Addressing the nitrogen problem in sugarcane production to reduce pollution of the Great Barrier Reef

The N pollution footprint of sugarcane cropping is large due to inefficiencies caused by mismatched N supply and crop N demand over sugarcane’s long N accumulation phase. The Great Barrier Reef lagoon receives excessive N loads that contribute to the rapidly declining reef health. Exceeding international average nitrous oxide emission rates several fold, sugarcane soils contribute significantly to Australia’s agricultural emissions. Nitrogen pollution reduction schemes over recent decades have mostly targeted reducing N fertiliser rates in line with expected yields and improving soil quality. Overall, these measures have not resulted in the desired N pollution reduction and further innovation is needed to address this problem. We present research that aims to aid agronomic innovation with (i) next-generation fertilisers that are based on repurposed nutrient-rich wastes and sorbent materials to better match N supply and crop demand and to improve soil function and carbon levels, (ii) understanding of soil N cycling and microbial processes, (iii) legume companion cropping as a source of biologically fixed N, and (iv) genetic improvement of sugarcane that more effectively captures and uses N. We conclude that evidence-based innovation has to support crop growers across climate and soil gradients in the 400,000 hectares of catchments of the Great Barrier Reef. This should include investment into new technologies to support ecologically-sound agriculture and a circular economy without waste and pollution

Properties of β-glucosidase purified from Aspergillus niger mutants USDB 0827 and USDB 0828

10.1007/BF00240731Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology375590-593AMBI

Isolation and characterization of β-glucosidases from Aspergillus nidulans mutant USDB 1183

10.1007/BF00386292World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology95555-558WJMB

Safety and efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery

Background: Ileus is common after elective colorectal surgery, and is associated with increased adverse events and prolonged hospital stay. The aim was to assess the role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for reducing ileus after surgery. Methods: A prospective multicentre cohort study was delivered by an international, student- and trainee-led collaborative group. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The primary outcome was time to gastrointestinal recovery, measured using a composite measure of bowel function and tolerance to oral intake. The impact of NSAIDs was explored using Cox regression analyses, including the results of a centre-specific survey of compliance to enhanced recovery principles. Secondary safety outcomes included anastomotic leak rate and acute kidney injury. Results: A total of 4164 patients were included, with a median age of 68 (i.q.r. 57\u201375) years (54\ub79 per cent men). Some 1153 (27\ub77 per cent) received NSAIDs on postoperative days 1\u20133, of whom 1061 (92\ub70 per cent) received non-selective cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors. After adjustment for baseline differences, the mean time to gastrointestinal recovery did not differ significantly between patients who received NSAIDs and those who did not (4\ub76 versus 4\ub78 days; hazard ratio 1\ub704, 95 per cent c.i. 0\ub796 to 1\ub712; P = 0\ub7360). There were no significant differences in anastomotic leak rate (5\ub74 versus 4\ub76 per cent; P = 0\ub7349) or acute kidney injury (14\ub73 versus 13\ub78 per cent; P = 0\ub7666) between the groups. Significantly fewer patients receiving NSAIDs required strong opioid analgesia (35\ub73 versus 56\ub77 per cent; P < 0\ub7001). Conclusion: NSAIDs did not reduce the time for gastrointestinal recovery after colorectal surgery, but they were safe and associated with reduced postoperative opioid requirement

Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery

© 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons LtdBackground: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien–Dindo classification system. Results: A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9·2 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4–7) and 7 (6–8) days respectively (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6·6 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·55 to 1·46; P = 0·659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34·7 versus 39·5 per cent; major 3·3 versus 3·4 per cent; P = 0·110). Conclusion: Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients