Expert opinion of an Italian working group on the assessment of cognitive, psychological, and neurological outcomes in pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by a defective conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine, potentially leading to Phe accumulation in the brain. Dietary restriction since birth has led to normal cognitive development. However, PKU patients can still develop cognitive or behavioral abnormalities and subtle neurological deficits. Despite the increasing evidence in the field, the assessment of neurocognitive, psychopathological, and neurological follow-up of PKU patients at different ages is still debated. The high interindividual variability in the cognitive outcome of PKU patients makes the specificity of the neurocognitive and behavioral assessment extremely challenging. In the present paper, a multidisciplinary panel of Italian PKU experts discussed different tools available for cognitive, psychopathological, and neurological assessment at different ages based on the existing literature and daily clinical practice. This study aims to provide evidence and a real-life-based framework for a specific clinical assessment of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients affected by PKU

Predicting soil test phosphorus decrease in non-P-fertilized conditions

Monitoring the availability of phosphorus (P) in soil under continuous cropping facilitates finding deficiency in crops and contributes to improving crop growth and nutrient management models. Soil P availability for crops is usually estimated by soil test P (STP), such as Bray-1. This is widely used in the Americas. The relationship between the decrease of STP Bray-1 and cumulative removal of P was evaluated in non-P-fertilized areas in long-term studies. This removal was the sum of annual P removal over the study period as P exported in grains/crop outside the soil. The objectives were to: (a) quantify changes in STP as a function of cumulative P removal, (b) assess the relationship between relative decrease rate of STP and soil variables as well as annual removal of P by crops, and (c) develop a model to predict decrease of STP Bray-1. Exponential decay functions were used to describe annual cumulative removal of P and STP from soil over time for 12 long-term studies where no addition of P fertilizer was carried out. Changes in the relative rate of decrease of STP, relative to the initial STP Bray-1 value at the onset of the experiment, were predicted by the ratio of soil organic matter to clay and silt and the average annual P removal by exponential decay (R2adj = 0.64; RMSE = 3.2 mg kg−1). We propose this predictive model as suitable to provide estimates of the relative decrease rate of STP by Bray-1 and thereby improve management of P for optimizing crop yield. Highlights: STP Bray-1 decrease and cumulative P removal were related by exponential decay functions. Relative decrease rate of STP Bray-1 was related to SOM/(clay+silt) ratio and annual P removal. A predictive model of the relative decrease rate of STP Bray-1 was fitted and validate. Our model is a useful tool to help predict soil P availability and nutrient management.Fil: Appelhans, Stefania Carolina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos; Argentina. Kansas State University; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Carciochi, Walter Daniel. Kansas State University; Estados Unidos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Correndo, Adrian. Kansas State University; Estados UnidosFil: Gutiérrez Boem, Flavio Hernán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Salvagiotti, Fernando. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Oliveros; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, Fernando Oscar. International Plant Nutrition Institute; ArgentinaFil: Melchiori, Ricardo J.M.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Barbagelata, Pedro Aníbal. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos; ArgentinaFil: Ventimiglia, Luis A.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Norte. Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria Pergamino. Agencia de Extension Rural 9 de Julio.; ArgentinaFil: Ferraris, Gustavo Nestor. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Norte. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Pergamino; ArgentinaFil: Vivas, Hugo S.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Santa Fe. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Caviglia, Octavio Pedro. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ciampitti, Ignacio Antonio. Kansas State University; Estados Unido

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Is the Lack of Response of Maize to Fertilization in Soils with Low Bray1-P Related to Labile Organic Phosphorus?

