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BACKGROUND: A recent meta-analysis revealed that vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV; a biomarker of emotion regulation capacity) significantly decreases in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. As two follow-up studies suggest, these vmHRV decreases are driven primarily by increased luteal progesterone (P4). However, analyses also revealed significant interindividual differences in vmHRV reactivity to the cycle, which is in line with longstanding evidence for interindividual differences in mood sensitivity to the cycle. The present study begins to investigate whether these interindividual differences in vmHRV cyclicity can explain who is at higher risk of showing premenstrual emotional changes. We expected a greater degree of midluteal vmHRV decrease to be predictive of a greater premenstrual increase in negative affect. METHODS: We conducted an observational study with a naturally cycling community sample (N = 31, M = 26.03 years). Over a span of six weeks, participants completed (a) daily ratings of negative affect and (b) counterbalanced lab visits in their ovulatory, midluteal, and perimenstrual phases. Lab visits were scheduled based on positive ovulation tests and included assessments of baseline vmHRV and salivary ovarian steroid levels. RESULTS: In line with previous research, multilevel models suggest that most of the sample shows ovulatory-to-midluteal vmHRV decreases which, however, were not associated with premenstrual emotional changes. Interestingly, it was only the subgroup with luteal increases in vmHRV whose negative affect markedly worsened premenstrually and improved postmenstrually. CONCLUSION: The present study begins to investigate cyclical changes in vmHRV as a potential biomarker of mood sensitivity to the menstrual cycle. The results demonstrate a higher level of complexity in these associations than initially expected, given that only atypical midluteal increases in vmHRV are associated with greater premenstrual negative affect. Potential underlying mechanisms are discussed, among those the possibility that luteal vmHRV increases index compensatory efforts to regulate emotion in those with greater premenstrual negative affect. However, future studies with larger and clinical samples and more granular vmHRV assessments should build on these findings and further explore associations between vmHRV cyclicity and menstrually related mood changes.

Abstract Background A recent meta-analysis revealed that vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV; a biomarker of emotion regulation capacity) significantly decreases in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. As two follow-up studies suggest, these vmHRV decreases are driven primarily by increased luteal progesterone (P4). However, analyses also revealed significant interindividual differences in vmHRV reactivity to the cycle, which is in line with longstanding evidence for interindividual differences in mood sensitivity to the cycle. The present study begins to investigate whether these interindividual differences in vmHRV cyclicity can explain who is at higher risk of showing premenstrual emotional changes. We expected a greater degree of midluteal vmHRV decrease to be predictive of a greater premenstrual increase in negative affect. Methods We conducted an observational study with a naturally cycling community sample (N = 31, M = 26.03 years). Over a span of six weeks, participants completed (a) daily ratings of negative affect and (b) counterbalanced lab visits in their ovulatory, midluteal, and perimenstrual phases. Lab visits were scheduled based on positive ovulation tests and included assessments of baseline vmHRV and salivary ovarian steroid levels. Results In line with previous research, multilevel models suggest that most of the sample shows ovulatory-to-midluteal vmHRV decreases which, however, were not associated with premenstrual emotional changes. Interestingly, it was only the subgroup with luteal increases in vmHRV whose negative affect markedly worsened premenstrually and improved postmenstrually. Conclusion The present study begins to investigate cyclical changes in vmHRV as a potential biomarker of mood sensitivity to the menstrual cycle. The results demonstrate a higher level of complexity in these associations than initially expected, given that only atypical midluteal increases in vmHRV are associated with greater premenstrual negative affect. Potential underlying mechanisms are discussed, among those the possibility that luteal vmHRV increases index compensatory efforts to regulate emotion in those with greater premenstrual negative affect. However, future studies with larger and clinical samples and more granular vmHRV assessments should build on these findings and further explore associations between vmHRV cyclicity and menstrually related mood changes.

Plant growth and food security depend heavily on phosphorus (P). Recovering and recycling P from animal, municipal, and food waste streams can significantly reduce dependency on traditional mineral P. This is particularly pertinent in the EU regions with limited native P supplies. The agronomic performance of including P-based recycling-derived fertilisers (two struvite and two ashes) or cattle slurry was compared to a conventional mineral P fertilisation programme along with no P and no fertiliser controls over three years. A field-scale experiment was set up to evaluate the perennial ryegrass dry matter yield (DMY), P uptake, and soil test P effects. Struvite, ash, and cattle slurry proved effective in replacing P mineral fertiliser and produced yields similar to those of the mineral fertiliser programme. Differences were observed in plant P recovery, with struvite-based programmes achieving a significantly higher P recovery than ash-based programmes, which had the lowest plant P recovery. Differences in Morgan’s soil test P were also noted, with potato waste struvite (PWS) and poultry litter ash (PLA) showing significantly higher soil test P values. The findings strongly indicate that a range of recycled bio-based fertilisers from the bioeconomy can be used to reduce reliance on conventional imported mineral P fertiliser, with some programmes based on recycled fertilisers even surpassing the performance of conventional linear economy mineral fertilisers.

