Previous Fertilization Research Articles

Estimation of nitrogen supply for winter wheat production through a long-term field trial in China

Excessive synthetic nitrogen (N) applications, high mineral N accumulation and low N use efficiency (NUE) are current issues in intensively cultivated winter wheat production system impeding the sustainable development of agriculture in China. To solve these problems, soil accumulated N in the top 1 m of the soil profile before sowing (Nsoil), returned straw-N from the previous maize crop (Nstraw) and fertilizer N application (Nfertilizer) should be comprehensively considered N supply sources in N management. As such, the objective of this research was to determine the optimal total N supply (TNsupply) level needed to meet crop requirements while minimizing environmental impacts. A 9-year on-farm experiment was conducted in accordance with a split-plot design involving two different fertilizer management systems (main treatments) and three N application strategies (sub treatments). Extensive TNsupply levels (ranging from 61 kg ha−1 to 813 kg ha−1) were detected, and relative yield (RY), N input and N output in response to the TNsupply were measured. The relationships between TNsupply and RY, N input, and N output strongly fit linear-plateau, linear, and linear-plateau models, respectively. The minimum TNsupply levels needed to achieve the maximum RY and N output were 325 and 392 kg ha−1, respectively. On the basis of N supply capacity, the TNsupply was removed from the growing system by 61% (N input). As the N input increased past 209 kg ha−1, the NUE declined, at which point the TNsupply reached 433 kg ha−1. Therefore, the suitable TNsupply should range from 325 kg ha−1 (ensuring a total N supply for high yield and N uptake) to 433 kg ha−1 (obtaining a relatively higher NUE and less N loss to the environment). The TNsupply was highlighted to be an indicator for use in N management recommendations. Considering the average high N accumulation in winter wheat production systems, N management should essentially take into account the consumption of Nsoil, the levels of Nstraw and the minimum application of Nfertilizer to obtain high yields while minimizing environmental impacts under suitable TNsupply levels.

Ranking fertility predictors in Spain: a multicriteria decision approach

Fertility is highly determined by previous fertility intentions. Spain has one of the lowest levels of fertility in Europe. This work presents an analysis of fertility intentions in Spain based on data from the 2018 Fertility Survey conducted by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. This survey identifies the key factors influencing recent and current fertility levels as well as the fertility intentions of its participants. Using the theoretical framework of the theory of planned behaviour and via multinomial logistic regression, the main social, economic and demographic factors that drive or inhibit desired fertility are determined and analysed. Traditional approaches rank the contribution of these factors or predictors to the dependent variable using a single criterion. In this work, several decision criteria will be simultaneously considered in the ranking of fertility intention’s predictors. The obtained results show how the costs of progression to paternity and the perceived benefits of having a child significantly impact decisions regarding first maternity. The demographic background factors that are related to age and the number of children are the determinants that most influence the second and subsequent maternities. The factors that are related to the labour market, gender roles and the negative effect of the current Spanish real estate market are also identified as determinants of desired fertility.

Evaluation of the Biostimulant Banzaï’s Effect and the Previous Fertilizer on the Control of Cocoa Black Cherries Disease in N’Gouamoinkro, in the Department of Toumodi, Côte d'Ivoire

The overall objective of this study was to compare the effect of the biostimulant Banzai and fertilizer on black cherries disease. More specifically, the aim was to evaluate the effect of the number of applications of the biostimulant Banzai and to evaluate the cumulative effect of the previous fertilizer and Banzai. The experiment was conducted in N'Gouamoinkro in the department of Toumodi. The design consists of a Fischer block with six treatments repeated three times and each treatment contained 20 test cocoa trees. This design was replicated on two sites, one with previous fertilizer (DAE) and the other without previous fertilizer (DSE). Banzai was applied for three or four consecutive months depending on the treatment at each site. The SUPERCAO fertilizer was applied twice during the experiment. The data collected included the total number of cherries produced and the number of black cherries. The results obtained revealed that at both sites (DAE and DSE), the plots treated with Banzai had better control the black cherries disease than the control plots. At DAE site, the control of black cherries disease was independent of the number of Banzai biostimulant and fertilizer applications. At the DSE site, the three applications of Banzai combined with the SUPERCAO fertilizer had a better control effect than the three applications of Banzai without fertilizer. The cumulative effect of the previous fertilizer, and the Banzai, did not have a positive impact on the control of black cherries disease.