The usual soil test phosphorus (P) neglects the P supply from labile organic P (Po) fractions, which could explain the nonresponse of maize (Zea mays L.) in sites with soil P testing below the critical level. We aim to determine Po and inorganic P (Pi) in NaHCO3 extracts and in the coarse soil fraction (hereinafter, CF) from responsive and nonresponsive sites to P fertilization in maize. We then compare the classification errors of the Cate and Nelson method by comparing the relationship between maize relative yield and the soil Bray1-P concentration vs. the new proposed indices. The study included responsive and nonresponsive sites to P fertilization carried out across the Pampas Region in the center-east of Argentina. Treatments included four P fertilization rates: 0, 12, 24, and 36 kg P ha−1. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. We determined Bray1-P, Pi, and Po in NaHCO3 extracts and in the coarse soil fraction. Sites non-responsive to P fertilization and with Bray1-P concentrations below the critical level showed 70% more Po in the coarse soil fraction (Po-CF) than sites with high crop response and similar Bray1-P level. However, Po-Bic alone did not improve the relationship with maize relative yield. Po-CF and Bray1-P included in a soil integrative P index improved the prediction of crop response to P fertilization and reduced classification errors, which suggests that Po-CF is a source of available P for the crops. The novelty reported in this study was to demonstrate the organic P contribution to relative yield by including it into an integrative soil testing. We find that nonresponsive sites to P fertilization, with low Bray1-P, were correctly classified when including Po-CF in a new soil test P. Improvements in the P fertilization diagnostic prescription tool contribute to an increase in economic profit and reduce environmental impact.Fil: Appelhans, Stefania Carolina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Departamento de Producción Vegetal; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Barbagelata, Pedro Aníbal. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Departamento de Producción Vegetal; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Melchiori, Ricardo J M. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Gutiérrez Boem, Flavio Hernán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Caviglia, Octavio Pedro. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Departamento de Producción Vegetal; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; Argentin

Crop sequence and P fertilization effects on soil P fractions under no-tillage

Increasing cropping intensity may affect phosphorus (P) recycling through crop residue inputs, which maydiffer in soils with different productivity, P adsorption capacity, and P fertilization level. In three crop sequences: Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) monoculture (S–S), Maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture (M-M), and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/Soybean as a double crop (W/S) in a Vertisol and a Mollisol; we assessed the long-term effect of the crop sequences on soil inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) fractions, and the short-term effect of P fertilization on soil Pi and Po fractions, P uptake, and grain yield. Two P fertilization levels (50 kg P ha-1, and control) were established in 2016 on long-term experiments that included S–S, W/S, and M-M. Bray1-P, as well as total P, Po, and Pi in both the coarse soil ([53 lm)fraction (CF) and the NaHCO3 extract, and accumulated yield and P uptake were measured. In the long-term, the crop sequences did not change soil P fractions, but Po-CF and Pi-CF showed similar values in both soils, suggesting less soil-type dependence than in other labile P fractions. In the short-term, the P fertilization only increased the extractable Pi fractions (16% in the Mollisol and 25% in the Vertisol), suggesting that P in the CF was not a sink of P fertilizer. Our study showed that P fertilization in different crop sequences may increase labile P fractions and P recycling depending on soil type, a useful tool to develop P fertilization strategies at the crop sequence level.Fil: Appelhans, Stefania Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Novelli, Leonardo Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Melchiori, Ricardo José Miguel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Gutiérrez Boem, Flavio Hernán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Caviglia, Octavio Pedro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentin

Crop sequence and P fertilization effects on soil P fractions under no-tillage

Increasing cropping intensity may affect phosphorus (P) recycling through crop residue inputs, which maydiffer in soils with different productivity, P adsorption capacity, and P fertilization level. In three crop sequences: Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) monoculture (S–S), Maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture (M-M), and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/Soybean as a double crop (W/S) in a Vertisol and a Mollisol; we assessed the long-term effect of the crop sequences on soil inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) fractions, and the short-term effect of P fertilization on soil Pi and Po fractions, P uptake, and grain yield. Two P fertilization levels (50 kg P ha-1, and control) were established in 2016 on long-term experiments that included S–S, W/S, and M-M. Bray1-P, as well as total P, Po, and Pi in both the coarse soil ([53 lm)fraction (CF) and the NaHCO3 extract, and accumulated yield and P uptake were measured. In the long-term, the crop sequences did not change soil P fractions, but Po-CF and Pi-CF showed similar values in both soils, suggesting less soil-type dependence than in other labile P fractions. In the short-term, the P fertilization only increased the extractable Pi fractions (16% in the Mollisol and 25% in the Vertisol), suggesting that P in the CF was not a sink of P fertilizer. Our study showed that P fertilization in different crop sequences may increase labile P fractions and P recycling depending on soil type, a useful tool to develop P fertilization strategies at the crop sequence level.Fil: Appelhans, Stefania Carolina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Novelli, Leonardo Esteban. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Melchiori, Ricardo José Miguel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Gutiérrez Boem, Flavio Hernán. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biociencias Agrícolas y Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Caviglia, Octavio Pedro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Entre Ríos. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentin