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Indoor Seasonality Index for unaffected counties
No full textFig B. Time series of the Indoor Seasonality Index in unaffected counties.Peer reviewe
The 7Be(d, α)5Li(p α) and 7Be(d, p)8Be*(p 7Li) reactions at 5 MeV/u
No full text6 pages, 7 figuresThe 7Be(d, )5Li and 7Be(d, p)8Be∗(p 7Li) reactions are studied at 5 MeV/u in the context of the cosmological lithium problem. This work aims to probe the contribution of 7Be destruction mechanisms, particularly through channels that populate intermediate unbound states of 5Li and 8Be. The contribution of 7Be(d, )5Li(p ) reaction is separated from the 7Be(d, p)8Be∗(2) reaction. The 7Be(d, p)8Be∗(p1 7Li∗) channel is also identified and is useful for an indirect study of the 7Be(n, p1)7Li∗ reaction.The authors thank the ISOLDE engineers in charge, RILIS team and Target Group at CERN for their support. D. Gupta acknowledges research funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement no. 654002 (ENSAR2) and ISRO, Government of India under grant no. ISRO/RES/2/378/15-16. O. Tengblad would like to acknowledge the support by the Spanish Funding Agency (AEI / FEDER, EU) under the project PID2022-140162NB-I00. I. Martel would like to acknowledge partial support by Grant PID2021-127711NB-I00 (2021) of the Spanish Government. J. Cederkall acknowledges the Swedish Research Council under the grants 2021-00174-VR, 2021-04575-VR, 2017-00637-VR and 2017-03986-VR. S. Samanta acknowledges the support of the UGC NET fellowship (NTA Ref. No.: 211610205202, dated 24/03/2022). R. Mitra acknowledges the support of the DST-INSPIRE fellowship (DST/INSPIRE/03/2021/000155, IF No. IF200499). N. Ghosh acknowledges the support of the CSIR-NET fellowship (File No. 09/0015(17827)/2024-EMR-I).Peer reviewe
Assessment of PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels in air before and after the start-up of an energy recovery plant in northern Spain
No full textWaste management in the European Union relies on circular economy principles, emphasizing waste reuse and recycling. This study assess whether the implementation of an energy recovery plant (ERP) has affected air quality, and to estimate the extent of this impact. Between 2017 and 2023, concentrations of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were analyzed, using 235 air samples collected from two urban-industrial areas (Impact and control) in two periods. To assess the ERP's impact on ΣPCDD/F + dl-PCB levels, the means of the monthly level's medians before and after start of operations were compared. Data were log-transformed, and the mean of the monthly level's medians of the 17 PCDD/Fs congeners and 12 dl-PCBs were compared before and after implementation using a BACI (Before-After Control-Impact) study design. As for the results, the levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs were significantly higher in impact (11.94 fg TEQ·m-3) compared to control (5.29 fg TEQ·m-3). Both zones exhibited a downward trend over the study period. The mean difference in ΣPCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs between zones was 1.09 fg TEQ·m-3 in the before-period and 0.61 fg TEQ·m-3 in the after period. However, this difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, a progressive and significant decrease in the mean levels of PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs was observed in both areas, with concentrations converging toward similar values by the end of the period. The impact analysis did not reveal any significant differences in the mean concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs between areas and periods. The similarity in congener composition profile of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs before and after commissioning suggests that atmospheric concentrations are largely influenced by the iron and steel industries.The Gipuzkoa Provincial Council funded this research, conducted between 2017 and 2023 before the operation of the ERP, through a public tender (2017/11-HH-2E and 2020/04-HH-ZE). However, the funding source did not play any part in the study’s design, data collection and analysis, or the interpretation and writing of the manuscript.Peer reviewe
Regulatory effects of dietary lipid sources on growth, physiological responses, fatty acid composition, and lipid metabolism in juvenile silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus)
No full textA 70-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate how different dietary lipid sources affect growth performance, physiological status, fatty acid deposition, and hepatic lipid metabolism in juvenile silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus) (initial weight: 2.92 ± 0.07 g). Four experimental diets, equal in protein and lipid content, incorporated fish oil (FO), palm oil (PO), soybean oil (SO), and linseed oil (LO) as the main lipid source, respectively. FO and LO-fed fish achieved significantly greater final body weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feeding efficiency (FE) than those in fish fed PO. PO markedly elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities while lowering glucose (GLU) level, suggesting hepatic impairment. PO also significantly reduced lipid content in both liver and muscle. Fatty acid profiles in tissues