Synchronization of delayed fluctuating complex networks

In this communication we present some of our recent results on the synchronization properties of directed delay-coupled networks of a small-world type, whose topology changes with time. Our simulations of a network of non-linear elements show that a random change of topology enhances the stability of a synchronized state, depending on the interplay between different time-scales in the dynamics. The results are analytically explained in the linear limit, where the dynamics is expressed in terms of an effective connectivity matrix. In the limit of fast network fluctuations, this effective connectivity is given by the arithmetic mean of the temporal adjacency matrices. When the coupling topology changes slowly, the effective adjacency matrix is given by the geometric mean. The transition between both regimes is numerically studied for linear network elements

Simulation of impulse response for indoor visible light communications using 3D CAD models

n this article, a tool for simulating the channel impulse response for indoor visible light communications using 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models is presented. The simulation tool is based on a previous Monte Carlo ray-tracing algorithm for indoor infrared channel estimation, but including wavelength response evaluation. The 3D scene, or the simulation environment, can be defined using any CAD software in which the user specifies, in addition to the setting geometry, the reflection characteristics of the surface materials as well as the structures of the emitters and receivers involved in the simulation. Also, in an effort to improve the computational efficiency, two optimizations are proposed. The first one consists of dividing the setting into cubic regions of equal size, which offers a calculation improvement of approximately 50% compared to not dividing the 3D scene into sub-regions. The second one involves the parallelization of the simulation algorithm, which provides a computational speed-up proportional to the number of processors used

Unraveling the effect of silent, intronic and missense mutations on VWF splicing: contribution of next generation sequencing in the study of mRNA

Large studies in von Willebrand disease patients, including Spanish and Portuguese registries, led to identification of >250 different mutations. It is a challenge to determine the pathogenic effect of potential splice site mutations on VWF mRNA. This study aimed to elucidate the true effects of 18 mutations on VWF mRNA processing, investigate the contribution of next-generation sequencing to in vivo mRNA study in von Willebrand disease, and compare the findings with in silico prediction. RNA extracted from patient platelets and leukocytes was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced using Sanger and next generation sequencing techniques. Eight mutations affected VWF splicing: c.1533+1G>A, c.5664+2T>C and c.546G>A (p.=) prompted exon skipping; c.3223-7_3236dup and c.7082-2A>G resulted in activation of cryptic sites; c.3379+1G>A and c.7473G>A (p.=) demonstrated both molecular pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously; and the p.Cys370Tyr missense mutation generated two aberrant transcripts. Of note, the complete effect of 3 mutations was provided by next generation sequencing alone because of low expression of the aberrant transcripts. In the remaining 10 mutations, no effect was elucidated in the experiments. However, the differential findings obtained in platelets and leukocytes provided substantial evidence that 4 of these would have an effect on VWF levels. In this first report using next generation sequencing technology to unravel the effects of VWF mutations on splicing, the technique yielded valuable information. Our data bring to light the importance of studying the effect of synonymous and missense mutations on VWF splicing to improve the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind von Willebrand disease.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Unraveling the effect of silent, intronic and missense mutations on VWF splicing: contribution of next generation sequencing in the study of mRNA

Large studies in von Willebrand disease patients, including Spanish and Portuguese registries, led to the identification of >250 different mutations. It is a challenge to determine the pathogenic effect of potential splice site mutations on VWF mRNA. This study aimed to elucidate the true effects of 18 mutations on VWF mRNA processing, investigate the contribution of next-generation sequencing to in vivo mRNA study in von Willebrand disease, and compare the findings with in silico prediction. RNA extracted from patient platelets and leukocytes was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced using Sanger and next generation sequencing techniques. Eight mutations affected VWF splicing: c.1533+1G>A, c.5664+2T>C and c.546G>A (p.=) prompted exon skipping; c.3223-7_3236dup and c.7082-2A>G resulted in activation of cryptic sites; c.3379+1G>A and c.7437G>A) demonstrated both molecular pathogenic mechanisms simultaneously; and the p.Cys370Tyr missense mutation generated two aberrant transcripts. Of note, the complete effect of three mutations was provided by next generation sequencing alone because of low expression of the aberrant transcripts. In the remaining 10 mutations, no effect was elucidated in the experiments. However, the differential findings obtained in platelets and leukocytes provided substantial evidence that four of these would have an effect on VWF levels. In this first report using next generation sequencing technology to unravel the effects of VWF mutations on splicing, the technique yielded valuable information. Our data bring to light the importance of studying the effect of synonymous and missense mutations on VWF splicing to improve the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind von Willebrand disease. clinicaltrials.gov identifier:02869074

