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Comparative Study of Iron and Trace Element Mobilization during Fe-Oxide Bioreduction in Mine Tailings: a case study of Ensenada Chapaco (Chile) and Portman Bay (Spain)
((UB). (ICTJA). (IDEA). (UAB). (CSIC), 2025-02) Benaiges-Fernández, Robert; Palau, Jordi; Urmeneta, Jordi; Cama, Jordi; Soler, Josep M.; Dold, Bernhard
Bioreduction of Feoxides in mine tailings deposited under marine conditions releases Fe and associated trace elements (e.g. Ti, Ni, Cd, Pb), leading to contamination of the marine environment. Sea-Tailings Disposal (STD) along the northern coast of Chile (Ensenada Chapaco) and along the eastern coast of Spain (Portman Bay) results in an adverse impact on the environment. This paper focuses on bioreduction under marine conditions. To this end, two column experiments were carried out with samples from Portman Bay and Ensenada Chapaco. Lactate (i.e.organic matter source) was supplied during the experiments. The results obtained are compared with those from batch experiments performed under similar conditions.In the column filled with Portman Bay tailings, the high content of magnetite (15wt%) in contact with water gives rise to a large magnetite surface area and abundant Fe(III), which results in a high release of Fe(II) and Trace Elements (TE). Since Fe(II) adsorbs onto the magnetite surface reducing the availability of Fe(III), the magnetite bioreduction and the consequent TE release decrease after 2000h. By contrast, the magnetite bioreduction lasts longer (3000h) in the column with Ensenada Chapaco tailings. This is because a lower magnetite content in the tailings (1wt%) provides a smaller reactive surface area yielding less Fe(III). Consequently, the concentrations of Fe(II) and TE in the output solutions are lower, which slows down the Fe(II) adsorption onto magnetite. This results in a longer magnetite bioreduction. Bioreduction is regulated by the availability of Fe(III) in both columns. It is inferred that the bioreduction rate diminishes as a function of time and increases as a function of soluble Fe(II) concentration. Moreover, the concentrations of TE released from the two bioreduced tailings exceed the elemental concentrations under marine conditions.
Myriapod Metallothioneins conserve the ancestral architecture of Arthropods while displaying lineage-specific adaptations in metal binding
(Oxford University Press, 2026-01-08) Palacios Bonilla, Òscar; Capdevila, Mercè; Albalat Rodríguez, Ricard
Metallothioneins (MTs) are central to metal metabolism and contribute to organismal adaptation to variable metal bioavailability across ecosystems. Although well studied in chordates and mollusks, MTs remain poorly investigated in many arthropod lineages, particularly within the Myriapoda subphylum. Myriapods, comprising thousands of millipede (Diplopoda) and centipede (Chilopoda) species, are especially relevant for evolutionary studies because they are the sister group to Pancrustacea (crustaceans and insects), and they are some of the earliest arthropods to colonize land. Their MTs therefore provide critical insights into the origin and evolution of arthropod MTs and into the molecular adaptations underlying the colonization of new environments. In this work, we have identified 48 putative MTs from 30 myriapod species, all classified as type 1 (MT1) and occurring in two configurations: the bidomain MT1S (S for short) or the multidomain MT1L (L for long) variants. Evolutionary analyses suggest that MT1S represents the ancestral type not only in myriapods but across Arthropoda, whereas MT1L likely arose during chilopod diversification, probably restricted to the order Glomerida. Despite shared structural features, metal-binding characterization of three myriapod MTs–GminMT1Sa, GminMT1La from Glomeridella minima, and LforMT1S from Lithobius forficatus–revealed marked functional differences. The diplopod proteins GminMT1Sa and GminMT1La displayed a Cd-thionein character, while the chilopod LforMT1S was a multipurpose protein, binding cadmium, zinc, and copper without a clear metal preference. These differences likely reflect distinct metal uptake, retention, and excretion strategies in diplopods and chilopods, associated with their ecological adaptations as peaceful decomposers and voracious predators, respectively.
