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We describe a microvertebrate assemblage from the J&M site, of the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian–Maastrichtian) Williams Fork Formation. Breakdown of fossil bearing matrix was achieved with the use of heated dimethyl sulfoxide. Nine of the recovered taxa are new to both the J&M site and the Williams Fork Formation. The sharks Lonchidion griffisi, Chiloscyllium sp., and Cantioscyllium markaguntensis are the first non-batoid elasmobranchs reported from the Williams Fork Formation and are all represented by teeth. The rays Cristomylus and Psuedomyledaphus are also newly reported from teeth. The most common identifiable fossils were teeth of indeterminate amiids, most likely belonging to Melvius. Osteichthyan fossils new to the Williams Fork Formation include teeth of Paralbula, an indeterminate pycnodontid tooth plate fragment, and an indeterminate lungfish tooth fragment. A tooth of the teiid Peneteius is also the first reported from within the Williams Fork Formation. Alligatoroid teeth are relatively common and are extremely similar to those of the contemporaneous durophage Brachychampsa but are generically indeterminate. Terrestrial taxa were recovered in much smaller numbers. Theropod dinosaur fossils included isolated tooth fragments belonging to an indeterminate dromaeosaurid and, possibly, to Richardoestesia. We recovered both multituberculate and metatherian fossils in the form of isolated teeth. Some of these taxa are known from marine and estuarine deposits and, given that so many of these marine associated taxa have been recovered together, it seems likely that the J&M site is recording marine or estuarine influence within at least part of its depositional history. The mammalian taxa suggest a Judithian–Lancian age for the site, while records of the squamate Peneteius and the ray Myledaphus, suggest that the J&M site may be temporally transitional between other late Campanian and late Maastrichtian-aged localities.

Gene regulation at the transcriptional level is a central process in all organisms, and DNA-binding transcription factors, known as TFs, play a fundamental role. This class of proteins usually binds at specific DNA sequences, activating or repressing gene expression. In general, TFs are composed of two domains: the DNA-binding domain (DBD) and an extra domain, which in this work we have named "companion domain" (CD). This latter could be involved in one or more functions such as ligand binding, protein-protein interactions or even with enzymatic activity. In contrast to DBDs, which have been widely characterized both experimentally and bioinformatically, information on the abundance, distribution, variability and possible role of the CDs is scarce. Here, we investigated these issues associated with the domain architectures of TFs in prokaryotic genomes. To this end, 19 families of TFs in 761 non-redundant bacterial and archaeal genomes were evaluated. In this regard we found four main groups based on the abundance and distribution in the analyzed genomes: i) LysR and TetR/AcrR; ii) AraC/XylS, SinR, and others; iii) Lrp, Fis, ArsR, and others; and iv) a group that included only two families, ArgR and BirA. Based on a classification of the organisms according to the life-styles, a major abundance of regulatory families in free-living organisms, in contrast with pathogenic, extremophilic or intracellular organisms, was identified. Finally, the protein architecture diversity associated to the 19 families considering a weight score for domain promiscuity evidenced which regulatory families were characterized by either a large diversity of CDs, here named as "promiscuous" families given the elevated number of variable domains found in those TFs, or a low diversity of CDs. Altogether this information helped us to understand the diversity and distribution of the 19 Prokaryotes TF families. Moreover, initial steps were taken to comprehend the variability of the extra domain in those TFs, which eventually might assist in evolutionary and functional studies.

Public health has multidisciplinary challenges involving a combination of physical, mental, and social welfare. Two limitations to quantifying indoor pollutants (gases, chemical compounds, and suspended particles) are the high cost and the complexity of available measurement systems. Under this scenario, an experimental approach was used to develop a low-cost system to measure variables that affect human and environmental health. Calibration, validation, and technical adjustment processes were conducted in an extreme-climate location in southern Mexico, following domestic and international standards. The key results showed the feasibility of using low-cost tools to measure pollutants in developing countries. 57% of the data for H2S had a result above 150 ppm, which is considered harmful to human health. On the other hand, developing the measurement system in the studied locality showed the importance of having data to measure environmental pollution levels according to each region's habits and customs. Sensors and open access systems were used as these can directly benefit resource-constrained researchers and the public and private sectors interested in measuring environmental and comfort variables to promote universal access to knowledge.

