Articles publicats en revistes (Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística)

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Bridging soil biodiversity and human well-being: An actionable framework to measure links between the natural capital and plural value of soils
(Elsevier B.V., 2025-08-15) Lladó, Salvador, 1983-; Maskell, Lindsay; Jones, Laurence; Yacoub, Cristina; Sánchez Cueto, Pablo; Bosch, Montserrat; Philippot, Laurent; Hartmann, Martin; Galindo-Castañeda, Tania; de Goede, Ron; Bongiorno, Giulia; Mörrien, Elly; de Vries, Franciska T.; Soliveres, Santiago; Sessitsch, Angela; Gorfer, Markus; Dehnhardt, Alexandra; Schmidt, Katja; Van de Sande, Tomas; Hestbjerg, Helle; Alsina, Ina; García Orenes, Fuensanta; Mataix-Solera, Jorge; Olivares Martinez, Luis Daniel; Tóth, Zoltán; Pennanen, Taina; Brennan, Fiona; Finn, John A.; Sirimarco, Ximena; Barral, María Paula; Nguefack, Julienne; Tangkoonboribun, Rochana; Stathopoulos, Nikolaos; Zoka, Melpomeni; Zanis, Prodromos; Vlacheas, Panagiotis; Sagarna, Juan; Muñoz, Mercedes; Martin, Alberto; Griffiths, Robert; Robinson, David; Harrison, Paula A.
Human activities contribute to soil degradation globally, endangering life belowground and services like food production and climate regulation. To reverse this situation, an actionable framework to connect soil health and soil biodiversity status with human well-being, integrating the biophysical, economic, and social domains, is urgently needed. Here, learning from previous generalist and soil-specific frameworks, we introduce the Soil Biodiversity and Well-being Framework, which creates the conceptual architecture to quantifiably link soil natural capital with human beneficiaries, soil management, environmental pressures, and societal responses. Furthermore, we outline the requirements for its operationalization, based on a flexible set of measurable indicators for soil natural capital assets, plural valuation of soil-mediated nature’s contributions to people, and human well-being. The implementation of the framework by multiple stakeholders (e.g., scientists, farmers, or policymakers) can generate the multidimensional and quantitative evidence to support action toward transformative change for sustainable soil management and soil biodiversity conservation.
Body weight gain and control: beneficial effect of extra virgin olive oil versus corn oil in an experimental model of mammary cancer
(Elsevier B.V., 2023-12-13) Moral Cabrera, Raquel; Kapraveloua, Garyfallia; Cubedo Culleré, Marta; Solanas, Montserrat; Escrich, Eduard
Obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer, the most common malignancy among women worldwide. We have previously described different effects of high-fat diets on mammary experimental carcinogenesis. In this work, we analyzed the animal growth data obtained in six experimental assays, in healthy and carcinogen-induced rats undergoing different dietary interventions. The animals were fed with three experimental diets administered at different periods of development: a control low-fat diet, and two isocaloric high-fat diets (rich in corn oil or in extravirgin olive oil -EVOO-). Weekly weight throughout the development of 818 animals have been compiled and reanalyzed using adjusted mathematical models. Molecular mechanisms have been investigated: ethanolamides in small intestine, neuropeptides controlling satiety in hypothalamus, and proteins controlling lipid metabolism in adipose and mammary tissues. The results indicated that the effect of diets depended on type of lipid, timing of intervention and health status. The high corn oil diet, but not the high EVOO diet, increased body weight and mass, especially if administered from weaning, in healthy animals and in those that received a moderate dose of carcinogen. The potential protective effect of EVOO on weight maintenance may be related to anorexigenic neuropeptides such as oxytocin and lipolysis/deposition balance in adipose tissue (increasing phospho-PKA, HSL, MGL and decreasing FAS). In animals with cancer, body weight gain was related to the severity of the disease. Taken together, our results suggest that EVOO has a beneficial effect on body weight maintenance in both health and cancer.
