1st Year Of Use Research Articles

The harmfulness of weeds in the herbage of perennial grasses in the north-west of the Russian Federation

Relevance. In the structure of the acreage of the Northwestern region of the Russian Federation, a large proportion is occupied by perennial grasses, the herbage of which can potentially have severe weeds, and the harmfulness of weeds is high. Despite the current situation, the influence of weeds on the formation of an aboveground mass of grasses remains poorly understood.Methods. The purpose of the study is to assess the harmfulness of weed vegetation in the herbage of perennial grasses of the 1st and 2nd years of use in the north-west of the Russian Federation. The research was carried out in 2010–2018 in the fields of grain-grass-row crop rotation of the Menkovsky branch of the Agrophysical Research Institute located in the Leningrad region, in the structure of long-term experience with the application of mineral fertilizers and plant protection products.Results. Studies have shown that weeds cause significantly more harm (6.3 times) to perennial grasses of the 1st year of use than grasses of the 2nd year. Yield losses from the total value of the raw phytomass of weeds amounted to 15.75 c/ha (5.3%) and 2.51 c/ha (1%), including from 1 g/m2 at the time of mowing 0.150 c/ha (0.05%) and 0.07 c/ha (0.03%). The introduction of high doses of mineral fertilizers and the use of herbicides in the integrated crop protection system of grain-grass-row crop rotation led to a decrease in the harmfulness of weeds. In the perennial herbs of the 2nd year of use, the identified effects were significantly more pronounced than in the herbs of the 1st year. Under the influence of mineral fertilizers, the hazard coefficients decreased by 2.6 and 5.7 times, the protective measures systems — by 1.4 and 4.2 times, and the yield losses of green mass — by 2.6 and 10.7 times, 1.9 and 8.9 times, respectively, on grasses of the 1st and 2nd years of use.

Replenishment of Humus due to Crop-Root Residues in Flax and Crop Rotations

In the Central region of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia on sod-podzolic light loamy soil in a long stationary experiment in flax crop rotations, the process of replenishing humus due to crop-root residues was studied. Alternation of crops in the crop rotation in 2004–2011: pure steam – winter rye with sowing of perennial grasses (red clover and timofeevka) – perennial grasses of the 1st year of use – perennial grasses of the 2nd year of use – flax – potato – barley – oats. In 2012–2018, potatoes were excluded from the crop rotation. The contribution of cultivated crops to the accumulation of soil organic matter varied. The largest amount of crop-root residues (6.8 t/ha) remained in the soil after harvesting perennial grasses, which provided a positive humus balance of +1.35 t/ha. In the crop rotation with potatoes without the use of fertilizers, the humus deficit was –0.20 t/ha, with the exclusion of potatoes from the crop rotation, the deficit decreased to –0.05 t/ha per year. The use of fertilizers increased the productivity of crop rotations by an average of 75%, the amount of crop-root residues increased by 10.6 t/ha or 58%, which allowed to obtain a positive balance of humus in the soil. The use of fertilizers at a dose of (NPK)200 (manure 5 t/ha + (NPK)135 and manure 5.7 t/ha + (NPK)120) in an 8-pole crop rotation with pure steam and potatoes when saturated by 25% with perennial grasses provided a humus balance of +0.17 t/ha per year, in 7-full crop rotation with pure steam and without potatoes at saturation by 28.5% with perennial grasses – +0.43 t/ha per year.

The effect of long-term use of organic and mineral fertilizers on the productivity of agrocenoses of the European Northeast

Relevance. The soil cover of the Komi Republic is dominated by podzolic and sodpodzolic soils, which are characterized by very low natural fertility, therefore, liming, organic and mineral fertilizers must be used to widely reproduce the fertility and productivity of these soils.Methods. The fodder crop rotation had the following alternation of crops: 1 — potatoes; 2 — vico-oat mixture with sowing of perennial grasses; 3 — perennial grasses of the 1st year of use; 4 — perennial grasses of the 2nd year of use; 5 — vico-oat mixture; 6 — potatoes. Organic fertilizers in the form of peat–manure compost (TNK) were introduced twice during the rotation of the crop rotation — for potatoes, mineral fertilizers in the form of Naa, Rsd and Kx during basic tillage, during the cultivation of perennial grasses, as well as during spring fertilizing of plants. To replenish the removal of nutrients by crops, annual doses of mineral fertilizers were N60P30K180 for potatoes, N40P32K116 for vico-oat mixture, and N40P32K108 for perennial grasses (Trifolium pratense + Phleum pratense). In the experiment were also used reduced doses (1/2 and 1/3 of the full dose of NPK).Results. The humus content increased by 0.5%, the exchange acidity decreased to 6.8 units of pHKCl, the hydrolytic acidity was 0.6 mmol/100 g of soil, the amount of mobile phosphorus was 312 mg/kg and the exchange potassium was 164 mg/kg of soil. A significant average yield of agricultural crops was obtained: potatoes — 7.0 t/ha, annual grasses — 4.4 t/ha and perennial grasses — 6.2 t/ha of dry matter with high quality

