What if the upwelling weakens? Effects of rising temperature and nutrient depletion on coastal assemblages.

Surface temperature of the oceans has increased globally over the past decades. In coastal areas influenced by eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUS), winds push seawater offshore and deep, cold and nutrient-rich seawater rise towards the surface, partially buffering global warming. On the North coast of Portugal, the NW Iberian upwelling system allows extensive kelp forests to thrive in these "boreal-like" conditions, fostering highly diverse and productive communities. However, the warming of the upper layer of the ocean may weaken this upwelling, leading to higher sea surface temperature and lower nutrient input in the coastal areas. The effects of these changes on the structure and function of coastal ecosystems remain unexplored. The present study aimed to examine the combined effects of elevated temperature and nutrient depletion on semi-naturally structured assemblages. The eco-physiological responses investigated included growth, chlorophyll fluorescence and metabolic rates at the levels of individual species and whole assemblages. Our findings showed interactive effects of the combination of elevated temperature with nutrient depletion on the large canopy-forming species (i.e., kelp). As main contributor to community response, those effects drove the whole assemblage responses to significant losses in productivity levels. We also found an additive effect of elevated temperature and reduced nutrients on sub-canopy species (i.e., Chondrus crispus), while turfs were only affected by temperature. Our results suggest that under weakening upwelling scenarios, the ability of the macroalgal assemblages to maintain high productivity rates could be seriously affected and predict a shift in community composition with the loss of marine forests.

The Combination of Citrus Rootstock and Scion Cultivar Influences Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae) Survival, Preference Choice and Oviposition.

Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio, 1918) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a citrus pest which produces gall symptoms on leaves and transmits bacteria associated with the citrus disease Huanglongbing, 'Candidatus Liberibacter' spp. In the present work, the biology and behaviour of T. erytreae were studied in different rootstock-cultivar combinations. Six rootstocks were used, Flying dragon (FD), 'Cleopatra' mandarin (CL), Carrizo citrange (CC), Forner-Alcaide no.5 (FA5), Forner-Alcaide no.517 (FA517) and Citrus macrophylla (CM), and six scion cultivars: 'Star Ruby', 'Clemenules', 'Navelina', 'Valencia Late', 'Fino 49' and 'Ortanique'. Survival and oviposition were evaluated in a no-choice trial, and preference in a choice trial, all of them under greenhouse conditions. Trioza erytreae did not show a clear settle preference for any citrus combination. However, it was able to lay more eggs in 'Fino 49' grafted on CC than on FD. In terms of survival, 'Ortanique' grafted onto FA5 was more suitable than when grafted onto FA517, and in the case of 'Valencia Late', when it was grafted onto CM rather than CC. Our results showed that T. erytreae behave differently depending on the citrus combination.

Diferencias en la evolución del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en España en el periodo 2011-2019 por sexo, edad y nivel socioeconómico: resultados del estudio ALADINO / Differences in the temporal trends of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain in the 2011-2019 period by sex, age and socioeconomic level: Results of the ALADINO study

Introducción: El exceso de peso infantil es un problema de salud pública creciente. El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar la evolución de la prevalencia de sobrepeso, de obesidad y de obesidad central en escolares de 6 a 9años en España entre 2011 y 2019 según características demográficas y socioeconómicas.MetodologíaSe incluyeron las rondas 2011, 2015 y 2019 del estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal ALADINO en escolares de ambos sexos de 6 a 9años. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la evolución de la prevalencia de sobrepeso y de obesidad según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), así como obesidad central, y las variables demográficas y socioeconómicas asociadas.ResultadosEntre 2011 y 2019 se redujo la prevalencia de sobrepeso (criterios OMS) en niños de 6, 7 y 8años (−5,4, −5,7 y −5,3 puntos porcentuales, respectivamente) y niños cuyos progenitores tenían estudios superiores (−5,3 puntos porcentuales). Por renta, el sobrepeso en niños se redujo en todos los niveles de ingresos. Sin embargo, entre 2011 y 2019 se mantuvieron estables tanto la prevalencia de sobrepeso en niñas como la prevalencia de obesidad según las referencias OMS e IOTF y la de obesidad central en ambos sexos.ConclusionesLas prevalencias de sobrepeso y de obesidad en escolares de 6 a 9años en España siguen siendo altas. Entre 2011 y 2019 disminuyó la prevalencia de sobrepeso en niños de 6 a 8años y aquellos cuyos progenitores tienen estudios universitarios, mientras que la obesidad en niños, el sobrepeso y la obesidad en niñas, y la obesidad central en ambos sexos han permanecido estables. (AU)

