Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jorge L. Costafreda, Domingo A. Martin, Beatriz Astudillo, Leticia Presa, Jose Luis Parra, Miguel A. Sanjuan
Summary: The objective of this research is to study and characterize diatomites from the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula as natural pozzolans. Morphological and chemical characterization studies were conducted on the samples using SEM and XRF. The physical properties and technical properties of the samples were determined through various tests. The results show that the diatomites studied are pozzolanic and can be used to improve cements, mortars, and concrete.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Nieves Lorenzo, Alejandro Diaz-Poso, Dominic Roye
Summary: Heatwave projections for the Iberian Peninsula show a general significant increase in intensity, frequency, duration, and spatial extent, particularly in the eastern-central region and on the Mediterranean coast. As climate change continues, the impacts of heatwaves are predicted to intensify further.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Aurora Silva, Carla Rodrigues, Paula Garcia-Oliveira, Catarina Lourenco-Lopes, Sofia A. Silva, Pascual Garcia-Perez, Ana P. Carvalho, Valentina F. Domingues, M. Fatima Barroso, Cristina Delerue-Matos, Jesus Simal-Gandara, Miguel A. Prieto
Summary: Algae are a promising source of bioactive compounds, with ethanolic extracts showing highest extraction yield and ethyl acetate extracts with highest TPC and FRAP values. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities varied depending on the solvent and algal species, with Ascophyllum nodosum and Bifurcaria bifurcata showing promising results.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
J. Poblet, M. Bulnes, H. Uzkeda, M. Magan
Summary: The Schmidt hammer has been used to quantify the impact resistance of rocks in different positions of a fold, and the findings are consistent with other indicators such as dip and thickness. This has implications on obtaining representative rebound values of stratigraphic units and deriving mechanical parameters of rocks.
JOURNAL OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Alejandro Diaz-Poso, Nieves Lorenzo, Alberto Marti, Dominic Roye
Summary: Cold waves have received less attention than heat waves in the scientific community despite their impacts on public health, transportation infrastructure, and energy consumption in the context of global warming. This study analyzes climate change scenarios for the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands using the Excess Cold Factor index. The projections show a significant overall decrease in intensity, frequency, duration, and spatial extent of cold waves in the near future compared to the historical period. However, the acclimatization of the population to higher temperatures will still pose a serious local threat from cold waves.
ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jesus Abril-Gago, Pablo Ortiz-Amezcua, Diego Bermejo-Pantaleon, Juana Andujar-Maqueda, Juan Antonio Bravo-Aranda, Maria Jose Granados-Munoz, Francisco Navas-Guzman, Lucas Alados-Arboledas, Inmaculada Foyo-Moreno, Juan Luis Guerrero-Rascado
Summary: In 2018, the European Space Agency launched the first Doppler wind lidar system into space, providing wind observation profiles based on scene classification. A validation campaign was conducted using a ground-based lidar system and radiosondes. The validation showed that the Aeolus wind products did not have significant errors in measuring wind speed. Multiple analyses were performed to test the reliability of the criteria used. After an orbit shift, a separate study was conducted with different collocation criteria and showed that radiosondes were useful for comparison with Rayleigh-clear observations but not with Mie-cloudy observations.
ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andre Flores-Bello, Neus Font-Porterias, Julen Aizpurua-Iraola, Sara Duarri-Redondo, David Comas
Summary: This study examines the genetic characteristics of the Merchero population for the first time, revealing that their genetic diversity is mainly explained within the context of the Iberian Peninsula, with a modest signal of Roma admixture. Additionally, Mercheros display low genetic isolation and intrapopulation heterogeneity.