Infective endocarditis after transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement
(Oxford University Press, 2024-01-15) Panagides, Vassili; Cuervo Requena, Guillermo; Llopis Pérez, Jaime; Abdel-wahab, Mohamed; Mangner, Norman; Habib, Gilbert; Regueiro, Ander; Mestres, Carlos A.; Tornos, Pilar; Durand, Eric; Selton Suty, Christine; Ihlemann, Nikolaj; Bruun, Niels E; Urena, Marina; Cecchi, Enrico; Thiele, Holger; Durante Mangoni, E.; Pellegrini, Costanza; Eltchaninoff, Helene; Athan, Eugene; Søndergaard, Lars; Linke, Axel; Tattevin, Pierre; Val, David del; Quintana, Eduard; Chu, Vivian; Rodés Cabau, Josep; Miró Meda, José M. (José María), 1956-; TAVI Infective Endocarditis International Registry and ICE Investigators
Abstract Background Scarce data are available comparing infective endocarditis (IE) following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This study aimed to compare the clinical presentation, microbiological profile, management, and outcomes of IE after SAVR versus TAVR. Methods Data were collected from the “Infectious Endocarditis after TAVR International” (enrollment from 2005 to 2020) and the “International Collaboration on Endocarditis” (enrollment from 2000 to 2012) registries. Only patients with an IE affecting the aortic valve prosthesis were included. A 1:1 paired matching approach was used to compare patients with TAVR and SAVR. Results A total of 1688 patients were included. Of them, 602 (35.7%) had a surgical bioprosthesis (SB), 666 (39.5%) a mechanical prosthesis, 70 (4.2%) a homograft, and 350 (20.7%) a transcatheter heart valve. In the SAVR versus TAVR matched population, the rate of new moderate or severe aortic regurgitation was higher in the SB group (43.4% vs 13.5%; P < .001), and fewer vegetations were diagnosed in the SB group (62.5% vs 82%; P < .001). Patients with an SB had a higher rate of perivalvular extension (47.9% vs 27%; P < .001) and Staphylococcus aureus was less common in this group (13.4% vs 22%; P = .033). Despite a higher rate of surgery in patients with SB (44.4% vs 27.3%; P < .001), 1-year mortality was similar (SB: 46.5%; TAVR: 44.8%; log-rank P = .697). Conclusions Clinical presentation, type of causative microorganism, and treatment differed between patients with an IE located on SB compared with TAVR. Despite these differences, both groups exhibited high and similar mortality at 1-year follow-up.
A contemporary picture of coagulase-negative staphylococcal endocarditis: a Nationwide GAMES Cohort Study
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-02-04) Palom Grau, Clara; Cuervo Requena, Guillermo; Muñoz, Patricia; Marín, Mercedes; Martínez Sellés, Manuel; González Ramallo, Víctor; Alarcón, Aristides de; Poyato Borrego, Manuel; Rodríguez García, Raquel; Rodríguez Esteban, María Ángeles; Fariñas, María Carmen; González-Rico, Claudia; Goenaga Sánchez, Miguel Ángel; Ojeda Burgos, Guillermo; Goikoetxea Agirre, Ane Josune; Calderón Parra, Jorge; López Azor, Juan Carlos; García Vázquez, Elisa; Loeches, Belén; Quintana, Eduard; García de la Mària, Cristina; Llopis Pérez, Jaime; Miró Meda, José M.; the GAMES Investigators
Background Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are an increasingly common cause of infective endocarditis (IE) and lack recent data from large studies. Objectives Our aim was to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of staphylococcal IE in a contemporary nationwide cohort study, while comparing coagulase-negative staphylococcal IE (CoNSIE) to IE from Staphylococcus aureus (SAIE), and among IE caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE), S. lugdunensis (SL), and other CoNS. Methods We completed a post hoc analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of 4,567 consecutive definitive IE episodes from 44 Spanish centers between 2008 and 2022 (GAMES ["Grupos de Apoyo al Manejo de la Endocarditis Infecciosa en España"] cohort). A total of 842 cases of CoNSIE were compared with 1,109 cases of SAIE. Additionally, 647 episodes caused by SE were compared with 54 caused by SL and 109 caused by 9 other known CoNS species. Multivariate analyses were performed to investigate prognostic factors for in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Results Staphylococci accounted for 1,951 (42.7%) episodes of IE. The predominant CoNS etiology was SE (76.8%), followed by SL (6.4%), S. capitis (3.5%), S. haemolyticus (3.2%), S. hominis (3.2%), S. warneri (1.5%), and 5 other species. CoNSIE showed a distinct clinical profile from SAIE (older age, higher rates of prior heart disease, aortic and prosthetic valve involvement, nosocomial acquisition, methicillin resistance, intracardiac complications, and cardiac surgery), while in-hospital mortality was higher in SAIE (32.8% vs 37.1%; P = 0.049), with no significant differences in 1-year mortality. S. lugdunensis displayed a shorter course of infection and higher rates of leaflet perforation/rupture than S. epidermidis and other CoNS, but cardiac surgery rates (60.4% vs 61.1% vs 56.0%; P = 0.850), as well as in-hospital (33.1% vs 37.0% vs 27.5%; P = 0.540) and 1-year mortality rates were high and similar in all groups. Septic shock, heart failure, and cardiac surgery (protective) were consistently identified as independent prognostic factors, whereas none of the staphylococcal species were independently associated with mortality. Last, each 5-year study period was independently associated with a reduction in staphylococcal in-hospital and 1-year mortality. Conclusions CoNSIE was a relatively common (18.4%) and life-threatening entity with particularities by species yet generally high rates of surgery and mortality, although its prognosis improved over time.
