Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals)

URI permanent per a aquesta col·leccióhttps://hdl.handle.net/2445/16743

Estadístiques

Examinar

Mostrant 1 - 20 de 1801

Differential response of roots and leaves to combined heat and salinity stresses in tomato plants
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-10-01) Mesa Parra, Tania; Romero, Agustí; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Despite our understanding of plant responses to single stresses, knowledge on how plants respond to combined abiotic factors and the underlying hormonal regulation is still very limited. Here, we aimed to examine the plant response to combined heat and salt stresses in tomato plants, the underlying hormonal response and the effectiveness of methyl jasmonate application in its alleviation. We measured fruit production and various stress markers in both roots and leaves, together with endogenous contents of stress-related phytohormones (including abscisic acid, salicylic acid and jasmonates) in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom), exposed to combined stress. In addition, we evaluated the effectiveness of a methyl jasmonate treatment as a priming agent to alleviate the negative effects of stress, with an emphasis on evaluating the effects of this hormone on triggering antioxidant protection by enhancement of vitamin E contents. Plants responded differently to combined stress treatment than to single stresses, but this differential response was organ-specific, with roots being more sensitive to stress than leaves. Both abscisic acid and jasmonates were involved in the plant response to combined stress but leaves and roots responded differently. Furthermore, abscisic acid and jasmonates correlated with vitamin E accumulation, most particularly in roots. Foliar application of methyl jasmonate at the flowering stage in plants challenged with combined stress did not improve fruit production but resulted in enhanced vitamin E accumulation in leaves. It is concluded that (i) roots and leaves show a differential sensitivity to both single and combined heat and salt stresses, (ii) the response of abscisic acid and jasmonates in plant stress responses seems to be markedly organ dependent, and (iii) foliar methyl jasmonate increased vitamin E accumulation under combined stress in tomato plants.
Trophic plasticity in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, as a function of resource availability and habitat features
(Inter-Research, 2020) Camps Castellà, Judith; Romero, Javier; Prado Villegas, Patricia
Factors controlling herbivory pressure are of central importance in shaping the sea-scape. In the Mediterranean, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is considered as a keystone her-bivore in seagrass meadows and macroalgal communities. Here we explored the trophic behaviorof this sea urchin in a shallow seagrass habitat of Cymodocea nodosa mixed with Caulerpa prolif-era and interspersed with sandy areas in Alfacs Bay, Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean). The sea-sonal pseudo-indigenous bryozoan Amathia verticillata is locally very abundant, and there is alsoan important population of pen shells Pinna nobilis, providing hard substrate and cover, thusbeing a unique environment for assessing sea urchin trophic behavior. To this end, we conductedan ensemble of food preference and foraging experiments and stomach content and stable isotopeanalyses. Our results showed that sea urchins strongly prefer A. verticillata over other localresources, and there was also an important presence of the bryozoan in stomach contents (ca.44%), coupled with green and decayed seagrass leaves. Stable isotope analyses revealed thatover the long term, ca. 65% of the diet of P. lividus was based on decayed seagrass leaves, fol-lowed by the bryozoan and green seagrass leaves (21.7 and 13.3%, respectively). The localavailability of P. nobilis provides a preferred substrate for sea urchins, which showed limitedforaging movements into the surrounding seagrass beds, particularly when A. verticillata wasattached to the pen shells. The apparently high contribution of animal and detrital food to P. lividus diet is unprecedented, and suggests an opportunistic feeding behavior in sea urchins in those habitats.
Trophic plasticity in the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, as a function of resource availability and habitat features
(Inter-Research, 2020) Camps Castellà, Judith; Romero, Javier (Romero Martinengo); Prado Villegas, Patricia
Factors controlling herbivory pressure are of central importance in shaping the sea-scape. In the Mediterranean, the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus is considered as a keystone her-bivore in seagrass meadows and macroalgal communities. Here we explored the trophic behaviorof this sea urchin in a shallow seagrass habitat of Cymodocea nodosa mixed with Caulerpa prolifera> and interspersed with sandy areas in Alfacs Bay, Ebro Delta (NW Mediterranean). The seasonal pseudo-indigenous bryozoan Amathia verticillata is locally very abundant, and there is alsoan important population of pen shells Pinna nobilis, providing hard substrate and cover, thus being a unique environment for assessing sea urchin trophic behavior. To this end, we conductedan ensemble of food preference and foraging experiments and stomach content and stable isotopeanalyses. Our results showed that sea urchins strongly prefer A. verticillata over other localresources, and there was also an important presence of the bryozoan in stomach contents (ca.44%), coupled with green and decayed seagrass leaves. Stable isotope analyses revealed thatover the long term, ca. 65% of the diet of P. lividus was based on decayed seagrass leaves, followed by the bryozoan and green seagrass leaves (21.7 and 13.3%, respectively). The localavailability of P. nobilis provides a preferred substrate for sea urchins, which showed limitedforaging movements into the surrounding seagrass beds, particularly when A. verticillata wasattached to the pen shells. The apparently high contribution of animal and detrital food to P. lividus diet is unprecedented, and suggests an opportunistic feeding behavior in sea urchins in those habitats.
Revisiting Chilean gorgonians (Cnidaria: Octocorallia: Gorgoniidae): taxonomic clarification and molecular phylogeny of Leptogorgia chilensis and Phycogorgia fucata.
(Taylor & Francis, 2025-12-15) Camps Castellà, Judith; Vargas, Sergio; Vera Escalona, Iván; Prado Villegas, Patricia; Hinojosa, Iván A.; Brante, Antonio
Most biodiversity studies of eastern Pacific octocorals have focused on the tropical shallow waters from Mexico to Peru, and more recently, on those off Chile. The first description of a Chilean octocoral dates back to the H.M.S. Challenger expedition (1873–1876), and since then, only a few descriptions of new coral species have been published from this region. In addition, the taxonomic status of most gorgonians reported from the temperate Pacific coast of South America remains uncertain due to the loss of the original type material. In this study, we use morphological characters and nuclear and mitochondrial markers to re-evaluate the taxonomy of the Chilean gorgonians Phycogorgia fucata and Leptogorgia chilensis. Our findings support the monophyly of Chilean Leptogorgia, confirm that Leptogorgia chilensis from Chile is distinct from specimens identified as the same species in California, and reveal that P. fucata, despite its unique morphology, should be included in the genus Leptogorgia.
Seeing through the gray box: an integrated approach to physiological modeling ofphytoplankton stoichiometry
(Frontiers Media, 2024-12-09) Jones, Catriona L. C.; Camps Castellà, Judith; Smykala, Mike; Sobol, Morgan S.; Inomura, Keisuke
The‘black boxes’ of ecological stoichiometry, planktonic microbes, have longbeen recognized to have considerable effects on global biogeochemical cycles.Signi cant progress has been made in studying these effects and expanding ourunderstanding of microbial stoichiometry. However, the‘black box’ has not beencompletely cracked open; there remain gaps in our knowledge of the fate ofelements within the phytoplankton cell, and the effect of external processes onnutrient uxes through their metabolism and into macromolecules and biomass -the eponymous‘gray box’. In this review paper, we describe the development of anintegrative modeling approach that involves a stoichiometrically explicit model ofMacromolecular Allocation and Genome-scale Metabolic Analysis (MAGMA) togain insights into the intra- and extracellular fluxes of nutrients using thecyanobacterium Parasynechococcus marenigrum WH8102 as a target modelorganism. We then describe an example of the genome-scale resources for P.marenigrum that can be used to build such an integrated modeling tool to seethrough the gray box of phytoplankton stoichiometry and improve ourunderstanding of the effects of resource supplies and other environmentaldrivers, especially temperature, on C:N:P demand, acquisition, and allocation atthe cellular level.
Blue LED light improves the antioxidant composition of Valencia oranges during postharvest: Impact on orange juice, pulp portion and peel residue
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-12-01) Mesa Parra, Tania; Romero, Agustí; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Valencia orange is the major citrus fruit produced worldwide and its outstanding health benefits are well-established. However, there is a pressing need to further enhance the nutritional quality of fruits and to revalorize the resulting residues, providing benefits for both public health and the environment. Here, Valencia oranges were exposed to blue LED light for 30 days at room temperature in controlled environment chambers, using darkness as a control. Examination of the blue LED light effects was performed focusing on visual aspects, weight loss, organoleptic properties, antioxidant content and oxidation status, together with the analysis of the phytohormonal profile. Blue LED light was found to boost fruit weight loss, particularly through dehydration of the peel, without altering pulp firmness or external appearance. Organoleptic quality, including texture and flavor, as well as total soluble sugar and acidity remained unchanged. Notably, blue LED light increased antioxidant levels, more specifically vitamin C and total phenols in the juice, and enhanced total antioxidant capacity in the peel. This suggests that blue LED light can enhance nutritional quality while preserving organoleptic properties. The increase in antioxidants is likely a protective response against photooxidative stress induced by the blue LED light. These findings highlight the potential of blue LED light to improve postharvest fruit quality with direct health benefits and support a circular economy by enhancing the value of orange peel waste.
Functional mechanisms underlying the persistence of Opuntia ficus-indica in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem after fire
(Elsevier, 2024-10-01) Santos, Jessyca A.S.; Villadangos Redondo, Sabina; Garcia, Queila S.; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Changes in fire regime can favor invasive plants in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The goal of this experiment was to understand the post-fire dynamics of the invasive cactus, Opuntia ficus-indica, by assessing the contribution and impact of clonal propagation and sexual reproduction on the recruitment of this species after fire. The number of O. ficus-indica new clones and seed-derived plants was estimated after a burn event in a natural area located in the western Mediterranean (Catalonia, NE Spain). Functional stress markers, relative growth rate, and contents of both growth- and stress-related phytohormones were measured. Furthermore, remaining plants damaged by fire were evaluated regarding fruit size, seed number, and viability, as well as other reproductive traits. Results showed that 95 % of the new recruits in the burned area were clones. Clones showed a higher water and chlorophyll content than seed-derived plants. The relative growth rate was consequently higher in clones than in seed-derived plants, which was also associated with higher contents of growth-related hormones (cytokinins and gibberellins) in the former. Furthermore, seeds produced by burned plants exhibited a thicker funicular envelope compared to seeds from unburned plants. It is concluded that, although clonal propagation was the main reproductive strategy observed after fire, its combination with sexual reproduction and efficient physiological strategies of survival guarantees persistence of this invasive plant species in burned areas due to an effective and fast recovery in cactus cover in the short term while contributing to the genetic variability in the population in the long term.
Trophic history of Hawaiian green turtles as revealed by stable isotope ratios (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S) in the bones of museum specimens
(John Wiley & Sons, 2024-01-11) Velásquez Vacca, Adriana; Seminoff, Jeffrey A.; Jones, T. Todd; Balazs, George H.; Cardona Pascual, Luis
Understanding consumer trophic status and long-term dietary changes can yield information about impacts of altered habitats on their ecology. In Hawai'i, coastal ecosystems have been significantly modified by the introduction of invasive seaweeds and mangroves, high nutrient load and overfishing, but so far, much is still to be understood about how these changes have affected the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). This study analyzed stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope ratios in the bone tissue of modern and museum specimens of green turtles collected from 1901 to 2020 in Oahu and the North-western Hawaiian Islands to understand how their isotopic niche has changed through time, a crucial step towards restoring the ecological role of a formerly decimated species. The standard ellipse size and the total area of the convex hull of the isotopic niche of green turtles in three periods (1901–1951, 1992–2008, and 2018–2020) were calculated. The stable isotope values of ancient green turtles (1901–1951) suggest that they relied heavily on macroalgae even before the introduction of exotic species and eutrophication promoted the development of algal pastures. However, a few ancient green turtles relied heavily on seagrasses, and others complemented their macroalgae-based diets with significant amounts of animal matter. Such diet specialists were missing from the sample of current green sea turtles, suggesting that these foraging strategies are less common or perhaps even absent in the current population. The results suggest that green turtles have converged on the use of the most abundant resource, red macroalgae, likely because of the homogenization and simplification of coastal habitats and food webs due to anthropogenic influences. Restoring the population size of herbivorous fishes and a more diverse ecosystem structure may be necessary to recover the array of trophic strategies formerly present in the Hawaiian green turtle population.
Marine protection enhances the resilience of biological communities on temperate rocky reefs
(John Wiley & Sons, 2024-02-25) Sanabria-Fernández, José A.; Alday, Josu G.
1. Conservation science faces the urgent challenge of halting the biodiversity loss caused by the biological crisis of the present era. To achieve this, conservation science requires cutting-edge tools to focus on vital properties of ecosystems, such as the resilience. Resilience informs about the cost of recovering biological communities. 2. Here, we developed a metric to quantify the ecological assemblage recovery cost based on the dissimilarity between unprotected and partially protected communities compared with totally protected communities in Cabo de Gata Marine Reserve. 3. Our results show that the biological assemblage composed of fish, macroinvertebrates and cryptic fish, and macroalgae species in unprotected zones requires a higher ecological recovery cost than in partially protected zones when moving towards a fully protected community. 4. This research contributes to monitoring marine the effectiveness of marine protection from a resilience perspective, with the goal of promoting the use of the recovery cost metric for building resilient coastal ecosystems.
Use of bird-borne radar to examine shearwater interactions with legal and illegal fisheries
(Wiley, 2023-12-19) Navarro Herrero, Leia; Saldanha, Sarah Delphine; Militão, Teresa; Vicente Sastre, Diego; March, David; González-Solís, Jacob
Seabirds interact with fishing vessels to consume fishing discards and baits, sometimes resulting in incidental capture (bycatch) and the death of the bird, which has clear conservation implications. To understand seabird–fishery interactions at large spatiotemporal scales, researchers are increasing their use of simultaneous seabird and fishing vessel tracking. However, vessel tracking data can contain gaps due to technical problems, illicit manipulation, or lack of adoption of tracking monitoring systems. These gaps might lead to underestimating the fishing effort and bycatch rates and jeopardize the effectiveness of marine conservation. We deployed bird-borne radar detector tags capable of recording radar signals from vessels. We placed tags on 88 shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea, Calonectris borealis, and Calonectris edwardsii) that forage in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea and the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem. We modeled vessel radar detections registered by the tags in relation to gridded automatic identification system (AIS) vessel tracking data to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of seabird–vessel interactions and identify unreported fishing activity areas. Our models showed a moderate fit (area under the curve >0.7) to vessel tracking data, indicating a strong association of shearwaters to fishing vessels in major fishing grounds. Although in high-marine-traffic regions, radar detections were also driven by nonfishing vessels. The tags registered the presence of potential unregulated and unreported fishing vessels in West African waters, where merchant shipping is unusual but fishing activity is intense. Overall, bird-borne radar detectors showed areas and periods when the association of seabirds with legal and illegal fishing vessels was high. Bird-borne radar detectors could improve the focus of conservation efforts.
Encouraging children’s learning and curiosity towards fish: the importance of outdoor science experiences and the inclusion of didactic activities
(Springer Nature, 2024-05-21) Fabré Mitjans, Noëlle; Maté García, Carmen; Vinyoles Cartanyà, Dolors
Outdoor educational activities provide unique opportunities to observe and understand wild animals, to enhance curiosity and to cope with misconceptions regarding the natural environment. The present work, addressed to 3–12 years-old children, focuses on three aims. First, we assessed whether a scientific fishing activity involving live animals, led by scientists and aimed at families, helps to improve the knowledge of children (N = 28) regarding the diversity of fish in the river. Second, we studied to what extent the activity allows the redirection of misconceptions and permits the elaboration of more complete mental models about fish morphology. Third, we studied if the participation and curiosity of children (N = 14) are encouraged by the incorporation of didactic dynamics into the initial proposal. The activity was performed in an urban park near the mouth of the Besòs river (Catalonia, Spain). In the first fishing, questionnaires and a drawing exercise where children had to depict a fish were distributed before and after the activity. In the second fishing, which included a game and a story in addition to the questionnaires and the drawing, the children’s behaviour while they observed the fish before and after these activities was monitored. Results show that a fishing activity contributes to improving the knowledge about the fish species that live in the river and can correct misconceptions about fish morphology for some children. It was also found that including didactic activities stimulates the curiosity, participation and satisfaction of children. Finally, some aspects to be improved are discussed.
Mejorando un cuento ambiental sobre las anguilas. Cómo la presencia de animales vivos y materiales interactivos incrementa la atención y la participación
(Universidad de Cádiz, 2024-03-21) Fabré Mitjans, Noëlle; Vinyoles Cartanyà, Dolors
Los cuentos ambientales, aparte de beneficiarse de los aspectos positivos asociados a las narraciones como pueden ser facilitar el aprendizaje y conectar con las emociones, permiten transmitir contenidos y fomentar valores y actitudes de respeto hacia el medio natural. Con el fin de dar a conocer el ciclo de vida de la anguila y hablar de las principales problemáticas que amenazan los ecosistemas fluviales, se describe el diseño e implementación de una actividad consistente en explicar un cuento ambiental junto al río Besós. Se llevaron a cabo seis sesiones en las que se explicó el cuento de diferentes maneras: en la primera variante se explicó utilizando únicamente las ilustraciones del cuento, en la segunda se añadió la observación de anguilas vivas, y en la tercera se repartieron imágenes entre los participantes que debían utilizarse en distintos momentos del relato del cuento. Se evaluó el efecto de cada variante en la atención y en el grado de participación de la audiencia en edad primaria. Para la segunda variante se pudo analizar también el efecto sobre dicha atención y participación en participantes en edad infantil y de secundaria. Los resultados muestran que la franja de edad que mantuvo niveles más altos de atención y participación fueron los niños/as de primaria. El contacto con anguilas vivas se asoció con una mayor comprensión de sus características y el uso de imágenes interactivas, incrementó notablemente la participación. En base a la experiencia se dan ideas de qué dinámicas pueden contribuir a que el cuento ambiental sea más efectivo.