Accurately defining the individuals that research involves and generalizes to is critical for rigorous and reproducible science. In reproductive psychiatry, which historically focuses on the impact of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause on mental health, this means moving beyond characterizing samples and relevant populations as “women” in favor of language that precisely identifies the physiological characteristics pertinent to the research being conducted and accurately reflects the varied genders represented in those populations. Concrete recommendations are provided for precise use of sex and gender terminology and gender inclusivity throughout the scientific process, including study conceptualization, etiquette in research environments, recruitment, methods, and dissemination. Recommendations are discussed in depth and presented in a checklist format for ease of use by research teams. Suggested items for assessing gender and relevant sex-related physiology in the context of reproductive psychiatry are also provided.

A recent meta-analysis revealed that cardiac vagal activity (mostly indicated by vagally-mediated heart rate variability; HRV) decreases significantly from the follicular to luteal menstrual cycle phase in naturally-cycling participants. However, the question remains as to whether cyclical changes in estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or both are responsible for HRV fluctuations. We present the first studies to use repeated measures of E2, P4, and HRV across the cycle to model both the unique and interactive effects of person-centered E2 and P4 on HRV in multilevel models. In study one, 40 naturally-cycling participants were assessed weekly across four weeks, and were blind to the cycle focus of the study. In study two, 50 naturally-cycling participants were examined in three precisely defined cycle phases via ovulation testing. Both studies revealed that only P4 was correlated with HRV, such that higher-than-usual P4 significantly predicted lower-than-usual HRV within a given participant. In line with this, cycle phase comparisons revealed lower HRV in the mid-luteal phase (characterized by elevated P4) than in other phases. No significant main or interactive effects of E2 on HRV were found. Future female health studies should investigate individual differences in these effects and potential consequences of cyclical HRV changes on daily functioning.

Abstract Female suicide attempts peak peri-menstrually—around the onset of menses—when the ovarian steroids estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) fall rapidly. Given preclinical evidence that withdrawal from either E2 or P4 can provoke behaviors consistent with elevated suicide risk, we hypothesized that withdrawal from one or both of these steroids contributes to perimenstrual exacerbation of suicidal ideation (SI) and related symptoms. In a randomized, controlled, double-blind crossover experiment (NCT03720847), a transdiagnostic sample of naturally cycling, medically healthy psychiatric outpatients reporting past-month SI completed two conditions during two different 14-day experimental intervals (days 7–20 where the luteinizing hormone surge = day 0), separated by a monthlong washout cycle. In the E2 and P4 (EP) condition, participants received transdermal E2 (0.1 mg/day) plus oral micronized P4 (200 mg/day as 100 mg twice daily) to buffer perimenstrual steroid withdrawal. A matched placebo (PBO) condition allowed natural perimenstrual steroid withdrawal. Participants reported daily SI and planning (primary outcomes) and indices of depression (low mood, hopelessness), threat sensitivity (anxiety, perceived stress), executive functioning (difficulty concentrating, impulsivity), and social cognitive bias (rejection sensitivity, perceived burdensomeness). In baseline cycles, no participant met prospective criteria for DSM-5 premenstrual dysphoric disorder, but 59% met all criteria except full follicular symptom remission, and 93% showed the highest SI in the perimenstrual phase. Of 29 randomized, 28 were analyzed (14 EP-PBO, 14 PBO-EP). Experimental administration of E2 and P4 (relative to PBO) reduced perimenstrual exacerbation of SI, suicide planning, depression, hopelessness, perceived stress, rejection sensitivity, and perceived burdensomeness, particularly in the perimenstrual (natural E2 and P4 withdrawal) days. Further, delayed withdrawal from experimental E2 and P4 (but not PBO) recapitulated SI, hopelessness, and rejection sensitivity. Acute perimenstrual withdrawal from ovarian steroids may play a causal role in perimenstrual worsening of depression and SI.

