Search Results (407)

Although European oak honeydew honeys have a similar botanical origin, it is unclear if their chemical composition reflects their geographical origin. Sixty samples from Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Spain were analyzed using semiquantitative ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The protected designation of origin (PDO) Strandzha honey was compared to honey from other regions in Bulgaria. The profiles included 25 identified constituents, 21 saccharides, and 16 reproducible unidentified signals. Statistical analysis differentiated country groups through combinations of variables rather than a single marker. A decision tree based on nigerose, fructose, melezitose, panose, sucrose, and one unidentified signal summarized the main differences among the countries. Strandzha honeys exhibited a unique regional profile characterized by higher glucose levels and lower concentrations of several minor saccharides and unidentified signals. Two coordinated saccharide networks revealed that minor sugars fluctuate in linked groups rather than independently. This pattern has not been previously described in European honey. Conventional honeydew-associated indicators varied across the dataset. However, 1-kestose was present in all samples. Nevertheless, its specificity to oak honeydew origin remains unresolved. While extended ¹³C NMR profiling may support geographical characterization, independent validation is required before it can be used for authentication. Full article

Olive trees (Olea europaea L.) show propagation behaviour that is strongly dependent on genotype. A dozen previously unknown autochthonous olive varieties from Galicia (north-western Spain) have recently been identified through molecular and botanical characterisation techniques. However, their suitability for vegetative propagation remains unknown. Survival, callus formation and rooting were evaluated in semi-hardwood cuttings of 12 autochthonous Galician varieties and the control variety Cobrançosa in two trials carried out in winter–spring and summer-–autumn 2025 (676 and 622 cuttings, respectively). Binary variables were analysed using generalised linear models (binomial distribution, logit link). The variety effect was highly significant for all three variables (p < 0.0001), while the cutting date was not significant as a main effect; the variety × date interaction was significant for survival and rooting but not for callus formation. Mean rooting increased from 19% in winter to 61% in summer, although some varieties showed the opposite pattern. A strong negative correlation was found between flowering on the mother plant and rooting, and no correlation was found between callus formation and rooting. These results provide a first quantitative reference on the vegetative propagation of autochthonous Galician olive varieties and supply baseline information for their multiplication and conservation. Full article

Tungsten and tin are critical raw materials for the European Union, yet robust exploration guides for these metals remain poorly defined. The Variscan granites of the Iberian Peninsula host numerous W-Sn deposits, but the geochemical criteria that distinguish productive from barren intrusions are still debated. This study presents a comprehensive whole-rock geochemical dataset from North and Central Portugal and Castilla-León in Spain. We demonstrate that while all studied granites are peraluminous, chondrite-normalised REE patterns allow discrimination of 15 distinct geochemical groups that correlate with emplacement age and mineralisation type. Tin-specialised leucogranites (e.g., Golpejas and Enaras) are characterised by extremely low ΣREE (<40 ppm), flat patterns (La/Yb_N < 10), and absent to positive Eu anomalies, together with enrichments in Rb (>800 ppm) and Sn (>500 ppm), and very low K/Rb ratios (<70). In contrast, tungsten-bearing granites (e.g., Borralha, Valderrodrigo) exhibit moderate to high ΣREE (40–272 ppm), strongly fractionated patterns (La/Yb_N > 15), and pronounced negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* < 0.4). These differences confirm that W and Sn mineralisation in NW Iberia arise from distinct magma sources and differentiation paths. This work verifies how, through their mode of occurrence and the geochemistry of rare earth elements and trace elements, potentially mineralised granites can be distinguished and how they can be used in exploration programs. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram-positive cocci or rods from different genera and species that synergistically coexist with yeasts in cereal sourdoughs. Although the production and consumption of sourdough breads have increased in the last decade, there are still few studies that identify the LABs present in sourdoughs of different origins. In this study, we identified LAB strains isolated from wheat sourdoughs sourced from bakeries in north-western Spain and from experimental sourdoughs developed by a baker with four different cereal flours: wheat, rye, spelt, and tritordeum. Through a combination of MALDI-TOF and pheS gene sequence analyses, we identified Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Levilactobacillus brevis in all analysed sourdoughs. Moreover, Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Weissella paramesenteroides were identified in different sourdoughs. These species were also isolated from sourdoughs obtained in other European countries, although we did not identify the other LAB genera identified in some of them. Our results demonstrate the need to identify the LAB species from sourdoughs of different origins prior to designing suitable starters for inoculated sourdoughs, particularly those produced with innovative flours. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the identity of LABs present in tritordeum sourdoughs in Spain. Full article