Introduction: Childhood excess weight is a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in schoolchildren aged 6 to 9years in Spain between 2011 and 2019 based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.MethodologyThe analysis included data from the 2011, 2015 and 2019 rounds of the cross-sectional observational and descriptive ALADINO study in schoolchildren of both sexes aged 6 to 9years. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity (defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization [WHO] and the International Obesity Task Force [IOTF]) and of central obesity, in addition to associated demographic and socioeconomic variables.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight (WHO criteria) decreased in boys aged 6, 7 and 8years (by −5.4%, −5.7% and −5.3%, respectively) and boys whose parents had a higher educational attainment (by −5.3%). In relation to the socioeconomic level, overweight in boys declined at all income levels. However, between 2011 and 2019, both the prevalence of overweight in girls and the prevalence of obesity (applying the WHO and IOTF criteria) and the prevalence of central obesity in both sexes remained stable.ConclusionsThe prevalence of overweight and the prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren aged 6 to 9years in Spain remain high. Between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight in children aged 6 to 8years and in children whose parents had university degrees decreased, whereas obesity in boys, overweight and obesity in girls and central obesity in both sexes remained stable. (AU)

Differences in the temporal trends of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain in the 2011-2019 period by sex, age and socioeconomic level: results of the ALADINO study.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood excess weight is a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in schoolchildren aged 6-9 years in Spain between 2011 and 2019 based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODOLOGY: The analysis included data from the 2011, 2015 and 2019 rounds of the cross-sectional observational and descriptive ALADINO study in schoolchildren of both sexes aged 6-9 years. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity (defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force) and of central obesity, in addition to associated demographic and socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight (WHO criteria) decreased in boys aged 6, 7 and 8 years (by -5.4%, -5.7% and -5.3%, respectively) and boys whose parents had a higher educational attainment (by -5.3%). In relation to the socioeconomic level, overweight in boys declined at all income levels. However, between 2011 and 2019, both the prevalence of overweight in girls and the prevalence of obesity (applying the WHO and IOTF criteria) and the prevalence of central obesity in both sexes remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight and the prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren aged 6-9 years in Spain remain high. Between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight in children aged 6-8 years and in children whose parents had university degrees decreased, whereas obesity in boys, overweight and obesity in girls and central obesity in both sexes remained stable.

Desigualdades socioeconómicas y de género en la obesidad infantil en España / Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in childhood obesity in Spain

Introducción: La obesidad infantil se asocia inversamente con el nivel socioeconómico familiar en países desarrollados. El objetivo es evaluar la asociación entre la situación ponderal infantil y el nivel socioeconómico familiar, según características familiares, percepciones, hábitos de vida y entorno escolar. Metodología: Análisis descriptivo de la situación ponderal infantil según factores socioeconómicos familiares y variables mediadoras en el estudio ALADINO 2019, en una muestra de 16.665 escolares representativa de la población escolar de seis a nueve años en España. Resultados: La prevalencia de obesidad infantil en hogares de bajo nivel socioeconómico (26,8% niños; 20,4% niñas) era, en ambos sexos, el doble de la de los de mayor nivel (12,1% niños; 8,7% niñas). En escolares de familias de baja renta eran más frecuentes hábitos alimentarios poco saludables, el sedentarismo (principalmente en niñas) y la presencia de pantallas en la habitación (más en niños). Por el contrario, en hogares más desfavorecidos eran menos frecuentes el antecedente de lactancia materna y la práctica de actividad física (especialmente en niñas). La disponibilidad de cocina propia, actividades deportivas y gimnasio cubierto en los centros era también menos habitual para los escolares de familias de menor renta. Conclusiones: Un menor nivel socioeconómico del hogar se asocia con peores hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física y ciertas características del entorno familiar y el escolar, que a su vez median la asociación inversa que existe entre el nivel socioeconómico y la prevalencia de obesidad infantil. Las niñas realizan menos actividad física y presentan más sedentarismo, mientras que los niños tienen más acceso a pantallas. Las intervenciones para combatir la obesidad infantil deben contemplar las desigualdades identificadas. (AU)

Introduction: Childhood obesity is inversely associated with household socioeconomic status in high-income countries. Our aim was to explore the association between childhood weight status and household socioeconomic status in Spain in relation to family characteristics, perceptions and lifestyle habits and the school environment. Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis of child weight status according to family socioeconomic factors and mediating variables based on data from the ALADINO 2019 study in a sample of 16 665 schoolchildren representative of the population aged 6–9 years in Spain. Results: The prevalence of childhood obesity in households with low socioeconomic status (26.8% boys; 20.4% girls) was, in both sexes, twice as high as in those with higher socioeconomic status (12.1% boys; 8.7% girls). Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles (mainly in girls) and the presence of screens in the bedroom (more prevalent in boys) were more frequent in school-aged children from low-income households. On the other hand, in the most disadvantaged households, a history of breastfeeding and physical activity (especially in girls) were less frequent. Similarly, schools attended by children from low-income households were less likely to have their own kitchens and indoor gymnasiums or offer sports activities. Conclusions: A lower household socioeconomic status was associated with poorer dietary and physical activity habits and certain characteristics of the family and school environments that mediate the inverse association between household socioeconomic status and the prevalence of childhood obesity. Girls were less physically active and reported more sedentary lifestyles, while boys had greater access to screens. Interventions to combat childhood obesity should address the identified inequalities. (AU)

Rapid tropicalization evidence of subtidal seaweed assemblages along a coastal transitional zone.

Anthropogenic climate change, particularly seawater warming, is expected to drive quick shifts in marine species distribution transforming coastal communities. These shifts in distribution will be particularly noticeable in biogeographical transition zones. The continental Portuguese coast stretches from north to south along 900 km. Despite this short spatial scale, the strong physical gradient intensified by the Iberian upwelling creates a transition zone where seaweed species from boreal and Lusitanian-Mediterranean origin coexist. On the northern coast, kelp marine forests thrive in the cold, nutrient-rich oceanic waters. In the south, communities resemble Mediterranean-type seaweed assemblages and are dominated by turfs. Recent evidence suggests that in these coastal areas, marine intertidal species are shifting their distribution edges as a result of rising seawater temperatures. Taking advantage of previous abundance data collected in 2012 from subtidal seaweed communities, a new sampling program was carried out in the same regions in 2018 to assess recent changes. The results confirmed the latitudinal gradient in macroalgal assemblages. More importantly we found significant structural and functional changes in a short period of six years, with regional increases of abundance of warm-affinity species, small seaweeds like turfs. Species richness, diversity, and biomass increase, all accompanied by an increase of community temperature index (CTI). Our findings suggest that subtidal seaweed communities in this transitional area have undergone major changes within a few years. Evidence of "fast tropicalization" of the subtidal communities of the Portuguese coast are strong indication of the effects of anthropic climate change over coastal assemblages.

Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in childhood obesity in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is inversely associated with household socioeconomic status in high-income countries. Our aim was to explore the association between childhood weight status and household socioeconomic status in Spain in relation to family characteristics, perceptions and lifestyle habits and the school environment. METHODS: We performed a descriptive analysis of child weight status according to family socioeconomic factors and mediating variables based on data from the ALADINO 2019 study in a sample of 16,665 schoolchildren representative of the population aged 6-9 years in Spain. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood obesity in households with low socioeconomic status (26.8% boys; 20.4% girls) was, in both sexes, twice as high as in those with higher socioeconomic status (12.1% boys; 8.7% girls). Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles (mainly in girls) and the presence of screens in the bedroom (more prevalent in boys) were more frequent in school-aged children from low-income households. On the other hand, in the most disadvantaged households, a history of breastfeeding and physical activity (especially in girls) were less frequent. Similarly, schools attended by children from low-income households were less likely to have their own kitchens and indoor gymnasiums or offer sports activities. CONCLUSION: A lower household socioeconomic status was associated with poorer dietary and physical activity habits and certain characteristics of the family and school environments that mediate the inverse association between household socioeconomic status and the prevalence of childhood obesity. Girls were less physically active and reported more sedentary lifestyles, while boys had greater access to screens. Interventions to combat childhood obesity should address the identified inequalities.

