Relationship between social participation, children's support, and social frailty with falls among older adults in Colombia.

Background: There is limited research on social factors related to falls among older adults. This study assessed the association between falls during the past year with social participation, children's support, relationship with children, and social frailty. Methods: Participants were 17,687 community-dwelling older adults from the SABE (Health, Well-being, and Aging, 2015) Colombia survey. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, environmental barriers, psychotropic intake, vision problems, memory loss, multimorbidity, and fear of falling. Results: In multivariate logistic regression analyses, being socially frail (vs. no-frail) was associated with higher odds of falls (OR=1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.32). Participating in groups (OR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11), helping others (OR=1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), or volunteering (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17) were also associated with higher odds of falls. These findings were partly explained because most group participants reside in cities where they are more exposed to environmental barriers. In contrast, receiving help, affection, and company from children (OR=0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.97) was associated with lower fall odds than not receiving it. Moreover, having a good relationship with children was associated with lower odds of falls (OR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.66-0.85) compared to an unsatisfactory relationship. Conclusion: Support from children and having a good relationship with them were associated with fewer falls; however, social frailty and participation in social groups were associated with more falls.

Brain responses to intermittent fasting and the healthy living diet in older adults.

Diet may promote brain health in metabolically impaired older individuals. In an 8-week randomized clinical trial involving 40 cognitively intact older adults with insulin resistance, we examined the effects of 5:2 intermittent fasting and the healthy living diet on brain health. Although intermittent fasting induced greater weight loss, the two diets had comparable effects in improving insulin signaling biomarkers in neuron-derived extracellular vesicles, decreasing the brain-age-gap estimate (reflecting the pace of biological aging of the brain) on magnetic resonance imaging, reducing brain glucose on magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and improving blood biomarkers of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, with minimal changes in cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Intermittent fasting and healthy living improved executive function and memory, with intermittent fasting benefiting more certain cognitive measures. In exploratory analyses, sex, body mass index, and apolipoprotein E and SLC16A7 genotypes modulated diet effects. The study provides a blueprint for assessing brain effects of dietary interventions and motivates further research on intermittent fasting and continuous diets for brain health optimization. For further information, please see ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02460783.

Single-extracellular vesicle (EV) analyses validate the use of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) as a reliable biomarker of neuron-derived EVs.

Isolation of neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) with L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM)-specific antibodies has been widely used to identify blood biomarkers of CNS disorders. However, full methodological validation requires demonstration of L1CAM in individual NDEVs and lower levels or absence of L1CAM in individual EVs from other cells. Here, we used multiple single-EV techniques to establish the neuronal origin and determine the abundance of L1CAM-positive EVs in human blood. L1CAM epitopes of the ectodomain are shown to be co-expressed on single-EVs with the neuronal proteins ß-III-tubulin, GAP43, and VAMP2, the levels of which increase in parallel with the enrichment of L1CAM-positive EVs. Levels of L1CAM-positive EVs carrying the neuronal proteins VAMP2 and ß-III-tubulin range from 30% to 63%, in contrast to 0.8%-3.9% of L1CAM-negative EVs. Plasma fluid-phase L1CAM does not bind to single-EVs. Our findings support the use of L1CAM as a target for isolating plasma NDEVs and leveraging their cargo to identify biomarkers reflecting neuronal function.

An Ex Vivo Human Kidney Perfusion Model Confirms Larger Microwave Ablation Dimensions After Transarterial Embolization.

