How far surface water fluxes determine restoration success in Mediterranean degraded areas? Implications for dryland precision restoration

Drylands functioning depends on water fluxes and the retention of resources. The restoration of degraded areas should mimic the natural arrangement of vegetation in the landscape in a source-sink pattern. Reintroducing key woody seedlings through planting is a major concern in ecological restoration as these areas often exceed degradation thresholds and ecosystem functions are limited. However, it is not clear how natural fluxes might determine seedlings performance of key woody species. We have analyzed the microcatchment surface area of planting spots with and without water optimization treatment (waterproof surfaces with dry wells) and the survival and growth of Olea europaea seedlings during six years after planting in a semiarid degraded landscape. We recorded a positive effect of water optimization treatment in seedling survival and growth highlighting water limitation of these sites. We did not observe a clear and linear relationship between microcatchment collecting surface area and plant performance. The higher the collecting surface the lower the retention capacity of the planting pitch suggesting a loss of the integrity of the planting hole structure. Water optimization treatments were especially effective when collecting surface areas were low. These results might be useful for designing precision restoration actions in degraded landscapes.Fundación CEAM is supported by Generalitat Valenciana, and the projects IMAGINA (PROMETEO/2019/110 - Generalitat Valenciana), INERTIA (PID 2019-111332RB-C22 – Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation), LORAIN (AGL 2008-05532- C02-02- Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation), and RECUVES (077/RN08/04.1 - Spanish Ministry of Environment)

Carbon balance as affected by biosolid application in reforestations

Soils of Mediterranean drylands are characterized by a low fertility and organic matter content because of past land use and disturbances regime. The restoration of these degraded lands faces at the same time problems related to water scarcity and the unpredictability of precipitations with problems with soil physical, chemical, and microbiological properties. Organic amendments may help to improve soil properties and, consequently, enhance planted seedling establishment and performance. In this study, we assessed the C balance of 3 Mediterranean areas planted with Pinus halepensis Mill. seedlings with different treatments of biosolid application. The assessment was conducted at different times after the establishment of treatments and the C dynamics are discussed. We considered 3 biosolid types (air‐dried, fresh sludge, and composted sludge) in application doses ranging from 10 to 320 Mg (d.w.) ha−1. We quantified basal area, pine biomass, biomass of spontaneous vegetation, litter, root density, and soil organic matter. All 3 experimental restoration studies improved restoration success in terms of basal area (ranging from 15% to 300%), especially in composted biosolid at 30 Mg (d.w.) ha−1, whereas litter and, especially, root biomass increased with all biosolid treatments and times since application. Soil organic C was higher in application doses above 30 Mg (dry weight) ha−1 due to the organic matter applied with the sludges. The increment in C sequestration rates associated to these restoration treatments ranged between 0.046 and 0.293 kg C m2 yr−1. These results confirm the suitability of organic amendments as restoration technique in Mediterranean degraded drylands.This research was conducted within the framework of research projects funded by the Spanish Ministries of Environment (BIOMET‐608/2006/1‐4.4), the European Commission FP7 (CASCADE/GA283068), and the Government of the Valencia Region (DESESTRES‐PROMETEUII/2014/038)

Drone-based assessment of microsite-scale hydrological processes promoted by restoration actions in early post-mining ecological restoration stages

A successful choice of post-mining restoration activities in dry climates may depend on relevant features related to topographic characteristics, hydrological processes and vegetation development, which will determine functional recovery in these ecosystems. The combination of different restoration techniques to reestablish vegetation, such as sowing and plantation, implies the interspersion of bare-soil areas with vegetated areas in early plant development stages, which may result in an associated mosaic of hydrologic functioning. In this study, we conducted a drone-based assessment to disentangle the role played by microsite-scale hydrological processes (i.e., planting hole slope, sink volume capacity, individual catchment area, Flow Length Index) promoted by restoration actions in soil protection and vegetation development on the hillside scale. Based on two contrasting restoration scenarios (Steep hillside and Smooth hillside), the different applied restoration treatments conditioned the microtopographic processes on the planting hole scale and, therefore, resource redistribution. The main results showed higher planting hole functionality on the smooth hillsides than on steep hillside, which resulted in greater water availability and bigger vegetation patches. By addressing the role of hydrological processes on the microsite scale, our study contributes substantially to prior knowledge on the relevant factors for ecosystem development and post-mining restoration success. It also demonstrates that high-resolution drone images can be a very useful tool for monitoring restoration actions, especially in large, inaccessible and unstable restored areas.The study was funded by the LIFE TECMINE Project (LIFE16 ENV/ES/000159) from the European Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (2014–2020)*. L.M. was supported by the Spanish MICINN (PTA2019-018094). The CEAM foundation is funded by the Generalitat Valenciana

Evaluación a medio plazo de la aplicación de biosólidos en repoblaciones forestales de Pinus halepensis

Dado el delicado balance entre impactos positivos y negativos en la aplicación de biosólidos en trabajos de restauración forestal, la determinación de dosis adecuadas es un aspecto clave para la optimización del uso de estos residuos orgánicos en repoblaciones forestales en ambiente mediterráneo. En este ensayo realizamos una evaluación de la supervivencia y crecimiento de brinzales de Pinus halepensis sometidos a diferentes dosis de lodos de depuradora compostados o secos al aire, durante los tres años posteriores a su plantación. Tres años después de la plantación, el porcentaje de mortalidad fue elevado (>50% en el conjunto de todos los brinzales). Las dosis de 15 y 30 Mg.ha-1 apenas modificaron los porcentajes de supervivencia respecto al tratamiento control, mientras que dosis superiores los hicieron disminuir significativamente. Esta mortalidad se relacionó con el valor de la conductividad eléctrica del suelo tras el primer verano, y se mantuvo constante los tres años posteriores en relación al tratamiento control. El índice de efecto relativo aplicado al área basal de los brinzales tratados mostró una influencia muy positiva de las dosis más bajas frente a los valores negativos de dicho índice con las dosis de 60 Mg.ha-1. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la aplicación de dosis inferiores a 30 Mg.ha-1 de lodo de depuradora puede suponer una mejora en el resultado global de repoblaciones de Pinus halepensis en medios mediterráneos secos.Esta investigación ha sido financiada parcialmente por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente (proyectos OLORES, exp nº174/2004/3 y BIOMET, exp. 608/2006/1-4.4). La Fundación CEAM está financiada por la Generalitat Valenciana y por Bancaixa

Alleviation of Zn toxicity by low water availability

Heavy metal contamination and drought are expected to increase in large areas worldwide. However, their combined effect on plant performance has been scantly analyzed. This study examines the effect of Zn supply at different water availabilities on morpho-physiological traits of Quercus suber L. in order to analyze the combined effects of both stresses. Seedlings were treated with four levels of zinc from 3 to 150 µM and exposed to low watering (LW) or high watering (HW) frequency in hydroponic culture, using a growth chamber. Under both watering regimes, Zn concentration in leaves and roots increased with Zn increment in nutrient solution. Nevertheless, at the highest Zn doses, Zn tissue concentrations were almost twice in HW than in LW seedlings. Functional traits as leaf photosynthetic rate and root hydraulic conductivity, and morphological traits as root length and root biomass decreased significantly in response to Zn supply. Auxin levels increased with Zn concentrations, suggesting the involvement of this phytohormone in the seedling response to this element. LW seedlings exposed to 150 µM Zn showed higher root length and root biomass than HW seedlings exposed to the same Zn dose. Our results suggest that low water availability could mitigate Zn toxicity by limiting internal accumulation. Morphological traits involved in the response to both stresses probably contributed to this response.This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Project GRACCIE, Programa Consolider-Ingenio 2010 (CSD 2007-00067) and SURVIVE (CGL-2011-30531-CO2-02)) and Generalitat Valenciana (FEEDBACKS-PROMETEO/2009/006). E. I. Hernández thanks the University of Alicante for her FPU research fellowship. CEAM is supported by Generalitat Valenciana

Clima, tipo de suelo y enmiendas orgánicas como factores reguladores de la dinámica de raíces finas en briznales de Pinus halepensis

Hemos estudiado el efecto de la aplicación de 60 Mg.ha-1 de peso seco de biosólidos sobre la producción y mortalidad de raíces de brinzales de 1 savia de Pinus halepensis plantados sobre suelos forestales contratados, desarrollados sobre roca caliza, marga y arenisca. Para ello dispusimos de rizotrones de 40x40x70 cm simulando un hoyo de plantación, con pared frontal transparente e inclinada, a través de la cual fue posible hacer el seguimiento de la aparición y desaparición de raíces durante los meses posteriores a la plantación. La colonización del suelo por las raíces de P. halepensis fue rápida, prolongándose hasta finales de primavera y mediados de verano, según el suelo. La mortalidad de raíces se inició algunas semanas después, decayendo al poco tiempo. En consecuencia, la densidad de raíces incrementó hasta alcanzar un máximo que se mantuvo relativamente constante durante buena parte del verano y el principio de otoño. El tipo de suelo modificó el patrón temporal de producción de raíces, pero no afectó a la producción, mortalidad o densidad de raíces. La aplicación de biosólidos no afectó a la dinámica radical. Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de la respuesta de los brinzales durante las semanas posteriores a la plantación y antes del inicio de la sequía estival, y su relativa independencia de las condiciones edáficas.Este trabajo ha sido llevado a cabo gracias a la financiación recibida del MEC-FEDER, proyecto Bases científicas para la aplicación de biosólidos en montes mediterráneos (BIOMON; REN2000-0181P4-03), a la beca concedida a A. Gobbi por la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional, y al apoyo del proyecto Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Multidisciplinary research consortium on gradual and abrupt climate changes, and their impacts on the environment (GRACCIE). Agradecemos la ayuda recibida de EPSAR Comunidad Valenciana y especialmente de F. Llavador. La Fundación CEAM está financiada por la Generalidad Valenciana y Bancaixa

Análisis de la estructura, competencia y funcionamiento de la justicia especial para la paz frente a los propósitos para los cuales fue creada

La finalidad de esta investigación es analizar las funciones de la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz, en adelante JEP frente a los propósitos para los cuales fue creada, en cuanto a la función de administrar justicia de manera transitoria, para sancionar las graves violaciones a los Derechos Humanos y las infracciones al Derecho Internacional Humanitario, antes del 1º de diciembre de 2016 con relación directa o indirecta con el conflicto armado, evaluando si la Justicia Especial para la Paz en materia de investigación, judicialización y sanción es congruente con el marco constitucional colombiano, frente a los derechos de la verdad efectiva, la justicia, la reparación y la garantía de no repetición.The purpose of this investigation is to analyze the functions of the Special Jurisdiccion for Peace, in regard to the purposes for which it was created, in terms of the function of administering justice in a transitory manner, to sanction the serious violations of Human Rights and infractions of International Humanitarian Law, before December 1st 2016 with direct or indirect relation to the internal armed conflict, evaluating whether the Special Justice for Peace (JEP for its initials in spanish), in the matter of investigation, prosecution and punishment is consistent with the Colombian constitutional framework, with respect to the rights of effective truth, justice, reparation and the guarantee of non-repetition.Magíster en Derecho ConstitucionalMaestrí

MFG-E8 (LACTADHERIN): a novel marker associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy

Malaltia d'Alzheimer; Biomarcadors; Microdissecció de captura làserAlzheimer's disease; Biomarkers; Laser capture microdissectionEnfermedad de Alzheimer; Biomarcadores; Microdisección por captura láserBrain accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) is a crucial feature in Alzheimer´s disease (AD) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), although the pathophysiological relationship between these diseases remains unclear. Numerous proteins are associated with Aβ deposited in parenchymal plaques and/or cerebral vessels. We hypothesized that the study of these proteins would increase our understanding of the overlap and biological differences between these two pathologies and may yield new diagnostic tools and specific therapeutic targets. We used a laser capture microdissection approach combined with mass spectrometry in the APP23 transgenic mouse model of cerebral-β-amyloidosis to specifically identify vascular Aβ-associated proteins. We focused on one of the main proteins detected in the Aβ-affected cerebrovasculature: MFG-E8 (milk fat globule-EGF factor 8), also known as lactadherin. We first validated the presence of MFG-E8 in mouse and human brains. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting studies revealed that MFG-E8 brain levels were higher in APP23 mice than in WT mice. Furthermore, MFG-E8 was strongly detected in Aβ-positive vessels in human postmortem CAA brains, whereas MFG-E8 was not present in parenchymal Aβ deposits. Levels of MFG-E8 were additionally analysed in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients diagnosed with CAA, patients with AD and control subjects. Whereas no differences were found in MFG-E8 serum levels between groups, MFG-E8 concentration was significantly lower in the CSF of CAA patients compared to controls and AD patients. Finally, in human vascular smooth muscle cells MFG-E8 was protective against the toxic effects of the treatment with the Aβ40 peptide containing the Dutch mutation. In summary, our study shows that MFG-E8 is highly associated with CAA pathology and highlights MFG-E8 as a new CSF biomarker that could potentially be used to differentiate cerebrovascular Aβ pathology from parenchymal Aβ deposition.This work was funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), (PI20/00465), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The Neurovascular Research Laboratory is part of the INVICTUS + network, ISCIII, Spain (RD16/0019/0021). P.M. held a predoctoral fellowship from the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute. MMV is supported by the BIONIC project (no. 733050822, which has been made possible by ZonMW as part of ‘Memorabel’, the research and innovation program for dementia, as part of the Dutch national ‘Deltaplan for Dementia’:the CAFÉ project (the National Institutes of Health, USA, grant number 5R01NS104147-02), and a grant from the Selfridges Group Foundation (NR170024). The BIONIC project is a consortium of Radboudumc, LUMC, ADX Neurosciences, and Rhode Island University

Design and evaluation of a treatment programme for Spanish adolescents with overweight and obesity. The EVASYON Study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The prevalence of overweight and obesity (OW/OB) among adolescents worldwide has increased since the 60 s. Spain has reached one of the highest OW/OB prevalence rates among adolescents from European countries. The aim of this methodological paper is to describe the design and evaluation in the EVASYON study (Development, implementation and evaluation of the efficacy of a therapeutic programme for adolescents with OW/OB: integral education on nutrition and physical activity).</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The EVASYON was planned by a multidisciplinary team to treat OW/OB in Spanish adolescents. The EVASYON is a multi-centre study conducted in 5 hospitals in 5 Spanish cities (Granada, Madrid, Pamplona, Santander and Zaragoza) and two hundred and four OW/OB Spanish adolescents were recruited for this intervention. The treatment was implemented for approximately one-year follow-up. The adolescents were treated in groups of a maximum of 10 subjects; each group had 20 visits during the treatment period in two phases: intensive during the first 2 months (1^stto 9^thvisits), and extensive during the last 11 months (10^thto 20^thvisits). In order to assess the efficacy of the treatment, 8 dimensions were measured: diet; physical activity and fitness; eating behaviour; body composition; haematological profile; metabolic profile; minerals and vitamins; immuno-inflammatory markers. Moreover, genetic polymorphisms were also determined.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The treatment programme developed in the EVASYON study was designed as a national pilot study to be implemented as an effective treatment for adolescents with OW/OB into the Spanish Health Care Service.</p