Biodiversity of Marine Mollusk Assemblages from Two Contrasted Algal Habitats in the Mediterranean Sea (Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, NE Spain)
(MDPI, 2025-01-01) Ballesteros, Manuel (Ballesteros Vázquez); Silva, Angra S.; Villamizar, Óscar F.; Pontes, Miquel; Oliva Cuyàs, Francesc
The malacological faunae of two algal habitats with different lighting conditions—a sciophilous wall and a photophilous one—both located in Tossa de Mar (Costa Brava, Girona, NE Spain), have been studied to examine the differences in the malacological communities, their distribution over time, and the role played by micromollusks in these algal habitats. Every two months, for a year, samples were collected via scuba diving and scraping standardized surfaces (20 × 20 cm) of the algal communities. In the laboratory, the samples were washed and filtered using two metal sieves (2 mm for coarse fraction and 513 µm for fine fraction). Mollusks were separated, identified, and later analyzed statistically to assess biodiversity indices and sample grouping. A total of 7913 mollusk specimens from 148 species (112 Gastropoda; 32 Bivalvia and 4 Polyplacophora) were identified across all samples, with 1669 specimens (84 species) from the sciophilous algae and 6244 specimens (133 species) from the photophilous algae. Moreover, 10 species accounted for 76.27% of the total abundance, with each species represented by over 100 specimens in the total samples. The gastropod Bittium latreillii was the most abundant species, with 2106 specimens recorded. Regarding the two fractions, 337 specimens (69 species) were found in the coarse fraction, while 7576 specimens (111 species) were found in the fine fraction. Significant differences were obtained between samples with respect to time, habitat type, and size fraction. The Shannon–Wiener biodiversity index values indicated differences between the two communities over time, as well as variations in biodiversity, with the photophilous community exhibiting higher values. It was demonstrated that algal thalli provide a highly suitable substrate for juvenile forms and micromollusks. Our findings, combined with the literature and various online citations, establish Tossa de Mar as the town on the Catalan coast with the best-documented malacological fauna.
Dual effects of drying and urban pollution on leaf litter decomposition and shredder consumption in permanent and intermittent streams
(Springer Verlag, 2024-09-01) Martinez-Sanz, Itxaso; Muñoz Gràcia, Isabel; Viza, Aida; Oliva Cuyàs, Francesc; Menéndez López, Margarita
In the present study we investigated the combined effect of flow intermittence and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent on leaf litter decomposition in two Mediterranean streams with permanent and intermittent flow regimes. The litter decomposition experiment was performed using black poplar litter bags where we measured litter mass loss, fungal biomass, aquatic hyphomycete sporulation and species richness and C:N ratio. Afterwards, the remaining litter material from the different treatments was offered to the shredder Potamophylax latipennis in a microcosm laboratory experiment, and its growth and consumption rates were studied. We hypothesised that drying would decrease leaf litter decomposition in the permanent stream more than in the intermittent stream and that WWTP effluent would compensate for drying effects when both stressors interacted. The results indicated that drying has the greatest impact on the permanent stream, decreasing decomposition, aquatic hyphomycete species richness, and leaf litter quality. In the intermittent stream, WWTP effluent decreases aquatic hyphomycete species richness, but drying increases it, showing an opposing effect and a synergistic interaction. In the permanent stream drying provoked an increase in the shredder consumption rate. Thus, the expected more frequent intermittence in rivers under climate change may threaten the processing of organic matter.
Can induced drying modulate the response of leaf litter decomposition and fungal diversity to wastewater effluents in permanent streams?
(Wiley, 2025-12-01) Pinilla-Rosa, Manuel; Muñoz Gràcia, Isabel; Oliva Cuyàs, Francesc; Martinez-Sanz, Itxaso; Arias-Real, Rebeca; Wang, Jun-Tao; Menéndez López, Margarita
1.Watercourses are among the most threatened ecosystems globally and face multiple anthropogenic stressors of different origins and intensities that reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem functioning. Among these stressors, both stream drying and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents are expected to become more intense with global change, reducing water availability and consequently the dilution capacity of nutrients and pollutants. Leaf litter decomposition is a key ecosystem function in which aquatic hyphomycete communities play a crucial role, yet the interactive impacts of drying and consecutive WWTP exposure on both remain poorly understood. 2.We conducted a field experiment in three permanent Mediterranean streams to assess the effects of induced drying and WWTP effluents on leaf litter decomposition and its associated fungal communities. After microbial colonization, leaf litter bags were subjected to two drying intensities by moving the bags into and out of the streambed: pulse (short cycles of drying and rewetting) and press (prolonged drying). The bags were then exposed to WWTP effluents downstream. We analysed the individual and joint effects of both stressors on leaf litter mass loss, fungal biomass, leaf C:N and fungal community structure via DNA sequencing. 3.We found that drying increased fungal species richness and changed community composition through the colonization of terrestrial species but reduced leaf litter decomposition. The differences between drying intensities were minimal. In contrast, the WWTP effluent had no individual effects on leaf litter decomposition, but previously dried leaves exhibited legacy effects. The WWTP effluent also altered the fungal community composition by reducing the number of terrestrial species and promoting their replacement with more tolerant aquatic species. 4.Our results highlight the long-lasting legacy effects of drying on leaf litter decomposition and its associated fungal community when leaves are exposed to WWTP effluent. The increase in the number of dying events limits the dilution capacity of streams and likely increases the interaction between the two stressors, leading to more pronounced changes in fungal assemblages and their decomposition capacity, which is an important threat to ecosystem functioning.