Forecasting distributional shifts of Patella spp. in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, under climate change.

Mapping species' geographical distribution is fundamental for understanding current patterns and forecasting future changes. Living on rocky shores along the intertidal zone, limpets are vulnerable to climate change, as their range limits are controlled by seawater temperature. Many works have been studying limpets' potential responses to climate change at local and regional scales. Focusing on four Patella species living on the rocky shores of the Portuguese continental coast, this study aims to predict climate change impacts on their global distribution, while exploring the role of the Portuguese intertidal as potential climate refugia. Ecological niche models combine occurrences and environmental data to identify the drivers of these species' distributions, define their current range, and project to future climate scenarios. The distribution of these limpets was mostly defined by low bathymetry (intertidal) and the seawater temperature. Independent of the climate scenario, all species will gain suitable conditions at the northern distribution edge while losing in the south, yet only the extent of occurrence of P. rustica is expected to contract. Apart from the southern coast, maintenance of suitable conditions for these limpets' occurrence was predicted for the western coast of Portugal. The predicted northward range shift follows the observed pattern observed for many intertidal species. Given the ecosystem role of this species, attention should be given to their southern range limits. Under the current upwelling effect, the Portuguese western coast might constitute thermal refugia for limpets in the future.

Susceptibility of Novel Promising Citrus Rootstocks to White Root Rot.

Citrus is one of the most important fruit crops in Mediterranean countries such as Spain, which is one of the main citrus-producing countries worldwide. Soil-borne pathogens, such as Rosellinia necatrix, are relevant limiting biotic factors in fruit trees, due to their tricky management. This fungus is a polyphagous plant pathogen with worldwide distribution, causing white root rot in woody crops, including citrus trees in Spain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of new plant material against R. necatrix infection. Therefore, plants of 12 different citrus rootstocks were inoculated with one R. necatrix isolate. During the assay, and periodically, above-ground symptoms and chlorophyll content were evaluated. At the end of the experiment, leaf area and plant biomass measures were obtained. Rootstocks B11R5T64 and B11R5T60 achieved the lowest disease incidence of symptoms and reduction of biomass, and were similar to their respective controls in chlorophyll content and leaf area. Carrizo citrange, CL-5146 and UFR-5 were the most affected rootstocks in symptoms and biomass reduction. This work provides information about R. necatrix-tolerant citrus rootstocks, which can constitute a new integrated, sustainable and effective long-term strategy to avoid white root rot.

Design and Validation of qPCR-Specific Primers for Quantification of the Marketed Terfezia claveryi and Terfezia crassiverrucosa in Soil.

Desert truffle crop is a pioneer in southeastern Spain, a region where native edible hypogeous fungi are adapted to the semiarid areas with low annual rainfall. Terfezia claveryi Chatin was the first species of desert truffle to be cultivated, and has been increasing in recent years as an alternative rainfed crop in the Iberian Peninsula. However, its behaviour in the field has yet not been investigated. For this purpose, specific primers were designed for the soil DNA quantification of both T. claveryi and Terfezia crassiverrucosa and a real-time qPCR protocol was developed, using the ITS rDNA region as a target. Moreover, a young desert truffle orchard was sampled for environmental validation. The results showed the highest efficiency for the TerclaF3/TerclaR1 primers pair, 89%, and the minimal fungal biomass that could be reliable detected was set at 4.23 µg mycelium/g soil. The spatial distribution of fungal biomass was heterogeneous, and there was not a direct relationship between the quantity of winter soil mycelium and the location/productivity of desert truffles. This protocol could be applied to tracking these species in soil and understand their mycelial dynamics in plantations and wild areas.

Desert truffle mycorrhizosphere harbors organic acid releasing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, essentially during the truffle fruiting season.

Desert truffle is becoming a new crop in semiarid areas. Climatic parameters and the presence of microorganisms influence the host plant physiology and alter desert truffle production. Desert truffle plants present a typical summer deciduous plant phenology divided into four stages: summer dormancy, autumn bud break, winter photosynthetic activity, and spring fruiting. We hypothesize that the bacterial community associated with desert truffle plants will show a seasonal trend linked to their plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) traits. This information will provide us with a better understanding about its potential role in this symbiosis and possible management implementations. Bacteria were isolated from root-adhering soil at the four described seasons. A total of 417 isolated bacteria were phenotypically and biochemically characterized and gathered by molecular analysis into 68 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). They were further characterized for PGPR traits such as indole acetic acid production, siderophore production, calcium phosphate solubilization, and ACCD (1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxilatedeaminase) activity. These PGPR traits were used to infer functional PGPR diversity and cultivable bacterial OTU composition at different phenological moments. The different seasons induced shifts in the OTU composition linked to their PGPR traits. Summer was the phenological stage with the lowest microbial diversity and PGPR functions, whereas spring was the most active one. Among the PGPR traits analyzed, P-solubilizing rhizobacteria were harbored in the mycorrhizosphere during desert truffle fruiting in spring.

Lesiones mamarias borderline: categorización diagnóstica y manejo / Borderline breast lesions: diagnostic classification and management

Introducción: El hallazgo de lesiones de características radiológicas indeterminadas y su manejo posterior constituye uno de los principales retos de la patología mamaria. Lo mismo ocurre ante el diagnóstico de entidades histológicas consideradas como de potencial maligno incierto. Los sistemas de categorización diagnóstica nos ayudan a clasificar estas lesiones, pero poco se sabe sobre la concordancia entre las categorías radiológica e histológica. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar esta concordancia diagnóstica entre lesiones BIRADS-3 y la categoría histológica B3, así como revisar las recomendaciones actuales sobre su manejo.Material y método: Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo y observacional de las biopsias de mama realizadas en lesiones radiológicas BIRADS-3, durante un período de 5 años, recogiéndose datos clínico-patológicos y de seguimiento.Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 267 lesiones BIRADS-3 biopsiadas con aguja gruesa, de las cuales 12 fueron tumores malignos (4,49%), 10 lesiones de potencial maligno incierto (3,75%) y las restantes de características histológicas benignas.Conclusión: Podemos afirmar que la categoría radiológica BIRADS-3 y la categoría de diagnóstico histológico B3 no son equivalentes. Ante una tasa cercana al 10% de lesiones malignas o borderline que presentaban características radiológicas indeterminadas en este estudio, planteamos valorar la indicación de biopsia ante cualquier discordancia clínica y/o radiológica en pacientes con imágenes categorizadas como BIRADS-3. (AU)

Introduction: A finding of lesions with indeterminate radiological characteristics and their subsequent management is one of the main challenges in breast disease. The same is true of lesions histologically considered to be of uncertain malignant potential. Diagnostic classification systems help to classify these lesions, but little is known about the agreement between radiological and histological categories. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic agreement between BIRADS-3 lesions and the B3 histological category, as well as to review current recommendations on their management.Material and method: We conducted a retrospective observational study of breast biopsies performed in BIRADS-3 radiological lesions over a 5-year period and gathered clinical-pathological and follow-up data.Results: We included 267 BIRADS-3 lesions that underwent core needle biopsy, of which 12 were malignant tumours (4.49%), 10 were lesions of uncertain malignant potential (3.75%) and the remainder were histologically classified as benign.Conclusion: The BIRADS-3 radiological category and B3 histological diagnosis are not equivalent. Given the nearly 10% of malignant or borderline lesions showing indeterminate radiological characteristics in this study, we recommend that the indication for biopsy be considered whenever there is any clinical and/or radiological discordance in patients with images classified as BIRADS-3. (AU)

Feeding and Oviposition Behaviour of Trioza erytreae (Hemiptera: Triozidae) on Different Citrus Rootstock Material Available in Europe.

Trioza erytreae (Del Guercio, 1918) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) is a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the causal agent of Huanglongbing disease (HLB). This study evaluates the preference of T. erytreae in different citrus seedlings. Thus, six different non-grafted citrus rootstocks were used for these experiments: (a) Carrizo citrange; (b) Citrus macrophylla; (c) 'Cleopatra' mandarin; (d) Forner-Alcaide No. 5; (e) Forner-Alcaide No. 517, and (f) Poncirus trifoliata ('Flying Dragon'). The behaviour and survival of this psyllid was evaluated through the feeding preference of T. erytreae adults for different rootstocks (in a choice trial under greenhouse conditions) and oviposition and survival of T. erytreae adults on the different citrus material (in a no-choice trial under laboratory conditions). Trioza erytreae showed a clear preference for hosting and feeding on C. macrophylla, and Carrizo citrange was the most suitable rootstock for insect reproduction and survival followed by C. macrophylla. Conversely, Poncirus trifoliata was the least attractive rootstock to T. erytreae adults in the greenhouse trial and led to significantly lower T. erytreae survival. Our results suggest that conventional citrus rootstocks, such as Carrizo citrange and C. macrophylla, could increase T. erytreae populations.

