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

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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.
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.
A targeted gene phylogenetic framework to investigate diversification in the highly diverse yet geographically restricted red devil spiders (Araneae, Dysderidae)
(Wiley, 2024-08-06) Adrián-Serrano, Silvia; Pavlek, Martina; Arnedo Lombarte, Miquel Àngel
The family Dysderidae is a highly diverse group of nocturnal ground-dwelling and active-hunter spiders. Dysderids are mostly restricted to the Western Palearctic, and particularly rich and abundant around the Mediterranean region. Interestingly, the distribution of species richness among its 24 genera and three subfamilies is highly biased—80% of its 644 documented species belong to just two genera (326), and Harpactea (211). Dysderidae provides an excellent study case for evolutionary and ecological research. It includes cases of trophic specialization, which are uncommon among spiders, and exhibit other remarkable biological (e.g. holocentric chromosomes), behavioural (e.g. cryptic female choice), evolutionary (e.g. adaptive radiation) and ecological features (e.g. recurrent colonization of the subterranean environment). The lack of a quantitative hypothesis on its phylogenetic structure has hampered its potential as a testing ground for evolutionary, biogeographical and ecological hypotheses. Here, we present the results of a target, multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, using mitochondrial (cox1, 16s and 12s) and nuclear genes (h3, 28s and 18s), of the most exhaustive taxonomic sample within Dysderidae (104 spp.) to date and across related families (Synspermiata) (83 spp.). We estimate divergence times using a combination of fossil and biogeographic node calibrations and use this timeline to identify shifts in diversification rates. Our results support the monophyly of the Dysderidae subfamilies Rhodinae and Dysderinae but reject Harpacteinae as currently defined. Moreover, the clades recovered within Harpacteinae do not support its current taxonomy. The origin of the family most likely post-dated the break-up of Pangea, and cave colonization may be older than previously considered. After correcting for the taxonomic artefacts, we identified a significant shift in diversification rates at the base of the genus. Although the unique coexistence of specialist and generalist diets within the lineage could be suggested as the potential driver for the rate acceleration, further quantitative analyses would be necessary to test this hypothesis.
Use of polygenic risk scores to assess weight loss after bariatric surgery: a 5-year follow-up study
(Springer Nature, 2024-09-02) Peña Lozano, Elionora; Mas-Bermejo, Patricia; Lecube, Albert; Ciudin, Andreea; Arenas Solà, Concepción; Simo, Rafael; Rigla, Mercedes; Caixàs, Assumpta; Rosa de la Cruz, Araceli
Bariatric surgery (BS) is currently the most effective long-term treatment of severe obesity. However, the interindividual variability observed in surgical outcomes suggests a moderating effect of several factors, including individual genetic background. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of the genetic architecture of body mass index (BMI) to the variability in weight loss outcomes after BS.
Recurrent marine heatwaves compromise the reproduction success and long-term viability of shallow populations of the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-01-01) Sarda, Julia; Gori, Andrea; Doñate-Ordóñez, Ruth; Viladrich Canudas, Núria; Costantini, Federica; Garrabou, Joaquim; Linares Prats, Cristina
Mediterranean gorgonians are being threatened by the impact of recurrent extreme climatic events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs). The white gorgonian Eunicella singularis was suggested to be the most resistant gorgonian species in the NW Mediterranean, mainly due to the presence of symbiotic algae. However, a substantial shift in the conservation condition of the species has been observed in the recent years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects of recent MHWs on the populations of E. singularis. Our results show that recurrent MHWs have impacted both the demography and reproduction of the species between 2002 and 2020, driving mortalities up to 36%, an increase in the percentages of non-reproducing adult colonies (11–58%), and a significant decrease in the recruitment rates. Although E. singularis is a highly dynamic species in comparison with other temperate gorgonians, the present study suggests that the persistence of this species may be severely compromised under recurrent MHWs, at least at shallowest depths.
What drives wild boar density and population growth in Mediterranean environments?
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-04-22) Colomer, Joana; Massei, Giovanna; Roos, Deon; Rosell, Carme; Rodríguez Teijeiro, José Domingo
Accurate prediction of fluctuations of wildlife local number of individuals is crucial for effective population management to minimise human-wildlife conflicts. Climate, habitat, food availability, and density dependence are among the main factors influencing mammalian population dynamics. In southern Europe, precipitation and temperature, particularly during summer have been suggested as key factors affecting wild boar (Sus scrofa L.). However, there is uncertainty regarding the role of these factors and the mechanisms driving population fluctuations. This study utilized long-term data of wild boar populations from 14 study sites collected for 23 years in Catalonia, Spain, to analyse the factors that drive population density and growth rate. Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMM) explained respectively, 94 % and 65 % of the density and growth rate variability. Spring precipitation in both current and previous year, female weight, and forest cover (particularly above 60 %) were directly associated with higher wild boar densities and population growth rates. The interaction between crop cover and total annual precipitation also played a significant role in determining population density. Higher densities were linked to lower population growth in the following year, likely due to a density-dependent process. These results suggest that the expected decrease in rainfall linked with global warming may limit the availability of natural resources and potentially slow wild boar population growth. Nevertheless, wild boar can exploit alternative anthropogenic food sources, potentially leading to an increase of human-wildlife conflicts. Therefore, incorporating management policies aimed at restricting wild boar access to human food sources is key for controlling their reproductive output. Additionally, landscape management strategies targeted at diminishing refuge and resource availability in regions experiencing high wild boar impact are essential for contributing to sustainable coexistence between wild boars and human populations.
Taxonomic accuracy and complementarity between bulk and eDNA metabarcoding provides an alternative to morphology for biological assessment of freshwater macroinvertebrates
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-07-20) Múrria i Farnós, Cesc; Wangensteen Fuentes, Owen S. (Simon); Somma, Simona; Väisänen, Leif O. S; Fortuño Estrada, Pau; Arnedo Lombarte, Miquel Àngel; Prat i Fornells, Narcís
Determining biological status of freshwater ecosystems is critical for ensuring ecosystem health and maintaining associated services to such ecosystems. Freshwater macroinvertebrates respond predictably to environmental disturbances and are widely used in biomonitoring programs. However, many freshwater species are difficult to capture and sort from debris or substrate and morphological identification is challenging, especially larval stages, damaged specimens, or hyperdiverse groups such as Diptera. The advent of high throughput sequencing technologies has enhanced DNA barcoding tools to automatise species identification for whole communities, as metabarcoding is increasingly used to monitor biodiversity. However, recent comparisons have revealed little congruence between morphological and molecular-based identifications. Using broad range universal primers for DNA barcode marker cox1, we compare community composition captured between morphological and molecular-based approaches from different sources — tissue-based (bulk benthic and bulk drift samples) and environmental DNA (eDNA, filtered water) metabarcoding — for samples collected along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbances. For comparability, metabarcoding taxonomic assignments were filtered by taxa included in the standardised national biological metric IBMWP. At the family level, bulk benthic metabarcoding showed the highest congruence with morphology, and the most abundant taxa were captured by all techniques. Richness captured by morphology and bulk benthic metabarcoding decreased along the gradient, whereas richness recorded by eDNA remained constant and increased downstream when sequencing bulk drift. Estimates of biological metrics were higher using molecular than morphological identification. At species level, diversity captured by bulk benthic samples were higher than the other techniques. Importantly, bulk benthic and eDNA metabarcoding captured different and complementary portions of the community — benthic versus water column, respectively — and their combined use is recommended. While bulk benthic metabarcoding can likely replace morphology using similar benthic biological indices, water eDNA will require new metrics because this technique sequences a different portion of the community.
Suitability mapping and management monitoring in Castilian organic and conventional wheat fields with Sentinel-2 and spatial data.
(Elsevier B.V., 2023) Segarra, Joel; Araus Ortega, José Luis; Kefauver, Shawn Carlisle
The Mediterranean region is a climate change hotspot due to projected precipitation decreases, soil erosion, and rising temperatures in the coming decades. In such a context, wheat productivity is expected to decrease; thus, all available croplands will need to be farmed to meet food demands. It is therefore crucial to have adequate management to help balance wheat production and environmental protection in specific target environments. With this aim, we present a study in Castile and Leon (Spain) in which we assess conventional and certified organic wheat grain yield and quality. Moreover, we spatially define wheat cultivation suitability categories and monitor crop rotation practices. For wheat suitability mapping, a fuzzy interference system was used to standardize topographic (height and slope), edaphic (pH, soil erosion, organic matter, and texture), and climatic (rainfall and temperature) variables and create marginal, suitable, and very suitable wheat cultivation suitability categories. We calculated the area of wheat suitability categories with confidence intervals and discussed factors affecting productivity. Additionally, we assessed the performance of certified organic and conventionally managed fields with organic and chemical fertilization. We also examined crop rotations using Sentinel-2 data over two seasons (2020−21). Certified organic management yielded 50% less than conventional management in similar environments while maintaining grain quality. Besides management, the main causes of the yield gap are the growing environment and variety. In conventional wheat management, organic fertilization achieves comparable yields to chemical fertilization. Crop rotation practices are uncommon, and over 50% of fields rotate wheat-to-barley or wheat-to-wheat, indicating poor soil management. The region has 25% of cropland classified as marginal wheat croplands (163,503 ± 33,796 ha) producing <2500 kg/ha. Wheat organic agriculture has decreased yield gaps in marginal croplands compared to more productive areas. By farming organic wheat in marginal croplands, the best croplands might be used for more productive farming.
Assessing the effects of salinity on microbial communities and pollutantremoval in urban wastewater treatment plants
(2024-08-10) Moyano Salcedo, Alvaro Javier; Cañedo-Argüelles, Miguel; Kaushal Sujay S.; Ciriero-Cebrián, Eva Maria; Pérez-Blanco, Adrià; Salvadó i Cabré, Humbert
This study assessed the impact of electrical conductivity (EC) on the microeukaryotic community and pollutant removal efficiency in full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Catalonia, Spain. Monthly samples from seven WWTPs (2010 2021) were collected, with microbial communities identified by microscopy and effluent quality parameters measured. Linear mixed-effects models (LMER), indicator species analysis (IndVal), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to evaluate the effects of EC on WWTP operation and microbial communities. EC levels varied widely among WWTPs (800 to 15,000 μS cm1), with mean removal rates generally low, not exceeding 26 %. EC removal was inversely correlated with organic matter removal (p < 0.05). IndVal analysis revealed distinct microbial communities associated with each WWTPs along the EC gradient (e.g., Beggiatoa spp. and Epistylis sp. were associated with high and low EC, respectively). High EC and peaks negatively affected the abundance of certain microorganisms (e.g., Acineria uncinata) (p < 0.05). Ciliate genera were most affected by EC peaks, with different species showing different salinity tolerance ranges (e.g. Holophyra discolor was affected by EC > 3000 μS cm-1). Seasonal variations did not significantly alter community sensitivity to salinity (p > 0.05). LMER and SEM analyses revealed strong adverse effects of high EC and EC peaks on microbial diversity, richness, and the efficiency of organic matter and TKN removal (p < 0.05). This highlights the importance of monitoring and controlling EC levels in WWTP influent to maintain optimal treatment performance and the need for effective technologies or biological processes to mitigate saline discharges into rivers.
Genetic Differences in Reactivity to the Environment Impact Psychotic-Like and Affective Reactivity in Daily Life.
(Oxford University Press, 2025-03-06) Barrantes Vidal, Neus; Torrecilla, Pilar; Mas-Bermejo, Patricia; Papiol, Sergi; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian J.; Rosa de la Cruz, Araceli; Kwapil, Thomas R.
Background and Hypothesis: Consistent with diathesis-stress models, psychosis research has focused on geneticmoderation of adverse environmental exposures. In con-trast, the Differential Susceptibility (DS) model suggeststhat the same genetic variants that increase risk-inducingeffects of adverse experiences also enhance beneficial ef-fects from positive experiences. This study examinedwhether individuals with high genetic susceptibility to theenvironment showed differential psychotic-like and affec-tive reactivity in response to positive and negative events indaily life. Study Design: Experience sampling methodologyassessed context (positive and stressful) and momentarylevels of paranoia, psychotic-like experiences (PLE), andpositive (PA) and negative affect (NA) in 217 non-clinicaladults oversampled for schizotypy. Linear mixed modelsexamined whether Polygenic Risk Scores of EnvironmentalSensitivity (PRS-ES) moderated the impact of current con-text on subsequent experiences. Study Results: PRS-ESmoderated positive, but not stressful, context on subsequentlevels of momentary paranoia, NA, and PA, but not PLE.Genetic and environmental (G × E) interactions indicateddiathesis-stress at lower thresholds of PRS-ES, but a DSmodel at the highest threshold of the PRS-ES. Participantswith elevated PRS-ES showed increased paranoia and NAand decreased PA in subsequent assessments when re-porting low levels of positive situations, but also decreasedparanoia and NA and increased PA when rating contextsas positive. Conclusions: Findings support the influence ofgenetic sensitivity to the environment on psychotic-like andaffective reactivity in daily life, particularly in response topositive contexts. This highlights the transdiagnostic pro-tective role of positive experiences and informs ecologicalmomentary interventions.
Human disturbance and habitat structure drive eurasian otter habitat selection in heavily anthropized river basins
(Springer Science + Business Media, 2024-04-01) Tolrà Montero, Arnau; Ruiz-Olmo, Jordi, 1961-; Riera, Joan Lluís
Assessing habitat selection is essential to protecting threatened species but also to understand what factors influence species that, although globally not currently in decline, act as flagships of their ecosystems and remain highly vulnerable to human impacts, such as the Eurasian otter. This paper examines otter habitat selection at the river reach scale in two heavily anthropized river basins. Both river basins encompass a wide spectrum of human pressures and biogeographic units, which offers an excellent opportunity to assess otter responses to anthropogenic activities in different scenarios. Through two modelling approaches (structure-agnostic way and a priori hypothesized habitat factors) we demonstrate that otters currently inhabiting these human-dominated landscapes show a trade-off between a preference for highly productive areas and for well-structured and safe areas. We suggest that habitat simplification and human disturbance, which were of minor relevance to the dramatic decline of otter populations in the 20th century, are emerging as potential threats in the context of worldwide increasing land use intensification. Furthermore, we found that otter habitat requirements were remarkably more stringent for breeding site selection than for occurrence, particularly concerning variables related to human disturbance. The results of this work provide tools for integrating ecological criteria oriented to effective otter conservation into river management in human-dominated landscapes, as well as serving as methodological support for lowland river restorations. Our results suggest that long-term otter conservation in anthropized rivers will depend on ensuring the availability of habitat patches that maintain sufficient structural complexity away from intensely outdoor recreational activities.

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