Rationale and methods of the European Study on Cardiovascular Risk Prevention and Management in Daily Practice (EURIKA)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The EURIKA study aims to assess the status of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) across Europe. Specifically, it will determine the degree of control of cardiovascular risk factors in current clinical practice in relation to the European guidelines on cardiovascular prevention. It will also assess physicians' knowledge and attitudes about CVD prevention as well as the barriers impeding effective risk factor management in clinical practice.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>Cross-sectional study conducted simultaneously in 12 countries across Europe. The study has two components: firstly at the physician level, assessing eight hundred and nine primary care and specialist physicians with a daily practice in CVD prevention. A physician specific questionnaire captures information regarding physician demographics, practice settings, cardiovascular prevention beliefs and management. Secondly at the patient level, including 7641 patients aged 50 years or older, free of clinical CVD and with at least one classical risk factor, enrolled by the participating physicians. A patient-specific questionnaire captures information from clinical records and patient interview regarding sociodemographic data, CVD risk factors, and current medications. Finally, each patient provides a fasting blood sample, which is sent to a central laboratory for measuring serum lipids, apolipoproteins, hemoglobin-A1c, and inflammatory biomarkers.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Primary prevention of CVD is an extremely important clinical issue, with preventable circulatory diseases remaining the leading cause of major disease burden. The EURIKA study will provide key information to assess effectiveness of and attitudes toward primary prevention of CVD in Europe. A transnational study creates opportunities for benchmarking good clinical practice across countries and improving outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00882336.)</p

Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Contractile Properties by Radial Displacement: The Case for Tensiomyography

Skeletal muscle operates as a near-constant volume system; as such muscle shortening during contraction is transversely linked to radial deformation. Therefore, to assess contractile properties of skeletal muscle, radial displacement can be evoked and measured. Mechanomyography measures muscle radial displacement and during the last 20 years, tensiomyography has become the most commonly used and widely reported technique among the various methodologies of mechanomyography. Tensiomyography has been demonstrated to reliably measure peak radial displacement during evoked muscle twitch, as well as muscle twitch speed. A number of parameters can be extracted from the tensiomyography displacement/time curve and the most commonly used and reliable appear to be peak radial displacement and contraction time. The latter has been described as a valid non-invasive means of characterising skeletal muscle, based on fibre-type composition. Over recent years, applications of tensiomyography measurement within sport and exercise have appeared, with applications relating to injury, recovery and performance. Within the present review, we evaluate the perceived strengths and weaknesses of tensiomyography with regard to its efficacy within applied sports medicine settings. We also highlight future tensiomyography areas that require further investigation. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to critically examine the existing evidence surrounding tensiomyography as a tool within the field of sports medicine

Response of Quercus ilex seedlings to Phytophthora spp. root infection in a soil infestation test