Different patterns in root and soil fungal diversity drive plant productivity of the desert truffle Terfezia claveryi in plantation.

The desert truffle Terfezia claveryi is one of the few mycorrhizal fungi currently in cultivation in semiarid and arid areas. Agroclimatic parameters seem to affect its annual yield, but there is no information on the influence of biotic factors. In this study, fungal diversity was analysed by high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA region from soil and root samples to compare productive and non-productive mycorrhizal plants in a 4-years old plantation (Murcia, Spain). The fungal metaprofile was dominated by Ascomycota phylum. Desert truffle productivity was driven by different patterns of fungal species composition in soil (species replacement) and root (species richness differences). Moreover, positive associations for ectomycorrhizal and negative for arbuscular mycorrhizal guilds were found in productive roots, and positive associations for fungal parasite-plant pathogen guild in non-productive ones. Soil samples were dominated by pathotroph and saprotroph trophic modes, showing positive associations for Aureobasidium pullulans and Alternaria sp. in productive areas, and positive associations for Fusarium sp. and Mortierella sp. were found in non-productive soils. Finally, some significant OTUs were identified and associated to ascocarp producing patches, which could serve as predictive and location markers of desert truffle production.

Resurvey of sea urchins and mussels at protected and harvested shores a decade after: A beyond-BACI approach.

Comparing temporal patterns of distribution and abundance of target organisms between protected and harvested shores is essential to assess the extant effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) and whether it is maintained through time. By means of an adapted Beyond-BACI approach, we compared the short- and long-term patterns of variation in the abundance of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis at a protected shore (within the Parque Litoral Norte MPA, Portugal) and at three adjacent shores subject to intense harvesting over a decadal interval. Despite the existence of the MPA for more than 30 years, we did not obtain clear evidence of its persistent or recent effectiveness on intertidal species of commercial interest. We suggest the need for refining management options along the northern Portuguese coast, possibly by better enforcing current regulations and reconsidering the present design of protection schemes. Moreover, the adopted analytical approach may represent a methodological reference for similar investigations in systems where the perturbation of interest (protection or disturbance) would not occur at a given time during the course of the study, but has been operating since before the first sampling occasion and maintained until subsequent surveys.

Short-term effects of increased CO2, nitrate and temperature on photosynthetic activity in Ulva rigida (Chlorophyta) estimated by different pulse amplitude modulated fluorometers and oxygen evolution.

Short-term effects of pCO2 (700-380 ppm; High carbon (HC) and Low carbon (LC), respectively) and nitrate content (50-5 µM; High nitrogen (HN) and Low nitrogen (LN), respectively on photosynthesis were investigated in Ulva rigida (Chlorophyta) under solar radiation (in-situ) and in the laboratory under artificial light (ex-situ). After six days of incubation at ambient temperature (AT), algae were subjected to a 4 °C temperature increase (AT+4 °C) for 3 d. Both in-situ and ex-situ maximal electron transport rate (ETRmax) and in situ gross photosynthesis (GP), measured by O2 evolution, presented highest values under HCHN, and lowest under HCLN, across all measuring systems. Maximal quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and ETRmax of photosystem (PS) II [ETR(II)max] and PSI [ETR(I)max], decreased under HCLN at AT+4 °C. Ex situ ETR was higher than in situ ETR. At noon, Fv/Fm decreased (indicating photoinhibition), whereas ETR(II)max and maximal non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax) increased. ETR(II)max decreased under AT+ 4 °C in contrast to Fv/Fm, photosynthetic efficiency (α ETR) and saturated irradiance (EK). Thus, U. rigida exhibited a decrease in photosynthesis under acidification, changing LN, and AT+4 °C. These results emphasize the importance of studying the interaction between environmental parameters using in-situ versus ex-situ conditions, when aiming to evaluate the impact of global change on marine macroalgae.

Desert truffle genomes reveal their reproductive modes and new insights into plant-fungal interaction and ectendomycorrhizal lifestyle.

Desert truffles are edible hypogeous fungi forming ectendomycorrhizal symbiosis with plants of Cistaceae family. Knowledge about the reproductive modes of these fungi and the molecular mechanisms driving the ectendomycorrhizal interaction is lacking. Genomes of the highly appreciated edible desert truffles Terfezia claveryi Chatin and Tirmania nivea Trappe have been sequenced and compared with other Pezizomycetes. Transcriptomes of T. claveryi × Helianthemum almeriense mycorrhiza from well-watered and drought-stressed plants, when intracellular colonizations is promoted, were investigated. We have identified the fungal genes related to sexual reproduction in desert truffles and desert-truffles-specific genomic and secretomic features with respect to other Pezizomycetes, such as the expansion of a large set of gene families with unknown Pfam domains and a number of species or desert-truffle-specific small secreted proteins differentially regulated in symbiosis. A core set of plant genes, including carbohydrate, lipid-metabolism, and defence-related genes, differentially expressed in mycorrhiza under both conditions was found. Our results highlight the singularities of desert truffles with respect to other mycorrhizal fungi while providing a first glimpse on plant and fungal determinants involved in ecto to endo symbiotic switch that occurs in desert truffle under dry conditions.

Elevated atmospheric CO2 modifies responses to water-stress and flowering of Mediterranean desert truffle mycorrhizal shrubs.

Predicted increases in atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) coupled with increased temperatures and drought are expected to strongly influence the development of most of the plant species in the world, especially in areas with high risk of desertification like the Mediterranean basin. Helianthemum almeriense is an ecologically important Mediterranean shrub with an added interest because it serves as the host for the Terfezia claveryi mycorrhizal fungus, which is a desert truffle with increasingly commercial interest. Although both plant and fungi are known to be well adapted to dry conditions, it is still uncertain how the increase in atmospheric CO2 will influence them. In this article we have addressed the physiological responses of H. almeriense × T. claveryi mycorrhizal plants to increases in atmospheric CO2 coupled with drought and high vapor pressure deficit. This work reports one of the few estimations of mesophyll conductance in a drought deciduous Mediterranean shrub and evaluates its role in photosynthesis limitation. High atmospheric CO2 concentrations help desert truffle mycorrhizal plants to cope with the adverse effects of progressive drought during Mediterranean springs by improving carbon net assimilation, intrinsic water use efficiency and dispersal of the species through increased flowering events.

Effects of pH on salicylic acid toxicity in terms of biomarkers determined in the marine gastropod Gibbula umbilicalis.

Alterations of the physical-chemical properties of the oceans due to anthropogenic activities are, at present, one of the most concerning environmental issues studied by researchers. One of these issues is ocean acidification, mainly caused by overproduction and release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from anthropogenic sources. Another component of environmental degradation is related to the production and release of potential toxic compounds, namely active pharmaceutical ingredients, into the aquatic environment that, combined with oceanic acidification, can cause unpredictable and never before considered deleterious effects on non-target marine organisms. Regarding this issue, the hereby study used predictions of future ocean acidification to simulate realistic scenarios of environmental exposure to a common therapeutic drug, salicylic acid (SA), in the marine gastropod Gibbula umbilicalis under different pH values. This species was exposed to a range of pH values (8.2, 7.9 and 7.6), and to already reported environmentally realistic concentrations (5, 25 and 125 µg/L) of SA. To evaluate the effects of these environmental stressors, key physiological biomarkers (GSTs, CAT, TBARS, AChE and COX) and shell hardness (SH) were quantified. Results from the present study showed that CAT and GSTs activities were enhanced by SA under water acidification; increased lipid peroxidation was also observed in organisms exposed to SA in more acidic media. In addition, the hereby study demonstrated the neurotoxic effects of SA through the inhibition of AChE. Effects were also observed in terms of COX activity, showing that SA absorption may be affected by water acidification. In terms of SH, the obtained data suggest that SA may alter the physical integrity of shells of exposed organisms. It is possible to conclude that the combination of seawater acidification and exposure to toxic xenobiotics (namely to the drug SA) may be strenuous to marine communities, making aquatic biota more susceptible to xenobiotics, and consequently endangering marine life in an unpredictable extent.