ОЦЕНКА СОРТОВ КЛЕВЕРА ЛУГОВОГО В УСЛОВИЯХ СРЕДНЕГО ПРЕДУРАЛЬЯ

Meadow clover remains the main forage crop in the middle Urals with great potential. An urgent problem is the development and improvement of the technology of this crop cultivation, including the search for adapted varieties. The aim of the research is to estimate the fodder and seed productivity recommended by the originators of meadow clover varieties of Russian and foreign selection VIK 77, Diplo, Lestris, Ranniy 2, Kudesnik in the Middle Ural region. The studies were carried out in 2017-2019 in the forest-steppe zone of the Udmurt Republic on sod-medium-podzolic medium loamy soil. The Dymkovsky variety included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements in the Volga-Vyatka region was used as a standard. Clover varieties were sown in 2017, comprehensive study in 2018-2019. The meteorological conditions of the growing seasons during the study years were different: 2017 and 2019 - over moistened (hydrothermal coefficient – 1.97 and 1.73), 2018 - dry (hydrothermal coefficient – 0.89). Winter hardiness of meadow clover varieties was estimated at 4.5 points. Varieties Diplo, Lestris and Ranniy 2 reached mowing ripeness in 58-63 days, varieties Dymkovsky, VIK 77 and Kudesnik – in 66-70 days. The varieties Diplo, Ranniy 2 and Kudesnik provided a dry matter yield of 6.2-6.8 t/ha, on average for two years of using meadow clover grass-stand. The highest yield of metabolizable energy (51.2 and 55.0 GJ/ha), digestible protein (0.44 and 0.46 t/ha) and feed units (3.79 and 4.09 thousand feed units/ha) was found in the standard variety Dymkovskiy and the tetraploid variety Kudesnik. Seed productivity of cultivars of meadow clover of the 1st year of use was at the level of 137-314 kg/ha, the highest - 314 kg/ha in the standard variety Dymkovsky

Продуктивність багаторічних трав’янистих рослин при вирощуванні для енергетичних потреб

Goal. To carry out a comparative assessment of perennial grasses on the energy productivity of biomass and optimize harvesting times for the production of solid biofuels. Methods. Field, laboratory, mathematical and statistical, computational and comparative. Results. The results of researches on the selection of uncommon energy crops and optimization of terms of their mowing for production of solid types of biofuels in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine are given. The highest linear growth was characterized by the Jerusalem artichoke grassland of the 1st year of use. The diameter of the stem of energy crops was 2.8–16.8 mm. The largest diameter of the stem had stagger bushes, perennial mallow, and Jerusalem artichoke of the 1st year of use. The highest density and energy consumption of 1 m3 of dry unpressed wood was characterized by perennial mallow, Jerusalem artichoke, giant miscanthus, Transbaikalian stagger bush with parameters of 125–138 kg/m3 and 2–2.56 GJ, respectively. The terms of mowing crops during harvesting in the autumn period for the production of solid biofuels according to the dry matter content in biomass have been optimized. Conclusions. Of the perennial energy crops on dark gray soils, the most productive are: giant miscanthus, Silphium perfoliatum L., Weirich and Sakhalin stagger bushes, perennial mallow, Jerusalem artichoke of the 1st year of use with the parameters of 11.1–15.8 t/ha of dry weight, 194–281 GJ/ha of warm energy and 6–8.6 t/ha of equivalent fuel. Harvest maturity of the studied crops (except for fodder sorrel) for the production of solid biofuels occurs in the late autumn period (10.11). The most technological crops for the production of solid biofuels with the highest dry matter content (83–87%) in biomass that do not require drying are: perennial mallow, Weirich stagger bush and Lophanthus anisatus. And the least technological crops are Jerusalem artichoke and Silphium perfoliatum L. with a dry matter content of 52–60%.

УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ МНОГОЛЕТНИХ ТРАВ И ПЛОДОРОДИЕ ДЕРНОВО-ПОДЗОЛИСТОЙ ПОЧВЫ ПРИ ДЛИТЕЛЬНОМ ВНЕСЕНИИ МИНЕРАЛЬНЫХ УДОБРЕНИЙ

The article considers the effect of increasing doses and various combinations of mineral fertilizers applied to the cover crop on the yield and quality of a mixture of perennial grasses of two - years use, as well as the effect of fertilizers on the agrochemical parameters of sod-podzolic light loamy soil. The objects of the study were Stodolich meadow clover and Leningradskaya 204 meadow timothy grass. The studies were carried out in two crop rotations - with standard and reduced single doses of mineral fertilizers. The research results showed that in the years (VIII rotation) when the unit dose of fertilizers was increased to N20P20K25, the yield of perennial grasses was higher compared to the harvest in the VII rotation. The most appropriate dose in the VII rotation on perennial grasses of the 1st year was N30P30K45, on grasses of the 2nd year - doses of N30P30K45 and N40P40K60. In the VIII rotation, the highest yield of perennial grasses of the 1st year of use was obtained at a dose of N160P160K200 (8.4 t / ha), of grasses of the 2nd year of use at doses of N80P80K100 and N100P100K125 (6.5 t / ha). Positive effect of increasing doses of mineral fertilizers on the content of soil organic matter has been noted. On the contrary, the soil acidity increased from 4.7 to 4.3 units with an increase of mineral doses. Higher doses of fertilizers increased the content of mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium in the soil.

ДЛИТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ СЕМЕННЫХ ТРАВОСТОЕВ МНОГОЛЕТНИХ БОБОВЫХ ТРАВ

Seed productivity of perennial leguminous grasses is subject to sharp fluctuations due to their biological characteristics, different reactions to changes in growing conditions, and meteorological factors over the growing season. In this case, the productive longevity of herbs is of great importance. The research aims to analyze the seed productivity and the duration of using the grassstand of perennial legume grasses in the meteorological conditions of the Middle Pre-Urals. The analysis of seed yield, energy, and economic efficiency of long-term use of perennial leguminous grasses was carried out based on a result of studies laid down in the Udmurt Research Institute of Agriculture of the UdmFRC of the UB RAS in 1996–2005 with the eastern Galega variety Gale, in 2011–2015 – with varieties of red clover and variegated alfalfa, in 2011–2016 – with birds-foot trefoil variety Solnyshko. The research found that red clover sowing is best used for seeds for one year. In the first year of use, the yield of double-cut clover varieties was 146 kg/ha, of single-cut varieties – 138 kg/ha. In the second year of using the grass stand, the yield significantly decreased to 37 and 39 kg/ha. The yield of 162 kg/ha at the standard level was formed by the twocut clover variety Dymkovsky. Crops of variegated alfalfa can be used for seeds for two years. Seed productivity of variegated alfalfa varieties in the 1st year of use was 204 kg/ha, in the 2nd year of use – 260 kg/ha. Alfalfa of the Guzel variety formed a significantly high seed yield of 251 kg/ha. The recommended duration of the use of the birds-foot trefoil grass-stand is two to three years. In the 1st and 2nd years of use of the grass stand, the yield of the seeds was relatively high, 215–378 and 213–349 kg/ha, respectively. By the 3rd year of use, it decreased to 89–161 kg/ha. The old-age grass stand of the 4th year of use did not form seeds. Sowing the birds-foot trefoil without a cover or under cover of spring wheat by the usual row method with a seeding rate of 8–9 million units/ha showed the highest seed yield of 255–270 kg/ha. The duration of the use of the eastern Galega grass-stand is up to 10 years or more. The highest yield of Galega seeds of 510 kg/ha was obtained during the harvesting of grass in the first year of use for feed, in the second – fifth year of use – for seeds, from the 6th year of use – for feed.

Festulolium field performance under fluctuating growing conditions in Lithuania

Festulolium cultivars are widely utilized in Lithuania because they are persistent under abiotic stresses and are high yielding. However, changing climate challenges the existing Festulolium cultivars to adapt to new growing conditions and still maintain the yield. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the yield stability of two Festulolium cultivars in field trials under fluctuating Lithuanian conditions. The mean total dry matter yield (DMY) of both Festulolium cultivars fluctuated greatly between the years and ANOVA analysis showed a significant effect of environment on total DMY as well as DMY of each cut, but the genotype × environment interaction was not significant. There was a high difference between the total DMY of 1st year and 2nd year of use of plots in each year of observation. The highest DMYs were harvested in the years 2015 and 2016. Dry matter yield of the 1st cut was the largest component of the total DMY for most of the years. The plants overwintered the first winter after sowing very well over the whole study period, resulting in excellent spring growth. The winter survival scores of 2nd year of use of plots were lower than 1st year of use and strongly correlated with the 1st cut DMY of 2nd year of use (r = 0.81). Spring growth of plants at 2nd year of use was poorer, the correlation between winter survival and spring growth of 2nd year of use was 0.62. The scores of regrowth after the cuts of 1st and 2nd years of use were very similar for most of the experimental years and moderately correlated with the sum of DMYs after cuts (r = 0.55 and r = 0.5, respectively).

The influence of field crop rotations on the accumulation of crop-root residues in the arable layer of sod-podzolic soil

The aim of the research is to take a comparative assessment of the amount of plowed down plant residues in various field crop rotations in the conditions of the Republic of Mari El. The study was carried out in 2013-2018 on a stationary site in a two-factor experiment. Factor A ‒ types of crop rotations and shift of crops: 1. Grain and grass crop rotation (oats + clover, clover of the 1st year of use (y.u.) for green mass, winter rye, vetch and oat mixture for grain, spring wheat, barley. 2. I fruit-changing crop rotation (vetch and oat mix for green fodder, winter rye, barley, potato, vetch and oat mixture for grain, spring wheat). 3. II fruit-changing crop rotation (vetch and oat mixture for grain, spring wheat, potato with manure (80 t/ha), barley + clover, clover of the 1st year of use for green mass, winter rye). 4. III fruit-changing crop rotation (barley + clover, clover of the 1st year of use for green mass, clover of the 2nd year of use for green mass, winter rye, potato, oats). Factor B ‒ mineral fertilizers: 1. Without fertilizers. 2. N60P60K60. In the control grain and grass crop rotation with a oneyear use of clover, 3.02±0.06 t/ha of crop-root residues were received per year on the average. In the I fruit-changing crop rotation, due to the replacement of clover with potato, residues formed 2.14±0.04 t/ha, which was significantly less than the control variant (LSD05 in factor А ‒ 0.21). In the II fruit-changing crop rotation, the accumulation of crop-root residues amounted to 2.91±0.07 t/ha. Compared to the control, it was within the limits of experimental error. The largest number of crop-root residues was accumulated in the III fruit-changing crop rotation (3.37±0.07 t/ha). The use of mineral fertilizers significantly increased the bulk of crop-root residues in all crop rotations by 0.16 t/ha per year on the average (LSD05 in factor B ‒ 0.15). Carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) in the crop-root residues of clover and potato was 18…20, in the vetch-oat mixture it was 25…31, in spring grain crops it was 39…41, and in winter rye it was 53.

Биологизированные севообороты – основной фактор повышения плодородия дерново-подзолистых почв и продуктивности пашни в Верхневолжье

Abstract. The purpose of the study was to study the influence of biologized crop rotation with six fields by 50 %, saturated with legumes, on soil fertility and crop productivity on typical sod-podzolic light loamy soils of the Upper Volga. As a result of field experiments and laboratory studies, new data and knowledge about the effect of crop bipolarization on its productivity and the properties of sod-podzolic soil were obtained. For the first time in the region, it has been studied and established that use of legumes in the crop rotation instead of organic fertilizers partially contributes to the replenishment of the soil with organic matter and nitrogen in the form of organic residues and nodule bacteria, which leads to a decrease in the degradation of soil fertility or even to some improvement. By the end of rotation of the crop rotation when applying (NPK) 90 kg/ha compared with the control version (without NPK), in the biologized crop rotation, the humus content increased by 0.14 %, the acidity of the soil solution slightly decreased by 0.25 units, the content of nitrate nitrogen increased by 59 %, mobile phosphorus – by 72.8 % and exchange potassium – by 70.4 %. The density of soil compaction as a whole in a layer of 0–20 cm in occupied steam, under spring wheat and oats amounted to 1.22–1.24 g/cm3, in other crops (where treatment was not carried out for 2 years) – 1.35–1.39 g/cm3. Mineralization of flax tissue more actively occurred under clover 1st and 2nd years of use – 35.6–42.7 % and 31.0 and 37.3 % and in the employed (vetch-oat) – 26.5–34.4 %, less intensively under winter wheat – 20.9–27.5 and oats – 20.1–25.2 % and very weakly under spring wheat – 13.0–16.5 % at the control and the level of mineral nutrition, respectively. There were fewer weeds in winter wheat sowings – 84 pcs/m2, since it is more competitive with them, oats – 112 pcs, clover – 131 pcs, in a couple – 124 pcs and spring wheat – 138 pcs/m2. Productivity of crops to a greater extent was determined by the applied fertilizers. In fertilized plots, compared with the control, the productivity of the oatmeal mixture was 36.2 % higher, spring wheat – 24.4 %, clover 1st year of use – by 36.2 %, 2nd year of use – by 45.7 %, winter wheat – by 25.7 % and oats – by 30 %.

The influence of bioorganic nanofertilizer on spring barley and oilseed rape productivity and economical effectiveness

Fertilizing field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University in 2014–2015. Spring rape and spring barley with under-crop, perennial grass in the 1st year of use, and winter wheat were grown in four-field crop rotation. The experiment aim was to evaluate the influence of fertilizer on spring barley and on oilseed rape applying bioorganic nanofertilizers (BNF) and N60P60K70. The spring barley breed ‘Luokė’ and the oilseed rape ‘Sponsor’ were grown for the experiment. The research showed that N60P60K70 and BNF had a positive effect on the yield of spring barley ‘Luokė’ and of oilseed rape ‘Sponsor’. The spring barley grain yield increased from 6.8 to 16.3% and the oilseed rape seed yield increased from 8.1 to 23.3% compared to the control. The best yields were obtained fertilizing with N60P60K70 and BNF rate 1.0 l ha–1 and spraying twice. Fertilization with N60P60K70 and BNF 1.0 l ha–1 sprayed twice increased the crude protein content in grains by 0.51%. Fertilization with N60P60K70 and BNF solutions significantly increased the yield of spring barley grain and straw and improved the grain quality, positively influenced 1 000 grain weight, sprouting energy and germination. Application of N60P60K70 and BNF for barley is economically beneficial because it gave the highest profit compared to other options, 158.10 € ha–1. The premium yield of spring rape, sprayed with BNF 1.0 l ha–1 solution twice, was higher by 89.92 € ha–1 than that of the oilseed rape sprayed once. Application of N60P60K70 and BNF on oilseed rape is economically beneficial because it gave the highest profit compared with other options, 172.90 € ha–1.

The second-generation eCLIPs Endovascular Clip System: initial experience.

OBJECTIVE Treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms is associated with higher recanalization and complication rates; however, the most commonly used methods are not specifically designed to work in bifurcation lesions. To address these issues, the authors describe the evolution in the design and use of the eCLIPs (Endovascular Clip System) device, a novel hybrid stent-like assist device with flow diverter properties that was first described in 2008. METHODS A registry was established covering 13 international centers at which patients were treated with the second-generation eCLIPs device. Aneurysm morphology and rupture status, device neck coverage, coil retention, and procedural and late morbidity and mortality were recorded. For those patients who had undergone successful implantation more than 6 months earlier, the final imaging and clinical follow-up results and need for re-treatment were recorded. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were treated between June 2013 and September 2015. Twenty-five (76%) patients had successful placement of an eCLIPs device; 23 (92%) of these 25 patients had complete data. Eight cases of nondeployment occurred during the 1st year of use, consistent with a learning curve; no failures of deployment occurred thereafter. Two periprocedural transient ischemic attacks and 2 asymptomatic thrombotic events occurred. Twenty-one (91%) of 23 patients underwent follow-up at an average of 8 months (range 3-18 months); 9 (42.9%) of these 21 patients demonstrated an improvement in Raymond grade at follow-up; no cases of worsening Raymond grade were recorded, and 17 (81.0%) patients sustained a modified Raymond-Roy Classification class of I or II angiographic result at follow-up. Two delayed ruptures were recorded, both in previously coiled, symptomatic giant aneurysms where the device was used as a part of a salvage strategy. CONCLUSIONS The second-generation eCLIPs device is a viable treatment option for bifurcation aneurysms. The aneurysm occlusion rates in this initial clinical series are comparable to the initial experience with other bifurcation support devices.

Erratum. The second-generation eCLIPs Endovascular Clip System: initial experience.

OBJECTIVE Treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms is associated with higher recanalization and complication rates; however, the most commonly used methods are not specifically designed to work in bifurcation lesions. To address these issues, the authors describe the evolution in the design and use of the eCLIPs (Endovascular Clip System) device, a novel hybrid stent-like assist device with flow diverter properties that was first described in 2008. METHODS A registry was established covering 13 international centers at which patients were treated with the second-generation eCLIPs device. Aneurysm morphology and rupture status, device neck coverage, coil retention, and procedural and late morbidity and mortality were recorded. For those patients who had undergone successful implantation more than 6 months earlier, the final imaging and clinical follow-up results and need for re-treatment were recorded. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were treated between June 2013 and September 2015. Twenty-five (76%) patients had successful placement of an eCLIPs device; 23 (92%) of these 25 patients had complete data. Eight cases of nondeployment occurred during the 1st year of use, consistent with a learning curve; no failures of deployment occurred thereafter. Two periprocedural transient ischemic attacks and 2 asymptomatic thrombotic events occurred. Twenty-one (91%) of 23 patients underwent follow-up at an average of 8 months (range 3-18 months); 9 (42.9%) of these 21 patients demonstrated an improvement in Raymond grade at follow-up; no cases of worsening Raymond grade were recorded, and 17 (81.0%) patients sustained a modified Raymond-Roy Classification class of I or II angiographic result at follow-up. Two delayed ruptures were recorded, both in previously coiled, symptomatic giant aneurysms where the device was used as a part of a salvage strategy. CONCLUSIONS The second-generation eCLIPs device is a viable treatment option for bifurcation aneurysms. The aneurysm occlusion rates in this initial clinical series are comparable to the initial experience with other bifurcation support devices.

Forced distribution rating systems: when does "rank and yank" lead to adverse impact?

Despite widespread use of forced distribution rating systems (FDRSs), the potential for this performance appraisal method to lead to adverse impact (AI) in a layoff context has yet to be examined empirically. Thus, the current study uses a Monte Carlo simulation to examine the likelihood of encountering AI violations when an FDRS is used in the context of layoffs. The primary research questions included an examination of how AI violations change depending on the definition of the employment action (i.e., retention vs. layoff), the length of the repeated layoffs, and whether or not laid off employees are replaced each year. The current study also examined the impact of the size of the organization, the percentage of the workforce laid off, and the type of AI calculation method used on the likelihood of AI violations. Results suggest that defining the employment action as layoffs (rather than as retentions) may result in a greater likelihood of AI violations, and AI violations are likely to peak in the 1st year of use. Further, replacing laid off employees may result in higher levels of AI over time as compared with not replacing layoffs. Additionally, the greatest risk for AI occurs when the organization size is large (i.e., N = 10,000) and when certain AI calculation methods are used. Results are discussed in terms of their practical and legal implications for organizations.

Bleeding pattern and satisfaction in consecutive levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) users

Consecutive use of intrauterine contraceptive systems (IUSs) is becoming increasingly common. We have previously reported the results of the 1st year of use of the 2nd consecutive LNG-IUS. We report now the results up to 5 years.

