Conservation Systems: Effects of Manure Application on Drainage Water Quality

Water table management through the use of artificial subsurface drainage systems is of primary importance in humid areas with poorly or somewhat poorly drained soils to maximize agricultural productivity Excess precipitation in Iowa and many other Mississippi/Ohio River watershed agricultural production states is removed artificially via subsurface drainage systems that intercept and usually divert it to surface waters. Agricultural drainage systems have been installed to allow timely seedbed preparation, planting and harvesting and to protect crops from extended periods of flooded soil conditions. The tradeoff of improved subsurface drainage is a significant increase in the losses of nitrate-nitrogen (Gilliam, et al., 1999). Nitrogen, either applied as fertilizer, or manure or derived from soil organic matter, can be carried as nitrate with the excess water in quantities that can cause deleterious effects downstream. The movement of nitrogen from agricultural fields via drainage waters is a major factor in nonpoint source pollution of surface waters and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico where it has been implicated as a cause of the Hypoxic Zone (Mitsch et al., 2001; Rabalais, et al., 1996). The environmental impacts downstream depend on the agronomic practices implemented, as well as the site, crops, soils and climatological factors. In recent years the use of animal manure, particularly liquid swine manure, in place of commercial fertilizer has increased. From this, the objectives of this study were to compare nitrate-nitrogen losses and crop yield from subsurface drained areas treated with liquid swine manure and commercial fertilizer. Described within are results from two phases (1995-1999 and 2000-2004) of research studying the effects of swine manure on drainage water quality

MYEOV (myeloma overexpressed gene) drives colon cancer cell migration and is regulated by PGE2

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>We have previously reported that Myeov (MYEloma OVerexpressed gene) expression is enhanced in colorectal cancer (CRC) and that it promotes CRC cell proliferation and invasion. The role of Myeov in CRC migration is unclear. ProstaglandinE2 (PGE ₂) is a known factor in promoting CRC carcinogenesis. The role of PGE ₂in modulating Myeov expression has also not been defined.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>To assess the role of Myeov expression in CRC cell migration and to evaluate the role of PGE ₂in Myeov bioactivity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>siRNA mediated Myeov knockdown was achieved in T84 CRC cells. Knockdown was assessed using quantitative real time PCR. The effect of knockdown on CRC cell migration was assessed using a scratch wound healing assay. Separately, T84 cells were treated with PGE ₂(0.00025 μ M, 0.1 μ M and 1 μ M) from 30 min to 3 hours and the effect on Myeov gene expression was assessed using real time PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Myeov knockdown resulted in a significant reduction in CRC cell migration, observable as early as 12 hours (P < 0.05) with a 39% reduction compared to control at 36 hours (p < 0.01). Myeov expression was enhanced after treatment with PGE ₂, with the greatest effect seen at 60 mins for all 3 PGE ₂doses. This response was dose dependent with a 290%, 550% & 1,000% increase in Myeov expression for 0.00025 μ M, 0.1 μ M and 1 μ M PGE ₂respectively.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In addition to promoting CRC proliferation and invasion, our findings indicate that Myeov stimulates CRC cell migration, and its expression may be PGE ₂dependant.</p

Temporal Variability of Cetaceans near Halifax, Nova Scotia

Annual and seasonal trends in sightings of coastal cetaceans near Halifax, Nova Scotia, were studied using observations from whale watching and dedicated research vessels from late spring to early fall of 1996 to 2005. Four species of cetaceans routinely used the area during the summer: White-beaked and Atlantic White-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris and L. acutus), Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), and Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). The dolphin species were temporally separated, with White-beaked Dolphins being common earlier in the summer than White-sided Dolphins. White-sided Dolphins were unusually abundant in 1997, and were found in larger groups (mean = 46.5 &plusmn; 46.19 sd) than Whitebeaked Dolphins (mean = 9.1 &plusmn; 5.19 SD). The area also appears to be an important habitat for dolphin calves and juveniles of both species. Fin Whales (B. physalus) were commonly observed in relatively large groups in 1997, but were uncommon or absent in other years. Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Blue Whales (B. musculus) and North Atlantic Right Whales (Eubalaena glacialis) were uncommon in the area, although Humpback Whales were sighted frequently in 1997. Increased numbers of White-sided Dolphins, Fin and Humpback whales in 1997 may be explained by increased prey abundance and decreased sea-surface temperatures

Effect of different land covers on nitrate-nitrogen leaching and nitrogen uptake in Iowa

Nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 -N) loading from subsurface drainage is an environmental concern in the Midwest. The majority of NO 3 -N loading occurs in April, May and June when the crops are not planted or just establishing. In this study, NO 3 -N leaching was monitored under alternative land covers and in a corn-soybean rotation. Land cover treatments in a 2-year field experiment included: 1) corn-soybean rotation initiated with corn in 2006 and fallow in late fall and early spring (fallow-Corn-fallow-Soybean, fCfS); 2) corn-soybean rotation initiated with soybean in 2006 and fallow in late fall and early spring (fallow-Soybean-fallow-Corn, fSfC); 3) corn-soybean rotation initiated with corn in 2006 with rye cover crop (rye-Corn-rye-Soybean, rCrS); 4) corn-soybean rotation initiated with soybean in 2006 with rye cover crop ( rye-Soybean-rye-Corn, rSrC); 5) Corn with established kura clover as a living mulch (kura-Kura-kura-Corn, kKkC); and 6) Pasture as a perennial grass treatment (PP). Subsurface drainage volume and NO 3 -N concentration were monitored. Suction lysimeters were installed to extract the soil water solution for NO 3 -N analysis. Biomass of spring cover crops was sampled to analyze nitrogen (N) content. The objectives of this study were: 1) to determine NO 3 -N loss through subsurface drainage as affected by different land covers; 2) to investigate the NO 3 -N concentrations in the soil water under different land covers and 3) to quantify the nitrogen uptake by different cover crops in the spring. The results from the two-year study indicated that the annual average NO 3 -N loss for fCfS and fSfC treatments was 37.5 kg N ha -1 and that the rCrS and rSrC treatments reduced NO 3 -N leaching by 3.8 kg N ha -1 during April, May and June. kKkC and PP treatments resulted in 39.7% and 59.9% annual NO 3 -N leaching reduction, respectively, when compared to the average NO 3 -N loss of fCfS and fSfC treatments. Rye followed by soybean reduced the NO 3 -N concentration in the soil solution significantly (56.4%) at the 30- and 60-cm depths, and PP treatment showed the lowest NO 3 -N concentration at those two depths. The average nitrogen uptake by rye was 33.3 kg N ha -1 at growth termination, and the average N uptake was 59.9 kg N ha -1 for kura clover and 33.2 kg N ha -1 for pasture in early June. This study suggested that winter rye cover crop, kura clover as a living mulch and perennial pasture land covers have positive effects on NO 3 -N loss reduction under the weather condition encountered during this study period in Iowa

Adequacy of cancer-related pain management and predictors of undertreatment at referral to a pain clinic

© 2017 Reis-Pina et al. This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/). By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms (https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php)Background: Several guidelines have advocated the need for adequate cancer-related pain (CRP) management. The pain management index (PMI) has been proposed as an auditable measure of the appropriateness for analgesic therapy. Objectives: To determine the adequacy of CRP management based on the PMI status and its patient-related predictors at the point of referral to a pain clinic (PC). Methods: Consecutive patients referred to a PC had standardized initial assessments and status documentation on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) ratings; pain mechanism, using a neuropathic pain diagnostic questionnaire (the Douleur Neuropathique 4 tool); episodic pain; oral morphine equivalent daily dose; the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and the Emotion Thermometer scores; and cancer diagnosis, metastases, treatment, and pain duration. Predictors of “negative PMI status” [PMI(−)] were examined in logistic regression models. Variables with p<0.25 in an initial bivariable analysis were entered into a multivariable model. Results: Of 371 participants, 95 (25.6%) had PMI(−), suggesting undertreatment of CRP. Both female sex and higher scores on the BPI’s “interference with general activity” more strongly predicted PMI(−). Patients who received either radiotherapy or one or more adjuvant analgesics prior to the initial consultation at the PC, those who had neuropathic pain, those who had a greater need for emotional help, and those with higher BPI’s “relief ” scores were all less likely to be PMI(−). Conclusion: The potential burden of patient and family distress associated with suboptimal CRP management in one in four patients should generate major public health concern and prompt appropriate educational and health policy measures to address the deficit.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

O tratamento da dor oncológica e a utilização idónea de opióides

Copyright © Ordem dos Médicos 2015Pain relief is vital to the treatment of cancer. Despite the widespread use and recognition of clinical recommendations for the management of cancer-related pain, avoidable suffering is still prevalent in patients with malignant disease. A gap exists between what is known about pain medical management and actual practices of patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and institutions. Opioids are the pillar of the medical management of moderate to severe pain. The prescription of opioid analgesics - by a registered medical practitioner for absolute pain control - is a legitimate practice. In this article we look at patients' fears and physicians' general hesitations towards morphine and alike. We examine misconceptions that yield fallacies on the therapeutically use of opioids and, therefore, sustain inadequate pain management.O controlo da dor é fundamental no tratamento do cancro. Apesar da vasta utilização e do reconhecimento das normas de orientação clínica para o controlo da dor oncológica, o sofrimento evitável é ainda prevalente em doentes com cancro. Existe um hiato entre o co-nhecimento e a prática clínica no que concerne a uma adequada gestão da dor pelos doentes, cuidadores, profissionais e instituições de saúde. Os opióides representam o pilar do tratamento farmacológico da dor moderada a insuportável. A prescrição de analgésicos opióides - por um médico credenciado, para o controlo absoluto da dor, - é uma prática legítima. Neste artigo debruçamo-nos sobre as hesitações dos médicos e os receios dos doentes perante a morfina e similares. Examinamos os preconceitos que promovem o fracasso do uso terapêutico dos opióides e, consequentemente condicionam o controlo inadequado da dorinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Nitrification Inhibitor and Nitrogen Application Timing Effects on Yields and Nitrate-Nitrogen Concentrations in Subsurface Drainage from a Corn-Soybean Rotation

Excess precipitation in Iowa and many other agricultural production areas is removed artificially via subsurface drainage systems that intercept and usually divert it to surface waters. Nitrogen, either applied as fertilizer or manure and derived from soil organic matter, can be carried as nitrate with the excess water in quantities that can cause deleterious effects downstream. A four-year, five-replication, field study was initiated in the fall of 1999 in Pocahontas County, Iowa on 0.05 ha plots that are predominantly Nicollet, Webster, and Canisteo clay loams with 3-5% organic matter. The objective was to determine the influence of seasonal N application and the use of nitrapyrin [inhibitor; 2-chloro-6 (trichloromethyl) pyridine] on flow-weighted nitrate-nitrogen concentrations and yields in a corn-soybean rotation, combined on single plots. Six aqua-ammonia nitrogen treatments (168 and 252 kg/ha at planting and in late fall, and 168 kg/ha at planting and late fall with nitrapyrin) were imposed on subsurface drained, continuous-flow-monitored plots. Combined fall 1999 and spring 2000 precipitation was 42% of normal average. Subsequently, normal precipitation was recorded for both fall and spring periods (after fall application, and before spring application) until spring and fall 2002 (51% and 73% of normal, respectively). Spring 2003 precipitation was again only 51% of normal average. Four-year average, flow-weighted nitrate-nitrogen concentrations ranked in highest to lowest order: spring-252(22.9 mg/L;a) \u3e fall-252(18.1 mg/L;b) \u3e spring-168 w/inhibitor(17.7 mg/L;bc) \u3e fall-168 w/inhibitor(16.0 mg/L;bcd) \u3e spring-168(14.8 mg/L;cd) \u3e fall-168(14.2 mg/L;cd). Spring application plots had significantly greater soybean yield the following season compared to fall applications. Greatest corn yields were observed for the spring-252 and fall-168 rates, but were only significantly different than the spring-168 rate for yield. Therefore, under slightly dry to normal precipitation conditions, corn yields and nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in subsurface drainage were not significantly different between seasonal timing or inhibitor use treatments at the 168 kg/ha nitrogen rate

Water Balance Investigation of Drainage Water Management in Non-Weighing Lysimeters

Artificial subsurface drainage systems are often used throughout the upper Midwest to remove excess precipitation and improve crop production. However, these drainage systems export nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) to downstream water resources. Management practices are needed to reduce this export of NO3-N with subsurface drainage water. One such practice being considered is the use of drainage water management where subsurface water is held in the soil profile during portions of the year. Previous research has shown that drainage water management has potential to reduce subsurface drainage volume but there is still a need to understand the performance of the practice and the pathways of water flow under varying conditions. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to quantify the pathways of water movement for conventional or free drainage (FD) and drainage water management (DWM) during the growing season. In this study, six non-weighing lysimeters (0.92 × 2.30 m) with a depth of 120 cm were monitored over a 3-yr period under natural and simulated rainfall conditions. The objectives were performed to measure the effects of drainage water management (DWM) on surface runoff, subsurface drainage, and crop yield. The in-season data from natural rainfall conditions showed that DWM reduced subsurface drainage by approximately 14%. The simulated rainfall data showed that DWM increased surface runoff by 54% when the water table was established at 90 cm below the soil surface, and by 87% when the water table was established at 60 cm below the soil surface. Overall DWM was found to have the potential to reduce subsurface drainage but there is the potential that at least a portion of this reduction may be reflected in an increase in surface runoff