PURPOSE: To utilize a novel ex vivo perfused human renal model and quantify microwave ablation (MWA) size differences in renal tissue when combining MWA with transarterial embolization (TAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human kidneys (n = 5) declined for transplantation were obtained and connected to a fluoroscopic-compatible ex vivo perfusion system. Two ablations-1 standard MWA, 1 TAE-MWA-were performed in each kidney for 2 minutes at 100 Watts using a MWA system (Solero Angiodynamics). MWA alone was performed in the upper pole. In the lower pole, MWA was performed after TAE with M0 LUMI microspheres (Boston Scientific) to achieve angiographic stasis. Ablation zones of coagulative necrosis were sectioned along the long axis and segmented for maximal short axis diameter (SAD) and long axis diameter (LAD) measurements. RESULTS: A total of 10 ablations (5 MWA, 5 TAE-MWA) were performed in five human kidneys. TAE-MWA resulted in significantly increased SAD, LAD, volume, and sphericity compared to standard MWA + SD with mean measurements as follows (5 standard MWA + SD vs 5 TAE-MWA, two-tailed t-test): SAD, 1.8 ± 0.1 cm vs 2.5 ± 0.1 cm (p < 0.001); LAD, 2.9 ± 0.3 cm vs 3.2 ± 0.1 cm (p = 0.039); volume, 5.0 ± 0.5 mL vs 11.0 ± 0.7 mL (p < 0.001); sphericity, 0.4 ± 0.2 vs 0.6 ± 0.1 (p = 0.049). Histology demonstrated no differences in TAE-MWA other than concentrated microspheres. CONCLUSION: This study utilized a novel ex vivo human kidney perfusion model to confirm combined MWA-TAE significantly increases ablation size and spherical shape.

Cross-Subject EEG Feedback for Implicit Image Generation.

Generative models are powerful tools for producing novel information by learning from example data. However, the current approaches require explicit manual input to steer generative models to match human goals. Furthermore, how these models would integrate implicit, diverse feedback and goals of multiple users remains largely unexplored. Here, we present a first-of-its-kind system that produces novel images of faces by inferring human goals directly from cross-subject brain signals while study subjects are looking at example images. We report on an experiment where brain responses to images of faces were recorded using electroencephalography in 30 subjects, focusing on specific salient visual features (VFs). Preferences toward VFs were decoded from subjects' brain responses and used as implicit feedback for a generative adversarial network (GAN), which generated new images of faces. The results from a follow-up user study evaluating the presence of the target salient VFs show that the images generated from brain feedback represent the goal of the study subjects and are comparable to images generated with manual feedback. The methodology provides a stepping stone toward humans-in-the-loop image generation.

Dietary Curcumin Intake and Its Effects on the Transcriptome and Metabolome of Drosophila melanogaster.

Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa, used as a dietary spice, has garnered attention for its therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Despite its known benefits, the precise mechanisms underlying curcumin's effects on consumers remain unclear. To address this gap, we employed the genetic model Drosophila melanogaster and leveraged two omics tools-transcriptomics and metabolomics. Our investigation revealed alterations in 1043 genes and 73 metabolites upon supplementing curcumin into the diet. Notably, we observed genetic modulation in pathways related to antioxidants, carbohydrates, and lipids, as well as genes associated with gustatory perception and reproductive processes. Metabolites implicated in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and biomarkers linked to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and aging were also identified. The study highlighted a strong correlation between the curcumin diet, antioxidant mechanisms, and amino acid metabolism. Conversely, a lower correlation was observed between carbohydrate metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis. This research highlights the impact of curcumin on the diet, influencing perception, fertility, and molecular wellness. Furthermore, it directs future studies toward a more focused exploration of the specific effects of curcumin consumption.

Biliary Leaks: Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment.

Bile leaks arise from various causes such as trauma, complications after hepatobiliary surgery, and intrahepatic malignancies or their associated liver-directed treatments. Bile leaks can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Delayed diagnosis is not uncommon due to nonspecific manifestations; therefore, a high clinical suspicion is needed. A multidisciplinary approach for treatment of biliary leaks with prompt referral to tertiary care centers with experienced hepatobiliary surgeons, advanced endoscopists, and interventional radiologists is needed to address these challenging complications. Management of biliary leaks can range from conservative management to open surgical repair. Minimally invasive procedures play a crucial role in biliary leak treatment, and the interventional radiologist can help guide appropriate management on the basis of a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of biliary leaks and a current knowledge of the armamentarium of treatment options. In most cases, a simple diversion of bile to decompress the biliary system may prove effective. However, persistent and high-output biliary leaks require delineation of the source with tailored treatment options to control the leak. This may be done by additional diversions, occluding the source, reestablishing connections, or using a combination of therapies to bridge to more definitive surgical interventions. The authors describe the different treatment options and emphasize the role of interventional radiology. ©RSNA, 2024.