Article
Microbiology
Yanli Li, Ruben Fernandez, Inma Duran, Rafael A. Molina-Lopez, Laila Darwich
Summary: This study analyzed clinical samples of dogs and cats on the Iberian Peninsula, finding that Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp. were the most predominant bacteria, with differences in antimicrobial resistance between dogs and cats.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
A. Morata, T. Arroyo, M. A. Banuelos, P. Blanco, A. Briones, J. M. Cantoral, D. Castrillo, G. Cordero-Bueso, J. M. del Fresno, C. Escott, R. Escribano-Viana, M. Fernandez-Gonzalez, S. Ferrer, M. Garcia, C. Gonzalez, A. R. Gutierrez, I Loira, M. Malfeito-Ferreira, A. Martinez, I Pardo, M. Ramirez, M. Ruiz-Munoz, P. Santamaria, J. A. Suarez-Lepe, A. Vilela, V Capozzi
Summary: Yeast selection in the wine industry in Spain has been extensively studied for the improvement of alcoholic fermentation and overall wine quality. The research has focused on both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces strains, resulting in the selection of specific strains from various regions and the development of tailored biotechnological solutions for different wine attributes.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana Ortega-Olivencia, Tomas Rodriguez-Riano, Josefa Lopez, Francisco J. Valtuena
Summary: The study estimated that there are at least 572 species and subspecies with elaiosome-bearing diaspores in the Ibero-Balearic territory, with almost one-third of them being endemic. The myrmecochorous species richness in this area is positively correlated with ruggedness, latitude, and longitude. Most of the species are perennial herbs that prefer basic substrates and are found in forests, scrubs, and anthropized sites.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Alarcon, Raul Rodriguez-Sola, M. Carmen Casas-Castillo, Francisco Molero, Pedro Salvador, Cristina Periago, Jordina Belmonte
Summary: The study analyzed the influence of the most frequent patterns of synoptic circulation on the dynamics of airborne pollen/spores recorded at the Barcelona Aerobiological Station. Six pollen types and one fungal spore with high allergenic effect were selected for analysis. Different statistical methods were applied to analyze the relationships between concentrations and timing of the recorded aerobiological particles and specific synoptic types. The study revealed significant influences of certain synoptic patterns on the occurrence and peak dates of flowering.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
M. Shantal Rodriguez-Flores, Soraia Falcao, Olga Escuredo, M. Carmen Seijo, Miguel Vilas-Boas
Summary: Heather honey is highly valued for its sensory profile, which is influenced by volatile compounds. This study analyzed 33 heather honey samples to identify key volatile compounds and found 58 organic compounds, with hotrienol, phenylacetaldehyde, and cis-linalool being the most abundant. The volatile profile showed homogeneity across samples and a close relationship with the main pollen types.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Santiago Sossa-Rios, Alejandro Mayor, Cristo M. Hernandez, Mariel Bencomo, Leopoldo Perez, Bertila Galvan, Carolina Mallol, Manuel Vaquero
Summary: To test hypotheses about Neanderthal behavior, it is important to analyze their behavior at a spatial-temporal resolution similar to that of a single human occupation episode. However, previous research on Neanderthal behavior has relied on coarsely dated contexts and a variety of post-depositional processes, which makes it difficult to understand their behavior in detail. In this study, the researchers conducted archaeostratigraphic analysis on several stratigraphic units from the Abric del Pastor site and applied various methods to analyze the archaeological remains associated with these units. The results provide a detailed understanding of a single occupation episode by Neanderthals, shedding light on their tool use and activities such as flintknapping and animal processing.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Irene Sanchez-Gavilan, Esteban Ramirez Chueca, Vicenta de la Fuente Garcia
Summary: This study identified a variety of phenolic acids and flavonoids in Sarcocornia and Arthrocnemum, indicating the relationship between nutritional interest and salt tolerance in halophytes. The use of Folin-Ciocalteu, GC-MS, and ESI-MS/MS techniques contributed to the discovery of a high diversity of bioactive compounds in these halophytes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Huerta, Elena Marcos, Victor Fernandez-Garcia, Leonor Calvo
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of burn severity on ecosystem multifunctionality in Mediterranean ecosystems. The results showed that most ecosystem functions and services were negatively affected by burn severity, but high severity significantly increased soil fertility function while moderate severity decreased woody species diversity and aesthetic value.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Virology
Alexandre P. Fernandes, Ana Agueda-Pinto, Ana Pinheiro, Hugo Rebelo, Pedro J. Esteves
Summary: The chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5 have undergone extensive gene conversion in multiple bat species. Bats are known to be reservoirs for viruses, and these results suggest that chimeric CCR2-CCR5 genes may provide a selective advantage against viruses that rely on these receptors.
Article
Virology
Alexandre P. Fernandes, Ana Agueda-Pinto, Ana Pinheiro, Hugo Rebelo, Pedro J. Esteves
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of the TRIM gene cluster in several bat genomes, revealing a dynamic history of gene expansion in TRIM5 and TRIM22 genes. The study also identifies multiple amino acids under positive selection in the PRYSPRY domain of TRIM5 and TRIM22 proteins. These findings shed light on the important role of bats as reservoirs of viruses.
Article
Immunology
Joao Vasco Corte-Real, Hanna-Mari Baldauf, Jose Melo-Ferreira, Joana Abrantes, Pedro Jose Esteves
Summary: Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) show an unusual pattern of gain and loss of genes in muroids, with high diversity and plasticity. Four new Gbp genes specific to muroids were identified and a new classification was proposed. Primate GBP1, GBP3, and GBP7 were absent from muroid genomes. The evolutionary analyses of muroid Gbp genes provided new insights into their evolution and function.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Fabiana Neves, Joao Pedro Marques, Helena Areal, Patricia Pinto-Pinho, Bruno Colaco, Jose Melo-Ferreira, Margarida Fardilha, Joana Abrantes, Pedro Jose Esteves
Summary: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are ancient and important innate immune receptors responsible for host defense against pathogens. The evolution and expression of TLR7 and TLR8 genes vary among different species, with faster evolution observed in lagomorphs, particularly in leporids, possibly due to their long history of interacting with viruses and their location in dynamic telomeric regions.
