Comprehensive modeling of agrochemicals biodegradation in soil: A multidisciplinary approach to make informed choices to protect human health and the environment

Numerical models are used to predict the dynamics of potentially hazardous pesticides in soil. Those models may account for fundamental processes affecting pesticide dynamics, such as environmental and edaphic conditions, water flow, degradation, and sorption. However, those models lack the ability to account for complex biogeochemical and ecological feedbacks, and thus create challenges in achieving robust predictions. In particular, no attention has been paid on the coupled mechanistic description of microbial dynamics and soil organic matter cycling and the implications on agrochemicals biodegradation and soil and groundwater quality. This thesis aims to provide this description by developing a comprehensive framework through a multidisciplinary approach. Microbiological regulation of pesticide dynamics was investigated by coupling theoretical and numerical approaches with experiments carried out in our environmental laboratory or sourced from the literature. We propose the use of reaction networks to highlight the possibly multiple pesticide degradation pathways and the feedbacks with macronutrient cycles. Biochemically-similar pathways are mediated by a specific microbial functional group, which represents the microbial community carrying out particular functions; these functions are biodegradation of pesticides and metabolism of carbon-, nitrogen-, and phosphorus-containing molecules. We describe biochemical reactions by means of Michaelis-Menten-Monod (MMM) kinetics. Indeed, MMM parameters fully encompass the microbial life strategies including rapid growth, high affinity for substrates, or high substrate consumption efficiency. Michaelis-Menten terms allow us to include microbial competition for substrates, growth inhibition, and the memory-associated catabolite repression herein presented. Finally, the relevance of the described processes was quantified by means of sensitivity analyses. The latter are crucial to explore the range of likely outcomes under a suite of scenarios, thus allowing one to make informed choices. Agrochemicals are accumulating in soil and water resources worldwide. The proposed high-level process coupling approach is urged to develop sustainable plans in accordance with Nature-based strategies to cope with environmental changes

Farmers as data sources: Cooperative framework for mapping soil properties for permanent crops in South Tyrol (Northern Italy)

Abstract Detailed knowledge of agricultural soil properties is a key element for high-quality food production. However, high-resolution soil data covering a large agricultural region are generally unavailable. This study explores a demand-driven cooperative framework for soil data sourcing that connects individual farmers to several stakeholders by means of a centralised database containing more than 16,000 records of soil information collected within the framework of an integrated production program for intensively managed permanent crops in the Adige/Etsch and Venosta/Vinschgau valleys in South Tyrol, Italy. Data for soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and soil texture were used to produce digital soil maps with a RMSE of 0.21, 1.25% and a cross-validation of 43%, respectively. Spatialisation was conducted using either regression-kriging or multinomial logistic regression. Collaboration among farmers, public administrators, and researchers provided a successful cooperative framework for digital soil mapping. The maps highlight the complex interplay of the postglacial evolution of these valleys due to the presence of a cluster of large alluvial fans and the anthropogenic influences of intense farming on pH, SOM, and soil texture. This study regarded a subset of the available soil properties, which can be dealt with using the geostatistical approaches presented herein. Thus, a long-term soil monitoring program and the combination of all available variables will allow digital assessment of the spatial patterns of nutrient availability, ecological risk assessments, change detection studies, and an overall long-term plan for soil security at larger spatial scales

PEST-CHEMGRIDS, global gridded maps of the top 20 crop-specific pesticide application rates from 2015 to 2025

Available georeferenced environmental layers are facilitating new insights into global environmental assets and their vulnerability to anthropogenic inputs. Geographically gridded data of agricultural pesticides are crucial to assess human and ecosystem exposure to potential and recognised toxicants. However, pesticides inventories are often sparse over time and by region, mostly report aggregated classes of active ingredients, and are generally fragmented across local or government authorities, thus hampering an integrated global analysis of pesticide risk. Here, we introduce PEST-CHEMGRIDS, a comprehensive database of the 20 most used pesticide active ingredients on 6 dominant crops and 4 aggregated crop classes at 5 arc-min resolution (about 10km at the equator) projected from 2015 to 2025. To estimate the global application rates of specifc active ingredients we use spatial statistical methods to re-analyse the USGS/PNSP and FAOSTAT pesticide databases along with other public inventories including global gridded data of soil physical properties, hydroclimatic variables, agricultural quantities, and socio-economic indices. PEST-CHEMGRIDS can be used in global environmental modelling, assessment of agrichemical contamination, and risk analysis