Mediterranean Quercus forests have great ecological importance but face numerous threats, including pests. The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L., is a major oak defoliator across its geographical range and has a natural enemy complex that may control its population dynamics. This study aimed to investigate candidate predators (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae, Braconidae, Bethylidae, Ceraphronidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae and Trichogrammatidae; and Diptera: Tachinidae), for the control of L. dispar in two areas in Andalusia (Spain). We studied 10 Quercus stands (Q. suber, Q. ilex, and Q. pyrenaica), with different L. dispar infestation level. Insects were collected using pitfall and cross-vane traps, during the defoliator's larval period. Four genera comprised 92.2% of all the Carabidae predators found: Steropus Dejean (34.1%), Carabus L. (28.4%), Calathus Bonelli (15.9%), and Platyderus Stephens (13.8%); and four Hymenoptera families comprised 93.7% of the parasitoid specimens collected: Encyrtidae (61%), Ichneumonidae (17.5%), Pteromalidae (10.7%), and Braconidae (4.5%). Both the natural enemy assemblage composition and the abundance per tree varied between geographical areas, as well as between levels of defoliator infestation. The candidate enemy complex was markedly diverse and abundant in stands not infested by L. dispar, where no insecticides had been applied. Our results suggest the importance of generalist predators as natural enemies of L. dispar.

Dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP)-dependent aldolases catalyze the aldol addition of DHAP to a variety of aldehydes and generate compounds with two stereocenters. This reaction is useful to synthesize chiral acyclic nucleosides, which constitute a well-known class of antiviral drugs currently used. In such compounds, the chirality of the aliphatic chain, which mimics the open pentose residue, is crucial for activity. In this work, three DHAP-dependent aldolases: fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase from rabbit muscle, rhanmulose-1-phosphate aldolase from Thermotoga maritima, and fuculose-1-phosphate aldolase from Escherichia coli, were used as biocatalysts. Aldehyde derivatives of thymine and cytosine were used as acceptor substrates, generating new acyclic nucleoside analogues containing two new stereocenters with conversion yields between 70% and 90%. Moreover, structural analyses by molecular docking were carried out to gain insights into the diasteromeric excess observed.

The cork tree, Quercus suber L., is a characteristic species of the Dehesa agrosilvopastoral system, typical of western Spain. Defoliating insects are an important component of these ecosystems. This study assessed the presence and impact of defoliators feeding on Q. suber soft leaf tissue and their relationship with foliar monoterpene emission profiles. Samplings consisted of weekly tree beating (15 times per tree per sample) during the flight period of key species. We studied 26 cork trees with known profiles of foliar monoterpene emission (13 pinene and 13 limonene chemotypes). We identified a total of 272 larvae from 9 species. The main species were Catocala nymphagoga Esper (40.8%) and Periclista andrei Know (27.6%). Notably, 70.6% of larvae were found on trees with a pinene chemotype. The combined abundance of the four key defoliator species (C. nymphagoga L., P. andrei, Bena bicolorana L., and Cyclophora punctaria L.) was 62.7% lower on limonene-chemotype trees than pinene-chemotype trees. Significant differences were found in defoliation damage between leaves with distinct terpene emission profiles. These results suggest that both the abundance and damage caused by defoliators differ with trees’ emission profiles, and this may indicate differences in palatability and/or nutritional quality between Q. suber trees with distinct foliar monoterpene emission profiles.