Univariate Linear Normal Models: Optimal Equivariant Estimation
(MDPI, 2025-11-14) García, Gloria; Cubedo Culleré, Marta; Oller i Sala, Josep Maria
In this paper, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the minimum intrinsic risk equivariant (MIRE) estimator for univariate linear normal models. The estimator is derived under the action of the subgroup of the affine group that preserves the column space of the design matrix, within the framework of intrinsic statistical analysis based on the squared Rao distance as the loss function. This approach provides a parametrization-free assessment of risk and bias, differing substantially from the classical quadratic loss, particularly in small-sample settings. The MIRE is compared with the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) in terms of intrinsic risk and bias, and a simple approximate version (a-MIRE) is also proposed. Numerical evaluations show that the a-MIRE performs closely to the MIRE while significantly reducing the intrinsic bias and risk of the MLE for small samples. The proposed intrinsic methods could extend to other invariant frameworks and connect with recent developments in robust estimation procedures.
Potentially causal associations between placental DNA methylation and schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-03-14) Cilleros-Portet, Ariadna; Lesseur, Corina; Marí, Sergi; Cosín Tomàs, Marta; Lozano Relaño, Manuel; Irizar, Amaia; Burt, Amber; García-Santisteban, Iraia; Garrido Martín, Diego, 1992-; Escaramís Babiano, Geòrgia; Hernangomez-Laderas, Alba; Soler-Blasco, Raquel; Breeze, Charles E.; Gonzalez-Garcia, Bárbara P.; Santa Marina, Loreto; Chen, Jia; Llop, Sabrina; Fernández, Mariana F.; Vrijheid, Martine; Ibarluzea, Jesús; Guxens, Mònica; Marsit, Carmen; Bustamante Pineda, Mariona; Bilbao, Jose Ramon; Fernandez-Jimenez, Nora
Increasing evidence supports the role of the placenta in neurodevelopment and in the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. Recently, mQTL and iQTL maps have proven useful in understanding relationships between SNPs and GWAS that are not captured by eQTL. In this context, we propose that part of the genetic predisposition to complex neuropsychiatric disorders acts through placental DNA methylation. We construct a public placental cis-mQTL database including 214,830 CpG sites calculated in 368 fetal placenta DNA samples from the INMA project, and run cell type-, gestational age- and sex-imQTL models. We combine these data with summary statistics of GWAS on ten neuropsychiatric disorders using summary-based Mendelian randomization and colocalization. We also evaluate the influence of identified DNA methylation sites on placental gene expression in the RICHS cohort. We find that placental cis-mQTLs are enriched in placenta-specific active chromatin regions, and establish that part of the genetic burden for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder confers risk through placental DNA methylation. The potential causality of several of the observed associations is reinforced by secondary association signals identified in conditional analyses, the involvement of cell type-imQTLs, and the correlation of identified DNA methylation sites with the expression levels of relevant genes in the placenta.
Advancing Viscoelastic Material Characterization ThroughComputer Vision and Robotics: MIRANDA and RELAPP
(MDPI, 2025) Monleón Getino, Toni; Madarnás-Gómez, Victor; Cobos-Soler, Mario; Almacellas, Eduard; Ramos-Castro, Juan; Bielsa, Xavier; López-Brosa, Pere; Sahuquillo Estrugo, Àngels; Marsà-González, Inés; Rodríguez-Mena, Alejandro
This study introduces MIRANDA, a computer vision system, and RELAPP, a complementary force measurement system, developed for characterizing viscoelastic materials. Our aim was to evaluate their combined ability to predict key rheological parameters and demonstrate their utility in material analysis, offering an alternative to traditional methods. We analyzed five distinct flour dough samples, correlating MIRANDA and RELAPP variables with established rheological reference values. Support Vector Machine (SVM) regression models were trained using MIRANDA’s stable TR and elasticity data to predict industrially relevant parameters: baking strength (W), tenacity (P), extensibility (L), and final viscosity (RVU) from Chopin alveograph and viscosimeter. The predictive models showed promising results, with R2 values of 0.594 (p = 0) forW, 0.575 (p = 0) for P, and 0.612 (p = 0.03763) for viscosity, all statistically significant. While these findings are promising, it is important to note that the small sample size may limit the generalizability of these models. The synergy between the systems was evident, exemplified by strong positive correlations, such as between MIRANDA’s Elasticity and RELAPP’s c_exp (parameter ‘c’ of its mathematical model m1, r = 0.858) and final resistive force (r = 0.839). Despite the limited sample size, these findings highlight MIRANDA’s versatility and speed for efficient material characterization. MIRANDA and RELAPP offer significant industrial implications for viscoelastic materials, including accelerating development cycles and enhancing continuous quality control. This approach has strong potential to reduce reliance on slower, traditional methods, warranting further validation with larger datasets.