The Effector RipAW Enhances Ralstonia solanacearum Invasion in Arabidopsis via CBP60g/SARD1-Dependent and -Independent Pathways
(John Wiley & Sons, 2026-01-21) Wang, Huan; Fu, Shouyang; Cao, Tao; Niu, Yang; Cheng, Shengyang; Gong, Qichang; Ma, Hui; Wang, Xiang; Hu, Jinxue; Chen, Min; Wang, Dongdong; Zhang, Yong; Coll, Núria S.; Valls Matheu, Marc; Chen, Qin; Zhao, Cuizhu; Chen, Yue; Lu, Haibin
CaM-binding Protein 60-like G (CBP60g) and Systemic Acquired Resistance Deficient 1 (SARD1) are key immune signalling regulators that redundantly promote salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis and plant immunity. Pathogen effectors often target these immune nodes to suppress plant defence. However, the role of bacterial effectors in disabling CBP60g and SARD1 to increase plant susceptibility remains unclear. In this study, we show that RipAW, an E3 ligase effector from Ralstonia solanacearum, induces root architecture changes and enhances plant susceptibility to R. solanacearum in Est::RipAW transgenic plants. The constitutively expressed RipAW (C177S), lacking E3 ligase activity, did not affect root architecture or plant susceptibility, indicating that RipAW's E3 ligase activity is crucial for these phenotypes. Transcriptional profiling of Est::RipAW plants revealed strong up-regulation of CBP60g and SARD1, while the SA signalling pathway remained in a basal state. Transient expression of RipAW and CBP60g in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that RipAW associates with CBP60g and affects its stability. Genetic analysis revealed that loss-of-function mutations in CBP60g and SARD1 increased plant susceptibility to R. solanacearum, but did not enhance RipAW-mediated pathogen growth. Furthermore, growth of the R. solanacearum ΔRipAW null mutant strain was reduced in wild-type plants but restored in cbp60g/sard1 mutant plants, confirming that the promotion of RipAW on bacterial growth is dependent on CBP60g and SARD1. Surprisingly, CBP60g and SARD1 were not involved in R. solanacearum-induced and RipAW-triggered root architecture changes. Overall, our findings demonstrate that RipAW increases plant susceptibility to R. solanacearum via both CBP60g/SARD1-dependent and -independent pathways.
Lack of AtMC1 catalytic activity triggers autoimmunity dependent on NLR stability
(EMBO Press, 2025-03-20) Salguero-Linares, Jose; Armengot, Laia; Ayet, Joel; Ruiz-Solaní, Neus; Saile, Svenja C.; Salas-Gómez, Marta; Fernandez, Esperanza; Denolf, Lode; Navarrete, Fernando; Krumbach, Jenna; Kaiser, Markus; Stael, Simon; Van Breusegem, Frank; Gevaert, Kris; Kaschani, Farnusch; Petersen, Morten; El Kasmi, Farid; Valls Matheu, Marc; Coll, Núria S.
Plants utilize cell surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and intracellular nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptors to detect non-self and elicit robust immune responses. Fine-tuning the homeostasis of these receptors is critical to prevent their hyperactivation. Here, we show that Arabidopsis plants lacking metacaspase 1 (AtMC1) display autoimmunity dependent on immune signalling components downstream of NLR and PRR activation. Overexpression of a catalytically inactive AtMC1 in an atmc1 background triggers severe autoimmunity partially dependent on the same immune signalling components. Overexpression of the E3 ligase SNIPER1, a master regulator of NLR homeostasis, fully reverts the AtMC1-dependent autoimmunity phenotype, inferring that a broad defect in NLR turnover may underlie the severe phenotype observed. Catalytically inactive AtMC1 localizes to punctate structures that are degraded through autophagy. Considering also previous evidence on the proteostatic functions of AtMC1, we speculate that Wt AtMC1 may either directly or indirectly control NLR protein levels, thereby preventing autoimmunity.
