Design and fabrication of Mach-Zehnder interferometers in soda-lime glass for temperature sensing applications.

High sensitivity represents one of the main goals that sensing devices need to satisfy for their applications. This work presents to the best of our knowledge the first integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) embedded in soda-lime glass with comparable sensitivity to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) devices. We manufactured the MZIs by the femtosecond direct laser writing (FDLW) technique and characterized them with temperature. Four buried MZIs were manufactured by slightly increasing the optical path due to separation between the arms of the interferometer (Δ s). We achieved a fringe shift of ∼8n m for an increase of 0.18 µm. We have characterized one of these devices with temperature from 30°C to 70°C obtaining a sensitivity of ∼28p m/ ∘ C. We improved the sensitivity of the device to ∼54p m/ ∘ C due to the advantage of the unique three-dimensional (3D) capabilities that FDLW provides, overcoming the characteristically low thermo-optic coefficient of soda-lime glass just by rotating the MZI structure 11°.

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: a focus on microbiological and antibiotic resistance profiles.

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is an inflammatory condition of the kidney and its treatment most often involves a combination of antibiotics and nephrectomy. This study aimed to define the clinical features and management of XGP, focusing on microbiological aspects and antibiotic therapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 27 cases of XGP diagnosed between January 2001 and January 2020 to analyse their clinical and management characteristics. In addition, a literature review was conducted of XGP case series covering the period from 2000-2020. We searched PubMed for case series through April 2020 without language restrictions. Studies reporting case series of XGP (more than ten cases) were included if they were relevant to this study. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed with XGP, and 26 of them were histologically proven to have XGP. A total of 81.5% of the patients were female and the mean age was 59.6 years (SD 19.2). The most frequent symptoms were flank pain (70.4%) and fever (59.3%), while 77.8% of patients had renal stones. Proteus mirabilis was detected in the urine culture in 18.5% of patients, followed by detection of Escherichia coli in 14.8% of patients. The computed tomography (CT) findings included perirenal (29.6%) or pararenal (29.6%) involvement in the majority of patients. Twenty-six patients underwent nephrectomy. Piperacillin/tazobactam and ceftriaxone were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for treatment. The reported piperacillin/tazobactam and ceftriaxone resistance rates were 14.3% and 16.6%, respectively. Twenty-six case series were included in the literature review, reporting 693 cases in total. CONCLUSION: We found well-established characteristics of XGP patients among series in terms of previous history, clinical, laboratory and imaging findings, and operative and postoperative outcomes. It is important to know the clinical presentation and potential severity of XGP, as well as the most frequently involved microorganisms and their antibiotic resistance profiles, to select the most appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Biochar and urban solid refuse ameliorate the inhospitality of acidic mine tailings and foster effective spontaneous plant colonization under semiarid climate.

Phytomanagement is considered a suitable option in line with nature-based solutions to reduce environmental risks associated to metal(loid) mine tailings. We aimed at assessing the effectiveness of biochar from pruning trees combined with compost from urban solid refuse (USR) to ameliorate the conditions of barren acidic (pH ~5.5) metal(loid) mine tailing soils (total concentrations in mg kg-1: As ~220, Cd ~40, Mn ~1800, Pb ~5300 and Zn ~8600) from Mediterranean semiarid areas and promote spontaneous plant colonization. Two months after amendment addition were enough to observe improvements in chemical and physico-chemical tailing soil properties (reduced acidity, salinity and water-soluble metals and increased organic carbon and nutrients content), which resulted in lowered ecotoxicity for the soil invertebrate Enchytraeus crypticus. Recalcitrant organic carbon provided by biochar remained in soil whereas labile organic compounds provided by USR were consumed over time. These improvements were consistent for at least one year and led to lower bulk density, higher water retention capacity and higher scores for microbial/functional-related parameters in the amended tailing soil. Spontaneous growth of native vegetation was favored with amendment addition, but adult plants of remarkable size were only found after three years. This highlights the existence of a time-lag between the positive effects of the amendment on tailing soil properties being observed and these improvements being translated into effective spontaneous plant colonization.

A Boron Dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-Based Cu(II) -Bipyridine Complex for Highly Selective NO Detection.

A BODIPY-containing Cu(II) -bipyridine complex for the simple selective fluorogenic detection of NO in air and in live cells is reported. The detection mechanism is based on NO-promoted Cu(II) to Cu(I) reduction, followed by demetallation of the complex, which results in the clearly enhanced emission of the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) unit.

Climate change effects on enchytraeid performance in metal-polluted soils explained from changes in metal bioavailability and bioaccumulation.

Climate change may alter physical, chemical and biological properties of ecosystems, affecting organisms but also the fate of chemical pollutants. This study aimed to find out how changes in climate conditions (air temperature, soil moisture content) affect the toxicity of metal-polluted soils to the soft-bodied soil organism Enchytraeus crypticus, linking enchytraeid performance with changes in soil available and body metal concentrations. Bioassays with E. crypticus were performed under different combinations of air temperature (20 and 25 °C) and soil moisture content (50% and 30% of the soil water holding capacity, WHC) in dilution series of three metal-polluted soils (mine tailing, forest and watercourse). After 21 d exposure, enchytraeid reproduction was determined, and soil available (extracted with 0.01 M CaCl2) and body Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in surviving adults were determined. In general, Cd, Pb and Zn availability decreased upon incubation under the different climate scenarios. In the watercourse soil, with initially higher available metal concentrations (678 µg Cd kg(-1), 807 µg Pb kg(-1) and 31,020 µg Zn kg(-1)), decreases were greatest at 50% WHC probably due to metal immobilization as carbonates. Enchytraeid reproduction was negatively affected by higher available metal concentrations, with reductions up to 98% in the watercourse soil compared to the control soil at 30% WHC. Bioaccumulation of Cd, Pb and Zn was higher when drier conditions were combined with the higher temperature of 25 °C. Changes in metal bioavailability and bioaccumulation explained the toxicity of soil polluted by metal mine wastes to enchytraeids under changing environmental conditions.

Direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent or adult posterior teeth.

BACKGROUND: Amalgam has been the traditional material for filling cavities in posterior teeth for the last 150 years and, due to its effectiveness and cost, amalgam is still the restorative material of choice in certain parts of the world. In recent times, however, there have been concerns over the use of amalgam restorations (fillings), relating to the mercury release in the body and the environmental impact following its disposal. Resin composites have become an esthetic alternative to amalgam restorations and there has been a remarkable improvement of its mechanical properties to restore posterior teeth.There is need to review new evidence comparing the effectiveness of both restorations. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of direct composite resin fillings versus amalgam fillings for permanent posterior teeth, primarily on restoration failure. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 22 October 2013), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 9), MEDLINE via OVID (1946 to 22 October 2013), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 22 October 2013), and LILACs via BIREME Virtual Health Library (1980 to 22 October 2013). We applied no restrictions on language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases. We contacted manufacturers of dental materials to obtain any unpublished studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing dental resin composites with dental amalgams in permanent posterior teeth. We excluded studies having a follow-up period of less than three years. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 2205 retrieved references, we included seven trials (10 articles) in the systematic review. Two trials were parallel group studies involving 1645 composite restorations and 1365 amalgam restorations (921 children) in the analysis. The other five trials were split-mouth studies involving 1620 composite restorations and 570 amalgam restorations in an unclear number of children. Due to major problems with the reporting of the data for the five split-mouth trials, the primary analysis is based on the two parallel group trials. We judged all seven trials to be at high risk of bias and we analyzed 3265 composite restorations and 1935 amalgam restorations.The parallel group trials indicated that resin restorations had a significantly higher risk of failure than amalgam restorations (risk ratio (RR) 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 2.35, P value < 0.001 (fixed-effect model) (low-quality evidence)) and increased risk of secondary caries (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.67 to 2.74, P value < 0.001 (low-quality evidence)) but no evidence of an increased risk of restoration fracture (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.64, P value = 0.66 (moderate-quality evidence)). The results from the split-mouth trials were consistent with those of the parallel group trials.Adverse effects of dental restorations were reported in two trials. The outcomes considered were neurobehavioral function, renal function, psychosocial function, and physical development. The investigators found no difference in adverse effects between composite and amalgam restorations. However, the results should be interpreted with caution as none of the outcomes were reported in more than one trial. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is low-quality evidence to suggest that resin composites lead to higher failure rates and risk of secondary caries than amalgam restorations. This review reinforces the benefit of amalgam restorations and the results are particularly useful in parts of the world where amalgam is still the material of choice to restore posterior teeth with proximal caries. Though the review found insufficient evidence to support or refute any adverse effects amalgam may have on patients, new research is unlikely to change opinion on its safety and due to the decision for a global phase-down of amalgam (Minamata Convention on Mercury) general opinion on its safety is unlikely to change.

Attitudes towards female genital mutilation: an integrative review.

BACKGROUND: Immigration and globalization processes have contributed to the international dissemination of practices such as female genital mutilation. Between 100 and 400 million girls and women have been genitally mutilated, and every year 3 million girls are at risk of being subjected to female genital mutilation. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the attitudes towards the practice of female genital mutilation in relation to different health systems and the factors that favour its discontinuation. METHODS: An integrative review was performed of publications from the period 2006 to 2013 included in the MedLine, PubMed, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL and CUIDEN databases. RESULTS: We selected 16 studies focusing on diverse contexts that assessed the attitudes of both men and women regarding the perpetuation of this practice. Ten corresponded to studies conducted in countries of residence. Several areas of investigation were explored (factors contributing to the continuation of female genital mutilation, factors contributing to its discontinuation, feelings about the health system). LIMITATIONS: It is possible that the relevant studies may not have been included given the limitations of the literature review and the invisibility of the phenomenon studied. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the strong social pressure to which women are subjected as regards the practice of female genital mutilation. However, many other factors can contribute to eroding beliefs and arguments in favour of this practice, such as the globalization, culture and social environment of countries in the West. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Nurses occupy an essential position in detecting and combating these practices.

Is extracorporeal lithotripsy a first-line treatment for urinary stones today?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of extracorporeal lithotripsy (SWL) as a first-line treatment for renal and ureteral stones METHODS: Retrospective and observational study of all the patients treated with lithotripsy in a third level center between January 2014 and January 2021; characteristics of the patients, the stones, complications and results of SWL is recollected. Multivariate logistic regression of the factors associated with stone size reduction was performed. A statistical analysis of the factors associated with additional treatment after SWL and factors associated with complications is also executed. RESULTS: 1727 patients are included. Stone mean size was 9,5mm. 1540 (89.4%) patients presented reduction in stone size. In multivariate analysis, stone size (OR=1.13; p=0.00), ureteral location of the lithiasis (OR=1.15; p=0.052) and number of waves (p=0.002; OR=1.00) used in SWL are the factors associated with reduction of stone size. Additional treatment after lithotripsy was needed in 665 patients (38.5%). The factors associated with the need for retreatment were stone size (OR=1.131; p=0.000), number of waves (OR=1.000; p=0.000), energy (OR=1.005; p=0.000). 153 patients (8.8%) suffered complications after SWL. A statistically significant association was found between the size of the lithiasis (p=0.024, OR=1.054) and the previous urinary diversion (P=0.004, OR=0.571). CONCLUSION: Lithotripsy remains an effective treatment as the first line of therapy for reno-ureteral lithiasis with a low percentage of complications.

Structural and Functional Shifts in the Microbial Community of a Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil Exposed to Short-Term Changes in Air Temperature, Soil Moisture and UV Radiation.

The interplay between metal contamination and climate change may exacerbate the negative impact on the soil microbiome and, consequently, on soil health and ecosystem services. We assessed the response of the microbial community of a heavy metal-contaminated soil when exposed to short-term (48 h) variations in air temperature, soil humidity or ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the absence and presence of Enchytraeus crypticus (soil invertebrate). Each of the climate scenarios simulated significantly altered at least one of the microbial parameters measured. Irrespective of the presence or absence of invertebrates, the effects were particularly marked upon exposure to increased air temperature and alterations in soil moisture levels (drought and flood scenarios). The observed effects can be partly explained by significant alterations in soil properties such as pH, dissolved organic carbon, and water-extractable heavy metals, which were observed for all scenarios in comparison to standard conditions. The occurrence of invertebrates mitigated some of the impacts observed on the soil microbial community, particularly in bacterial abundance, richness, diversity, and metabolic activity. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the interplay between climate change, anthropogenic pressures, and soil biotic components to assess the impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems and to develop and implement effective management strategies.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for lower calyx stones: predicting treatment success.

INTRODUCTION: The use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for lower calyx stones is associated with a high rate of residual fragments. Our aim is to analyse the effectiveness and complications of ESWL for lower calyx stones. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with lower renal calyx stones treated with ESWL between January-2014 and December-2020. Measurement of infundibular length, infundibular width and infundibulopelvic angle in lower renal pole to determine favourable anatomy. ESWL failure: fragments >3 mm detected in plain abdominal film, CT scan and/or renal ultrasound 3 months after treatment. Complications after ESWL, auxiliary procedures along with risk factors associated with perirenal haematoma were analysed. SPSS statistical software was used. RESULTS: 512 patients with lower calyx stones were treated with ESWL. 80.3% of patients had a favourable anatomy. Overall stone-free rate was 70.5%. Regarding main complications after ESWL, stainstrasse was described in 5 patients and urinary tract infection in 3 patients. 10 perirenal haematomas (2%) were reported. Statistical association was found between antiplatelet treatment and the risk of perirenal haematoma (p = 0.004). Logistic binary regression proved the association between unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal pole (p = 0.000), size of the stone (p = 0.001), number of shock waves (p = 0.003), energy applied (p = 0.038) and the need for additional treatment after ESWL. CONCLUSIONS: ESWL can still be considered as the initial treatment option for lower renal pole stones. The size of the stone, an unfavourable anatomy of the lower renal calyx, number of shock waves and energy applied can help predict the need for additional treatment.

Lessons learned after the disruption caused by COVID-19 in the management of urolithiasis: An example of adaptation in a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on urolithiasis presentation and management. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we comparatively evaluated urgent and elective procedures due to urolithiasis during the early eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2020) compared to the same period a year before, and between waves. The student's t-test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the patients' characteristics and outcomes between the two periods and waves. RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty procedures were included. The overall numbers of surgical procedures due to urolithiasis were similar between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Regarding elective surgery, our data draw attention to the increased complication rate in the pandemic times, but no statistically significant differences in terms of types of procedures and need for complementary treatments were observed. We noted that patterns of presentation of complicated renal colic were different during COVID-19 pandemic, with a higher number of days after the onset of symptoms and a higher proportion of patients presenting acute kidney injury. Furthermore, a significant increase of creatinine levels at presentation in first wave was detected, and a growth in the number of urgent procedures after the first wave was noted, owing to the delay in urolithiasis treatment and diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected both urgent and elective management of urolithiasis. Lessons about the management of urolithiasis in this context should be learned to avoid fatal complications and improve standards of care.

[Lessons learned after the disruption caused by COVID-19 in the management of urolithiasis: An example of adaptation in a high-volume center]. / Lecciones aprendidas sobre el manejo de la urolitiasis tras los perjuicios causados por la COVID-19: un ejemplo de adaptación en un centro de alto volumen.

Introduction: The aim was to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on urolithiasis presentation and management. Methods: In this retrospective study, we comparatively evaluated urgent and elective procedures due to urolithiasis during the early 8 months of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2020) compared to the same period a year before, and between waves. Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test, chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the patients' characteristics and outcomes between the 2 periods and waves. Results: Five hundred and thirty procedures were included. The overall numbers of surgical procedures due to urolithiasis were similar between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Regarding elective surgery, our data draw attention to the increased complication rate in the pandemic times, but no statistically significant differences in terms of types of procedures and need for complementary treatments were observed. We noted that patterns of presentation of complicated renal colic were different during COVID-19 pandemic, with a higher number of days after the onset of symptoms and a higher proportion of patients presenting acute kidney injury. Furthermore, a significant increase of creatinine levels at presentation in first wave was detected, and a growth in the number of urgent procedures after the first wave was noted, owing to the delay in urolithiasis treatment and diagnosis. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected both urgent and elective management of urolithiasis. Lessons about the management of urolithiasis in this context should be learned to avoid fatal complications and improve standards of care.

Microarthropod communities act as functional mediators of ecosystem recovery in abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings in semiarid areas.

Abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings show inhospitable conditions for the establishment of above- and below-ground communities (e.g., high metal(loid) levels, organic matter and nutrient deficiency). This worsens in semiarid areas due to the harsh climate conditions. Fertility islands (vegetation patches formed by plants that spontaneously colonize the tailings) can serve as potential nucleation spots fostering beneficial plant-microbial interactions. However, less attention has been paid to the soil invertebrates living beneath these patches and their functional role. Here, we studied whether the spontaneous plant colonization of abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings led to a greater presence of soil microarthropod communities and whether this could contribute to improving ecosystem functionality. Microarthropods were extracted, taxonomically identified and subsequently assigned to different functional groups (saphrophages, omnivores, predators) in bare soils and differently vegetated patches within metalliferous mine tailings and surrounding forests in southeast Spain. Microarthropod communities were significantly different in bare soils compared with vegetated patches in mine tailings and surrounding forests. Plant colonization led to an increase in microarthropod abundance in tailing soils, especially of mites and springtails. Moreover, saprophages and omnivores, but not predators, were favored in vegetated patches. The initial microarthropod colonization was mainly linked to higher organic matter accumulation and greater microbial activity in the vegetated patches within mine tailings. Moreover, soil formation processes already initiated in the tailings were beneficial for soil biota establishment. Thus, below-ground communities created an anchorage point for plant communities by primarily starting heterotrophic activities in the vegetated patches, thereby contributing to recover ecosystem functionality.