Abstract Archaeological research in the Dolmen of El Pendón (Reinoso, Burgos, Spain) has brought to light the complex biography of a megalithic monument used throughout the 4th millennium cal. BC. The ossuary of this burial holds the bones of nearly a hundred individuals who suffered from diverse pathologies and injuries. This study presents the discovery of a skull with two bilateral perforations on both mastoid bones. These evidences point to a mastoidectomy, a surgical procedure possibly performed to relieve the pain this prehistoric individual may have suffered as a result of otitis media and mastoiditis. The hypothesis of surgical intervention is also supported by the presence of cut marks at the anterior edge of the trepanation made in the left ear. Furthermore, the results of this paper demonstrate the survival of the individual to both interventions. Given the chronology of this dolmen, this find would be the earliest surgical ear intervention in the history of mankind.

At present, the end-of-life management of thermoset composite epoxy resins is limited to incineration and landfill storage, highlighting the demand for the development of more sustainable measures. Due to their broad spectrum of C-H oxyfunctionalization reactions, fungal unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are becoming important biotechnological tools in organic synthesis while their potential use in biodegradation processes should not be underestimated. Here, we present a colorimetric screening assay aimed at engineering UPOs for the degradation of epoxy resins. We based our study on Hexflow® RTM-6, a commercial epoxy resin used extensively in the aeronautics sector. UPO mutants from the short and long families were initially benchmarked by GC/MS to determine their potential N-dealkylation activity on N,N-bis(2-hydroxypropyl)-p-toluidine (NNBT), the main structural scaffold of Hexflow® RTM-6. A reliable high-throughput colorimetric screening method was developed to quantify the lactaldehyde released by UPO attack on the tertiary amine of NNBT. Based on an evolved UPO from Psathyrella aberdarensis that was expressed by yeast, a small subset of mutant libraries with different mutational loadings was constructed and screened for NNBT N-dealkylation, thereby establishing a directed evolution platform as a vehicle to engineer UPO composite degrading variants.

Skin ageing is a progressive, but modifiable, multi-factorial disorder that involves all the skin’s tissues. Due to its wide range of physiological and psychosocial complications, skin ageing requires rigorous clinical attention. In this review, we aim to encourage clinicians to consider skin ageing as a disorder and suggest a novel, dual approach to its clinical treatment. Topical retinoids and per-oral proteoglycans are promising, non-invasive, therapeutic modalities. To overcome the low bioavailability of conventional free retinoids, Nourella® cream with Retilex-A® (Pharma Medico, Aarhus, Denmark) was developed using a proprietary nano-encapsulation technology. The nano-encapsulation is a sophisticated ‘permeation/penetration enhancer’ that optimises topical drug delivery by increasing the surface availability and net absorption ratio. Treatment adherence is also improved by minimising skin irritation. Interventional evidence suggests the greater efficacy of Retilex-A® in improving skin thickness and elasticity compared with conventional free forms. It is also reported that the rejuvenating efficacy of Retilex-A® and tretinoin are comparable. Another skin anti-ageing approach is proteoglycan replacement therapy (PRT) with Vercilex®. Vercilex® in Nourella® tablet form has the potential to ameliorate proteoglycan dysmetabolism in aged skin by activating skin cells and improving collagen/elastin turnover. Replicated clinical trials evidenced that PRT can significantly enhance the density, elasticity and thickness of both intrinsically aged and photoaged skin. Evidently, Vercilex® and Retilex-A® share a range of bioactivities that underlie their synergistic activity, as observed in a clinical trial. Dual therapy with Nourella® tablets and cream produced greater effects on skin characteristics than monotherapy with each of the two treatments. In conclusion, Nourella® cream and tablets are safe and effective treatments for skin ageing; however, combining the two in a ‘dual skin rejuvenation system’ significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Esta investigación cualitativa exploratoria pretende examinar la experiencia de la fibromialgia en el ámbito laboral y cómo la misma incide en el desempeño de las personas. Utilizamos el Modelo de Demandas y Recursos Laborales para entender cómo los recursos (laborales y personales) y las demandas afectan la efectividad en el trabajo de las personas con fibromialgia. Siete pacientes con fibromialgia residentes en Puerto Rico participaron en entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los resultados apuntan que la fibromialgia tiene un efecto negativo en el desempeño de tareas, principalmente si estas requieren de esfuerzo físico o continuidad en una misma postura por largos periodos. Además, el ambiente laboral incide en la sintomatología y está a su vez en el desempeño de las funciones. Por último, se presentan una serie de recomendaciones enmarcadas en la flexibilidad, recursos personales y la educación, las cuales buscan minimizar los efectos que tiene la fibromialgia en el trabajo.

Young people find it difficult to access to the labor market, particularly in countries like Spain with a dramatically high rate of unemployment. A further problem is that this labor market is not gender-neutral. This has been demonstrated repeatedly in the literature, with women typically being at a disadvantage. This highlights the need to study issues related to employability from a gender perspective, beyond including sex as a mere control variable. This analysis is relevant given the gender biases in organizations and in society in general that hinder the advancement of gender equality in organizations. Accordingly, our aim is to study both sex (male vs. female) and four profiles of gender identity based on dimensions of masculinity and femininity (i.e., feminine, masculine, undifferentiated, and androgynous) in relation to perceived employability in an exploratory way in two samples of employed (N = 181) and unemployed (N = 246) Spanish youngsters (i.e., below 30). The results show different patterns for employed and unemployed youngsters regarding sex, gender identity and their interaction in relation to perceptions of being employable. Concerning sex, women seem more confident about their employment chances when unemployed. In contrast, men feel more confident about their employment chances within their organization than women when employed. Concerning gender identity, the androgynous gender profile in the employed sample (in both men and women) scored highest on perceived employability. Results of the sex–gender identity interaction show that being feminine associates with the highest level of perceived employability for an unemployed man and the lowest for an unemployed woman. Moreover, both unemployed men and women androgynous score the highest in perceiving employability (except feminine men). Our findings highlight that sex and gender identity do play a role in shaping employability perceptions of young men and women in different labor contexts (employment and unemployment). This reinforces the need of changes against discrimination at work and in job search from a feminist approach to arrive at a more equal society.

Sánchez-Osorio, I y Moya, A. (2017): “‘Bosque especial’: intervención educativa en educación medioambiental para escolares con discapacidad visual”. Revista Española de Discapacidad, 5 (2): 195-210.

We have cloned, overexpressed, purified, and characterized a 2-ketogluconate kinase (2-dehydrogluconokinase, EC 2.7.1.13) from Cupriavidus necator (Ralstonia eutropha) H16. Exploration of its substrate specificity revealed that three ketoacids (2-keto-3-deoxy-d-gluconate, 2-keto-d-gulonate, and 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-gulonate) with structures close to the natural substrate (2-keto-d-gluconate) were successfully phosphorylated at an efficiency lower than or comparable to 2-ketogluconate, as depicted by the measured kinetic constant values. Eleven aldo and keto monosaccharides of different chain lengths and stereochemistries were also assayed but not found to be substrates. 2-ketogluconate-6-phosphate was synthesized at a preparative scale and was fully characterized for the first time.

Prinobius myardi Mulsant is a wood borer implicated in the decline of Mediterranean oaks, especially Quercus suber L. and Quercus ilex L. Plant volatiles play an important role in plant-insect interactions, and electroantennography (EAG) is an effective tool for exploring the electrophysiological activity of host plant volatiles on insects. To improve our understanding of the olfactory sensitivity of P. myardi, we recorded EAG responses to 20 tree volatiles, and analyzed the dose-dependent response to five doses (10–4:1 to 1:1 v/v) of the three most EAG-active compounds. Antennae of P. myardi responded to 13 chemicals, mainly monoterpenes and green leaf volatiles, with the strongest EAG responses being observed with β-pinene, (+)-α-pinene and 1,8-cineole. Dose–response profiles showed positive dose-dependent responses for all three compounds. Our results suggest a broad sensitivity of P. myardi to common tree volatiles, particularly some host-related compounds and volatiles associated with wounded trees; the olfactory recognition of ratios of these compounds could play a role in host selection by P. myardi.