[EN] Phytophthora species are the main agents associated with oak (Quercus spp.) decline, together with the changing environmental conditions and the intensive land use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of Quercus ilex to the inoculation with eight Phytophthora species. Seven to eight month old Q. ilex seedlings grown from acorns, obtained from two Spanish origins, were inoculated with P. cinnamomi, P. cryptogea, P. gonapodyides, P. megasperma, P. nicotianae, P. plurivora, P. psychrophila and P. quercina. All Phytophthora inoculated seedlings showed decline and symptoms including small dark necrotic root lesions, root cankers, and loss of fine roots and tap root. The most aggressive species were P. cinnamomi, P. cryptogea, P. gonapodyides, P. plurivora and P. psychrophila followed by P. megasperma., while Phytophthora quercina and P. nicotianae were the less aggressive species. Results obtained confirm that these Phytophthora species could constituted a threat to Q. ilex ecosystems and the implications are further discussed.The authors are grateful to A. Solla and his team from the Centro Universitario de Plasencia-Universidad de Extremadura (Spain) for helping in the acorns collection and to the CIEF (Centro para la Investigación y Experimentación Forestal, Generalitat Valenciana, Valencia, Spain) for providing the acorns. This research was supported by funding from the project AGL2011- 30438-C02-01 (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain).Mora-Sala, B.; Abad Campos, P.; Berbegal Martinez, M. (2018). Response of Quercus ilex seedlings to Phytophthora spp. root infection in a soil infestation test. European Journal of Plant Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-018-01650-6SÁlvarez, L. A., Pérez-Sierra, A., Armengol, J., & García-Jiménez, J. (2007). Characterization of Phytophthora nicotianae isolates causing collar and root rot of lavender and rosemary in Spain. Journal of Plant Pathology, 89, 261–264.Balci, Y., & Halmschlager, E. (2003a). Incidence of Phytophthora species in oak forests in Austria and their possible involvement in oak decline. Forest Pathology, 33, 157–174.Balci, Y., & Halmschlager, E. (2003b). Phytophthora species in oak ecosystems in Turkey and their association with declining oak trees. Plant Pathology, 52, 694–702.Brasier, C. M. (1992a). Oak tree mortality in Iberia. Nature, 360, 539.Brasier, C. M. ((1992b)). Phytophthora cinnamomi as a contributory factor on European oak declines. In N. by Luisi, P. Lerario, & A. B. Vannini (Eds.), Recent Advances in Studies on Oak Decline. Proc. Int. Congress, Brindisi, Italy, September 13-18, 1992 (pp. 49–58). Italy: Università degli Studi.Brasier, C. M. (1996). Phytophthora cinnamomi and oak decline in southern Europe. Environmental constraints including climate change. Annales des Sciences Forestieres, 53, 347–358.Brasier, C. M. (2008). The biosecurity threat to the UK and global environment from international trade in plants. Plant Pathology, 57, 792–808.Brasier, C. M., Hamm, P. B., & Hansen, E. M. (1993a). Cultural characters, protein patterns and unusual mating behaviour of P. gonapodyides isolates from Britain and North America. Mycological Research, 97, 1287–1298.Brasier, C. M., Robredo, F., & Ferraz, J. F. P. (1993b). Evidence for Phytophthora cinnamomi involvement in Iberian oak decline. Plant Pathology, 42, 140–145.Camilo-Alves, C. S. P., Clara, M. I. E., & Ribeiro, N. M. C. A. (2013). Decline of Mediterranean oak trees and its association with Phytophthora cinnamomi: a review. European Journal of Forest Research, 132, 411–432.Català, S., Berbegal, M., Pérez-Sierra, A., & Abad-Campos, P. (2017). Metabarcoding and development of new real-time specific assays reveal Phytophthora species diversity in holm oak forests in eastern Spain. Plant Pathology, 66, 115–123.Collett, D. (2003). Modelling survival data in medical research (2nd ed.). Boca Raton: Chapman & Hall/CRC, 410 pp.Corcobado, T., Cubera, E., Pérez-Sierra, A., Jung, T., & Solla, A. (2010). First report of Phytophthora gonapodyides involved in the decline of Quercus ilex in xeric conditions in Spain. New Disease Reports, 22, 33.Corcobado, T., Cubera, E., Moreno, G., & Solla, A. (2013). Quercus ilex forests are influenced by annual variations in water table, soil water deficit and fine root loss caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 169, 92–99.Corcobado, T., Vivas, M., Moreno, G., & Solla, A. (2014). Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis in declining and non-declining Quercus ilex trees infected with or free of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Forest Ecology and Management, 324, 72–80.Corcobado, T., Miranda-Torres, J. J., Martín-García, J., Jung, T., & Solla, A. (2017). Early survival of Quercus ilex subspecies from different populations after infections and co-infections by multiple Phytophthora species. Plant Pathology, 66, 792–804.Erwin, D. C., & Ribeiro, O. K. (1996). Phytophthora diseases worldwide. St. Paul, Minnesota,USA: APS Press, American Phytopathological. Society 562pp.Gallego, F. J., Perez de Algaba, A., & Fernandez-Escobar, R. (1999). Etiology of oak decline in Spain. European Journal of Forest Pathology, 29, 17–27.Hansen, E., & Delatour, C. (1999). Phytophthora species in oak forests of north-east France. Annals of Forest Science, 56, 539–547.Hardham, A. R., & Blackman, L. M. (2010). Molecular cytology of Phytophthora plant interactions. Australasian Plant Pathology, 39, 29.Hernández-Lambraño, R. E., González-Moreno, P., & Sánchez-Agudo, J. Á. (2018). Environmental factors associated with the spatial distribution of invasive plant pathogens in the Iberian Peninsula: The case of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Forest Ecology and Management, 419, 101–109.Jankowiak, R., Stępniewska, H., Bilański, P., & Kolařík, M. (2014). Occurrence of Phytophthora plurivora and other Phytophthora species in oak forests of southern Poland and their association with site conditions and the health status of trees. Folia Microbiologica, 59, 531–542.Jeffers, S. N., & Aldwinckle, H. S. (1987). Enhancing detection of Phytophthora cactorum in naturally infested soil. Phytopathology, 77, 1475–1482.Jiménez, A. J., Sánchez, E. J., Romero, M. A., Belbahri, L., Trapero, A., Lefort, F., & Sánchez, M. E. (2008). Pathogenicity of Pythium spiculum and P. sterilum on feeder roots of Quercus rotundifolia. Plant Pathology, 57, 369.Jönsson, U. (2006). A conceptual model for the development of Phytophthora disease in Quercus robur. New Phytologist, 171, 55–68.Jönsson, U., Jung, T., Rosengren, U., Nihlgard, B., & Sonesson, K. (2003). Pathogenicity of Swedish isolates of Phytophthora quercina to Quercus robur in two different soils. New Phytologist, 158, 355–364.Jung, T., & Burgess, T. I. (2009). Re-evaluation of Phytophthora citricola isolates from multiple woody hosts in Europe and North America reveals a new species, Phytophthora plurivora sp. nov. Persoonia, 22, 95–110.Jung, T., Blaschke, H., & Neumann, P. (1996). Isolation, identification and pathogenicity of Phytophthora species from declining oak stands. European Journal of Forest Pathology, 26, 253–272.Jung, T., Cooke, D. E. L., Blaschke, H., Duncan, J. M., & Oßwald, W. (1999). Phytophthora quercina sp. nov., causing root rot of European oaks. Mycological Research, 103, 785–798.Jung, T., Blaschke, H., & Oßwald, W. (2000). Involvement of soilborne Phytophthora species in Central European oak decline and the effect of site factors on the disease. Plant Pathology, 49, 706–718.Jung, T., Hansen, E. M., Winton, L., Oßwald, W., & Delatour, C. (2002). Three new species of Phytophthora from European oak forests. Mycological Research, 106, 397–411.Jung, T., Orlikowski, L., Henricot, B., Abad-Campos, P., Aday, A. G., Aguín Casal, O., Bakonyi, J., Cacciola, S. O., Cech, T., Chavarriaga, D., Corcobado, T., Cravador, A., Decourcelle, T., Denton, G., Diamandis, S., Dogmus-Lehtijärvi, H. T., Franceschini, A., Ginetti, B., Glavendekic, M., Hantula, J., Hartmann, G., Herrero, M., Ivic, D., Horta Jung, M., Lilja, A., Keca, N., Kramarets, V., Lyubenova, A., Machado, H., Magnano di San Lio, G., Mansilla Vázquez, P. J., Marçais, B., Matsiakh, I., Milenkovic, I., Moricca, S., Nagy, Z. Á., Nechwatal, J., Olsson, C., Oszako, T., Pane, A., Paplomatas, E. J., Pintos Varela, C., Prospero, S., Rial Martínez, C., Rigling, D., Robin, C., Rytkönen, A., Sánchez, M. E., Scanu, B., Schlenzig, A., Schumacher, J., Slavov, S., Solla, A., Sousa, E., Stenlid, J., Talgø, V., Tomic, Z., Tsopelas, P., Vannini, A., Vettraino, A. M., Wenneker, M., Woodward, S., & Peréz-Sierra, A. (2016). Widespread