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Cerebral tissues from archaeological human remains are extremely rare findings. Hereby, we report a multidisciplinary study of a unique case of a left cerebral hemisphere from a 13th century AD child, found in north-western France. The cerebral tissue-reduced by ca. 80% of its original weight-had been fixed in formalin since its discovery. However, it fully retained its gross anatomical characteristics such as sulci, and gyri; the frontal, temporal and occipital lobe as well as grey and white matter could be readily recognised. Neuronal remains near the hippocampus area and Nissl bodies from the motor cortex area were observed (Nissl, Klüver-Barrera staining). Also, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (T1, proton density, ultra short echo time sequences) were feasible. They produced high quality morpho-diagnostic images. Both histological and radiological examinations could not confirm the pathologist's previously suggested diagnosis of cerebral haemorrhage as the cause of death. Reproducible cloned mtDNA sequences were recovered from the skeleton but not from the brain itself. This was most likely due to the combined effect of formaldehyde driven DNA-DNA and/or DNA-protein cross-linking, plus hydrolytic fragmentation of the DNA. The chemical profile of the brain tissue, from gas-chromatography/mass-spectroscopy analysis, suggested adipocerous formation as the main aetiology of the mummification process. The hereby presented child brain is a unique paleo-case of well-preserved neuronal cellular tissue, which is a conditio sine qua non for any subsequent study addressing wider perspectives in neuroscience research, such as the evolution of brain morphology and pathology.

International audience; A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that detects Yersinia pestis F1 antigen was applied to 28 putative plague victims exhumed from seven burial sites in southeastern France dating to the 16th–18th centuries.Yersinia pestis F1 antigen was detected in 19 of the 28(67.9%) samples. The 27 samples used as negative controlsyielded negative results. Soil samples taken fromarcheological sites related to both positive and negativesamples tested negative for F1 antigen. The detectionthreshold of the RDT for plague (0.5 ng/ml) is sufficientfor a preliminary retrospective diagnosis of Y. pestisinfection in human remains. The high specificity andsensitivity of the assay were confirmed. For two sitespositive to F1 antigen (Lambesc and Marseille), Y. pestis specific DNA (pla gene) had been identified previouslyby PCR-sequence based analyses. Specifically, the positive results for two samples, from the Lambesc cemetery and the Marseille pit burial, matched those previously reported using PCR. Independent analyses in Italy and France of different samples taken from the same burial sites (Draguignan and Martigues) led to the identification of both Y. pestis F1 antigen and Y. pestis pla and gplD genes. These data are clear evidence of the presence of Y. pestis in the ancient human remains examined in this study.

The aim of the “Dauphine Project” is to reconstruct, with a wide perspective and multidisciplinary approach, the anthropological history of some mountain populations in both the French and the Italian parts of the Ancient Dauphine. Within the “Dauphine Project”, the present study is an analysis of seroproteins conducted on blood samples of subjects living in Vallouise, small mountain community (Brianconnais); they are male and female adults from families native to the zones for at least two generations. In particular, the third component of complement (C3), the group specific component (Gc) and properdin B factor (Bf) were considered, these being very important markers in human genetics research. The data for these systems are the first results of the biological study of populations of the Western Alps. They add to our otherwise scantly knowledge about the distribution of these polymorphisms in the populations under study. The results were compared with those in the literature on European populations, particularly of the Mediterranean area, in order to identify origins and microevolutionary processes, as well as biotransformations related to environmental adaptation.

