NP Treatment Research Articles

Effect of nonylphenol and octylphenol on gene expression of endometrial cells cultured from shed endometrium

OBJECTIVE: We attempt to analyze whether NP or OP may cause the change of gene expression in endometrial cells cultured from shed endometrium.DESIGN: Experimantal study.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shed endometrium was obtained from women who visit our infertility clinic by collecting menstrual blood on menstrual day 2 or 3. The endometrium was dissociated and cultured in DMEM/F-12 medium. The treatment concentration of NP and OP was determined by MTT assays. To analyze the change of gene expression, quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed at 48hr after treatment of NP and OP. Expression of ERα, β, AR, PR, AhR, Cox2, PPARα, β, γ were analyzed.RESULTS: Cell viability was decreased rapidly when the cells were exposed to more than 100 μM of NP or OP. Therefore, the cells were exposed to 80 μM of NP or 100 μM of OP. After exposure to NP, the expressions of ERα, β, AhR, Cox2, PPARα, β, γ were increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to cells that were not exposed to NP. Especially, the expressions of ERβ and Cox2 were increased more than 60-fold. Similar results were obtained after treatment of OP. The expressions of ERα, β, AhR, Cox2, PPARα, β, γ were increased significantly (P<0.05). The expression of Cox2 was increased more than 40-fold.CONCLUSION: There are many kinds of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) around us and they threaten human health. According to our results, NP and OP caused the significant change of gene expression in endometrial cells cultured from shed endometrium. Therefore, uterine environment and female reproductive health might be affected by EDCs such as NP, OP and so on. Of course, further researches are needed to assess how the change of gene expression caused by NP or OP affects the change of uterine environment. And also, the effect of these changes on human reproductive health has to be assessed. OBJECTIVE: We attempt to analyze whether NP or OP may cause the change of gene expression in endometrial cells cultured from shed endometrium. DESIGN: Experimantal study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shed endometrium was obtained from women who visit our infertility clinic by collecting menstrual blood on menstrual day 2 or 3. The endometrium was dissociated and cultured in DMEM/F-12 medium. The treatment concentration of NP and OP was determined by MTT assays. To analyze the change of gene expression, quantitative real-time RT-PCR was performed at 48hr after treatment of NP and OP. Expression of ERα, β, AR, PR, AhR, Cox2, PPARα, β, γ were analyzed. RESULTS: Cell viability was decreased rapidly when the cells were exposed to more than 100 μM of NP or OP. Therefore, the cells were exposed to 80 μM of NP or 100 μM of OP. After exposure to NP, the expressions of ERα, β, AhR, Cox2, PPARα, β, γ were increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to cells that were not exposed to NP. Especially, the expressions of ERβ and Cox2 were increased more than 60-fold. Similar results were obtained after treatment of OP. The expressions of ERα, β, AhR, Cox2, PPARα, β, γ were increased significantly (P<0.05). The expression of Cox2 was increased more than 40-fold. CONCLUSION: There are many kinds of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) around us and they threaten human health. According to our results, NP and OP caused the significant change of gene expression in endometrial cells cultured from shed endometrium. Therefore, uterine environment and female reproductive health might be affected by EDCs such as NP, OP and so on. Of course, further researches are needed to assess how the change of gene expression caused by NP or OP affects the change of uterine environment. And also, the effect of these changes on human reproductive health has to be assessed.

XPC gene intron 11 C/A polymorphism is a predictive biomarker for the sensitivity to NP chemotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

The fact that intron single nucleotide polymorphisms could regulate gene expression or even alter gene expression levels has been the focus of attention. To study the relationship between the intron 11 C/A single nucleotide polymorphism of XPC gene and the efficacy of vinorelbine and cisplatin (NP) chemotherapy, 164 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) taking NP chemotherapy drugs were evaluated according to the efficacy of the treatment. We used polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism to examine the C/A polymorphism in the XPC gene intron 11 of the DNA samples extracted from peripheral blood. It was found that the frequency of patients in the effective group with C/C+C/A genotype (37.6%) had significant difference to chemotherapy than that of patients with A/A homozygotes (27.7%) in the same group (P=0.043, odds ratio=2.366, 95% confidence interval=1.026-5.457). Therefore, NSCLC patients with the C/C+C/A genotype are more sensitive to NP treatment than those with the A/A genotype. The XPC gene intron 11 C/A polymorphism may be a predictive biomarker for sensitivity to NP chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC.

