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Like humans, many felid species suffer from teratozoospermia and frequently produce low numbers of normal spermatozoa. Male fertility can be affected by oxidative and dicarbonyl stress. Because of the high level of glycolytic activity in testes, reactive dicarbonyl metabolites may arise as side-products of glycolysis; their generation is further promoted by oxidative stress. Alpha-oxoaldehydes, including methylglyoxal (MG), are reactive dicarbonyl metabolites and substrates for the formation of advanced glycation end products. Elevated levels of both may lead to dicarbonyl stress and cause cellular dysfunction. However, MG and other α-oxoaldehydes can be converted to less dangerous molecules via the glyoxalase pathway. In this pathway, α-oxoaldehydes react with glutathione (GSH), forming a thioacetal, which becomes metabolized by glyoxalase I (GLO I) to S-D-lactoyl-glutathione (SLG). Glyoxalase II (GLO II) converts SLG to d -lactate upon the release of GSH. Nothing is known about the glyoxalase system in the feline testis and its capacity to mitigate an excess of dicarbonyl metabolites. To study whether GLO I and GLO II are present and have a specific function in the testis of the domestic cat, the gene expression of both enzymes were analyzed in testis samples of different developmental stages (prepubertal, pubertal, postpubertal). Furthermore, the presence of GLO I and GLO II proteins was investigated via immunohistochemistry. The GLO I gene expression does not change between developmental stages. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong signals for GLO I in the cytoplasm and nuclei of Sertoli and Leydig cells during all developmental stages. GLO I was described as catalyzing the rate-limiting step in the glyoxalase pathway. This implies a function on the part of this enzyme of sustaining the homeostasis of somatic testicular cells. For GLO II, we observed stage-dependent mRNA expression, which was significantly increased after puberty. In accordance with this observation, clear immunohistochemical GLO II signals were observed in nuclei of individual germ cells. The most intense signals were visible in spermatocytes. The different localizations of the strong GLO I and GLO II signals indicate that GLO II, in addition to the classical glyoxalase pathway, may have additional functions in meiotic germ cells, for example, providing lactate as an energy substrate and/or GSH as an antioxidant. Moreover, protein functions may be modulated via S-glutathionylation. • Enzymes of glyoxalase pathway are expressed in testes of domestic cat. • The expression of GLO I and GLO II as well as their main localization are uncoupled. • GLO II could have additional functions in germ cells with high meiotic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spermadhesin AQN-3 is a major component of porcine seminal plasma. While various studies suggest that this protein binds to boar sperm cells, its attachment to the cells is poorly understood. Therefore, the capacity of AQN-3 to interact with lipids was investigated. For that purpose, AQN-3 was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and purified via the included His-tag. Characterizing the quaternary structure by size exclusion chromatography revealed that recombinant AQN-3 (recAQN-3) is largely present as multimer and/or aggregate. To determine the lipid specificity of recAQN-3, a lipid stripe method and a multilamellar vesicle (MLV)-based binding assay were used. Both assays show that recAQN-3 selectively interacts with negatively charged lipids, like phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol phosphates, and cardiolipin. No interaction was observed with phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylethanolamine, or cholesterol. The affinity to negatively charged lipids can be explained by electrostatic interactions because binding is partly reversed under high-salt condition. However, more factors have to be assumed like hydrogen bonds and/or hydrophobic forces because the majority of bound molecules was not released by high salt. To confirm the observed binding behavior for the native protein, porcine seminal plasma was incubated with MLVs comprising phosphatidic acid or phosphatidyl-4,5-bisphosphate. Attached proteins were isolated, digested, and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Native AQN-3 was detected in all samples analyzed and was – besides AWN – the most abundant protein. It remains to be investigated whether AQN-3, together with other sperm associated seminal plasma proteins, acts as decapacitation factor by targeting negative lipids with signaling or other functional roles in fertilization. [Display omitted] • Recombinant porcine spermadhesin AQN-3 (recAQN-3) spontaneously forms multimers and/or aggregates. • RecAQN-3 binds to negatively charged lipids such as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol phosphates and phosphatidylserine. • RecAQN-3 does not bind to phosphatidylcholine, -ethanolamine, sphingomyelin or cholesterol. • Aggregates of native AQN-3 and other seminal plasma proteins bind to vesicles containing negatively charged lipids. • Electrostatic interactions are partly responsible for the lipid binding behavior of native and recAQN-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of soil water repellency (SWR) on runoff and nutrient losses are difficult to isolate. Hydrophobic organic substances coating soil particles can severely delay water infiltration and enhance runoff. We used a portable run-on simulator to investigate the effect of SWR on runoff and nutrient loss. Intact soil slabs, 0.48 m long and 0.19 m wide, were collected from a severely water-repellent Andosol under pasture. One day before simulating 60-min long run-on events with an intensity of 60 mm h −1 , superphosphate was applied at a rate of 45 kg P ha −1 . The effects of SWR were quantified by comparing runoff volumes and nutrient losses from run-on events conducted with water and a fully wetting aqueous ethanol solution as run-on liquids. Further, through conducting multiple consecutive water run-on events with the same soil slab, the hypothesis, that SWR is lost through the washing off of hydrophobic materials, was tested. Finally, runoff dynamics were visualised by adding a dye to the run-on water. In the first run-on experiment, 88% of the water applied was captured as runoff, while no runoff was observed when aqueous ethanol was used as run-on liquid, providing strong evidence that SWR governed runoff generation from this Andosol. In consecutive water run-on experiments, approximately 23% of the applied P was recovered in the runoff from the first event, while the cumulative P loss over ten consecutive run-on events was around 30% of the applied P. This confirms that nutrient losses were associated with SWR and the occurrence of runoff. After ten consecutive run-on events, the persistence of both actual and potential SWR in areas of the slab that had been wetted were significantly ( p  < 0.5) reduced. But the persistence of potential SWR of the soil was still classified as severe, suggesting only minor losses of hydrophobic materials from the soil surface. The persistence of potential SWR and the degree of SWR of the dry areas remained more or less unchanged. In accordance with this, visualisation of the wetted areas showed that runoff occurred as rivulets guided by surface topography, rather than as sheet flow, with the wetted area increasing from approximately 20% of the slab in the first event to around one third of the total slab area in the final event. This pattern is reflected in the cumulative pattern of the P losses over the ten events. Consequently, we conclude that SWR should be considered as a factor in hydrological modelling and should be included in models to address appropriately the risk of surface water contamination by solutes exogenously applied to water-repellent soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils deliver the regulating ecosystem services of water infiltration and distribution, which can be controlled by macropores. Parameterizing macropore hydraulic properties is challenging due to the lack of direct measurement methods. With tension-disc infiltrometry hydraulic properties near saturation can be measured. Differentiating between hydrologically active and non-active pores, at a given water potential, indirectly assesses macropore continuity. Water flow through macropores is controlled by macropore size distribution, tortuosity, and connectivity, which can be directly derived by X-ray computed tomography (CT). Our objective was to parameterize macropore hydraulic properties based on the imaged macropore network of three horizons of an Andosol and a Gleysol. Hydraulic conductivity K unsat was derived from infiltration measurements. Soil cores from the infiltration areas were scanned with X-ray CT. K unsat was significantly higher in the Andosol than in the Gleysol at all water potentials, and decreased significantly with depth in both soils. The in situ measurements guided the definition of new macroporosity parameters from the X-ray CT reconstructions. For the Andosol, K unsat was best predicted using the imaged-limited macroporosity. A low total macroporosity, coupled with a high macropore density, indicated the abundance of smaller macropores, leading to homogeneous matrix flux. Imaged macropores were not well connected. In contrast, the Gleysol had a bi-modal macropore system with few very large, but well-connected macropores. K unsat was best predicted using the imaged macroporosity consisting only of macropores with diameters between 0.75 and 3 mm. Our research demonstrates that linking traditional soil physical measurements with soil-visualization techniques has a huge potential to improve parameterizing macropore hydraulic properties. The relevance of the relationships found in this study for larger scales and other soil types still needs to be tested, for example by a multi-scale investigation including a much wider range of different soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In New Zealand a resurgence of irrigation development is underway. Considerable effort is focused on developing efficient irrigation technology to maximise production per unit of applied water while ensuring minimal environmental impacts. Most New Zealand pastoral soils have the potential to develop soil water repellency (WR). Its occurrence limits water infiltration, leads to ponding of water on the soil and may enhance runoff and macropore flow. Some limited New Zealand research has shown that subcritical WR may also be common, where water infiltration is impeded by WR and water absorption into the storage pores of the soil matrix may be restricted even though the soils appear to wet readily. The objective of this research was to assess the potential of arable soils to develop WR and to analyse potential tillage effects. Soil cores were collected from the 0–5 cm depth across the three dominant soil orders used for arable production in the Canterbury region, four common tillage practices and histories, as well as from two long-term tillage trials. At each site, duplicate soil cores were collected to compare the infiltration of water