Phytophthora infestations in European nurseries put forest, semi-natural and horticultural ecosystems at high risk of Phytophthora diseases. Forest Pathology, 46, 134–163.Kroon, L. P., Brouwer, H., de Cock, A. W., & Govers, F. (2012). The genus Phytophthora anno 2012. Phytopathology, 102, 348–364.Linaldeddu, B. T., Scanu, B., Maddau, L., & Franceschini, A. (2014). Diplodia corticola and Phytophthora cinnamomi: the main pathogens involved in holm oak decline on Caprera Island (Italy). Forest Pathology, 44, 191–200.Luque, J., Parladé, J., & Pera, J. (2000). Pathogenicity of fungi isolated from Quercus suber in Catalonia (NE Spain). Forest Pathology, 30, 247–263.Luque, J., Parladé, J., & Pera, J. (2002). Seasonal changes in susceptibility of Quercus suber to Botryosphaeria stevensii and Phytophthora cinnamomi. Plant Pathology, 51, 338–345.MAGRAMA. (2014). Diagnóstico del Sector Forestal Español. Análisis y Prospectiva - Serie Agrinfo/Medioambiente n° 8. Ed. Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente. In NIPO: 280-14-081-9.Martín-García, J., Solla, A., Corcobado, T., Siasou, E., & Woodward, S. (2015). Influence of temperature on germination of Quercus ilex in Phytophthora cinnamomi, P. gonapodyides, P. quercina and P. psychrophila infested soils. Forest Pathology, 45, 215–223.Maurel, M., Robin, C., Capron, G., & Desprez-Loustau, M. L. (2001). Effects of root damage associated with Phytophthora cinnamomi on water elations, biomass accumulation, mineral nutrition and vulnerability to water deficit of five oak and chestnut species. Forest Pathology, 31, 353–369.McKinney, H. H. (1923). Influence of soil temperature and moisture on infection of wheat seedlings by Helminthosporium sativum. Journal of Agricultural Research, 26, 195–217.Moralejo, E., Pérez-Sierra, A., Álvarez, L. A., Belbahri, L., Lefort, F., & Descals, E. (2009). Multiple alien Phytophthora taxa discovered on diseased ornamental plants in Spain. Plant Pathology, 58, 100–110.Mora-Sala, B., Berbegal, M., & Abad-Campos, P. (2018). The use of qPCR reveals a high frequency of Phytophthora quercina in two Spanish holm oak areas. Forests, 9(11):697. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9110697 .Moreira, A. C., & Martins, J. M. S. (2005). Influence of site factors on the impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork oak stands in Portugal. Forest Pathology, 35, 145–162.Mrázková, M., Černý, K., Tomosovsky, M., Strnadová, V., Gregorová, B., Holub, V., Panek, M., Havrdová, L., & Hejná, M. (2013). Occurrence of Phytophthora multivora and Phytophthora plurivora in the Czech Republic. Plant Protection Science, 49, 155–164.Navarro, R. M., Gallo, L., Sánchez, M. E., Fernández, P., & Trapero, A. (2004). Efecto de distintas fertilizaciones de fósforo en la resistencia de brinzales de encina y alcornoque a Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. Investigación Agraria. Sistemas y Recursos Forestales, 13, 550–558.Panabières, F., Ali, G., Allagui, M., Dalio, R., Gudmestad, N., Kuhn, M., Guha Roy, S., Schena, L., & Zampounis, A. (2016). Phytophthora nicotianae diseases worldwide: new knowledge of a long-recognised pathogen. Phytopathologia Mediterranea, 55, 20–40.Pérez-Sierra, A., & Jung, T. (2013). Phytophthora in woody ornamental nurseries. In: Phytophthora: A global perspective (pp. 166-177). Ed. by Lamour, K. Wallingford: CABI.Pérez-Sierra, A., Mora-Sala, B., León, M., García-Jiménez, J., & Abad-Campos, P. (2012). Enfermedades causadas por Phytophthora en viveros de plantas ornamentales. Boletín de Sanidad Vegetal-Plagas, 38, 143–156.Pérez-Sierra, A., López-García, C., León, M., García-Jiménez, J., Abad-Campos, P., & Jung, T. (2013). Previously unrecorded low-temperature Phytophthora species associated with Quercus decline in a Mediterranean forest in eastern Spain. Forest Pathology, 43, 331–339.Redondo, M. A., Pérez-Sierra, A., & Abad-Campos, P. (2015). Histology of Quercus ilex roots during infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Trees - Structure and Function, 29, 1943–5197.Ríos, P., Obregón, S., de Haro, A., Fernández-Rebollo, P., Serrano, M. S., & Sánchez, M. E. (2016). Effect of Brassica Biofumigant Amendments on Different Stages of the Life Cycle of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Journal of