Guidelines for the hormone treatment of women in the menopausal transition and beyond*1Position Statement by the Executive Committee of the International Menopause Society

Guidelines for the hormone treatment of women in the menopausal transition and beyond*1Position Statement by the Executive Committee of the International Menopause Society

Guidelines for the hormone treatment of women in the menopausal transition and beyond: Position Statement by the Executive Committee of the International Menopause Society

Guidelines for the hormone treatment of women in the menopausal transition and beyond: Position Statement by the Executive Committee of the International Menopause Society

Cardiovascular protection by postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy — the point of lower oestrogen dosages

The recent paper from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) by Grodstein et al. [1] is a strong argument for renewed confidence in the future of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a tool for primary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) in postmenopausal women. In their observational cohort study including 70 533 postmenopausal women, in whom 1258 major coronary events and 767 strokes were identified between 1976 and 1996, the authors compared data of women treated with 0.3 mg conjugated oestrogens (CE) with those treated with higher dosages (0.625 mg and 1.25 mg CE). Lowering the oestrogen dosage did not attenuate the CAD risk reduction observed with conventional dosages (0.625 mg: RR 0.54 [95% CI, 0.44–0.67]), and still resulted in a relative risk of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.37–0.92). Data on stroke also indicated a reduced risk by lower oestrogen dosage. Regrettably, the study design did not allow estimating risks within the 1st year of use. Despite the observational design of the study, the authors provide us with plausible arguments that we can rely on their results. The suggested superiority of the randomised controlled design, as used in the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS) [2], the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis (ERA) [3] trial, and the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), appears not entirely valid. The NHS was also capable of detecting a short-term increase in coronary events in women with established CAD [4]. Furthermore, in the NHS no substantial differences in lifestyle factors were detected between users and non-users, and confounding variables were carefully adjusted for in their statistical analyses, implicating that their results can not solely be explained by a healthy user effect. So, why exclusively trust on data provided by randomised controlled trials, which are so hard to get, if there is such a well designed and reliable cohort study as the NHS? The HERS data may be true, but reality may also have been slightly exaggerated, since ERA did not come up with the same risk increase in the 1st year. Most likely, HRT given in conventional dosages as used in the HERS and ERA trial are of no cardiovascular benefit for women with established CAD, at least not within 3–4 years of treatment. What limits the value of these studies is * Tel.: +31-244-43244; fax: +31-244-44422. E-mail address: mj.vandermooren@azvu.nl (M.J. van der Mooren).

Effects of a single contraceptive Silastic implant containing nomegestrol acetate on ovarian function and cervical mucus production during 2 years

To study the mechanism of action of Uniplant (South to South Corporation in Reproductive Health, Salvador, Brazil), a single Silastic capsule containing nomegestrol acetate (Lutenyl, Theramex, France) in women during 2 years. Comparison between the hormonal levels, follicular development, cervical mucus (CM) production, and endometrial thickness in the menstrual cycle before implant insertion and at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after implant insertion. A total of 15 women of reproductive age were enrolled for the 1st year of use. Twelve of these women continued for a 2nd year of Uniplant use. Hormonal plasma levels were measured in control cycles and at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of Uniplant use. Cervical mucus, follicular development, and endometrial thickness also were evaluated. In this study, Uniplant blocks ovulation in 86 percent of cycles studied. Disturbances in follicular growth were observed also. Cervical mucus was scanty and viscous in all women during this study. Endometrial thickness was <8 mm in all cycles studied. This study shows that Uniplant is a long-acting contraceptive that probably acts at the hypothalamic-pituitary levels, on the ovary, on CM production, and on the endometrium. These properties suggest the use of Uniplant as a contraceptive agent, especially if one considers the lack of androgenic and metabolic effects and the maintenance of periodic bleeding similar to menstruation.

The Demographic Impact of Conversion From Steel to Copper IUDs in China

In 1993 Chinas State Family Planning Commission decided to discontinue purchase of steel IUDs which accounted for 41% of all contraceptive use during 1988-91 and to advise factories to cease production of the device. This decision was made because copper IUDs are associated with a lower failure rate which obviates the fact that their initial cost is higher (22 cents per IUD as compared to 4 cents for the steel versions). This article examines the demographic impact of a rapid moderate or slow conversion to use of the copper IUD. Data were gathered through a meta-analysis of 22 published and unpublished clinical studies on the use of the steel IUD in China during 1982-92. Additional data were derived from the 1988 Two Per Thousand Fertility Survey a 1992 study of the Second National IUD Research Group and studies of the State Family Planning Commission. Because 6 times more pregnancies occur with the steel rather than the copper IUD in the 1st year of use and 3 times more for the 5-year average the steel ring is far costlier than the copper device despite the latters higher initial price. Reducing accidental pregnancies will also benefit women physically and psychologically.