to ethanol using tension disc infiltrometers. Ethanol infiltration is not affected by repellent substances, so it is used as the reference infiltration liquid to assess the degree to which water infiltration is retarded. Our results showed that subcritical WR developed in arable soils irrespective of soil order. We found significantly higher WR with decreasing tillage intensity for the long-term tillage trial. In contrast, no such significant trend was found in the regional survey, which similarly only considered sites with known long-term tillage history. It is possible that any potential effect of tillage intensity on WR was masked by confounding site or soil factors in the survey. Tillage effects on subcritical WR were shown not to persist upon change of tillage system. Our results indicate that soil management affects the degree of subcritical WR and the resultant inhibition of early-time infiltration dynamics. Hydrological significance of the results was shown by comparing actual and potential short-term infiltration, showing that suboptimal infiltration into subcritical water-repellent soils limited soil wetting and water storage efficiency. Further research is recommended that develops soil and irrigation management practices that minimise the occurrence of subcritical WR and assist in capturing more water, resulting in increased irrigation efficiencies and reduced water footprints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water repellency (SWR) of soils is a property with significant consequences for agricultural water management, water infiltration, contaminant transport, and for soil erosion. It is caused by the presence of hydrophobic agents on mineral grain surfaces. Soils were samples in different depths at three forest sites in Japan and three pasture sites in New Zealand, covering soil organic carbon (SOC) contents between 1 and 26%. The SWR was measured over a range of water contents by three common methods; the water drop penetration time (WDPT) test, the molarity of an ethanol droplet (MED) method, and the sessile drop method (SDM). The aim to (i) compare the methods, (ii) characterize the soil-water repellency characteristic curves (SWRCC) being SWR as a function of the volumetric soil-water content ( θ ) or matric potential ( ψ ), and (iii) find relationships between SWRCC parameters and SOC content. The WDPT, MED, and SDM generally agreed well in predicting the θ range where SWR occurred, and there was close agreement between SWR results determined by average MED and SDM at similar θ . Generally, SWR was only found within the top 20 cm of the soil profiles. Six SWR parameters were introduced: (i) the area under the curve ( S WR ( θ ) ); (ii) θ at the maximum SWR ( θ WR-max ), (iii) θ where SWR ceased ( θ non-WR ), (iv) the maximum SWR ( CA i -max ), (v) pF at the maximum SWR ( pF WR-max ) and (vi) pF where SWR ceased ( pF non-WR ). The relationship between the first three parameters and SOC content were best described with Langmuir type equations (r 2 of 0.5–0.7), while the other three parameters changed linearly with SOC contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the sustainability of orchards focuses on quantifying environmental impacts and resource consumption. Sustainable orchards also have to be profitable and socially responsible. We aimed to identify sustainable kiwifruit production in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, by considering orchards' environmental and economic performance. We conducted a survey of 40 orchards with different cultivars ( Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’ (green) v. Actinidia chinensis ‘Hort16A’ (gold)) and management (integrated v. BioGro certified organic). Assessment of environmental performance was restricted to greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint of the orchard phase). We defined eco-efficiency on an area basis as NZD net profit per kg greenhouse gas emissions (1 NZD = 0.83 USD, 31/10/2013). Carbon footprints for the cultivars and management systems were comparable. The choice of functional unit, namely land area and 1 kg of produce, did not affect the result. Our analysis revealed fertilizer use and the N-associated emissions as hot spots for greenhouse gas emissions. Opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions arise in the background system of fertilizer production, packaging, storage and transport, and the optimization of nutrient-use efficiency in the orchard. The integrated system had insignificantly higher greenhouse gas emissions than the organic system. Taking into account the profitability of the orchards, the eco-efficiency of organic orchards was significantly higher than that of integrated orchards. We demonstrated that the metric of eco-efficiency can enhance product differentiation for customers and can also assist orchardists to find the most sustainable management system. However, the volatility of commodity markets and changing consumer preferences remain challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective : Monocyte infiltration is a critical step in the pathophysiology of plaque instability in coronary artery disease (CAD). Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is involved in atherosclerotic plaque progression and instability leading to intracoronary thrombosis. Gremlin-1 (Grem1) has been recently identified as endogenous inhibitor of MIF. To date there are no data on the clinical impact of this interaction in cardiovascular patients. Methods and results : Plasma levels of MIF and Grem1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS, n = 120; stable CAD, n = 166 and healthy control subjects, n = 25). MIF levels were significantly increased in ACS compared to stable CAD and healthy control (ACS: median 2.85; IQR 3.52 ng/ml; versus SAP: median 1.22; IQR 2.99 ng/ml; versus healthy control: median 0.10; IQR 0.09 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Grem1 levels were significantly higher in ACS and stable CAD patients compared to healthy control (ACS: median 211.00; IQR 130.47 ng/ml; SAP: median 220.20; IQR 120.93 ng/ml, versus healthy control: median 90.57; IQR 97.68 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Grem1/MIF ratio was independently associated with ACS, whereas the single parameters were not associated with the presence of ACS. Furthermore, Grem1/MIF ratio was associated with angiographic signs of intracoronary thrombi and severity of thrombus burden. Conclusion : These novel findings suggest a potential role of Grem1/MIF ratio to indicate acuity of CAD and the grade of plaque stability. Prospective angiographic cohort studies involving plaque imaging techniques are warranted to further characterize the prognostic role of this novel risk marker in CAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global agricultural ecosystems, the largest biospheric sources of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), may turn into considerable net carbon (C) sinks through adopting management strategies advised by research. As C sequestration is usually coupled with the silicon (Si) cycle, strategic manipulation of the biogeochemical Si cycle in agricultural ecosystems offers a not yet fully explored possibility to enhance C sequestration. This review summarizes current knowledge of C sequestration coupled with the Si cycle and its management in agricultural ecosystems. Carbon sequestration is coupled with the Si cycle through many processes including dynamics of phytoliths and aggregates, and silicate weathering at different temporal and spatial scales. Cultivation of deep rooting crops, erosion mitigation with buffer strips, fertilization of Si-rich materials are some of the potential management strategies to increase both crop production and C sequestration coupled with the Si cycle. Further questions such as identifying the controlling factors of bioavailable Si pools and C sequestration, and quantifying the cost-efficiency of different management strategies to manipulate the Si cycle with the aim to enhance C sequestration should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a laboratory-scale run-off measurement apparatus (ROMA) to quantify for the first time directly the impact of soil water repellency (SWR) on run-off from undisturbed soil slabs in the laboratory. We tested and evaluated the performance of ROMA with multiple consecutive run-off experiments using water followed by a fully-wetting liquid, namely an ethanol solution. We found that a 30% (v/v) ethanol solution was needed to ensure that the soil hydrophobicity had no influence on the infiltration rate of the liquid. The results demonstrated the ROMA is a robust and reproducible tool that performs at a high standard with instrument errors below 2%. We conducted ROMA run-off experiments with air-dried soil slabs (480mm long×190mm wide×50mm deep) collected from four pastoral sites, representing three major soil orders in the North Island, New Zealand. They were the Kashmir-Recent Soil (Fluvisol), Hawke's Bay-Recent Soil (Fluvisol), Taranaki-Gley Soil (Gleysol), and Taranaki-Organic Soil (Histosol). These soils had a high degree and persistence of SWR. The contact angles were 97, 97, 98 and 104°, the potential water drop penetration times (WDPT) were 4, 42, 54 and 231min, and the run-off fractions were 16, 19, 28, and 96% respectively. However, even the extremely hydrophobic Taranaki-Organic Soil, which had a runoff coefficient of 96%, only lost 13% of the applied bromide via run-off. This demonstrates that run-off occurred in rivulets covering only a small fraction of the surface. Multivariate regression analyses showed that the soil organic carbon content and the degree of SWR explained 89% of the variability of the run-off coefficients. We identified difficulties around the meaningfulness of the persistence of SWR, as determined by the WDPT test, since it just measures SWR at a single point. Alternatively, our ROMA experiments integrate the spatial variability of SWR of an undisturbed soil slab. In addition, the method is faster for extremely hydrophobic soils once the ROMA is set up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Agglomeration dramatically affects many aspects of nanoparticle–cell interactions. Here we show that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles formed large agglomerates in biological medium resulting in extensive particle uptake and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in human macrophages. Particle citration and/or the addition of the dispersant Darvan 7 dramatically reduced mean agglomerate sizes, the amount of particle uptake and concomitantly cytotoxicity. More surprisingly, agglomeration governed the mode of particle uptake. Agglomerates were sequestered within an extensive, interconnected membrane labyrinth open to the extracellular space. In spite of not being truly intracellular, imaging studies suggest particle degradation occurred within this surface-connected compartment (SCC). Agglomerate dispersion prevented the SCC from forming, but did not completely inhibit nanoparticle uptake by other mechanisms. The results of this study could be relevant to understanding particle–cell interactions during developmental mineral deposition, in ectopic calcification in disease, and during application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticle vectors in biomedicine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyzes the effects of social influence and participation in collective action initiatives on soil conservation effort among smallholder farmers in Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya. We apply binary and ordered probit models in a two stage regression procedure to cross-sectional data collected through a household survey among randomly selected smallholder farmers. Smallholder farming systems in the research area are associated with practices that render farmlands susceptible to soil erosion causing negative impacts on land and the environment. Therefore, strategies that encourage soil conservation are likely to also offer solutions for dealing with agri-environmental challenges and poverty alleviation. Results indicate that social capital facilitates participation in collective action initiatives which then influence individual soil conservation efforts. Neighborhood social influences, subjective norms, gender, education level, farm size, access to credit and livestock ownership also emerge as key determinants of soil conservation effort. Policy implications drawn by this study encourage strategies to increase participation and effectiveness in collective action initiatives as a boost to soil conservation. Implementation of soil conservation practices could also be encouraged through awareness increasing instruments, facilitating access to agricultural micro-credit and paying attention to gender related challenges on knowledge access and rights over land and other natural resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodiversity is an essential resource, which we classify as conditionally-renewable. In order to achieve conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity virtually all nation states signed the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. In this paper we investigate how the heterogeneity of countries in regard to ecosystems and wealth influences the stability of international biodiversity conservation agreements both without and with transfers. We further examine the effect of different degrees of ecosystem substitutability. We model a coalition formation game with players that have a continuous conservation choice. The conservation benefit is dependent on wealth and ecosystem quality. Aggregation of global benefits respects differences in ecosystem substitutability. In case of transfers, a fund redistributes coalition benefits according to a sharing rule. The main finding is that in the absence of transfers, compared to the homogeneous situation, heterogeneity in ecosystems and wealth reduces the size of a stable coalition. The destabilising effect is stronger the higher the ecosystem substitutability. Optimal transfers facilitate a large stable coalition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are extensively researched for medical applications, including bone implant materials, DNA and SiRNA delivery vectors and slow release vaccines. Elucidating the mechanisms by which cells internalize nanoparticles is fundamental for their long-term exploitation. In this study, we demonstrate that hydrophilic hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are sequestered within a specialized compartment called SCC (surface-connected compartment). This membrane-bound compartment is an elaborate labyrinth-like structure directly connected to the extracellular space. This continuity is demonstrated by in vivo 2-photon microscopy of ionic calcium using both cell-permeable and cell-impermeable dyes and by 3-D reconstructions from serial block-face SEM of fixed cells. Previously, this compartment was thought to be initiated specifically by exposure of macrophages to hydrophobic nanoparticles. However, we show that the SCC can be triggered by a much wider range of nanoparticles. Furthermore, we demonstrate its formation in A549 human lung epithelial cells, which are considerably less phagocytic than macrophages. EDX shows that extensive amounts of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can be sequestered in this manner. We propose that SCC formation may be a means to remove large amounts of foreign material from the extracellular space, followed by slow degradation, may be to avoid excessive damage to surrounding cells or tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many regions of the world are predicted to experience water scarcity due to more frequent and more severe droughts and increased water demands. Water use efficiency by plants can be negatively affected by soil water repellency (SWR). It is timely to review existing techniques to remedy SWR. Ideally remediation addresses the origins of a problem. However, the fundamental mechanisms of how and why SWR develops are still poorly understood. In this review it was hypothesized that SWR occurs where the balance of input–decomposition of organic matter is impaired, due to either increased input or decreased decomposition rates of hydrophobic substances. Direct and indirect strategies to remedy SWR were distinguished. While direct remediation aims at abolishing the causes of SWR, indirect strategies seek to manage sites with SWR by treating its symptoms. The 12 reviewed strategies include applying surfactants, clay, slow-release fertilizers, lime, and fungicides, bioremediation of SWR through stimulating earthworms, choosing adapted vegetation, irrigation, cultivation, soil aeration and compaction. Some of the techniques have been applied successfully only in laboratory experiments. Our review highlights that it is not straightforward to cure SWR based on easily measurable and site-specific soil and vegetation properties, and that long-term, large-scale field experiments are required to improve the understanding of the evolution of SWR as cornerstone to develop cost-effective and efficient remediation strategies. We also identified current research gaps around the diagnosis and prevention of SWR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanomedicine is one of the most promising areas of exploitation for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). These ‘needle-like’ nanovehicles are capable of carrying drug molecules via exo- and endohedral functionalisation and are steerable by an external magnetic field due to the presence of ferromagnetic nanoparticles in the nanotube core (up to 7.3wt.%). These properties make them promising candidates for drug targeting or MRI contrast agents. Particularly, oxidised and nitrogen-doped MWNTs exhibiting enhanced chemical reactivity compared to their unmodified precursors/analogues could be exploited in this field. Here, we assessed the toxicity and intracellular localisation of two different, chemically modified and unmodified nanotubes towards human macrophage cells using a range of toxicity and imaging techniques. Oxidised and N-doped MWNTs were not significantly toxic to HMMs in contrast to unmodified MWNTs. All types of MWNTs entered the cell via active phagocytosis/endocytosis, but also passively by ‘self-injection’ through the plasma membrane, and were ultimately found in the cytoplasm and possibly also the nucleus. The attained results carry hope to utilise functionalised nanotube vectors as non-cytotoxic controllable drug delivery systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: There is cumulative evidence that the degree of inflammation correlates with prognosis after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Additionally, there is a cross-link between platelet activation and inflammatory pathways. The aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the association of inflammatory markers and effects of dual antiplatelet therapy on platelet function and outcome in patients undergoing PCI. Methods and results: In a pilot study, 157 patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing PCI were consecutively evaluated. Platelet response to clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid was assessed using whole blood multiple electrode aggregometry (MEA). Baseline levels of IL-6, RANTES and MCP-1 were measured by Bio-Plex Cytokine assay. C-reactive protein (CRP) was determined by Immunoassay. Levels of IL-6, RANTES, and CRP correlated well with ADP and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced MEA. In a second step, a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 903 PCI-patients was performed to evaluate the association of on-treatment residual platelet aggregation (RPA) and baseline CRP levels on the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), death and stent thrombosis (ST). Patients suffering a subsequent event had a significantly higher level of baseline CRP and higher RPA compared to patients without events. After multivariate adjustment high baseline CRP and high RPA were independent predictors for combined major events and ST after PCI. Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the first study linking inflammation, antiplatelet drug responsiveness and outcome in a large CAD-patient cohort. The results suggest a relevant interaction of these parameters and encourage multimodal therapeutic approaches to treat cardiovascular risk after PCI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We hypothesized that elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration [CO2] as a feature of climate change promotes the occurrence of soil water repellency (SWR) which reduces soil carbon mineralization and thus increases carbon sequestration. Soil surface transects under elevated (475μLL−1) and ambient atmospheric [CO2] in a long-term Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment experiment were sampled at a high spatial resolution. All samples were hydrophobic at the time of the sampling. At the micro-scale, the differences in degree and persistence of SWR, soil organic matter (SOM) content, microbial respiration rates (MRR) and water content between the treatments were not significant. SWR was not correlated with SOM or MRR. A strong correlation between water contents and SWR parameters demonstrated the importance of SWR for water redistribution. At the meso-scale of disc infiltrometry, infiltration rates were reduced by SWR, and were higher under ambient than under elevated [CO2]. This corroborates the tendency of reduced SWR under elevated [CO2] observed at the micro-scale. SWR showed a spatial structure, exhibiting short ranges. SOM and MRR showed no spatial pattern at the scale analyzed, emphasizing that SWR did not contribute to an increase of the long-term terrestrial C sink in response to increased atmospheric [CO2]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Multicellular spheroids have important applications in tumour studies, drug screening and tissue engineering. To enable simple manipulation of spheroids, magnetically labelled HeLa cells were cultured in hanging drops to generate magnetic spheroids. HeLa cells were labelled by biotinylating their cell membrane proteins and then binding streptavidin paramagnetic particles onto the biotinylated cell surface. Spheroids of different sizes were obtained by varying the seeding cell concentrations within the hanging drops and the spheroids had good cell viability. Characterisation of the F-actin distribution within the spheroids indicated a three dimensional reorganisation of the cellular cytoskeleton compared to monolayer cultures. The magnetic moment of the spheroids was measured and showed a superparamagnetic response in an applied field. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the paramagnetic particles were still present in the spheroids even after 21 days of culture. These spheroids could be easily and quickly separated magnetically without the need for centrifugation. The magnetic spheroids were also successfully manipulated and patterned using magnetic fields within a few seconds. The patterned spheroids then fused together to form a larger tissue construct. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) have been proposed for use in many applications and concerns about their potential effect on human health have led to the interest in understanding the interactions between MWNTs and human cells. One important technique is the visualisation of the intracellular distribution of MWNTs. We exposed human macrophage cells to unpurified MWNTs and found that a decrease in cell viability was correlated with uptake of MWNTs due to mainly necrosis. Cells treated with purified MWNTs and the main contaminant Fe2O3 itself yielded toxicity only from the nanotubes and not from the Fe2O3. We used 3-D dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (DF-STEM) tomography of freeze-dried whole cells as well as confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to image the cellular uptake and distribution of unpurified MWNTs. We observed that unpurified MWNTs entered the cell both actively and passively frequently inserting through the plasma membrane into the cytoplasm and the nucleus. These suggest that MWNTs may cause incomplete phagocytosis or mechanically pierce through the plasma membrane and result in oxidative stress and cell death. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ferumoxtran-10 is an ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle potentially useful as a contrast material in magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of inflammatory and degenerative disorders associated with high macrophage activity. In clinical trials, it is currently applied to monitor the effect of atorvastatin therapy on macrophage activity in human carotid plaques. A recent study reported the inhibition of iron oxide nanoparticle uptake in macrophages by lovastatin, an effect which could compromise the suitability of Ferumoxtran-10 as an MRI contrast material in patients on statin therapy. Therefore, we examined the effect of atorvastatin on human monocyte–macrophage uptake of Ferumoxtran-10 in vitro using biochemical assays, magnetic resonance imaging and transmission electron microscopy. Our study showed that non-toxic concentrations of atorvastatin did not affect the amount of Ferumoxtran-10 taken up by HMMs. Furthermore, the intracellular distribution of iron oxide nanoparticles and the resulting MRI signal intensities remained unchanged by statin treatment. These results were obtained using atorvastatin concentrations probably vastly exceeding those reached in patient plasma in vivo. Atorvastatin therapy itself is therefore unlikely to affect Ferumoxtran-10 based macrophage detection by MRI, a prerequisite for the use of this contrast material to monitor lesion macrophage burden during lipid-lowering therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of low power red laser associated with acidulated phosphate fluoride on the development of induced-dental caries in rats. Design: Dental caries were induced in molars of 40 rats divided into five groups: control group (CG), the teeth were not submitted to any treatment; laser group (LG), teeth were irradiated with a low power red laser (LPRL), power of 30mW and dose of 5J/cm2; fluoride group (FG), teeth were treated with topical acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) 1.23% applied for 4min; laser+fluoride group (LFG), teeth were irradiated with LPRL followed by APF; fluoride+laser group (FLG), teeth were treated with APF followed by LPRL. The animals were killed after 48 days, and the first and second molars were extracted to analyze the caries lesion area, microhardness, and calcium and phosphorus ratio. Results: There were no statistical differences among FG, LFG, and FLG regarding to caries area and microhardness, although the caries area were smaller in LFG. Ca/P ratio did not show significant differences among all groups. Conclusions: Although LPRL before APF application appeared to diminish the caries progression, LPRL did not present any additional benefit compared with acidulated phosphate fluoride on the prevention of induced-dental caries in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ferumoxtran-10, a dextran-coated ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide particle, has the potential to reveal macrophages in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging potentially acting as a marker of inflammatory status. Pending clinical trials, we examined the interactions of Ferumoxtran-10 with human monocyte-macrophages (HMMs) in vitro to assess its safety and lack of pro-inflammatory activity. After 72h, Ferumoxtran-10 was not toxic at 1mg/ml and may be only mildly toxic at 10mg/ml. Viability in cells with a high intracellular Ferumoxtran-10 load was not affected over 14 days. Ferumoxtran-10 did not interfere with baseline or stimulated cytokine (interleukin-12, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α or interleukin-1β) or superoxide anion production or with Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Similarly, Ferumoxtran-10 did not induce cytokine production and was not chemotactic. High-resolution electron microscopy and selected-area electron diffraction confirmed the core of Ferumoxtran-10 is composed of crystalline magnetite. Bright field transmission electron microscopy of thin sections demonstrated that Ferumoxtran-10 was retained in lysosomes of HMM for several days. Ferumoxtran-10 is not toxic to HMMs in vitro, does not activate them to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines or superoxide anions, is not chemotactic and does not interfere with Fc-receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Furthermore, extremely high intracellular Ferumoxtran-10 concentrations had only slight or no effects on these key activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study we demonstrated the combination of MALDI-TOF MS and TLC as a fast and powerful tool to investigate the phospholipid (PL) composition of organic extracts of bull spermatozoa. Since phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the dominant PL species, an adequate resolution of MALDI-TOF spectra for sphingomyelin (SM) or phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was achieved only after previous PL separation by TLC. We found a poor diversity especially for PE and PC, mainly containing ether-linked fatty acids which were 1-palmityl-2-docosahexaenoyl-PL and the corresponding alkenyl-acyl compound (plasmalogen) 1-palmitenyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-PL. For PC, both lipids were quantified after phospholipase A2 digestion to represent 44.2 and 37.2%, respectively, of the total PC. In contrast, the diacyl-PC content of bull spermatozoa was comparatively low (18.6% of total PC).In the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which is routinely added to the MALDI-TOF matrix to improve the signal to noise ratio, a high lysophospholipid (LPL) content was detected in the PL extracts of bull spermatozoa, whereas TLC did not reveal significant amounts of LPL. The TFA mediated hydrolysis of the acid-labile alkenyl-acyl PL to the corresponding LPL was shown to cause this discrepancy. This assumption was verified by analysing the PL composition by MALDI-TOF MS before and after (i) digestion of sperm cell lipids with phospholipase A2 and (ii) exposition of spermatozoa to HCl fumes. We conclude that the analysis of samples containing alkenyl-acyl-PL by MALDI-TOF has to be performed with great caution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Developmental competence of oocytes is compromised if they originate from atretic follicles. Apoptosis is the underlying process of atresia. Apoptotic changes in follicular cells are thought to influence the outcome of IVF. The aim of this study was to investigate apoptosis in different compartments of single bovine follicles (follicular wall, granulosa and cumulus cells (CC)) in relation to COC morphology, and to determine whether the addition, in vitro, of exogenous follicular cells from atretic follicles to maturing cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) influenced the development of oocytes.Antral follicles were dissected from bovine ovaries and opened to obtain COCs and free floating granulosa cells (GC). The COCs were classified according to morphology. Apoptosis was determined in cumulus and granulosa cells and in homogenates of the remaining follicular wall.For every morphological class of COCs, a large variability of apoptotic expression was found in all follicle compartments. Follicular wall apoptosis was not correlated to COC morphology or to the percentage of apoptotic granulosa or cumulus cells. In grade 1 (best morphology) COCs, the degree of apoptosis in granulosa cells was comparable to cumulus cell apoptosis (P<0.01). The overall expression of apoptosis in granulosa cells of follicles containing grade 3 COCs (median±median absolute deviation: 37.8±13.8%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in follicles with grade 1 (22.7±10.4%) or grade 2 COCs (20.0±17.0%). About 48.3% of grade 3 COCs possessed strongly apoptotic cumulus cells compared to 27.8 and 28.2% of grade 1 or grade 2 COCs, respectively. Nonapoptotic cumulus complexes were observed in grades 1 and 2 COCs only.Adding exogenous follicular cells from atretic follicles to bovine COCs (grades 1 and 2) during in vitro maturation (IVM) had no impact on fertilization, blastocyst formation or hatching after IVF. This is of particular practical relevance to embryo production after ovum pick up (OPU), as during this process, good quality COCs are cultured together with simultaneously collected slightly atretic COCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hemolysis is a known risk factor for thrombosis resulting in critical limb ischemia and microcirculatory disturbance and organ failure. Intravasal hemolysis may lead to life-threatening complications due to uncontrolled thrombo-inflammation. Until now, conventional antithrombotic therapies failed to control development and progression of these thrombotic events. Thus, the pathophysiology of these thrombotic events needs to be investigated to unravel underlying pathways and thereby identify targets for novel treatment strategies. Here we used classical experimental set-ups as well as high-end flow cytometry, metabolomics and lipidomic analysis to in-depth analyze the effects of hemin on platelet physiology and morphology. Hemin does strongly and swiftly induce platelet activation and this process is modulated by the sGC-cGMP-cGKI signaling axis. cGMP modulation also reduced the pro-aggregatory potential of plasma derived from patients with hemolysis. Furthermore, hemin-induced platelet death evokes distinct platelet subpopulations. Typical cell death markers, such as ROS, were induced by hemin-stimulation and the platelet lipidome was specifically altered by high hemin concentration. Specifically, arachidonic acid derivates, such as PGE 2 , TXB 2 or 12-HHT, were significantly increased. Balancing the cGMP levels by modulation of the sGC-cGMP-cGKI axis diminished the ferroptotic effect of hemin. We found that cGMP modulates hemin-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation in vitro and cGMP effects hemin-mediated platelet death and changes in the platelet lipidome. Thus, it is tempting to speculate that modulating platelet cGMP levels may be a novel strategy to control thrombosis and critical limb ischemia in patients with hemolytic crisis. Graphical presentation of the signaling pathways effected by hemin (red arrows) and modulated by NO/riociguat (blue arrows) and their involvement on platelet activation, degranulation and aggregation as well as hemin-mediated cell death. [Display omitted] • cGMP modulates hemin-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation in vitro. • Hemin induces platelet death. • Free hemin causes changes in the platelet lipidome. • Hemin-induced platelet death and lipidome changes are inhibited by cGMP modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the preservation of endangered felid species, epididymal sperm may be received from valuable individuals after castration or death and they need to be cryopreserved for storage. However, pregnancy rates with epididymal or cryopreserved sperm are lower than with ejaculated and non-frozen semen even if insemination is surgically performed into the oviduct. To investigate whether equilibration, the first step of the cryopreservation procedure, has an impact on sperm-oviduct binding, we generated oviduct epithelial cell vesicles from isthmus segments of preovulatory domestic cats. Binding assays were performed with epididymal sperm in a cell culture medium (M199) without supplements, or after cooling to 15 °C in a freezing extender (TestG), supplemented with glycerol and the water-soluble fraction of hen's egg yolk mainly comprising LDL. The sperm-oviduct binding was assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively (head or tail binding of sperm with active or inactive mitochondria). Most of the bound sperm prepared in M199 had active mitochondria and were attached to the vesicles by their heads. In equilibrated samples, the proportion of bound sperm with active mitochondria and the proportion of head-bound spermatozoa were reduced. The total motility of the sperm after 1 h of incubation in the absence or presence of vesicles were also affected by the preparation (higher in equilibrated) and the incubation (lower in co-incubated), while mitochondrial activity was influenced just by the preparation. Obviously, LDL has a beneficial effect on sperm motility, but we suggest that it interferes with the molecular sperm-oviduct crosstalk and causes a reduced binding of "good" sperm. • Feline isthmus epithelial cell-vesicles were used for sperm oviduct binding assays. • Equilibration in freezing extender changes oviduct binding of epididymal sperm. • Functional interaction seems to occur by head binding of viable sperm to oviduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracoronary thrombus formation is a main cause of acute myocardial infarction triggered by platelet activation. However, there are no data on the impact of different treatment strategies with antiplatelet agents before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on histological characteristics of thrombus formation. In this study, we investigate the impact of preinterventional administration of the P2Y12-inhibitors clopidogrel and prasugrel on thrombus composition, highlighting significant changes associated with the antiplatelet pre-treatment. We prospectively enrolled 104 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing immediate PCI and thrombus aspiration by immunohistochemical staining along with RNA-sequencing employing Nanostring analysis. Fifty-two patients were treated with either prasugrel loading (60 mg) or clopidogrel loading (600 mg) prior to PCI, respectively. In Patients with STEMI, intracoronary thrombus architecture was significantly altered between patients pre-treated with prasugrel when compared to clopidogrel. Fibrin content of thrombi was significantly decreased (41.8 % versus 66.7 %, p = 0.009) after pre-treatment with prasugrel compared to clopidogrel. Furthermore, levels of MPO positive cells in intracoronary thrombi were significantly decreased in patients with prasugrel pre-treatment (90.5 versus 201.1, p = 0.014) indicating an association of antiplatelet pre-treatment and the inflammatory responses during thrombus formation. Most strikingly, we observed significant differences among both pre-treatment groups regarding altered RNA expression and signaling pathways of thrombo-inflammatory processes within the thrombotic material, which were independently associated with antiplatelet strategies. Our study elucidates the impact of antiplatelet pre-treatment on thrombus remodeling and architecture, thereby lowering the risk of recurrent adverse cardiovascular events in prasugrel-treated patients. Intracoronary thrombus formation is a main cause of acute myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that thrombus architecture is significantly impacted by the antiplatelet treatment strategies before percutaneous coronary intervention. We highlight significant reduction of fibrosis, pro-inflammatory mediators including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and altered thrombo-inflammatory signaling in patients with prasugrel treatment when compared to clopidogrel treatment. Thus, pre-treatment with prasugrel implies a more favorable thrombus composition compared to clopidogrel, thereby lowering the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in prasugrel-treated patients. [Display omitted] • Patients with STEMI show histopathological characteristics in thrombus architecture. • Antiplatelet loading treatment influences thrombus composition. • Thrombo-inflammation within the thrombus was modified by P2Y12 inhibitors. • Myeloperoxidase, platelets, fibrosis, and RNA signaling were affected by prasugrel. • Modified thrombus architecture might be beneficial to lower the cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the EU, several environmental regulations aim at protecting the environment from agricultural nitrogen and phosphorus losses. The German regulation on farmers' nutrient management, especially implementing the EU Nitrates Directive, was revised in 2017. It comprises considerable tightening of numerous measures and costs for farmers to comply with. We provide the first systematic farm-level analysis of compliance costs of the recent revision in a case study for the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. To do so, we apply a bio-economic optimisation model at farm level to a representative sample of specialized dairy and pig farms. The sample is derived by Latin Hypercube sampling based on the observed distribution of farm characteristics from official agricultural statistics. Modelling results are evaluated by grouping of farms and a statistical meta-model. Results show highly heterogeneous compliance costs reaching from 0 to 2.66 Euro per pig and 0 to 0.83 cent per kg milk. 47.3% of pig and 38.4% of dairy farms do not face any costs. Pig farms with high compliance costs are characterized by high stocking density, the absence of low-emission manure application techniques and phosphorus-enriched soils. Dairy farms with high compliance costs have no low-emission manure application techniques and a high share of grassland. For dairy farms, stricter thresholds for nutrient application do not cause any compliance costs. The meta-model reveals the large effect of prices and assumptions regarding the fertilizer management on compliance costs. Results are of relevance beyond the case study area as other regions in the EU have a similar agricultural structure and need to fulfill the same EU directives. Policymakers need to be aware that high compliance costs increase the incentive of non-compliance and also consider heterogeneous impacts when designing complementary policies. Future research should focus on long-term adaption of farmers and include transaction costs as well as technical progress. • German implementation of the Nitrates Directive was revised in 2017. • On-farm compliance costs are highly heterogeneous between farms. • For pig and dairy farms, existing manure application technique is major cost driver. • Pig farms with high stocking density face costs to lower phosphate surplus. • Sampling approach generates representative farm sample under restricted data access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Organic matter can render soil hydrophobic and cause soil water repellency (SWR) which has large implications for agriculture. Consequences such as fingered flow, uneven wetting patterns, and increased overland flow reduce irrigation efficiency and plant nutrient availability. The phenomenon of SWR is a transient soil property depending, inter alia , on soil water content (w). Soil can exhibit SWR from oven-dry w until the critical w where it again becomes fully wettable (w NON). The total SWR can be obtained from the nonlinear SWR- w relationship as the integrated trapezoidal area under the SWR- w curve (SWR AREA). We analyzed 78 soil samples, representing five dominant soil orders in the South Island of New Zealand. The soils had a large range in clay (0.000–0.520 kg kg−1) and organic carbon (OC) content (0.021–0.217 kg kg−1). The degree of SWR was measured on soils at air-dry conditions (SWR AD) and after heat-pretreatment at 60 (SWR 60) and 105°C (SWR 105). Further, SWR was measured in small w increments above air-dry w until w NON was reached. The SWR- w curves were either unimodal or bimodal, or no SWR occurred. SWR AREA ranged from 0.16 to 26.82 mN m−1 kg kg−1. Among the five soil orders tested, the Podzols exhibited the highest severity in SWR, whereas the Semiarid soils were the least hydrophobic soils. In conclusion, OC was the main factor for controlling the severity of SWR. Though, pH also had minor effects on SWR. Further, an upper limit critical water content was derived from the simple relationship between the w NON and OC, which could be applied to improve irrigation practices of pastoral soils. However, there is a need for further testing on different soils and land uses. Highlights • Soil water repellency versus water content curves were highly non-linear. • OC was the main controller of soil water repellency. • Within five soil orders, the Podzols were most severe in soil water repellency. • pH affected soil water repellency to a lesser degree than OC. • An upper limit critical water content was obtained from OC for irrigation support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • More than 80% of boar semen samples showed BKA against E. coli and/or S. aureus. • Boars