Phytopathology, 164, 582–594.Rizzo, D. M., Garbelotto, M., Davidson, J. M., Slaughter, G. W., & Koike, S. T. (2002). Phytophthora ramorum as the cause of extensive mortality of Quercus spp. and Lithocarpus densiflorus in California. Plant Disease, 86, 205–214.Robin, C., Desprez-Loustau, M. L., Capron, G., & Delatour, C. (1998). First record of Phytophthora cinnamomi on cork and holm oaks in France and evidence of pathogenicity. Annales Des Sciences Forestieres, 55, 869–883.Robin, C., Capron, G., & Desprez-Loustau, M. L. (2001). Root infection by Phytophthora cinnamomi in seedlings of three oak species. Plant Pathology, 50, 708–716.Rodríguez-Molina, M. C., Torres-Vila, L. M., Blanco-Santos, A., Núñez, E. J. P., & Torres-Álvarez, E. (2002). Viability of holm and cork oak seedlings from acorns sown in soils naturally infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi. Forest Pathology, 32, 365–372.Romero, M. A., Sánchez, J. E., Jiménez, J. J., Belbahri, L., Trapero, A., Lefort, F., & Sánchez, M. E. (2007). New Pythium taxa causing root rot in Mediterranean Quercus species in southwest Spain and Portugal. Journal of Phytopathology, 115, 289–295.Sánchez de Lorenzo-Cáceres J. M. (2001). Guía de las plantas ornamentales. S.A. Mundi-Prensa Libros. ISBN 9788471149374. 688 pp.Sánchez, M. E., Caetano, P., Ferraz, J., & Trapero, A. (2002). Phytophtora disease of Quercus ilex in south-western Spain. Forest Pathology, 32, 5–18.Sánchez, M. E., Sánchez, J. E., Navarro, R. M., Fernández, P., & Trapero, A. (2003). Incidencia de la podredumbre radical causada por Phytophthora cinnamomi en masas de Quercus en Andalucía. Boletín de Sanidad Vegetal-Plagas, 29, 87–108.Sánchez, M. E., Andicoberry, S., & Trapero, A. (2005). Pathogenicity of three Phytophthora spp. causing late seedling rot of Quercus ilex ssp. ballota. Forest Pathology, 35, 115–125.Sánchez, M. E., Caetano, P., Romero, M. A., Navarro, R. M., & Trapero, A. (2006). Phytophthora root rot as the main factor of oak decline in southern Spain. In: Progress in Research on Phytophthora Diseases of Forest Trees. Proceedings of the Third International IUFRO Working Party S07.02.09. Meeting at Freising. Germany 11-18 September 2004. Brasier C. M., Jung T., Oßwald W. (Eds). Forest Research. Farnham, UK. pp. 149-154.Scanu, B., Linaldeddu, B. T., Deidda, A., & Jung, T. (2015). Diversity of Phytophthora species from declining Mediterranean maquis vegetation, including two new species, Phytophthora crassamura and P. ornamentata sp. nov. PLoS ONE, 10. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0143234 .Schmitthenner, A. F., & Canaday, C. H. (1983). Role of chemical factors in the development of Phytophthora diseases. In: Phytophthora. Its biology, taxonomy, ecology, and pathology (pp.189-196). Ed. by Erwin D. C., Bartnicki-Garcia S., Tsao P. H. St. Paul, : The American Phytopathological Society.Scibetta, S., Schena, L., Chimento, A., Cacciola, S. A., & Cooke, D. E. L. (2012). A molecular method to assess Phytophthora diversity in environmental samples. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 88, 356–368.Sena, K., Crocker, E., Vincelli, P., & Barton, C. (2018). Phytophthora cinnamomi as a driver of forest change: Implications for conservation and management. Forest Ecology and Management, 409, 799–807.Thines, M. (2013). Taxonomy and phylogeny of Phytophthora and related oomycetes In: Phytophthora: A global perspective (pp. 11-18). Ed. by Lamour, K. Wallingford: CABI.Tsao, P. H. (1990). Why many Phytophthora root rots and crown rots of tree and horticultural crops remain undetected. EPPO Bulletin, 20, 11–17.Tuset, J. J., Hinarejos, C., Mira, J. L., & Cobos, M. (1996). Implicación de Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands en la enfermedad de la seca de encinas y alcornoques. Boletín de Sanidad Vegetal-Plagas, 22, 491–499.Vettraino, A. M., Barzanti, G. P., Bianco, M. C., Ragazzi, A., Capretti, P., Paoletti, E., & Vannini, A. (2002). Occurrence of Phytophthora species in oak stands in Italy and their association with declining oak trees. Forest Pathology, 32, 19–28.Xia, K., Hill, L. M., Li, D. Z., & Walters, C. (2014). Factors affecting stress tolerance in recalcitrant embryonic axes from seeds of four Quercus (Fagaceae) species native to the USA or China. Annals of Botany, 114, 1747–1759