Quito's virome: Metagenomic analysis of viral diversity in urban streams of Ecuador's capital city
(Elsevier B.V., 2018-12-15) Guerrero Latorre, Laura; Romero, Brigette; Bonifaz, Edison; Timoneda, N.; Gironès Llop, Rosina; Ríos Touma, Blanca Patricia; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta
Aquest estudi realitzat a Quito (Equador) analitza la contaminació viral de rius urbans que reben descàrregues directes d'aigües residuals sense tractar, utilitzant tècniques de seqüenciació de nova generació (NGS). Mitjançant el mètode de floculació amb llet descremada en mostres de 500 mL, es van identificar 29 famílies virals, de les quals 26 espècies estan directament vinculades a infeccions humanes. Entre les troballes més rellevants destaquen patògens causants de gastroenteritis (com els virus de Norwalk i Mamastrovirus), però també virus associats a malalties més greus com l'Hepatitis A, sèpsia neonatal amb afectacions neurològiques (Parechovirus A) i danys renals (Poliomavirus 1). Aquests resultats posen de manifest la gran diversitat de virus circulants a la capital equatoriana i el greu risc per a la salut pública que suposa l'ús d'aquestes aigües per a finalitats recreatives o agrícoles.
Predicting Bacterial Diversity in European Croplands Using Earth Observation and Meteorological Data
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 2026-02-06) Bormpoudakis, Dimitrios; Sánchez Cueto, Pablo; González Sánchez, Soraya; Theodoridis, Spyros; Labouyrie, Maëva; Orgiazzi, Alberto; Panagos, Panos; Jones, Arwyn; Lladó, Salvador, 1983-; Hartmann, Martin; Kontoes, Charalampos
In this paper we explore models predicting soil bacterial diversity to: 1) spectral indices derived from optical satellite remote sensing; and 2) meteorological variables. We computed alpha and beta diversity indices using metabarcoding data generated from 214 cropland soil samples collected in the context of Eurostat's 2018 pan-European LUCAS Soil module. Subsequently, we derived 12 spectral indices from Sentinel-2 images and monthly meteorological variables from the TerraClimate dataset. We then built models of bacterial diversity using the Earth Observation and climatic variables, experimenting with different algorithms and predictor time lags from the soil sampling date. Random-Forest and Cubist regressors yielded MAE ≤ 7% of the observed range and R² = 0.87 for beta diversity indices, while alpha diversity models reached MAE ≈ 10% and R² ≈ 0.15. Feature importance pointed to winter moisture variability as the chief control on richness/evenness, whereas growing-season thermal extremes governed community turnover, with Sentinel-2 indices contributing secondary signals. Overall, our results indicate that freely-available satellite multispectral and meteorological data, can predict dimensions of cropland soil bacterial diversity and with particularly strong skill for PCA- and CAP-based beta diversity axes.
The Ralstonia solanacearum catalase-peroxidase KatG is crucial to survive environmental stresses and also plays a role in plant infection
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-10-08) Corral, Jordi; Rocafort, Mercedes; Ripa, Maria-belén; Vandecaveye, Agustina; Pezzoni, Magdalena; Invernon, Alicia; Coll, Núria S.; Valls i Matheu, Marc; Orellano, Elena
Throughout their life cycle, pathogens are challenged by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and must deploy defence mechanisms against oxidative damage. Environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation and desiccation induce intracellular ROS production. Moreover, during pathogen colonisation, plant hosts initiate an oxidative burst, leading to the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Catalases mitigate ROS toxicity by catalysing the breakdown of H2O2 into water and oxygen. In this study, we explored the roles of the monofunctional catalase (KatE) and the bifunctional catalase-peroxidase (KatG) in the phytopathogen Ralstonia solanacearum during both environmental stress conditions and in planta colonisation stages. Our results demonstrate that both catalases are critical for surviving ROS, with KatG having a more preponderant role. Plant pathogenicity assays show that catalases are not required for virulence although they are important for bacterial fitness in the apoplast. In contrast, we prove that both catalases are vital for R. solanacearum response to oxidative stress in the external environment. KatG was indispensable for survival in soil, as well as for enduring ultraviolet radiation and desiccation exposure. Our findings reveal that the primary function of R. solanacearum catalases is to counteract ROS generated by environmental stressors rather than host-derived oxidative defences. This research identifies specific environmental stressors that these catalases combat during pathogen survival. These insights pave the way for future strategies targeting catalase activity to control bacterial wilt disease.