The combined influence of the NAO and EA on monthly precipitation across mainland Spain remains insufficiently understood despite their recognized importance for European climate variability. This study investigates how individual and combined NAO and EA phases influence monthly precipitation patterns across mainland Spain using the MOPREDAScentury dataset between January 1950 and December 2020. Spatial correlation analyses and precipitation deviation mapping were used to identify regional and seasonal precipitation responses associated with each teleconnection phase. The results demonstrate that combined NAO/EA phases produce distinct precipitation signatures that vary considerably throughout the year, with the strongest and most spatially coherent relationships occurring during winter. Concurrent NAO−/EA −phases were associated with significantly wetter conditions, whereas NAO+/EA− phases generally produced drier conditions across much of mainland Spain. The influence of the NAO weakened through summer, while the EA became a more important control on precipitation variability. These findings demonstrate that considering the NAO and EA together provides a more comprehensive understanding of precipitation variability than analyzing either teleconnection independently, with potential applications for seasonal forecasting, drought preparedness and water resource management. Full article

Cerebrovascular diseases are among the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. This study aimed to identify geographic patterns and sex differences in unplanned hospital admissions for cerebrovascular diseases, and to assess their association with ambient air pollution within small areas of Asturias, a northern region of Spain that exhibits elevated rates of mortality and morbidity from these pathologies. The study included 20,305 unplanned hospital admissions recorded between 2016 and 2023. Standardized admission ratios, smoothed relative risks, and posterior risk probabilities were estimated using reparameterized Besag–York–Mollié models at the census tract level. Global and Local Moran’s I statistics were computed to evaluate the spatial correlation of admissions. Subsequently, estimates of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations were incorporated into the models, adjusting for average net income per person, to assess their association with admission risk and their contribution to the geographical patterns observed. Spatial analysis revealed marked inequalities in cerebrovascular admissions both between sexes and across small areas. High-risk clusters were consistently identified in the north-central coastal area for both sexes. For men, higher PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 levels were statistically significantly associated with hospitalizations (PM₁₀: RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.14; PM_2.5: RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.40, per 5 µg/m³ increase) and explained part of the spatial variability observed. For women, neither pollutant showed statistically significant associations nor appeared to be associated with the geographic patterns. Integrating both geographic and sex-related factors is essential for identifying high-risk areas and potential risk factors in the burden of cerebrovascular disease. In men, exposure to PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 was associated with cerebrovascular hospitalizations and explained part of the spatial variability observed, while no such association was found in women. Full article

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive species that has become widespread throughout the Americas. It is a vector for several arboviruses, making it an increasing threat to human health as its range expands. To characterize population genetic structure and gain insight into the origin and spread of this invasive mosquito, we genotyped 959 individuals using ~20k SNPs. We included 50 localities across the Americas, and previously genotyped mosquitoes from 28 localities in Asia and 14 in Europe. Our analyses revealed that populations in North America were distinct from populations in South America, and this relationship was consistently supported across analyses. Most North American mosquitoes shared a common origin with those from Japan and Southern Europe (e.g., Italy, Spain), with the exception of individuals from California, which clustered with more southern areas of East Asia (China and Vietnam), as well as Greece. Brazilian and Argentinian populations were distinct from all other sampled locations, including those in the native range, but were most closely related to mosquitoes from more tropical locations in South and Southeast Asia. By revealing the likely sources of invasions in the Americas, our findings have important implications for understanding invasion dynamics of this species. Full article

