Western Andalusia Research Articles

Sampling of Culicoides with nontraditional methods provides unusual species composition and new records for southern Spain

BackgroundCulicoides midges have been well-studied in Spain, particularly over the last 20 years, mainly because of their role as vectors of arboviral diseases that affect livestock. Most studies on Culicoides are conducted using suction light traps in farmed environments, but studies employing alternative trapping techniques or focusing on natural habitats are scarce.MethodsIn the present study, we analyze Culicoides captured in 2023 at 476 sites in western Andalusia (southern Spain) using carbon dioxide-baited Biogents (BG)-sentinel traps across different ecosystems.ResultsWe collected 3,084 Culicoides midges (3060 females and 24 males) belonging to 23 species, including the new species Culicoides grandifovea sp. nov. and the first record of Culicoides pseudolangeroni for Europe. Both species were described with morphological and molecular methods and detailed data on spatial distribution was also recorded. The new species showed close phylogenetic relations with sequences from an unidentified Culicoides from Morocco (92.6% similarity) and with Culicoides kurensis. Culicoides imicola was the most abundant species (17.4%), followed by Culicoides grandifovea sp. nov. (14.6%) and Culicoides kurensis (11.9%). Interestingly, Culicoides montanus was the only species of the obsoletus and pulicaris species complexes captured, representing the first record of this species in southern Spain. A total of 53 valid Culicoides species have been reported in the area, with 48 already reported in literature records and 5 more added in the present study. Information on the flight period for the most common Culicoides species is also provided.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, our study represents the most comprehensive effort ever done on nonfarmland habitats using carbon-dioxide baited suction traps for collecting Culicoides. Our data suggests that using carbon dioxide traps offers a completely different perspective on Culicoides communities compared with routinely used light traps, including the discovery of previously unrecorded species.Graphical

The governance of the water-energy nexus: Co-produced narratives to take stock and address energy dependencies of the urban water cycle in Atlantic Europe

Water and energy (WE) are key resources to support human well-being and are highly interconnected. Intensifying demands of both resources and increasing resource scarcity are exacerbating their interconnectedness and calling for the adoption of an integrated approach called “WE nexus”. This paper explores the barriers and opportunities to govern the WE nexus in the Urban Water Cycle (UWC), particularly, the energy dependencies of the water supply and sanitation services in Atlantic Europe, through the assessment of four contrasting and representative regions: Canary Islands (ES), Western Andalusia (ES), Alentejo (PT) and Brittany (FR). We applied a “Quantitative Story Telling (QST)” method to assess the discourses from 49 stakeholders from across the four regions on WE nexus challenges and opportunities in the UWC, and the evidence that exists on them. The result is a pluralistic narrative incorporating the views of different stakeholders on what are the issues at stake and why, what needs to be done and how, and sustained by available data. The resulting narrative explores the formal aspects underpinning WE nexus governance in the UWC, but also informal rules linked to political economy. Our results revealed that WE nexus challenges are context-specific, however, there are important commonalities across regions and phases of the UWC value chain, suggesting that these are relevant at the Atlantic Europe scale. QST is not instrumental in directly inducing policy change or decision-making, but might be a valuable means for knowledge mobilization to question and enrich the quality of dominant discourses, and thus paving the road for action towards sustainability.

Epidemiological survey and risk factors associated with Sarcoptes scabiei in wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems

Although mortality caused by Sarcoptes scabiei has been reported in European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), there is a lack of detailed information regarding the exposure of wild lagomorph species to this parasite. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with S. scabiei exposure in European wild rabbits and Iberian hares in Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain. Between 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons, serum samples from 464 wild rabbits and 132 Iberian hares were collected from 100 hunting grounds in Andalusia (southern Spain). Sera were tested using an in-house indirect ELISA to detect specific anti-S. scabiei antibodies based on the immunodominant protein Ssλ20ΔB3. The overall apparent individual seroprevalence was 15.9% (95/596; 95%CI: 13.0–18.9). Antibodies against S. scabiei were detected in 11.6% (54/464; 95%CI: 8.7–14.5) of the European wild rabbits and 31.1% (41/132; 95%CI: 23.2–39.0) of the Iberian hares. Species (Iberian hare), age (adults) and geographical area (western Andalusia) were identified as risk factors potentially associated with S. scabiei exposure using generalized estimating equation analysis. By applying spatial analysis, two significant cluster of high seropositivity were detected in western and central Andalusia, respectively. The seroprevalence values obtained provide evidence of endemic, widespread and heterogeneous exposure to S. scabiei among wild lagomorph populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing integrated surveillance programs for sarcoptic mange in wild lagomorphs as well as in other sympatric species.

Survey Techniques and Landscape Archaeology on the Banks of the Ancient Lacus Ligustinus (Southern Spain)

ABSTRACT The use of complementary techniques in this paper contributes to a better understanding of the long-term evolution of the riparian landscape on the southern banks of the lacus Ligustinus (current Guadalquivir marshlands) through the knowledge of related human settlements. The techniques used included field-transect surveys, malacology, anthracology, radiocarbon dating, and magnetometry. Deep plowing at the archaeological site of Haza de Santa Catalina revealed vestiges of different time periods. Comprehensive datasets based on best archaeological practices were collected to explore holistic ecological perspectives and changes over time. Here, we focus specifically on the transition between the 4th and 3rd millennia (Neolithic) and the 1st millennium b.c. (Iron Age–Early Roman period) in western Andalusia. In addition, the theoretical frameworks related to the concepts of riparia and emptyscape are expanded with the knowledge gained in the archaeological fieldwork.

Alerta Cannabis: A Tailored-Computer Web-Based Program for the Prevention of Cannabis Use in Adolescents: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

BackgroundThe growing use of cannabis in adolescence is a public health problem that must be addressed through prevention. In Spain, the average age of initiation of cannabis use in the adolescent population is 14.8 years. At 14 years, the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use is 11.7%, which increases to 51.,5% at the age of 18; the prevalence of cannabis use in the population aged 14 to 18 years is 28.6%, a figure that must be tried to reduce, that is why this school prevention program is proposed: Alerta Cannabis.MethodsThe Alerta Cannabis research project consists of design, implementation, and evaluation. In the first phase, a computer-tailored eHealth program (Alerta Cannabis) is developed based on the I-Change Model, an integrated model based on three main behavioral change processes: awareness, motivation, and action. This program consists of four 30-minute sessions that will provide culturally adapted and personalized advice to motivate students not to use cannabis through text feedback, animations, and gamification techniques. This phase will also include usability testing. In the implementation phase, secondary school students from Western Andalusia, Spain (Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, and Córdoba) and Eastern Andalusia (Jaén, Málaga, and Granada) will be randomized to an experimental condition (EC) or a control condition (CC) for a cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT). Each condition will have 35 classes within 8 schools. GI will receive the online intervention Alerta Cannabis. EC and CC will have to fill out a questionnaire at baseline, six months, and twelve months of follow-up. In the last phase, the effect of Alerta Cannabis is evaluated. The primary outcomes are the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use and its use in the last 30 days and at 6 months. At 12 months of follow-up, the prevalence in the last 12 months will also be assessed. The secondary outcome is the intention to use cannabis.DiscussionThe study tests the effect of the innovative program specifically aimed to reduce the use of cannabis in the adolescent population through eHealth in Spain. The findings aim to develop and implement evidence-based cannabis prevention interventions, which could support school prevention, for instance, the assistance of school nurses. If the program proves to be effective, it could be useful to prevent cannabis use on a national and international scale.Trial registrationNCT05849636. Date of registration: March 16, 2023.

Exposure to Coxiella burnetii in Wild Lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean Ecosystems.