Rhodococcus equi is a soilborne aerobic actinomycete bacterium that infects animals and humans. Human infections are opportunistic, zoonotic in origin, and considered to be linked to exposure to farm environments [...]

Biochar (BC) and hydrochar (HC) have attracted considerable attention owing to their versatile characteristics and proven effectiveness in diverse technical fields. Solid BC is generated as a result of the dry carbonisation process of pyrolysis, in contrast to the slurry HC, which is produced during the hydrothermal carbonisation process. In this study, we evaluated the adsorption potential of two hydrochar samples (HCs) and three biochar samples (BCs) produced from sugar cane bagasse. The adsorption capacity of these samples was tested for ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate ions under various conditions. The BCs and HCs were subjected to characterisation using a CHNS/O analyser, the zeta potential, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Elevating the pyrolysis temperature of the biochar resulted in changes in the fixed carbon and ash contents, while the volatile matter and H/C and O/C atomic ratios decreased. As the residence time increased, the H/C ratio and volatile matter content of the hydrochars (HCs) decreased. However, the fixed carbon content, ash content, and O/C and C/N ratios exhibited an increase. Thermodynamics, adsorption isotherms, and pH were also taken into consideration. The FTIR spectra analysis indicated that the carboxyl and ester functional groups present in both the BCs and HCs displayed reduced peak intensities subsequent to the adsorption of the three ions. While the adsorption was exothermic, we noticed that the adsorption capacity increased with temperature. The results indicate that sorption was homogenous across all binding sites, as evidenced by the optimal fit to the Langmuir isotherm. The research findings indicate that the adsorption capacity of various BC and HC adsorbents is significantly influenced by the surface area of the adsorbents in the case of nitrate and phosphate, but in the case of ammonia, adsorption is dictated by the functional polar groups present on the adsorbent surface.

Interest in cardiac vagal activity (CVA; e.g., parasympathetically-mediated heart rate variability) as a biomarker of physical and mental health has increased exponentially in recent years. However, the understanding of sources of within-person change (i.e., intra-individual variance) in CVA is lagging behind. This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes and quantifies current empirical evidence of within-person changes in measures of CVA across the menstrual cycle in naturally-cycling premenopausal females. We conducted an extensive literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in five databases to identify observational studies with repeated measures of CVA in at least two menstrual cycle phases. A broad meta-analysis (nstudies = 37; nindividuals = 1,004) revealed a significant CVA decrease from the follicular to luteal phase (d = -0.39, 95% CI (-0.67, -0.11)). Furthermore, 21 studies allowed for finer-grained comparisons between each of two cycle phases (menstrual, mid-to-late follicular, ovulatory, early-to-mid luteal, and premenstrual). Significant decreases in CVA were observed from the menstrual to premenstrual (nstudies = 5; nindividuals = 200; d = -1.17, 95% CI (-2.18, -0.17)) and from the mid-to-late follicular to premenstrual phases (nstudies = 8; nindividuals = 280; d = -1.32, 95% CI (-2.35, -0.29)). In conclusion, meta-analyses indicate the presence of CVA fluctuations across the menstrual cycle. Future studies involving CVA should control for cycle phase. Recommendations for covarying or selecting cycle phase are provided.

A multidrug-resistant clone of the animal and human pathogen Rhodococcus equi, MDR-RE 2287, has been circulating among equine farms in the United States since the 2000s. We report the detection of MDR-RE 2287 outside the United States. Our finding highlights the risk for MDR-RE spreading internationally with horse movements.

Abstract Background Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 10 to 34, with alarming recent increases in suicide rates among those assigned female at birth. A large body of evidence points to menstrual cycle influences on self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (STBs), suggesting that neurobiological hormone sensitivities, such as in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), may drive suicide risk in females. However, existing studies of STBs in PMDD use cross-sectional self-report measures of PMDD with poor validity. As a first step to establish accurate prevalence rates of STBs in PMDD, we examined the lifetime prevalence of STBs in a large global survey of patients reporting a diagnosis of PMDD based on daily ratings. Method Individuals with self-reported PMDD symptoms were invited to an online survey through online support groups for PMDD and social media posts from PMDD awareness accounts. Participants reported demographics, whether they had been diagnosed with PMDD by a healthcare provider using daily ratings, STBs using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and history of lifetime comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. Results Of 2,689 survey completers, 599 (23%) reported a diagnosis with PMDD based on two months of daily ratings and were included in analyses. We observed high rates of lifetime active suicidal ideation (72%), planning (49%), intent (42%), preparing for an attempt (40%), and attempt (34%), as well as non-suicidal self-injury (51%). The majority (70%) of the sample reported at least one lifetime comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. Predictors of lifetime active suicidal ideation included nulliparity, low-to-moderate (vs. high) income, and history of diagnosis with major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Predictors of lifetime attempts among those reporting lifetime active ideation included older age, nulliparity, lower income, and history of diagnosis with post-traumatic stress disorder or borderline personality disorder. Conclusions These data indicate high rates of STBs among those reporting prospective diagnosis of PMDD and highlight the need for prospective research on mechanisms and prevention of STBs in PMDD. Clinical practice guidelines for PMDD should accommodate comorbidities and recommend frequent screenings for STB risk. STBs should be considered for inclusion in future iterations of the DSM PMDD diagnostic criteria.

Various nutrient recycling technologies are currently under development in order to alleviate the dependency of non-renewable raw material for the production of mineral phosphorus fertilizers commonly used in agriculture. The resulting products, such as struvites and ashes, need to be assessed for their application as so-called recycling-derived fertilizers (RDFs) in the agricultural sector prior to commercialization. Here, we conducted a short-term (54 days) trial to investigate the impact of different phosphorus fertilizers on plant growth and the soil P cycling microbiota. Lolium perenne was grown with application of superphosphate (SP) as inorganic fertilizer, two ashes (poultry litter ash (PLA) and sewage sludge ash (SSA)), and two struvites (municipal wastewater struvite (MWS) and commercial CrystalGreen® (CGS)) applied at 20 and 60 kg P ha−1 in four replicates. A P-free control (SP0) was also included in the trial. Struvite application increased plant dry weights, and available P acid phosphatase activity was significantly improved for struvites at the high P application rate. The ash RDFs showed a liming effect at 60 kg P ha−1, and PLA60 negatively affected acid phosphatase activity, while PLA20 had significantly lower phoD copy numbers. P mobilization from phosphonates and phytates was not affected. TCP solubilization was negatively affected by mineral SP fertilizer application at both P concentrations. The bacterial (16S and phoD) communities were only marginally affected by the tested P fertilizers. Overall, struvites appeared to be a suitable substitute for superphosphate fertilization for Irish L. perenne pastures.

Plant growth and food security depend heavily on phosphorus (P). Recovering and recycling P from animal, municipal, and food waste streams can significantly reduce dependency on traditional mineral P. This is particularly pertinent in the EU regions with limited native P supplies. The agronomic performance of including P-based recycling-derived fertilisers (two struvite and two ashes) or cattle slurry was compared to a conventional mineral P fertilisation programme along with no P and no fertiliser controls over three years. A field-scale experiment was set up to evaluate the perennial ryegrass dry matter yield (DMY), P uptake, and soil test P effects. Struvite, ash, and cattle slurry proved effective in replacing P mineral fertiliser and produced yields similar to those of the mineral fertiliser programme. Differences were observed in plant P recovery, with struvite-based programmes achieving a significantly higher P recovery than ash-based programmes, which had the lowest plant P recovery. Differences in Morgan's soil test P were also noted, with potato waste struvite (PWS) and poultry litter ash (PLA) showing significantly higher soil test P values. The findings strongly indicate that a range of recycled bio-based fertilisers from the bioeconomy can be used to reduce reliance on conventional imported mineral P fertiliser, with some programmes based on recycled fertilisers even surpassing the performance of conventional linear economy mineral fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to elucidate the role of bacteria colonising mycorrhizal hyphae in organically bound sulfur mobilisation, the dominant soil sulfur source that is not directly plant available. The effect of an intact mycorrhizal symbiosis with access to stable isotope organo-34S enriched soils encased in 35 µm mesh cores was tested in microcosms with Agrostis stolonifera and Plantago lanceolata. Hyphae and associated soil were sampled from static mesh cores with mycorrhizal ingrowth and rotating mesh cores that exclude mycorrhizal ingrowth as well as corresponding rhizosphere soil, while plant shoots were analysed for 34S uptake. Static cores increased uptake of 34S at early stages of plant growth when sulfur demand appeared to be high and harboured significantly larger populations of sulfonate mobilising bacteria. Bacterial and fungal communities were significantly different in the hyphospheres of static cores when compared to rotating cores, not associated with plant hosts. Shifts in bacterial and fungal communities occurred not only in rotated cores but also in the rhizosphere. Arylsulfatase activity was significantly higher in the rhizosphere when cores stayed static, while atsA and asfA gene diversity was distinct in the microcosms with static and rotating cores. This study demonstrated that AM symbioses can promote organo-S mobilization and plant uptake through interactions with hyphospheric bacteria, enabling AM fungal ingrowth into static cores creating a positive feedback-loop, detectable in the microbial rhizosphere communities.

Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient for plant growth and animal health, and its availability in soil is influenced by agronomic management and soil properties. This study examined the distribution of labile and non-labile soil P fractions in grassland and the properties that influence their distribution in temperate grasslands. Eleven fractions were identified as, labile (H2O.P and NaHCO3.P), moderately labile (NaOH.P) and plant non-available (NaOH.P, HCl.P and residual P). The residual P, moderately labile organic (NaOH.Po) and inorganic (NaOH.Pi) fractions comprised 38%, 24% and 15% of the total P (TP), respectively. The residual and organic (Po) fractions were associated with extractable Fe, and the NaOH.Pi fraction was associated with extractable Al. Agronomic reagents (Morgan’s and Mehlich3) targeted specific fractions based on their affinity for different soil elements. Morgan’s P was associated with extractable and residual Ca and in high Ca soils, and overestimated plant-available P by extracting non-labile Ca.P forms (HCl.P). The Mehlich3 P test was associated with NaOH.Pi fraction and showed a preference for Al.P oxides. This study indicates that Mehlich3 reagent, which provides a wider suite of elements such as P, Ca, Al and Fe, will suit as a better indicator for soil P dynamics and improved P advice to farmers. The inclusion of additional soil chemico-physical characteristics would improve agronomic soil testing, benefitting farmers’ advice.

Leafy vegetables are associated with Listeriosis outbreaks due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, contradictory findings were reported on spinach, rocket, and kale, where some studies reported growth of L. monocytogenes, while others did not. Thus, the current study investigated the reason for conflicting findings by producing leafy vegetables, where cultivation factors were known for growth potential studies. Of all polytunnel produce, kale Nero di Toscana demonstrated the highest growth potential (2.56 log cfu g−1), followed by spinach F1 Cello (1.84 log cfu g−1), rocket Buzz (1.41 log cfu g−1), spinach F1 Trumpet (1.37 log cfu g−1), and finally rocket Esmee (1.23 log cfu g−1). Thus, plant species and variety influenced L. monocytogenes growth potentials. Moreover, significantly lower growth potentials of 0.3 log cfu g−1 were identified when rocket Buzz was cultivated in open fields (1.11 log cfu g−1) instead of a polytunnel. The opposite effect was observed for spinach F1 Trumpet, where growth potentials increased significantly by 0.84 log cfu g−1 when cultivated in open fields (2.21 log cfu g−1). Furthermore, a significant seasonality effect between batches was found (p < 0.05). This study revealed that spinach and rocket cultivation conditions are at least co-factors in the reporting of differing growth potentials of L. monocytogenes across literature and should be considered when conducting future growth potential studies.

Background: A minority of naturally cycling individuals experience clinically significant affective changes across the menstrual cycle. However, few studies have examined cognitive and behavioral constructs that may maintain or worsen these changes. Several small studies link rumination with premenstrual negative affect, with authors concluding that a tendency to ruminate amplifies and perpetuates hormone-sensitive affective symptoms. Replication in larger samples is needed to confirm the validity of rumination as a treatment target. Method: 190 cycling individuals (M = 30.82 years; 61.1% Caucasian) were recruited for moderate perceived stress, a risk factor for cyclical symptoms. They completed the Rumination Response Scale at baseline, then reported daily affective and physical symptoms across 1–6 cycles. Multilevel growth models tested trait rumination as a predictor of baseline levels, luteal increases, and follicular decreases in symptoms. Results: The degree of affective cyclicity was normally distributed across a substantial range, supporting feasibility of hypothesis tests and validating the concept of dimensional hormone sensitivity. Contrary to prediction, higher brooding did not predict levels or cyclical changes of any symptom. In a subsample selected for luteal increases in negative affect, brooding predicted higher baseline negative affect but still did not predict affective cyclicity. Conclusions: An individual's trait-like propensity to engage in rumination may not be a valid treatment target in premenstrual mood disorders. State-like changes in rumination should still be further explored, and well-powered prospective studies should explore other cognitive and behavioral factors to inform development of targeted psychological treatments for patients with cyclical affective symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers face a number of challenges in the construction of soil columns which can affect the outcome of their experiments. The use of intact soil cores closely mimics actual field conditions. However, the excavation of large intact soil cores is a time-consuming, labor-intensive process and may lead to soil compaction that would influence the solute transport behavior of the soil column. Repacked soil columns are used as an option to circumvent these challenges of intact soil cores. However, repacked soil columns also have their limitations and introduce other challenges. Here, we present a step by step procedure for the design of repacked soil columns to achieve a realistic bulk density, prevent preferential flow paths, and ensure hydraulic connectivity between soil layers. This protocol will be beneficial to Soil Scientists, Hydrologists and other Environmental Scientists utilizing repacked soil columns.

Women worldwide are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression in their lifetime than are men. Female risk for depressive symptoms is particularly high during the reproductive years between menarche and menopause. The term “Reproductive Mood Disorders” refers to depressive disorders triggered by hormonal fluctuations during reproductive transitions including the perimenarchal phase, the pre-menstrual phase, pregnancy, the peripartum period and the perimenopausal transition.Here we focus on reproductive mood disorders manifesting in adult life. We propose a research agenda that draws together several reproductive mood disorders and investigates which genetic, endocrinological, neural, and psychosocial factors can explain depressive symptoms during phases of hormonal transitions in women. Based on current research it is assumed that some women experience an increased sensitivity to not only fluctuations in reproductive steroids (estrogen and progesterone), but also stress-related steroids. We integrate both dynamics into the concept of “steroid hormone sensitivity,” expanding on the concept of “reproductive hormone sensitivity.” We suggest that a differential response of the stress steroid system including corticosteroids, neurosteroids, like allopregnanolone and the GABA-A Receptor complex, as well as a differential (epi)genetic risk in serotonergic and GABAergic signaling, are moderators or mediators between changes in the reproductive steroid system and the physiological, affective, and cognitive outcomes manifesting in reproductive mood disorders. We point to the lack of research on the role of psychosocial factors in increasing a woman's stress level and at some point also the sensitivity of her stress steroid system within the etiology of Reproductive Mood Disorders.Drawing together the evidence on various reproductive mood disorders we seek to present a basis for the development of more effective pharmacological, social, and psychological treatment interventions and prevention strategies for women susceptible to these disorders. This could pave the way for new research as well as medical and psychological teaching and practice- such as a new type of Practice for Gynecological Psychoneuroendocrinology- with the aim of working on and ultimately offering more integrative forms of support not yet available to women suffering from depression during hormonal transitions. In medical history women have been left alone with this integrative challenge.

Sulfatase activity is often used as a measure of the activity of soil microorganisms. It is thus a suitable tool to investigate the response of microbes to plants. Here we present a method to determine the influence of various Arabidopsis genotypes on the function of soil microbiota using the sulfatase as a quantitative measure. We grew the plants in soil/sand mix under control conditions and measured the sulfatase activity in soil using a spectrophotometric determination of the product. This protocol can be used to test the contribution of individual genes to control of microbiome assembly through analysis of mutants as well as the influence of environment on plant-microbe interactions.

Biochar (BC) and hydrochar (HC) have attracted considerable attention owing to their versatile characteristics and proven effectiveness in diverse technical fields. Solid BC is generated as a result of the dry carbonisation process of pyrolysis, in contrast to the slurry HC, which is produced during the hydrothermal carbonisation process. In this study, we evaluated the adsorption potential of two hydrochar samples (HCs) and three biochar samples (BCs) produced from sugar cane bagasse. The adsorption capacity of these samples was tested for ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate ions under various conditions. The BCs and HCs were subjected to characterisation using a CHNS/O analyser, the zeta potential, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Elevating the pyrolysis temperature of the biochar resulted in changes in the fixed carbon and ash contents, while the volatile matter and H/C and O/C atomic ratios decreased. As the residence time increased, the H/C ratio and volatile matter content of the hydrochars (HCs) decreased. However, the fixed carbon content, ash content, and O/C and C/N ratios exhibited an increase. Thermodynamics, adsorption isotherms, and pH were also taken into consideration. The FTIR spectra analysis indicated that the carboxyl and ester functional groups present in both the BCs and HCs displayed reduced peak intensities subsequent to the adsorption of the three ions. While the adsorption was exothermic, we noticed that the adsorption capacity increased with temperature. The results indicate that sorption was homogenous across all binding sites, as evidenced by the optimal fit to the Langmuir isotherm. The research findings indicate that the adsorption capacity of various BC and HC adsorbents is significantly influenced by the surface area of the adsorbents in the case of nitrate and phosphate, but in the case of ammonia, adsorption is dictated by the functional polar groups present on the adsorbent surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]