Modelling the effects of climate change on weed population dynamics

As the human population continues to increase –it will have surpassed 9 billion people by 2050- food supply must rise in order to sustain people. Climate change represents a threat in the provision of sufficient, secure and nutritious nourishment for everyone. Possible consequences of climate change include a reduction in global agro-ecosystem production, with Spain as one of the most affected countries in Europe. Accordingly, little is known about the possible effects on weed populations, their relationships to the crops and the impact on human health (e.g., allergies). Population dynamics is an established theory focused on the understanding of population changes derived from the endogenous processes and exogenous factors that regulate population fluctuations. In this thesis, population theory is used as a tool to understand the effects of climate change on weeds. Below, three studies are presented which examine the interaction between climate variables and weed population dynamics. The first study was performed in a cereal system in Central Spain and focuses on endogenous and exogenous factors that affect the temporal fluctuations of seven weed types with economic relevance. The second study, developed with a database created in 1843 in the Southern United Kingdom, assesses the effect of climate and management factors on species coexistence in a weed community. The third study used data from a locality in Southern Spain and attempted to explain pollen fluctuations in grasses, project its future evolution and determine the possible consequences for allergies. The content developed in this doctoral thesis represents an original approach to studying the effects of climate change on weeds, with innovative concepts for Weed Science. This thesis contributes to understanding the possible effects of climate change on weed population dynamics and helps to answer the question of how, and to what...La creciente población humana –que se prevé sobrepasará los 9 mil millones de personas en 2050- necesita aumentar la disponibilidad de alimento. El cambio climático representa una amenaza para lograr producir alimentos suficientes, seguros y nutritivos para todos. Las posibles consecuencias del cambio climático incluyen una reducción de la producción global de los agro-ecosistemas con España a la cabeza dentro de los países europeos más afectados. En este sentido, los efectos del cambio climático que puedan experimentar las poblaciones de las malas hierbas, su relación con los cultivos y su incidencia en la salud humana (ej. alergias) son poco conocidos. La dinámica de poblaciones es una teoría consolidada y enfocada a comprender los cambios poblacionales derivados de la influencia de procesos endógenos y exógenos que regulan las fluctuaciones poblaciones. En esta tesis, se utiliza la teoría poblacional como una herramienta para comprender los efectos del cambio climático sobre las malas hierbas. En el contexto presentado, la presente tesis doctoral unifica tres estudios sobre la interacción entre las variables climáticas y la dinámica de poblaciones de malas hierbas. El primer estudio se realizó en un sistema cerealista del centro de España y se focalizó en estudiar los factores endógenos y exógenos que afectan a las fluctuaciones temporales de siete malas hierbas de relevancia económica. El segundo estudio se realizó a partir de una base de datos creada en 1843 en el sur de Reino Unido y evaluó el efecto de factores climáticos y de manejo sobre la coexistencia de especies en una comunidad de plantas arvenses. El tercer estudio empleó datos de una localidad del sur de España y trata de explicar las fluctuaciones del polen de gramíneas, proyectar su evolución futura y las posibles consecuencias para las alergias. 12..

Contributions of Hedgerows to People: A Global Meta-Analysis

David García de León et al. (2021) 'Contributions of Hedgerows to People: A Global Meta-Analysis', Frontiers in Conservation Science, 2. doi:10.3389/fcosc.2021.789612.Hedgerows are linear landscape features of woody vegetation usually located around agricultural fields. An increasing number of studies have addressed the effects of hedgerows on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study is aimed to synthesize these effects and compare the levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services in farmland with hedgerows and (1) farmland without hedgerows and (2) nearby natural habitat at the global scale. We hypothesized that farmland with hedgerows (1) enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services as compared to farmland without hedgerows but (2) supports lower levels of biodiversity and ecosystem services than natural habitat. Our systematic literature review retained 835 observations from 170 primary studies, which were analyzed following the standard methodology in meta-analyses. Our results partially support both hypotheses. Farmland with hedgerows exhibited higher levels of biodiversity and provisioning services than farmland without hedgerows (H1). Farmland with hedgerows provided similar levels of biodiversity (edge effects) but lower levels of ecosystem services than natural habitat (H2). The effects of hedgerows on biodiversity and ecosystem services depended on control ecosystem type (grassland/meadow or forest/woodland) but were largely independent of climate type (temperate or tropical) and the focus of spatial scale (field or landscape). In conclusion, conservation and restoration of hedgerows contribute to people in several ways by enhancing biodiversity and multifunctionality in agricultural landscapes.Comunidad de MadridUniversidad de Alcal