with BKA against E. coli were older than boars with BKA against S. aureus. • Morphologically normal spermatozoa were lowest in boars with BKA against E. coli. • Lysozyme concentration was higher in boars with BKA against S. aureus. • Total semen motility was lowest in boars without BKA. Abstract The aim of the present study was to characterize the lysozyme concentration and the bacterial killing activity (BKA) of boar seminal plasma against E. coli and S. aureus in 119 fertile Pietrain boars (aged: 18.1 ± 10.5 months). Lysozyme concentration was 2.4 ± 1.2 μg/ml in seminal plasma. More than 80% of the samples (97 of 119) showed BKA against E. coli or S. aureus or both bacterial strains: Group 1 (BKA against E. coli and S. aureus , n = 38), Group 2 (BKA against E. coli , n = 13), Group 3 (BKA against S. aureus , n = 46), and Group 4 (no BKA, n = 22). Boars with BKA against E. coli (Group 1 plus 2) were older (P < 0.001) than boars with BKA against S. aureus only or without BKA. Thermo-resistance of spermatozoa was lowest in boars without BKA (P = 0.002). Lysozyme concentration was higher in boars with BKA against S. aureus only compared to boars with BKA against both bacterial species (P = 0.005) and boars with BKA against E. coli only (P = 0.047). In Group 2, the ratio of morphologically normal spermatozoa was lower than in all other groups (P < 0.001) and mitochondrial activity of spermatozoa was lower compared to Group 3 (P = 0.023). The results suggest an age related variance of BKA against E. coli in boar semen. BKA is related to different sperm quality characteristics. Further research is necessary to discover the molecular components, which are responsible for BKA of boar seminal plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The terrestrial biogeochemical silicon (Si) cycle may significantly influence the stabilization of soil organic carbon (SOC), and thus plays an important role in regulating the global carbon (C) balance and climate change. Processes involved in Si-enhanced SOC stability at a decadal or centennial scale include protection of SOC through amorphous Si and interactions of Si-iron and Si-aluminum. Strategic manipulation of the Si cycle in terrestrial ecosystems offers a new opportunity to enhance soil C sequestration. Rock powder amendment, establishment of Si-rich plant buffer strips and innovative management practices that return Si-rich biomass materials to soil can be implemented as strategies to enhance soil C sequestration through regulating the terrestrial Si cycle. However, quantifying (i) the contribution of different processes to the enhancement of soil dissolved Si and secondary Si minerals, (ii) the relative importance of different SOC stabilization mechanisms, and (iii) the potential and cost of different measures has not been attempted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, biochar has been extensively studied as a sorbent for immobilizing contaminants and minimizing their bioavailability in soils. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the interactions between biochar and compost in soils and their impact on degradation of organic contaminants. In the present study, soils with high organic carbon content (HOC) and low organic carbon content (LOC) were spiked with 100 mg·kg − 1 di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) amended with biochar derived from dead pigs, bamboo, and composted sheep manure. The soils were thereafter incubated for 112 days at 25 °C and periodically sampled for monitoring DEHP concentrations. Degradation of DEHP was described by a logistic model. Results showed that the initial degradation rates were slow, but accelerated after 14 days of incubation. The DEHP degradation rates were higher in the HOC soils than in the LOC soils over the incubation period. The half-lives of DEHP were shorter in the LOC soils treated with pig biochar, and bamboo/pig biochar plus compost than in the untreated soil. However, there was no significant difference in the half-lives of DEHP in the HOC control and treated soils. The differential effects of soil amendments on DEHP degradation between LOC and HOC soils could be explained by the properties of the organic amendments, soil pH and the organic carbon contents of the soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In modelling the hydrology of Earth's critical zone, there are two major challenges. The first is to understand and model the processes of infiltration, runoff, redistribution and root-water uptake in structured soils that exhibit preferential flows through macropore networks. The other challenge is to parametrise and model the impact of ephemeral hydrophobicity of water-repellent soils. Here we have developed a soil-water model, which is based on physical principles, yet possesses simple functionality to enable easier parameterisation, so as to predict soil-water dynamics in structured soils displaying time-varying degrees of hydrophobicity. Our model, WEIRDO ( W ater E vapotranspiration I nfiltration R edistribution D rainage run O ff), has been developed in the APSIM Next Generation platform (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulation). The model operates on an hourly time-step. The repository for this open-source code is https://github.com/APSIMInitiative/ApsimX. We have carried out sensitivity tests to show how WEIRDO predicts infiltration, drainage, redistribution, transpiration and soil-water evaporation for three distinctly different soil textures displaying differing hydraulic properties. These three soils were drawn from the UNSODA (Unsaturated SOil hydraulic Database) soils database of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). We show how preferential flow process and hydrophobicity determine the spatio-temporal pattern of soil-water dynamics. Finally, we have validated WEIRDO by comparing its predictions against three years of soil-water content measurements made under an irrigated alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) trial. The results provide validation of the model's ability to simulate soil-water dynamics in structured soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we comprehensively characterize intratesticular sex steroid production, metabolism and receptors in the domestic cat to elucidate the role of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone in testis development, steroid synthesis and spermatogenesis. There is a great demand for new concepts of fertility control in domestic (feral) cats and wild felids. The acquired knowledge will help to understand the regulation of spermatogenesis in felids, and may reveal new target points for male contraception. Progesterone and androgens are produced throughout all stages of testicular development; their synthesizing enzymes are mainly expressed in Leydig cells, and to a much lesser extent also in tubular cells. Aromatase (CYP19A1), the estrogen synthesizing enzyme, is only present in the tubuli and is first detectable in spermatocytes and round spermatids at puberty. As shown by elevated expression of the enzymes steroid 5-α-reductase type 1 (SRD5A) and aldo-keto-reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), the capacity to metabolize particular steroids increases during testis development. Apparently, this refers to a decreasing intra-testicular testosterone concentration per mg tissue with increasing testis weight during postpuberty. The increasing potential of sulfation of E2 by estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) with ongoing development might be responsible for the low level of unconjugated intratesticular estradiol in all stages of development probably due to facilitated excretion of conjugated estrogens. For the first time, expression of the progesterone membrane receptor components 1 and 2 (PGRMC1, PGRMC2) was studied in mammalian testis tissue. Both of these and also the progesterone receptor (PGR) are expressed depending on the developmental stage and cell type, suggesting an important regulatory role of progesterone in the testis. Androgen receptor (AR) is present in almost all cell types except for some spermatogenic cells. The co-localization of aromatase with estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) in spermatocytes and round spermatids of domestic cat testis indicates an auto-/paracrine function of estrogen in spermatogenesis. In summary, the testis of the domestic cat is an important source of sex steroids. All of them could act within the testis but additionally, at least androgens and estrogens are likely secreted by the testis, partly as conjugated steroids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A paired site study to explore land use effects on soil hydraulic properties (SHPs). • Maize cropping degraded SHPs relative to pasture grazing in two contrasting soils. • Interaction effect on SHPs existed between land use and soil depth but not soil order. • Maize cropping in Gley soils had greatest SHP degradation. Soil hydraulic properties (SHPs), including available water content and near-saturated hydraulic conductivity (K ns), affect hydrological and biochemical processes. The SHPs information is crucial to agricultural water management. The objective of this study using paired sites was to investigate the effects of land use on SHPs in two contrasting soil orders. Soil water retention curves and K ns at three soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) were measured under two land uses (pasture, consisting of a rye grass [ Lolium perenne L.] and white clover [ Trifolium repens L.] mix, and maize [ Zea mays L. ] cropping > 10 years) in Waikato, New Zealand. For each land use, two soil orders with contrasting soil structural vulnerability were selected: less vulnerable Allophanic soil and more vulnerable Gley soil. Compared with pasture, maize cropping reduced macroporosity, readily available water capacity and K ns of 0–30 cm, and the effect was greater in the deep layer (20–30 cm). This indicated that maize cropping practices result in greater structural degradation to soils compared with pasture, which include the potential for greater subsoil compaction. There was no land use by soil order interaction effect on SHPs, suggesting that the relative SHP degradation under maize cropping compared with pasture grazing was not associated with soil structural vulnerability. Our study emphasised that long-term continuous cropping with maize on the more vulnerable soil (i.e. Gley soil) resulted in the poorest soil physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochars on the bioavailability of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in two soils using Brassica chinensis L. as an indicator plant. The residual concentrations of DEHP tended to be higher in the biochar-amended soils than in the control soils. They were lower ( p < 0.05) in the high organic carbon content soil (HOC; 2.2%C) than in the low organic carbon content soil (LOC; 0.35%C). The DEHP concentrations in plant shoots grown in the HOC soils were lower than those in the LOC soils ( p < 0.05). Compared to the control, the biochar addition decreased the DEHP concentrations in shoots grown in the LOC soils; whereas there was no significant difference in the HOC soils. Our results showed that soil OC content as well as biochar properties are the key factors influencing the bioavailability of DEHP in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was the analysis of behavioral parameters of sows and piglets in two different farrowing systems. Data of 132 crossbred-sows were collected. Conventional single housing with farrowing crates (SH) was compared to a group housing system (GH) with six single pens, electronically controlled gates (ear tag) and a shared running area. GH-sows were fixed in their crates from day 3 ante partum (a.p.) until day 1 post partum (p.p.). The piglets remained in the pens until lactation day 5 (flexible step) and were weaned on lactation day 26. The behavior of the sows and piglets was recorded by videotape. Under investigation were the parameters ‘farrowing duration between each piglet’, ‘the number and duration of sucklings’, ‘missing and foreign piglets during suckling (only GH)’, ‘the duration and frequency of the sows’ activities (lying, sitting, standing, walking)’ and ‘the number of GH-piglets in the running area (suckling, resting, walking)’. The farrowing duration was not different for the piglets in GH (11min) and SH (10min; p >0.05). Likewise, the suckling duration was equal with 17min/observation unit in GH and SH, respectively (p >0.05). The frequency of suckling did not vary significantly (GH: 3.9 vs. SH: 3.6/time period of three hours). However, the suckling behavior of the GH-piglets changed during nursing. Fewer than one GH-piglet was missing during milk flow, while this proportion rose during udder massages before and after milk flow (p <0.05). The number of foreign piglets was not influenced by the udder massages or milk flow phases (0.3–0.4 piglets/30s scan; p >0.05). Furthermore, suckling in the running area resulted in higher numbers of missing and foreign piglets (p <0.05). With reference to the activity behavior, the farrowing system had no effect on the sows’ periods of lying, sitting and standing (p >0.05). The sows’ time in the GH-pens decreased from lactation day 5 (20.6h/d) until it reached a nearly constant level on lactation day 11 (11.6h/d; p <0.05). GH-piglets used the running area primarily for walking and playing while they preferred the heated piglet nests for resting. In conclusion, suckling frequency and duration were similar in both farrowing systems whereas suckling in GH resulted in enhanced disturbances during udder massages. GH-sows remained in the crates with their piglets during the first five days p.p. and the running area was used for defecating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The location of first generation processing plants for biogas using bulky inputs is a prominent example of locational decisions of plants that face high per unit transport costs of feedstock and simultaneously depend to a large extent on feedstock availability. Modelling the resulting regional feedstock markets then requires a spatially explicit representation of demand. With production capacities of plants small in comparison to market size, large numbers of possible type-location combinations need to be considered, requiring considerable computation time under existing integer programming-based approaches. Therefore, in this paper we aim to present an alternative, faster and more flexible iterative solution approach to simulate location decisions for processing plants. And with greater flexibility, this approach is able to take into account spatially heterogeneous transport costs depending on total demand. The approach is implemented in a modelling framework for biogas production from green maize in Germany, which currently accounts for ca. five per cent of Germany’s agricultural area. By modifying green maize prices, demand functions are derived and intersected with regional supply functions from an agricultural model to simulate market clearing prices and quantities. The application illustrates that our approach efficiently simulates markets characterised by small-scale demand units and high, spatially heterogeneous transport costs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sub-micron particles of bioactive glass (SMBGs) with composition 85 mol% SiO2 and 15 mol% CaO were synthesised and characterised. Bioactivity was demonstrated by the formation of calcium apatite following 5 days immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The effect of a 24 h exposure of SMBGs (100 μg/ml, 150 μg/ml, 200 μg/ml) to human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on cell viability, metabolic activity and proliferation were determined using the LIVE/DEAD, MTT, total DNA and LDH assays after 1, 4 and 7 days of culture. None of the SMBG concentrations caused significant cytotoxicity at 1 and 4 days, but the doses of 150 and 200 μg/ml significantly decreased hMSC metabolic activity after 7 days of culture. Cell proliferation decreased as SMBG concentration increased; however none of the SMBGs tested had a significant effect on DNA quantity compared to the control. Confocal microscopy confirmed cellular uptake and localisation of the SMBGs in the hMSC cytoskeleton. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the SMBGs localised inside the cell cytoplasm and cell endosomes. These findings are important for assessing the toxicity of sub-micron particles that may either be used as injectables for bone regeneration or generated by wear or degradation of bioactive glass scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If Noah had had the opportunity to select the animals he took on board his Ark, he would have had to choose between many species, breeds and types within breeds, all containing different genetic material. How could he have made the right choice and which would he have taken on board given the constraints he had to face? Those trying to save threatened livestock breeds within a tight conservation budget face similar questions. In this paper we assess how different types of Borana cattle, a culturally significant breed in East Africa, might be prioritized for conservation. By applying a cost-effectiveness analysis on the basis of Weizmann's approach we conclude that the highest priority should be given to the Ethiopian Borana type (EB) in Ethiopia. Noah, however, would also have been concerned about the problems of inbreeding and effective population size. To overcome this problem we suggest that, rather than loading just two animals, he should have loaded on board 1000 female and 100 male animals as a safe minimum. The minimum cost of conserving 1100 animals of the EB type with the participation of Ethiopian communities is calculated to be €7700 per year, mostly in the form of compensation payments to meet the opportunity costs of livestock-keepers that arise when maintaining the EB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Most studies on the effects of biochar and fertilizer on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization, and microbial C and N content, are restricted to a single soil type, limiting our understanding of the interactions between these factors and microbial functions. To address this paucity in knowledge, we undertook a 3-year experiment using four contrasting soils to assess the role of peanut shell biochar and fertilizer on C and N mineralization, microbial C and N, and N stoichiometry. Across all four soils, biochar significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil carbon mineralization (C min) and nitrogen mineralization (N min) over three years compared to fertilizer and the control. Biochar also increased total C (C soil) across the four soils in year 1, with the Fluvisol recording greater total C in year 2 and Phaeozem having greater total C in year 3. Biochar resulted in a higher microbial biomass C (C mic), total N (N soil) and microbial biomass N (N mic); the degree of change was closely related to C soil and N soil. There was a positive correlation between C mic :N mic and C soil :N soil ; while C soil and C mic increased following amendment with biochar, which reduced the soil C and N stoichiometric imbalance (N imb) caused by the increase in the C to N ratio. However, fertilizer exacerbated the imbalance of soil C and N stoichiometry. Fertilizer also reduced the C soil :N soil and C mic :N mic ratios. Soil pH had a positive correlation with C soil , C mic , N mic , C min , N min , C soil :N soil , C mic :N mic , and biochar increases this correlation. The soil pH was negatively correlated with C imb :N imb and N soil. Fertilizer was positively correlated C imb :N imb and N soil. In contrast, fertilizer N application lowered microbial biomass C:N. We conclude that biochar reduces the imbalance of soil C and N stoichiometry, whereas fertilizer increased this imbalance. Biochar had a greater impact on C and N in soils with a lower pH. Unlabelled Image • Biochar reduces the imbalance of soil C and N stoichiometry. • Fertilizers exacerbate the imbalance of soil C and N stoichiometry. • Biochar is conducive to the sustainable development of agriculture. • Biochar improves soil MBC content and C and N mineralization rate. • Changes of C and N indexes in different soils are closely related to soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water repellency (SWR) is a natural phenomenon occurring in soils throughout the world, which impacts upon ecosystem services at multiple temporal and spatial scales (nano to ecosystem scale). In pastures, the development of SWR is primarily determined by the cycling of hydrophobic materials at the soil surface, and is controlled by climate, soil and water management, and soil properties. The complex interactions between these factors make it an intricate system to understand and model. Detailed spatiotemporal characterization of the surface moisture and biomass in pastoral ecosystems would allow for a better understanding of this phenomenon. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) backscatter are good predictors for surface biomass and soil moisture, respectively. Machine learning on remote sensing time series (TS) data shows promise to predict the occurrence of SWR in pastures. This study evaluates the ability of remote sensing TS data to predict the occurrence of SWR in New Zealand pastures, using three machine learning algorithms. Soil water repellency data were collected from 58 pastoral sites. Machine learning models were trained and cross-validated on a monthly aggregated remote sensing and water deficit TS data to predict SWR level. Prediction output from artificial neural networks (ANN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) were compared using root mean squared error (RMSE). When using NDVI TS data from 58 site as predictors of SWR, SVM and RF (RMSE = 0.82 and 0.87, respectively) outperformed ANN (RMSE = 1.23). Random forest was used to map SWR magnitude over Hawke's Bay region in the North Island of New Zealand, and the overall accuracy was equal to 86%. This study is the first investigation implicating remote sensing TS data to predict the occurrence of SWR at the regional scale. Mapping the potential SWR will aid in identifying critical zones of SWR, to attenuate its effect on pastures through adapted management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and aims Platelets are critically involved in tissue repair and regeneration, which depend on their inflammatory properties and survival. SDF-1 ligates to CXCR4 and CXCR7 and contributes to the regulation of platelet survival. Platelet CXCR4/CXCR7 are involved in myocardial regeneration after infarction and are associated with outcomes in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. This study investigates the CXCR4/CXCR7 platelet survival axis ex vivo. Methods 87 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were included and analyzed for platelet surface exposure of CXCR4, CXCR7, Annexin V binding and tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) response. Serum of 38 patients was analyzed for FasL, TNFα, TNF RI, TNF RII and TRAIL with Bioplex®. The majority of patients received sequential cardiac MRI (intrahospital, 6-month follow-up). Results We found a strong and positive correlation between surface exposure of CXCR4 and CXCR7 (ρ = 0.856, p <0.001). Relative survival potential correlated significantly with both platelet surface exposure of CXCR4 and CXCR7 (ρ = 0.365, p = 0.019; ρ = 0.417, p = 0.006) and furthermore with improvement of myocardial left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (ρ = 0.490, p = 0.013). High relative survival potential showed significantly higher levels for both CXCR4 and CXCR7 surface exposure (MFI 87.3 vs. 69.0, p = 0.037; MFI 71.4 vs. 59.3, p = 0.045). We found a significant change in absolute LVEF% over the course of 6 months in patients with high CXCR7 platelet surface exposure (LVEF% 44.3 vs. 60.0, p ≤0.001). Conclusions Platelet survival is associated with platelet surface exposure of CXCR4 and CXCR7 in STEMI patients and contributes to functional recovery after STEMI. Highlights • In a homogeneous STEMI collective, platelet expression of CXCR4 and CXCR7 is highly correlated with each other. • High platelet CXCR7 surface exposure is associated with improved functional recovery (LVEF%) in STEMI patients. • Platelet survival is associated with platelet surface exposure levels of the pro-survival receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. • Platelet survival is associated with recovery of LVEF% after STEMI. • Relative platelet survival potential might be upregulated in STEMI patients compared to those with stable CAD and healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollution of water by single antibiotics has been investigated in depth. However, in reality, a wide range of different contaminants is often mixed in the aquatic environment (contaminant cocktail). Here, single and competitive sorption dynamics of ionizable norfloxacin (NOR), sulfamerazine (SMR) and oxytetracycline (OTC) by both pristine and modified biochars were investigated. Sorption kinetics of the three antibiotics was faster in ternary-solute than single-solute system. Sorption efficiency was enhanced in the competitive system for NOR by the pristine biochar, and for OTC by both the pristine biochar and the modified biochar, while SMR sorption by the pristine biochar and the KOH-modified biochar was inhibited. Sorption was governed by electrostatic interactions, π-π EDA and H-bonds for antibiotics sorption by biochar. SMR and OTC sorption by biochar was influenced by cation bridging and surface complexation, respectively. This research finding will guide the development of treatment procedures for water polluted by multiple antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar effect on the potential mobility of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in co-contaminated soils is not well investigated. A laboratory leaching study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochars derived from bamboo (BB) and pig (PB) on the leachability of DBP, Cd, and Pb through soil columns packed with two soils with low or high organic carbon content (LOC; 0.35% C: HOC; 2.24% C) and spiked with DBP, Cd, and Pb. Application of PB to the LOC soil significantly ( P  < 0.05) reduced the leaching loss by up to 88% for DBP, 38% for Cd, and 71% for Pb, whereas its impact was insignificant in the HOC soil. The higher efficacy of PB in reducing the leaching of DBP, Cd, and Pb in the LOC soil than that of BB might be related to PB's higher specific surface area, surface alkalinity, pH, and mineral contents compared to those of BB. Co-contamination of Cd and Pb enhanced leaching of DBP in the LOC soil treated with PB, possibly by competition for the sorption sites. Leaching of DBP, Cd, and Pb were significantly ( P  < 0.05) higher in the LOC soil than in the HOC soil. This study revealed that the effectiveness of biochars was dependent on the soil organic carbon content. Application of PB to the LOC soil was effective in reducing the leaching risk of DBP, Cd, and Pb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Methods and influencing factors of soil structural vulnerability are critically reviewed. • Soil structural susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk are distinguished by their controls. • Current state of soil structure and vulnerability need be included to assess soil structure. • Effects on ecosystem services are highlighted in soil structural vulnerability assessment. Soil structure affects a range of soil functions (e.g., water, air, heat, and nutrient transport) and ecosystem services (e.g., production, climate regulation). Agricultural intensification is a dominant factor in global soil structural degradation. Understanding the vulnerability of soils to structural degradation may be important to land use planning and identifying management practices that mitigate the risk of degradation. We review the current methods for assessing soil structural vulnerability and the influencing factors, focussing on soil compaction and aggregate breakdown as two key measures of structural degradation. Methods for assessing risk of soil structural degradation and management practices affecting the risk are also discussed. Critical research gaps are identified, including the lack of studies that demonstrate the link between soil structural vulnerability and loss of soil functions or ecosystem services. Our review of the literature identified that the terms susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk are often used interchangeably. We propose definitions that can be used to distinguish these terms. Soil properties (relatively static), soil wetness, and land use stress (e.g., climate and management practices) are progressively included in the assessments of soil structural susceptibility, vulnerability, and risk. Existing indicators for assessing soil structural vulnerability may not be suitable to predict potential effects on ecosystem services. We highlight that soil structural vulnerability assessments should focus on key soil structural indicators (e.g., pore network-based hydraulic properties) affecting soil functions and ecosystem services. Both the state (i.e., condition) of soil structure and its vulnerability should be included for assessing soil structural degradation. To overcome the limitations of previous assessments, we developed a conceptual model linking soil structural vulnerability assessment to loss of soil functions and ecosystem services. Our review provides insights on assessment metrics and frameworks to develop management practices that improve soil structure and delivery of ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance Dental neglect and high levels of unmet dental needs are becoming increasingly prevalent among elderly residents of long-term care facilities, although frail, elderly, and dependent populations are the most in need of professional dental care. Little is known about the validity of teledentistry for diagnosing dental pathology in nursing home residents. Objectives To evaluate the accuracy of teledentistry for diagnosing dental pathology, assessing the rehabilitation status of dental prostheses, and evaluating the chewing ability of older adults living in nursing homes (using direct examination as a gold standard). Design Multicenter diagnostic accuracy study performed in France and Germany. Setting Eight nursing homes in France and Germany. Participants Nursing home residents with oral or dental complaints, self-reported or reported by caregivers, willing to receive oral or dental preventive care. In total, 235 patients were examined. The mean age was 84.4 ± 8.3 years, and 59.1% of the subjects were female. Intervention The patients were examined twice. Each patient was his or her own control. First, the dental surgeon established a diagnosis by reviewing a video recorded in the nursing home and accessed remotely. Second, within a maximum of 7 days, patients were examined conventionally (face-to-face) by the same surgeon who established the initial diagnosis. Measurements All residents received a comprehensive clinical examination in their home by a trained geriatrician and underwent a dental hygiene evaluation that used the Silness-Loe and Greene-Vermillion dental hygiene assessment indices. The diagnoses established via the video recording and in the face-to-face setting were compared. The main outcome measure was number of dental pathologies. Results In total, 128 (55.4%) patients had a dental pathology. The sensitivity of teledentistry for diagnosing dental pathology was 93.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.7–96.9), and the specificity was 94.2% (95% CI 91.2–97.2). Among the 128 cases of dental pathology identified by teledentistry, 6 (4.8%) were false positives. The teledentistry assessments were quicker than the face-to-to-face examinations (12 and 20 minutes, respectively). Conclusions Teledentistry showed excellent accuracy for diagnosing dental pathology in older adults living in nursing homes; its use may allow more regular checkups to be carried out by dental professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the efficacy of nine different types of coconut-fiber derived biochars (CFBs), prepared at different temperatures and chemically modified with ammonia, hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid, to remove lead (Pb 2 + ) from aqueous solutions. Langmuir- q m values of the biochars pyrolyzed at 300 °C and modified with ammonia and nitric acid increased from 49.5 to 105.5 and 85.2 mg g − 1 , respectively, compared to control (unmodified), whereas hydrogen peroxide treatment had no effect. The maximum amount of Pb adsorbed on biochars was in the order of CFB-700 > MCFB-300-NH 3 ·H 2 O > CFB-500 > MCFB-300-HNO 3 > CFB-300. X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy results revealed that Pb-montmorillonite, Pb(C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 2 , PbSO 4 , Pb-Al 2 O 3 and Pb 3 (PO 4 ) 2 were the five most important Pb species observed in Pb-loaded biochars, and as such, favoring Pb immobilization in aqueous solutions. Overall, the sorption capacity of CFBs pyrolyzed at 300 °C substantially increased for Pb 2 + with ammonia and nitric acid modification. However, these chemical modifications did not improve the sorption of Pb on CFBs pyrolyzed at temperatures ≥ 500 °C, thereby highlighting a temperature dependent response of chemically modified biochars to Pb sorption in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]