closely reflected dietary composition, with FO enhancing n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) accumulation, SO and LO enriching n-6 and α-linolenic acid (ALA), respectively. Ultrastructural analysis revealed intact mitochondria and lipid droplets in FO, SO, and LO groups, while PO induced mitochondrial damage. SO upregulated lipogenetic metabolism genes (srebp-1c, accα, fas, and g6pd) expressions, while LO and PO upregulated lipolysis-related genes (pparα, lpl, atgl, and hsl) expressions. Overall, these results validate that dietary lipid sources influence the growth and hepatic health of silver pomfret by modulating fatty acid profiles, liver ultrastructure, and lipid metabolic pathways, with FO identified as the most favorable source for optimal growth and liver health in silver pomfret.This study received financial support from multiple sources, including the International Sci-tech Cooperation Projects under the “Innovation Yongjiang 2035” Key R&D Programme (2024H005), “Pioneer and Leading Goose R&D Program of Zhejiang (2024C02006), and National Key Research and Development Program of China (2023YFD2400600). This research was also sponsored by the K. C. Wong Magna Fund in Ningbo University.Peer reviewe
Compartment-specific immune response in Mytilus galloprovincialis to Vibrio splendidus revealed by haemolymph proteomics
No full text14 pages, 6 figuresThe Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis relies on its innate immune system to defend against pathogens, with haemocytes serving as the primary immune cells in its haemolymph. However, the role of haemolymph serum in immune defence has been underexplored. To address this gap, the present study investigated the immune response in both haemocyte and serum compartments of the haemolymph following Vibrio splendidus infection using high-throughput quantitative proteomic analysis. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with isobaric tandem mass tags (TMT) enabled the identification and quantification of 2310 proteins in haemocytes and 629 in serum, making this the most comprehensive proteomic analysis of M. galloprovincialis haemolymph to date. Our results support the hypothesis that serum contains a higher proportion of immune-related proteins, highlighting its specialised role in host defence. The distinct protein profiles observed between haemocytes and serum provide additional evidence of a functional compartmentalisation of the immune response. Only a few immune proteins were shared between both compartments, helping to distinguish those that act within haemocytes from those released into the serum to play a key role in systemic defence. This study reveals that V. splendidus infection triggers a coordinated, yet compartmentalised, immune response across haemolymph components. These findings provide new insights into the complexity of the mussel immune system and underscore the importance of analysing both haemocytes and serum to better understand immune defence mechanisms, not only in M. galloprovincialis but also in other bivalve speciesThis work was supported by grant PID2019-107611RB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, FEDER (ERDF, European Union), and Xunta de Galicia (GRC- ED431C 2024/22), Centro singular de investigación de Galicia accreditation 2024–2027 (ED431G 2023/07) and ERDF “A way of making Europe”. This research is also funded by Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (PID2021-124955OB-I00) and by Xunta de Galicia (IN607B 2022/13). Antonella Panebianco is funded by a predoctoral fellowship from Xunta de Galicia (ED481A-2020/277). Funding for open access charge: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGPeer reviewe
Kirchner’s Kāma-sūtra: Indian Erotica and Orientalist Fantasies in Imperial Germany
No full textPeer reviewe
Monitoring acrylamide in potato crisps in Spain using selected datasets from 2004 to 2025: Twenty years of trends, current status, and compliance with European regulation
No full textData will be made available on request.Acrylamide, a heat-induced process contaminant, has been a public health concern in potato crisps for over two decades. This study evaluated acrylamide concentrations in commercial potato crisps (n = 80) marketed in Spain in 2025 and compared them with historical datasets (2004–2019) to assess compliance with EU benchmark levels and explore the effectiveness of mitigation strategies through contextual interpretation. Acrylamide ranged from 160 to 2871 μg/kg (mean: 890 μg/kg; median: 785 μg/kg). Notably, 51 % of samples exceeded the benchmark level of 750 μg/kg established under Regulation (EU) 2017/2158. The wide variability observed highlights the uneven adoption of mitigation practices. Temporal analysis revealed that, despite a 55 % reduction in acrylamide concentrations between 2004 and 2019, the 2025 survey showed unexpectedly higher levels than in 2019 (median: 569 μg/kg), reversing the downward trend. Factors such as seasonal variation in potato tubers, insufficient adjustment of processing conditions, and the withdrawal of chlorpropham as a sprout suppressant may have contributed to this increase. Dietary exposure assessment estimated a mean intake of ∼2.0 μg/day from crisps, equivalent to 0.024–0.033 μg/kg body weight/day in adults. Margin of exposure (MOE) values for neurotoxicity were above the safety concern threshold, but those for carcinogenicity (5099–6968) remained below the reference of 10,000, indicating potential long-term risks. These findings underscore that although mitigation strategies have been partially implemented, their inconsistent application continues to result in elevated acrylamide levels in a considerable proportion of potato crisps on Spanish market, highlighting the need to renew monitoring efforts and harmonize mitigation strategies.Peer reviewe
Microbial consortia in mine water bioremediation: principles, design and practical applications
No full text16 páginas.- 6 figuras.- 3 tablas.- referenciasThe impact of mining activities on water sources is a global concern, especially in water-scarce countries such as Southern Africa, Mediterranean region, western Asia, and South America. Bioremediation emerges as a feasible and attractive alternative to address this environmental issue. However, while biological sulfate reduction and the emerging use of using microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) for remediating polluted mine water have gained attention, strategies for designing effective microbial consortia have seen little advancement. The performance of microbial consortia in these treatments can be quite variable. Most improvement strategies have focused mainly on bioreactor design and selecting suitable carbon sources, addressing technical aspects while neglecting the central players in this process: the microbes themselves. Enhancing consortium effectiveness requires revisiting foundational concepts such as monoculture, co-culture, division of labor, and bottom-up versus top-down approaches. While these concepts offer significant theoretical potential to improve consortium performance, they have seldom been applied in practice for mine water bioremediation. In this literature review, we revisit these principles and explore the integration of novel tools such as metagenomics and bioinformatics. These approaches can deepen our understanding of indigenous microbial diversity, uncover dynamic interactions among microbial species, and identify keystone species as potential candidates for bioremediation. By leveraging their genomic potential, it becomes possible to design consortia that are more efficient and better suited to support the recovery of contaminated water sources.JC and AM were supported by the project “SABDI 16/1070” funded by the SABDI programme of the Technology Innovation Agency, South Africa. AM received research funding through the NRF-DAAD scholarship programme. JC acknowledges the project SELFAQUASENS funded by HORIZON-MSCA-2022-SE-01 (No. 101131379). Alba Gómez-Arias acknowledges the “Juan de la Cierva” contract (ref. JDC2022-049199-I) funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union “NextGenerationEU”/PRTR, and DGP_POST_2024_01054 contract funded by Junta de Andalucía/CUII and FSE+. Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Huelva CBUA.Peer reviewe
In the search for caligidosis treatments: Antiparasitic peptides targeting Caligus rogercresseyi acetylcholinesterase
No full textOne of the major health challenges in Chile's salmon industry is infestation by the ectoparasite Caligus rogercresseyi. Current treatments, primarily organophosphate compounds targeting acetylcholinesterase (AChE), are increasingly limited by resistance. This study investigates antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) skin mucus as a potential alternative with lower risk of resistance and reduced environmental impact. Using a combination of in silico and in vitro approaches, a QSAR model screened 959 peptides, predicting 21 candidates with AChE inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ < 100 μM). These peptides were chemically synthesized and evaluated for antiparasitic activity against C. rogercresseyi nauplius, along with hemolytic and cytotoxic effects on salmon cells. Four peptides inhibited the nauplius stage with EC₅₀ values ranging from 3 to 31 μM at 48 and 72 h post-exposure. Among them, AS4532, AS4531, and AS4528 were confirmed as competitive AChE inhibitors, with Ki values of 64.8, 72.7, and 98.6 μM, respectively. Notably, none of the peptides induced hemolysis or cytotoxicity. These findings provide the first evidence that fish mucus peptides can act as effective antiparasitic agents targeting AChE in C. rogercresseyi, offering a promising alternative to conventional chemical treatments.This work received financial support from ANID Fondecyt 1210056. CC received funding support form ANID Fondecyt 1240448 and TR was supported by Beca Doctorado ANID #21191601.Peer reviewe
Active carbon flux by Pyrosoma atlanticum in the Northwest African upwelling transition zone (North-Central Eastern Atlantic Ocean)
No full text[Data availability]
The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article are publicly available through PANGAEA platform: Sarmiento-Lezcano, Airam Nauzet; Couret, María; Díaz-Pérez, Javier; Bernal, Ainhoa; Raya, Vanesa; Pla, Martín; Larrumbide-Zúñiga, Nicolás; Castellón, Arturo; Hernández-León, Santiago (2025): Biological parameters and respiration data of Pyrosoma atlanticum from DESAFIO cruise (January-March 2023) in Northeast Atlantic Ocean [dataset]. PANGAEA, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.983801.
Sarmiento-Lezcano, Airam Nauzet; Couret, María; Díaz-Pérez, Javier; Bernal, Ainhoa; Raya, Vanesa; Pla, Martín; Larrumbide-Zúñiga, Nicolás; Castellón, Arturo; Hernández-León, Santiago (2025): Physical oceanography during RV Sarmiento de Gamboa DESAFIO cruise (January-March 2023) in Northeast Atlantic Ocean [dataset]. PANGAEA, https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.983803Pyrosomes are colonial tunicates that inhabit diverse environments and perform diel vertical migrations, contributing to the downward carbon flux primarily through large fecal pellet production and carcass depositions. Pyrosoma atlanticum is the most widespread pelagic colonial tunicate worldwide, yet its role in the carbon cycle remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the abundance, biomass, and contribution of P. atlanticum colonies to the biological carbon pump using MOCNESS and Mesopelagos nets in the subtropical waters off the Northwest African upwelling transition zone. We found two different areas within the studied zone: a highly productive area off the African coast and an oligotrophic area. We only found P. atlanticum near and in the productive area. Organisms sampled with the MOCNESS showed a narrower size distribution (colony length of 23.1 ± 12.4 mm) associated with the lower productivity area. By contrast, the Mesopelagos captured a wider size community (colony length of 106.5 ± 74.5 mm). Off the African coast, migrant biomass of small-sized organisms exhibited values almost 2-fold higher compared to the large-sized organisms (121 vs 77.1 mgC·m−2). In oligotrophic waters, where only small-sized organisms were captured, their migrant biomass reached values four times higher (493 mgC·m−2). Two approaches were used to estimate large-sized pyrosomes active flux: (1) the enzymatic activity of the electron transfer system (ETS) and (2) a specific respiration equation (RC) for P. atlanticum. In the productive area, both methods yielded similar values for large-sized organisms (ETS: 2.02 mgC·m−2·d–1 and RC: 1.93 mgC·m−2·d–1). Small-sized organisms were quite abundant in the oligotrophic station showing a RC of 3.03 mgC·m−2·d–1. Active flux by P. atlanticum ranged between 1.93 near the upwelling zone and 12.36 mgC·m−2·d–1 in oligotrophic waters due to their quite high biomass there. Our finding highlights the functional role of this large zooplanktonic and micronektonic fauna in the biological carbon export according to the productivity of the area.We would like to thank the captain and crew of the R/V Sarmiento de Gamboa their support and hard work during the cruise. We also wish to acknowledge the much-appreciated UTM technical support on board. This work was funded by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación through the project DESAFÍO (PID2020-118118RB-I00), GYROVAGO (PID2024-162612NB-I00), and TROF-MP (IN606B-2024/018) by Xunta de Galicia-Agencia Gallega de Innovación. Airam Sarmiento-Lezcano was supported by a postgraduate grant (IN606B-2024/018) from the Xunta de Galicia-Agencia Gallega de Innovación. María Couret was supported by a postgraduate grant (TESIS2022010116) co-financed by the Agencia Canaria de Investigación, Innovación y Sociedad de la Información de la Consejería de Universidades, Ciencia e Innovación y Cultura and by the Fondo Social Europeo Plus (FSE + ) Programa Operativo Integrado de Canarias 2021-2027, Eje 3 Tema Prioritario 74 (85 %). Javier Díaz-Pérez was also supported by a postgraduate grant (ULPGC2022-2) from the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.Peer reviewe