Fast growing tree species in alley cropping systems and their influence on microclimate in Germany

Paper presented at the 13th North American Agroforesty Conference, which was held June 19-21, 2013 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.In Poppy, L., Kort, J., Schroeder, B., Pollock, T., and Soolanayakanahally, R., eds. Agroforestry: Innovations in Agriculture. Proceedings, 13th North American Agroforestry Conference, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, June 19-21, 2013.The production of energy wood on arable land has been increased in Germany during the last years. In this context, agroforestry systems keep a prominent position in agriculture, since they allow the simultaneous production of energy wood and food or feed on the same field. Fast growing trees arranged in hedge structures (alley cropping) can have positive effects on microclimate. Results of different research studies carried out in several alley cropping sites located in eastern Germany show that wind velocity can be reduced by more than 50 percent, even though tree hedgerows were not higher than four meters. The observed reduction of wind speed was depending on the distance to trees, on the orientation of tree hedges as well as on the width of the crop alleys. Potentially negative effects on crop yield were expected due to the shading the peripheries of crop alleys by trees. However, first results indicate that the reduction of the global radiation by short rotation trees did no show any negative effect on crop yield. As an exception, the crop yield on a post-mining site was evenly higher near trees compared to the center of crop alleys. In summary, the establishment of alley cropping with fast growing trees have positive effects on microclimate and hence on the yield stability of crops cultivated in between the tree hedgerows without any significantly negative impact on the recent practice of land management.Christian B�hm (1), Michael Kanzler (1) and Dirk Freese (1) ; 1. Brandenburg University of Technology, Chair of Soil Protection and Recultivation, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, D-03046 Cottbus, Germany.Includes bibliographical references

Агро- и микроклиматическая оценка условий формирования урожайности винограда

Проблема агроклиматического обеспечения аграрного сектора экономики остается важнейшей задачей агрометеорологов и направлена на оценку агроклиматических ресурсов территорий с целью оптимизации размещения сельскохозяйственных культур как условия повышения продуктивности и стабильности отрасли. Актуальность исследований в этом направлении обусловлена отсутствием информации о реально достижимой урожайности отдельных сельскохозяйственных культур как в региональном разрезе, так и на локальном уровне.Проблема агрокліматічеського забезпечення аграрного сектора економіки залишається найважливішою задачею агрометеорології і направлена на оцінку агрокліматічеськіх ресурсів територій з метою оптимізації розміщення сільськогосподарських культур як умови підвищення продуктивності і стабільності галузі. Актуальність досліджень в цьому напрямі обумовлена відсутністю інформації про реально досяжну врожайність окремих сільськогосподарських культур як в регіональному розрізі, так і на локальному рівні

Uptake and cytotoxicity of citrate-coated gold nanospheres : comparative studies on human endothelial and epithelial cells

The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for diagnostic applications and for drug and gene-delivery is currently under intensive investigation. For such applications, biocompatibility and the absence of cytotoxicity of AuNPs is essential. Although generally considered as highly biocompatible, previous in vitro studies have shown that cytotoxicity of AuNPs in certain human epithelial cells was observed. In particular, the degree of purification of AuNPs (presence of sodium citrate residues on the particles) was shown to affect the proliferation and induce cytotoxicity in these cells. To expand these studies, we have examined if the effects are related to nanoparticle size (10, 11 nm, 25 nm), to the presence of sodium citrate on the particles' surface or they are due to a varying degree of internalization of the AuNPs. Since two cell types are present in the major barriers to the outside in the human body, we have also included endothelial cells from the vasculature and blood brain barrier. Results Transmission electron microscopy demonstrates that the internalized gold nanoparticles are located within vesicles. Increased cytotoxicity was observed after exposure to AuNPs and was found to be concentration-dependent. In addition, cell viability and the proliferation of both endothelial cells decreased after exposure to gold nanoparticles, especially at high concentrations. Moreover, in contrast to the size of the particles (10 nm, 11 nm, 25 nm), the presence of sodium citrate on the nanoparticle surface appeared to enhance these effects. The effects on microvascular endothelial cells from blood vessels were slightly enhanced compared to the effects on brain-derived endothelial cells. A quantification of AuNPs within cells by ICP-AES showed that epithelial cells internalized a higher quantity of AuNPs compared to endothelial cells and that the quantity of uptake is not correlated with the amount of sodium citrate on the nanoparticles’ surface. Conclusions In conclusion the higher amount of citrate on the particle surface resulted in a higher impairment of cell viability, but did not enhance or reduce the uptake behavior in endothelial or epithelial cells. In addition, epithelial and endothelial cells exhibited different uptake behaviors for citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles, which might be related to different interactions occurring at the nanoparticle-cell-surface interface. The different uptake in epithelial cells might explain the higher reduction of proliferation of these cells after exposure to AuNPs treatment although more detailed investigations are necessary to determine subcellular events. Nevertheless an extrinsic effect of sodium-citrate stabilized particles could not be excluded. Thus, the amount of sodium citrate should be reduced to a level on which the stability of the particles and the safety for biomedical applications are guaranteed

Effekte der Agrarholzproduktion auf den Kohlenstoff- und Nährstoffhaushalt des Bodens im Bereich der Lausitzer Bergbaufolgelandschaft

Auf einem Rekultivierungsstandort des Lausitzer Braunkohlereviers wurde vor 4 Jahren die Baumart Robinie (Robinia pseudoacacia) angepflanzt und im Kurzumtriebverfahren bewirtschaftet. Es wurde untersucht, ob sich die Robinie positiv auf die Humusakkumulation im Boden auswirkt und welchen Einfluß die latente Nährstoffarmut (insbesondere im Hinblick auf Phosphor) des Substrates auf das Wuchspotential dieser Baumart ausübt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es unter Robinie innerhalb kurzer Zeit nach Flächenanlage zu einer Humus- bzw. Kohlenstoffakkumulation im Kippsubstrat kommt, worin ein Beitrag zur Erhöhung der Fruchtbarkeit des Standortes gesehen wird. Die durchschnittliche Zuwachsleistung der Robinie ist allerdings durch die geringe P Verfügbarkeit im Substrat deutlich eingeschränkt, wie durch eine versuchsweise P Düngung gezeigt werden konnte. Allerdings war die P-induzierte Wuchssteigerung von nur kurzer Dauer, da bereits eine Vegetationsperiode später der Düngeeffekt nicht mehr nachweisbar war

Blattstreu-Umsatz in Robinien-Kurzumtriebsplantagen auf Lausitzer Tagebau-Rekultivierungsflächen

Ein wichtiges Ziel der Flächenrekultivierung in der Lausitzer Braunkohlen-Tagebauregion ist die nachhaltige Bodenverbesserung durch Anreicherung von Humus in den sich auf den nährstoffarmen Kippsubstraten entwickelnden Böden. Mit Hilfe eines Streubeutel-Experiments wurde während der Vegetationsperiode 2010 die Abbaubarkeit von Laubstreu der Robinie (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) in vier unterschiedlich alten und verschieden bewirtschafteten Kurzumtriebsplantagen zur Biomasseproduktion auf Rekultivierungsflächen in der Region untersucht. Die Auswertung ergab, dass im Mittel nach einer Vegetationsperiode rund 40 % der Laubstreu abgebaut worden war, womit eine vergleichsweise gute Umsetzbarkeit der Robinien-Streu festgestellt werden konnte. Wird die vergleichsweise hohe Wuchsleistung auf den Rekultivierungsstandorten sowie der zusätzliche N-Eintrag durch die N2-fixierende Robinie berücksichtigt, kann demzufolge für Robinie ein nennenswertes Potential zur Bodenverbesserung auf den Rekultivierungsstandorten abgeleitet werden

Choir singing improves respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in patients with structural heart disease - HeartChoir: a randomised clinical trial

Most patients with reduced exercise capacity and acquired or congenital structural heart disease also have a reduced respiratory muscle strength. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether choir singing in combination with respiratory muscle training positively influences respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity and quality of life in this population.; In this single-centre, randomised and open-label interventional study we compared respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with acquired or congenital structural heart disease who received either standard of care and a 12-week intervention (weekly choir rehearsal and daily breathing exercises) or standard of care alone. The primary endpoint was the difference in change in maximum inspiratory pressure (∆MIP%predicted). Secondary endpoints included the difference in change in maximum expiratory pressure (∆MEP%predicted), exercise capacity quantified as maximal oxygen uptake during exercise (∆MVO2%predicted) and quality of life quantified by the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (∆MLHFQ score).; Overall 24 patients (mean age 65, standard deviation [SD] 19 years, 46% male) were randomised after exclusion. ∆MIP%predicted was significantly higher in the intervention group (∆MIP%predicted +14, SD 21% vs −14, SD 23%; p = 0.008) and quality of life improved significantly (∆MLHFQ score −5, SD 6 vs 3, SD 5; p = 0.006) after 12 weeks. ∆MEP%predicted and ∆MVO2%predicted did not differ between both groups (∆MEP%predicted −3, SD 26% vs −3, SD 16%; p = 1.0 and ∆MVO2%predicted 18, SD 12% vs 10, SD 15%; p = 0.2).; Choir singing in combination with respiratory muscle training improved respiratory muscle strength and quality of life in patients with structural heart disease and may therefore be valuable supplements in cardiac rehabilitation. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03297918)

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer and compost on photosynthesis and growth of Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby)

Als mehrjährige Bioenergiepflanze kann Sida hermaphrodita eine wichtige Rolle für den Anbau auf marginalen Standorten in der nahen Zukunft spielen. In einem kon­trollierten Topfexperiment wurde der Einfluss von verschiedenen Kompostgehalten (10, 20, 30, 50%) und mineralischem Stickstoffdünger (100 kg N ha–1) auf Biomasse, Wuchshöhe und Kohlenstoffallokation während der Etablierungsphase untersucht. Weiterhin wurden ökophysiologische Parameter (Gaswechsel, Chlorophyllfluoreszenz, Chlorophyllgehalte) mit nicht-destruktiven Methoden bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse des Experimentes zeigen, dass sowohl die Stickstoffdüngung als auch die Kompostgabe positive Effekte für das Wachstumsverhalten hat. Während der Etablierungsphase erreichten die gedüngten Pflanzen eine mittlere Pflanzenhöhe von bis zu 127 cm (maximale Wuchshöhe 168 cm). Die Photosynthese wurde nicht durch die unterschiedlichen Behandlungen beeinflusst. Die mittlere CO2-Austauschrate variiert zwischen 5,8 und 9,9 μmol m–2 s–1 und die Elektronentransportrate zwischen 34,5 und 53,9 μmol m–2 s–1. Die Verwendung von Kompost und Stickstoff ist für eine bessere Biomasseproduktion von Sida in marginalen Böden möglich, auch wenn das Wachstum im ersten Jahr limitiert ist und es negative Rückwirkungen auf die Bestandesetablierung gibt.As a perennial bioenergy crop Sida hermaphrodita can play an important role on marginal lands in the near future. In a controlled pot experiments the influence of various proportions of compost (10, 20, 30, 50%) and nitrogen fertilizer (100 kg N ha–1) on biomass, plant height, and carbon allocation were investigated during the establishment phase. Furthermore, ecophysiological parameters (gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content,) were determined with non-destructive methods. The results of this experiment demonstrated that nitrogen fertilization and compost application has an overall positive effect on the overall growth performance. During the establishment phase, the fertilized plants reached a mean high of up to 127 cm (maximal plant height up to 168 cm). Photosynthesis was not influenced by the treatments and the mean net CO2-exchange rates varied between 5,8 and 9,9 μmol m–2 s–1 and the electron transport rate between 34,5 and 53,9 μmol m–2 s–1. The application of compost and nitrogen for a better biomass production of Sida on marginal soils is possible, however the growth is limited in the first year with negative effects on the establishment of larger crops

Borane adducts of punicine and of its dehydroxy derivatives (pyridinium-1-yl)-2-and 3-phenolates