Coxiella burnetii is an important zoonotic pathogen of worldwide distribution that can infect a wide range of wild and domestic species. The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) can play a role as a reservoir for this bacterium in certain epidemiological scenarios, but, to date, a very limited numbers of large-scale serosurveys have been conducted for this species worldwide. Although exposure in hare species has also been described, C. burnetii in Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis) has never been assessed. Here, we aimed to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with C. burnetii exposure in wild lagomorphs in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain. Between the 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 hunting seasons, blood samples from 638 wild lagomorphs, including 471 wild rabbits and 167 Iberian hares, were collected from 112 hunting grounds distributed across all eight provinces of Andalusia (southern Spain). The overall apparent individual seroprevalence was 8.9% (57/638; 95% CI: 6.8-11.4). Antibodies against C. burnetii were found in 11.3% (53/471; 95% CI: 8.4-14.1) of the wild rabbits and 2.4% (4/167; 95% CI: 0.1-4.7) of the Iberian hares. Seropositive animals were detected for 16 (14.3%; 95% CI: 7.8-20.8) of the 112 hunting grounds tested and in all the hunting seasons sampled. A generalized estimating equations model showed that the geographical area (western Andalusia) and presence of sheep were risk factors potentially associated with C. burnetii exposure in wild lagomorphs. A statistically significant spatial cluster (p < 0.001) was identified in the south-west of Andalusia. Our results provide evidence of moderate, endemic and heterogeneous circulation of C. burnetii in wild lagomorph populations in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Risk-based strategies for integrative surveillance programs should be implemented in these species to reduce the risk of transmission of the bacterium to sympatric species, including humans.

Survey of flea infestation in cats and dogs in Western Andalusia, Spain: Seasonality and other risk factors for flea infestation.

This epidemiological survey aims to provide an update on the main flea species that parasitize domestic animals in the Western Andalusia assessing several ecological features that could be considered as possible risk factors for flea infestation. Over a 19-month period (June 2021 to January 2023), we obtained a total of 802 flea samples from 182 dogs (Canis lupus familiaris, Carnivora: Canidae, Linnaeus, 1758) and 78 cats (Felis silvestris catus, Carnivora: Felidae, Schreber, 1775). For each parasitized host, an epidemiological survey was completed, including the following information: geographical origin, age, sex, rural or urban habitat, type of animal's lifestyle (domestic or non-domestic), health status, cohabiting or not with other animals and the total number of collected fleas. The most common species was Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) with a total of 713 specimens, which accounted for 89% of the total fleas. The second most abundant species was Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Linnaeus, 1758) with a total of 46 collected fleas (6% of the total). The remaining species identified were Archaeopsylla erinacei (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Bouché, 1835) (25 specimens), Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Dale, 1878) (12 specimens) and Ctenocephalides canis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) (Curtis, 1826) (6 specimens), which accounted for 3%, 1% and 1%, respectively, of the total fleas collected. The months with the highest number of collected fleas were, in ascending order, May 2022, September 2021 and July 2021. Dogs had a greater diversity of flea species, and flea sex ratios were female biased in all identified species and among all studied hosts. Finally, we identified some potential host risk factors that promoted higher flea intensities, such as living in rural areas, or presenting other pathologies.

Handheld XRF in ceramic research: a case study from the Lower Guadalquivir region

Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the last 15 years become very popular and nowadays is a wellestablished device in archaeometry. This paper presents reflections based on the practice of using a spectrometer over the last years, trying to highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of this tool. To illustrate the potential of the device for research on more general than technical issues in archaeology, the results of spectroscopic analyses from two, closely located archaeological sites in western Andalusia, Setefilla necropolis and Setefilla settlement, is presented. Thanks to the potassium-titanium test it can be noticed that the results vary for each site, and the differences in elemental composition are interpreted as manifestations of the intentional use of different paste recipes for specific social practices.

False negatives in the newborn screening for cystic fibrosis in Western Andalusia: Results from a 10-year experience.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in the Caucasian population, with an incidence of 1:5000 live births. In 2011, the screening of CF was implemented in the Andalusian Public Health newborn screening program by using immunoreactive trypsinogen and chloride sweat test (IRT/IRT/sweat test) determinations. Since then, 79 children have been diagnosed with CF in our health area (Western Andalusia). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of this screening method and to examinate the characteristics of those CF infants who had a negative screening but who were later diagnosed. In the 2011-2021 period 462,049 newborns were screened for CF using a two-step IRT determination and chloride sweat test. Sixty-threeinfants were diagnosed with CF in our health area thanks to the screening, and 15 CF children had a negative screening result and were finally diagnosed by molecular sequencing of the CFTR gene. The most frequent symptoms that led to the diagnosis of those false negative (FN) patients were hyponatremic dehydration (mean age 9.75 ± 1.5 months) and recurrent wheezing (mean age 24 ± 14.5 months). The molecular analysis of the CFTR gene on those FN showed a diversity of genotypes, identifying more than 10 different mutations. CONCLUSION: The rate of FN patients obtained in this study is inadmissibly high, and the protocol used in this region has not been updated despite the advances in genetic testing in the past 10 years. An improvement on CF newborn screening should be implemented, adding molecular analysis of the CFTR gene.

Neonatal Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Western Andalusia: Results and Lessons Learnt after 3 Years of Implementation.

The aim of this study was to present the results obtained in the Newborn Screening Program (NSP) for sickle cell disease (SCD) in western Andalusia and the autonomous city of Ceuta in the first 3 years of implementation, and to describe the discrepancies found in the diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies between the screening method and the confirmatory tests. A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out, and the findings obtained in the newborns included in the NSP between November 2018 and December 2021 were analyzed. A total of 111,205 samples were screened by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The birth prevalence of SCD, sickle cell trait, hemoglobin C carriers, and the compound heterozygosity Hb C/β-thalassemia was 1/12,356, 1/467, 1/1,278, and 1/55,602 newborns, respectively. Although there was a correlation between the first-line HPLC screening technique (VARIANTnbs HPLC analyzer, Bio-Rad) and the confirmatory tests in most cases, major discrepancies were found in detecting carriers of G-Philadelphia, D, E, and O-Arab hemoglobin variants, with the former having an incidence of 1/10,110 and the others 1/22,241. The carrier status of Hb G-Philadelphia produced an FAD pattern on the screening method that could be mistaken as Hb D, while Hb O-Arab was identified as an FA5 pattern. Hb D was initially recognized as Hb D in two cases. An NSP requires at least two different combined methods in order to identify the hemoglobin variant with sufficient certainty. Furthermore, even though software solutions for HPLC suggest a pattern, it must be confirmed with another technique to obtain a correct interpretation of the chromatograms. · The NSPs are an essential activity in preventive medicine.. · At least two different combined methods are required to correctly identify hemoglobin variants.. · Different variants can produce a similar or identical pattern by a single method..

Thomas W. Arnold (2012). The Spread of Islam in the World: A History of Peaceful Preaching. New Delhi: Goodword Books. 467 pages. [ISBN: 8187570229

Arnold’s book offers a balanced analysis and an alternative perspective for those who seek to find the truth about Islam. It has 13 chapters (including introduction and conclusion) and each chapter covers almost all regions that had interacted with Islam. The story line of the book begins with how Islam first established in Mecca and Medina, and later it spreads to all Arabian Peninsula and other corners of the earth encompassing western Asia, Africa, Spain Andalusia, central Asia, China, India, and Malay Archipelago. In the time of writing in 1896, Prof Arnold estimated that there were about 200 million of the followers of Islam. The references used in this book range from Arabic, Dutch, English, French and other sources.The main strength of this book is it reveals with an avalanche data of how Islam peacefully spread to many places in the world. Professor Arnold has laid down the very fundamental vigour of Islam which is not entirely depending on the Muslim physical empires and dynasties but it solidly rests on its ‘spiritual conquests’, that is, da’wah conveying the message of Islam that went on uninterruptedly by the Muslim missionaries.