Genetic tapestry of Capsicum fruit colors: a comparative analysis of four cultivated species.

KEY MESSAGE: Genome-wide association study of color spaces across the four cultivated Capsicum spp. revealed a shared set of genes influencing fruit color, suggesting mechanisms and pathways across Capsicum species are conserved during the speciation. Notably, Cytochrome P450 of the carotenoid pathway, MYB transcription factor, and pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein are the major genes responsible for fruit color variation across the Capsicum species. Peppers (Capsicum spp.) rank among the most widely consumed spices globally. Fruit color, serving as a determinant for use in food colorants and cosmeceuticals and an indicator of nutritional contents, significantly influences market quality and price. Cultivated Capsicum species display extensive phenotypic diversity, especially in fruit coloration. Our study leveraged the genetic variance within four Capsicum species (Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens, and Capsicum annuum) to elucidate the genetic mechanisms driving color variation in peppers and related Solanaceae species. We analyzed color metrics and chromatic attributes (Red, Green, Blue, L*, a*, b*, Luminosity, Hue, and Chroma) on samples cultivated over six years (2015-2021). We resolved genomic regions associated with fruit color diversity through the sets of SNPs obtained from Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) with a Multi-Locus Mixed Linear Model (MLMM). Significant SNPs with FDR correction were identified, within the Cytochrome P450, MYB-related genes, Pentatricopeptide repeat proteins, and ABC transporter family were the most common among the four species, indicating comparative evolution of fruit colors. We further validated the role of a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein (Chr01:31,205,460) and a cytochrome P450 enzyme (Chr08:45,351,919) via competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping. Our findings advance the understanding of the genetic underpinnings of Capsicum fruit coloration, with developed KASP assays holding potential for applications in crop breeding and aligning with consumer preferences. This study provides a cornerstone for future research into exploiting Capsicum's diverse fruit color variation.

Perceived Ageism is Associated With Recurrent Falling Among Older Colombian Adults.

Literature on the association between ageism and falling among older adults is limited. Using data from the nationwide cross-sectional SABE (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento) Colombia Survey in 2015 with 18,875 participants aged ≥60 years living in the communities, the study aims to evaluate the association between perceived ageism within the family, neighborhood, health services, and public services, and recurrent falling. Participants had a mean age of 69.2 ± 7.1; 56.1% were female. Recurrent falling prevalence was 15%, and experiencing any ageism was 10%. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed higher odds of recurrent falling for any ageism (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.61-2.02, p < .0001). High depressive symptoms mediated 10.1% of the association between any ageism and recurrent falling, followed by low instrumental activities of daily living (9.7%) and multimorbidity (9.3%). Current findings open new areas of gerontological research by expanding the risk factors for falling among older adults to include ageism perceptions.

From genes to ecosystems: Decoding plant tolerance mechanisms to arsenic stress.

Arsenic (As), a metalloid of considerable toxicity, has become increasingly bioavailable through anthropogenic activities, raising As contamination levels in groundwater and agricultural soils worldwide. This bioavailability has profound implications for plant biology and farming systems. As can detrimentally affect crop yield and pose risks of bioaccumulation and subsequent entry into the food chain. Upon exposure to As, plants initiate a multifaceted molecular response involving crucial signaling pathways, such as those mediated by calcium, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and various phytohormones (e.g., auxin, methyl jasmonate, cytokinin). These pathways, in turn, activate enzymes within the antioxidant system, which combat the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) generated by As-induced stress. Plants exhibit a sophisticated genomic response to As, involving the upregulation of genes associated with uptake, chelation, and sequestration. Specific gene families, such as those coding for aquaglyceroporins and ABC transporters, are key in mediating As uptake and translocation within plant tissues. Moreover, we explore the gene regulatory networks that orchestrate the synthesis of phytochelatins and metallothioneins, which are crucial for As chelation and detoxification. Transcription factors, particularly those belonging to the MYB, NAC, and WRKY families, emerge as central regulators in activating As-responsive genes. On a post-translational level, we examine how ubiquitination pathways modulate the stability and function of proteins involved in As metabolism. By integrating omics findings, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the complex genomic landscape that defines plant responses to As. Knowledge gained from these genomic and epigenetic insights is pivotal for developing biotechnological strategies to enhance crop As tolerance.

Woolly mutation with the Get02 locus overcomes the polygenic nature of trichome-based pest resistance in tomato.

Type-IV glandular trichomes, which only occur in the juvenile developmental phase of the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), produce acylsugars that broadly protect against arthropod herbivory. Previously, we introgressed the capacity to retain type-IV trichomes in the adult phase from the wild tomato, Solanum galapagense, into the cultivated species cv. Micro-Tom (MT). The resulting MT-Galapagos enhanced trichome (MT-Get) introgression line contained 5 loci associated with enhancing the density of type-IV trichomes in adult plants. We genetically dissected MT-Get and obtained a subline containing only the locus on Chromosome 2 (MT-Get02). This genotype displayed about half the density of type-IV trichomes compared to the wild progenitor. However, when we stacked the gain-of-function allele of WOOLLY, which encodes a homeodomain leucine zipper IV transcription factor, Get02/Wo exhibited double the number of type-IV trichomes compared to S. galapagense. This discovery corroborates previous reports positioning WOOLLY as a master regulator of trichome development. Acylsugar levels in Get02/Wo were comparable to the wild progenitor, although the composition of acylsugar types differed, especially regarding fewer types with medium-length acyl chains. Agronomical parameters of Get02/Wo, including yield, were comparable to MT. Pest resistance assays showed enhanced protection against silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), and the fungus Septoria lycopersici. However, resistance levels did not reach those of the wild progenitor, suggesting the specificity of acylsugar types in the pest resistance mechanism. Our findings in trichome-mediated resistance advance the development of robust, naturally resistant tomato varieties, harnessing the potential of natural genetic variation. Moreover, by manipulating only 2 loci, we achieved exceptional results for a highly complex, polygenic trait, such as herbivory resistance in tomato.

Social determinants of health and metabolic syndrome in Colombian older adults.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Social determinants of health (SDH) are critical in health outcomes. More insight is needed on the correlation between SDH and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the aging population. This study assessed the association between SDH and MetS scores among older adults in Colombia. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional country-wide study includes a sample of 4085 adults aged ≥60 from the SABE Colombia Survey. MetS measurements were central obesity, hyperglycemia or diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, arterial hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol (MetS score 0-5). SDH includes four levels: 1- general socioeconomic and environmental conditions; 2-social and community networks; 3- individual lifestyle; and 4-constitutional factors. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the SDH factors with greater effect sizes, calculated by Eta Squared, predicting higher MetS mean scores were women followed by low education, no alcohol intake, urban origin, and residing in unsafe neighborhoods. Two interactions: men, but not women, have lower MetS in safe neighborhoods compared to unsafe, and men, but not women, have lower MetS when having low education (0-5 years) compared to high (≥6). CONCLUSION: Gender, education, alcohol intake, and origin have the greatest effect sizes on MetS. Education level and neighborhood safety modified the relationship between gender and MetS. Low-educated men or those residing in safe neighborhoods have lower MetS. Neighborhood environments and educational differences influencing MetS should be considered in future studies.

Evaluation of the Catheter Clamp over Hydrophilic Guide Wire Central Venous Catheter Exchange Technique for Air Embolism Prophylaxis in an In Vitro Model.