Lithium response in bipolar disorder: Epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures and epigenetic aging
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-04-25) Zafrilla-López, Marina ; Acosta-Díez, Miriam; Mitjans Niubó, Marina; Giménez Palomo, Anna; Saiz, Pilar A.; Barrot i Feixat, Carme; Jiménez Martínez, Ester; Papiol, Sergi; 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
Lithium (Li) is the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) even though only 30 % of BD patients are considered excellent responders. The mechanisms by which Li exerts its action are not clearly understood, but it has been suggested that specific epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylation processes, may play a role. In this regard, DNA methylation patterns can be used to estimate epigenetic age (EpiAge), which is accelerated in BD patients and reversed by Li treatment. Our first aim was to compare the DNA methylation profile in peripheral blood between BD patients categorized as excellent responders to Li (Ex-Rp) and non-responders (N-Rp). Secondly, EpiAge was estimated to detect differential age acceleration between the two groups. A total of 130 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and 16 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between Ex-Rp (n = 26) and N-Rp (n = 37) were identified (FDR adjusted p-value < 0.05). We found 122 genes mapping the DMPs and DMRs, nine of which (HOXB6, HOXB3, HOXB-AS3, TENM2, CACNA1B, ANK3, EEF2K, CYP1A1, and SORCS2) had previously been linked to Li response. We found genes related to the GSK3β pathway to be highly represented. Using FUMA, we found enrichment in Gene Ontology Cell Component for the synapse. Gene network analysis highlighted functions related to the cell cycle, nervous system development and function, and gene expression. No significant differences in age acceleration were found between Ex-Rp and N-Rp for any of the epigenetic clocks analysed. Our findings indicate that a specific methylation pattern could determine the response to Li in BD patients. We also found that a significant portion of the differentially methylated genes are closely associated with the GSK3β pathway, reinforcing the role of this system in Li response. Future longitudinal studies with larger samples will help to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying Li response.
Impacts of Climate, Organic Management, and Degradation Status on Soil Biodiversity in Agroecosystems Worldwide
(John Wiley & Sons, 2025-09-12) Sánchez Cueto, Pablo; Hartmann, Martin; García Velázquez, Laura; Gozalo, Beatriz; Ochoa, Victoria; Bongiorno, Giulia; Goede, Ron; Zoka, Melpomeni; Stathopoulos, Nikolaos; Kontoes, Charalampos; Olivares Martinez, Luis Daniel; Mataix-Solera, Jorge; García Orenes, Fuensanta; Van de Sande, Tomas; Hestbjerg, Helle; Alsina, Ina; Tóth, Zoltán; Barral, María Paula; Sirimarco, Ximena; Blaise Dongmo, Joseph; Nguefack, Julienne; Tangkoonboribun, Rochana; Clocchiatti, Anna; Ghemis Malcic, Radu; Bosch, Montserrat; Parras Moltó, Marcos; Yacoub Lopez, Cristina; Soliveres, Santiago; Lladó, Salvador, 1983-
Unsustainable soil management, climate change, and land degradation jeopardize soil biodiversity and soil-mediated ecosystem functions. Although the transition from conventional to organic agriculture has been proposed as a potential solution to alleviate these pressures, there is limited evidence of its effectiveness in enhancing belowground biodiversity across different biogeographical regions, climates, and land degradation levels. In this study, we holistically assessed the status of soil biodiversity, from microorganisms to meso- and macrofauna, in agroecosystems distributed across four continents. We identified the primary environmental community composition drivers and assessed the effects of the transition from conventional to organic management (no chemical inputs) on soil ecology. Our findings highlight the mean temperature and precipitation of the warmest and coldest quarters of the year, aridity, pH, and soil texture as the primary drivers of the different soil biodiversity components. Overall, organic farming has a significant but small impact on soil biodiversity compared to the other community drivers. On top of that, the results demonstrate the importance of a regional-specific context for a future generalized transition towards organic soil management. Specifically, under the most arid conditions in our study, organic management showed potential to buffer biodiversity loss in highly degraded soils, with a significant increase in diversity for prokaryotes and protists compared to conventionally managed soils. Therefore, the combination of a global and, simultaneously, regional-specific approach supports the hypothesis that a shift towards organic agriculture would maximize its beneficial impact on belowground diversity in highly degraded soils under arid conditions over the coming years, being a crucial tool to increase resilience and adaptation to global change for agriculture.