The CAPE1 peptide confers resistance against bacterial wilt in tomato
(Oxford University Press, 2025-04-03) Zhang, Weiqi; Planas-Marquès, Marc; Liang, Moyan; Zhang, Qingshan; Vermeulen, Annemarie; Kaschani, Farnusch; Kaiser, Markus; Takken, Frank-LW.; Coll, Núria S.; Valls i Matheu, Marc
Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the most destructive bacterial diseases for which no effective treatment exists. There is an urgent need to understand the basis of resistance against this pathogen in order to engineer efficient strategies in the field. We previously demonstrated that resistant tomato plants limit bacterial movement in the apoplast and the xylem. As a first step to dissect the underlying mechanisms, we analysed the apoplast proteome upon challenge with R. solanacearum in the susceptible tomato cultivar Marmande and the resistant cultivar Hawaii 7996. Here, we described the xylem proteome in these same cultivars and compared it with the apoplastic proteome, revealing variety-dependent and infection-dependent changes. This proteomic analysis led to the identification of pathogenesis-related 1 (PR1) proteins as highly induced upon infection. Since PR1b was the most abundant PR1 protein in both the apoplast and the xylem, we concentrated on this family member to study the role of PR1s in the interaction between tomato and R. solanacearum. Surprisingly, lack of PR1b resulted in enhanced resistance to R. solanacearum in tomato, which could be due to an up-regulation of homologous genes in a compensatory effect as has been reported before. PR1 processing by an unknown protease in tomato results in the generation of the CAPE peptide. Treatment of tomato plants with the CAPE1 peptide resulted in restriction of R. solanacearum growth, via defence gene reprogramming. Future work in the lab will help determine which tomato secreted proteases cleave PR1s to generate CAPEs.
Assessing the contribution of genes involved in monogenic bone disorders to the etiology of atypical femoral fractures
(BioMed Central, 2024-12-01) Garcia Giralt, Natàlia; Ovejero, Diana; Grinberg Vaisman, Daniel Raúl; Nogués Solán, Xavier; Castañeda, Santos; Balcells Comas, Susana; Rabionet Janssen, Raquel
Background: Recent studies suggested that genetic variants associated with monogenic bone disorders were involved in the pathogenesis of atypical femoral fractures (AFF). Here, we aim to identify rare genetic variants by whole exome sequencing in genes involved in monogenic rare skeletal diseases in 12 women with AFF and 4 controls without any fracture. Results: Out of 33 genetic variants identified in women with AFF, eleven (33.3%) were found in genes belonging to the Wnt pathway (LRP5, LRP6, DAAM2, WNT1, and WNT3A). One of them was rated as pathogenic (p.Pro582His in DAAM2), while all others were rated as variants of uncertain significance according to ClinVar and ACMG criteria. Conclusions: Osteoporosis, rare bone diseases, and AFFs may share the same genes, thus making it even more difficult to identify unique risk factors.
