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Thiabendazole (TBZ), is a persistent fungicide/anthelminthic and a serious environmental threat. We previously enriched a TBZ‐degrading bacterial consortium and provided first evidence for a Sphingomonas involvement in TBZ transformation. Here, using a multi‐omic approach combined with DNA‐stable isotope probing (SIP) we verified the key degrading role of Sphingomonas and identify potential microbial interactions governing consortium functioning. SIP and amplicon sequencing analysis of the heavy and light DNA fraction of cultures grown on 13C‐labelled versus 12C‐TBZ showed that 66% of the 13C‐labelled TBZ was assimilated by Sphingomonas. Metagenomic analysis retrieved 18 metagenome‐assembled genomes with the dominant belonging to Sphingomonas, Sinobacteriaceae, Bradyrhizobium, Filimonas and Hydrogenophaga. Meta‐transcriptomics/‐proteomics and non‐target mass spectrometry suggested TBZ transformation by Sphingomonas via initial cleavage by a carbazole dioxygenase (car) to thiazole‐4‐carboxamidine (terminal compound) and catechol or a cleaved benzyl ring derivative, further transformed through an ortho‐cleavage (cat) pathway. Microbial co‐occurrence and gene expression networks suggested strong interactions between Sphingomonas and a Hydrogenophaga. The latter activated its cobalamin biosynthetic pathway and Sphingomonas its cobalamin salvage pathway to satisfy its B12 auxotrophy. Our findings indicate microbial interactions aligning with the 'black queen hypothesis' where Sphingomonas (detoxifier, B12 recipient) and Hydrogenophaga (B12 producer, enjoying detoxification) act as both helpers and beneficiaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed inoculation with beneficial microorganisms has gained importance as it has been proven to show biostimulant activity in plants, especially in terms of abiotic/biotic stress tolerance and plant growth promotion, representing a sustainable way to ensure yield stability under low input sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, limited knowledge is available concerning the molecular and physiological processes underlying the root‐inoculant symbiosis or plant response at the root system level. Our work aimed to integrate the interrelationship between agronomic traits, rhizosphere microbial population and metabolic processes in roots, following seed treatment with either arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) or Plant Growth‐Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). To this aim, maize was grown under open field conditions with either optimal or reduced nitrogen availability. Both seed treatments increased nitrogen uptake efficiency under reduced nitrogen supply revealed some microbial community changes among treatments at root microbiome level and limited yield increases, while significant changes could be observed at metabolome level. Amino acid, lipid, flavone, lignan, and phenylpropanoid concentrations were mostly modulated. Integrative analysis of multi‐omics datasets (Multiple Co‐Inertia Analysis) highlighted a strong correlation between the metagenomics and the untargeted metabolomics datasets, suggesting a coordinate modulation of root physiological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Whether to continue or stop mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) after an episode of hyperkalaemia is a challenge in clinical practice. While stopping MRA may prevent recurrent hyperkalaemias, it deprives patients of their cardioprotection. We here assessed the association between stopping vs. continuing MRA therapy after hyperkalaemia and the subsequent risks of adverse health events. Methods and results: Observational study from the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project 2006–2018. We identified patients initiating MRA and surviving a first‐detected episode of hyperkalaemia (plasma potassium >5.0 mmol/L). Using target trial emulation methods, we assessed the association between stopping vs. continuing MRA within 6 months after hyperkalaemia and subsequent outcomes. The primary outcome was the composite of hospital admission with heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. The secondary outcome was occurrence of another hyperkalaemia event. Among 39 518 patients initiating MRA, we identified 7366 who developed hyperkalaemia. Median age was 76 years, 45% were women and 69% had a history of heart failure. Following hyperkalaemia, 2222 (30%) discontinued treatment. Compared with continuing MRA, stopping therapy was associated with a lower 2‐year risk of recurrent hyperkalaemia [hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.79], but a higher risk of the primary outcome (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06–1.14). Similar results were observed in patients with heart failure, after censoring when treatment decision was changed, and across pre‐specified subgroups. Conclusions: Stopping MRA after an episode of hyperkalaemia was associated with reduced risk for recurrent hyperkalaemia, but higher risk of death or cardiovascular events. Recurrent hyperkalaemia was common in either strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The cardiorenal syndrome refers to a bidirectional relationship between the kidney and the heart. However, epidemiological evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression is actually scarce. Methods and results: We examined the slopes of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in the 2 years before vs. after an incident hospitalization with heart failure (HF) (n = 20 420), coronary heart disease (CHD) (n = 18 152), or stroke (n = 1808) using data from a complete laboratory data collection in Stockholm, Sweden between 2006 and 2011. eGFR slopes were estimated using mixed‐effect models with unstructured residual correlation. Overall, incident hospitalization with HF and CHD, but not stroke, was significantly associated with a subsequent accelerated decline in eGFR, with a faster eGFR decline and greater slope change after HF than CHD. The pre‐event vs. post‐event eGFR slopes (mL/min/1.73 m2 per year) were −1.67 (−1.77 to −1.57) vs. −2.76 (−2.82 to −2.71), with a Δslope of −1.09 (−1.16 to −1.02) for HF; −1.09 (−1.20 to −0.98) vs. −1.87 (−1.92 to −1.81), with a Δslope of −0.78 (−0.85 to −0.70) for CHD; and −1.00 (−1.37 to −0.63) vs. −0.99 (−1.19 to −0.78), with a Δslope of 0.02 (−0.24 to 0.27) for stroke. The accelerated declines in eGFR after HF and CHD were consistent across the spectrum of eGFR, although pre‐event eGFR slopes were steeper in lower eGFR (e.g. pre‐event eGFR slope for HF −0.64 (−0.76 to −0.53) for eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2, −1.43 (−1.57 to −1.30) for eGFR 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2, and −2.42 (−2.71 to −2.12) for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2). Conclusions: Incident hospitalization with cardiac diseases (i.e. HF and CHD) was significantly associated with a subsequent acceleration of eGFR decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In the present study a metabolomics‐based approach was used to discriminate among different hazelnut cultivars and to trace their geographical origins. Ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐ESI/QTOF‐MS) was used to profile phenolic and sterolic compounds. RESULTS: Compounds were identified against an in‐house database using accurate monoisotopic mass and isotopic patterns. The screening approach was designed to discern 15 hazelnut cultivars and to discriminate among the geographical origins of six cultivars from the four main growing regions (Chile, Georgia, Italy, and Turkey). This approach allowed more than 1000 polyphenols and sterols to be annotated. The metabolomics data were elaborated with both unsupervised (hierarchical clustering) and supervised (orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis, OPLS‐DA) statistics. These multivariate statistical tools allowed hazelnut samples to be discriminated, considering both 'cultivar type' and 'geographical origin'. Flavonoids (anthocyanins, flavanols and flavonols – VIP scores 1.34–1.49), phenolic acids (mainly hydroxycinnamics – VIP scores 1.35–1.55) together with cholesterol, ergosterol, and stigmasterol derivatives (VIP scores 1.34–1.49) were the best markers to discriminate samples according to geographical origin. CONCLUSIONS: This work illustrates the potential of untargeted profiling of phenolics and sterols based on UHPLC‐ESI/QTOF mass spectrometry to discriminate hazelnut and support authenticity and origin. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tomato is one of the most important agricultural crops and it is characterized by a wide bioactive compound profile. However, little information is reported on its comprehensive polyphenol profile. In this work, 13 commercial tomato cultivars for industrial transformation were screened by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF‐MS) for both free and bound phenolic profiles. Thereafter, the in vitro antioxidant activity of each cultivar was assessed by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance activity (ORAC) assays. Multivariate statistics, i.e. orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA), were then used to model samples according to their distinct phenolic signatures, thus providing compounds that better discriminated between the distributions of the cultivars that were considered. RESULTS: More than 350 phenolic compounds could be identified across the samples that were considered: flavonoids (such as flavones and flavanols), hydroxycinnamic acids, lignans, and lower‐molecular‐weight phenolics were the most frequently observed classes of phenolics in tomato berries. Anthocyanins were the most abundant class among bound phenolics (being highest in the Leader F1 and Defender F1 cultivars), followed by tyrosols (mainly in Heinz cultivars). However, flavones and hydroxybenzoic acids were the most represented discriminant phenolics in the bound fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Untargeted metabolomics allowed significant differences in phenolic composition to be outlined across the tomato cultivars that were analyzed. Such differences were particularly evident regarding the free‐to‐bound phenolic ratio, hence allowing differences in the bioaccessibility of phenolics to be postulated. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Concerns for hyperkalaemia limit the use of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). The frequency of MRA-associated hyperkalaemia in real-world settings and the extent of subsequent MRA discontinuation are poorly quantified.Methods and Results: Observational study including all Stockholm citizens initiating MRA therapy during 2007-2010. Hyperkalaemias were identified from all potassium (K+ ) measurements in healthcare. MRA treatment lengths and dosages were obtained from complete collection of pharmacy dispensations. We assessed the 1-year incidence and clinical hyperkalaemia predictors, and quantified drug prescription changes after an episode of hyperkalaemia. Overall, 13 726 new users of MRA were included, with median age of 73 years, 53% women and median plasma K+ of 3.9 mmol/L. Within a year, 18.5% experienced at least one detected hyperkalaemia (K+  > 5.0 mmol/L), the majority within the first 3 monthsnthsnthsnthsnths of therapy. As a comparison, hyperkalaemia was detected in 6.4% of propensity-matched new beta-blocker users. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), older age, male sex, heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes and concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers and diuretics were associated with increased hyperkalaemia risk. After hyperkalaemia, 47% discontinued MRA and only 10% reduced the prescribed dose. Discontinuation rates were higher after moderate/severe (K+  > 5.5 mmol/L) and early in therapy (<3 months from initiation) hyperkalaemias. CKD participants carried the highest risk of MRA discontinuation in adjusted analyses. When MRA was discontinued, most patients (76%) were not reintroduced to therapy during the subsequent year.Conclusion: Among real-world adults initiating MRA therapy, hyperkalaemia was very common and frequently followed by therapy interruption, especially among participants with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Facing an exploding population growth with consequent increase of agriculture intensification, new chemical technologies are being sought to limit organic matter losses and reduce land degradation. Here, we report that an effective organic carbon sequestration in different cropped soils of Italy is obtained by an in situ photo‐oxidative coupling among soil humic molecules, when catalyzed under solar irradiation by a water‐soluble biomimetic iron‐porphyrin catalyst amended to field soils. A 3‐year long field study showed that the catalyst‐assisted in situ photochemical polymerization of humic matter enabled a yearly sequestration of soil organic carbon that ranged from 2.2 to 3.9 t ha−1 y−1, despite the periodical soil disturbance due to a conventional tillage management. This significant stabilization of organic matter was observed not only in bulk soils but also in water‐stable aggregates, whose loss of organic carbon during separation was limited in catalyst‐treated soils. Although crop yields were the same in treated and control soils, measurements of phospholipids fatty acids and soil enzyme activities indicated that the catalyzed in situ photo‐oxidative coupling of humic molecules did not alter the structure and activity of microbial communities and the biological functions of soils. This innovative and ecologically safe catalytic technology may be developed as a useful soil management practice to stabilize organic matter in situ in arable soils, while concomitantly ensuring soil functions and sustainability of crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Pest control in post-harvest food storage represents a great challenge in the sustainable prevention of food losses, and insecticide-treated netting may represent a valid alternative to traditional practices such as the direct application of insecticides. In our work, the efficacy of a permethrin-incorporated net, in combination with polypropylene or jute sacking, was tested for the control of Sitophilus oryzae. Contamination of maize grain by permethrin from the treated netting was also evaluated. RESULTS A 98% control of S. oryzae was achieved using permethrin-treated netting. Both jute and polypropylene acted as additional barriers, increasing efficacy to 100%. The results also showed the contamination of maize kernel by permethrin released from the treated netting. The concentration of residues in maize kernels increased with increasing temperature; however, use of jute or polypropylene significantly reduced (by 87% to 97%) the concentration of residues transferred to maize kernels. CONCLUSIONS Permethrin-treated netting provided a high level of efficacy in the post-harvest protection of maize. Several factors influenced permethrin residue concentrations in grains when treated nets are used. Therefore, solutions should be found to prevent contamination of food stored in the bags that are treated with insecticides. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the belowground and aboveground biomass production in bioenergy buffers and biogeochemical N removal processes along the soil-groundwater continuum was assessed. In a sandy loam soil with shallow groundwater, bioenergy buffers of miscanthus and willow (5 and 10 m wide) were planted along a ditch of an agricultural field ( AF) located in the Po valley (Italy). Mineral N forms and dissolved organic C ( DOC) were monitored monthly over an 18-month period in groundwater before and after the bioenergy buffers. Soil samples were measured for inorganic N, DOC, microbial biomass C ( MBC) and N ( MBN), and potential nitrate reductase activity ( NRA). The results indicated that bioenergy buffers are able to efficiently remove from groundwater the incoming NO3-N (62% - 5 m and 80% - 10 m). NO3-N removal rate was higher when nitrate input from AF increased due to N fertilization. Willow performed better than miscanthus in terms of biomass production (17 Mg DM ha−1 yr−1), fine root biomass (5.3 Mg ha−1) and N removal via harvesting (73 kg N ha−1). The negative nonlinear relationship found between NO3-N and DOC along the soil-groundwater continuum from AF to bioenergy buffers indicates that DOC: NO3-N ratio is an important controlling factor for promoting denitrification in bioenergy buffers. Bioenergy buffers promoted soil microbial functioning as they stimulated plant-microbial linkages by increasing the easily available C sources for microorganisms (as DOC). First, willow and