PURPOSE: To develop a reproducible in vitro model simulating central venous catheter (CVC) exchange with high potential for air embolization and test the hypothesis that a closed catheter clamp over hydrophilic guide wire exchange technique will significantly reduce the volume of air introduced during CVC exchange. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The model consisted of a 16-F valved sheath, 240-mL container, and pressure transducer submerged in water in a 1,200-mL suction canister system. Continuous wall suction was applied to the canister to maintain negative pressure at -7 mm Hg or -11 mm Hg. Each trial consisted of 0.035-inch hydrophilic guide wire introduction, over-the-wire catheter exchange, and wire removal following clinical protocol. A total of 256 trials were performed, 128 trials at each pressure with the catheter clamp open (n = 64) or closed (n = 64) around the hydrophilic guide wire. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant lower volume of air introduced with closed clamp over-the-wire exchanges than with open clamp exchanges at both pressures (2-tailed t-test, P < .001). At -7 mm Hg, a mean of 48.0 mL (SD ± 9.3) of air was introduced with open clamp and 20.6 mL (SD ± 4.7) of air was introduced with closed clamp. At -11 mm Hg, 97.8 mL (SD ± 11.9) of air was introduced with open clamp and 37.8 mL (SD ± 6.3) of air was introduced with closed clamp. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the use of a reproducible in vitro model mimicking conditions causing air embolism during CVC exchange. Results showed that CVC exchange using closed catheter clamp over hydrophilic guide wire exchange technique significantly reduced the volume of air introduced per exchange.

Inhibiting tau-induced elevated nSMase2 activity and ceramides is therapeutic in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) propagation between neurons along synaptically connected networks, in part via extracellular vesicles (EVs). EV biogenesis is triggered by ceramide enrichment at the plasma membrane from neutral sphingomyelinase2 (nSMase2)-mediated cleavage of sphingomyelin. We report, for the first time, that human tau expression elevates brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity. METHODS: To determine the therapeutic benefit of inhibiting this elevation, we evaluated PDDC, the first potent, selective, orally bioavailable, and brain-penetrable nSMase2 inhibitor in the transgenic PS19 AD mouse model. Additionally, we directly evaluated the effect of PDDC on tau propagation in a mouse model where an adeno-associated virus (AAV) encoding P301L/S320F double mutant human tau was stereotaxically-injected unilaterally into the hippocampus. The contralateral transfer of the double mutant human tau to the dentate gyrus was monitored. We examined ceramide levels, histopathological changes, and pTau content within EVs isolated from the mouse plasma. RESULTS: Similar to human AD, the PS19 mice exhibited increased brain ceramide levels and nSMase2 activity; both were completely normalized by PDDC treatment. The PS19 mice also exhibited elevated tau immunostaining, thinning of hippocampal neuronal cell layers, increased mossy fiber synaptophysin immunostaining, and glial activation, all of which were pathologic features of human AD. PDDC treatment reduced these changes. The plasma of PDDC-treated PS19 mice had reduced levels of neuronal- and microglial-derived EVs, the former carrying lower pTau levels, compared to untreated mice. In the tau propagation model, PDDC normalized the tau-induced increase in brain ceramides and significantly reduced the amount of tau propagation to the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: PDDC is a first-in-class therapeutic candidate that normalizes elevated brain ceramides and nSMase2 activity, leading to the slowing of tau spread in AD mice.

Influence of Long-Term CaO Storage Conditions on the Calcium Looping Thermochemical Reactivity.

Long-term storage capability is often claimed as one of the distinct advantages of the calcium looping process as a potential thermochemical energy storage system for integration into solar power plants. However, the influence of storage conditions on the looping performance has seldom been evaluated experimentally. The storage conditions must be carefully considered as any potential carbonation at the CaO storage tank would reduce the energy released during the subsequent carbonation, thereby penalizing the round-trip efficiency. From lab-scale to conceptual process engineering, this work considers the effects of storing solids at low temperatures (50-200 °C) in a CO2 atmosphere or at high temperatures (800 °C) in N2. Experimental results show that carbonation at temperatures below 200 °C is limited; thus, the solids could be stored during long times even in CO2. It is also demonstrated at the lab scale that the multicycle performance is not substantially altered by storing the solids at low temperatures (under CO2) or high temperatures (N2 atmosphere). From an overall process perspective, keeping solids at high temperatures leads to easier heat integration, a better plant efficiency (+2-4%), and a significantly higher energy density (+40-62%) than considering low-temperature storage. The smooth difference in the overall plant efficiency with the temperature suggests a proper long-term energy storage performance if adequate energy integration is carried out.

Specific neuropsychiatric symptoms are associated with functional decline trajectories in Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia: a five-year follow-up study.

