Night shift work has been classified as a probable human carcinogen based on experimental studies and limited human evidence on breast cancer. Evidence on other common cancers, such as prostate ...cancer, is scarce. Chronotype is an individual characteristic that may relate to night work adaptation. We evaluated night shift work with relation to prostate cancer, taking into account chronotype and disease severity in a population based case‐control study in Spain. We included 1,095 prostate cancer cases and 1,388 randomly selected population controls. We collected detailed information on shift schedules (permanent vs. rotating, time schedules, duration, frequency), using lifetime occupational history. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were assessed by face‐to‐face interviews and chronotype through a validated questionnaire. We used unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders. Subjects who had worked at least for one year in night shift work had a slightly higher prostate cancer risk Odds Ratio (OR) 1.14; 95%CI 0.94, 1.37 compared with never night workers; this risk increased with longer duration of exposure (≥28 years: OR 1.37; 95%CI 1.05, 1.81; p‐trend = 0.047). Risks were more pronounced for high risk tumors D'Amico classification, Relative Risk Ratio (RRR) 1.40; 95%CI 1.05, 1.86, particularly among subjects with longer duration of exposure (≥28 years: RRR 1.63; 95%CI 1.08, 2.45; p‐trend = 0.027). Overall risk was higher among subjects with an evening chronotype, but also increased in morning chronotypes after long‐term night work. In this large population based study, we found an association between night shift work and prostate cancer particularly for tumors with worse prognosis.
What's new?
Up to 20% of workers do night‐shift work, which may increase the risk of some cancers. In this study, the authors found that long‐term night‐shift work was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and decreased survival. Overall risk was higher among workers with an evening chronotype (i.e., a preference for working in the evening vs. in the morning), but risk also increased for morning chronotypes if the duration of night‐shift work increased. These results may improve our understanding of prostate cancer etiology and potential prevention strategies.
The purpose of this study was to assess validity and reliability of sprint performance outcomes measured with an iPhone application (named: MySprint) and existing field methods (i.e. timing ...photocells and radar gun). To do this, 12 highly trained male sprinters performed 6 maximal 40-m sprints during a single session which were simultaneously timed using 7 pairs of timing photocells, a radar gun and a newly developed iPhone app based on high-speed video recording. Several split times as well as mechanical outputs computed from the model proposed by Samozino et al. (2015). A simple method for measuring power, force, velocity properties, and mechanical effectiveness in sprint running. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.12490 were then measured by each system, and values were compared for validity and reliability purposes. First, there was an almost perfect correlation between the values of time for each split of the 40-m sprint measured with MySprint and the timing photocells (r = 0.989-0.999, standard error of estimate = 0.007-0.015 s, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 1.0). Second, almost perfect associations were observed for the maximal theoretical horizontal force (F
0
), the maximal theoretical velocity (V
0
), the maximal power (P
max
) and the mechanical effectiveness (DRF - decrease in the ratio of force over acceleration) measured with the app and the radar gun (r = 0.974-0.999, ICC = 0.987-1.00). Finally, when analysing the performance outputs of the six different sprints of each athlete, almost identical levels of reliability were observed as revealed by the coefficient of variation (MySprint: CV = 0.027-0.14%; reference systems: CV = 0.028-0.11%). Results on the present study showed that sprint performance can be evaluated in a valid and reliable way using a novel iPhone app.
Venta Micena is an area containing several palaeontological sites marking the beginning of the Calabrian stage (Early Pleistocene). The richness of the fossil accumulation including species of Asian, ...African and European origin, makes Venta Micena a key site for the the palaeoecological and palaeoenvironmental study of southern Europe during the Early Pleistocene. Thus, research has been focused on Venta Micena 3, which was originally interpreted as a single palaeosurface associated with a marshy context, in which most of the fauna was accumulated by Pachycrocuta brevirostris. Recent excavations have unearthed a new site, Venta Micena 4, located in the same stratigraphic unit (Unit C) and in close proximity to Venta Micena 3. Here we show the first analyses regarding the taphonomic and spatial nature of this new site, defining two stratigraphic boundaries corresponding to two different depositional events. Furthermore, the taphonomic analyses of fossil remains seem to indicate a different accumulative agent than Pachycrocuta, thus adding more complexity to the palaeobiological interpretation of the Venta Micena area. These results contribute to the discussion of traditional interpretations made from Venta Micena 3.
The Guadix-Baza Basin (GBB) in Andalucía, Spain, comprises palaeontological and archaeological sites dating from the Early Pliocene to the Middle Pleistocene, including some of the earliest sites ...with evidence for the presence of early humans (Homo sp.) in Europe. Thus, the history of climate and environments in this basin contributes significantly to our understanding of the conditions under which early humans spread into Europe during the Early Pleistocene. Here we present estimates of precipitation and primary productivity in the GBB from the Pliocene to the Middle Pleistocene based on dental ecometrics in fossil communities of large herbivorous mammals, and perform an ecometrics-based distribution modelling to analyse the environmental conditions of Early and Middle Pleistocene human sites in Europe. Our results show that Early Pleistocene humans generally occupied on average relatively diverse habitats with ecotones, such as woodlands and savannas, but avoided very open and harsh (cool or dry) environments. During the Middle Pleistocene in Europe, humans occupied a comparatively much broader range of environments than during the Early Pleistocene, but were on average more concentrated in environments where the dental ecometric of mammals indicate wooded palaeoenvironments. In the earliest human occupation sites of the GBB, Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3, the mean annual precipitation and net primary production estimates indicate climatic conditions close to modern Mediterranean sclerophyllous woodland environments, but with slightly higher primary productivity, indicating some similarity with East African woodlands. On the other hand, the environments did not resemble African grassland savannas. The browse-dominated diets of ungulates from Barranco León and Fuente Nueva 3 further suggest palaeoenvironments where grasses were a minor component of the vegetation. In the slightly older site of Venta Micena that has no evidence for the presence of hominins, dental ecometric estimates indicate climate and environments similar to Mediterranean “forest steppe” environments existing in the surroundings of Baza today. Grasses were prevalent in the diet of some taxa, especially equids, in Venta Micena, but most of the species show browse-dominated diets even there.
•Plio-Pleistocene climate history of the Guadix-Baza Basin was reconstructed based on large mammal dental ecometrics.•The climate during the Pleistocene ranged from that of the modern Mediterranean to slightly more humid and productive.•Environments in the Guadix-Baza Basin during the Pleistocene were mostly Mediterranean woodlands and shrublands.•There were hardly any grazers among the ungulates of the three Orce sites studied, suggesting grass-poor paleoenvironments.•Early humans dispersed in Europe during the Early Pleistocene in climatically mild environments, avoiding harsh conditions.
Spatial capture-recapture modelling (SCR) is a powerful analytical tool to estimate density and derive information on space use and behaviour of elusive animals. Yet, SCR has been seldom applied to ...the study of ecologically keystone small mammals. Here we highlight its potential and requirements with a case study on common voles (Microtus arvalis). First, we address mortality associated with live-trapping, which can be high in small mammals, and must be kept minimal. We designed and tested a nest box coupled with a classic Sherman trap and show that it allows a 5-fold reduction of mortality in traps. Second, we address the need to adjust the trapping grid to the individual home range to maximize spatial recaptures. In May-June 2016, we captured and tagged with transponders 227 voles in a 1.2-ha area during two monthly sessions. Using a Bayesian SCR with a multinomial approach, we estimated: (1) the baseline detection rate and investigated variation according to sex, time or behaviour (aversion/attraction after a previous capture); (2) the parameter sigma that describes how detection probability declines as a function of the distance to an individual´s activity centre, and investigated variation according to sex; and (3) density and population sex-ratio. We show that reducing the maximum distance between traps from 12 to 9.6m doubled spatial recaptures and improved model predictions. Baseline detection rate increased over time (after overcoming a likely aversion to entering new odourless traps) and was greater for females than males in June. The sigma parameter of males was twice that of females, indicating larger home ranges. Density estimates were of 142.92±38.50 and 168.25±15.79 voles/ha in May and June, respectively, with 2-3 times more females than males. We highlight the potential and broad applicability that SCR offers and provide specific recommendations for using it to study small mammals like voles.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background and Aims With limited soil depth in northern Yucatán (< 30 cm), roots grow deeper through rock fractures and dissolution karst features (i.e., cavities, including soil-filled ones known as ...soil pockets). We assessed the importance of limestone bedrock and dissolution karst features on tree root growth. Methods Fieldwork was conducted in a limestone quarry where the relative proportions of rock matrix, empty cavities, and soil pockets were calculated by observing recently exposed walls. Physical properties of rocks, topsoil, and soil pockets were analyzed. Root distribution was assessed and roots identified. Results Soil pockets represented 9% of the rock matrix. The physical properties of rock layers were different with depth. Available water capacity is higher in soil (0.11 m⁻³ m⁻³) than in rock layers (< 0.05 m⁻³ m⁻³). But potential available water was much higher in subsurface features than top soil. Conclusions Dissolution karts features allow roots to grow deep into the bedrock, tapping water stored there. Although the limestone upper layer in northern Yucatan is highly restrictive to root growth, subsurface limestone layers and soil pockets are not restrictive and can hold important amounts of water.
Meat consumption by early hominins is a hotly debated issue. A key question concerns their access to large mammal carcasses, including megafauna. Currently, the evidence of anthropic cut marks on ...proboscidean bones older than -or close to- 1.0 Ma are restricted to the archaeological sites of Dmanisi (Georgia), Olduvai (Tanzania), Gona (Ethiopia), Olorgesailie (Kenya) and La Boella (Spain). During an inspection of the almost complete carcass of Mammuthus meridionalis (FN3-5-MPS) from the Oldowan site of Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Spain, c. 1.2 Ma), a few traces compatible with human-made cut marks and carnivore tooth marks were found. From this finding and previous interpretations the following questions arise: When and under what conditions was FN3-5-MPS deposited? What is the nature of the marks found on the surface of the bones of this mammoth? To answer, we have conducted a high-resolution analysis of these remains, combining both taphonomic and microstratigraphic data. Our results, using microstratigraphic and micromorphological analyses of sediments based on thin-sections, show that this individual was deposited in a marshy environment. Subsequently, the carcass was exploited by hominins and large felids that left their marks on the surface of some of its bones. For this purpose, the identification and characterisation of both cut marks and tooth marks were performed using high-resolution 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, and artificially intelligent algorithms. Based on the anatomical position of both the cut and tooth marks, we propose that both the hominins and the saber-toothed cats had early access to the animal. Finally, this paper shows how an interdisciplinary approach can shed detailed light on the particular story regarding the death and processing of the carcass of a female mammoth, deposited at Fuente Nueva 3.
•Original contextual approach combining taphonomy and microstratigraphy.•Proboscidean found in FN3 (FN3-5-MPS) died in a watery environment.•Cut and tooth marks reveal proboscidean exploitation by felids and Homo.•Earliest evidence of cut marks on proboscideans bones in western Eurasia.•New insights into the behaviour of the first inhabitants of western Eurasia.
Modern life involves mistimed sleeping and eating patterns that in experimental studies are associated with adverse health effects. We assessed whether timing of meals is associated with breast and ...prostate cancer risk taking into account lifestyle and chronotype, a characteristic correlating with preference for morning or evening activity. We conducted a population‐based case‐control study in Spain, 2008–2013. In this analysis we included 621 cases of prostate and 1,205 of breast cancer and 872 male and 1,321 female population controls who had never worked night shift. Subjects were interviewed on timing of meals, sleep and chronotype and completed a Food Frequency Questionaire. Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research recommendations for cancer prevention was examined. Compared with subjects sleeping immediately after supper, those sleeping two or more hours after supper had a 20% reduction in cancer risk for breast and prostate cancer combined (adjusted Odds Ratio OR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.67–0.96) and in each cancer individually (prostate cancer OR = 0.74, 0.55–0.99; breast cancer OR = 0.84, 0.67–1.06). A similar protection was observed in subjects having supper before 9 pm compared with supper after 10 pm. The effect of longer supper‐sleep interval was more pronounced among subjects adhering to cancer prevention recommendations (OR both cancers= 0.65, 0.44–0.97) and in morning types (OR both cancers = 0.66, 0.49–0.90). Adherence to diurnal eating patterns and specifically a long interval between last meal and sleep are associated with a lower cancer risk, stressing the importance of evaluating timing in studies on diet and cancer.
What's new?
Evidence shows that long‐term disruption of endogenous circadian rhythms may be associated with cancer. The effects of mistimed sleeping and eating patterns that come with modern life are however less clear. This large Spanish population‐based study examined whether meal timing and sleep patterns are associated with the two most common nightshift‐related cancers. Adherence to a more diurnal eating pattern, and specifically an early supper and a long interval between last meal and sleep were associated with a lower breast and prostate cancer risk, stressing the importance of evaluating circadian rhythms in diet and cancer studies and revisiting recommendations for prevention.
•A relationship between Ni0 particle size and NiO/NiAl2O4 ratios was extracted.•Small Ni particle size (6nm) was obtained at low NiO/NiAl2O4 ratio.•NiAl2O4/Al2O3 has a much better textural and ...nano-structural stability than NiAl2O4.•The surface acidity of NiAl2O4/Al2O3 may be modulated by varying the Ni content.•70%NiAl2O4/Al2O3 exhibited a high activity in the steam reforming of methane.
This paper is devoted to the characterisation of Ni/alumina reforming catalysts. A special attention was paid to the control of the catalytic properties by the synthesis route of bulk and supported catalysts. In this sense it was shown that the massive formation of NiAl2O4 phase, associated with low NiO/NiAl2O4 molar ratios on the catalyst surface, due to a calcination step at high temperatures was notably beneficial for obtaining highly dispersed nickel catalysts (with a Ni crystallite size of 6nm) after severe reduction at 850°C. This activation procedure did not affect textural and acidic properties to a large extent. Thus, among the investigated nickel catalysts the 70%NiAl2O4/Al2O3 sample exhibited the best performance in the steam reforming of methane.
rock engraving made by Neanderthals in Gibraltar Rodríguez-Vidal, Joaquín; d'Errico, Francesco; Pacheco, Francisco Giles ...
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS,
09/2014, Letnik:
111, Številka:
37
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Significance The production of purposely made painted or engraved designs on cave walls is recognized as a major cognitive step in human evolution, considered exclusive to modern humans. Here we ...present the first known example of an abstract pattern engraved by Neanderthals, from Gorham’s Cave in Gibraltar. It consists of a deeply impressed cross-hatching carved into the bedrock of the cave older than 39 cal kyr. The engraving was made before the accumulation of Mousterian layer IV. Most of the lines composing the design were made by repeatedly and carefully passing a pointed lithic tool into the grooves, excluding the possibility of an unintentional or utilitarian origin. This discovery demonstrates the Neanderthals’ capacity for abstract thought and expression.
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