A number of archaeological studies have used chemical analysis of preserved, human biological tissues to assess the potential exposure of historic figures and ancient populations to heavy metals. Accurately assessing historic levels of heavy-metal body burden for these individuals based on analysis of remnant soft-tissue, hair and bone collected from preserved human remains is often complicated by the potential for post-mortem chemical modifications and contamination of the body and burial site. This study employs high-resolution, synchrotron-based elemental X-ray fluorescence mapping, tomography and absorption spectroscopy of human remains collected in an archaeological context in an effort to discriminate between heavy metals such as mercury and lead that may have been incorporated through either endogenous or exogenous processes. These methods were used to analyze bone and hair samples from Ferrante II of Aragon, King of Naples (1469–1496) and Isabella of Aragon, Duchess of Milan (1470–1524). These individuals are likely to have been exposed to generally similar levels of heavy metals in their lifetime, would have been embalmed using similar methods and the post-mortem exposure to contaminants is likely to have been similar. Although the remains from both Ferrante II of Aragon and Isabella of Aragon contain high amounts of mercury and lead, the high-resolution and –sensitivity synchrotron microprobe techniques employed in this study provide insight in to the likelihood these metals were incorporated pre-mortem rather than as ante-mortem contaminants. Although synchrotron X-ray fluorescence mapping and tomography are generally consistent with measured mercury from Isabella hair samples being endogenous in nature, the high levels of mercury seen in Ferrante II's remains are most likely related to post-mortem embalming of the corpse. However, application of microfocused X-ray fluorescence compositional mapping and lead L2 edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy to bone samples collected from Ferrante II show that the measured lead is likely endogenous and the result of in-life exposure to this heavy metal.

An excavation carried out in 2007 in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse (Aude-Languedoc, southern France), revealed a medieval rural cemetery used during the 8th-14th centuries. One hundred and forty nine graves were identified. Amongst those, three burials radiocarbon dated to the 14th century contained the remains of several individuals. No paleotraumatological evidences of violence due to warfare or to a civil massacre were identified in the exhumed skeletons. Therefore, we hypothesized that the simultaneous inhumations could have occurred during the "Black Death" outbreak or during one of its resurgences. A rapid diagnostic test for the detection of Yersinia pestis F1 antigen was applied to the nine putative plague victims to authenticate the cause of their death. Seven of the nine individuals tested from the three graves were positive to Y. pestis F1 antigen. We additionally tested fourteen skeletons from single graves archaeologically dated to the 13th-14th centuries. Four of them were positive to Y. pestis F1 antigen, thus showing a higher mortality rate due to plague than originally expected. The Saint-Laurent-de-la-Cabrerisse plague victims are the oldest samples from which Y. pestis F1 antigen has been, hitherto, identified. Few rural French cemetery containing plague victims have previously been identified and amongst them, only one dates to the 14th century. In the present report, we provide suggestive evidence of a second rural cemetery from southern France where victims of Y. pestis infection were buried. Our findings provide new information about the management of the plagued corpses during the "Black Death" in small rural communities

International audience; The skeletons of four Benedictine nuns and two priests were exhumed from two burial sites in centralFrance. The corpses were dated to the 16th- 18th centuries (archaeological dating). Thick layers of lime were associated with their burials. During the Second Plague Pandemic, lime was associated with plague burials. We hypothesize that Yersinia pestis infection might have been the cause of death of these religious. A rapid diagnostic test for plague (RDT), that detects Y. pestis F1 antigen, was applied to all six putative plague victims. Y. pestis F1 antigen was detected in all six skeletons (100%). The F1 antigen concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 0.625 ng/ml. The eight samples used as negative controls yielded negative results. Soils samples taken from archaeological sites related to both positive and negative samples tested negative for F1 antigen. In earlier reports we provided suggestive evidence that the RDT for plague might be diagnostic for thedetection of Yersinia pestis in ancient human remains. This putative evidence was based on four French and one German reputed plague sites in which RDT for plague and PCR sequenced-based analyses were performed. Both tests gave results consistent with our interpretation that RDT is effective in identifying plague in skeletal remains.Several different European putative plague burial sites are currently under investigation. We hope toobtain additional material to allow statistical validation of our results obtained thus far.We now confirm that the detection threshold of the RDT for plague (0.5 ng/ml) is sufficient for a retrospective diagnosis of plague in ancient skeletal remains. This method supplements the historical record with independent biologic evidence. Thus, our hypothesis that the six religious were infected by Y. pestis during the plague outbreaks which occurred in the two sites, Poitiers and La Chaize-le-Vicomte, between 1587 and 1632, has independent biologic support.