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are often overlooked and under-identified symptoms associated with dementia, despite their significant impact on the prognosis of individuals living with the disease. The specific role of certain NPS in functional prognosis remains unclear. Aims: To determine the association of different NPS with functional decline in people living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or Lewy body dementia (LBD). Methods: This is an analysis of data from the Dementia Study of Western Norway (DemVest) with 196 patients included of which 111 had AD and 85 LBD. The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Rapid Disability Rating Scale (RDRS-2) for activities of daily living were administered annually for 5 years. NPI total score and individual items with RDRS-2 trajectories were analyzed with linear mixed models. Results: The LBD group exhibited higher levels of functional impairment and a greater burden of NPS at baseline. Over the 5-year follow-up, hallucinations, aggression, depression, anxiety, apathy, disinhibition, aberrant motor behavior, nighttime behavior disturbances, and abnormal eating patterns were significantly associated with the decline in functional abilities in individuals with AD, as well as irritability and aberrant motor behavior in those with LBD. Discussion: These results highlight the relevance of early detection and intervention of these particularly relevant NPS, due to its potential of also impacting physical function. Better detection and management of these NPS could improve functional prognosis in people living with dementia. Conclusion: Specific NPS demonstrate relevant distinct associations with Longitudinal trajectories of functional decline in AD and LBD.

Agronomic performance and remote sensing assessment of organic and mineral fertilization in rice fields.

Introduction: Rice heavily relies on nitrogen fertilizers, posing environmental, resource, and geopolitical challenges. This study explores sustainable alternatives like animal manure and remote sensing for resource-efficient rice cultivation. It aims to assess the long-term impact of organic fertilization and remote sensing monitoring on agronomic traits, yield, and nutrition. Methods: A six-year experiment in rice fields evaluated fertilization strategies, including pig slurry (PS) and chicken manure (CM) with mineral fertilizers (MIN), MIN-only, and zero-fertilization. Traits, yield, spectral responses, and nutrient content were measured. Sentinel-2 remote sensing tracked crop development. Results: Cost-effective organic fertilizers (PS and CM) caused a 13% and 15% yield reduction but still doubled zero-fertilization yield. PS reduced nitrogen leaching. Heavy metals in rice grains were present at safe amounts. Organic-fertilized crops showed nitrogen deficiency at the late vegetative stages, affecting yield. Sentinel-2 detected nutrient deficiencies through NDVI. Discussion: Organic fertilizers, especially PS, reduce nitrogen loss, benefiting the environment. However, they come with yield trade-offs and nutrient management challenges that can be managed and balanced with reduced additional mineral applications. Sentinel-2 remote sensing helps manage nutrient deficiencies. In summary, this research favors cost-effective organic fertilizers with improved nutrient management for sustainable rice production.

Soil Fertility and Phosphorus Leaching in Irrigated Calcareous Soils of the Mediterranean Region.

To ensure soil quality and soil health, it is necessary to improve fertilization practices while minimizing environmental impacts. The aim of this study was to record the state of the art on soil fertility related to fertilization management (organic and/or mineral) and to detect environmental challenges in highly productive fields. A soil survey was set up in a new irrigated area (c. 20 years old), in the north-eastern part of Spain, which is mainly devoted to double annual crop rotations of cereals and maize. The area also supports an important animal rearing activity. The survey covered 733 ha of calcareous soils, owned by 35 farmers. At each farm, fertilization management was recorded, and soil was analyzed for nutrients and heavy metals. Multivariate analyses were performed. Total N, P, Cu and Zn, and available P, Cu, Zn and Mn soil concentrations were associated to the use of organic amendments. Heavy metals concentrations were below established thresholds. Available P (Olsen-P) was identified as an indicator of the previously adopted fertilization management and of the potential of P leaching towards deeper soil layers. Regression analyses were performed. A displacement of available P from the uppermost layer (0-0.3 m) occurs in the breakpoint of 86 mg P kg-1 soil. Preventative actions might be established from 53 mg P kg-1 soil due to the slowdown in P immobilization. Our results reinforce the importance of setting up P threshold soil levels for best practices of fertilization, as a basis for sustainable agriculture intensification.