Traditional grazing maintains essential ecosystem services, yet this activity is rapidly disappearing across Europe. Understanding the geobotanical features of traditionally grazed areas is critical for predicting biodiversity shifts driven by pastoral decline. This study provides a geobotanical characterisation of traditional sheep farms in north-western Spain. We integrated bioclimatic, phytosociological, and biogeographical approaches with spatial autocorrelation analyses, including global Moran’s I, Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA), and join-count tests, to assess spatial patterns in vegetation richness and plant community organisation. The results indicate that 28.22% of the studied farms were located in the Castilian Duero sector, 93.45% within the supramediterranean thermotype, and 75.46% within the subhumid ombrotype. A high diversity of vegetation was recorded, with 111 plant communities identified. These include several priority habitats of community interest within the European Union, notably belonging to the phytosociological classes Molinio-Arrhenatheretea, Festuco-Brometea, and Poetea bulbosae. This spatial approach characterises the vegetation mosaics within a fixed buffer around the holdings, although it does not directly measure actual forage use. As a key scientific novelty, this work provides, for the first time, a macro-regional and quantitatively validated integration that explicitly links broad environmental filters with localized pastoral vegetation mosaics. By providing a statistically robust diagnosis of landscape aggregation and segregation, this geobotanical characterisation serves as a fundamental tool for land managers and shepherds, contributing directly to the conservation and sustainable management of endangered traditional pastoral landscapes under changing environmental conditions. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) emerge as sustainable alternatives for antioxidant polyphenol extraction; however, their analytical performance and compatibility with antioxidant assays remain insufficiently characterized. A choline chloride-urea-water DES (1:2:4) was compared with 70% ethanol for extracting polyphenols from onion bulbs and peels from cultivars grown in Spain and North Macedonia. Extraction conditions were selected through a comparative evaluation of vortex- and ultrasound-assisted extraction and benchmarked against conventional ethanolic stirring (2 h). Two-way ANOVA identified solvent composition as the main determinant of total phenolic content (F(1,20) = 1526.28, p < 0.001), while extraction method significantly influenced recovery under DES conditions (F(2,30) = 408.52, p < 0.001). The selected UAE-DES protocol increased TPC up to 2.2-fold and reduced extraction time to <5 min. TPC ranged from 25 to 44 mg GAE/g dw in bulbs and 42–62 mg GAE/g dw in peels, with red cultivars showing the highest values. UHPLC-MS/MS revealed solvent-dependent selectivity: ethanol favored flavonols (quercetin 5–11 mg/g dw), whereas DES enhanced phenolic acids (gallic acid up to 0.3 mg/g dw; protocatechuic acid up to 7 mg/g dw). FRAP correlated with TPC (r = 0.64–0.92), while ABTS was incompatible with DES extracts. Storage reduced TPC by 45–75% but preserved cultivar ranking. These findings demonstrate that UAE-DES enables rapid and efficient polyphenol recovery while highlighting the need to validate antioxidant assays in non-conventional solvents. Full article

Diadromous fish provide key ecological and socio-economic services in European Atlantic catchments, yet their marine phase remains poorly understood and weakly integrated into management. Involving nine partners from Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland, the DiadSea Interreg Atlantic Area initiative aims to fill these critical knowledge gaps on the marine and estuarine phases and to translate this information into coordinated conservation and fisheries management tools. To do so, the project combines historical and newly collected fishery-dependent and -independent data (landings, by-catch, cooperative surveys with commercial and recreational fishers) with advanced microchemical, genetic and environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses to characterize marine distributions, mixing areas and connectivity for shads, Atlantic salmon, sea trout, European eel, sea lamprey and other diadromous species. It also includes innovative case studies on lamprey tagging and intestinal metabarcoding, coastal habitat suitability mapping for shads using river plumes and environmental variables, and joint otolith microchemistry–genomics approaches to reassess European eel panmixia and maternal origin at the Atlantic scale. Species distribution models under present and future climate scenarios, specifically RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, are used to identify priority marine areas for conservation, zones of high temporal turnover and key interfaces ensuring longitudinal (river–sea) and latitudinal connectivity, which will feed into an updated interactive web Atlas of diadromous species. In parallel, DiadSea establishes a transnational observatory of stakeholders to harmonize legislation, co-develop adaptive fisheries management plans and produce climate-aware policy guidelines, while capacity-building actions include an origin-labeling scheme for sustainably harvested diadromous fish, educational games and a comic book to raise awareness among younger generations and the wider public. Together, these work packages will deliver the first integrated, marine-focused, evidence-based and decision-support framework for diadromous fishes in the North-Eastern Atlantic, strengthening conservation, sustainable fisheries and stakeholder engagement under ongoing climate change. Full article