International audience; As part of all interdisciplinary research program on Alpine populations, we Studied the biodemographic evolution of two populations of the Dauphine in the period 1690-4799. We analyzed several indexes derived from surname analysis to infer the genetic structure of the populations. Although situated in the same area of the Dauphine, the two communities of Vallouise and Chiomonte had different biodemographic characteristics. Vallouise was heavily populated but genetically homogeneous, whereas Chiomonte was less populated but more heterogeneous. The two districts also differed in geographic position: Vallouise was a glacier-enclosed valley that did not attract new inhabitants; Chiomonte was situated in an open valley served by important roads and thus was able to attract many new inhabitants. The demographic differences between the two Populations explain the differences in genetic structure. The index of isonymous relationship (R-i) being different from 0 is due to the rare marriages between members of the two populations. Because R-i is based on surnames, which are mostly polyphyletic, it can overestimate the genetic relationships between the populations, as in the case of consanguinity assessed by matrimonial isonymy.

A rapid diagnostic dipstick test (RDT) that detects Yersinia pestis F1 antigen has been recently applied on 18 putative plague victims exhumed from four archaeological burial sites in southeastern France dating back to the 16(th), 17(th) and 18(th) centuries. The Y. pestis antigen F1 was detected in 12 ancient samples out of 18 (67%). Negative controls confirmed their negativity (100%). Our results emphasize that the detection threshold of the RDT for plague (0.5 ng/ml) is sufficient for a first retrospective diagnosis of Y. pestis infection in ancient remains, and confirm the high specificity and sensitivity of the assay. Double-blind analyses performed by using two different techniques (RDT and 'suicide PCR') led us to the identification of the Y. pestis F1 antigen and the Y. pestis pla and gplD genes. These data provide clear evidence of the presence of Y. pestis in the examined specimens.; Un test de diagnostic rapide par bandelette (RDT), qui détecte l'antigène F1 de Yersinia pestis, a été appliqué récemment surles restes de dix-huit individus exhumés de quatre site du Sud-Est de la France, correspondant à des sépultures de pestiféréscontemporains des XVIe, XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles. L'antigène F1 de Y. pestis a été détecté dans les restes de douze individus surdix-huit testés (67%). Bien entendu, des témoins négatifs ont été utilisés et ont tous confirmé leur négativité à l'antigène pesteux (100%). Les résultats obtenus démontrent que le seuil de détection du RDT peste (0,5 ng/ml) est suffisant pour garantir une première diagnose rétrospective de l'infection pesteuse, même sur les restes humains anciens, témoignant à la fois de la grande sensibilité et de la haute spécificité du test. L'identification de la nature pesteuse de l'infection a eu lieu, en aveugle, en utilisant deux techniques différentes (RDT et «PCR suicide »). La double confirmation de la cause du décès a été obtenue en identifiant l'antigène F1 de Y. pestis ainsi que les gènes Y. pestis pla et gplD, ce qui nous nous permet d'émettre avec certitude un diagnostic sur l'étiologie de la maladie.

International audience; Background: L. tarentolae, the lizard-infecting species of Old World geckos, has been classified as non-pathogenic to man. While it has been demonstrated that L. tarentolae is capable of infecting human phagocytic cells and to differentiate into amastigote-like forms, there is no clear evidence for its efficient replication within macrophages. Here we provide first evidence for L. tarentolae ancient DNA sequences from bone marrow and intestines of a 300yo adult male. Methods: We identified molecular signatures of Leishmania tarentolae, the lizard-infecting species of Old World geckos, in hard and soft tissue biopsies from a Brazilian mummy (A74) uncovered in Itacambira (Brazil) and dating to the Colonial Period (end of 18th/beginning of the 19th century). Results: Our results imply that efficient replication of the parasite occurred within human macrophage and to lead to a systemic spread and visceralization in this individual. The ancient sequences show a 100% similarity with those of isolated L. tarentolae parasites grown on artificial nutrient media and a 99% similarity with two modern sequences isolated from reptiles. Conclusions: De facto, our findings reopen the debate about the potential survival of ancient L. tarentolae strain within human macrophage and its ability to spread systemically. They also raise ecological issues since it is unknown whether this parasite circulates in the reptilian reservoir in modern day Brazil or not. Investigations on fossil fauna and arthropods are needed to shed light on the interactions between saurian Leishmania and lizards in Brazil's remote and recent past.