The natural product punicine (Punica granatum) exists in two tautomeric forms, the cross-conjugated mesomeric betaine 1-(pyridinium-1-yl)-2-hydroxy-phenyl-5-olate and the conjugated mesomeric betaine 1-(pyridinium-1-yl)-5-hydroxy-phenyl-2-olate. Punicine as well as its picoline derivatives reacted with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane exclusively at the 2'-olate group to form zwitterionic borates. Correspondingly, the 5'-dehydroxy derivate of punicine, the conjugated heterocyclic mesomeric betaine 1-(pyridinium-1-yl)-phenyl-2-olate and its picoline derivatives also gave borates, whereas analogous reactions of the cross-conjugated isomer 2'-dehydroxypunicine [1-(pyridinium-1-yl)-phenyl-3-olatel did not result in the formation of stable adducts. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in the elderly using more sensitive cardiac troponin assays

Aims To examine the diagnostic accuracy of sensitive cardiac troponin (cTn) assays in elderly patients, since elevated levels with sensitive cTn assays were reported in 20% of elderly patients without acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods and results In this multi-centre study, we included 1098 consecutive patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of AMI, 406 (37%) were >70 years old. Measurement of three investigational sensitive cTn assays [Roche high-sensitive cTnT (hs-cTnT), Siemens cTnI-Ultra, and Abbott-Architect cTnI) and the standard assay (Roche cTnT) was performed in a blinded fashion. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. Acute myocardial infarction was the adjudicated final diagnosis in 24% of elderly patients. Among elderly patients without AMI, baseline cTn levels were elevated above the 99th percentile in 51% with Roche hs-cTnT, in 17% with Siemens TnI-Ultra, and 13% with Abbott-Architect cTnI. The diagnostic accuracy as quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was significantly greater for the sensitive cTn assays compared with the standard assay (AUC for Roche hs-cTnT, 0.94; Siemens cTnI-Ultra, 0.95; and Abbott-Architect cTnI, 0.95 vs. AUC for the standard assay, 0.90; P < 0.05 for comparisons). The best cut-offs for the sensitive cTn-assays determined by the ROC-curve in elderly patients differed clearly from those in younger patients. Furthermore, the prognostic value regarding 90-day mortality varied among the sensitive cTn assays. Conclusion Sensitive cTn assays have high diagnostic accuracy also in the elderly. Mild elevations are common in elderly non-AMI patients, therefore the optimal cut-off levels are substantially higher in elderly as compared with younger patients. Furthermore, sensitive cTn assays yielded different prognostic value (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00470587

Early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease using more sensitive cardiac troponin assays

Aims We sought to examine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of sensitive cardiac troponin (cTn) assays in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods and results We conducted a multicentre study to examine the diagnostic accuracy of one high-sensitive and two sensitive cTn assays in 1098 consecutive patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), of whom 401 (37%) had pre-existing CAD. Measurements of Roche high-sensitive cTnT (hs-cTnT), Siemens cTnI-Ultra, Abbott-Architect cTnI and the standard assay (Roche cTnT) were performed in a blinded fashion. The final diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. Acute myocardial infarction was the final diagnosis in 19% of CAD patients. Among patients with diagnoses other than AMI, baseline cTn levels were elevated above the 99th percentile with Roche hs-cTnT in 40%, with Siemens TnI-Ultra in 15%, and Abbott-Architect cTnI in 13% of them. In patients with pre-existing CAD, the diagnostic accuracy at presentation, quantified by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC), was significantly greater for the sensitive cTn assays compared with the standard assay (AUC for Roche hs-cTnT, 0.92; Siemens cTnI-Ultra, 0.94; and Abbott-Architect cTnI, 0.93 vs. AUC for the standard assay, 0.87; P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Elevated levels of cTn measured with the sensitive assays predicted mortality irrespective of pre-existing CAD, age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion Sensitive cTn assays have high-diagnostic accuracy also in CAD patients. Mild elevations are common in non-AMI patients and test-specific optimal cut-off levels tend to be higher in CAD patients than in patients without history of CAD. Sensitive cTn assays also retain prognostic value. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00470587