The FANCM:p.Arg658* truncating variant is associated with risk of triple-negative breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a common disease partially caused by genetic risk factors. Germline pathogenic variants in DNA repair genes BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2 are associated with breast cancer risk. FANCM, which encodes for a DNA translocase, has been proposed as a breast cancer predisposition gene, with greater effects for the ER-negative and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtypes. We tested the three recurrent protein-truncating variants FANCM:p.Arg658*, p.Gln1701*, and p.Arg1931* for association with breast cancer risk in 67,112 cases, 53,766 controls, and 26,662 carriers of pathogenic variants of BRCA1 or BRCA2. These three variants were also studied functionally by measuring survival and chromosome fragility in FANCM -/- patient-derived immortalized fibroblasts treated with diepoxybutane or olaparib. We observed that FANCM:p.Arg658* was associated with increased risk of ER-negative disease and TNBC (OR = 2.44, P = 0.034 and OR = 3.79; P = 0.009, respectively). In a country-restricted analysis, we confirmed the associations detected for FANCM:p.Arg658* and found that also FANCM:p.Arg1931* was associated with ER-negative breast cancer risk (OR = 1.96; P = 0.006). The functional results indicated that all three variants were deleterious affecting cell survival and chromosome stability with FANCM:p.Arg658* causing more severe phenotypes. In conclusion, we confirmed that the two rare FANCM deleterious variants p.Arg658* and p.Arg1931* are risk factors for ER-negative and TNBC subtypes. Overall our data suggest that the effect of truncating variants on breast cancer risk may depend on their position in the gene. Cell sensitivity to olaparib exposure, identifies a possible therapeutic option to treat FANCM-associated tumors

Hundreds of variants clustered in genomic loci and biological pathways affect human height

Most common human traits and diseases have a polygenic pattern of inheritance: DNA sequence variants at many genetic loci influence the phenotype. Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identified more than 600 variants associated with human traits, but these typically explain small fractions of phenotypic variation, raising questions about the use of further studies. Here, using 183,727 individuals, we show that hundreds of genetic variants, in at least 180 loci, influence adult height, a highly heritable and classic polygenic trait. The large number of loci reveals patterns with important implications for genetic studies of common human diseases and traits. First, the 180 loci are not random, but instead are enriched for genes that are connected in biological pathways (P = 0.016) and that underlie skeletal growth defects (P < 0.001). Second, the likely causal gene is often located near the most strongly associated variant: in 13 of 21 loci containing a known skeletal growth gene, that gene was closest to the associated variant. Third, at least 19 loci have multiple independently associated variants, suggesting that allelic heterogeneity is a frequent feature of polygenic traits, that comprehensive explorations of already-discovered loci should discover additional variants and that an appreciable fraction of associated loci may have been identified. Fourth, associated variants are enriched for likely functional effects on genes, being over-represented among variants that alter amino-acid structure of proteins and expression levels of nearby genes. Our data explain approximately 10% of the phenotypic variation in height, and we estimate that unidentified common variants of similar effect sizes would increase this figure to approximately 16% of phenotypic variation (approximately 20% of heritable variation). Although additional approaches are needed to dissect the genetic architecture of polygenic human traits fully, our findings indicate that GWA studies can identify large numbers of loci that implicate biologically relevant genes and pathways.

OltreMare - Un progetto per il futuro della Biodiversità del Mediterraneo

Osservatorio e comunicazione. Questo progetto narra dello sguardo degli artisti dell’Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo sul lavoro di ricerca portato avanti dall’IAS - CNR (ex IAMC) riguardo all’osservazione e alla tutela della Biodiversità e costituisce uno strumento eccellente di comunicazione per un pubblico quanto mai ampio. La divulgazione della scienza è un’attività complessa e sicuramente necessita di competenze e attitudini multidisciplinari oltreché di motivazione ed entusiasmo. La comunicazione delle tematiche scientifiche, di per sè ostiche nella traduzione al grande pubblico, grazie alla forza e all’immediatezza tipica dell’espressione artistica diventa prodigioso spunto di riflessione e di osservazione, sia per i giovani che per la comunità intera. Grazie al progetto Osservatorio della Biodiversità Siciliana, sono state realizzate da partners con competenze istituzionali complementari , quali l’Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo e l’IAS - CNR di Capo Granitola, delle azioni didattiche e creative di valore scientifico espresse con straordinaria forza e bellezza. La sinergia creata, nata da un rapporto consolidato ormai da tempo, ha portato ad uno scambio tra ricercatori e professori che si sono messi in gioco in uno sforzo congiunto per avvicinare le proprie competenze. In seguito ad un’intensa attività di coordinamento e pianificazione dei lavori, si è riusciti a portare avanti un progetto ambizioso e imponente, coinvolgendo moltissimi ambiti scientifici e altrettante cattedre, sensibilizzando così gli artisti ai temi della Biodiversità. Le opere prodotte, accompagnate da schede scientifiche, hanno dunque acquisito un valore, oltreché artistico, didattico, e restano come testimonianze oggettive, nel percorso culturale, per i visitatori dell’Osservatorio. Questa collaborazione conferma l’importanza e l’opportunità di unire arte e scienza per esaltare la percezione della ricerca scientifica da parte della comunità e ,ancora una volta, si conferma come, per fare “cose straordinarie”, siano più importanti i rapporti umani piuttosto che le competenze tecniche. A tal proposito, un ringraziamento sentito al Prof. Calogero Piro che, con passione e dedizione, ha reso possibile questa esperienza, e al gruppo di Comunicazione EDU Lab dell’IAS - CNR, che è stato, per me, un supporto indispensabile per la realizzazione di questo complesso progetto