Pour l'instant seule la version électronique est parue.http://www.sciencedirect.com; International audience; Anthropological approach of catastrophic burials from the 18th century (Martin du Nord Street, Douai, France). Several mass burial were discovered during urgent rescue in 1981 (Douai, France) under Pierre Demolon's leadership. The individuals,buried simultaneously, were deposited head to foot, into exiguous pits. On this site, 12 multiple burials and four individual burials were discovered. The archaeological facts suggest that the installation of these funerary structures was done in a very shortlapse of time. Funerary organization can be evidenced by field data (simultaneous body deposit, position, breakdown, taphonomy, artefacts) and by anthropological study (palaeodemography: young male adults; palaeopathology: absence or presence of traumatisms) of the skeletons. These burials can be attributed to the 1710 or 1712 town's siege.; Une dizaine de sépultures multiples ont été découvertes au cours d'une opération de sauvetage urgent, qui fut réalisée en 1981,rue Martin-du-Nord, à Douai (Nord, France), sous la direction de Pierre Demolon. Les individus étaient déposés tête-bêche, dans des fosses exiguës, et ont été inhumés simultanément. Au total, 12 sépultures multiples et quatre sépultures individuelles ont été mises au jour sur ce site, les faits archéologiques laissant supposer que la mise en place de ces structures funéraires s'est faite dans un très court laps de temps. L'approche de la gestion funéraire menée à partir des données de terrain (simultanéité des dépôts, position des corps, espace de décomposition), complétée par l'étude anthropologique des squelettes (profil paléodémographique, étude paléopathologique), permet d'attribuer ces inhumations à l'un des sièges que subit la ville, soit en 1710, soit en 1712.

The study was conducted on a skeleton belonging to the "G. Marro"Egyptian anthropological collection. The skeleton came from a single grave at Gebelein (Upper Egypt) ; the archaelogical evidence dates it to the Dynastic period. The skeleton is well preserved and complete in all its anatomical parts. The remains are referable to a child of around 4 years. The excellent state of preservation of the skeleton allowed a detailed macroscopic study of all the skeletal regions, which revealed a congenital defect of the right fourth rib : anterior end of the rib is bifucated. The present case documents a skeletal malformation rarely observed in archaelogical material

This work is part of a more extensive, still ongoing, research which aims to provide a morphological assessment and interpretation of congenital malformations on ancient bones. The study of the frequency and distribution of congenital malformations on juvenile osteological remains may provide interesting insight and critical observations in assessing the role of those factors that are responsible for child's mortality. In the present study we describe and discuss two cases of congenital spinal malformation refer to failure in the separation of vertebral arch elements between contiguous vertebrae. The skeletons belonging to two children who died in early childhood, between 0 and 6 years of age. The research was conducted on 132 juvenile individuals came from nine necropolises located in north an middle Italy, from ancient and late Roman times to late medieval times.

La mortalité infantile se subdivise en deux composantes : la mortalité néonatale et la postnéonatale. La mortalité néonatale, qui prend en compte les décès survenant avant le premier mois, est principalement de nature endogène. De précédents travaux ont montré l'évolution de la mortalité infantile à Chiomonte (Vallée de Suse, Italie); à partir de la fin du XVIIème siècle, la composante endogène s'élevait à 50% de la mortalité infantile. Le présent travail a étudié les décès ayant lieu avant le premier mois de vie pour une période allant de 1670- 1769. Nous avons constaté que la fréquence des décès était plus élevée chez les garçons que chez les filles, chez les cadets que chez les ainés. De même, l'âge relativement élevé de la mère à l'accouchement semble favoriser la mortalité infantile néonatale. Par ailleurs nous avons pu constater que le niveau de consanguinité ne semblait pas avoir d'influence sur la mortalité néonatale. Les facteurs expliquant ce type de mortalité sont complexes, en particulier les conditions environnementales qui jouent un rôle très important sur les maladies de l'appareil respiratoire et pour lesquelles il n'existait pas de remèdes efficaces à cette époque.

International audience; Sociocultural factors play a crucial role in the variation of consanguinityin a population. The choice of specific matrimonial strategies canfavor the closure or opening of the group to the outside, whereas differentialfertility affects the gene flow from one generation to another. In the presentstudy we analyzed the role of socioprofessional groups in the maintenanceof endogamy and consanguinity in a French Alpine valley: Vallouise in theBrianc¸on area. In mountain environments, where the reproductive space islimited and quickly saturated, the autochthonous families adopt diversifiedmatrimonial strategies. These marriage practices tend to prevent fragmentationof agricultural property. We analyzed the matrimonial behavior in thetwo main social groups of this population (de´cideurs and farmers) from 1550to 1849. To better understand the behavior of the two social groups, weconsidered the two components of consanguinity, close and distant. Ourstudy showed that the two groups had similar behavior regarding consanguinity.The way to prevent fragmentation of the patrimony was to choosea consanguineous spouse. This type of strategy inevitably leads to a highpercentage of endogamy, which in this region of the Alps exceeded 90%through many centuries.

L'étude de l'état de conservation d'une série ostéoarchéologique s'insère dans un schéma de recherche de larges séries ostéologiques car la qualité et les modalités de conservation sont les principaux paramètres qui déterminent la valeur cognitive d'une collection. Une meilleure connaissance des effets des processus taphonomiques sur l'état de conservation du matériel ostéologique humain devrait permettre de diminuer les discordances entre l'"échantillon ostéologique dont on dispose" et la "population originelle qu'il représente". L'état de conservation a été évalué au moyen de deux indices de conservation : l'un quantitatif (Indice de Conservation Anatomique, ICA) et l'autre qualitatif (Indice de la Qualité Osseuse, IQO). L'étude a porté sur 7 collections ostéologiques, pour un total de 768 individus observés. L'analyse de ces collections a permis d'observer de quelle manière un éventuel processus de conservation différentielle peut biaiser les résultats anthropologiques. En particulier, il a été montré que 1. le calcul du NMI est strictement lié à l'état de conservation et de fragmentation du matériel ostéologique, 2. qu'il existe un processus de conservation différentielle âge-dépendant avec une sous-conservation des individus immatures très jeunes et enfin, 3. que les processus de fragmentation et altération des surfaces corticales peuvent constituer un biais dans le calcul de prévalence pathologique.

International audience

International audience

A study was carried out the dental conditions of 72 mummified heads of ancient Egypt preserved by the Department of Anthropological Sciences of the University of Turin. From the research, made by means of radiological exams, it emerged that young people have excellent dental arches, while people of over 30 years of age show poor dental conditions in that they suffered from caries, abscesses and apical osteolysis caused by the complications of occlusal wear. Such considerable wear is attributed to hard food, often polluted by abrasive particles, and to the long time needed for daily chewing. The hypothesis of extended chewing is also supported by the wear of the interproximal contacts and by the remodelling of the mandibular condyles.

Anthropological collections, particularly those of mummies, constitute invaluable material for the reconstruction of human history.Therefore, efforts to protect these museum collections are a priority.These efforts must include particular care and attention in the study of the specimens and application of the most sophisticated techniques to acquire precise information without causing damage. The mummies in the Archaeology Museum of Palmyra are a cultural and biological patrimony of inestimable value for the Syrian city, since they are the only ones remaining after past dispersions. [...]

International audience

International audience

The present study considers the evolution of consanguinity in the Vallouise, a high glacial valley in the French Alps. The genealogical method was used to estimate consanguinity in this Alpine population from the 17th to the 19th centuries. This method was then compared with three other methods used to measure consanguinity. The results indicate that while consanguinity increased through time (marriage dispensations and genealogies), the structural consanguinity (isonymy) was very stable throughout the entire period.

International audience

International audience; Partout dans le monde, les zones humides reculent. Malgré des prises de conscience récentes elles continuent en Europe à reculer rapidement, alors que les 6% des terres émergées qu’elles représentent sont aussi importants pour la biodiversité qu’ils sont menacés. La moitié de la population mondiale vit à proximité de la mer, et c’est là qu’elle s’accroît le plus. D’où la pression sur les espaces littoraux humides. Ils peuvent être détruits directement, par drainage ou comblement, mais aussi indirectement en fonction de l’évolution des usages de l’eau dans l’ensemble des bassins amont. En France, leur réduction est forte : le Languedoc-Roussillon aurait perdu plus de 20% de ses zones humides côtières en deux siècles, et la Bretagne 40% en 30 ans depuis 1960. Le tourisme estival accroît encore la pression démographique sur le littoral. En Italie, la situation est également préoccupante, en particulier en ce qui concerne la lagune la plus célèbre du monde.L’ouvrage aborde pour l’essentiel des études de cas dans l’espace méditerranéen. Quelques contributions cependant ont traité de lieux où les étangs, bien que littoraux, sont d’eau douce, ou qui sont sur le rivage de l’Atlantique. Certains de nos collègues anthropologues ont élargi notre horizon à l’Afrique et à l’Amérique centrale, où c’était un lac salé qui était au coeur de l’analyse. Mais certainement, la contribution la plus exceptionnelle, la plus décalée par rapport à l’objet central du colloque, aura été celle de Jacqueline Clarac de Briceño : venue du Vénézuela, cette anthropologue et ethnopsychiatre nous a parlé de lagunes, mais au sens hispano-américain, c’est à dire de petits lacs d’eau douce de montagne ! Sa présence était cependant pleinement justifiée. Le Vénézuela, comme son nom l’indique, est une petite Venise qui est devenue grande à partir des lagunes de Maracaïbo : pour des Européens de toutes façons, il garde le secret d’un grand espace lacunaire. Enfin, et justement, la lagune française, comme la laguna espagnole, emportent cette caractéristique d’espace de l’oubli, et d’espace un temps oublié par la modernité, voire même frappé d’infamie par les aménageurs. Lorsque ceux-ci décident de gérer les lagunes à leur manière, ils découvrent la difficulté de l’entreprise, et même ils échouent souvent.Le cas apporté des montagnes andines confirme ce que disent la plupart des auteurs de ce livre, qui ont eux regardé des espaces de bord de mer : c’est qu’une lagune est en fait un espace humanisé d’une façon particulière, dans un équilibre subtil et fragile avec la nature. Supprimons les indiens, interdisons leurs pratiques, au nom de leur incompatibilité avec des formes modernes de tourisme ou d’exploitation, et les lagunes disparaîtront rapidement !Allons plus loin : sans un entretien particulier, sans donc une volonté d’un groupe social local, les espaces littoraux, en particulier les étangs, sont le plus souvent condamnés soit au comblement, soit à se noyer dans la mer. Comme le répète Bernard Picon depuis des années, la Camargue n’est pas un espace naturel qui aurait échappé à l’homme, et qui à ce titre devrait être protégé : c’est un espace artificiel, fabriqué par des sociétés humaines qui l’exploitent intelligemment, en en respectant les dispositions propres. C’est un cas fréquent dans l’histoire ou autour de la terre. Les économistes de l’environnement constatent la difficulté à établir clairement la valeur des espaces littoraux, soumis qu’ils sont à des usages, voire à des non-usages, qui s’enchevêtrent. C’est la problématique de gestion du patrimoine commun : sa gestion économiquement rationnelle suppose d’avoir des informations dont le coût d’obtention est élevé, en particulier pour organiser les transactions entre les agents économiques, alors que les pratiques combinées de ceux-ci, stabilisées dans des coutumes traditionnelles, ont à l’inverse augmenté la valeur globale de ce patrimoine. Il est alors difficile de savoir qui est responsable de quel changement de valeur, et inversement quel est l’intérêt précis de chaque type d’usager ou d’agent économique. D’où la particularité et la sophistication des modèles et des méthodes à employer dans ces cas.Tel est l’enseignement de cet ouvrage : si les zones humides littorales les plus intéressantes sont souvent des espaces anthropisés, leur protection dépend de la compréhension des interactions entre les hommes, et entre les hommes et l’eau, voire de la capacité de maintien des sociétés concernées, dans une dynamique positive. L’opposition des écologistes à l’aménagement hydraulique intempestif est justifié, mais si leur contre-proposition consiste seulement à préserver la nature comme si elle avait toujours été ainsi, on verse dans une sorte de contre-idéologie. Le tourisme de masse est responsable d’une dégradation dramatique de certains littoraux, il en est même venu à tuer son propre objet; tout le monde en convient. Mais ni une renaturation pure, ni un tourisme vert ne suffisent à redonner un horizon durable aux espaces concernés.Le pire serait que des projets de type écologique viennent venir servir d’alibi, par des réalisations sur les marges, à la poursuite d’un modèle de développement qui détruit la relation société-nature si subtile qui explique et produit largement la lagune. Le cas de Venise est ici particulièrement illustratif, et pour tout dire, il illustre cette contradiction.Voilà trente ans qu’on dit qu’il faut sauver Venise. Venise s’enfonce dans l’eau, suite à la modification fondamentale de l’hydrogéologie due aux aménagements du delta du Pô, et surtout à l’installation de la raffinerie de Marghera au fond de la lagune. A celà s’ajoute la surexploitation des eaux souterraines, et le fait que la route d’accès à la ville entrave la circulation de l’eau, qui produirait aussi des effets secondaires d’enfoncement. Lors de tempêtes conjuguées avec la marée, des dégâts catastrophiques se sont produits, et le phénomène des Acque alte prend de l’importance. Mais ces constatations une fois faites, on ne met pas en oeuvre la solution qui vient immédiatement à l’esprit : déplacer la raffinerie ailleurs, pour ne plus avoir besoin du chenal d’accès pour les grands pétroliers. Et, plus généralement, revenir à un équilibre entre économie et nature plus traditionnel, et plus durable. Bien au contraire, on multiplie les projets technologiques les plus ambitieux, et pour tout dire les plus mythiques, comme Jean-Pierre Gaudin est venu nous le rappeler : barrages mobiles pour arrêter l’eau, digues perpendiculaires aux plages pour casser les vagues en cas de tempête, etc. Certes, la restauration environnementale, notamment des prés salés qu’on appelle Barenas, tient une bonne place dans les plaquettes descriptives du projet intégré, mais celui-ci reste de toutes façons centré sur le sauvetage du patrimoine architectural. Une opération qui prête également à controverse, puisque c’est en partie le succès touristique de Venise qui y rend la vie impossible … pour ses propres habitants.L’importance de la réunion des textes tient précisément à cette observation : la gestion durable des espaces de grande valeur environnementale passe par la mobilisation des connaissances des sciences de l’homme et de la société, au moins autant que par la projection dans la technologie, ou dans la nature naturelle.L'ouvrage est divisé en 4 parties : - L'éventail des perceptions et des représentations des milieux lagunaires ; - L'Archéologie et l'histoire du peuplement de ces espaces ; - Les fragilités réciproques des sociétés locales et des espaces littoraux ; - Vers la gestion durable des systèmes socio-écologiques des lagunes

International audience

International audience

International audience

Isolated populations have been the object of several genetic and anthropological studies, since endogamy and inbreeding often lead to the acquisition of a particular gene pool. In this context, we studied the small, ancient population of Postua in the north-western Italian Alps. We used biodemographic and molecular techniques to analyse the population structure in order to evaluate the relationship between geographical and genetic isolation. We examined about 26,000 certificates kept in the town and parish archives, concerning the period from 1640 to 1999. High rates of endogamy and isonymy, short marriage distances and a low ratio between the number of surnames and the number of individuals were inferred. In the molecular analysis, we compared the distribution of Y chromosome SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) with those of mitochondrial variations and Y chromosomal microsatellites (short tandem repeat polymorphisms) in 102 healthy individuals originating from Postua. A control sample (94 individuals) was collected from a plain area, 50 km away. We examined 23 SNPs and an Alu repeat, located in the nonrecombinant portion of the Y chromosome. To further delineate Y chromosome lineages, the biallelic haplogroups were further resolved using Y microsatellite markers (DYS19, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393). Mitochondrial HVS-I and HVS-II regions were sequenced, and RFLP screening with the six classical enzymes was performed. Postua is similar to other populations living in northern Italy, but it shows a lower number of haplotypes. The samples were compared with other European populations. We calculated genetic distances according to Reynold and Nei and we carried out a phylogenetic analysis by phylogenetic trees and reduced median networks construction. Postua clusters with other samples from northern Italy but in a separate position, probably indicating drift phenomena. These relationships are supported by AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance). Our results suggest that the influence of neighbouring populations on the gene pool of Postua has been very low through both females and males.