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

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MEDFATE 2.9.3: a trait-enabled model to simulate Mediterranean forest function and dynamics at regional scales
(European Geosciences Union (EGU), 2023-06-06) Batllori Presas, Enric; Améztegui, Aitor; Cáceres Ainsa, Miquel de; Molowny-Horas, Roberto; Cabon, Antoine; Martínez Vilalta, Jordi, 1975-; Mencuccini, Maurizio; García-Valdés, Raúl; Nadal Sala, Daniel; Sabaté i Jorba, Santi; Martin-StPaul, Nicolas; Morin, Xavier; D'Adamo, Francesco
Regional-level applications of dynamic vegetation models are challenging because they need to accommodate the variation in plant functional diversity, which requires moving away from broadly defined functional types. Different approaches have been adopted in the last years to incorporate a trait-based perspective into modeling exercises. A common parametrization strategy involves using trait data to represent functional variation between individuals while discarding taxonomic identity. However, this strategy ignores the phylogenetic signal of trait variation and cannot be employed when predictions for specific taxa are needed, such as in applications to inform forest management planning. An alternative strategy involves adapting the taxonomic resolution of model entities to that of the data source employed for large-scale initialization and estimating functional parameters from available plant trait databases, adopting diverse solutions for missing data and non-observable parameters. Here we report the advantages and limitations of this second strategy according to our experience in the development of MEDFATE (version 2.9.3), a novel cohort-based and trait-enabled model of forest dynamics, for its application over a region in the western Mediterranean Basin. First, 217 taxonomic entities were defined according to woody species codes of the Spanish National Forest Inventory. While forest inventory records were used to obtain some empirical parameter estimates, a large proportion of physiological, morphological, and anatomical parameters were matched to measured plant traits, with estimates extracted from multiple databases and averaged at the required taxonomic level. Estimates for non-observable key parameters were obtained using meta-modeling and calibration exercises. Missing values were addressed using imputation procedures based on trait covariation, taxonomic averages or both. The model properly simulated observed historical changes in basal area, with a performance similar to an empirical model trained for the same region. While strong efforts are still required to parameterize trait-enabled models for multiple taxa, and to incorporate intra-specific trait variability, estimation procedures such as those presented here can be progressively refined, transferred to other regions or models and iterated following data source changes by employing automated workflows. We advocate for the adoption of trait-enabled and population-structured models for regional-level projections of forest function and dynamics.
Evolution of infant mortality and family-based risk factors in a preindustrial Austrian population: 1630–1908
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2025-03-31) Gavrus Ion, Alina; Esparza Pagès, Mireia; Sjøvold, Torstein; Hernández, Miquel; Martínez Abadías, Neus, 1978-; Esteban i Torné, Maria Esther
Infant mortality, a reflection of socioeconomic and health conditions of a population, is shaped by diversefactors. This study delves into a pre-industrial population, scrutinizing neonatal and post-neonatal deathsseparately. Family factors such as mortality crises, religion, and legitimacy are also explored. Data of 9,086people obtained through multigenerational information from ecclesiastic records from 1603 to 1908 wereanalysed by means of a joinpoint regression analysis. Death risk was assessed with univariate andmultivariate Cox Proportional Hazard models. Early neonatal mortality was 5.6% of births and showed agradual and steady increase from 1630 to 1908, with no substantial improvement over the three centuriesanalysed. Late neonatal (4.3% of births) and post-neonatal mortality (18.7% of births) shared a differentpattern, showing a decline between the mid-18th and mid-19th centuries, and an increase by the 20thcentury that could be caused by socioeconomic factors and the impact of several epidemics. In thehistorical population of Hallstatt, infant survival was influenced by the sex of the newborn, the death of themother and the precedent sibling, and by the birth interval. Environmental and cultural factors, such asmortality crises and religion, influenced late neonatal and post-neonatal mortality, but not early neonatalmortality. The results highlight the need to independently assess early neonatal mortality in studies ofinfant mortality in historical populations, and to use as complete time periods as possible to capturedifferences in mortality patterns.
Vegetation patterns at the alpine treeline ecotone: the influence of tree cover on abrupt change in species composition of alpine communities
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2009-10-01) Batllori Presas, Enric; Blanco Moreno, José Manuel; Ninot i Sugrañes, Josep Maria; Gutiérrez Merino, Emilia; Carrillo, Empar
Aims: The upper elevation limit of forest vegetation in mountain ranges (the alpine treeline ecotone) is expected to be highly sensitive to global change. Treeline shifts and/or ecotone afforestation could cause fragmentation and loss of alpine habitat, and are expected to trigger considerable alterations in alpine vegetation. We performed an analysis of vegetation structure at the treeline ecotone to evaluate whether distribution of the tree population determines the spatial pattern of vegetation (species composition and diversity) across the transition from subalpine forest to alpine vegetation. Location: Iberian eastern range of the Pyrenees. Methods: We studied 12 alpine Pinus uncinata treeline ecotones. Rectangular plots ranging from 940 to 1900 m2 were placed along the forest-alpine vegetation transition, from closed forest to the treeless alpine area. To determine community structure and species distribution in the treeline ecotone, species variation along the forest-alpine vegetation transition was sampled using relevés of 0.5 m2 set every 2 m along the length of each plot. Fuzzy C-means clustering was performed to assess the transitional status of the relevés in terms of species composition. The relation of P. uncinata canopy cover to spatial pattern of vegetation was evaluated using continuous wavelet transform analysis. Results: Vegetation analyses revealed a large degree of uniformity of the subalpine forest between all treeline ecotone areas studied. In contrast, the vegetation mosaic found upslope displayed great variation between sites and was characterized by abrupt changes in plant community across the treeline ecotone. Plant richness and diversity significantly increased across the ecotone, but tree cover and diversity boundaries were not spatially coincident. Conclusions: Our results revealed that no intermediate communities, in terms of species composition, are present in the treeline ecotone. Ecotone vegetation reflected both bedrock type and fine-scale heterogeneity at ground level, thereby reinforcing the importance of microenvironmental conditions for alpine community composition. Tree cover did not appear to be the principal driver of alpine community changes across the treeline ecotone. Microenvironmental heterogeneity, together with effects of past climatic and land-use changes on ecotone vegetation, may weaken the expected correlation between species distribution and vegetation structure.
Current regeneration patterns at treeline in the Pyrenees indicate similar recruitment processes irrespective of past disturbance regime
(John Wiley & Sons, 2010-10-01) Batllori Presas, Enric; Camarero Martínez, Jesús Julio; Gutiérrez Merino, Emilia
Aim: Impacts of global change, such as land-use and climate changes, could produce significant alterations in the elevational patterns of alpine tree line ecotones and their adjacent vegetation zones. Because the responses of the tree line to environmental variations are directly related to successful tree regeneration, understanding recruitment dynamics is an indispensable step in tree line research. We aimed to compare potential ecological limitations on recent tree line regeneration in undisturbed and disturbed sites by analysing the demographic structure and spatiotemporal patterns of recruits and large trees. Location: Alpine tree line ecotones comprising Pinus uncinata in the Catalan Pyrenees (north-east Spain) and Andorra. Methods: We assessed the demographic structure and spatial pattern of recent recruitment using techniques of point-pattern and autocorrelation analyses. A total of 3639 P. uncinata individuals were mapped, measured and aged at 12 sites. To evaluate the effects of past disturbances on recent tree line response we compared tree lines that had either been recently affected by human-induced disturbances or had remained undisturbed for many years. Results: The age structure of the tree lines, together with the lack of an age gap between seedlings and saplings, did not indicate recent episodes of high seedling mortality and suggest that recruitment has been frequent under current climate conditions. Seedlings appeared highly aggregated at short distances (up to 3 m), irrespective of disturbance history, and were spatially segregated with respect to large trees. However, we found no evidence of patches of even-aged seedlings, and our results suggest that dispersal events at intermediate distances (10–17 m) may be frequent. Autocorrelation analyses revealed different patterns of density and age of recruits between disturbed and undisturbed tree lines, but the strength and small-scale clustering of seedlings and saplings were very similar between sites. Main conclusions: We found no recruitment limitation on recent tree line dynamics in the Pyrenees. Furthermore, processes affecting tree recruitment seem to be similar among populations regardless of their past disturbance regime. Our results suggest that constraints on tree line dynamics causing differential responses between sites may operate on older life stages and not upon recruits, and that such constraints may be more contingent on local site conditions than on disturbance history.
Seedling recruitment, survival and facilitation in alpine Pinus uncinata treeline ecotones. Implications and potential responses to climate warming
(John Wiley & Sons, 2009-07-01) Batllori Presas, Enric; Camarero Martínez, Jesús Julio; Ninot i Sugrañes, Josep Maria; Gutiérrez Merino, Emilia
Aims: Alpine tree line ecotones are harsh environments where low temperatures constrain tree regeneration and growth. However, the expected upward shift of tree line ecotones in response to climate warming has not been ubiquitous. The lack of coupling between tree line dynamics and climate warming might be explained by factors other than climate variation that determine seedling recruitment in these ecotones. We want to assess how the availability of suitable habitat for establishment and the effects of facilitation on seedling survival and growth affect tree recruitment within tree line ecotones and modulate their responses to climate. Location: We evaluate the relevance of these factors for Pinus uncinata tree line ecotones in the Catalan Pyrenees (north-east Spain) and Andorra. Methods: We analysed the microhabitat of naturally established seedlings in rectangular plots at the tree line ecotone, assessing the habitat type and the proximity to potentially protective elements that may improve microsite conditions. We tested whether krummholz individuals influence regeneration at the tree line by performing a transplantation field experiment to evaluate the extent of facilitation on seedling survival and growth in height. A total of 820 seedlings were transplanted at different distances and orientations (resulting in 12 positions) from krummholz mats and monitored over 2 years. Results: Safe sites for P. uncinata recruits consisted of sparse vegetation covering bare soil, gravel or litter, and close to protective elements that may ameliorate microsite conditions. The field experiment showed that directional positive interactions enhance seedling survival and growth, altering the spatial patterns of recruit survivorship, especially during harsh winter conditions (shallow and irregular snowpack). Main conclusions: Our results suggest that scarce availability of safe sites and uneven facilitation by krummholz control seedling recruitment patterns within alpine tree line ecotones. Such constraints may distort or counter the response of tree line ecotones to climate warming at local and regional scales.
Regional tree line dynamics in response to global change in the Pyrenees
(Wiley, 2008-11-01) Batllori Presas, Enric; Gutiérrez Merino, Emilia
1 Many studies in northern Europe, North and South America, describe regional trends of population densification at altitudinal and polar tree lines during the 20th century. The purpose of this study was (1) to ascertain if this regeneration enhancement is present across the alpine ecotones of the Pyrenees, (2) if synchronous recruitment trends are common among the studied populations and (3) to determine the tree limit stability during recent decades. 2 Twelve Pinus uncinata tree line populations were studied on the Iberian eastern range of the Pyrenees. Rectangular plots ranging from 940 to 7600 m2 were set along the forest‐alpine grassland transition; more than 3600 P. uncinata individuals were mapped. Tree size and age were used to establish the demographic structure at each stand, and to characterize abrupt or smooth transition patterns along the tree line ecotone. A new procedure for estimating missing rings in off‐centre cores was developed to ensure a correct interval for the age‐classes distribution analysis. 3 Past and recent synchronous recruitment trends (mid 19th century, second half of the 20th century) were apparent at the tree line over the studied area of the Pyrenean range. The ecotone densification since the 1950s occurred in the context of climatic warming and substantial land use abandonment. Both gradual and step‐like transition patterns in tree age and size along the ecotone were observed. 4 Regeneration enhancement in the last approximately 30 years appears as an abrupt change in population age structures, which could indicate the importance of feedback mechanisms for tree line recruitment dynamics. In 50% of the surveyed tree lines ecotone densification has been coupled to tree limit shifts in the recent past. This indicates both great tree limit sensitivity to short‐term climatic changes and the presence of differential tree line dynamics at a regional scale. 5 Synthesis. The observed past and recent synchronous recruitment trends suggest the presence of regional climatic factors modulating tree line structure and dynamics. However, tree line dynamics in the Pyrenees have been widely affected by local anthropogenic activities. We suggest that the presence of step‐like tree line transitions in tree age can be considered an evidence of recent human‐induced disturbances when no other major natural disturbances affect the tree line dynamics.
Effects of niche marginality on hotter-drought tree mortality in angiosperms and gymnosperms
(John Wiley & Sons, 2025-09-21) Batllori Presas, Enric; Hammond, William M.; Jump, Alistair; Pérez-Navarro, María Ángeles; Allen, Craig D.; Lloret Maya, Francisco
Aim: Current observations of global tree mortality events associated with drought raise concerns about climate change risks to forests' dynamics and function. It is unclear which forests are more susceptible to pulses of mortality under further changing climates. We examined whether tree mortality related to hotter droughts is predominantly occurring in edge or core populations in niche space and assessed whether mortality patterns are consistent with species' drought tolerances. Location: Global. Time Period: 1970–2020. Major Taxa Studied: Angiosperm and gymnosperm trees. Methods: We estimated species' climatic niches on the basis of global occurrences and annual time series of climate. We computed the distance to the niche core of drought mortality sites (982 observations, 44 tree species) and compared it with null models of randomly distributed tree mortality. We assessed how loss of xylem conductance and hydraulic safety margin related to populations' position in niche space and to the degree of climate anomaly during mortality. Results: In the year of mortality, 64.3% of the sites were closer to the species' niche edge than the niche core. However, when considering long-term climate averages, both marginal and central populations experienced drought-associated pulses of mortality. Overall, tree mortality was related to populations' shifts towards the edge of species' climatic niches and, in angiosperm mortality sites, species' drought tolerances were correlated with the intensity of climatic anomalies. In gymnosperm sites, marginal populations were more affected and other processes, such as heat-induced stress or cumulative drought effects, may have affected mortality. Main Conclusions: Both marginal and central populations, even for highly drought-tolerant species, are vulnerable to climate change. Climate anomaly magnitude, cumulative drought effects, plant physiological limits and species niche geometry help explain range-wide patterns of hotter-drought-associated tree mortality.
Activity and space patterns of Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) suggest non-agressive and non-territorial behaviour
(Springer Verlag, 2014-10-01) Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Aymerich i Boixader, Pere; Santulli Sanzo, Giulia; Gosàlbez i Noguera, Joaquim
The Pyrenean desman is considered a flagship species for biodiversity and evolution. However, its scientific knowledge is still under development and currently on debate, particularly in relation to its behavioural ecology and social organization. Based on the previous hypothesis of individual desmans being solitary and territorial, activity and space patterns were considered to be arranged to avoid conspecifics. However, recent insights into the species’ social behaviour revealed non-interspecific avoidance. With this study, we provide novel insights into the activity and space patterns of the desman, and their relation to its social behaviour. A total of 30 individuals were trapped, 18 of which provided informative radiotracking data to study (1) activity behaviour, (2) the proportion of the home range utilized and the distances travelled, and (3) the dominant movement directionality. Activity and space use patterns were affected by daylight and seasonality, but not by sex, age or number of other conspecifics sharing the home range. In contrast to the previous observations, individuals did not show a pattern of directionality in their movements. Noticeably, we observed encounters between individuals without evidence of aggressive behaviour. Our results suggest that desmans do not alter their activity or their spatial behaviour to avoid encounters with conspecifics, as previously suggested. These novel findings provide more evidence of a social structure and organization with social interactions and non-aggressive behaviour. This is of relevance for management actions and for the conservation of this endemic mammal.
Is the standard Eurasian otter Lutra lutra survey strategy suitable for surveying the American mink Neovison vison?
(Polskiej Akademii Nau, 2013-04-01) Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Palazón, Santiago; Gosàlbez i Noguera, Joaquim; Martelo, Joana; Bonesi, Laura
The American mink Neovison vison is an elusive mustelid that is monitored mostly through the detection of its field signs, namely, footprints and scats. In Europe, the American mink has been often monitored using the standard otter survey strategy developed specifically for the Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, requiring to walk transects of 600 m spaced at least 5 km apart. We tested whether the standard otter survey strategy was appropriate for surveying mink. We studied a high-density population of mink along a 9-km stretch of river between December 2004 and April 2005. Monthly surveys were conducted and scats and footprints were recorded within 100-m sections along the river. The results showed a monthly variation in signs recovery, with the months of December, January and February being the best ones for surveying. Transects of 600 m detected mink between 74 and 90 % of the times in all months, excluding March when detection was as low as 56 %. Taken all together, the results suggest that the standard otter survey strategy was adequate to detect mink, at least in this case where species density was high. The study also highlighted monthly differences in signs detection, suggesting that temporal variations should be taken into account when designing the sampling strategy and the length of the sampling units (transects). In the months immediately following the mating season (and possibly in lower-density mink populations), it may be advisable to increase the length of transects to increase detection of mink.
New insights into social and space use behaviour of the endangered Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus)
(Springer Verlag, 2012-02-01) Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Aymerich i Boixader, Pere; Luque-Larena, Juan Jose; Gosàlbez i Noguera, Joaquim
We describe novel aspects of the social organisation of the Pyrenean desman, Galemys pyrenaicus, by studying home range and shelter use behaviour in a local population. A total of 45 individuals were trapped of which 20 provided informative radiotracking data. In contrast to the currently accepted hypothesis [Stone RD. The social organization of the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus) as revealed by radiotelemetry. J Zool 212:117–129; 1987b; Stone RD, Gorman ML. Social organization of the European mole (Talpa europaea) and the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus). Mammal Rev 15 (1):35–42; 1985] individuals were not strictly territorial. Notably, there was no aggression between conspecifics, with simultaneous use of resting sites (shelters used for more than one hour). Resting sites were not permanent or exclusive for any individual. Individuals shared resting sites simultaneously, regardless of sex or age. Our observations recall for a new evaluation of the social structure and organisation of this species based on the new evidence that reveals higher frequency of social interactions than previously described. Resting sites may play an important role in the social organisation of the species, for instance by allowing direct and indirect communicative interactions among neighbouring individuals. This finding is of significance for the management (e.g. census and population monitoring) and conservation (e.g. habitat suitability to allow social interactions) of this endemic and seriously threatened unique mammal.
Evaluating the effect of American mink, an alien invasive species, on the abundance of a native community: is coexistence possible?
(Springer Science + Business Media, 2012-06-01) Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Plaza, Mireia; Santulli Sanzo, Giulia; Saavedra, Deli; Gosàlbez i Noguera, Joaquim; Ruiz-Olmo, Jordi, 1961-; Palazón, Santiago
Loss of biodiversity due to biological invasions is one of the most critical issues our society is facing. American mink is one of the most nefarious invasive non-native species and has major consequences for diversity, ecosystems and economics. A project to evaluate the impact of American mink has been carried out in Catalonia since 2000 under the aegis of regional and national government and a European LIFE programme. In this study, we tested whether temporal variations in the relative abundance of native species were related to American mink. In addition, we compared the abundance of natives before and after mink arrival. Among the competitors spotted genet and European polecat, mink abundance and arrival had a significant negative effect on their populations. However, among black rat and fish prey only three native fish species had a negative temporal relation with the abundance of mink and three fish species showed a significant difference in their abundance before and after mink arrival. The effect of mink was significant among species with a higher niche overlap (polecat and genet versus mink). The persistence and coexistence of the alien and native species seems to depend on heterogeneity, in terms of the based on niche segregation among these species.
Morphological variation of introduced species: the case of American mink (Neovison vison) in Spain
(Elsevier, 2012-09-01) Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Santulli Sanzo, Giulia; Gómez, Asun; Gosàlbez i Noguera, Joaquim; Rodriguez-Refojos, Cristina; Palazón, Santiago
We studied the morphology of American mink Neovison vison in five out of the six introduced populations in Spain. The spatial and temporal variation of body weight (BW), body length (BL), tail length, hind-foot length and ear length were analysed. Temporal trends in BW and BL in relation to years since mink introduction were also analyzed. In addition, we tested the effect of sex, age (juvenile, subadult and adult) and age–sex interaction, on each parameter. Morphological parameters differed between populations, illustrating the high variability of body size of American mink in different environments, and the phenotypic plasticity of the species. Annual variations were synchronized between populations, suggesting a large-scale effect on all of them. BW and BL showed a decreasing trend in both males and females in relation to years since introduction. This decrease may be related to mink's diet. Differences in sex and age were found, pointing to sexual dimorphism in adults, subadults and juveniles. The dimorphism in non-adult individuals suggests that subadult males may have a competitive advantage from subadult females in feeding and/or hunting on bigger prey from an early age (resource partitioning hypothesis).
Causes and patterns of human-induced mortality in the Critically Endangered European mink Mustela lutreola in Spain
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2012-10-04) Palazón, Santiago; Melero Cavero, Yolanda; Gómez, Asun; López de Luzuriaga, Javier; Podra, Madis; Gosàlbez i Noguera, Joaquim
Human intervention is the main cause of the decline of the Critically Endangered European mink Mustela lutreola. In this study we analysed the main causes of direct human-caused mortality of the species in Spain. A total of 47 mortality records were obtained for the period 1950–1989, and 145 for 1990–2008. There was temporal variation in the cause of death, with trapping and shooting being the most common causes of mortality in 1950–1989 and road-kills in 1990–2008. In the case of road-kills there was variation related to road type. Males were more affected by road-kills than females, especially during the mating season when they range more widely. Our results indicate that there has been a change in human social behaviour and in people's awareness of the species, with a reduction in European mink captured and shot but an increase in mortality on roads.
Systematic revision of the speciose sea slug genus Doto (Heterobranchia: Nudibranchia) − from the Mediterranean to South America
(Springer Verlag, 2026-02-01) Vázquez-Alcaide, Diego; Salvador, Xavier; Giribet, Gonzalo; Hooker, Yuri; Schrödl, Michael; Moles, Juan
The genus Doto Oken, 1815 is, taxonomically, one of the most complex genera of nudibranchs due to the cryptic nature of its species, their small body size, and the homogeneity among their internal and external features. Here, an extensive molecular analysis of Mediterranean, Northeastern Atlantic, and South American specimens sheds light on the species-level taxonomy of the group. Our multilocus analyses include 171 specimens, 59 of which are newly sequenced, corresponding to 20 species. Ten species are included in a molecular phylogeny for the first time, two being new species. Here, we provide detailed morphological and ecological descriptions of three Atlantic species, 11 Mediterranean species, and one from the Pacific, complemented by live photographs evidencing their chromatic variation. The phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses suggest that coloration and external morphology are often unreliable for differentiating among species. Molecular evidence corroborates and expands the geographical distribution of Doto species, some of which have never been included in molecular studies. The Mediterranean species currently recognized as D. coronata (Gmelin, 1791) and D. dunnei Lemche, 1976 correspond to D. millbayana Lemche, 1976. Consequently, we suggest the junior synonymy with D. dunnei syn. nov. Nevertheless, we found evidence for a restricted distribution of D. coronata in the western Mediterranean, coexisting in sympatry with D. cavernicola sp. nov. An additional new species from the Chilean Patagonia is also described as D. vrenifossorum sp. nov. Considering the present phylogenetic scenario, there is a highlighted need for further new morphological and genetic evidence, expanding the number of taxa and species to further unravel the taxonomy of Doto.
Exploring the genetics of lithium response in bipolar disorders.
(Springer Open, 2024-06-12) Herrera-Rivero, Marisol; Adli, Mazda; Akiyama, Kazufumi; Akula, Nirmala ; Amare, Azmeraw T.; Ardau, Raffaella; Arias, Bárbara; Aubry, Jean-Michel; Backlund, Lena; Bellivier, Frank; Benabarre, Antonio; Bengesser, Susanne; Bhattacharjee, Abesh Kumar; Biernacka, Joanna M.; Birner, Armin ; Cearns, Micah; Cervantes, Pablo; Chen, Hsi-Chung; Chillotti, Caterina; Cichon, Sven; Clark, Scott R.; Colom, Francesc; Cruceanu, Cristiana; Czerski, Piotr M.; Dalkner, Nina; Degenhardt, Franziska; Zompo, Maria del; DePaulo, J. Raymond; Etain, Bruno; Falkai, Peter; Ferensztajn-Rochowiak, Ewa; Forstner, Andreas J.; Frank, Josef; Frisén, Louise; Frye, Mark A.; Fullerton, Janice M.; Gallo, Carla; Gard, Sébastien; Garnham, Julie S.; Goes, Fernando S.; Grigoroiu-Serbanescu, Maria; Gro, Paul; Hashimoto, Ryota; Hasler, Roland; Hauser, Joanna; Heilbronner, Urs; Herms, Stefan; Hoffmann, Per; Hou, Liping; Hsu, Yi-Hsiang; Jamain, Stephane; Jimenez, Esther; Kahn, Jean-Pierre; Kassem, Layla; Kato, Tadafumi; Kelsoe, John; Kittel-Schneider, Sarah; Kuo, Po-Hsiu; Kusumi, Ichiro; König, Barbara; Laje, Gonzalo; Landén, Mikael; Lavebratt, Catharina; Leboyer, Marion; Leckband, Susan G.; Maj, Mario; Manchia, Mirko; Marie-Claire, Cynthia; Martinsson, Lina; McCarthy, Michael J.; McElroy, Susan L.; Millischer, Vincent; Mitjans Niubo, Marina; Mondimore, Francis M.; Monteleone, Palmiero; Nievergelt, Caroline M. ; Novák, Tomas; Nöthen, Markus M.; O'Donovan, Claire; Ozaki, Norio; Papiol, Sergi; Pfennig, Andrea; Pisanu, Claudia; Potash, James B.; Reif, Andreas; Reininghaus, Eva; Richard-Lepouriel, Hélène; Roberts, Gloria; Rouleau, Guy A.; Rybakowski, Janusz K.; Schalling, Martin; Schofield, Peter R.; Schubert, Klaus Oliver; Schulte, Eva C.; Schweizer, Barbara W.; Severino, Giovanni; Shekhtman, Tatyana; Shilling, Paul D.; Shimoda, Katzutaka; Simhandl, Christian; Slaney, Claire M.; Squassina, Alessio; Stamm, Thomas; Stopkova, Pavla; Streit, Fabian; Tekola-Ayele, Fasil; Thalamuthu, Anbupalam; Tortorella, Alfonso; Turecki, Gustavo; Veeh, Julia; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963- ; Viswanath, Biju; Witt, Stephanie H.; Zandi, Peter P.; Alda, Martin; Bauer, Michael; McMahon, Francis J.; Mitchell, Philip B.; Rietschel, Marcella; Schulze, Thomas G.; Baune, Bernhard T.
Background: Lithium (Li) remains the treatment of choice for bipolar disorders (BP). Its mood-stabilizing effects help reduce the long-term burden of mania, depression and suicide risk in patients with BP. It also has been shown to have beneficial effects on disease-associated conditions, including sleep and cardiovascular disorders. However, the individual responses to Li treatment vary within and between diagnostic subtypes of BP (e.g. BP-I and BP-II) according to the clinical presentation. Moreover, long-term Li treatment has been linked to adverse side-effects that are a cause of concern and non-adherence, including the risk of developing chronic medical conditions such as thyroid and renal disease. In recent years, studies by the Consortium on Lithium Genetics (ConLiGen) have uncovered a number of genetic factors that contribute to the variability in Li treatment response in patients with BP. Here, we leveraged the ConLiGen cohort (N = 2064) to investigate the genetic basis of Li effects in BP. For this, we studied how Li response and linked genes associate with the psychiatric symptoms and polygenic load for medical comorbidities, placing particular emphasis on identifying differences between BP-I and BP-II. Results: We found that clinical response to Li treatment, measured with the Alda scale, was associated with a diminished burden of mania, depression, substance and alcohol abuse, psychosis and suicidal ideation in patients with BP-I and, in patients with BP-II, of depression only. Our genetic analyses showed that a stronger clinical response to Li was modestly related to lower polygenic load for diabetes and hypertension in BP-I but not BP-II. Moreover, our results suggested that a number of genes that have been previously linked to Li response variability in BP differentially relate to the psychiatric symptomatology, particularly to the numbers of manic and depressive episodes, and to the polygenic load for comorbid conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that the effects of Li on symptomatology and comorbidity in BP are partially modulated by common genetic factors, with differential effects between BP-I and BP-II.
Molecular evidence for the intermediate disturbance hypothesis in an acidified marine system
(Springer Verlag, 2025-10-01) González-Delgado, Sara; Pérez Portela, Rocío; Hernández, José Carlos
The Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis (IDH), postulated by Connell (1978), suggests that ecosystems exhibit higher species diversity when disturbances occur at intermediate scales. In this study, the applicability of the IDH at the intraspecific scales (organismal) was investigated using molecular data. As an experimental perturbation framework, a naturally acidified system located in La Palma Island, Canary Island (Spain) with a sharp fluctuating pH gradient was sampled. Molecular data were obtained from sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I gene in two sea urchin species (Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus) to explore genetic diversity at the organism level. These data were compared with previous metabarcoding results of taxonomic benthic diversity at the community level. Both sea urchin species showed the highest levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity at the intermediate pH fluctuation zone, mirroring metabarcoding data that revealed the highest levels of taxonomic diversity at the same zone. The results support the validity of the IDH in marine ecosystems affected by strong pH fluctuations and across different levels of biological organization (from organisms to communities).
The role of fire in terrestrial vertebrate richness patterns
(John Wiley & Sons, 2023-04-01) Moritz, Max A.; Batllori Presas, Enric; Bolker, Benjamin M.
Productivity is strongly associated with terrestrial species richness patterns, although the mechanisms underpinning such patterns have long been debated. Despite considerable consumption of primary productivity by fire, its influence on global diversity has received relatively little study. Here we examine the sensitivity of terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity (amphibians, birds, and mammals) to fire, while accounting for other drivers. We analyze global data on terrestrial vertebrate richness, net primary productivity, fire occurrence (fraction of productivity consumed), and additional influences unrelated to productivity (i.e., historical phylogenetic and area effects) on species richness. For birds fire is associated with higher diversity, rivaling the effects of productivity on richness, and for mammals fire’s positive association with diversity is even stronger than productivity; for amphibians, in contrast, there are few clear associations. Our findings suggest an underappreciated role for fire in the generation of animal species richness and the conservation of global biodiversity.
Framework for deep learning diagnosis of plant disorders in horticultural crops: From data collection tools to user-friendly web and mobile apps
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-12-01) Araus Ortega, José Luis; Kefauver, Shawn Carlisle; Buchaillot, Ma. Luisa; Fernández Gallego, José A.; Mahmoudi, Henda; Thushar, Sumitha; Aljanaahi, Amna Abdulnoor; Kosimov, Sherzod; Hammami, Zied; Al Jabri, Ghazi; Cruz Puente, Alexandra la; Akl, Alexi; Trillas Gay, M. Isabel
Food security is a pressing global concern, particularly highlighted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which focuses on enhancing the productivity and incomes of smallholder farmers. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, horticultural crops are increasingly threatened by pests and diseases, exacerbated by climate change. Local farmers often lack the necessary expertise to effectively manage these issues, resulting in significant reductions in both yield and quality of their crops. This study seeks to develop an accessible mobile crop diagnosis application. By utilizing machine learning and deep learning technologies, the app is designed to help MENA farmers quickly and accurately identify and treat crop disorders. We used Open Data Kit (ODK) to gather a large dataset of crop images required to train deep learning models. These models, built on open-source deep learning architectures, were designed to classify 21 different leaf disorders, including diseases, pests, and nutritional deficiencies. The system was implemented in both a web app and an Android mobile app. Our deep learning models demonstrated an overall accuracy of 94 % in diagnosing plant disorders. The app, Doctor Nabat, includes a decision support system that offers treatment options in the three primary languages spoken in the MENA region. Doctor Nabat is an effective and scalable tool for enhancing crop management in the MENA region, promoting food security by minimizing crop losses through improved pest and disease diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Face-brain correlates as potential sex-specific biomarkers for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Martínez Abadías, Neus, 1978-; Fatjó-Vilas Mestre, Mar; Hostalet, Noemí; González, Alejandro; González Colom, Rubèn; Salgado Pineda, Pilar; Canales-Rodríguez, Erick J.; Aguirre, Candibel; Guerrero Pedraza, Amalia; Llanos Torres, María; Salvador, Raymond; Pomarol-Clotet, Edith; Sevillano, Xavier
Given the shared ectodermal origin and integrated development of the face and the brain, facial biomarkers emerge as potential candidates to assess vulnerability for disorders in which neurodevelopment is compromised, such as schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). The sample comprised 188 individuals (67 SZ patients, 46 BD patients and 75 healthy controls (HC)). Using a landmark-based approach on 3D facial reconstructions, we quantified global and local facial shape differences between SZ/BD patients and HC using geometric morphometrics. We also assessed correlations between facial and brain cortical measures. All analyses were performed separately by sex. Diagnosis explained 4.1 % - 5.9 % of global facial shape variance in males and females with SZ, and 4.5 % - 4.1 % in BD. Regarding local facial shape, we detected 43.2 % of significantly different distances in males and 47.4 % in females with SZ as compared to HC, whereas in BD the percentages decreased to 35.8 % and 26.8 %, respectively. We detected that brain area and volume significantly explained 2.2 % and 2 % of facial shape variance in the male SZ - HC sample. Our results support facial shape as a neurodevelopmental marker for SZ and BD and reveal sex-specific pathophysiological mechanisms modulating the interplay between the brain and the face.
Buccal dental-microwear and feeding ecology of Early Pleistocene Theropithecus oswaldi from Cueva Victoria (Spain)
(Elsevier B.V., 2020-03-17) Martínez, L.M.; Estebaranz, F.; Ferràndez i Cañadell, Carles; Romero, Ad.; Ribot, F.; Galbany i Casals, Jordi; Gibert Beotas, Lluís; Martínez Pérez-Pérez, Alejandro
Despite the scarcity of fossil specimens of Theropithecus oswaldi in Eurasia, its presence out of Africa attests to the great dispersal of this Papionini genus during the Early Pleistocene. In the present study, we analyze the buccal dental microwear of T. oswaldi (T. o. leakeyi) fossil specimens from Cueva Victoria (Southeastern Spain). This analysis is the first characterization of the feeding ecology of T. oswaldi in Europe. The buccal microwear pattern of the molar and premolar teeth of T. oswaldi from Cueva Victoria shows great similarities to that observed for the extant frugivorous forest-dwelling Mandrillus sphinx and mangabeys (Cercocebus sp.)—both species adapted to durophagous dietary habits—while significantly different from that observed for the gramnivorous Theropithecus gelada. These results suggest that T. oswaldi from Cueva Victoria could have exploited both hard-shelled fruits or seeds and succulent fruits from open and forested Mediterranean ecosystems.

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