A school-based physical activity promotion intervention in children: rationale and study protocol for the PREVIENE Project

The lack of physical activity and increasing time spent in sedentary behaviours during childhood place importance on developing low cost, easy-toimplement school-based interventions to increase physical activity among children. The PREVIENE Project will evaluate the effectiveness of five innovative, simple, and feasible interventions (active commuting to/from school, active Physical Education lessons, active school recess, sleep health promotion, and an integrated program incorporating all 4 interventions) to improve physical activity, fitness, anthropometry, sleep health, academic achievement, and health-related quality of life in primary school children. The PREVIENE Project will provide the information about the effectiveness and implementation of different school-based interventions for physical activity promotion in primary school children.The PREVIENE Project was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (DEP2015-63988-R, MINECO-FEDER). MAG is supported by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivenes

A Broad Assessment of Factors Determining Culicoides imicola Abundance: Modelling the Present and Forecasting Its Future in Climate Change Scenarios

Bluetongue (BT) is still present in Europe and the introduction of new serotypes from endemic areas in the African continent is a possible threat. Culicoides imicola remains one of the most relevant BT vectors in Spain and research on the environmental determinants driving its life cycle is key to preventing and controlling BT. Our aim was to improve our understanding of the biotic and abiotic determinants of C. imicola by modelling its present abundance, studying the spatial pattern of predicted abundance in relation to BT outbreaks, and investigating how the predicted current distribution and abundance patterns might change under future (2011–2040) scenarios of climate change according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. C. imicola abundance data from the bluetongue national surveillance programme were modelled with spatial, topoclimatic, host and soil factors. The influence of these factors was further assessed by variation partitioning procedures. The predicted abundance of C. imicola was also projected to a future period. Variation partitioning demonstrated that the pure effect of host and topoclimate factors explained a high percentage (>80%) of the variation. The pure effect of soil followed in importance in explaining the abundance of C. imicola. A close link was confirmed between C. imicola abundance and BT outbreaks. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to consider wild and domestic hosts in predictive modelling for an arthropod vector. The main findings regarding the near future show that there is no evidence to suggest that there will be an important increase in the distribution range of C. imicola; this contrasts with an expected increase in abundance in the areas where it is already present in mainland Spain. What may be expected regarding the future scenario for orbiviruses in mainland Spain, is that higher predicted C. imicola abundance may significantly change the rate of transmission of orbiviruses