miscanthus promoted high rates of biological removal of nitrate ( NRA) along the soil profile. Second, rhizosphere processes activated the soil microbial community leading to significant increases in MBC and microbial N immobilization. Herbaceous and woody bioenergy crops have been confirmed as providing good environmental performances when cultivated as bioenergy buffers by mitigating the disservices of agricultural activities such as groundwater N pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously showed2 that stopping angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi/ARBs), in addition to stopping MRAs, is not an uncommon reaction to hyperkalaemia, occurring in 28% of cases. We appreciated the comments by Alexandrou and Sarafidis on our study about the clinical consequences of stopping versus continuing mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment after hyperkalaemia.1 We observed that stopping MRAs, compared with continuing, was associated with a higher risk of mortality. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Community‐based studies regarding the association between chronic kidney disease and dementia risk are conflicting. In a large Swedish population‐based cohort, we explored the incidence and population attributable fractions (PAFs) of dementia risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method: In the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project, we studied the associations of baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the incidence of dementia among 329,822 residents of Stockholm, aged ≥65 years and with no prior history of dementia. The primary outcome was dementia incidence based on ICD‐10 codes or use of anti‐dementia drugs. Secondary outcomes were incidence of the dementia subtypes Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The association between eGFR and dementia risk was examined with Cox proportional hazards models. The weighted contributions of kidney disease (eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m2) and other plausible comorbidities to the risk of dementia were quantified using the population attributable fraction (PAF). Result: 18,983 cases of dementia (5.8% of participants) were detected throughout 1,185,304 person‐years. Dementia incidence rates (IR) were progressively higher with lower eGFR: from 6.56/1000 person‐years in persons with eGFR 90‐104ml/min to 30.28/1000 person‐years in those with eGFR<30ml/min). The HR of dementia risk was highest for the presence of CKD [eGFR<60ml/min; HR 1.54(1.28‐1.85)], followed by having a history of stroke [1.51(1.44‐1.58)], diabetes [1.23(1.18‐1.28)], atrial fibrillation [1.09(1.05‐1.14)], and myocardial infarction [1.07(1.01‐1.14)]. The presence of diagnosed hypertension and history of cancer [0.96(0.93‐0.99); and 0.87(0.84‐0.90) respectively] were associated with a lower dementia risk. Via PAF analyses we estimated that 11% [(95% CI (7‐14%)] of the dementia cases were attributed to eGFR<60 ml/min, followed by stroke [4% of cases attributed, 95%CI (4‐5%)] and diabetes [3% of cases, 95% CI (2‐3%)]. PAFs were around 1% for comorbidities such as atrial fibrillation and myocardial infarction. Risk magnitudes were stronger for vascular dementia than for Alzheimer. Sensitivity analyses across predefined strata or after excluding early events yielded similar results. Conclusion: Reduced kidney function is a strong risk factor for development of dementia, particularly vascular dementia. The proportion of dementia cases attributed to CKD is higher than that attributed to other dementia risk factors such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: 1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D, CAS No. 542-75-6) is a broad-spectrum soil fumigant used to control numerous species of soilborne plant-parasitic nematodes. 1,3-D consists of two isomers, ( Z)- and ( E)-1,3-D. There are a number of low-level chlorinated compounds that could potentially be produced as a part of the 1,3-D manufacturing process. 1,3-D and its metabolites, as well as potentially related chlorinated compounds, represent potential groundwater contaminants. RESULTS: This study has investigated the hydrolytic stability, under biotic and abiotic conditions in the laboratory, of an extensive representative list of 1,3-D and potentially related chlorinated compounds in order to predict their environmental fate. All of these compounds showed intrinsic hydrolytic instability under both abiotic and biotic test conditions. Furthermore, a monitoring programme was carried out. Twenty-five wells were monitored in five Italian regions characterised by historical and existing use of 1,3-D. The parent compound, its two major metabolites and potentially related chlorinated compounds were not detected in the well water at > 0.1 µg L−1 at any sampling location. CONCLUSION: The soil fumigant ( E, Z)-1,3-D, its metabolites and potentially related chlorinated compounds constitute a low risk to groundwater. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the development of a management tool to indicate the environmental impact of organic viticulture. Topics include the economic importance of organic viticulture in the European Union (EU) organic farming sector and a description of an environmental impact of an organic viticulture indicator (EIOVI), developed by the study's authors that can be reliably used in the management of organic vineyards. According to the authors, farmers and other property managers, using EIOVI as a decision support system, can evaluate the potential impact of their choices and optimize management options.

The article reports on a study which illustrates an approach for developing a model to predict the concentration of pesticides in fruit at the time of harvest. According to the authors, a step-by-step method was used to develop a simplified procedure for calculating pesticides residue levels on fruit at harvest by considering the application of the compound and the relevant routes of loss. The pesticides used in the model were the fungicides captan, dichlofluanid and procymidone and the insecticides azinphos-methyl, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and quinalphos. The outputs of the model were then compared with measured residues of pesticides on pear. The study shows that all predicted values were below the maximum levels fixed for pesticide residues in pear.

To provide a harmonised European approach for pesticide risk indicators, the Sixth EU Framework Programme recently financed the HAIR (HArmonised environmental Indicators for pesticide Risk) project. This paper illustrates the methodology underlying a new indicator — HAPERITIF (HArmonised PEsticide RIsk Trend Indicator for Food), developed in HAIR, for tracking acute and chronic pesticide risk trends for consumers. The acute indicator, HAPERITIFac, is based on the ratio between an estimated short-term intake (ESTI), calculated as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the acute reference dose (ARfD); the chronic indicator HAPERITIFchr is based on the ratio between an estimated daily intake (EDI) and the admissible daily intake (ADI). HAPERITIF can be applied at different levels of aggregation. Each level gives information for proper risk management of pesticides to reduce the risk associated with food consumption. An example of application using realistic scenarios of pesticide treatments on a potato crop in central-northern Italy is reported to illustrate the different steps of HAPERITIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monte Carlo techniques are increasingly used in pesticide exposure modeling to evaluate the uncertainty in predictions arising from uncertainty in input parameters and to estimate the confidence that should be assigned to the modeling results. The approach typically involves running a deterministic model repeatedly for a large number of input values sampled from statistical distributions. In the present study, six modelers made choices regarding the type and parameterization of distributions assigned to degradation and sorption data for an example pesticide, the correlation between the parameters, the tool and method used for sampling, and the number of samples generated. A leaching assessment was carried out using a single model and scenario and all data for sorption and degradation generated by the six modelers. The distributions of sampled parameters differed between the modelers, and the agreement with the measured data was variable. Large differences were found between the upper percentiles of simulated concentrations in leachate. The probability of exceeding 0.1 μg/L ranged from 0 to 35.7%. The present study demonstrated that subjective choices made in Monte Carlo modeling introduce variability into probabilistic modeling and that the results need to be interpreted with care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that an analysis of uncertainty was performed to estimate the uncertainty of model predictions and to screen out crucial variables using a Monte Carlo stochastic approach and a number of statistical methods, including ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression. Study of the RICEWQ model; Demonstration that the paddy runoff concentration predicted by RICEWQ was in agreement with field measurements and the model can be applied to simulate pesticide fate at field scale.

Focuses on the validation on the applicability of Pesticide Root Zone Model 3.12 to stimulate water runoff, sediment erosion and associated transport of herbicides under the influence of tillage management practices with a 2-year field data set collected in Italy. Importance of cropping system management; Relationships between soil erosion intensity and chemical concentration in sediment losses; Proportion of herbicide loss via sediment erosion.

Focuses on the development of a model for determining predicted environmental concentration in soil, runoff, and ground water. Simulation of leaching and runoff of pesticide from rice paddies. Assessment of environmental impacts on agricultural systems; Effect of agriculture on contiguous natural ecosystems.

Focuses on predicting and measuring environmental concentration of pesticides in air after soil application. Significance of the ability to predict pesticide volatilization on human risk and environmental assessment; Test compounds used in the experiment to evaluate pesticide volatilization under agricultural conditions.

Analyzes the sterol content of agricultural soils. Selection of several eukaryotic sterols as representative of the animal, plant and fungal kingdoms; Validation of coprostanol as a marker of human fecal matter contamination; Distinction between the eukaryotic sterols and coprostanol; Usefulness of sterols as indicators in agricultural soils.

Provides information on a study that examined the ability of seven pesticide leaching models to describe an arable field environment where sunflowers are grown in the Po Valley, northern Italy. Methodology of the study; Results and discussion on the study; Conclusion.

Presents a study that investigated the xylem translocation and root uptake of weak electrolytes with pressure chamber technique using soybean plants. Methodology; Results; Discussion.