Assessing the limiting factors of natural regeneration in Mediterranean planted hedgerows

12 p.Conservation and restoration of hedgerows promote biodiversity and multifunctionality in agricultural landscapes. However, in Mediterranean environments, natural regeneration of hedgerows is often poor, and factors hindering the establishment and growth of hedgerow woody species remain unclear. This study aimed to address this gap by (1) quantifying natural regeneration, including seedling establishment and resprouting of planted hedgerow species and the establishment of woody species coming from outside the hedgerows; and (2) experimentally assessing the impact of drought, herbivory, and herb competition on seedling establishment. We selected 12 planted, 11?13-year-old hedgerows in four sites in Central Spain to sample their natural regeneration. In addition, we transplanted 1,356 seedlings of Colutea arborescens L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Rhamnus alaternus L. to two field sites under three treatments that were applied factorially for two years: irrigation to alleviate summer drought, protection against herbivory, and herb clipping to reduce competition with transplanted seedlings. We found that only 66 juveniles of woody species, including 29 of species that were not planted in the hedgerows, developed from seed germination, and 316 sprouts recruited spontaneously along 10 years (14 individuals ha?1 year?1 ). Of the transplanted seedlings, only 22% survived after two years with protection against herbivory strongly enhancing seedling survival. To a lesser extent, irrigation and herb competition affected survival through interactions with herbivory and species identity. Irrigation and protection against herbivores accelerated seedling growth. Survival and growth of C. arborescens (14%; seedling height = 12 ± 9 cm) were lower than those of C. monogyna (41%; 21 ± 11 cm) and R. alaternus (17%; 13 ± 8 cm). We conclude that natural regeneration in Mediterranean planted hedgerows is low, herbivory is the main limiting factor for seedling survival, especially for deciduous species, and summer drought and herb competition mostly limit growth. These findings have important implications for the conservation and restoration of hedgerows in Mediterranean environments.Comunidad de MadridUniversidad de Alcal

Hedgerows increase the diversity and modify the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Mediterranean agricultural landscapes

Sustainable agriculture is essential to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Hedgerows enhance aboveground biodiversity and provide ecosystem services, but little is known about their impact on soil biota. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are one of the key components of belowground biodiversity. We compared the diversity and composition of AM fungal communities at four farmland sites located in Central Spain, where 132 soil samples in total were collected to assess soil physical and chemical properties and the AM fungal communities. We compared the richness (number of AM fungal taxa), taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, and structure of the AM fungal communities across three farmland habitat types, namely hedgerows, woody crops (olive groves and vineyard), and herbaceous crops (barley, sunfower, and wheat). Our results showed positive efects of hedgerows on most diversity metrics. Almost 60% of the AM fungal taxa were shared among the three farmland habitat types. Hedgerows increased AM fungal taxonomic richness (31%) and alpha diversity (25%), and especially so compared to herbaceous crops (45% and 28%, respectively). Hedgerows harbored elevated proportions of AM fungi with non-ruderal life-history strategies. AM fungal communities were more similar between hedgerows and woody crops than between hedgerows and adjacent herbaceous crops, possibly because of diferences in tillage and fertilization. Unexpectedly, hedgerows reduced phylogenetic diversity, which might be related to more selective associations of AM fungi with woody plants than with herbaceous crops. Overall, the results suggest that planting hedgerows contributes to maintain belowground diversity. Thus, European farmers should plant more hedgerows to attain the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.Ministerio de Educación y Formación ProfesionalComunidad de Madrid, REMEDINALUniversidad de AlcaláFondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDEREstonian Research Counci

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Use and Outcomes of Cardiac Procedures in COPD Patients

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use and outcomes of cardiac procedures among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Spain. (2) Methods: We used national hospital discharge data to select patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of COPD from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. (3) Results: The number of COPD patients hospitalized in 2019 who underwent a cardiac procedure was 4483, 16.2% higher than in 2020 (n = 3757). The length of hospital stay was significantly lower in 2020 than in 2019 (9.37 vs. 10.13 days; p = 0.004), and crude in-hospital mortality (IHM) was significantly higher (5.32% vs. 4.33%; p = 0.035). Multivariable logistic regression models to assess the differences in IHM from 2019 to 2020 showed Odds Ratio (OR) values over 1, suggesting a higher risk of dying in 2020 compared to in 2019. However, the ORs were only statistically significant for “any cardiac procedure” (1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.47). The Charlson comorbidity index increased IHM for each of the procedures analyzed. The probability of IHM was higher for women and older patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft or open valve replacement procedures. Suffering a COVID-19 infection was associated with significantly higher mortality after cardiac procedures. (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic limited the access to healthcare for patients with COPD.Depto. de Salud Pública y Materno - InfantilFac. de MedicinaTRUEComunidad de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madridpu

National Trends in Prevalence of Depression in Men and Women with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalized in Spain, 2016–2020

(1) Background: To describe trends in the prevalence of depression in men and women with COPD hospitalized in Spain (2016–2020). (2) Methods: We used a nationwide discharge database to select all patients ≥35 years with COPD. (3) Results: The prevalence of depression was 3.54-times higher in women with COPD than in men (OR 3.54; 95%CI 3.48–3.6). It decreased significantly between 2016 and 2020, although the reduction was only significant in women (12.27% in 2016 vs. 10.56% in 2020). Older age, comorbidity and the most recent years of hospital admission were associated with lower prevalence of depression in both men and women, while obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and use of oxygen prior to admission were risk factors. In-hospital mortality (IHM) increased significantly over time. Older age, comorbidity, the use of oxygen prior to admission and having been hospitalized in 2020 increased the risk of IHM. Female sex was associated with a lower IHM in patients with depression and COPD. (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of depression has decreased over time in women with COPD while it has not changed significantly in men with this disease. IHM increased over time both in men and women with COPD and depression, with higher prevalence in the former.Depto. de Salud Pública y Materno - InfantilFac. de MedicinaTRUEComunidad de MadridUniversidad Complutense de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madrid; Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología de las Enfermedades Crónicas de Alta Prevalencia en España (970970)Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía de Tóraxpu

Sex-Related Disparities in the Prevalence of Depression among Patients Hospitalized with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Spain, 2011–2020

(1) Background: Recent reports suggest a decrease in the prevalence of depression among people with diabetes and important sex-differences in the association between these conditions, however data from Spain is sparse. We aim to assess trends in the prevalence of depression and in-hospital outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) hospitalized (2011–2020) identifying sex-differences. (2) Methods: Using the Spanish national hospital discharge database we analysed the prevalence of depression globally, by sex, and according to the conditions included in the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). We tested factors associated with the presence of depression and with in-hospital mortality (IHM). Time trends in the prevalence of depression and variables independently associated with IHM were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. (3) Results: From 2011 to 2020, we identified 5,971,917 hospitalizations of patients with T2DM (5.7% involved depression). The prevalence of depression decreased significantly between 2011 and 2020. The adjusted prevalence of depression was 3.32-fold higher in women than in men (OR 3.32; 95%CI 3.3–3.35). The highest prevalence of depression among men and women with T2DM was found among those who also had a diagnosis of obesity, liver disease, and COPD. Older age, higher CCI, pneumonia, and having been hospitalized in 2020 increased the risk of IHM in patients with T2DM and depression. Obesity was a protective factor for IHM in both sexes, with no differences detected for IHM between men and women. Among patients hospitalized with T2DM, concomitant depression was associated with lower IHM than among patients without depression (depression paradox). (4) Conclusions: The prevalence of depression decreased over time in both sexes. The prevalence of depression was over three-fold higher in women. Female sex and depression were not associated with higher IHM. Based on our results we recommend that clinicians screen regularly for depression in patients with T2DM, particularly women, younger patients, and those with multiple comorbidities.Depto. de Salud Pública y Materno - InfantilFac. de MedicinaTRUEUnión EuropeaComunidad de MadridInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIUniversidad Complutense de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madrid. Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología de las Enfermedades Crónicas de Alta Prevalencia en España (970970)pu

Sex Differences in COVID-19 Hospitalization and Hospital Mortality among Patients with COPD in Spain: A Retrospective Cohort Study