rbfox1 LoF mutants show disrupted bdnf/trkb2 and crhb/nr3c2 expression and increased cortisol levels during development coupled with signs of allostatic overload in adulthood
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-11-19) Leggieri, Adele; García-González, Judit; Hosseinian, Saeedeh; Ashdown, Peter; Anagianni, Sofia; Wang, Xian; Havelange, William; Fernàndez Castillo, Noèlia; Cormand Rifà, Bru; Brennan, Caroline H.
Mutations in the RBFOX1 gene are associated with psychiatric disorders but how RBFOX1 influences psychiatric disorder vulnerability remains unclear. Recent studies showed that RBFOX proteins mediate the alternative splicing of PAC1, a critical HPA axis activator. Further, RBFOX1 dysfunction is linked to dysregulation of BDNF/TRKB, a pathway promoting neuroplasticity, neuronal survival and stress resilience. Hence, RBFOX1 dysfunction may increase psychiatric disorder vulnerability via HPA axis dysregulation, leading to disrupted development and allostatic overload. To test this hypothesis, we generated a zebrafish rbfox1 loss of function (LoF) line and examined behavioural and molecular effects during development. We found that rbfox1 LoF mutants exhibited hyperactivity, impulsivity and heightened arousal, alongside alterations in proliferation – traits associated with neurodevelopmental and stress-related disorders. In adults, loss of rbfox1 function led to decreased fertility and survival, consistent with allostatic overload. At the molecular level, at larval stages rbfox1 mutants showed increased cortisol levels and disrupted expression of key stress-related genes (bdnf, trkb2, pac1a-hop, crhb, nr3c2). Pharmacological intervention targeting TRKB restored crhb and nr3c2 gene expression and hyperactive and hyperarousal behaviours. In adults, dysregulation of crhb, nr3c2 and bdnf/trkb2 genes was only seen following acute stress exposure. Our findings reveal a fundamental role for RBFOX1 in integrating stress responses through its regulation of BDNF/TRKB and neuroendocrine signalling.
Assessment of enflicoxib efficacy in the control of postoperative pain and inflammation in dogs undergoing orthopaedic surgery. A pilot randomised clinical trial
(Elsevier, 2025-09-01) Salichs, Marta; Arcas Pons, Antoni; Homedes, Josep; Costa-Farré, Cristina
Postoperative pain is most effectively managed pre-emptively and enflicoxib characteristics make it a good candidate to control it with a single administration. To assess the efficacy of enflicoxib in the control of postoperative pain and inflammation associated with orthopaedic surgery, twenty-eight dogs were randomised to receive 8 mg/kg enflicoxib (n = 14) orally the day before surgery, or 0.2 mg/kg meloxicam (n = 14) subcutaneously at induction and orally at 0.1 mg/kg daily every 24 h for seven days. Veterinarians assessed efficacy with the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale Short-Form (GCPS-SF) at 1.5, 3, 5, 8, 24 and 168 h after surgery. Visual analog scales (VAS) were also used to assess pain at rest, pain at palpation and inflammation. Enflicoxib showed to be non-inferior to meloxicam in the GCPS-SF total scores, at each time point, and the area under the curve (GCPS-SF AUC) for the first 24 h. No differences were observed in VAS scores at any time point after surgery or the global efficacy as assessed by the veterinarians, or the dog's wellbeing assessed by the owners. Enflicoxib administered 24 h before surgery is efficacious and safe for the control of postoperative pain associated with orthopaedic surgery. One single dose would control postoperative pain and inflammation for one whole week. The results need further confirmation in larger sample size studies.