Livestock aggregated samples for monitoring viruses infecting animals and potentially zoonotic viral pathogens
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-01-26) Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Martínez Puchol, Sandra; Ribeiro, Diana; Verdaguer, Júlia; Torrejón-Llorenç, Ona; Itarte, Marta; Estarlich-Landajo, Ignasi; Mejías-Molina, Cristina; Juliachs-Torroella, Gisela; Gironès Llop, Rosina; Ramírez, Gustavo A.; Baliellas, Jordi; Bofill Mas, Silvia; Fernández Cassi, Xavier
Active surveillance of livestock pathogens is essential to prevent animal health losses and zoonotic spillover. This study evaluted aggregated environmental sampling as a non-invasive approach for monitoring swine- and cattle-associated viruses across farms and slaughterhouses, bridging the gap between agricultural biosecurity and public health. Over eleven months, 105 samples, including swine slurry, cattle manure, farm air, and slaughterhouse wastewater, were collected and analyzed using pathogen-specific (RT) qPCR and targeted viral metagenomics. Seasonal and sample patterns were evident, with higher detection of rotavirus A (RoV-A) and bovine coronavirus (BCoV) in slurry and wastewater during winter, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) sporadicly in slaughterhouse wastewater. Farm slurry or manure were optimal for enteric viruses such as RoV-A or hepatitis E virus (HEV), and farm air proved valuable for respiratory viruses like BCoV. Targeted sequencing identified a broader viral community, revealing up to 80% of total detected viral species in slaughterhouse wastewater alone. Frequent detection of porcine bocavirus, circoviruses and astrovirus, alongside zoonotic viruses such as HEV and porcine bufavirus (PBuV), underscored the environmental transmission risk at the human-animal interface. Sequencing also uncovered viruses of unclear pathogenicity, including kobuvirus and copiparvovirus, underscoring the complexity of the livestock virome and the potential for emerging viral threats. Slaughterhouse wastewater consistently captured the highest viral richness, integrating inputs from multiple farms and regions, while farm air samples yielded lower diversity but detected respiratory (astrovirus, caliciviruses) and persistent viruses (papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses). Aggregated sampling proved particularly efficient in swine systems, while cattle surveillance may require adapted strategies due to lower stocking densities and greater ventilation. This work demonstrates the novelty and value of aggregated environmental samples, collected at different points in the production chain, as strategic One Health sentinels. This scalable, practical approach supports early warning and control of animal and zoonotic diseases, directly contributing to One Health surveillance.
DNA methylation patterns and epigenetic aging associated with suicide attempts in bipolar disorder
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-08-24) Mitjans Niubó, Marina; Acosta-Díez, Miriam; Giménez Palomo, Anna; Zafrilla-López, Marina ; Saiz, Pilar A.; Barrot i Feixat, Carme; Jiménez Martínez, Esther; Papiol, Sergi; Defez Torán, Javier; Xifró Collsamata, Alexandre; Ortega Sánchez, Marisa; Ruiz, Victoria; Gavín, Patrícia; García Portilla González, María Paz, 1962-; González-Blanco, Leticia; Bobes García, Julio; Schulze, Thomas G.; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Benabarre, Antonio; Arias Sampériz, Bárbara
Background: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are a public health issue highly prevalent in bipolar disorder (BD). Multiple factors contribute to STBs, and new evidence highlights the significant role of epigenetics, specifically DNA methylation (DNAm). Additionally, recent studies found accelerated epigenetic aging (EA) in both BD and STBs. This study aimed to detect epigenetic risk factors for STBs, particularly for suicide attempts (SAs), comparing DNAm patterns and EA between BD patients with (BD/SA) and without (BD/non-SA) a history of SAs. Moreover, EA was calculated to explore age acceleration (AgeAccel) in the BD/SA group. Methods: Genome-wide DNAm patterns of blood samples from 46 BD/SA and 32 BD/non-SA were assessed using Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC v1.0 BeadChip (Illumina). Differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) were compared between groups. Gene network analysis was performed using genes mapped to DMPs and DMRs. Lastly, EA from different epigenetic clocks was estimated and compared between groups. Results: We identified 18 DMPs and 2 DMRs (adjusted p-value < 0.05) between BD/SA and BD/non-SA. Among the 18 genes mapped to DMPs and DMRs, the MAD1L1 gene was previously associated with severe SAs. Trends of AgeAccel using the GrimAge and GrimAge2 clocks (p-value ≤ 0.022; adjusted p-value > 0.05) were found in BD/SA. Limitations: Relatively small sample size, cross-sectional design, and use of peripheral blood. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of considering epigenetic markers when studying SAs in mental disorders. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the biological basis of SAs in BD, which could ultimately help identify at-risk individuals for SAs.
Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, rotavirus, norovirus genogroup II and human adenovirus in wastewater as an epidemiological tool to anticipate outbreaks of COVID-19 and acute gastroenteritis in a city without a wastewater treatment plant in the Peruvian Highlands
(Elsevier B.V., 2023-09-18) Valdivia-Carrera, Cesar; Ho-Palma, Ana; Munguia-Mercado, Astrid; Gonzalez-Pizarro, Karoll; Ibacache-Quiroga, Claudia; Dinamarca, Alejandro; Stehlík, Milan; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Gironès Llop, Rosina; Lopez-Urbina, Maria T.; Basualda, Anani; Gonzales-Gustavson, Eloy
Aquest estudi realitzat a una ciutat dels Andes peruans, sense planta de tractament d'aigües residuals, reafirma l'eficàcia de l'epidemiologia basada en les aigües residuals (WBE) com a eina d'alerta primerenca en països amb ingressos baixos i mitjans. Després de comparar mètodes de processament, es va determinar que l'anàlisi directa ofereix la millor taxa de recuperació (72,2%) per al SARS-CoV-2, permetent anticipar les onades de la pandèmia fins a dues setmanes abans que es reportessin els casos clínics. Així mateix, el monitoratge de virus gastrointestinals (rotavirus, norovirus i adenovirus) mitjançant floculació amb llet descremada va mostrar resultats excel·lents, destacant la capacitat de detectar el rotavirus fins a quatre setmanes abans dels brots de gastroenteritis en infants, consolidant aquest sistema com una eina de vigilància sanitària econòmica i altament predictiva.
Effect of temperature and sunlight on the stability of human adenoviruses and MS2 as fecal contaminants on fresh produce surfaces
(Elsevier B.V., 2013-04-28) Carratalà Ripollès, Anna; Rodriguez-Manzano, Jesus; Hundesa Gonfa, Ayalkibet; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Fresno de Prado, Sandra; Cook, Nigel; Gironès Llop, Rosina
Aquest estudi avalua com la temperatura i la llum solar influeixen en la persistència de l'adenovirus humà (HAdV) i el bacteriòfag MS2 en superfícies d'enciams i maduixes, productes frescos clau en la seguretat alimentària. Els resultats determinen que la temperatura és el factor determinant per a la inactivació viral en aquests aliments: mentre que a 4 °C el virus es manté estable, a 30 °C es produeix una reducció dràstica d'entre 3 i 4 logaritmes en només 24 hores. Mitjançant el càlcul dels temps d'inactivació per a cada condició, la recerca aporta dades fonamentals per millorar l'avaluació de riscos i la gestió de la seguretat en la cadena de subministrament de fruites i verdures davant la contaminació fecal.
Description of a novel viral tool to identify and quantify ovine faecal pollution in the environment
(Elsevier B.V., 2013-04-28) Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Carratalà Ripollès, Anna; Hundesa Gonfa, Ayalkibet; Bach, Àlex; Kern, Anita; Vantarakis, Apostolos; Gironès Llop, Rosina; Bofill Mas, Silvia
Aquest estudi identifica i valida el poliomavirus oví (OPyV) com un nou marcador genètic per al seguiment de l'origen de la contaminació fecal (Microbial Source Tracking), omplint un buit en la detecció de pol·lució procedent de la ramaderia ovina. Mitjançant el desenvolupament de tècniques de PCR niada i qPCR, els investigadors van demostrar que aquest virus és altament específic: es detecta en l'orina d'ovella, en aigües residuals d'escorxadors i en rius afectats per activitat ramadera, però no apareix en mostres d'origen humà, boví, porcí o aviar. Aquesta nova eina quantitativa permet distingir la contaminació produïda per les ovelles d'altres fonts, facilitant una gestió de l'aigua més precisa i robusta en zones on la ramaderia té un paper rellevant en la introducció de patògens al medi ambient
Detection and quantification of classic and emerging viruses by skimmed-milk flocculation and PCR in river water from two geographical areas
(Elsevier Ltd., 2013-05-15) Calgua de León, Byron Thomas; Fumian, Tulio; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Rodriguez-Manzano, Jesus; Mbayed, Viviana A.; Bofill Mas, Silvia; Miagostovich, Marize; Gironès Llop, Rosina
Aquest estudi valida un mètode de concentració econòmic i senzill (basat en la floculació amb llet descremada) per analitzar la presència de virus en mostres de 10 litres d'aigua de riu a Barcelona i Rio de Janeiro. Els resultats confirmen l'eficàcia del mètode amb una recuperació mitjana del 50% i revelen una presència constant d'indicadors fecals com l'adenovirus (HAdV) i el poliomavirus JC (JCPyV) en ambdues ciutats. A més, la recerca ha permès detectar virus menys coneguts o d'aparició recent, com el klassevirus (KV) i el poliomavirus de cèl·lules de Merkel (MCPyV),demostrant que aquesta metodologia és una eina útil i assequible per al monitoratge rutinari de la qualitat de l'aigua i per entendre millor la distribució global de patògens emergents en entorns urbans.
Long-read sequencing reveals increased isoform diversity in key transcription factor effectors of intercellular signalling at the invertebrate-vertebrate transition
(BioMed Central, 2026-01-24) Torres Águila, Nuria Paz; Salonna, Marika; Shimeld, Sebastian M.; Hoppler, Stefan; Ferrier, David E.K.
Background
Several intercellular signalling pathways (including wingless (Wnt), hedgehog (Hh), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)) are used repeatedly in animals throughout development and evolution and are also frequent targets for disease-associated disruptions. We have previously shown that the major transcriptional effectors of β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling, the TCF/LEF proteins, in contrast to other pathway components, have a higher gene number and isoform diversity in vertebrates versus invertebrates, but this increased diversity has only been poorly quantified. Considering that isoform diversity correlates with organism complexity, any increase in major signalling effectors is likely to have made a significant contribution to vertebrate evolution.

Results
Using de novo long-read transcriptomes, we compared isoform number per gene for the chordates Ciona intestinalis, Lampetra planeri and Xenopus tropicalis, thus encompassing the invertebrate sister group to vertebrates, as well as a cyclostome and a gnathostome vertebrate. We find a significant increase in the number of transcript isoforms per gene expressed during embryo development and organogenesis at the invertebrate-to-vertebrate transition, specifically for the main transcription factor effectors of the Wnt/β-catenin, Hh and BMP pathways, i.e. TCF/LEF, GLI and SMAD.

Conclusions
Our results implicate an increase in isoform diversity of the transcription factors of major intercellular signalling pathways as having a disproportionate role in the evolutionary origin and diversification of vertebrates.
Wastewater-based epidemiology applied at the building-level reveals distinct virome profiles based on the age of the contributing individuals
(BioMed Central, 2024-02-01) Mejías-Molina, Cristina; Pico-Tomàs, Anna; Martínez-Puchol, Sandra; Itarte, Marta; Torrell, Helena; Canela, Núria; Borrego, Carles M.; Corominas Lluís; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Bofill Mas, Silvia
Aquest estudi utilitza la seqüenciació per enriquiment (TES) i el mostreig passiu per caracteritzar el viroma humà a escala d'edifici, permetent observar com canvien els virus circulants segons l'edat de la població. Analitzant aigües residuals d'escoles, universitats i residències de gent gran a Catalunya, els investigadors van trobar perfils virals clarament diferenciats: els astrovirus (Mamastrovirus 1) predominen en edat escolar, els salivirus i poliomavirus en l'entorn universitari, i les residències mostren una major presència de papil·lomavirus i virus vinculats a la immunosupressió. En comparació amb les depuradores (EDAR), que ofereixen una visió barrejada i general de tota la ciutat, el monitoratge a escala d'edifici es confirma com una eina d'alt valor per a la salut pública, ja que permet una vigilància epidemiològica específica per grups demogràfics concrets.
Application of human and animal viral microbial source tracking tools in fresh and marine waters from five different geographical areas
(Elsevier Ltd., 2014-04-18) Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta; Fernández Cassi, Xavier; Hundesa Gonfa, Ayalkibet; Vieira, Carmen; Kern, Anita; Eriksson, Irene; Ziros, Panos; Kay, David; Miagostovich, Marize; Vargha, Marta; Allard, Anika; Vantarakis, Apostolos; Wyn-Jones, A. Peter; Bofill Mas, Silvia; Gironès Llop, Rosina
Aquest estudi, realitzat en el marc del projecte europeu VIROCLIME, analitza la contaminació microbiològica en cinc conques fluvials de zones climàtiques molt diverses (Brasil, Grècia, Hongria, Espanya i Suècia) utilitzant eines de seguiment de l'origen microbià (MST). Mitjançant la quantificació de virus específics (adenovirus i poliomavirus humans, porcins i bovins), es va demostrar que les càrregues virals fluctuen segons la població urbana, els sistemes de sanejament i el cabal del riu, el qual pot diluir la contaminació en èpoques de pluja o concentrar-la en períodes de sequera.Entre les troballes clau destaca que les cobertes de gel al nord d'Europa preserven la fertilitat dels virus a causa de les baixes temperatures i la manca de sol, i que les activitats ramaderes són fonts significatives i de vegades inesperades de contaminació, especialment a l'estiu. En definitiva, l'estudi valida aquests indicadors virals com a eines universals i precises per desenvolupar models de dispersió de la contaminació fecal davant dels futurs escenaris de canvi climàtic.

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