Effect of NPK Application on Yield, Nutrients and Water Utilization Under Sudangrass and Ryegrass Rotation Regime

Sudangrass and ryegrass rotation is a new type of cropping system in Jianghan Plain, which develops very fast in recent years. So, it is essential to work out the optimal nutrients and water management measures in this new system. The effect of NPK fertilizer on yield of forage grass, nutrients and water utilization under sudangrass and ryegrass rotation was studied through continuous pot experiments for three years. The results showed that NPK combination could significantly improve the yield of forage grasses. The total yields during the periods of 2005–2006, 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 were 1690.0, 2091.3 and 1770.7 g/pot, respectively. The yields in PK treatment were 700.7, 1256.9 and 856.3% lower than those of NPK treatment, while the yields in NK treatment were 426.3, 384.9 and 792.3% lower than those of NPK treatment, respectively. Similarly, the yields in NP treatment were 15.9, 4.4 and 10.6% lower than those of NPK treatment, respectively. The NPK combination was found to improve the nutrients uptake, and the total N uptakes during the above periods were 10.0, 14.8 and 10.6 times higher than that of PK treatment, respectively, and 3.7, 1.8 and 5.1 times higher than those of NK treatment, respectively, but, were similar to NP treatment. The total P uptakes were 4.6, 6.8 and 5.3 times higher than those of PK treatment, and were 2.4, 2.3 and 2.9 times higher than those of NK treatment, respectively, but were similar to NP treatment. The total K uptakes were 5.2, 8.4 and 4.9 times higher than that of PK treatment, 3.9, 2.3 and 3.9 times higher than those of NK treatment, and 80.9, 57.4 and 200.5% higher than those of NP treatment, respectively. Water productivity for three years time periods were 16.5, 16.1 and 16.2 kg m −3, and were 3.8, 5.4 and 4.2 times higher than those of PK treatment, 2.3, 1.3 and 2.6 times higher than those of NK treatment, and were 16.4, 8.8 and 22.4% higher than those of NP treatment, respectively. The soil pH was decreased and soil organic matter was increased in all treatments with increase in the time of sudangrass and ryegrass rotation system. The total soil N was increased in NP, NK and NPK treatments, while it was stable in PK treatment. The available P in NP, PK and NPK treatments was increased significantly, while it was stable in NK treatment. The slow releasing K and available K were increased significantly in NK and PK treatments, but decreased in NP and NPK treatments. The treatment with NPK combination was found to improve the yield of forage, nutrient uptake and soil fertility in sudangrass and ryegrass rotation system.

Effects of preharvest treatments on yield and chemical composition of tomato

Postharvest losses in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) are among others, the prime factor affecting the quantity and quality of tomato fruits in the market. Options to avert these losses are limited, and thus the need to design research studies that are geared to developing such strategies. A field experiment was therefore conducted to study effects of preharvest treatment of ComCat® spray, manure, NP fertilisation and the combinations of ComCat® with the two forms of fertilisation and the control on yield and quality of tomato in semiarid climate in eastern part of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted using randomised complete block design with 3 replications. Data were collected from two centeral rows of treatment plots to assess vegetative growth, yield and the chemical composition of fruits at harvest. The result showed that the use of ComCat® and its combination with manure gave the highest total yield 58.53 tha-1 and 55.77tha-1 of which 94% and 93% weremarketable and total yield, respectively. By using manure and NP fertiliser it was observed that both marketable and total yield was not significantly influenced. The control tomato plants were found to give higher total and marketable yield on comparison with the preharvest ComCat® + NP treatment. The chemical qualities of tomatoes were improved by preharvest ComCat®, ComCat® + manure and ComCat® = NP treatments. Based on the varied performance of the treatements imposed, adoption of a particular teatment will depend on a specificrecommendation dormain.

Distribution and availability of phosphorus in black soil water-stable aggregate under different long-term fertilizations

The distribution and availability of P in black soil water-stable aggregates were studied in a long-term fertilization field experiment. The field is located at Hailun Station of Agro-ecology Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The experiment included a control with no fertilization (CK), treatments with only chemical (N and P) fertilization (NP) and with chemical and pig manure (NP+OM) fertilization. The results show that fertilization increases total P content in the soil water-stable aggregates. Total P in the soil water-stable aggregates under NP treatment increases by 28.9%~37.8% compared with CK, whereas that under NP+OM treatment increases by 44.0%~63.9% over NP treatment. Available P content is significantly different for different treatments. Available P in the soil water-stable aggregates under NP treatment increases by 146%~183% compared with CK, whereas that under NP+OM treatment is 3.4~5.3 times as much as treatment NP. Though total P and available P for all the treatments are evenly distributed in the 0.053 mm soil water-stable aggregate, a significantly drop is noted in the soil water-stable aggregates which are smaller than 0.053 mm. Calculated percent values of available P in total P indicate that fertilization favors P availability in soils. This is especially the case under NP+OM treatment. Percent values of available P in total P in the soil water-stable aggregates under treatment NP are 1.94~2.32 times as much as treatment CK, while those of treatment NP+OM are 2.13~2.83 times as much as treatment NP.

Long-term impacts of municipal solid waste compost, sewage sludge and farmyard manure application on organic carbon, bulk density and consistency limits of a calcareous soil in central Iran

Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital in terms of improving the soil physical and mechanical properties related to conditions for tillage and traffic, and to crop development in arid and semiarid regions. This study was conducted to characterize the SOC, bulk density (BD) and consistency limits (shrinkage limit, SL; plastic limit, PL; liquid limit, LL) of a calcareous soil (Typic Haplargids) in relation to the seven-year application of manures (municipal solid waste compost, MSWC; sewage sludge, SS; farmyard manure, FYM) at three rates (25, 50 and 100 Mg ha −1) and one inorganic fertilizer (NP) management in irrigated wheat–corn rotation. There was also a control treatment (UNF), i.e. without any organic and/or inorganic fertilizer addition. The SOC, BD, consistency limits, plasticity index (PI = LL − PL) and friability index (FI = PL − SL) were measured for the soil taken from the 0–20 cm layer. The SOC in SS, FYM and MSWC treated soils increased on average by 2.5, 2.2 and 2 times of the amount in the UNF, respectively. The BD varied from 1.03 to 1.37 Mg m −3. The lowest BD was recorded in 100 Mg ha −1 application rate of manures, whereas it was the highest in NP treatment. The PL and LL varied from 19% to 30% and 30.1% to 40.9%, respectively. The PL for the SS treated soil was significantly higher than the FYM and MSWC treated soils. However, the LL and PI were not significantly affected by manure type. The SL and PL were increased significantly but in small percentages by the application of NP as compared with the UNF. The optimum water content (WC) for tillage (i.e. 0.9PL) as well as the workable WC range (i.e. FI) was the largest in the soil amended with 100 Mg ha −1 of SS and the smallest in the UNF. There was a significant relationship between the application rate of the manures and the SOC. The positive relationship between SOC and SL, PL, LL or FI was found to be significantly linear whereas the relationship with the soil BD was significantly negative. For soils amended with SS which the data on cation exchange capacity (CEC) were available, the relationships of PL and LL with CEC were significantly linear as with SOC. This study showed that the manures improved soil WC ranges at which the optimum conditions for tillage and traffic can be obtained. Moreover, the improvement depended on the application rate of the manures.

The effects of gold nanoparticles on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization function of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro

This study has investigated the effects of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of a murine preosteoblast cell line MC3T3-E1 in vitro. The results show that Au NPs with diameters of both 20 and 40 nm promoted the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner at the concentrations of 1.5×10−5, 3.0×10−5, and 1.5×10−4 μmol/L. The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) indicates that the expressions of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OCN) genes increased after the 20 and 40 nm Au NP treatments, and the expression levels were higher than those of the NaF group. The above results suggest that Au NPs have the potential to promote the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells and the particle size plays a significant role in the process. Runx2, BMP-2, ALP, and OCN genes may interact with each other, further stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.

The Rengen Grassland Experiment: relationship between soil and biomass chemical properties, amount of elements applied, and their uptake

The Rengen Grassland Experiment (RGE) was established in the Eifel Mountains (Germany) on a low productive Nardetum in 1941. Since then, the following fertilizer treatments have been applied with a late two-cut system: unfertilized control, Ca, CaN, CaNP, CaNPKCl and CaNPK2SO4. We aimed to understand how concentrations of macro (N, P, K, Ca and Mg), micro (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and trace (As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) elements in the plant biomass were affected by long-term fertilizer application, soil chemical properties and biomass production. In 2008, biomass samples from the first cut (early July) and the second cut (mid-October) were collected and analyzed. The simultaneous application of N, P and K decreased nitrogen concentration in the aboveground biomass, but substantially increased biomass production. Late cutting management decreased forage quality in highly productive more than in low productive plant communities. The concentrations of P and K in the plant biomass were positively related to P and K application and, therefore, to plant available P and K concentrations in the soil. The concentrations of some micro (Fe, Mn and Zn) and trace (As, Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) elements in the plant biomass were negatively correlated with the amount of elements supplied by fertilizers and biomass production, probably because of the dilution effect. Long-term fertilizer application resulted in the accumulation of macro (P, Ca and Mg), micro (Fe and Mn) and trace (As and Cr) elements in the soil, but in many cases this accumulation was not connected with an increase in the concentrations of these elements in the plant biomass. Nutritional status, as indicated by the biomass N:P ratio, was consistent with N or P limitation as indicated by the nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition indices. Furthermore, additional K (co-)limitation was indicated by the N:K and K:P ratios in the biomass from the NP treatment. The results from the RGE indicate that there is no simple positive relationship between the applied elements and their concentrations in the plant biomass.

Effects of fertilization on nutrient budget and nitrogen use efficiency of farmland soil under different precipitations in Northeastern China

Based on a consecutive 16-year field trial and meteorological data, the effects of fertilization on the nutrient budget and nitrogen use efficiency in farmland soil under different precipitation years were studied. With no fertilization treatment, the grain yield of maize was 3,520 kg ha−1 (mean yield over 13 years). But the maximum yield increased to 7,470 kg ha−1 when treated with mineral N, P and K fertilizers and recycled manure. The nutrient uptake also increased by twofold to threefold in NPKM treated field compared with that in the control treatment. The highest yields were obtained in years with normal precipitation, despite the different fertilization schemes. The lowest yields were obtained in drought or waterlogging years, which were 44.7–58.5% of the yields in years with normal precipitation. It also appeared that the deficits of N, P and K were greater in the years with proper precipitation than those in arid or flood years, because more production was removed from the field. Soil total N decreased significantly when treated with mineral fertilizer or recycled manure alone. The maximum deficit of soil total N was observed in control treatment (557 kg ha−1) from 1990 to 2005. The N treatment resulted in a significant negative balance of P, due to the high yield of the crop in response to applied N. The application of NP or N to soils resulted in a greater negative K balance than that of the control. The greatest negative balance of total P and available P were obtained under the control and N treatment, and the highest deficit of soil total K and exchangeable K were obtained under NP treatment. We found that the rate of 150 kg N ha−1 year−1 was inadequate for maintaining soil N balance, and amendment of soil with organic source could not stop the loss of soil P and K. The applying rates of 150 kg N ha−1 year−1, 25 kg P ha−1 year−1, and 60 kg K ha−1 year−1 combined with 2–3 t ha−1 organic manure were recommended to maintain soil fertility level. The nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was greatly improved in the years with proper precipitation and balanced fertilization. Higher NUE and grain yields were achieved under NPK and NPKM treatments in years with normal precipitation. The results clearly demonstrated that both organic and mineral fertilizers were needed to increase crop production, improve NUE and maintain soil fertility level.

NMR-based metabonomic study of the sub-acute toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticlesin rats after oral administration

As titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used commercially, their potential toxicity on human health hasattracted particular attention. In the present study, the oral toxicological effects ofTiO2 NPs (dosed at0.16, 0.4 and 1 g kg − 1, respectively) were investigated using conventional approaches and metabonomicanalysis in Wistar rats. Serum chemistry, hematology and histopathologyexaminations were performed. The urine and serum were investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) using principal components and partialleast squares discriminant analysis. The metabolic signature of urinalysis inTiO2 NP-treated rats showed increases in the levels of taurine, citrate,hippurate, histidine, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), citrulline,α-ketoglutarate, phenylacetylglycine (PAG) and acetate; moreover, decreases in the levels oflactate, betaine, methionine, threonine, pyruvate, 3-D-hydroxybutyrate (3-D-HB), cholineand leucine were observed. The metabonomics analysis of serum showed increases inTMAO, choline, creatine, phosphocholine and 3-D-HB as well as decreases inglutamine, pyruvate, glutamate, acetoacetate, glutathione and methionine afterTiO2 NP treatment. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and lactatedehydrogenase (LDH) were elevated and mitochondrial swelling in heart tissue was observed inTiO2 NP-treated rats. These findings indicate that disturbances in energyand amino acid metabolism and the gut microflora environment maybe attributable to the slight injury to the liver and heart caused byTiO2 NPs. Moreover, the NMR-based metabolomic approach is a reliable and sensitive methodto study the biochemical effects of nanomaterials.

Mineral Nitrogen and Microbial Biomass Dynamics under Different Acid Soil Management Practices for Maize Production

Field and laboratory incubation studies were conducted to determine the effect of different acid soil managementpractices; liming (L), combined N and P fertilizers (NP), and goat manure (M) application, for maize production on thedynamics of mineral N, microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). A randomisedcomplete block design with a 23 factorial arrangement replicated thrice was used. The factors, each at two levels, were:NP fertilizers applied as triple superphosphate (0 and 75 kg ha-1), and urea (0 and 50 kg ha-1), L (0 and 2.5 t ha-1) and M(0 and 5 t ha-1) giving a total of eight treatments; L, M, NP, LM, LNP, MNP, LMNP and C (control). Soil samples fordetermination of mineral N, MBC and MBN were collected from the 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths at seedling, tasselling,and maturity stages of maize growth and after 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 days of laboratory incubation of soils obtainedfrom the same field.The NP treatment had significantly (P< 0.5) higher levels of mineral N in both depths at all stages of maize growth,followed by MNP and LMNP. The net mineralized N (?gN/g dry soil) for the incubated soil followed the order LMNP,MNP, LM, M, L, LNP, C and NP for the two depths. The MNP, LMNP and M treatments had significantly higher MBCand MBN for both field and incubated soils. The correlations between mineral N and MBN were positive butnon-significant at seedling and maturity stages of maize growth in the 0-15 cm depth and at seedling and tassellingstages in the 15-30 cm depth. The correlations between MBN and Mineral N for both depths and sampling periods werepositive and significant for the incubated soils, The maize grain yield increases (%) above control were 43, 36.4, 31.1,25.3, 21.9, 13.7 and 3.0 for LMNP, MNP, NP, M, LNP, LM and L treatments, respectively.Application of LMNP and MNP treatments enhanced mineral N, MBC and MBN and concomitantly soil quality andproductivity as gauged from the improved maize yields in the respective treatments. Combining manure, lime andchemical fertilizers and /or manure and chemical fertilizers is thus a promising alternative to developing a moresustainable acid soil management strategy for increased maize production in Molo district, Kenya.

Clinical study of thalidomide combined with NP regimen for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of thalidomide combined with NP regimen in treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to analyse the change of VEGF and bFGF in peripheral blood in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods 57 patients with advanced NSCLC were divided randomly into NP plus thalidomide treatment group and NP contrast group,and VEGF and bFGF were measured by ELISA. Results The response rate was 44.4 % in trial group and 23.8% in control group (P>0.05). The clinical benefit rate were 77.8% in trial group and 42.9% in control group (P>0.05). The median TIP was 5.1 months and 3.0 months for trial group and control group respectively(P=0.05). Patients in benefit in trial group had a remarkable decrease in the number of VEGF (P 0.05). Patients out of benefit in trial group and control group had a increase in the number of VEGF (P 0.05) while patients out of benefit in trial group and control group had a remarkable increase in the number of bFGF(P<0.05). Conclusion The addition of thalidomide to NP regimen results in significantly and clinically meaningful improvement in response rate, median time to tumor progression, and clinical benefit rate compared with NP alone in advanced NSCLC patients.Thalidomide in combination with chemotherapy shows a favorable toxic profile in advanced cancer patients.VEGF and bFGF can be detected in patients with advanced NSCLC. Key words: Carcinoma,non-small-cell lung; Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Vascular endothelial growth factors; Fibroblast growth factor 2

Changes in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in a Long‐Term Continuous Maize–Wheat Cropping System in India

In a long‐term maize–wheat rotation at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India (subtropical climate), the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) addition on soil fertility and forms of inorganic P and K in the plow layer of an alkaline sandy loam soil were measured after 11 and 22 years of cropping. The treatments comprised four rates of N (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg N ha−1) as urea, three rates of P (0, 17.5, and 35 kg P ha−1) as single superphosphate, and two rates of K (0 and 33 kg K ha−1) as muriate of potash. The treatments selected for the present study were N0P0K0, N120P0K0, N120P17.5K0, N120P35K0, N120P17.5K33, and N120P35K33. A significant year × treatment interaction in decreasing available N [alkaline potassium permanganate (KMnO4)–oxidizable N) status of soils was found in all the treatments. Available P (Olsen P) in the control plot decreased over time whereas in plots with added P, available P increased significantly after years 11 and 22, with the greatest increase in the N120P17.5Ko treatment. Compared to the initial values, continuous P fertilization resulted in greater total P and chloride P concentrations after 11 and 22 years. Although sodium hydroxide (NaOH) P and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) P increased in P‐treated plots from the start of the trial to year 11, they decreased from year 11 to year 22. Among these inorganic P forms, chloride P was significantly positively correlated with P uptake (r = 0.811*). When only N and P were applied, available K [ammonium acetate (NH4OAc)–extractable K] significantly decreased over time. In plots without K addition, water‐soluble and exchangeable K decreased from their initial status. Compared to year 11, water‐soluble K increased, whereas exchangeable K decreased after year 22 in plots receiving no K fertilizer. Compared with NPK treatments, a significant decrease of total K in NP treatment plots suggests the release and uptake of nonexchangeable K. Water‐soluble K and exchangeable K were not correlated with K uptake. These results suggest that long‐term application of P fertilizers resulted in the accumulation of P in the soil, which could have resulted in saturation of P binding sites. Of the soil inorganic P fractions, only chloride P appears to be a good indicator of plant‐available P. The gradual loss in native soil K and release of nonexchangeable K indicates the need for adding K fertilizer to maintain soil fertility.

Effects of dietary protein level and amino acid supplementation on performance of mixed-parity lactating sows in a tropical humid climate1

Eighty-six mixed-parity Large White sows were used to determine the effect of diets with reduced CP content or supplemented with essential AA on 28-d lactation performance under humid tropical climatic conditions. This experiment was conducted in Guadeloupe (West French Indies, latitude 16 degrees N, longitude 61 degrees W) between February 2007 and January 2008. Two seasons were distinguished a posteriori from climatic measurement variables continuously recorded in the farrowing room. The average minimum and maximum ambient temperatures and average daily relative humidity for the warm season were 20.5 and 28.2 degrees C, and 93.8%, respectively. The corresponding values for the hot season were 22.7 and 29.4 degrees C, and 93.7%, respectively. The dietary experimental treatments were a normal protein diet (NP), a low protein diet (LP), and a NP diet (NP+) supplemented with essential AA. The NP and LP diets supplied the same levels of standardized digestible Lys (i.e., 0.80 g/MJ of NE), and the NP+ diet supplied 0.95 g/MJ of NE. No interaction between season and diet composition was noted on any response variable evaluated. The ADFI was decreased (P < 0.05) in the hot season (i.e., 3.69 vs. 4.72 kg) and therefore decreased by 500 g per degrees C increase of ambient temperature under high relative humidity conditions. The ADFI tended to be greater with the LP and NP+ diets when compared with the NP treatment (i.e., +10%, P = 0.08). Litter BW gain and mean BW of piglets at weaning were greater (P < 0.05) during the warm season than during the hot season (2.3 vs. 1.8 kg/d and 7.5 vs. 7.1 kg, respectively). Milk production and composition were not affected by dietary treatments but were affected by season (8.1 vs. 6.8 kg/d, for warm and hot seasons, respectively; P < 0.01). The sows fed LP and NP+ diets tended to have decreased backfat thickness losses (3.3 and 3.8 mm, respectively; P > 0.08). In conclusion, the hot season in humid tropical climates, which combines high levels of temperature and humidity, has a pronounced negative impact on performance of lactating sows. Diets with low CP content or supplemented with essential AA can attenuate the effects of hot and humid season by increasing ADFI in lactating sows.