Assessing the long-term impact of climate change on olive crops and olive fly in Andalusia, Spain, through climate indices and return period analysis

The objective of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of climate change on olive crops in Andalusia, one of the most important olive growing areas worldwide, using tailored climate indices and return period analysis. Both the climatic indices and the occurrence probabilities of bad years in terms of olive yield and olive fly risk are being calculated for the reference period 1971–2000 and for the near (2031–2060) and distant future (2071–2100) under two emission scenarios using an ensemble of five high-resolution, bias-adjusted Regional Climate Models. Three threshold-based temperature related indices (SPR32, SU36, SU40) as well as mean temperature and precipitation related climatic indices (SPRTX, WINRR) have been calculated, revealing increasing changes in the near and distant future and pointing out the challenges faced by the olive sector due to climate change; a robust increase of the threshold-based indices are found in central and northern Andalusia, mainly in the provinces of Seville, Cordoba and Jaen. Although the changes of the precipitation-related index are less pronounced for the near future, robust decreases are projected for the distant future period under a high emission scenario. The identification of the bad years is based on observational data from five monitoring stations in Andalusia (Malaga, Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba and Jaen). The role of certain meteorological parameters (precipitation, temperature, relative humidity) is investigated and the return levels of interest for the calculation of the occurrence probabilities are estimated by the upper tail of the reference distribution. The results indicate an overall tendency for increased occurrence probability of bad years in terms of olive yield due to future decreased precipitation; bad year occurrences with return periods of below 2 years may increase by about 20 % by 2060. Spatial variability is also evident with overall larger changes in western Andalusia. The range of the olive fly is expected to decrease in the northern areas of Andalusia.

La construcción del mercado local del vino de Jerez de la Frontera a finales de la Edad Media: normativa y espacios

The aim of this article is to study the local wine market of Jerez during the period of the foundations of its international expansion, the 15th century and the early 16th century. There are hardly any specific studies about this theme in that period. This work is part of a line of research whose main objective is the study of wine-growing landscapes and vine products in Western Andalusia in the Late Middle Ages. Its documentary basis is the Official Acts of the Jerez Council, as well as the Affidavits that are preserved between 1392 and 1505. A thorough study of these two valuable sources has been carried out in order to extract from them all the information related to wine. Subsequently, a database was designed to make their analysis feasible and assign them to different thematic categories. We have enriched and contrasted them with specialized bibliographic contributions. All this has allowed us to identify the policy of the Jerez Council to prevent shortages in the local market and try to end fraudulent activities that reduced the quality of the wine. We have also verified the importance of wine in the morphological conformation of the urban space, with the genesis of infrastructures dedicated to its consumption and delight.

Screening for Selective Anticancer Activity of 65 Extracts of Plants Collected in Western Andalusia, Spain.

Finding cytotoxic drugs with a high selectivity towards cancer cells is crucial to improve the low survival rates of patients diagnosed with metastatic cancers. Since plants are an important source of anticancer drugs, we have screened 65 extracts from 45 plants collected in several areas of Western Andalusia (Spain) for cytotoxic activity on lung cancer cells versus lung normal cells. An extract from the leaves of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast. (Cupressaceae) showed a marked cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.37 ± 0.03 μg/mL) and selectivity (selectivity index = 378.3) against the lung cancer cells; cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and an extract from the leaves of Taxus baccata L. (Taxaceae) were less cytotoxic and selective. Extracts from Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold (Apocynaceae), Frangula alnus Mill. (Rhamnaceae), Iberis ciliata subsp. contracta (Pers.) Moreno (Brassicaceae), Juniperus macrocarpa Sm (Cupressaceae), and Pancratium maritimum L. (Amaryllidaceae) also showed selective cytotoxicity (selectivity index > 10). Active extracts were also tested against a panel of cancer cell lines from a variety tissues. The plants identified in this work are potential sources of natural compounds with selective toxicity towards cancer cells.

Evaluation of the Congenital Hypothyroidism Detection Strategy in Extremely Preterm Infants in Western Andalusia.

This study aimed to identify extremely premature infants (< 31 weeks of gestation and/or <1,500 g) affected by congenital hypothyroidism (CH) with delayed elevation of thyrotropin (TSH) and to evaluate the detection strategy for this pathology in our reference screening population. A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out with samples collected from western Andalusia and the autonomous city of Ceuta. This protocol allowed us to detect six neonates with delayed TSH elevation. One of them, due to serious heart problems, died without being able to confirm CH. In two neonates, however, it was possible to detect CH, another two presented a persistent TSH elevation but normal free T4, and another one presented a temporary TSH elevation. It is essential to repeat the CH screening in extremely premature infants, not only at the age of 15 days but also with a third sample at the moment of hospital discharge to detect cases with delayed TSH elevation. · The Newborn Screening Programs are an essential activity of preventive medicine.. · Extremely preterm infants have a very high risk of CH.. · Optimal management of thyroid dysfunction in this population remains to be established..

Genetic variation patterns of β-thalassemia in western Andalusia (Spain) reveal a structure of specific mutations within the Iberian Peninsula.

Background Analyses of the genomic variation in the western Mediterranean population are being used to reveal its evolutionary history and to understand the molecular basis of particular diseases. Aim To observe β-thalassemic mutational spectrum in western Andalusia, Spain, in the context of the Mediterranean. In addition, associations between disease and neutral gene variants within the β-globin gene (HBB) were also evaluated. Subjects and methods This study included 63 unrelated individuals diagnosed with β-thalassemia. In addition, 97 unrelated, healthy subjects of the same territory were also analysed as proxies of the normal genetic background. Allele associations and population genetic structure analyses were performed using different methodologies. Results Data have revealed a rather restricted spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations in the analysed sample. Although the detected variants fit well with the Mediterranean pattern, certain singularities support a structure of some specific β-thalassemia alleles. The IVSI-1 (G > A) shows a strong regionalisation. The spatial correlogram revealed a typically narrow wave structure, presumably linked to genetic isolation and genetic drift. Conclusions The long history of endemic malaria in the study territory, the rather high consanguinity rates among its autochthonous population, and other demographic features have been used here to understand the western Andalusian β-thalassemia molecular portrait.

Hieracium elisaeanum Arv.-Touv. ex Willk. (Asteraceae), novedad para la flora de Andalucía Occidental (España)

Se da a conocer por primera vez la presencia en la provincia de Córdoba de Hieracium elisaeanum Arv.-Touv. ex Willk., novedad también para la flora de Andalucía Occidental.

Effects of sample processing on XRF results from archeological pottery

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to present the results of XRF analysis of archeological samples in two different states of preservation: intact vessel surfaces and transformed into powder. To investigate the effect of sample processing for XRF analysis, a handheld spectrometer was used. In total, 41 pottery samples were measured. The samples were extracted from Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age ceramic vessels of two different technological traditions: local (hand-made pottery) and exogenous (wheel-thrown pottery) from the archeological site of Setefilla (western Andalusia, Spain). Multiple statistical tests were used to examine the effect of sample processing on the semi-quantitative outcome of XRF analysis of pottery. The results obtained from intact samples are considerably different from the results obtained from pulverized samples. The analyses revealed that levels of Co, Sb, Sn, Al, Si, Ca, Fe, S, K, Sr and Nb were higher in the group of intact samples. This study underlines the need to evaluate sample preparation when designing archeometric research programs.

Confirmada la presencia de Crucianella patula L. (Rubiaceae) en Andalucía Occidental (España)

Se da a conocer por primera vez la presencia de Crucianella patula L. en la provincia de Córdoba, y esta nueva cita respalda su inclusión en la flora de Andalucía Occidental.

La red de salinas y el comercio de la sal en el estuario del Tinto durante la Edad Moderna: Huelva, San Juan del Puerto, Palos de la Frontera y Moguer

Salt during the Old Regime became one of the instruments for the development of the economy of the towns located around the Tinto river (western Andalusia, Spain) because it was a fundamental product for the preservation of food, the preparation of the supplies and logistics for the ships that left their ports since the time of the discoveries. As a consequence of the demand for this marine resource, there was a network of salt flats destined for regional consumption and the commercial circuits that connected the Atlantic and Mediterranean routes. Precisely, the commercial profitability of the exploitation of the aforementioned product and the tax regime that imposed on it, motivated that the noble lineage (Medina Sidonia, Portocarrero, Saltés and Cifuentes) tried to dominate the ownership of the exploitation of the salt pans since the late Middle Ages despite having originally been a royal prerogative.