Resultados de investigación

Table of contents: 1. NMR spectra 2. IR spectra 3. Crystal data and structure refinement 4. References, Peer reviewed

Pairwise plant-frugivore mutualistic interactions build up into mega-diverse networks involving dozens of interacting species, being among the most generalized interactions occurring in free-living species. These mutualisms consist of food provisioning by plants and their counterpart, plant propagule (seeds) movement by the animals, being crucial for the natural vegetation regeneration in many ecosystems. Yet we are far from understanding which part of this enormous interaction biodiversity is needed for their maintenance. I overview the diversity of interaction modes involved in these mutualisms, the main components of the seed dispersal services, and their functional diversity. I examine how interaction richness covaries with partner species richness at different scales, resulting in variable patterns of species complementarities in terms of seed dispersal effects. The functionality of most generalized plant-frugivore mutualisms relies on complementarity of effects across a high diversity of partners, yet frequently depends on just a distinct subset of them, resulting in high functional redundancy. Two distinct aspects are relevant: 1) variable quantitative effects among species; 2) variable pairwise-interaction outcomes, between the extremes of antagonism and mutualism. Frugivory, occurring at the final stage of each plant reproductive episode, entails a large, cumulative, effect of other biotic interactions occurring at earlier stages (e.g., floral herbivory, pollination, pre-dispersal fruit damage). I examine how plant-frugivore interactions mix-up with the whole biotic interactome of a plant, using the Prunus mahaleb system as a case study. The effects of distinct subsets of frugivores combine with different sets of antagonistic and mutualistic partners in other interactions, yet having a lasting signal on final seed dispersal success., Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades: PID2022–136812NB–I00, MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/; Universidad de Sevilla, Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia, University of Sevilla (2021-2024), Peer reviewed

This repository wolf_IBM.zip contains the R code and input data to run a Spatially Explicit Individual Based Model (SE-IBM) developed for the grey wolf to investigate the demographic drivers of range dynamics, particularly how wolf mortality influences demographic processes affecting population growth and spatial expansion. The model is applied to the wolf population of the Iberian Peninsula., We hypothesize that wolf range expansion is prevented by high mortality of resident individuals, rather than disperser mortality, because social disruption of groups can indirectly constrain dispersal. In particular, we expect that decreases in the mortality of residents in stable populations, even if disperser mortality remains unchanged, will simultaneously: i) increase group sizes; ii) increase the reproductive success of groups; iii) increase dispersal distances; and iv) increase population growth and range expansion., [Methods] To test our hypothesis, we developed a robust Spatially-Explicit Individual Based Model (SE-IBM) for wolves in the Iberian Peninsula integrating resident and disperser dynamics with landscape heterogeneity at the population scale, using detailed ecological and demographic data available in the literature on the grey wolf across its distribution range. We modelled overall mortality by using stage-specific daily per capita probabilities. We then project how changes in the mortality of residents and dispersers influence population demographics and range dynamics., Large carnivores in Europe and North America are expanding their ranges, but the extent of expansion varies, with some populations showing a stable trend despite ample suitable habitat. Understanding such nuances requires dynamic modelling approaches that go beyond simple habitat association and account for interactions of resident and dispersing individuals. We investigate how such interactions influence population dynamics and range expansion of grey wolves. We developed a high resolution Spatially-Explicit Individual Based Model for the species in the Iberian Peninsula. Here, wolves remain isolated and have not expanded over the last decades despite ample suitable habitat, thus offering a unique opportunity to study the demographic constraints to range expansion. We show that decreasing resident mortality by 10%, even when holding disperser mortality constant, increases group size (11%), reproductive success (8%) and dispersal distances (130%); and ultimately double the Iberian wolf distribution range in 30 years. The reduced group size and other mortality-induced group disruptions are associated with negative cascading effects on reproduction and dispersal, thereby limiting growth and expansion in wolf populations. Policy implications. In the Iberian Peninsula, enabling recovery may require effective population-level protection. More broadly, down- and de-listing policies should be supported by explicit evaluation of the indirect demographic effects under alternative management scenarios. Our detailed, process-explicit modelling framework provides a robust tool for such assessments, and highlights the need to strengthen and standardise demographic monitoring to progressively refine models and support adaptive, evidence-based conservation policy., Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and Universities (MCIN), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER,EU): CGL2017-83045-R; Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and Universities (MCIN): PRE2018-086102; Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and Universities (MCIN), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) and European Union (NextGenerationEU): RYC2021-033192-I; Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación: QUAL21 020 EBD, Peer reviewed

