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The utilization of biochar's as soil amendments for enhancing nutrient retention in subsoils present potential limitations. To address this issue, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to assess the effects of various biochar's derived from animal manures (swine manure, poultry litter, cattle manure) and plant residues (rice straw, soybean straw, corn straw) when applied to surface of an acidic soil. Our study focused on wheat crops under a no-tillage system, with a subsequent evaluation of the residual impacts on soybeans. The experimental design involved the application of biochar's at different rates i.e. 10 and 20 Mg ha -1 , followed by the assessment of their influence on NPK levels, pH, and exchangeable Al in stratified soil layers (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, and 15-25 cm). Furthermore, we investigated the interplay between biochar doses and the application of nitrogen (N) in the top 5 cm of soil, specifically examining NO 3 - , NH 4 + , P and K levels. Our findings revealed that in the top 5 cm of soil, biochar doses and N application significantly affected NO 3 - , NH 4 + , P and K concentrations. However, in deeper soil layers, no significant differences were observed among biochar doses with or without N application. Interestingly, K levels were impacted throughout all soil depths, regardless of the presence or absence of N application. Moreover, biochar application up to a 5 cm depth induced favorable changes in soil pH and reduced exchangeable Al. In contrast, deeper layers experienced a decrease in soil pH and an increase in exchangeable Al following biochar treatment. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that biochar's can effectively retain NPK nutrients, enhance soil pH, and decrease exchangeable Al, independent of the type and dosage of application under a no-tillage system. Nonetheless, the efficacy of biochar amendments may vary with soil depth and type of nutrient, warranting careful consideration for maximizing their benefits in sustainable agricultural practices., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The structure of humic substances (HSs) and the humification process are critical topics for understanding the dynamics of carbon on the planet. This study aimed to assess the structural patterns of 80 humic acid (HA) samples isolated from different soils, namely, Histosols, Ferralsols, Cambisols, Mollisols, Planosols and vermicompost, by spectroscopic characterization using solid-state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance cross-polarization/magic angle spinning combined with chemometric techniques. All 80 HAs had a similar structural pattern, regardless of their source of origin, but they had different relative quantities of organic C species. The different structural amounts of the various organic C fractions generated different properties in each of the HAs. This explains why there were similarities in the HS functions but why the intensities of these functions varied among the samples from the different soil types and environments, confirming that HSs are a group of compounds with a structural identity distinct from the molecules that give rise to them. There appears to be no single definition for the humification process; therefore, for the soils from each source of origin, a specific humification process occurs that depends on the characteristics of the local environment. Humification can be understood as a process that is similar to a chemical reaction, where the key factor that determines the formation of the products is the structural characteristics of the reactants (organic substrates deposited in the soil). The degree to which the reaction progresses is governed by the reaction conditions (chemical, physical, and biological properties of the soil). The structural patterns for HSs obtained in this study justify the existence of HSs structured as self-assembled, hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains that, under certain conditions, can undergo transformations, altering the balance of organic carbon in the environment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Different carriers, such as the combination of sodium alginate and inulin, have been employed to protect foods against environmental effects. The goal of this work was to use the ionic gelation encapsulation process to produce microparticles containing Clidemia rubra extract, ranging the concentration of inulin from 1.5 to 3.5 g inulin.100 g -1 of solution. Characteristic signals of sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds were identified in the extract using the 1 H NMR technique. The carriers containing inulin presented significant difference in the moisture content when compared to the pure sodium alginate beads. The produced beads were found in the range of 0.81-1.06 mm. The addition of inulin to sodium alginate was significant for the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of the antioxidant compounds when compared to the beads formed only using pure sodium alginate. The microspheres presenting inulin and sodium alginate presented higher content of spherical particles. The addition of 2.5 g inulin.100 g -1 of solution allowed its incorporation into the pores of the beads, favoring a possible chemical interaction between inulin and sodium alginate. This interaction resulted in a different crystal structure and better EE. Furthermore, beads containing inulin presented higher protection of the encapsulated bioactive compounds during the gastric phase., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: According to the American Physical Therapy Association, there is strong evidence to show that vertebral mobilization and manipulation procedures can be used to improve spinal and hip mobility and reduce pain and incapacity in low back pain patients that fit the clinical prediction rule., Objectives: To evaluate the immediate effects of high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation on pain and postural control parameters in individuals with nonspecific low back pain., Methods: This study used a participant-blinded and assessor-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial involving a single session, in which 24 participants were randomly distributed into control (simulated manipulation) and intervention (HVLA lumbar manipulation) groups. The primary (pain: subjective pain intensity and pressure pain threshold) and secondary outcomes (postural control: ellipse area, center of pressure [COP] excursion, COP RMS velocity, and differences between the COP and center of projected gravity) were evaluated before and after the session using a numerical pain scale, algometer, and a force platform. For all outcomes, multiple mixed 2 (group) × 2 (time) ANOVAs were performed., Results: For the subjective pain intensity, only time was significant as a main effect, where pre-intervention presented a greater value then post-intervention (F [1.44] = 4.377; p = 0.042; r = 0.30). For the pressure pain threshold no significant effect was found. For the postural control parameters, as a main effect, only the ellipse area was significantly greater in the control group (F [1.44] = 6.760; p = 0.013; effect size = 0.36)., Conclusions: There was a reduction in subjective pain intensity, evaluated using a numerical scale, in both the intervention and control groups immediately after the intervention, suggesting that the spinal manipulation had a similar effect to the placebo procedure. No effect of HVLA lumbar manipulation was identified for postural control variables in either the intervention or control groups., Trial Registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT02312778, registered at 14 September 2014.

Purpose: To determine effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with stretching and strengthening exercises in the cervical region on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain., Methods: 90 adults with non-specific chronic neck pain were randomized to either exercises group (EG, n = 45) or osteopathic manipulative treatment associated with exercises group (OMT/EG, n = 45). The primary outcomes were obtained by the use of Numeric Pain-Rating Scale (NPRS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) for cervical spine rotation, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire Work/Physical Activity (FABQ-W/PA) and Pain-self efficacy at two different moments: baseline and 4 weeks after the first treatment. Techniques and dosages of OMT were selected pragmatically by a registered osteopath. Generalized Estimating Equations model (GEE), complemented by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) and the intention-to-treat analysis, was used to assess the clinical outcomes., Results: Analysis with GEE indicated that OMT/EG reduced pain and disability more than the EG alone after 4 weeks of treatment with statistically significant difference (p < 0,05), as well as cervical active rotation was significantly improved (p = 0.03). There were no between-group differences observed in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measure, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Pain-self efficacy., Conclusion: The association between OMT and exercises reduces pain and improves functional disability more than only exercise for individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

High copper (Cu) soil contents, due to the continuous vineyard application of Cu fungicides throughout the years, may impair the growth of the shoot and modify the structure of the root system. The current study aimed to investigate the threshold levels of available Cu in the soil causing toxicity effects in young grapevine plants of 'Red Niagara' cultivated in clay soils. Grapevine plantlets were cultivated in pots containing vineyard devoted soils with increasing contents of available Cu (25, 80, 100 and 165 mg kg -1 ), for 53 days. Photosynthesis and transpiration rates, and the quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were evaluated during the cultivation period. At the end of the experiment, the plant nutrient and leaf chlorophyll were determined, along with the anatomical analysis of the root system structure and plant dry matter determination. Higher levels of available Cu in the soil increased the apoplastic, symplastic and total fraction of the metal in the roots, reducing the other nutrients, especially in the shoots. Photosynthesis, transpiration rates and Fv/Fm were also reduced. Higher levels of Cu led to anatomical changes in the roots, that increased diameter, number of layers in the cortex, vascular cylinder and total root areas. It also resulted in reduced dry matter production by grapevines., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: There is no consensus regarding the influence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) on postural changes, but it is believed that an imbalance in one may influence the other. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in the level of pain, the severity of TMD, the EMG activity of masticatory muscles and posture of young women undergoing training in Pilates, as well as correlating postural changes, pain level, severity of TMD and EMG activity of masticatory muscles., Methods/design: A randomized clinical trial with blinded assessors will be held. 40 patients divided randomly into two groups will be assessed. The control group will receive conventional treatment with occlusal splint while the intervention group, in addition to conventional treatment will participate in Pilates sessions. Both groups will consist of women aged 18-35 years with TMD and pain. The research follow-up period will be 15 weeks., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)