Exploring viral contamination in urban groundwater and runoff
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-10-10) Itarte, Marta; Forés Gil, Eva; Martínez Puchol, Sandra; Scheiber, Laura; Vázquez Suñé, Enric; Bofill Mas, Silvia; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta
The reliance of the global population on urban aquifers is steadily increasing, and urban aquifers are susceptible to pathogenic contamination through sources such as sewer leakage or urban runoff. However, there is insufficient monitoring of groundwater quality in urban areas. In this study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to evaluate the presence of human fecal viral indicators and viral pathogens in urban wastewater (n = 13) and groundwater (n = 12) samples from four locations in Barcelona with different degrees of urbanization, as well as in runoff samples (n = 2). Additionally, a target enrichment sequencing (TES) approach was utilized to explore the viral diversity within groundwater and runoff samples, offering insights into viral contamination and potential virus transmission routes in urban areas. Human adenovirus (HAdV) was identified in all wastewater samples, 67 % (8/12) of groundwater samples, and one runoff sample by qPCR indicating human viral fecal contamination. The viral pathogen Norovirus genogroup GI (NoV GI) was detected in wastewater and two winter groundwater samples from highly and medium urbanized areas. NoV genogroup GII (NoV GII), Enterovirus (EV) and SARS-CoV-2 were exclusively detected in wastewater. Human and other vertebrate viruses were detected in groundwater and runoff samples using TES. This study gives insights about the virome present in urban water sources, emphasizing the need for thorough monitoring and deeper understanding to address emerging public health concerns.
Adapted methods for monitoring influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus in sludge and wastewater
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-03-25) Toribio-Avedillo, Daniel; Gómez-Gómez, Clara; Sala Comorera, Laura; Galofré, Belén; Muniesa Pérez, Ma. Teresa
Wastewater-based surveillance constitutes a valuable methodology for the continuous monitoring of viral circulation, with the capacity to function as an early warning system. It holds particular significance in scenarios where respiratory viruses exhibit overlapping clinical presentations, as occurs with SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus (IV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and allows seasonal virus outbreaks to be distinguished from COVID-19 peaks. Furthermore, sewage sludge, given it harbors concentrated human waste from a large population, serves as a substantial reservoir for pathogen detection. To effectively integrate wastewater-based epidemiology into infectious disease surveillance, the detection methods employed in wastewater samples must be adapted to the distinct characteristics of sludge matrices. In this study, we adapted and applied protocols for the detection of IV and RSV in sewage sludge, comparing their performance with the results obtained in wastewater. To assess the efficiency of these protocols, sludge and wastewater samples were spiked with IV and RSV RNA, either free or incorporated in lentiviral particles. Samples were concentrated using the aluminum hydroxide adsorption-precipitation method before viral RNA extraction. Absolute virus quantification was carried out by RT-qPCR, including an internal control to monitor potential inhibitory factors. Recovery efficiencies for both free IV and RSV RNA were 60 % in sludge, and 75 % and 71 % respectively in wastewater, whereas the values for IV and RSV RNA in lentiviral particles were 16 % and 10 % in sludge and 21 % and 17 % in wastewater respectively. Additionally, the protocol enabled the quantification of naturally occurring IV and RSV in wastewater and sludge samples collected from two wastewater treatment plants during the winter months, thus affirming the efficacy of the employed methodologies.
Assessing environmental exposure to viruses in wastewater treatment plant and swine farm scenarios with next-generation sequencing and occupational risk approaches
(Elsevier, 2024-06-01) Itarte, Marta; Calvo, Miquel (Calvo Llorca); Martínez-Frago, Lola; Mejías-Molina, Cristina; Martínez-Puchol, Sandra; Gironès Llop, Rosina; Medema, Gertjan; Bofill Mas, Silvia; Rusiñol Arantegui, Marta
Occupational exposure to pathogens can pose health risks. This study investigates the viral exposure of workers in a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and a swine farm by analyzing aerosol and surfaces samples. Viral contamination was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays, and target enrichment sequencing (TES) was performed to identify the vertebrate viruses to which workers might be exposed. Additionally, Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was conducted to estimate the occupational risk associated with viral exposure for WWTP workers, choosing Human Adenovirus (HAdV) as the reference pathogen. In the swine farm, QMRA was performed as an extrapolation, considering a hypothetical zoonotic virus with characteristics similar to Porcine Adenovirus (PAdV). The modelled exposure routes included aerosol inhalation and oral ingestion through contaminated surfaces and hand-to-mouth contact. HAdV and PAdV were widespread viruses in the WWTP and the swine farm, respectively, by qPCR assays. TES identified human and other vertebrate viruses WWTP samples, including viruses from families such as Adenoviridae, Circoviridae, Orthoherpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, and Parvoviridae. In the swine farm, most of the identified vertebrate viruses were porcine viruses belonging to Adenoviridae, Astroviridae, Circoviridae, Herpesviridae, Papillomaviridae, Parvoviridae, Picornaviridae, and Retroviridae. QMRA analysis revealed noteworthy risks of viral infections for WWTP workers if safety measures are not taken. The probability of illness due to HAdV inhalation was higher in summer compared to winter, while the greatest risk from oral ingestion was observed in workspaces during winter. Swine farm QMRA simulation suggested a potential occupational risk in the case of exposure to a hypothetical zoonotic virus. This study provides valuable insights into WWTP and swine farm worker's occupational exposure to human and other vertebrate viruses. QMRA and NGS analyses conducted in this study will assist managers in making evidence-based decisions, facilitating the implementation of protection measures, and risk mitigation practices for workers.
The long 5′ UTR of nrdAB modulates mRNA levels, stability, and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-12-01) Martínez Mateos, Ángela; Rubio Canalejas, Alba; Pedraz López, Lucas; Torrents Serra, Eduard
The class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), encoded by the nrdAB operon in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has a long 5’ untranslated region (5’ UTR) whose regulatory role remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of the nrdAB 5’ UTR using a comprehensive set of bioinformatic and experimental approaches, including gene expression profiling, relative protein levels, and in vivo infection assays in the Galleria mellonella animal model. Our results demonstrate that the 5’ UTR negatively regulates nrdA expression by reducing transcript levels, decreasing mRNA stability and limiting protein abundance. Truncation of this region led to increased expression, particularly during the stationary phase, suggesting that this region may contribute to modulating RNR activity during the stationary phase, when dNTP demand is reduced. In vivo, the Δ5’ UTR mutant exhibited reduced virulence compared to the wild-type strain, accompanied by elevated nrdA mRNA levels and a modest decrease in nrdJ expression. Although these changes may contribute to altered RNR regulation during infection, they are unlikely to fully explain the observed phenotype, indicating that additional factors may be involved. Although no specific regulatory elements within or acting upon the 5’ UTR were probed under the tested conditions, the possibility of such mechanisms cannot be excluded, and further studies will be needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the 5’ UTR plays a regulatory role in modulating nrdAB operon expression and contributes to maintaining RNR system homeostasis in P. aeruginosa.
Biofilm formation of Tenacibaculum maritimum, a fish pathogenic bacteria, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of fish skin mucus
(Frontiers Media, 2025-10-13) Tejero, Marc; Sanahuja Piera, Ignasi; Balsalobre Parra, Carlos; Ibarz i Valls, Antoni; Madrid Xufré, Cristina; Fernández-Alacid, Laura
Biofilms, defined as aggregates of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), are formed by most bacteria in both natural and pathogenic ecosystems. In aquaculture, biofilms pose a dual challenge: they confer recalcitrance to antimicrobials treatments and contribute to persistent infections by forming on facility surfaces such as tanks, nets, cages, and equipment. Tenacibaculum maritimum, the causative agent of tenacibaculosis, is responsible for significant economic losses in fish farming. Although the antibacterial activity of fish skin mucus against this pathogen has been evaluated in vitro, its effects on T. maritimum biofilms have not yet been determined. In this study, we provide a simple methodology for the in vitro formation and quantification of T. maritimum biofilms to monitor antibacterial properties of different compounds or substances, such as fish skin mucus. For this purpose, biofilm formation was assessed under varying culture volumes (200, 300, and 400 µL) and incubation times (24, 48, and 72 hours) in 48-well microplates. Then, the effects of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) skin mucus were evaluated on planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and biofilm dispersion, measuring both biomass and metabolic activity. Based on the tested volumes and incubation times, the optimal condition for biofilm formation was defined as 24 hours in MB at 25 ºC using 200 µL culture volume. These conditions supported the development of a biofilm (OD570>1.5 after crystal violet staining) while conserving time and mucus. Seabream mucus significantly impaired T. maritimum planktonic growth and biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Non-diluted mucus completely inhibited planktonic growth and biofilm metabolic activity, and reduced biofilm biomass by 81.16 ± 2.54%. In contrast, its effect on mature biofilms was limited, with reductions of approximately 50% in metabolic activity and 40% in biomass. This study provides a platform to assess how different fish culture conditions affect the host’s susceptibility to T. maritimum infections, which is crucial for preventing economic losses in fish farming. Additionally, it opens the door to studies analyzing the components of fish skin mucus responsible for its antibacterial activity, aiming to develop novel therapeutic compounds for targeting biofilms formed by this pathogen.
Optimized alveolar epithelial cell model for chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus coinfections
(Elsevier, 2025-11-21) Admella, Joana; Alcàcer Almansa, Júlia; Julian, Esther; Torrents Serra, Eduard
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a relevant pathogen in chronic respiratory infections, which are usually associated with biofilm formation, complicating in vitro modeling and effective treatment strategies. While P. aeruginosa can coexist with several microorganisms, its association with Staphylococcus aureus is widespread in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and other bronchiectasis. Finding a reliable and straightforward in vitro model to study long-term P. aeruginosa infections is extremely hard due to the secretion of highly virulent toxins that compromise the model within less than 10 h. Several optimizations, including the use of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and extracellular matrix proteins, led to enhanced A549 cell viability up to 30 h post-infection. Within this time frame, we developed P. aeruginosa biofilms, explored host-pathogen interactions, and delved deeper into the relationship between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Additionally, ciprofloxacin treatment was evaluated, revealing changes and differences in antibiotic susceptibility and underlying significant differences between bacterial strains
Characterizing decision-making and reward processing in bipolar disorder: A cluster analysis
(Elsevier B.V., 2018-07) Jiménez Martínez, Esther; Solé Cabezuelo, Brisa; Arias Sampériz, Bárbara; Mitjans Niubó, Marina; Varo, Cristina; Reinares, María; Bonnín Roig, Caterina del Mar; Salagre Muñoz, Estela; Ruíz, Victoria; Torres, Imma; Tomioka, Yoko; Sáiz Martínez, Pilar Alejandra; García-Portilla González, María Paz, 1962-; Burón, Patricia; Bobes García, Julio; Martínez-Arán, Anabel, 1971-; Torrent Font, Carla; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Benabarre, Antonio
The presence of abnormalities in emotional decision-making and reward processing among bipolar patients (BP) has been well rehearsed. These disturbances are not limited to acute phases and are common even during remission. In recent years, the existence of discrete cognitive profiles in this psychiatric population has been replicated. However, emotional decision making and reward processing domains have barely been studied. Therefore, our aim was to explore the existence of different profiles on the aforementioned cognitive dimensions in BP. The sample consisted of 126 euthymic BP. Main sociodemographic, clinical, functioning, and neurocognitive variables were gathered. A hierarchical-clustering technique was used to identify discrete neurocognitive profiles based on the performance in the Iowa Gambling Task. Afterward, the resulting clusters were compared using ANOVA or Chi-squared Test, as appropriate. Evidence for the existence of three different profiles was provided. Cluster 1 was mainly characterized by poor decision ability. Cluster 2 presented the lowest sensitivity to punishment. Finally, cluster 3 presented the best decision-making ability and the highest levels of punishment sensitivity. Comparison between the three clusters indicated that cluster 2 was the most functionally impaired group. The poorest outcomes in attention, executive function domains, and social cognition were also observed within the same group. In conclusion, similarly to that observed in "cold cognitive" domains, our results suggest the existence of three discrete cognitive profiles concerning emotional decision making and reward processing. Amongst all the indexes explored, low punishment sensitivity emerge as a potential correlate of poorer cognitive and functional outcomes in bipolar disorder.
The hepatocyte traffic network in the human hepatitis A virus biological cyclefrom an evolutionary perspective
(Springer Nature, 2025-06-12) Carcereny, Albert; Arrebola, Alba; Chavarria Miró, Gemma; Castellarnau Serra, Montserrat de; Fuentes Pardo, Cristina; García-Pedemonte, David; Martínez-Velázquez, Adán; Ribes Mora, Enric; Bosch, Albert; Guix Arnau, Susana; Costafreda Salvany, M. Isabel (Maria Isabel); Pintó Solé, Rosa María
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) egresses from hepatocytes cloaked in exosomes (eHAV). However, the traffic network used for its release from polarized hepatocytes is not completely understood. We propose that eHAV biogenesis may follow not only an ESCRT-mediated pathway but also the syndecan-syntenin-ALIX pathway. The Bro1 and the V domains of ALIX bind to the pX extension of VP1 and the VP2-late domains of the unmature capsid, respectively. A Serine-to-Glycine replacement at position 134 of VP2, closely located with the first late domain, facilitates the interaction with ALIX promoting the syndecan-syntenin-ALIX pathway and improving the basolateral egress, preferentially using RAB35. This replacement is conserved in hepatoviruses infecting a wide range of mammalian species, but not in hepatoviruses infecting chimpanzees and humans. An inefficient basolateral egress could be a strategy to escape the antiviral cellular response in apes.

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