Double-Edged Sword Effect of Jasmonoyl-Isoleucine on the Parasite–Host Interaction Between Field Dodder and Lentil
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd and the Association of Applied Biologists, 2025-07-01) Jené Vinuesa, Laia; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Since the discovery of auxins as cell division factors a century ago, impressive scientific advances related to phytohormones have revolutionized plant sciences and human progress. This review examines the key features of the ten hormonal groups that operate in plants, here referred to as the ‘classical ten’: auxins, gibberellins (GAs), cytokinins (CKs), abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ETH), salicylates (SAs), jasmonates (JAs), brassinosteroids (BRs), peptide hormones (PEPs), and strigolactones (SLs). By leveraging historical data and sharpening the essentials of each hormonal group, their major functions are presented, with a discussion on what makes a compound a phytohormone and how it can be differentiated from hormone-like compounds and other signaling molecules. Hormonal receptors, long-distance transport, and differences between hormonal crosstalk, interactions, and complementation are discussed to illustrate the basics of hormonal action in plants.
Evaluation the response of current biotic indices and functional metrics to natural and anthropogenic predictors in disconnected pools of temporary rivers.
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-07-15) Ersoy, Zeynep; López-Rodríguez, Nieves; Acosta Rivas, Carlos Raul; Soria Extremera, Maria; Gomà Martínez, Joan; Gallart Gallego, Francesc; Múrria i Farnós, Cesc; Latron, Jérome; Llorens Soriano, Pere; Fortuño Estrada, Pau; Quevedo Ortiz, Guillermo; Cid Puey, Núria; Prat i Fornells, Narcís; Cañedo-Argüelles, Miguel; Bonada, Núria
Temporary rivers, forming the majority of river networks worldwide, are key biodiversity hotspots. Despite their great value for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, they are often neglected in biomonitoring programs due to several challenges, such as their variable hydromorphology and the difficulty of establishing reference conditions given their dynamic nature, resulting in highly variable communities. Disconnected pools often form in temporary rivers when flow ceases, providing refuge for aquatic taxa. Given their importance for biodiversity conservation, revising and adapting biotic indices are needed. Here, we evaluate the performance of current biological indices designed for perennial rivers (macroinvertebrates, diatoms) and functional metrics (macroinvertebrates) in assessing biological quality of disconnected pools. We sampled 55 disconnected pools in Catalonia, NE Spain, covering local (e.g., physico-chemical variables, water chemistry) and regional (e.g., human influence, hydrological variables at the water body level) natural and anthropogenic gradients. Only a few macroinvertebrate biotic indices (e.g., family richness, EPT/EPT + OCH and OCH) showed strong responses to anthropogenic predictors and were unaffected by natural predictors at both local and regional scales, making them suitable for biomonitoring. Of the newly adopted functional metrics of macroinvertebrate communities tested, only two (i.e., functional redundancy of predators and response diversity based on the total community) responded strongly to anthropogenic predictors. The rest showed varying responses to the interactive effect of anthropogenic and natural predictors, requiring calibration efforts. Models assessing these metrics explained <40 % of the total variation, likely due to the interplay of colonization/extinction dynamics and density-dependent trophic interactions governing community assemblages in disconnected pools. Although some existing biological metrics could potentially be used to monitor the ecological status of disconnected pools, we call for further development of biomonitoring tools specifically designed for these habitats since they will become more widespread with global change.
The journey of loggerhead turtles from the Northwest Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea as recorded by the stable isotope ratios of O, C and N of their bones
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-01-01) Cani, Alessandra; Besén, Cristina; Carreras Huergo, Carlos; Pascual Damieta, Marta; Cardona Pascual, Luis
Loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, born on the nesting beaches of the Northwest Atlantic Ocean (US eastern coast) undertake a transoceanic migration immediately after birth, traveling eastward in association with the Gulf Stream and reaching the coasts of Europe and northwestern Africa when two or three years old and 20–30 cm in curve carapace length. Once there, they may remain in the eastern Atlantic or enter the Mediterranean Sea before eventually returning to the western Atlantic several years later. However, the timing of entry into the Mediterranean and the length of the period spent inside are poorly known. To study this, skeletochronology was combined with the analysis of the stable isotope ratios of oxygen (δ18O), carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in the cortical bone of the humerus of 31 juvenile loggerhead turtles of Northwest Atlantic origin found dead stranded in the Balearic Islands. Incremental bone layers were sampled to assess changes in habitat through the movement across isotopically distinct water masses and the existence of any ontogenetic change in the diet. Although the incremental layers corresponding to the very first years of live were missing in all individuals, the wide range of δ18O values of the remaining layers suggested that these juveniles moved between water masses differing in salinity, from the eastern Atlantic, the western Mediterranean, and the much saltier eastern Mediterranean, without any consistent temporal pattern. Nevertheless, upon reaching ten years old, loggerhead turtles seem to settle in low salinity areas of the western Mediterranean, such as the Algerian Basin or the Alboran Sea, likely preparing for their return towards their natal beaches in the Northwest Atlantic. Finally, the changes observed in the δ13C and δ15N values were small, suggesting only minor ontogenetic changes in their diet throughout the analysed life stages.
Sex-specific association between schizophrenia polygenic risk andsubclinical schizophrenia-related traits
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-01-01) Mas-Bermejo, Patricia; Papiol, Sergi; Torrecilla, Pilar; Lavín, V.; Kwapil, Thomas R.; Barrantes Vidal, Neus; Rosa de la Cruz, Araceli
According to the dimensional view of psychiatric disorders, psychosis is expressed as a continuum inthe general population. However, the investigation of the putative genetic aetiological continuity between itsclinical and subclinical phenotypes has yielded mixed results. We aimed to replicate previous findings regardingthe association of polygenic risk for schizophrenia with subclinical traits (i.e., schizotypy traits and psychotic-likeexperiences), and to examine the role of sex in this association in a large nonclinical sample.Methods: The Multidimensional Schizotypy Scale and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences wereassessed in 919 nonclinical participants. Polygenic Risk Scores for schizophrenia (SZ-PRSs) were computed usingthe PRS-CS method based on the latest genome-wide association study of schizophrenia. Summary statisticsderived from the total GWAS sample and stratified by sex were used. Linear regression analyses tested the associationsof the SZ-PRSs with the psychometric variables, both in the total sample and by sex.Results: No associations were found between the SZ-PRSs and the positive, negative or disorganized dimensionsof schizotypy in the total sample. Likewise, no associations were found with psychotic-like experiences. However,the sex-stratified analyses revealed a male-specific association with positive schizotypy. Similar results wereobtained with the PRSs derived from the sex-stratified summary statistics.Discussion: Our results are consistent with the lack of clear evidence of an association between SZ common geneticrisk and its subclinical phenotypes. Nevertheless, the male-specific association found suggests that this PRSmight explain better the male phenotype, as reported in previous studies. Future studies should put a focus on therole of sex in this association to unravel its sex specificities.
Fruit-specific effects of tryptophan and melatonin as active components to extend the functionality of red fruits during post-harvest processing
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-01-15) Arabia, Alba; Muñoz, P.; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Preserving quality attributes in the distribution chain is a challenging task, particularly in fruits with a brief shelf life. The application of melatonin in cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries stored at room temperature was evaluated, as well as the effects of its precursor (tryptophan) to determine their specificity and interchangeable feasibility for post-harvest applications. The results demonstrated that melatonin is effective in all tested fruits, reducing deterioration rate and its severity, preserving fruit firmness and reducing darkening and weight loss. Furthermore, tryptophan applications incremented melatonin contents in strawberries and blueberries and delayed decay in both fruits. Melatonin reduced postharvest losses in all studied fruits related to its antisenescent properties, while the beneficial impact of tryptophan in extending shelf life was fruit-specific and appeared to be partly mediated by melatonin. Melatonin and tryptophan must be considered as active components of new formulations for extending the shelf life of red fruits during post-harvest processing.
Influence of water deficit on the longevity of ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-insensitive flowers
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-03-01) Sukpitak, Chawisa; Seraypheap, Kanogwan; Muñoz, P.; Munné Bosch, Sergi
Water balance significantly influences the longevity, quality, and ornamental value of floricultural products. Inadequate irrigation during cultivation and dry postharvest storage may result in water imbalance, leading to dehydration in ornamental crops and cut flowers. This review focuses on the responses of both ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-insensitive flowers to water deficit and the potential application of exogenous substances to alleviate the harmful effects of dehydration. Alterations in stomatal function and hydraulic conductivity are key changes that drive water loss and hormones like ABA and ethylene play an essential role in determining flower longevity during desiccation events. To overcome the adverse effects of dehydration, mechanisms including osmotic adjustment, antioxidant systems and/or abscission must be tightly regulated in both ethylene-sensitive and ethylene-insensitive flowers. Understanding these processes in ornamental crops and floricultural products will help develop strategies to enhance water stress tolerance and, consequently, flower longevity.
Mercury stable isotopes in seabirds in the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula): Inter-specific and temporal differences
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-04-15) Sánchez-Fortún Burriel, Moisès; Amouroux, David; Tessier, Emmanuel; Carrasco Jordan, Josep Lluís; Sampera Trigueros, Carola
Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, which particularly affects aquatic ecosystems, both marine and freshwater. Top-predators depending on these environments, such as seabirds, are regarded as suitable bioindicators of Hg pollution. In the Ebro Delta (NE Iberian Peninsula), legacy Hg pollution from a chlor-alkali industry operating in Flix and located ca. 100 km upstream of the Ebro River mouth has been impacting the delta environment and the neighboring coastal area. Furthermore, levels of Hg in the biota of the Mediterranean Sea are known to be high compared to other marine areas. In this work we used a Hg stable isotopes approach in feathers to understand the processes leading to different Hg concentrations in three Laridae species breeding in sympatry in the area (Audouin's gull Ichthyaetus audouinii, black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus, common tern Sterna hirundo). These species have distinct trophic ecologies, exhibiting a differential use of marine resources and freshwater resources (i.e., rice paddies prey). Moreover, for Audouin's gull, in which in the Ebro Delta colony temporal differences in Hg levels were documented previously, we used Hg stable isotopes to understand the impact of anthropogenic activities on Hg levels in the colony over time. Hg stable isotopes differentiated the three Laridae species according to their trophic ecologies. Furthermore, for Audouin's gull we observed temporal variations in Hg isotopic signatures possibly owing to anthropogenic-derived pollution in the Ebro Delta. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time Hg stable isotopes have been reported in seabirds from the NW Mediterranean.
Temporal mercury dynamics throughout the rice cultivation season in the Ebro Delta (NE Spain): an integrative approach
(Elsevier, 2024) Sánchez-Fortún Burriel, Moisès; Carrasco Jordan, Josep Lluís; Díez, Sergi; Amouroux, David; Tessier, Emmanuel; López-Carmona, Sophie; Sampera Trigueros, Carola
During the last few decades, inputs of mercury (Hg) to the environment from anthropogenic sources have increased. The Ebro Delta is an important area of rice production in the Iberian Peninsula. Given the industrial activity and its legacy pollution along the Ebro river, residues containing Hg have been transported throughout the Ebro Delta ecosystems. Rice paddies are regarded as propitious environments for Hg methylation and its subsequent incorporation to plants and rice paddies' food webs. We have analyzed how Hg dynamics change throughout the rice cultivation season in different compartments from the paddies' ecosystems: soil, water, rice plants and fauna. Furthermore, we assessed the effect of different agricultural practices (ecological vs. conventional) associated to various flooding patterns (wet vs. mild alternating wet and dry) to the Hg levels in rice fields. Finally, we have estimated the proportion of methylmercury (MeHg) to total mercury in a subset of samples, as MeHg is the most bioaccumulable toxic form for humans and wildlife. Overall, we observed varying degrees of mercury concentration over the rice cultivation season in the different compartments. We found that different agricultural practices and flooding patterns did not influence the THg levels observed in water, soil or plants. However, Hg concentrations in fauna samples seemed to be affected by hydroperiod and we also observed evidence of Hg biomagnification along the rice fields’ aquatic food webs.

Examinar

Enviaments recents