Review
Immunology
Luca Schelle, Joao Vasco Corte-Real, Pedro Jose Esteves, Joana Abrantes, Hanna-Mari Baldauf
Summary: Guanylate binding proteins (GBPs) are an ancient protein family widely found in eukaryotes. They play a crucial role in the cell-autonomous innate immune response and inflammasome activation. Evolutionary studies have shown that GBPs undergo gene gain and loss, with variations among different species. This review provides insights into the evolution, conservation, and functions of GBPs in various species, highlighting their transferability to other organisms.
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Agueda-Pinto, Simona Kraberger, Anne Everts, Ami Gutierrez-Jensen, Honor L. Glenn, Kevin P. Dalton, Ana Podadera, Francisco Parra, Monica Martinez-Haro, Jose Alberto Vinuelas, Arvind Varsani, Grant McFadden, Masmudur M. Rahman, Pedro J. Esteves
Summary: The M159 protein plays a critical role in determining the host specificity of MYXV-Tol in hare and human cells by imparting new host range functions.
Article
Immunology
Fabio A. Abade dos Santos, Carina L. Carvalho, Pamela C. L. G. Valente, Henrique Armes, Sylvia S. Reemers, Maria C. Peleteiro, Ines Calonge Sanz, Kevin P. Dalton, Francisco Parra, Margarida D. Duarte
Summary: A new myxoma virus has caused outbreaks and population reduction in Iberian hares. The efficacy of commercial vaccines for domestic rabbits against this virus in Iberian hares and wild rabbits was evaluated. Higher doses of one vaccine showed potential protection for Iberian hares, while both vaccines tested were fully protective in wild rabbits.
Article
Microbiology
Angel L. Alvarez, Kevin P. Dalton, Ines Nicieza, Fabio A. Abade Dos Santos, Pilar de la Pena, Pedro Dominguez, Jose M. Martin-Alonso, Francisco Parra
Summary: Surface contamination plays an important role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Personal protective elements and physical barriers, such as masks, gloves, and indoor glass separators, increase safety and have proven effective in preventing contagion. This study explores the virucidal properties of a commercial TiO2-coated photocatalytic glass against a model human coronavirus, showing its potential to inactivate the virus and reduce transmission.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Henrique Pacheco, Ana M. Lopes, Juan Barcena, Esther Blanco, Joana Abrantes, Pedro Esteves, Remi Choquet, Paulo Celio Alves, Nuno Santos
Summary: Estimation of the diagnostic performance of serological tests in wildlife is often challenging due to the lack of reference tests or known infection samples. In this study, the researchers used multi-event capture-mark-recapture (MECMR) models to analyze longitudinal serological data of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and myxoma virus (MYXV) in European rabbits. They found that the MECMR models provided reliable estimates of the diagnostic performance of the tests for RHDV and MYXV. The results showed that the RHDV test employing GI.2 antigens had a higher sensitivity than the tests employing GI.1 antigens. The study demonstrates the potential of MECMR models in validating diagnostic tests for emerging pathogens in novel host species.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Patricia de Sousa-Pereira, Dennis K. Lanning, Pedro J. Esteves, Christian Spoerry, Jenny M. Woof, Ana Pinheiro
Summary: IgA antibodies play a crucial role in defending against pathogens and maintaining commensal microbiota in the intestinal tract. The addition of longer hinge regions from rabbit IgAs to therapeutic IgA antibodies could potentially improve their therapeutic potential.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Mila M. Leuthold, Turgay Kilic, Jessica M. Devant, Oscar Landeta, Francisco Parra, Kevin P. Dalton, Grant S. Hansman
Summary: This study provides the structural basis for the specificity of an RHDV GI.2 diagnostic antibody (2D9) and explains how amino acid variation at the binding site restricts cross-reactivity. The findings have implications for characterizing antigenic variants and developing new monoclonal antibodies for diagnostics and therapeutics.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Carolina Matos, Ana Pinheiro, Randall S. S. Davis, Pedro J. J. Esteves
Summary: The FCRL genes encode immunoregulatory molecules that modulate the vertebrate adaptive immune system. In Dasypus novemcinctus, the FCRL6 gene underwent repeated duplication resulting in six functional copies, which may have played a role in the armadillo's resistance to Mycobacterium leprae. These findings highlight the species-specific diversification of FCRL family members and the genetic complexity underlying evolving multigene families critical for modulating adaptive immune protection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Filipe Fontes Pinto, Joana Abrantes, Paula Gomes Ferreira, Mario Nobrega, Ricardo Marcos
Summary: Four pet rabbits diagnosed with fatal infection by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV2) were identified. They all lived in an urban environment and were not vaccinated. Three rabbits died shortly after arriving at the clinic and tested positive for RHDV2. The fourth rabbit showed symptoms of acute hepatitis before dying.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