-Text file of all computed molecule Cartesian coordinates in a format for convenient visualization (XYZ). -Experimental procedures, full reaction optimization, mechanistic studies, NMR data, and computational data (PDF)., No

Exponential fitting of the Daskalakis data set; daily caliper and bioluminescence imaging (BLI) statistical comparisons for orthotopic and xenograft mouse tumor models (4T1-Luc2, MDA-MB-231-Luc2-GFP, MLK 3287-Luc); tumor growth rate (TGR) interval comparisons; parameters used to compute the homogeneity score; adaptive configurations for the six-criteria outlier detector across sensitivity levels; error propagation analysis for exponential growth models, including mathematical framework and derivation, results, theoretical implications, validation against empirical data, practical applications, and connection to statistical power enhancement; Cohen’s d effect size interpretation; and description of mouse models, including syngeneic and xenogeneic orthotopic models and subcutaneous syngeneic tumor models., No

[Description of methods used for collection/generation of data] Evaluation of kidney function Kidney function was evaluated by determining the serum creatinine (sCr)-based eGFR, calculated using the CKD-Epi (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration) formula) equation. In order to analyze the influence of eGFR at baseline on the evolution of kidney function after intervention, participants were stratified into three categories based on their initial eGFR values: a) normal eGFR (≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 53), b) mildly impaired eGFR (60 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 34) and c) severely-impaired eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2, n = 2) Several serum and urinary markers were also evaluated at both baseline and after 12 months of intervention. Serum urea, uric acid, total protein, and albumin concentrations were quantified using standardized methods. We also evaluated the uACR, both at baseline and after the 12 months follow-up period. This ratio was computed by dividing the concentration of urinary albumin concentration by that of creatinine, in mg/g. Using this method, which is based on a spot urine test, produces results which are comparable to those obtained using a 24 h urine collection. Assessment of circulating AGE levels and enzymatic markers of AGE metabolism Circulating MG and Nε-Carboxymethyllysine (CML) levels were measured in serum samples using competitive ELISA kits (OxiSelect Methylglyoxal Competitive ELISA Kit and OxiSelect N-epsilon (Carboxymethyl) Lysine Competitive ELISA Kit, Cell Biolabs, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA), following the manufacturer’s instructions. These well-validated competitive ELISAs are an enzyme immunoassay developed for rapid detection and quantity of MG-H1 (methylglyoxal-hydro-imidazolone) and CML protein adducts, respectively. The values indicate the accumulation of AGEs in the body and are reflective of stable protein- or peptide-associated MG and CML rather than the free compounds. Concentrations of aldose reductase (AR), an enzyme that initiates the polyol pathway by converting glucose into sorbitol, which is further metabolized to fructose, and this accumulation promotes the formation of AGEs, were measured using ELISA kit (CUSABIO, Wuhan, China). Glyoxalase system, particularly GloxI, is an important regulator of the control of intracellular AGEs, mainly MG. Activity of GloxI was determined using ELISA kit (Assay Genie, Dublin, Ireland). Evaluation of oxidative stress parameters Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed by measuring the fluorescence of the 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe (Sigma, D6883-50MG), following a previously described method based on the Fenton reaction. Briefly, serum samples were incubated with HEPES buffer containing DCFH₂ ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄) and fluorescence was measured at 485/538 nm after 12 min. Quantification was performed using H2O2 calibration curves. Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay adapted from Ohkawa et al. After protein precipitation and reaction with thiobarbituric acid, absorbance was measured at 532 nm. MDA levels were calculated using calibration curves generated with 1,1,3,3-tetramethoxypropane., [Aims] Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), driven in part by oxidative stress and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Oleanolic acid (OA), a natural triterpene present in olive-derived matrices, may modulate AGE metabolism. This study evaluated whether long-term intake of OA-enriched olive oil preserves kidney function in patients with T2DM., [Methods] In the OLTRAD randomized controlled trial, 97 patients with T2DM were assigned to consume OA-enriched olive oil (600 mg OA/kg) or control olive oil for 12 months, alongside standard therapy. Kidney outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR). Circulating AGEs (methylglyoxal [MG], carboxymethyllysine [CML]), enzymes involved in AGE metabolism (aldose reductase [AR], glyoxalase-I [GloxI]), and oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA) were assessed., [Results] OA-enriched olive oil attenuated kidney function decline, with the strongest effects in patients with mildly reduced eGFR (60–90 mL/min/1.73 m²). Compared with control, OA slowed eGFR decline and prevented increases in uACR. Mechanistically, OA reduced AR and increased GloxI activity, leading to lower circulating MG, while CML remained unchanged. OA also decreased ROS and MDA levels, whereas MDA increased in the control group., [Conclusions] Long-term consumption of OA-enriched olive oil preserves kidney function in T2DM, especially in early-stage impairment. These effects are likely mediated through modulation of AGE pathways and reduction of oxidative stress, supporting OA-enriched olive oil as a promising nutritional strategy for CKD prevention., This research is part of the R+D+i project PID2019-107837RB-I00, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation/Spanish National Research Agency, grant number MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/. It is grateful for funding received from the Andalusian Regional Government/Regional Ministry of University, Research and Innovation, and the European Plus Social Fund (grant no. DGP_PRED_2024_00736)., Peer reviewed

This dataset contains the input files used in the Marxan software (Ball et al., 2009), a decision-support tool for identifying priority conservation areas. The uploaded files define four conservation planning scenarios that differ in their approaches to connectivity: Scenario 1, no connectivity; Scenario 2, connectivity between each planning unit (PU) and its spatial neighbours; Scenario 3, within-realm connectivity, considering ecological and spatial connections through river systems in the freshwater realm and dispersal influenced by distance and marine currents in the marine realm; and Scenario 4, combined within- and cross-realm connectivity, incorporating connections from river mouths to the marine realm. Using this dataset, we identified priority conservation areas for species and habitats across two realms (freshwater and marine) of the Aegean Sea under these four scenarios to evaluate how different types of connectivity and threat propagation influence spatial prioritization., Integrating connectivity into systematic conservation planning is crucial to capture ecological processes and ensure long-term conservation of biodiversity. Although advances have been made in structural and functional connectivity, most studies focus on single-realm or single-species approaches. This study applied the Marxan spatial prioritization tool to identify conservation priorities in the freshwater and marine realms under four scenarios, each applying different approaches to connectivity and threat propagation. Despite differences between scenarios, all met conservation objectives, and the planning units consistently selected between scenarios covered approximately 19% of the freshwater realm and 12% of the marine realm, highlighting priority conservation areas aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for 2030. The most effective approach integrated connectivity within- and cross-realm connectivity while taking into account propagated threats. When considering how threats from terrestrial upstream areas spread into connected freshwater and marine ecosystems, conservation areas were strategically placed in less threatened regions. This resulted in a more effective spatial configuration of the reserve system. This study highlights the importance of integrating cross-realm connectivity and threat propagation when designing new or expanding existing networks of conservation areas, such as the Natura 2000 European network of protected areas. These findings emphasize the need for multirealm planning that supports species persistence, protect transitional habitats, and accounts for cross-realm threats., BiodivERsA: 101052342, 2021-2022 BiodivProtect, Peer reviewed

This dataset relates to the article “Effects of DNA-demethylation on the expression of plastic and transgenerational responses to nitrogen availability in annual plant species” published in Evolutionary Ecology (doi: 10.1007/s10682-025-10374-z), by Vanessa Minden, Conchita Alonso, Harry Olde Venterink and Koen J.F. Verhoeven., The dataset contains plant trait information of 6 annual species (grasses and non legume-forbs)., A parental generation was raised under N (nitrogen) limitation and balanced nutrient supply, from which an offspring generation was grown under either the same or another option of these nutrient conditions. Further, offspring plants were subjected to a demethylation treatment, with the use of the agent Zebularine (Z). This treatment comprised a control (Z0µM) or Z50µM. Plants of both the parental and offspring generation were raised in a greenhouse. Plants of the offspring generation were harvested after five weeks and traits were measured., The dataset contains plant trait information of 6 annual species (grasses and non legume-forbs)., A parental generation was raised under N (nitrogen) limitation and balanced nutrient supply, from which an offspring generation was grown under either the same or another option of these nutrient conditions. Further, offspring plants were subjected to a demethylation treatment, with the use of the agent Zebularine (Z). This treatment comprised a control (Z0µM) or Z50µM. Plants of both the parental and offspring generation were raised in a greenhouse. Plants of the offspring generation were harvested after five weeks and traits were measured., Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek: FWO-AL996, Peer reviewed

Accepted in Journal of Applied Ecology Incorporating metacommunity perspectives into bioassessment represents a major challenge in managing drying river networks, where drying-induced fragmentation compromises the performance of biological indices to assess their ecological status. Current indices focus on local community responses to stressors and neglect the effect of regional processes, such as spatiotemporal connectivity and dispersal, on metacommunity assembly. In this work, we explored the effect of drying on the performance of a widely used biological index IBMWP (Iberian Biological Monitoring Working Party) using metacommunity simulations on a synthetic drying river network. We assessed how different gradients of drying-driven fragmentation and human impact extent determine local richness and the biological index scores by combining simulations with biomonitoring information. We used a coalescent metacommunity model to simulate the exchange of individuals between local communities along synthetic drying river networks subjected to different drying extent, intensity and human impact extent scenarios. Additionally, we considered two major characteristics for each simulated taxon: (i) tolerance to human impacts and (ii) dispersal strategy (flying, swimming, or drifting). For each simulation, we obtained local richness and the biological index value. Then, we calculated biological index performance, defined as the capacity to distinguish between impacted and non-impacted sites. Finally, we tested our approach in six non-impacted European drying river networks, with available drying information. Our results showed that low spatiotemporal connectivity consistently led to decreased local richness and low index scores, reflecting poor biological quality. As drying extent and intensity increased, drying-induced fragmentation significantly reduced the biological index performance. With a 50% increase in drying extent, index performance fell around 60% and at high drying levels, it dropped more than 90%. This decay followed a convex pattern, with a marked drop as soon as drying appeared in the catchment and leveling off at higher drying extents. Synthesis and applications: This work constitutes a first step towards developing simulation-based assessments that incorporate catchment drying patterns to support biomonitoring of drying river networks. Our approach can inform stakeholders when current methods fail and contribute to decision-making on whether adapting current methods is possible or developing new indices is necessary., Peer reviewed

Buckwheat (BW) is recognized as a functional food with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. BW (poly)phenols are important bioactive compounds associated with these benefits, although their therapeutic role remains elusive. We used a multidisciplinary approach to identify the bioactive flavonoids of BW and their molecular mechanisms. Physiologically relevant concentrations of luteolin (Lute), quercetin (Quer), apigenin (Api), and kaempferol (Kaem) were effective in reducing prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGD2 biosynthesis in LPS-activated macrophages by acting at distinct branch points of the LPS/COX-2 pathway. Lute, Api, and Kaem reduced COX-2 levels, whereas Quer exerted the opposite effect. Lute and Kaem inhibited Ikkβ phosphorylation, while TLR4 was identified as a flavonoid's target. PGE2 and PGD2 reductions were independent of COX-2 modulation and correlated with hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase (hPGDS) inhibition (exerted by Lute and Quer). These findings offer a new perspective on the LPS/COX-2 pathway as a target of BW-derived products to address inflammation-related diseases., Supplementary methods.-- Supplementary results.-- References., Peer reviewed