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Effect of RNS60 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a phase II multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background and purpose Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options. RNS60 is an immunomodulatory and neuroprotective investigational product that has shown efficacy in animal models of ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Its administration has been safe and well tolerated in ALS subjects in previous early phase trials. Methods This was a phase II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Participants diagnosed with definite, probable or probable laboratory-supported ALS were assigned to receive RNS60 or placebo administered for 24 weeks intravenously (375 ml) once a week and via nebulization (4 ml/day) on non-infusion days, followed by an additional 24 weeks off-treatment. The primary objective was to measure the effects of RNS60 treatment on selected biomarkers of inflammation and neurodegeneration in peripheral blood. Secondary objectives were to measure the effect of RNS60 on functional impairment (ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised), a measure of self-sufficiency, respiratory function (forced vital capacity, FVC), quality of life (ALS Assessment Questionnaire-40, ALSAQ-40) and survival. Tolerability and safety were assessed. Results Seventy-four participants were assigned to RNS60 and 73 to placebo. Assessed biomarkers did not differ between arms. The mean rate of decline in FVC and the eating and drinking domain of ALSAQ-40 was slower in the RNS60 arm (FVC, difference 0.41 per week, standard error 0.16, p = 0.0101; ALSAQ-40, difference -0.19 per week, standard error 0.10, p = 0.0319). Adverse events were similar in the two arms. In a post hoc analysis, neurofilament light chain increased over time in bulbar onset placebo participants whilst remaining stable in those treated with RNS60. Conclusions The positive effects of RNS60 on selected measures of respiratory and bulbar function warrant further investigation

Timing of surgery following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: an international prospective cohort study

Peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection increases postoperative mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal duration of planned delay before surgery in patients who have had SARS-CoV-2 infection. This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study included patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery during October 2020. Surgical patients with pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with those without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality. Logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted 30-day mortality rates stratified by time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to surgery. Among 140,231 patients (116 countries), 3127 patients (2.2%) had a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. Adjusted 30-day mortality in patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection was 1.5% (95%CI 1.4–1.5). In patients with a pre-operative SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, mortality was increased in patients having surgery within 0–2 weeks, 3–4 weeks and 5–6 weeks of the diagnosis (odds ratio (95%CI) 4.1% (3.3–4.8), 3.9% (2.6–5.1) and 3.6% (2.0–5.2), respectively). Surgery performed ≥ 7 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis was associated with a similar mortality risk to baseline (odds ratio (95%CI) 1.5% (0.9– 2.1%)). After a ≥ 7 week delay in undertaking surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with ongoing symptoms had a higher mortality than patients whose symptoms had resolved or who had been asymptomatic (6.0% (95%CI 3.2–8.7) vs. 2.4% (95%CI 1.4–3.4) vs. 1.3% (95%CI 0.6–2.0%), respectively). Where possible, surgery should be delayed for at least 7 weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with ongoing symptoms ≥ 7 weeks from diagnosis may benefit from further delay

Osservazioni

di Calogero Piro. Convertire la realtà che ci circonda in immagini, è stata fin dai primordi dell’essere umano un’atavica necessità. Ancora oggi nella nostra cultura visiva è tutto basato sull’utilizzo dell’immagine per conoscere la realtà che ci circonda. Con la scoperta della fotografia, la riflessione intorno alla natura si fa sempre più interessante. Il ruolo della macchina fotografica in questo progetto per raccontare l’ambiente, la struttura, gli oggetti, i segni, i colori e le atmosfere che caratterizzano il centro del CNR di capo Granitola ha trovato prepotentemente in questi giovani allievi della cattedra di fotografia dell’Accademia di Belle Arti di Palermo, diretta dal Professore Sandro Scalia, momenti di grande professionalità, realizzando un grande reportage con tutti gli aspetti essenziali della struttura e delle articolazioni primarie del linguaggio fotografico. Questa esperienza extradidattica difficile ed impegnativa non soltanto per la necessità del confronto col “nuovo” in termini organizzativi, ma anche per la necessità di descrivere attraverso la fotografia il tema della Biodiversità, è stato affrontato brillantemente. Mettendo in primo piano, siti naturali, siti storici come: Mozia e Selinunte, i laboratori del centro di ricerche, la Flora e la Fauna, sono riusciti a raggiungere con acuta osservazione ottimi risultati visibili in questo catalogo, e con la tangibile riprova di cosa possa e debba essere una educazione estetica assolutamente “libera” da condizionamenti, viatico ineludibile perché l’espressione artistica, sotto qualunque forma, sia artefice dei grandi processi di vera maturazione culturale, si avverte in questi giovani artisti la purezza e la consapevolezza dei propri messaggi ancora privi, e speriamo sempre, di qualunque tipo di inquinamento tendenzioso