Previous Marriage Outcomes and Fertility Preference among Re-Married Women in Nigeria: Analysis from 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey

With increasing rate of re-marriage, women’s decision to stick to their intended fertility may be influenced by the dictate of men who demand additional child to consummate the new union. This study examined the influence of previous marriage outcome on women’s fertility preference by analysing 2013 NDHS weighted sample data of 2,671 Nigerian women, who reported to have re-married. The analysis employed Chi-square test and Multinomial Logistic Regression Model. The result indicates that, apart from previous marriage outcome, ideal number of children, wealth status, and ethnicity are predictors of re-married women’s fertility preference. Women who lost their husband in their previous marriage were more likely to desire no more children than other categories of women. The study recommends enlightenment campaign to empower women, especially the widowed to make informed choices about their marital status after the death of husbands, also, to increase their sexual bargaining power in later remarried union.

Reduced pregnancy and live birth rates after in vitro fertilization in women with previous Caesarean section: a retrospective cohort study.

STUDY QUESTIONDoes a previous Caesarean section affect reproductive outcomes, including live birth, in women after IVF or ICSI?SUMMARY ANSWERA previous Caesarean section impairs live birth rates after IVF or ICSI compared to a previous vaginal delivery.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYRates of Caesarean sections are rising worldwide. Late sequelae of a Caesarean section related to a niche (Caesarean scar defect) include gynaecological symptoms and obstetric complications. A systematic review reported a lower pregnancy rate after a previous Caesarean section (RR 0.91 CI 0.87–0.95) compared to a previous vaginal delivery. So far, studies have been unable to causally differentiate between problems with fertilisation, and the transportation or implantation of an embryo. Studying an IVF population allows us to identify the effect of a previous Caesarean section on the implantation of embryos in relation to a previous vaginal delivery.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONWe retrospectively studied the live birth rate in women who had an IVF or ICSI treatment at the IVF Centre, Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2006 and 2016 with one previous delivery. In total, 1317 women were included, of whom 334 had a previous caesarean section and 983 had previously delivered vaginally.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSAll secondary infertile women, with only one previous delivery either by caesarean section or vaginal delivery, were included. If applicable, only the first fresh embryo transfer was included in the analyses. Patients who did not intend to undergo embryo transfer were excluded. The primary outcome was live birth. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with adjustment for possible confounders ((i) age; (ii) pre-pregnancy BMI; (iii) pre-pregnancy smoking; (iv) previous fertility treatment; (v) indication for current fertility treatment: (a) tubal, (b) male factor and (c) endometriosis; (vi) embryo quality; and (vii) endometrial thickness), if applicable. Analysis was by intention to treat (ITT).MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEBaseline characteristics of both groups were comparable. Live birth rates were significantly lower in women with a previous caesarean section than in women with a previous vaginal delivery, 15.9% (51/320) versus 23.3% (219/941) (OR 0.63 95% CI 0.45–0.87) in the ITT analyses. The rates were also lower for ongoing pregnancy (20.1 versus 28.1% (OR 0.64 95% CI 0.48–0.87)), clinical pregnancy (25.7 versus 33.8% (OR 0.68 95% CI 0.52–0.90)) and biochemical test (36.2 versus 45.5% (OR 0.68 95% CI 0.53–0.88)). The per protocol analyses showed the same differences (live birth rate OR 0.66 95% CI 0.47–0.93 and clinical pregnancy rate OR 0.72 95% CI 0.54–0.96).LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThis study is limited by its retrospective design. Furthermore, 56 (16.3%) cases lacked data regarding delivery outcomes, but these were equally distributed between the two groups.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe lower clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer indicate that implantation is hampered after a caesarean section. Its relation with a possible niche (caesarean scar defect) in the uterine caesarean scar needs further study. Our results should be discussed with clinicians and patients who consider an elective caesarean section.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)Not applicable.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERThis study has been registered in the Dutch Trial Register (Ref. No. NL7631 http://www.trialregister.nl).