Effect of Fertilization on Yield of Forage Grass, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Properties under Sudangrass and Ryegrass Rotation Regime

Sudangrass and ryegrass rotation is a new type of growth system in Jianghan Plain, which had developed very fast in recent years. So it is highly essential to propose an optimum nutrient management practice for increasing forage grass yield, improving soil fertilization and assuring sustainable development in this new system. Effect of fertilization on yield of forage grass, nutrient uptake and nutrition in soil under Sudangrass and ryegrass rotation regime was studied for two years through the field experiments in Honghu City of Jianghan Plain. The results showed that the application of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) combination obviously improved fresh yield of Sudangrass and ryegrass, with a total forage yield of 162.7 t ha-1 in 2005–2006, which was 312.9%, 26.9%, 17.9% higher than those of PK, NK, NP treatments, respectively. The total forage yield was 114.9 t ha-1 in 2006–2007, and 338.5%, 20.3%, 17.2% higher than those of PK, NK, NP treatments, respectively. Fertilization affected nutrient content of forage grass, and N fertilizer increased N content of grass, and K fertilizer increased K content of grass. NPK combination also promoted nutrient uptake of forage grass, with the higher nutrient uptake than other treatments. The total N, P, K uptake of forage grass was 500 kg ha-1, 91 kg ha-1, 997 kg ha-1 in 2005–2006, and 312 kg ha-1, 56 kg ha-1, 402 kg ha-1 in 2006–2007, respectively. In this rotation, the surplus of N and P2O5 in NPK treatment was the least, compared with that in NP, NK and PK treatments. However, K2O surplus in NPK treatment was the negative. In Sudangrass and ryegrass rotation, organic matter and total nitrogen in soil in all treatments, available phosphorus in soil in NPK, NP, and PK treatments and available potassium in soil in NPK, NK, and PK treatments increased with crop rotation times. But available phosphorus in soil in NK treatment and available potassium in soil in NP treatment slightly degraded, respectively.

Effect of long-term fertilization on the content of different forms of phosphorus in wheat

利用长期定位施肥试验, 研究了不同施肥处理下小麦体内各种形态磷含量的变化。结果表明: 不同施肥处理的小麦籽粒各形态磷含量均明显高于茎秆。籽粒磷脂态磷含量最高, 平均为1.19 g·kg^-1, 其次为活性有机磷、活性无机磷, 未知形态磷含量最少, 平均为0.348 g·kg^-1。 茎秆中活性无机磷含量最高, 为0.142 g·kg^-1, 活性有机磷含量最低, 为0.034 g·kg^-1。单施有机肥处理小麦茎秆活性有机磷含量显著低于对照及其他处理。除此之外, 施磷处理(PK、NP、NPK、OM和1/2OM+1/2NPK)的小麦体内其他各形态磷含量均高于不施磷处理(CK、NK)。与对照相比, 单施有机肥能显著增加小麦籽粒各形态磷、全磷和茎秆活性无机磷、未知形态磷、全磷含量; NP处理茎秆有机磷(活性有机磷、磷脂磷)含量显著高于其他处理。不同施肥处理下, 小麦籽粒中各形态磷含量与籽粒全磷含量间均呈显著正相关。

Effect of land-use type on enzyme activity in black soil

基于中国科学院海伦农业生态实验站长期定位试验, 研究不同土地利用方式下4月份和7月份黑土脲酶、转化酶、磷酸酶活性的变化。结果表明: 土地利用方式不同, 黑土酶活性有较大差异。草地与裸地相比, 4月份脲酶、转化酶、磷酸酶活性分别增加24.66%、29.56%、34.67%, 7月份分别增加56.12%、128.40%和30.42%, 表明经过自然植被恢复, 土壤生物活性增强, 土壤肥力提高; 农田3种施肥方式相比, 脲酶、转化酶、磷酸酶活性大小均为化肥+有机肥处理＞化肥处理＞无肥处理。3种不同生态系统相比, 转化酶、磷酸酶活性大小依次为草地生态系统＞农田生态系统＞裸地生态系统, 脲酶活性大小依次为农田化肥+有机肥处理＞草地生态系统＞农田化肥处理＞农田无肥处理＞裸地生态系统。表明采取一定的施肥措施和草地自然植被恢复可增加黑土酶活性, 提高土壤肥力。土壤脲酶、磷酸酶和转化酶活性与土壤有机质含量和全氮含量均有显著相关关系, 能较好地反映土壤肥力水平。

Effect of Different Fertilizer Treatments on Quantity of Soil Microbes and Structure of Ammonium Oxidizing Bacterial Community in a Calcareous Purple Paddy Soil

The quantity of soil microbes and the structure of ammonium oxidizing bacterial (AOB) community were analyzed using the dilution plate counting and most probable number method (MPN), and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), respectively. Fertilizer application tended to increase the number of soil microbes and alter the AOB community compared to the control with no fertilizer application (CK). Among the eight fertilizer treatments, soil samples from the treatments of mineral fertilizers (e.g., N, P, K) in combination with farmyard manure (M) had greater numbers of soil microbes and more complex structure of AOB community than those receiving mineral fertilizers alone. The principal component analyses (PCA) for ammonium oxidizing bacterial community structure showed that the eight fertilizer treatments could be divided into two PCA groups (PCA1 and PCA2). For the soil sampled after rice harvest, PCA1 included NP, NM, NPM and NPKM fertilizer treatments, while PCA2 was consisted of CK, N, M and NPK fertilizer treatments. For soil samples collected after wheat harvest, PCA1 was consisted of M, NM, NPM and NPKM fertilizer treatments, while PCA2 was composed of CK, N, NP and NPK fertilizer treatments. For a given rotation, the richness of AOB community in PCA1 was greater than that in PCA2. In addition, AOB community structure was more complex in the soil after rice harvest than that after wheat harvest. The results indicated that different fertilizer treatments resulted in substantial changes of soil microbe number and AOB community. Furthermore, mineral fertilizers (N, NP, NPK) combined with farmyard manure were effective for increasing the quantity of soil microbes, enriching AOB community, and improving the soil biofertility.

Changes in organic phosphorus content and forms under long-term fertilization in plowed layers of fluvo-aquic soils

摘要: 以15年肥料长期定位试验为基础,采用Bowman-Cole有机磷分组方法,研究长期施肥对潮土耕层有机磷组分及其变化的影响.结果表明:耕层有机磷含量相对较低,有机磷总量为22.35～66.95 mg·kg-1,占土壤全磷的4.47%～9.86%.各组分中以中度活性有机磷为主要部分,占有机磷58.93%～82.40%.长期施肥对土壤各组分有机磷含量产生明显影响,与对照CK相比,PK处理活性有机磷和中度活性有机磷增加,NP处理活性有机磷和中度活性有机磷减少,两处理间差异显著.施用有机肥显著增加耕层土壤中度稳定性有机磷含量.耕层土壤碱性磷酸酶与中稳定性有机磷呈显著正相关. 关键词: 潮土 / 长期定位试验 / 有机磷 / 活性有机磷

Open-Label Study of Craving in Smokers With Schizophrenia Using Nicotine Nasal Spray Compared to Nicotine Patch

ABSTRACT Rationale: Nicotine nasal spray (NNS) may be better for relieving acute cigarette cravings than other nicotine replacement and it may help smokers with schizophrenia because of its rapid onset of action. Objectives: We tested whether NNS was more effective than a nicotine patch (NP; 21 mg) in reducing cue-induced craving during a 3-day abstinence. Methods: Twenty-five smokers with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SA) were randomized to open-label NNS or NP treatment after baseline measures of craving were assessed. NNS users were instructed to dose at a minimum of 1/hour and up to a maximum of 40/day. Averages from a 4-item visual analogue scale (need, urge, want to smoke, crave a cigarette) measured craving. Results: Five subjects who smoked (4 NP, 1 NNS) were excluded, leaving 21 (11 NP, 10 NNS) for analyses. No differences were detected between groups on baseline craving. On day 3, NNS users reported significantly less craving in response to smoking cues compared to NP users (mean craving scores: NNS, 7.0; NP, 20.3; p = .014). A repeated measure ANCOVA demonstrated significantly reduced craving in the NNS group compared to the NP group from baseline to day 3 (F = 5.09; p = .037). NNS users took an average of 20 doses/day, and NNS was rated as being as easy to use as NP. Conclusions: The potential utility of NNS in smokers with schizophrenia supports the need for placebo-controlled studies.