We aimed to assess the effect of COPD in the incidence of hospital admissions for COVID-19 and on the in-hospital mortality (IHM) according to sex. (2) Methods: We used national hospital discharge data to select persons aged ≥40 years admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in 2020 in Spain. (3) Results: The study population included 218,301 patients. Age-adjusted incidence rates of COVID-19 hospitalizations for men with and without COPD were 10.66 and 9.27 per 1000 persons, respectively (IRR 1.14; 95% CI 1.08–1.20; p < 0.001). The IHM was higher in men than in women regardless of the history of COPD. The COPD was associated with higher IHM among women (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01–1.22) but not among men. The COPD men had a 25% higher risk of dying in the hospital with COVID-19 than women with COPD (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.1–1.42). (4) Conclusions: Sex differences seem to exist in the effect of COPD among patients suffering COVID-19. The history of COPD increased the risk of hospitalization among men but not among women, and COPD was only identified as a risk factor for IHM among women. In any case, we observed that COPD men had a higher mortality than COPD women. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these sex differences could help predict the patient outcomes and inform clinical decision making to facilitate early treatment and disposition decisions.Fac. de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y PodologíaTRUEComunidad de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madridpu

Trends in prevalence and the effects on hospital outcomes of dementia in patients hospitalized with acute COPD exacerbation

Aims: To assess changes in prevalence and the effects on hospital outcomes of dementia among patients hospitalized with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD); and to evaluate sexdifferences, as well as the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in this relationship. Methods: We used a nationwide discharge database to select patients admitted with AE-COPD in Spain from 2011 to 2020. We identified those with any type of dementia, vascular dementia (VaD) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Results: We identified 658,429 hospitalizations with AE-COPD (4.45% had any type of dementia, 0.79% VaD and 1.57% AD). The presence of any type of dementia remained stable from 2011 to 2015, and increased significantly between 2016 and 2020. For VaD, the time trend showed no change until 2020, when a significant increment was found. The probability of AD decreased significantly overtime. The in-hospital mortality (IHM) among patients with any type of dementia remained stable overtime until 2020, when it increased significantly. Older age, higher comorbidity, COVID-19, and use of mechanical ventilation were variables associated to IHM. Women had lower risk of dying in the hospital than men in all subgroups. Conclusions: After a previous period of stability, the prevalence of any type of dementia increased over the last 5 years of the study, although we identified different trends depending on the specific cause of dementia. The IHM remained stable overtime until 2020, when it increased, probably related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is remarkable the protective effect of female sex for IHM.Depto. de Salud Pública y Materno - InfantilFac. de MedicinaTRUEResearch Aid 2022Sociedad Madrileña de Neumología y Cirugía de Tórax (NEUMOMADRID)Comunidad de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madrid. Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología de las Enfermedades Crónicas de Alta Prevalencia en EspañaSociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía de Tórax (SEPAR)pu

Use of Cardiac Procedures in People with Diabetes during the COVID Pandemic in Spain: Effects on the In-Hospital Mortality

We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain on people with diabetes undergoing cardiac procedures, such as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), open surgical valve replacement (OSVR), and transcatheter valve implantation (TCVI). We compared the year 2019 with the year 2020. We conducted an observational study using data from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. In 2020, a total of 21,067 cardiac procedures were performed on people with diabetes compared with 24,675 in the previous year. The use of CABG, PCI, OSVR and TCVI decreased from 2019 to 2020 by 13.9%, 14.8%, 21.4% and 2.9%, respectively. In 2020, patients had a significantly higher mean Charlson Comorbidity Index than in 2019 for all the cardiac procedures analyzed. In-hospital mortality (IHM) was higher (p > 0.05) for all the procedures in the year 2020. Over the entire period, female sex was a significant risk factor for IHM among those who underwent CABG, PCI and OSVR (OR 1.94, 95%CI 1.41–2.66; OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.05–1.35; and OR 1.79, 95%CI 1.38–2.32, respectively). The sensitivity analysis including two more years, 2017 and 2018, confirmed that female patients and comorbidity were risk factors for IHM in patients with diabetes regardless of whether it was during the pandemic era or before. We conclude that the frequency of cardiac procedures among people with diabetes declined in 2020. IHM did not change significantly in the COVID-19 era.Depto. de Salud Pública y Materno - InfantilFac. de MedicinaTRUEUnión EuropeaInstituto de Salud Carlos IIIComunidad de MadridUniversidad Complutense de MadridUniversidad Complutense de Madrid. Grupo de Investigación en Epidemiología de las Enfermedades Crónicas de Alta Prevalencia en España (970970)pu