Fertigation of Arundo donax L. with different nitrogen rates for biomass production

Arundo donax L. has been recognized as a promising biomass crop for bioenergy and biobased applications. Previous nitrogen fertilization studies of this crop were based on conventional fertilizer application (broadcast). Fertigation is considered an efficient strategy to reduce nutrient loss in irrigated crops. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertigation on A.donax grown in low fertility soil, under a continental Mediterranean climate. Three levels of nitrogen supply (N) were studied: 0 N (0 kg ha−1 year−1), 60 N (60 kg ha−1 year−1); and 120 N (120 kg ha−1 year−1). Biometric parameters, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf weight percentage, biomass production and biomass quality as well as soil macronutrient concentration were evaluated. Nitrogen use efficiency and energy yield increase due to fertilization were also determined. Compared with unfertilized plants, fertigation increased plant height, basal diameter of stem, chlorophyll content, biomass production and fiber composition. However, the increase in N rate from 60 to 120 kg ha−1 year−1did not affect biomass yield. Energy increase due to N fertigation and nitrogen use efficiency led to the recommendation of using a fertigation N rate of 60 kg ha−1 for the A.donax cultivation in these experimental conditions.

Field interpretation of earth remote sensing data and ground field surveys in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kostanay region in the pre-sowing season

The aim of the research is to carry out field and office work on conducting a sub-satellite survey on test sites of the Kostanay region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Grain-sowing districts of the Kostanay region were selected as the objects of examination: Karabalyk, Fedorov, Mendykara, Uzunkol, Sarykol, Altynsarin, Kostanay, Denisov, Karasu, Taranov, Zhitikara, Auliekol, Kamysty, Naurzum. The determination of the reserves of productive soil moisture in the 0-100 cm layer by control points (100 points) carried out in the pre-sowing season of 2019 showed that the soils are characterized by satisfactory and, for the most part, insufficient moisture. The fields fixed in the coordinate system were evaluated by five indicators - pH, humus, nitrate nitrogen (N-NO3), mobile phosphorus (P2O5), and exchange potassium (K2O). Most of the soils examined had a soil solution reaction that was neutral or close to neutral. In terms of humus content, soils of the Karabalyk, Fedorov, Uzunkol and Sarykol districts had an average degree of availability, which exceeded the indicators of other districts of the Kostanai region and depended on the type of soil. The content of the basic elements of plant nutrition - nitrogen and phosphorus - varied within various limits, and, to a large extent, was determined by the previous culture, tillage, fertilizer application, and climatic conditions of the year. The level of exchangeable potassium in the soils of the examined districts of the Kostanay region was characterized as elevated or very high.

Luteal phase after conventional stimulation in the same ovarian cycle might improve the management of poor responder patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria: a case series

To assess the clinical contribution of luteal-phase stimulation (LPS) to follicular-phase stimulation (FPS) in a single ovarian cycle (DuoStim) for poor responder patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria. Observational study (years 2015-2017) including women satisfying ≥2 of the following characteristics: maternal age ≥40 years and/or ≤3 oocytes retrieved after previous conventional stimulation and/or reduced ovarian reserve (i.e., antral follicle count <7 follicles or antimüllerian hormone <1.1 ng/mL). The LPS was started regardless of the outcome of the FPS. Private invitro fertilization center. A total of 100 of 297 patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria chose to undergo DuoStim. The FPS and LPS with the same antagonist protocol and agonist trigger, intracytoplasmic sperm injection with ejaculated sperm, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies, and vitrified-warmed euploid single blastocyst transfer. The contribution of LPS to the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per intention-to-treat (ITT). Patients (100) underwent FPS (maternal age, 42.1 ± 1.4 y; previous invitro fertilization cycles with ≤3 collected oocytes, 0.7 ± 0.9; antral follicle count, 3.8 ± 1.2 follicles; and antimüllerian hormone, 0.56 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Ninety-one patients completed DuoStim. All patients were included in the analysis. More oocytes were obtained after LPS with similar developmental and chromosomal competence as paired FPS-derived ones. The CLBR per ITT increased from 7% after FPS to 15% after DuoStim. Conversely, the CLBR per ITT among the 197 patients that chose a conventional controlled ovarian stimulation strategy was 8%, as only 17 patients who were not pregnant returned for a second stimulation after the first attempt (drop-out rate, 81%). The LPS-derived oocytes increased the CLBR per ITT in a single ovarian cycle in patients fulfilling the Bologna criteria. The DuoStim strategy is promising to manage this thorny population of patients, especially to avoid discontinuation after a first failed attempt.

39 Nanowater enhances cryoprotective effects of glycerol during ram semen freezing

It was suggested that unique physicochemical properties of nanowater (NW, water declustered in the cold plasma generator), such as a low dielectric constant and high diffusivity, might ameliorate ram semen freezing by improving bioavailability of extender constituents. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of NW added to glycerol-containing semen extenders on the characteristics of frozen-thawed ram semen. A total of 18 ejaculates collected from 6 Olkuska breed rams during the breeding season were divided into six equal portions. The ejaculates were frozen in the modified fructose-skimmed milk-egg yolk Kareta extender containing 3 or 7% glycerol and diluted in deionized water (control extenders; Aqua Purificata, Prolab; C3% and C7%, respectively) or NW (declustered for 15min (NW15’) or 30min (NW30’); Nanotechnology Systems) to a final concentration of 800×106 spermatozoa/mL. They were placed in 0.25-mL plastic straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen. The two declusterization times were chosen on the basis of previous laboratory tests and fertility trials yielding the best results in terms of semen quality post-thawing and pregnancy rates after AI. All semen samples were evaluated for sperm concentration, progressive motility (Sperm Class Analyzer), and morphological defect rates (Nikon Eclipse 80i microscope, Nikon Corp.). In addition, the ex situ survival time at 37°C and extender content of alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase were measured, along with the proportions of apoptotic, necrotic, and live spermatozoa determined post-thawing with flow cytometry (BD Accuri™ C6 Plus, Becton Dickinson) at 0 and 1h post-thawing. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance and Holm-Sidak method using SigmaPlot statistical software (Systat Software Inc.). The proportion of spermatozoa with mid-piece defects was significantly (P&amp;lt;0.05) reduced in NW15’-3% compared with C3% (1.3±0.3% vs. 4.0±06%; mean±s.e.m.). The proportion of necrotic spermatozoa 1h after thawing was greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) in C7% compared with NW30’-7% (20.7±0.4% vs. 17.6±1.0%), whereas the proportions of live cells detected immediately (0h) and 1h after thawing were greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) in NW30’-7% than in C30’ (0 h: 54.0±0.6% vs. 50.4±1.2%; 1 h: 54.4±1.2% vs. 59.2±0.4%, respectively). The mean survival time of spermatozoa was greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) in extenders dissolved in NW30’compared with their respective controls (NW30’-3% vs. C3%: 215±4min vs. 189±6 min; and NW30’-7% vs. C7%: 242±8min vs. 217±4min, respectively). Alkaline phosphatase concentrations in extenders prepared with NW30’ were lower (P&amp;lt;0.05) compared with the control groups (NW30’-3% vs. C3%: 3105±231IU vs. 4490±458 IU; and NW30’-7% vs. C7%: 2516±128IU vs. 3956±263IU, respectively). Our results indicate that NW significantly improves the effects of glycerol on ram sperm viability post-thawing, with the reduction in sperm necrosis/overall enhancement of sperm survivability being greater with 7% compared with 3% of glycerol in semen extender.

Use and pattern of previous care received by infertile Nigerian women

BackgroundPrevalence of infertility in sub-Saharan Africa is high yet fertility care, its development and access is limited in resource-poor countries like Nigeria so infertile women resort to different forms of treatment. This study aimed to determine the use and pattern of previous treatments.MethodologyThis was a descriptive Cross Sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital in North-Western Nigeria. Interviewer administered pretested questionnaires were administered to 236 consenting clients seen at their first visit to the gynaecology clinic with complaints of inability to conceive, between January 2016 to March 2018. We collected information on demographic and reproductive characteristics, previous fertility treatment and other data relevant to infertility. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty six clients participated in the study and majority were 20–29 years (44.5%), with a mean age of 31.5 ± 7.4, while the mean age of their husbands was 41 ± 8.0. More clients were educated up to secondary level or above (80.9%), with more Muslims (65%) than Christians. All clients were married except one, most clients had been married for 5 years or more, 18.2% were in their second order of marriage and 28% were in polygamous marriages. Many of the clients were homemakers (46.6%) and earned an average monthly income of less than fifty thousand naira. About 59.3% of clients presented with primary infertility, with 15.7% being infertile for duration of more than 10 years. One hundred and forty six respondents (61.9%) had received previous hospital treatments before presentation to our facility, 37% had visited more than three hospitals, 70% did not have adequate investigations done, treatment was successful in 15% while 40.7% received traditional treatments. Husbands of women receiving previous treatment were slightly older (p value < 0.05).ConclusionMajority of woman have multiple and unnecessary visits to several hospitals for infertility care with little positive results despite time and resources spent. Quality of infertility care needs to be improved.

An mHealth App Designed for Fertility Patients: From Conception to Pilot Testing

Background Infertility is a distressing chronic condition affecting one in six couples; many of them seek to achieve a pregnancy via assisted reproductive technologies. Online resources for information and support are a mainstay of the self-help strategies of fertility patients. Patients seek explanations online about their diagnoses and treatment options, and hope to connect with others who have lived through a diagnosis of infertility. However, medical information found online is often inaccurate or hard to understand. Importantly, online forums that might provide social support are seldom monitored, allowing for the dissemination of potentially misleading information. In this study we describe the development of an mHealth app, Infotility, designed to provide evidence-based reproductive health information and a monitored message board to provide social support to users. Objective The objective was to describe the steps involved in the production of an mHealth app created specifically for fertility patients. Methods Our team followed guidelines established for the development of complex health interventions. To evaluate the existing online information sources, we assessed web-based information on infertility using standardized tools for readability, suitability and quality. To determine our stakeholders’ perspectives on what content to include in the app, a needs assessment survey was conducted in a sample of 289 male and 370 female fertility patients and 127 health care providers at clinics in Montreal and Toronto. A comprehensive review of the literature on the medical and psychosocial aspects of infertility was undertaken; summaries were then reviewed for accuracy and pertinence by patients, clinicians, researchers and professionals in the field of fertility. A technology partner was hired to create a user-friendly mobile app that contained the informational summaries, with separate portals for men and women, leading to content specifically curated for the user’s interests. There was also a closed discussion platform, “Connect”, monitored by 18 previous or current fertility patients. Peer monitors underwent one-on-one training and received an instructional manual created to assist with responding to forum messages from participants. Between November 2018 and April 2019, the app was pilot tested in a sample of 72 male and 187 female fertility patients to assess feasibility of recruitment, acceptability, and user satisfaction. Results Initial results show that men and women appreciated Infotility. The most popular sections included information on modifiable lifestyle risks (eg, diet, exercise, environment), and medical and psychosocial information. Men preferentially visited pages about lifestyle factors whereas the most common pages visited by women related to medical information. Importantly, the “Connect” social network logged 39 open forum conversations with 258 total posts, as well as 14 private messages. Both men and women lurked and posted on the board; women posted more often than men. Conclusions The design of a mobile health app for fertility patients should consider user experience and design along with the quality and accessibility of information. A fertility mHealth app should provide access to monitored social support through the interface and consider how to effectively tailor information to men and women.

High potential of variable rate fertilization combined with a controlled released nitrogen form at affecting cv. Barbera vines behavior

Abstract Variable rate technologies allow site-specific management of parcels characterized by different levels of vigor and/or yield. Fertilization based on actual plant needs is one of the most promising applications of precision farming aiming at improving efficiency, optimizing vine balance, as well as limiting environmental impact. Although this strategy appears suitable for developing new vineyard management models, few experiences validating this hypothesis are available in the literature. Based on a pre-trial remotely sensed vigor map (NDVI-derived, 5 m resolution), a three-year study was performed in a Vitis vinifera L. cv. Barbera vineyard situated in the Colli Piacentini area. Vigor level (L = low, M = medium and H = high) and fertilization technique (Standard, Variable Rate Application, and unfertilized Control) were the main factors in a randomized block design. The controlled release fertilizer Multicote™ Agri ([NPK fertilizer 13-5-21 + 7MgO+14SO3 (Controlled Release Nitrogen >46% on the total nitrogen, with longevity 2÷4 months), low in chloride] was used and the input rate calculated according to the N-supply. For each vigor level the study compared no fertilization (0 kg/ha), standard supply (40 kg of N /ha) and Variable Rate Application (VRA) supply delivering 0, 40 and 80 kg of N/ha to H, M and L, respectively. Vine growth, yield, leaf nutritional status and fruit composition were assessed. Results show that the classified L vigor plots had significantly less growth (i.e leaf area or pruning weight per vine) than M and H vigor plots, whereas yield components and grape composition followed a linear variation with vigor. There was a large prevalence of vigor x technique interactions suggesting that VRA had a differential impact on vine behavior depending upon the initial level of vigor. For vegetative and yield parameters, in the L vigor vines, increased Multicote™ Agri dosage delivered as control (0 kg of N/ha), standard (40 kg of N/ha) and VRA (80 kg of N/ha) caused a very close and linear increase in total leaf and yield per vine, whereas, within the M and H vigor plots, the effect due to fertilization technique was very mild. Such a behavior was nicely mirrored by grape composition at harvest as, in L vines, applying 40 or 80 kg of N in the form of Multicote™ Agri induced a progressive and significant reduction in both must soluble solids and total anthocyanins concentration, although the oenological quality of the resulting must was still satisfactory and in compliance with the oenological target. The novelty of the present work is that, unlike previous variable rate fertilization attempts where a rapid nitrogen release fertilizer such as urea was used, L vigor vines showed a very prompt response to the amount of Multicote™ Agri application, confirming higher effectiveness of this chemical form and higher flexibility in adjusting the level of vigor and yield according to specific needs. Conversely, when the initial level of vigor was medium or high, differential fertilization resulted in overall minor modifications of the vine behavior.

Cooking up the perfect insect: Aristotle's transformational idea about the complete metamorphosis of insects.

Aristotle made important contributions to the study of developmental biology, including the complete metamorphosis of insects. One concept in particular, that of the perfect or complete state, underlies Aristotle's ideas about metamorphosis, the necessity of fertilization for embryonic development, and whether morphogenesis involves an autonomous process of self-assembly. Importantly, the philosopher erroneously views metamorphosis as a necessary developmental response to lack of previous fertilization of the female parent, a view that is intimately connected with his readiness to accept the idea of the spontaneous generation of life. Aristotle's work underpins that of the major seventeenth century students of metamorphosis, Harvey, Redi, Malpighi and Swammerdam, all of whom make frequent reference to Aristotle in their writings. Although both Aristotle and Harvey are often credited with inspiring the later prolonged debate between proponents of epigenesis and preformation, neither actually held firm views on the subject. Aristotle's idea of the perfect stage also underlies his proposal that the eggs of holometabolous insects hatch 'before their time', an idea that is the direct precursor of the much later proposals by Lubbock and Berlese that the larval stages of holometabolous insects are due to the 'premature hatching' from the egg of an imperfect embryonic stage. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of complete metamorphosis'.

Soil respiration and organic matter decomposition dynamics respond to legacy fertilizer and weed control treatments in loblolly pine stands

Most studies examining how forest soil carbon (C) cycling responds to silvicultural treatments are restricted to a single rotation, with the legacy effects of past management practices being relatively unstudied. Here, we examined soil respiration and organic matter decomposition dynamics (important proxies for C dynamics), climate, and nutrient cycling in a second rotation, 2-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation in north Florida. Carryover (C-) effects of the previous rotation's control (CC), fertilizer (CF), weed control (CW), and combined fertilizer and weed control (CFW) treatments were examined for residual effects on soil respiration (Rs), heterotrophic respiration (Rh), and substrate decomposition potential. Repeated measurements were made over 13 months. The mean Rs for both the CF (4.56 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) and CFW (4.49 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) treatments were increased by 29% and 27%, respectively, compared to the CC (3.53 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) treatment. The Rh in the CW (2.97 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) was significantly lower compared to the CF (4.02 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) and CFW (3.66 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) treatments, despite having warmer soil temperatures than the CF treatment, and no differences in soil moisture contents. Soil temperature and Mehlich III soil extractable manganese (Mn) concentrations (0–10 cm) were the only variables that explained variation in Rh. Decomposition rates for a common substrate were also lower in the CW compared to the CF, treatment (p = 0.027), potentially because the removal of understory plants in the CW treatment affected both microclimate and Mn cycling compared to the CF treatment where understory plants were retained and micronutrients were added as fertilizers. Overall, forest management affected organic matter cycling after replanting and 12 years after the last treatment in the previous rotation, suggesting that long-term studies are needed to understand the effects of silvicultural practices on ecosystem C cycling.

Mediterranean diet and outcomes of assisted reproduction: an Italian cohort study

Detrimental lifestyle habits have been indicated as potential causes of reduced fertility. Recently studies have suggested an association between healthy diets and increased live birth rates after assisted reproduction techniques. However, the issue remains under debate, and evidence is still accumulating. The objective of the study was to study the relationship between a Mediterranean diet and outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques in subfertile couples in an Italian population. This was a prospective cohort study, conducted in an Italian fertility clinic. Couples undergoing invitro fertilization were interviewed on the day of oocyte retrieval to obtain information on personal and health history, lifestyle habits, and diet. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet was evaluated using a Mediterranean diet score. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy, and live birth were calculated. Potential confounders were included in the equation model. Among 474 women (mean age, 36.6 years, range, 27-45), 414 (87.3%) performed embryo transfer, 150 (31.6%) had clinical pregnancies, and 117 (24.7%) had live births. In a model including the potential confounders (age, leisure physical activity, body mass index, smoking, daily calorie intake, and previous failed invitro fertilization cycles), findings showed that the Mediterranean diet score was not significantly associated with invitro fertilization outcomes. Adjusted analyses were performed in strata of age, previous assisted reproduction technique cycles, and reasons for infertility, with consistent findings. The only exception was observed in women >35 years old with an intermediate Mediterranean diet score, who showed a lower risk of not achieving clinical pregnancy (adjusted relative risk, 0.84, 95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.00, P= .049). No clear association was observed between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and successful invitro fertilization.

The results of an NPK-fertilisation trial of long-term crop rotation on carbonate-rich soil in Estonia

ABSTRACT Soil is an element of crop cultivation that demands consistent fertilisation to compensate for the nutrients that are removed by the harvest. Changes in soil because of prolonged fertilisation can only be estimated by long-term field trials. Experiments in long-term field trial site Kuusiku (since 1965) include crop rotation of potato, late harvest barley, early harvest barley undersown with forage grasses (red clover + timothy), 1-year forage grasses, 2-year forage grasses, and winter rye. Various combinations of mineral and organic fertilisers were used to investigate the yield, soil humus, phosphorus, and potassium content (available and total) of the top- and subsoil. Fertilisation improved the yield of different crops by 1.3–2.6 times; meteorological conditions caused the yield to vary up to 6.4 times. The concentration of humus decreased 0.2% when not using inorganic and organic fertilisers; use of fertilisers increased the concentration of humus by 0.2–0.6%. The humus-rich subsoil (3.5% humus) contained less available phosphorus than humus-poor subsoil (humus 3.0%), which had 29 and 63 mg PDL kg−1, respectively. Grasses in crop rotation enriched the soil with organic matter and reduced the excess of nutrients remaining from previous fertilisation, thereby decreasing nutrient leakage and eutrophication of bodies of water.

Evaluation of comparison of clinical outcome treated oocyte with ionomycin and strontium chloride in infertile couple with previous failed in vitro fertilization

Introduction: Several factors are involved in failed fertilization following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which could be related to sperm, oocyte factors and/or both. Failure in oocyte activation is considered as the most important factor in failed fertilization after ICSI. To overcome this shortcoming, artificial oocyte activation (AOA) after ICSI has been suggested. Commonly, ionomycin and strontium chloride are used as the most efficient agents for oocyte activation in the clinic. In this study, for the first time, the clinical results of ionomycin and strontium chloride were compared on sister oocytes of couples who previously have had fertilization failure after ICSI. Methods: In this intervention study, 14 couples with male factor infertility and previous failed fertilization after ICSI were included in this study. Oocytes of their wives were divided into two groups. Half of the oocytes after ICSI were treated with ionomicin and other half were treated with strontium chloride. Then, fertilization rate, embryo quality and pregnancy status were compared through SPSS 18 software, Paired sample t-test and chi-square test. Results: Percentage of fertilization rate was significantly higher in oocytes that were activated using strontium chloride compared to those that were activated with ionomycin (p&lt;0.0001). Although, the pregnancy rate was insignificantly higher in strontium chloride group than ionomycin group (p=0.387), but the quality of embryo was similar between the two groups (p=0.924). Conclusion: In infertile men with previous failed fertilization after ICSI, the use of strontium chloride can also be recommended for oocyte activation.

Predicting the chances of having a baby with or without treatment at different time points in couples with unexplained subfertility.

Can we develop a prediction model that can estimate the chances of conception leading to live birth with and without treatment at different points in time in couples with unexplained subfertility? Yes, a dynamic model was developed that predicted the probability of conceiving under expectant management and following active treatments (in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation (IUI + SO), clomiphene) at different points in time since diagnosis. Couples with no identified cause for their subfertility continue to have a realistic chance of conceiving naturally, which makes it difficult for clinicians to decide when to intervene. Previous fertility prediction models have attempted to address this by separately estimating either the chances of natural conception or the chances of conception following certain treatments. These models only make predictions at a single point in time and are therefore inadequate for informing continued decision-making at subsequent consultations. A population-based study of 1316 couples with unexplained subfertility attending a regional clinic between 1998 and 2011. A dynamic prediction model was developed that estimates the chances of conception within 6months from the point when a diagnosis of unexplained subfertility was made. These predictions were recomputed each month to provide a dynamic assessment of the individualised chances of conception while taking account of treatment status in each month. Conception must have led to live birth and treatments included clomiphene, IUI + SO, and IVF. Predictions for natural conception were externally validated using a prospective cohort from The Netherlands. A total of 554 (42%) couples started fertility treatment within 2years of their first fertility consultation. The natural conception leading to live birth rate was 0.24 natural conceptions per couple per year. Active treatment had a higher chance of conception compared to those who remained under expectant management. This association ranged from weak with clomiphene to strong with IVF [clomiphene, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.91); IUI + SO, HR = 2.90 (2.06 to 4.08); IVF, HR = 5.09 (4.04 to 6.40)]. Female age and duration of subfertility were significant predictors, without clear interaction with the relative effect of treatment. We were unable to adjust for other potentially important predictors, e.g. measures of ovarian reserve, which were not available in the linked Grampian dataset that may have made predictions more specific. This study was conducted using single centre data meaning that it may not be generalizable to other centres. However, the model performed as well as previous models in reproductive medicine when externally validated using the Dutch cohort. For the first time, it is possible to estimate the chances of conception following expectant management and different fertility treatments over time in couples with unexplained subfertility. This information will help inform couples and their clinicians of their likely chances of success, which may help manage expectations, not only at diagnostic workup completion but also throughout their fertility journey. This work was supported by a Chief Scientist Office postdoctoral training fellowship in health services research and health of the public research (ref PDF/12/06). B.W.M. is supported by an NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548). B.W.M. reports consultancy for ObsEva, Merck, and Guerbet. None of the other authors declare any conflicts of interest.

Predicting pregnancy using large-scale data from a women's health tracking mobile application.

Predicting pregnancy has been a fundamental problem in women's health for more than 50 years. Previous datasets have been collected via carefully curated medical studies, but the recent growth of women's health tracking mobile apps offers potential for reaching a much broader population. However, the feasibility of predicting pregnancy from mobile health tracking data is unclear. Here we develop four models - a logistic regression model, and 3 LSTM models - to predict a woman's probability of becoming pregnant using data from a women's health tracking app, Clue by BioWink GmbH. Evaluating our models on a dataset of 79 million logs from 65,276 women with ground truth pregnancy test data, we show that our predicted pregnancy probabilities meaningfully stratify women: women in the top 10% of predicted probabilities have a 89% chance of becoming pregnant over 6 menstrual cycles, as compared to a 27% chance for women in the bottom 10%. We develop a technique for extracting interpretable time trends from our deep learning models, and show these trends are consistent with previous fertility research. Our findings illustrate the potential that women's health tracking data offers for predicting pregnancy on a broader population; we conclude by discussing the steps needed to fulfill this potential.

Boron Characterization, Distribution in Particle-Size Fractions, and Its Adsorption-Desorption Process in a Semiarid Tunisian Soil

Boron is essential for crop growth but needed in very small amounts. The range between boron deficiency and toxicity for plants is quite narrow. These stress conditions gravely reduce yield and quality of many crop species. Therefore, understanding the factors and the reactions affecting boron availability in soil is necessary. Against this framework, our research aims to determine the available boron status in a semiarid soil of Dour Ismail irrigated perimeter (North Tunisia). The objectives are also to investigate boron distribution in different particle-size fractions throughout the soil profile and to understand boron adsorption-desorption mechanisms according to some soil properties. For this purpose, one soil profile was dug in the field plot that had not received any previous boron fertilization. Soil samples were gathered from the different horizons of the profile and analyzed for the main physicochemical properties. Our results showed that the studied soil is Stagnic Fluvisol (clayic). The highest boron amounts were recorded in deep horizons and were greatly affected by soil salinity, organic matter, and clay contents. However, the increase in the pH level and the high percentage of total lime significantly diminished the available boron amounts in surface layers. The investigation of depth boron distribution in the different particle-size fractions indicated a considerable contribution of the silt (2–50 µm) fraction (52% of the soil total available boron), while the coarse (&gt;50 µm) and clay (&lt;2 µm) fractions seem to play a less important role. The adsorption data were fitted to Freundlich adsorption isotherm. It revealed that adsorption of boron increased with the increase of boron concentrations in soil solution. Desorption isotherm denotes that the accumulated boron in soil was not easily released. Adsorption and desorption of boron in soil were greatly affected by soil properties, such as pH, salinity, sand content, clay content, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity.