss of fetal wellbeing. A lower neonatal weight was found in G3P, at the same median days at delivery, with a mean difference of 148,156(p=0,008313. Regarding weight percentile, it was found a p35 in G3P and a p47,5 in G1- 2P(p=0,08235) 15% of the total pregnant were smokers. In G3P group it was found a higher frequency of smokers and ex-smokers since 1st trimester of pregnancy (p=0.0001), as well as pregnant non-smokers with an smoking partner(p=0,0001). There was an strong evidence for association between pregnant smokers and smoking partners(p=0,0001). No difference was found regarding to neonatal weight comparing smokers, ex-smokers and ex-smokers since 1st trimester of pregnancy. The length of pregnancy was lower between G3P pregnant smokers compared to G1-2P pregnant smokers, with a mean difference of 8 days (p=0,00091) Conclusions: There is a strong evidence for association between smoking during pregnancy, quitting smoking at the beginning of the pregnancy or being a passive smoker with development of G3P Some pregnant smokers don`t develop premature aging of placenta, it could be due to either other parameters or a later aging (data were collected between 34-36 weeks). The association between quitting smoking at the beginning of the pregnancy and not having a smoking partner reduces the risk of developing G3P

10.1016/j.anthro.2013.08.003

10.1016/j.quascirev.2012.04.008 According to pollen analysis and the 18O-isotope curve, the first part of the Late Pleistocene (ca 128-30 ka) is mainly characterized by a dynamic that alternates cold phases (Heinrich Events) and temperate phases (interstadials). These rapid fluctuations provide the context for the Neanderthal occupations in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. In this paper we present the chronological, environmental and climatic data obtained by analyzing the pollen, the charcoal, the small vertebrates (amphibians, squamates and small mammals) and the large-mammal dental wear at the Neanderthal site of Teixoneres cave, Northeastern Iberia. Levels II and III from this cavity have provided Mousterian industries and other evidence of Neanderthal occupations, such as cut-marks in large-mammal bones. A multiproxy study such as this constitutes a new approach to the chronological, environmental and climatic context in which Neanderthal populations lived in southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula). The results allow us to establish a relative chronology for these two levels of between ca 30-90 ka and show that they are associated with different environmental and climatic conditions: temperate and humid for Level III and cold and dry for Level II. This demonstrates that the Neanderthals were well adapted to the territory that they occupied, irrespective of the climatic conditions.

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Filiació URV: SI Kaldar Cave is a key archaeological site that provides evidence of the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition in Iran. Excavations at the site in 2014-2015 led to the discovery of cultural remains generally associated with anatomically modern humans (AMHs) and evidence of a probable Neanderthal-made industry in the basal layers. Attempts have been made to establish a chronology for the site. These include four thermoluminescence (TL) dates for Layer 4, ranging from 23,100 ± 3300 to 29,400 ± 2300 BP, and three AMS radiocarbon dates from charcoal samples belonging to the lower part of the same layer, yielding ages of 38,650-36,750 cal BP, 44,200-42,350 cal BP, and 54,400-46,050 cal BP (all at the 95.4% confidence level). Kaldar Cave is the first well-stratified Late Palaeolithic locality to be excavated in the Zagros which is one of the earliest sites with cultural materials attributed to early AMHs in western Asia. It also offers an opportunity to study the technological differences between the Mousterian and the first Upper Palaeolithic lithic technologies as well as the human behaviour in the region. In this study, we present a detailed description of the newly excavated stratigraphy, quantified results from the lithic assemblages, preliminary faunal remains analyses, geochronologic data, taphonomic aspects, and an interpretation of the regional paleoenvironment.

Fumier sequences play a primary role in the study of livestock management and the use of space in prehistoric pastoralist societies. These sequences are formed when dung accumulated in sheepfold caves and rock shelters is burnt, resulting in an overlapping of burnt and unburnt sedimentary layers. Thus, fire is a key taphonomic agent in the formation and alteration of fumier sequences.The characteristics, functions, and management of burning events influence the preservation of the macro- and micro-remains potentially biasing the interpretation of the archeological record. Therefore, it is important to understand the taphonomic effects of fire in fumier sequences.In this chapter, we use a multi-scalar and interdisciplinary approach to the study of burning events at El Mirador cave. We analyzed the phytolith, fecal spherulites, pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP), and parasite remains in the fumier sequence, together with the mineral (FTIR) and magnetic properties of the sediments. In addition, we studied the effects of fire on the macrofaunal assemblages. The results obtained here provide the basis for a tapho-diagenetic framework that illustrates robustly the formation dynamics of the El Mirador fumier sequences.

The importance of animal husbandry at El Mirador cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) and its use as a sheepfold has been confidently confirmed. This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary approach that includes traditional zooarcheological methods, isotopic analyses and archeobotanical studies of faunal and plant remains from El Mirador cave. The main objective of this study is to perform an in-depth analysis of the husbandry carried out at this site. We also aim to understand the implementation and evolution of these livestock rearing practices from the second half of the 6th millennium to the 2nd millennium BCE. The characterization of the use of the different landscapes by the herders is further completed with a study of hunting and fishing practices. Herd management was analyzed from a broad perspective: herd composition and feeding, birth management, and inferences regarding the potential use of domesticated animals. Husbandry practices evolved over the four millennia studied. In the Neolithic, livestock pressure on the landscape was minor and breeding practices focused mainly on sheep and goats. However, husbandry activities intensified throughout the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Pollen values suggest that livestock pressure on the landscape increased and cattle breeding and hunting also became more important.