A review of organic and inorganic amendments to treat saline-sodic soils: Emphasis on waste valorization for a circular economy approach.

Soil salinization poses a significant challenge to the sustainable advancement of agriculture on a global scale. This environmental issue not only hampers plant growth and soil fertility but also hinders the advancement of the national economy due to restrictions on plant development. The utilization of organic and/or inorganic amendments has demonstrated the ability to mitigate the detrimental impacts of salt stress on plant life. At the outset, this review, in addition to summarizing current knowledge about soil amendments for saline-sodic soils, also aims to identify knowledge gaps requiring further research. The organic or inorganic amendments modify soil conditions and impact plant development. For instance, organic amendments have the potential to improve the structure of the soil, augment its capacity to retain water, and stimulate microbial activity. As this occurs, salts gradually leach through the porous structure of the soil. Conversely, inorganic amendments, such as gypsum and phosphogypsum, displace sodium from soil-negative sorption sites reducing the salinity, they also increase base saturation, altogether positively impacting plant growth conditions. This review emphasizes that, under adequate rates, the combination of organic and inorganic amendment has a high potential to enhance the poor physicochemical properties of saline-sodic soils, thereby reducing their salinity. Consequently, an in-depth examination of the mineral composition, texture, and chemical composition of the soil is required to choose the most effective amendment to implement. Future research necessitates a thorough investigation of techno-economic and life cycle assessment, with active involvement from stakeholders, to enhance the decision-making process of the amendments in specific localities.

Desorption kinetic and sequential extraction of Pb and Zn in a contaminated soil amended with phosphate, lime, biochar, and biosolids.

The mining and metallurgical industry sector activities often release potential toxic elements (PTE) surrounding exploitation area. We evaluated the addition of phosphate and lime using the dosage of 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1 molar ratio of PO43- and CO32- to the sum of PTE, respectively, and also, biochar and biosolids using the dosage of 2.5, 5, and 10% (m:m) to immobilize PTE in contaminated forest soil (Pb (270 mg kg-1) and Zn (858 mg kg-1)) near an abandoned mine site in Brazil. The desorption by stirred flow kinetics revealed that 15% of the total Zn and 12% Pb contents are mobile before any amendment application. Phosphate amendment decreased Pb desorption but increased Zn desorption. Biochar and biosolids immobilize high amounts of Zn and Pb because of their high cation exchange capacities and alkaline properties; however, 20% biosolid dose increased Pb desorption. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggested Zn-kerolite as the major species in the contaminated soil, likely from mine dust. The change in Zn speciation after soil amendment addition indicated that biochar and lime kept a high proportion of Zn-Al species, whereas phosphate and biosolids led to more Zn-Fe species. Our results pointed out that lime might reduce both Pb and Zn mobilities; however, field trials are crucial to confirm the immobilization efficiency of lime and other amendments over long term.

Foliar Calcium Absorption by Tomato Plants: Comparing the Effects of Calcium Sources and Adjuvant Usage.

The deficiency of calcium (Ca) reduces the quality and shelf life of fruits. In this scenario, although foliar spraying of Ca2+ has been used, altogether with soil fertilization, as an alternative to prevent deficiencies, little is known regarding its absorption dynamics by plant leaves. Herein, in vivo microprobe X-ray fluorescence was employed aiming to monitor the foliar absorption of CaCl2, Ca-citrate complex, and Ca3(PO4)2 nanoparticles with and without using adjuvant. We also investigated whether Sr2+ can be employed as Ca2+ proxy in foliar absorption studies. Moreover, the impact of treatments on the cuticle structure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. For this study, 45-day-old tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Micro-Tom) plants were used as a model species. After 100 h, the leaves absorbed 90, 18, and 4% of aqueous CaCl2, Ca-citrate, and Ca3(PO4)2 nanoparticles, respectively. The addition of adjuvant increased the absorption of Ca-citrate to 28%, decreased that of CaCl2 to 77%, and did not affect Ca3(PO4)2. CaCl2 displayed an exponential decay absorption profile with half-lives of 15 h and 5 h without and with adjuvant, respectively. Ca-citrate and Ca3(PO4)2 exhibited absorption profiles that were closer to a linear behavior. Sr2+ was a suitable Ca2+ tracer because of its similar absorption profiles. Furthermore, the use of adjuvant affected the epicuticular crystal structure. Our findings reveal that CaCl2 was the most efficient Ca2+ source. The effects caused by adjuvant suggest that CaCl2 and Ca-citrate were absorbed mostly through hydrophilic and lipophilic pathways.

Physiological responses of plants to in vivo X-ray damage from X-ray fluorescence measurements: insights from anatomical, elemental, histochemical, and ultrastructural analyses.

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) is a powerful technique for the in vivo assessment of plant tissues. However, the potential X-ray exposure damages might affect the structure and elemental composition of living plant tissues, leading to artefacts in the recorded data. Herein, we exposed in vivo soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) leaves to several X-ray doses through a polychromatic benchtop microprobe X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, modulating the photon flux density by adjusting either the beam size, current, or exposure time. Changes in the irradiated plant tissues' structure, ultrastructure, and physiology were investigated through light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Depending on X-ray exposure dose, decreased K and X-ray scattering intensities and increased Ca, P, and Mn signals on soybean leaves were recorded. Anatomical analysis indicated the necrosis of epidermal and mesophyll cells on the irradiated spots, where TEM images revealed the collapse of cytoplasm and cell wall breaking. Furthermore, the histochemical analysis detected the production of reactive oxygen species and the inhibition of chlorophyll autofluorescence in these areas. Under certain X-ray exposure conditions, e.g. high photon flux density and long exposure time, XRF measurements may affect the soybean leaves structures, elemental composition, and cellular ultrastructure, inducing programmed cell death. Our characterization shed light on the plant's responses to the X-ray-induced radiation damage and might help to establish proper X-ray radiation limits and novel strategies for in vivo benchtop-XRF analysis of vegetal materials.

Cellulose Acetate Microbeads for Controlled Delivery of Essential Micronutrients.

The controlled delivery of micronutrients to soil and plants is essential to increase agricultural yields. However, this is today achieved using fossil fuel-derived plastic carriers, posing environmental risks and contributing to global carbon emissions. In this work, a novel and efficient way to prepare biodegradable zinc-impregnated cellulose acetate beads for use as controlled release fertilizers is presented. Cellulose acetate solutions in DMSO were dropped into aqueous antisolvent solutions of different zinc salts. The droplets underwent phase inversion, forming solid cellulose acetate beads containing zinc, as a function of zinc salt type and concentration. Even higher values of zinc uptake (up to 15.5%) were obtained when zinc acetate was added to the cellulose acetate-DMSO solution, prior to dropping in aqueous zinc salt antisolvent solutions. The release profile in water of the beads prepared using the different solvents was linked to the properties of the counter-ions via the Hofmeister series. Studies in soil showed the potential for longer release times, up to 130 days for zinc sulfate beads. These results, together with the efficient bead production method, demonstrate the potential of zinc-impregnated cellulose acetate beads to replace the plastic-based controlled delivery products used today, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and potential environmental impacts due to the uptake of plastic in plants and animals.

Soybean sorting based on protein content using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate performance of an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensor to classify soybean based on protein content. The hypothesis was that sulfur signals and other XRF spectral features can be used as proxies to infer soybean protein content. Sample preparation and equipment settings to optimize detection of S and other specific emission lines were tested for this application. A logistic regression model for classifying soybean as high- or low-protein was developed based on XRF spectra and protein contents. Additionally, the model was validated with an independent set of samples. Global accuracies of the method were 0.83 (training set) and 0.81 (test set) and the corresponding kappa indices were 0.66 and 0.61, respectively. These numbers indicated satisfactory performance of the sensor, suggesting that XRF spectral features can be applied for screening protein content in soybean.

Zinc speciation and desorption kinetics in a mining waste impacted tropical soil amended with phosphate.

Mining is an important component of the Brazilian economy. However, it may also contribute to environmental problems such as the pollution of soils with zinc and other potentially toxic metals. Our objective was to evaluate changes in the chemical speciation and mobility of Zn in a soil amended with phosphate. Soil samples were collected from a deactivated mining area in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and amended with NH4H2PO4 saturated with deionized water to 70 % of maximum water retention and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C in open containers for 60 days. The soil was chemically and mineralogically characterized, and sequential extraction, desorption kinetics, and speciation were carried out using synchrotron bulk-sample and micro-X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES/µ-XANES) spectroscopy at the Zn K-edge, and X-ray fluorescence microprobe analysis (µ-XRF). The combination of µ-XRF and µ-XANES techniques made it possible to identify Zn hotspots in the main species formed after phosphate remediation. The best fit combination for bulk XANES and µ-XANES was observed in Zn-montmorillonite, Zn-kerolite, Zn-ferrihydrite, and gahnite. In the course of phosphate treatment, gahnite, Zn layered double hydroxides (Zn-LDH), Zn3(PO4), and ZnO were identified by bulk XANES, while Zn-ferrihydrite, Zn-montmorillonite, and scholzite were identified by µ-XANES. Zinc in the phosphate-amended soil had the strongest partial correlations (r' > 0.05) with Ni, Co, Fe, Cr, Mn, Si, P, Cd, Pb, and Cd, while the unamended soil showed the strongest correlation with Cu, Pb, Fe, and Si. The application of NH4H2PO4 altered Zn speciation and favored an increase in Zn desorption. The most available Zn contents after phosphate amendment were correlated with the release of exchangeable Zn fractions, associated with carbonate and organic matter.

Temperament traits mediate the relationship between CACNA1C polymorphisms and bipolar disorder in cisgender women.

The influence of temperament traits on bipolar disorder (BD) has been investigated. Both temperament traits and BD are partially genetically determined and seem to be influenced by variations in the CACNA1C gene. These variations presented a significant interactive effect with biological sex, although studies that evaluate this relationship are scarce. Here, we assessed the mediation effect of temperament traits on the relationship between two polymorphisms in the CACNA1C gene (rs1006737 and rs4765913) and BD according to sex. This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 878 Caucasian individuals (508 women and 370 men), aged 18-35, enrolled in a population-based study in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. BD diagnosis was evaluated using the clinical interview MINI 5.0, and temperament traits were assessed via the application of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). Mediation models were tested using the modeling tool PROCESS (version 3.3) for SPSS. Bootstrapping-enhanced mediation analyses in women indicated that traits anger (39%) and caution (27%) mediated the association between the rs4765913 SNP and BD, while traits volition (29%), anger (35%), and caution (29%) mediated the association between the AA haplotype (rs1006737-rs4765913) and the BD. No effect was encountered for cisgender men. Our model revealed that paths from CACNA1C SNPs to BD are mediated by specific temperament traits in women, reinforcing the definition of temperament traits as endophenotypes.

X-ray spectrometry imaging and chemical speciation assisting to understand the toxic effects of copper oxide nanoparticles on zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Currently, copper nanoparticles are used in various sectors of industry, agriculture, and medicine. To understand the effects induced by these nanoparticles, it is necessary to assess the environmental risk and safely expand their use. In this study, we evaluated the toxicity of copper oxide (nCuO) nanoparticles in Danio rerio adults, their distribution/concentration, and chemical form after exposure. This last assessment had never been performed on copper-exposed zebrafish. Such evaluation was done through the characterization of nCuO, acute exposure tests and analysis of distribution and concentration by microstructure X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (µ-XRF) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS). Synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was performed to find out the chemical form of copper in hotspots. The results show that the toxicity values of fish exposed to nCuO were 2.4 mg L-1 (25 nm), 12.36 mg L-1 (40 nm), 149.03 mg L-1 (80 nm) and 0.62 mg L-1 (CuSO4, used as a positive control). The total copper found in the fish was in the order of mg kg-1 and it was not directly proportional to the exposure concentration; most of the copper was concentrated in the gastric system. However, despite the existence of copper hotspots, chemical transformation of CuO into other compounds was not detected.

Associação entre temperamento e o uso de práticas da medicina alternativa e complementar / Association between temperament and the use of complementary and alternative medicine practices / Asociación entre temperamento y uso de prácticas de medicina alternativa y complementaria

Trata-se de um estudo brasileiro, transversal, mediado pela Internet com o objetivo de descrever como diferenças temperamentais associam-se ao uso de oito práticas de medicina alternativa e complementar (MAC): ioga, meditação, reiki, acupuntura, massagem, tai chi chuan, homeopatia e floral. A amostra foi composta por 22.415 indivíduos, sendo 69,5% mulheres, com idade média de 28,8 anos (DP = 9,1). As práticas mais utilizadas foram massagem e ioga e as variáveis sexo, idade, renda e diagnóstico psicopatológico ao longo da vida associaram-se a todas as práticas, exceto com tai chi chuan. Análise inferencial se baseou em modelo de regressão logística e os resultados foram calculados com base na razão de chances com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Observou-se que manifestações adaptativas de traços e de tipos psicológicos, associaram-se a maiores chances de praticar MAC. Resultados sugerem que perfis com maior regulação emocional tendem a utilizar mais frequentemente MAC e, possivelmente, obter benefícios. (AU)

The present study is a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted in Brazil aiming to describe how individual differences in temperament traits and types could predict the use of the following eight categories of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): yoga, meditation, reiki, acupuncture, massage, tai chi chuan, homeopathy, and flower remedies. The sample consisted of 22,415 individuals, 69.5% of whom were women, with a mean age of 28.8 years (SD= 9.1). The most commonly used practices were massage and yoga and the variables sex, age, income, and psychopathological diagnosis throughout life were associated with all practices, except tai chi chuan. The inferential analysis relied on logistic regressions and results were calculated based on the odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Adaptive manifestations of psychological traits and types were associated with greater use of complementary and alternative medicine practices. Results suggested that profiles with greater emotional regulation tend to use CAM more frequently and possibly obtain benefits. (AU)

Se trata de un estudio brasileño, transversal, mediado por Internet, con el objetivo de describir cómo las diferencias temperamentales se asocian con el uso de ocho prácticas de medicina alternativa y complementaria (MAC): yoga, meditación, reiki, acupuntura, masaje, tai chi chuan, homeopatía y floral. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 22.415 individuos, de los cuales 69,5 % eran mujeres, con una edad media de 28,8 años (DS= 9,1). Las prácticas más utilizadas fueron el masaje y el yoga, y las variables sexo, edad, renta y diagnóstico psicopatológico a lo largo de la vida se asociaron a todas las prácticas, excepto al tai chi chuan. El análisis inferencial se basó en un modelo de regresión logística y los resultados se calcularon con base en la odds ratio con un intervalo de confianza del 95 %. Se observó que las manifestaciones adaptativas de rasgos y tipos psicológicos se asociaron con mayores posibilidades de practicar MAC. Los resultados sugieren que los perfiles con mayor regulación emocional tienden a usar MAC con mayor frecuencia y, posiblemente, obtienen beneficios. (AU)

Identification of potential plant species hyperaccumulating light rare earth elements (LREE) in a mining area in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Phytoextraction of rare earth elements (REE) from contaminated soils has gained importance during the last few decades. The Poços de Caldas municipality in Brazil is known for its mineral richness, including large reserves of REE. In this study, we report light REE (La, Ce, Sm, Pr, and Nd) in soils and plants collected in an area. Composite soil samples and plant individuals were collected, and total concentrations of LREE in soils were determined by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). The plant available LREE concentrations in soils were estimated upon the acetic acid method (F1 fractions) of the stepwise sequential extraction procedure, together with plant content that was analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The total sum concentrations of tested LREE in soils varied from 5.6 up to 37.9 g kg-1, the bioavailable fraction was ca. 1%, and a linear relationship was found between them. The only exception was Sm, whose availability was lesser and did not show a linear relationship. The concentration of LREE in non-accumulator plants varied from 1.3-950 mg kg-1 for Ce, La 1.1-99 mg kg-1, Sm 0.04-9.31 mg kg-1, Pr 0.1-24.1 mg kg-1, and Nd 0.55-81 mg kg-1. The concentration of LREE among shoots did not show a linear relation either with the available fraction or total content. The screening also revealed Christella dentata (Forssk.) Brownsey & Jermy, Thelypteridaceae family, as a promising hyperaccumulator species. The concentrations of LREE among shoots of six individuals of this species were in the ranges from 115 to 1872 mg kg-1 for Ce, La 190-703 mg kg-1, Sm 9-48 mg kg-1, Pr 32-144 mg kg-1, and Nd 105-478 mg kg-1.

Spectral data of tropical soils using dry-chemistry techniques (VNIR, XRF, and LIBS): A dataset for soil fertility prediction.

Proximal soil sensing technologies, such as visible and near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (VNIR), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), are dry-chemistry techniques that enable rapid and environmentally friendly soil fertility analyses. The application of XRF and LIBS sensors in an individual or combined manner for soil fertility prediction is quite recent, especially in tropical soils. The shared dataset presents spectral data of VNIR, XRF, and LIBS sensors, even as the characterization of key soil fertility attributes (clay, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, pH, base saturation, and exchangeable P, K, Ca, and Mg) of 102 soil samples. The samples were obtained from two Brazilian agricultural areas and have a wide variation of chemical and textural attributes. This is a pioneer dataset of tropical soils, with potential to be reused for comparative studies with other datasets, e.g., comparing the performance of sensors, instrumental conditions, and/or predictive models on different soil types, soil origin, concentration range, and agricultural practices. Moreover, it can also be applied to compose soil spectral libraries that use spectral data collected under similar instrumental conditions.

Investigation of acute toxicity, accumulation, and depuration of ZnO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna.

Size is a key factor controlling the rate of dissolution of nanoparticles, such property can be explored for producing controlled release fertilizers. Hence, one can expect the increasing discharge of nanoparticles closer to water streams in the near future. In this study, we employed the model fresh water organism Daphnia magna to investigate the uptake, acute toxicity and depuration of ZnO nanoparticles. The present study shows that the median lethal concentration (LC50) depended on particle size and the presence of surfactant. The LC50 for positive control ZnSO4 (2.15 mg L-1), 20 nm ZnO (1.68 mg L-1), and 40 nm ZnO (1.71 mg L-1) were statistically the same. However, the addition of surfactant increased the LC50 of 40 nm and 60 nm to 2.93 and 3.24 mg L-1, respectively. The 300 nm ZnO was the least toxic nanoparticle presenting LC50 of 6.35 mg L-1. X-ray fluorescence chemical imaging revealed that Zn accumulated along the digestive system regardless the particle size. Finally, contrary to what have been reported by several papers, the present study did not detect any depuration of ZnO nanoparticles in the next 24 h past the exposure assays. Thus, the ability of organisms to expel ingested nanomaterials might be dependent on specific physical-chemical features of such nanomaterials.

Behavioral characterization of ayahuasca treatment on Wistar rats in the open field test

Abstract Ayahuasca (AYA) is a psychedelic beverage with therapeutic potential for many mood and anxiety disorders. Although there are some preclinical studies, no published reports have tested the behavioral effects of AYA gavage in animal models. This investigation aimed to characterize the behavior of Wistar rats after acute ingestion of AYA for 40 min in the open field test (OFT). The sample consisted of three experimental groups treated with different dosages of AYA (125, 250, or 500 mg kg-1) and a control group. Each group consisted of 10 participants. After gavage, the number of crossings of the OFT grid lines, latency to enter the central area of the device, grooming frequency, and time spent in the central perimeter of the device were immediately evaluated. Analyses were based on one-way ANOVA and a linear-regression mixture model for longitudinal data. AYA intake did not interfere with habituation. The 500 mg kg-1 group showed a decrease in the time spent in the center of the device and in the number of crossings compared to the control group in the last 10 min. These results suggest that gavage with AYA did not interfere with the results, and the behavioral effects were perceived only between 30 and 40 min after gavage. Taken together, the results indicate that three aspects should be considered in OFT studies of AYA acute effects: the moment when the observation starts, the observation period, and the AYA dosage.

Ingestion and effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological and nutritional characteristics of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an arthropod pest widely distributed in agricultural regions, after exposure to nano-CeO2 via an artificial diet and to investigate the presence of cerium in the body of this insect through X-ray fluorescence mapping. Nano-CeO2, micro-CeO2, and Ce(NO3)3 were incorporated into the diet (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg of Ce L-1). Cerium was detected in caterpillars fed with diets containing nano-CeO2 (1, 10 and 100 mg of Ce L-1), micro-CeO2 and Ce(NO3)3, and in feces of caterpillars from the first generation fed diets with nano-CeO2 at 100 mg of Ce L-1 as well. The results indicate that nano-CeO2 caused negative effects on S. frugiperda. After it was consumed by the caterpillars, the nano-CeO2 reduced up to 4.8% of the pupal weight and 60% of egg viability. Unlike what occurred with micro-CeO2 and Ce(NO3)3, nano-CeO2 negatively affected nutritional parameters of this insect, as consumption rate two times higher, increase of up to 80.8% of relative metabolic rate, reduction of up to 42.3% efficiency of conversion of ingested and 47.2% of digested food, and increase of up to 1.7% of metabolic cost and 8.7% of apparent digestibility. Cerium caused 6.8-16.9% pupal weight reduction in second generation specimens, even without the caterpillars having contact with the cerium via artificial diet. The results show the importance of new ecotoxicological studies with nano-CeO2 for S. frugiperda in semi-field and field conditions to confirm the toxicity.

Chemical inspection and elemental analysis of electronic waste using data fusion - Application of complementary spectroanalytical techniques.

This study is focused on the development of analytical methods for characterization of printed circuit boards (PCBs) from mobile phones by direct analysis using three complementary spectroanalytical techniques: laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (micro-XRF). These techniques were combined with principal component analysis (PCA) to investigate the chemical composition on the surface and depth profiling of PCB samples. The spatial distribution of important base metals (e.g. Al, Au, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mg, Ni, Zn), toxic elements (e.g. Cd, Cr, Pb) as well as the non-metallic fraction (e.g. P, S and Si) from conductive tracks, solder mask and integrated components were detected within the PCB samples. Univariate and multivariate approaches were also performed to obtain calibration models for Cu determination. The results were compared to reference concentrations obtained by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave-assisted acid leaching using aqua regia. To this end, two PCB samples (50 × 34 mm2) were cut into small parts of 40 subsamples (10 × 8.5 mm2) and analyzed by ICP-OES and the Cu concentrations ranged from 13 to 45% m m-1. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to data fusion of analytical information from LIBS and micro-XRF analysis. The proposed calibration methods for LIBS and micro-XRF were tested for the 40 PCB subsamples, in which the best results were obtained combining both data sources though a low-level data fusion. Root mean square error of cross validation (RMSEC) and recoveries were 3.23% m m-1 and 81-119% using leave-one-out cross validation.

Effect of nano cerium oxide on soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) crop exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations.

This study evaluated the uptake and translocation of cerium nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) and soluble Ce(NO3)3 by soybean plants (Glycine max L. Merrill) under the whole plant life-cycle and relevant environmental concentrations, 0.062 and 0.933 mg kg-1, which represent maximal values for 2017 in agricultural soils and sludge treated soils, respectively. The experiments were carried out using a nutrient solution. Cerium was detected in the soybean roots epidermis and cortex, leaves, and grains, but it neither impaired plant development nor grain yield. The concentration of Ce in the shoot increased as a function of time for plants treated with Ce(NO3)3, while it remained constant for plants treated with CeO2 NPs. It means that CeO2 NPs were absorbed in the same rate as biomass production, which suggests that they are taken up and transported by water mass flow. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed clusters of CeO2 NPs in leaves of plants treated with 25 nm CeO2 NPs (ca. 30-45 nm). The reprecipitation of soluble cerium from Ce(NO3)3 within the plant was not confirmed. Finally, bioconcentration factors above one were found for the lowest concentrated treatments. Since soybean is a widespread source of protein for animals, we draw attention to the importance of evaluating the effects of Ce entrance in the food chain and its possible biomagnification.

Assessment of selenium spatial distribution using µ-XFR in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) plants: Integration of physiological and biochemical responses.

Low concentrations of selenium (Se) are beneficial for plant growth. Foliar Se application at high concentrations is toxic to plants due to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study characterized Se toxicity symptoms using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique in response to foliar Se application in cowpea plants. Five Se concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, 100 e 150 g ha-1) were sprayed on leaves as sodium selenate. The visual symptoms of Se toxicity in cowpea leaves were separated into two stages: I) necrotic points with an irregular distribution and internerval chlorosis at the leaf limb border (50-100 g ha-1); II) total chlorosis with the formation of dark brown necrotic lesions (150 g ha-1). Foliar Se application at 50 g ha-1 increased photosynthetic pigments and yield. Ultrastructural analyses showed that Se foliar application above 50 g ha-1 disarranged the upper epidermis of cowpea leaves. Furthermore, Se application above 100 g ha-1 significantly increased the hydrogen peroxide concentration and lipid peroxidation inducing necrotic leaf lesions. Mapping of the elements in leaves using the XRF revealed high Se intensity, specifically in leaf necrotic lesions accompanied by calcium (Ca) as a possible attenuating mechanism of plant stress. The distribution of Se intensities in the seeds was homogeneous, without specific accumulation sites. Phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) were found primarily located in the embryonic region. Understanding the factors involved in Se accumulation and its interaction with Ca support new preventive measurement technologies to prevent Se toxicity in plants.

Temperament traits moderate the relationship between Childhood Trauma and Interleukin 1ß profile in young adults.

Early life stressors, such as childhood trauma, have been associated to alterations in immune response that can last until adulthood. In this context, interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) emerges as a pro-inflammatory cytokine with a pivotal role. Also, considering the temperament differences in stress susceptibility, and even immune dysfunction, studies investigating the complex interaction between these factors are scarce. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the moderating role of temperament traits in the relationship between childhood trauma and serum IL-1ß levels. This cross-sectional study consisted of 325 individuals, men and women, aged 18-35, enrolled from a population-based study in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Our main results indicate that higher serum levels of IL-1ß were associated with trauma severity (p < 0.01), and the variance of anger could explain 29% of IL-1ß increase in individuals who suffered severe trauma (p < 0.05). The effect of anger was considerably stronger in men than in women (46% and 25%, respectively). Moreover, the variance of sensitivity also explained 15% of IL-1ß increase (p < 0.05) as well as the variance of volition explained 11% of IL-1ß decrease (p < 0.05) in individuals who suffered severe trauma in the general population. Our results indicate that emotional individual differences can moderate the impact of childhood trauma on low-grade inflammation in young adults.