Introduction: The circum-Mediterranean region is a global biodiversity hotspot, hosting a highly distinctive freshwater fauna with a high degree of endemism and conservation concern. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by biological invasions, particularly by non-native fish species, which represent a major driver of biodiversity loss. Objective: This study aims to compile a comprehensive and updated inventory of non-native inland fish species across the circum-Mediterranean region and to identify the main taxonomic, biogeographical, and socio-environmental drivers shaping their distribution. Methodology: We conducted an extensive review of the scientific literature, online databases (including EASIN, GISD, and CABI), and technical reports to compile records of non-native fish species across inland and transitional waters of Mediterranean-climate basins. Analyses focused on species composition, taxonomic representativeness, introduction pathways, native regions, and the relationship between species richness and selected environmental and socio-economic variables. Results: A total of 151 non-native fish species were recorded across the study area. Italy, Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, and Croatia exhibited the highest numbers of established species. Taxonomic representation was uneven, with Salmoniformes and Esociformes overrepresented among established non-native species, while Siluriformes and Characiformes were underrepresented. Most introductions originated from Europe, Asia, and North America, primarily through intentional releases and escape events. Non-native species richness was positively correlated with gross domestic product, precipitation, and the number of dams, highlighting the role of economic development and habitat modification in facilitating invasions. Conclusions: Biological invasions by non-native fishes are widespread across the Mediterranean basin and are strongly driven by human activities and environmental conditions. The high invasion levels observed in this biodiversity hotspot pose a significant threat to endemic freshwater faunas. These findings underscore the need for coordinated transnational management strategies, stricter regulation of introduction pathways, and prioritization of high-risk species to mitigate further impacts. Full article

Introduction: Climate change is reducing freshwater availability worldwide, making it essential to understand how freshwater inflow influences estuarine ecosystem functioning and marine fisheries productivity. In the Gulf of Cádiz (SW Spain), one of the most important fishing areas in Spain, the Guadalquivir Estuary serves as a key nursery habitat for commercially important fish and crustacean species. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of droughts and floods on estuarine functioning and coastal fisheries. Methodology: We analyzed 25 years of monthly data (1997–2022) from the Guadalquivir Long-Term Ecological Research Program (GUADALQUIVIR-LTER), using time-series analyses and dynamic structural equation modelling. Environmental variables, zooplankton and mysid biomass, and juvenile biomass of anchovy, sardine, and meagre were examined to assess trophic relationships and recruitment dynamics. Results: Our findings show that positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) phases, associated with drought conditions in southern Europe, reduced freshwater inflow from the Alcalá del Río Dam into the estuary. Freshwater input increased organic matter and turbidity, which positively affected the mysid Rhopalophthalmus tartessicus, an important prey species for anchovy recruits. The mysid Mesopodopsis slabberi showed the strongest positive effect on anchovy recruitment (0.39). Although turbidity initially had a negative effect on M. slabberi, a significant positive effect appeared after monthly lag = 4. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that spring freshwater inflow is essential for maintaining estuarine productivity, enhancing mysid abundance, and supporting anchovy recruitment, ultimately benefiting adult fish stocks after juveniles migrate from the estuary to coastal waters. Full article

Introduction: The sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) is an anadromous jawless fish that migrates between marine and freshwater environments, spawning once in rivers before dying. It is distributed along both coasts of the North Atlantic. In Asturias (northern Spain), P. marinus is classified as Vulnerable, and a conservation plan is currently under development. In the present study, Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs) are defined as river reaches requiring urgent protection due to their high ecological value for the species. Objective: This study aimed to identify key reproductive and larval habitats (spawning grounds and silt–sand banks) to support the designation of CCAs for the conservation of the sea lamprey in Asturias. Methodology: Fieldwork was conducted in the main salmonid rivers of Asturias (Deva, Nalón, Narcea, Navia, Eo, and Sella basins). During spring 2025 and 2026, habitats were characterized and spawning sites identified using transects. In autumn 2025, larvae were sampled by electrofishing within defined areas (10–30 m²), measured and weighed, and densities were extrapolated using an inverse distance weighting (IDW) model. Basin use and critical areas were assessed based on species distribution and habitat quality. Results: A total of 1886 larvae were recorded across 27 river sections, of which 1366 were measured. Sea lamprey was present in 74.1% of sections, whereas brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri) was detected only in the Deva basin. Mean larval size was 9.5 ± 3.7 cm and 2.3 ± 2.19 g, with marked spatial variability. The highest larval densities occurred in the Eo (21.5 ind/m²) and Narcea rivers (15.1 ind/m²). Additionally, 94 spawning records were identified, and 65% of the 83 assessed sections were classified as good or very good habitat. Conclusions: A total of 31 CCAs (~300 km) were proposed, including 97 km classified as “of interest”, 21 km as “important”, and 180 km as “highly important”. Habitat use was greatest in sinuous middle river reaches with riffles, pools, and fine sediment deposits. Transversal barriers, dredging, and channel simplification were identified as the main drivers of habitat loss. These findings provide a robust scientific basis for conservation planning and management of the species in Asturias. Full article

Background: Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by impaired adrenal steroidogenesis, most frequently due to pathogenic variants in the CYP21A2 gene leading to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Epidemiology and management vary across the Mediterranean Basin as a result of genetic and healthcare differences. Objective: To provide an overview of the epidemiology, diagnostic approaches and treatment patterns of CAH in Mediterranean countries. Methods: A structured review of the literature was performed using PubMed, using combined disease-related, geographic and methodological terms. Eligible studies reporting on epidemiology, diagnosis, or management of CAH were included. Data on study design, population characteristics, incidence, diagnostics, genetics and treatment availability were extracted. Results: Data were collected from 23 Mediterranean and neighboring regions covering over 8.7 million screened newborns. In countries with established newborn screening (e.g., Spain, Italy, France, Greece), the incidence of classic CAH ranged from 1:10,000 to 1:25,000 live births. Higher rates were reported in parts of North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Diagnostic set-up and access to biochemical and genetic confirmation varied widely. Hydrocortisone remains the primary therapy, while access to mineralocorticoids and modified-release glucocorticoids differed across settings. Conclusions: Overall, considerable heterogeneity in CAH epidemiology and care exists across the Mediterranean region. Genetic factors such as founder effects, consanguinity and healthcare organization contribute to these differences. Expanding newborn screening, improving diagnostics and availability to treatments are critical to reducing disparities in CAH care. Full article

Intercropping is a pivotal strategy for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 2—End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture (SDG 2)—by enhancing food security agroecosystem resilience and sustainability. By integrating diverse species within the same plot, this sustainable approach takes advantage of the beneficial interactions between them. The simultaneous cultivation of multiple crop species within the same field increases agricultural diversification and contributes to a more resilient production system, breaking the uniformity of modern intensive agriculture. The objective of this review is to evaluate intercropping practices throughout the Mediterranean, specifically in Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece), North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia), and the Middle East (Turkey, Israel, and Jordan). This review intends to show advantages and disadvantages of intercropping and crops used and also highlight how intercropping systems affect crop production and quality, soil quality and microbiome, and proliferation of weeds, pests and diseases. The literature suggests that diversification in agriculture supports biodiversity and ecosystem services by the cultivation of diverse crop species together and, hence, may reduce independence in external outputs such as nutrient supply, pesticides and soil amendment. Despite the potential benefits of intercropping, the major caveats of this practice are the competition between different crops on resources, potential risks of plant protection, technical challenges of integrating the different requirements of each crop used in the system, and culture-related restrictions or regulations. Full article