Daphnia magna Multigeneration Exposure to Carbendazim: Gene Transcription Responses.

The world population is experiencing colossal growth and thus demand for food, leading to an increase in the use of pesticides. Persistent pesticide contamination, such as carbendazim, remains a pressing environmental concern, with potentially long-term impacts on aquatic ecosystems. In the present study, Daphnia magna was exposed to carbendazim (5 µg L-1) for 12 generations, with the aim of assessing gene transcription alterations induced by carbendazim (using a D. magna custom microarray). The results showed that carbendazim caused changes in genes involved in the response to stress, DNA replication/repair, neurotransmission, ATP production, and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism at concentrations already found in the environment. These outcomes support the results of previous studies, in which carbendazim induced genotoxic effects and reproduction impairment (increasing the number of aborted eggs with the decreasing number of neonates produced). The exposure of daphnids to carbendazim did not cause a stable change in gene transcription between generations, with more genes being differentially expressed in the F0 generation than in the F12 generation. This could show some possible daphnid acclimation after 12 generations and is aligned with previous multigenerational studies where few ecotoxicological effects at the individual and populational levels and other subcellular level effects (e.g., biochemical biomarkers) were found.

Global dataset of soil organic carbon in tidal marshes.

Tidal marshes store large amounts of organic carbon in their soils. Field data quantifying soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks provide an important resource for researchers, natural resource managers, and policy-makers working towards the protection, restoration, and valuation of these ecosystems. We collated a global dataset of tidal marsh soil organic carbon (MarSOC) from 99 studies that includes location, soil depth, site name, dry bulk density, SOC, and/or soil organic matter (SOM). The MarSOC dataset includes 17,454 data points from 2,329 unique locations, and 29 countries. We generated a general transfer function for the conversion of SOM to SOC. Using this data we estimated a median (± median absolute deviation) value of 79.2 ± 38.1 Mg SOC ha-1 in the top 30 cm and 231 ± 134 Mg SOC ha-1 in the top 1 m of tidal marsh soils globally. This data can serve as a basis for future work, and may contribute to incorporation of tidal marsh ecosystems into climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies.

Do hernia operations in african international cooperation programmes provide good quality?

BACKGROUND: Hernia is especially prevalent in developing countries where the population is obliged to undertake strenuous work in order to survive, and International Cooperation Programmes are helping to solve this problem. However, the quality of surgical interventions is unknown. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the quality of hernia repair processes carried out by the Surgical Solidarity Charity in Central African States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 524 cases of inguinal hernia repair carried out in Cameroon and Mali during 2005 to 2009 were compared with 386 cases treated in a Multicentre Spanish Study (2003). General data (clinical, demographic, etc.), type of surgery, complications, and effectiveness and efficiency indicators were collected. RESULTS: Preoperative studies in the Spanish group were greater in number than in the African group. The use of local anesthesia was similar. Antibiotic prophylaxis was higher in the African group (100% to 75.4%). The use of mesh was similar. The incidence of hematomas was higher in the Spanish group (11.61% to 4.61%), but the incidence of infection of the wound and of hernia recurrence was similar, although follow-up was only carried out in 20.97% in the African group (70% in the Spanish group). Hospital stay of more than 24 h was higher in the Spanish group. CONCLUSIONS: The standard quality of surgery for the treatment of hernia in developing countries with few instrumental means, and in sub-optimal surgical conditions is similar to that provided in Spain.

Spontaneous vegetation colonizing abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings consistently modulates climatic, chemical and biological soil conditions throughout seasons.

This study aimed to evaluate whether the improvement in soil conditions induced by the vegetation spontaneously colonizing abandoned metal(loid) mine tailings from semiarid areas is consistent throughout seasons and to identify if the temporal variability of that conditions is of similar magnitude of that of the surrounding forests. Soil climatic (temperature and moisture), chemical (pH, electrical conductivity and water-soluble salts and metal(loid)s) and biological (water-soluble organic carbon and ammonium, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and ß-glucosidase activity, organic matter decomposition and feeding activity of soil dwelling organisms) parameters were seasonally evaluated for one year in bare soils and different vegetated patches within metalliferous mine tailings and surrounding forests in southeast Spain. The results indicated that the improvement in soil conditions (as shown by softening of climatic conditions and lower scores for salinity and water-soluble metals and higher for biological parameters) induced by vegetation colonization was consistent throughout seasons. This amelioration was more evident in the more complex vegetation patches (trees with herbs and shrubs under the canopy), compared to bare soils and simpler soil-plant systems (only trees), and closer to forest soils outside the tailings. Bare soils and, to a lesser extent, vegetation patches solely composed by trees, showed stronger seasonal variability in temperature, moisture content, salinity, and water-soluble metals. In contrast, changes in biological and biological-related parameters were more pronounced in the more complex vegetation patches within mine tailings and surrounding forests due to its greater biological activity. In summary, the results demonstrated that vegetation patches formed by spontaneous colonization act as microsites that modulate seasonal variability in soil conditions and stimulate biological activity. This suggests that tailings vegetation patches might have higher resilience against climate change effects than bare soils. Therefore, they should be preserved as valuable spots in the phytomanagement of metal(loid)s mine tailings from semiarid areas.

Toxicity of historically metal(loid)-contaminated soils to Folsomia candida under the influence of climate change alterations.

Global warming is drastically altering the climate conditions of our planet. Soils will be among the most affected components of terrestrial ecosystems, especially in contaminated areas. In this study we investigated if changes in climate conditions (air temperature and soil moisture) affect the toxicity of historically metal(loid)-contaminated soils to the invertebrate Folsomia candida, followed by an assessment of its recovery capacity. Ecotoxicity tests (assessing survival, reproduction) were performed in field soils affected by metal(loid)s under different climate scenarios, simulated by individually changing air temperature or soil moisture conditions. The scenarios tested were: standard conditions (20°C + 50% soil water holding capacity-WHC); increased air temperature (daily fluctuation of 20-30°C + 50% WHC); soil drought (20°C + 25% WHC); soil flood (20°C + 75% WHC). Recovery potential was assessed under standard conditions in clean soil. Increased temperature was the major climate condition negatively affecting collembolans performance (decreased survival and reproduction), regardless of metal(loid) contamination. Drought and flood conditions presented less pronounced effects. When it was possible to move to the recovery phase (enough juveniles in exposure phase), F. candida was apparently able to recover from the exposure to metal(loid) contamination and/or climate alterations. The present study showed that forecasted climate alterations in areas already affected by contamination should be considered to improve environmental risk assessment.

Short-Term Responses of Soil Microbial Communities to Changes in Air Temperature, Soil Moisture and UV Radiation.

We analyzed the effects on a soil microbial community of short-term alterations in air temperature, soil moisture and ultraviolet radiation and assessed the role of invertebrates (species Enchytraeus crypticus) in modulating the community's response to these factors. The reference soil, Lufa 2.2, was incubated for 48 h, with and without invertebrates, under the following conditions: standard (20 °C + 50% water holding capacity (WHC)); increased air temperature (15-25 °C or 20-30 °C + 50% WHC); flood (20 °C + 75% WHC); drought (20 °C + 25% WHC); and ultraviolet radiation (UV) (20 °C + 50% WHC + UV). BIOLOG EcoPlates and 16S rDNA sequencing (Illumina) were used to assess the microbial community's physiological profile and the bacterial community's structure, respectively. The bacterial abundance (estimated by 16S rDNA qPCR) did not change. Most of the conditions led to an increase in microbial activity and a decrease in diversity. The structure of the bacterial community was particularly affected by higher air temperatures (20-30 °C, without E. crypticus) and floods (with E. crypticus). Effects were observed at the class, genera and OTU levels. The presence of invertebrates mostly resulted in the attenuation of the observed effects, highlighting the importance of considering microbiome-invertebrate interactions. Considering future climate changes, the effects described here raise concern. This study provides fundamental knowledge to develop effective strategies to mitigate these negative outcomes. However, long-term studies integrating biotic and abiotic factors are needed.