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Since the adoption of national rules for organic agriculture in the United States, there has been a continued interest in meeting crop nitrogen (N) needs using animal manure. However, a lack of consistent information on the N supplying potential of manure creates uncertainty for farmers and often leads to overapplication, which can negatively impact both crop productivity and environmental sustainability. We investigated short‐term N mineralization and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) following dairy manure (DM) and its compost (DMC) application to organic annual forage production system. N mineralization was determined based on the change in mineral N during a ≤75‐day in‐field soil core‐resin bag incubation. DM and DMC application rates were targeted to supply 123 and 56 kg potentially plant‐available nitrogen (PAN) ha−1 in the first and second year of application, respectively. Net N mineralization exhibited a range of 42–277 kg N ha−1 in Year 1 and 31–54 kg N ha−1 in Year 2 across amendment treatments and increased over the course of incubation duration in both years. The proportion of total N added that was mineralized in Year 1 was greater from DM than DMC (≤35% vs. ≤7%, respectively), suggesting the inability of DMC to supply optimal levels of N to annual forages in the first crop season. In Year 2, net N mineralization did not differ between DM and DMC, but was significantly less in the unamended control than both amendments. MBC and MBN were more influenced by seasonality and soil sampling depth than by organic amendments. Core Ideas: Dairy manure (DM) and its compost (DMC) impacts on N mineralization were assessed in a ≤75‐day in situ incubation study.Responses of soil microbial biomass C and N to DM and DMC were assessed 2 years after the initiation of the study.The proportion of potentially plant‐available nitrogen that was mineralized in Year 1 was greater from DM than DMC; however, it did not differ between the organic amendments in Year 2.Soil microbial biomass C and N were more influenced by seasonality and soil sampling depth than by organic amendments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies note the positive effects of soil organic matter (SOM) on crop yields, there is limited quantitative information on the influence of increased SOM on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) productivity in sandy soil. This study estimated the impact of varying SOM on potato productivity in sandy soils and explored whether nitrogen (N) mineralization served as a primary mediator. Soil from nine fields in Wisconsin (SOM range of 1.1%–3.8%) was collected for a greenhouse study. Both NH4-N and NO3-N extracted from ion strips and potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) were used as the proxies for N mineralization. Linear mixed effect models indicated that fresh matter whole biomass and dry matter vine biomass were 0.45 and 0.54 times greater at 3.8% SOM compared to 1.1% SOM at an optimal soil pH of 5.2, respectively. Similarly, total N uptake in the whole and vine biomass was 0.51 and 1.0 times higher at 3.8% SOM than 1.1% SOM, respectively. While PMN demonstrated a positive correlation with SOM, it only partially mediated the effect of SOM on productivity, specifically in N uptake in the vines. However, for most productivity measures, including PMN with SOM in the models did not substantially reduce the estimated SOM effect on productivity, indicating that SOM affected productivity mostly through mechanisms other than N acquisition by plants available through mineralization of OM. The study underscored the complex interplay between SOM and potato productivity, urging further research into the multifaceted roles of SOM in sandy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving tuber yield size to boost seed potato (Solanum tuberosum) production efficiency is a paramount goal, particularly in Punjab, India, a major contributor to the nation's seed supply. To optimize nutrient absorption, soil quality, and yield of seed‐sized tubers, research was conducted in Ludhiana and Jalandhar over two years. Employing a split‐plot design, three organic treatments (farmyard manure [FYM], biofertilizer, control) were tested in main plots, while five phosphorus fertilizer levels (46.9, 62.5, 93.8, 125, 0 kg ha−1 P2O5) were examined in subplots. Results revealed that FYM notably enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in both haulm and tubers compared to other organics. Moreover, higher phosphorus levels, particularly 125 kg ha−1 P2O5, maximized nutrient uptake. Soil attributes like available nitrogen remained unaffected, whereas phosphorus availability increased with FYM and higher phosphorus levels. Available potassium remained consistent across treatments. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon were unchanged with 125 kg ha−1 P2O5 treatments. FYM and biofertilizer significantly increased total tuber yields, with FYM showing a remarkable 30% boost compared to the control, and 125 kg ha−1 P2O5 phosphorus levels resulting in a notable 24% increase, indicating enhanced seed potato production strategies. Principal component analysis underscored the positive correlation between tuber yield and soil attributes, particularly favoring FYM and 125 kg ha−1 P2O5 treatments. Overall, FYM application and optimal phosphorus fertilizer levels are pivotal for augmenting nutrient uptake, soil health, and yield in seed potato cultivation.Plain Language Summary: Potato farming in Punjab, India, is crucial for the nation's seed potato supply. Optimizing tuber yield size is a primary concern for farmers in this region to enhance seed potato production efficiency. A two‐year study conducted in Ludhiana and Jalandhar aimed to investigate methods to improve nutrient absorption, soil quality, and ultimately the yield of seed‐sized potato tubers. Farmyard manure significantly enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake in both the haulm (stems and leaves) and tubers, outperforming other organic treatments. Higher phosphorus fertilizer levels, particularly 125 kg ha−1 P2O5, maximized nutrient uptake and contributed to increased tuber yields. Utilizing farmyard manure as an organic treatment and optimizing phosphorus levels, especially at 125 kg ha−1 P2O5, are pivotal for enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil health, and increasing yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rye (Secale cereale L.) grain production in Kentucky is insufficient to meet the needs of distillers and bakers, in part because there is a knowledge gap about rye management that discourages farmers from choosing this crop. We conducted an economic study to develop recommendations for profitable rye grain production. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of two different nitrogen (N) rates (35 lb N acre−1 and 70 lb N acre−1) on yield and profitability of winter rye grain production. Experiments were conducted in 2020–2021 season at three Kentucky locations: Lexington, Princeton, and Adairville. Twenty‐four rye entries were planted in a split plot design experiment and the two N rates (35 lb N acre−1 and 70 lb N acre−1) were assigned to main plots. There was no significant difference in mean yield between 35 and 70 lb N acre−1. This indicates that less investment in N fertilizer will not adversely affect grain yield level, will enhance profitability of production, and will benefit distillers due to the higher alcohol yield associated with higher starch and lower protein levels. Core Ideas: Decreasing N rate can increase rye grain production profitability.Hybrid cultivars were more profitable than conventional cultivars.Rye may not need as much N fertilization as currently recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some studies have reported that the prognosis of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for early‐stage cervical cancer (CC) is worse than that of open surgery. And this was associated with the use of uterine manipulator or not. Therefore, this study retrospectively analyzes the efficacy and safety of TLH without uterine manipulator combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy for early‐stage CC. Methods: Fifty‐eight patients with CC (stage IB1‐IIA1) who received radical hysterectomy from September 2019 to January 2020 were divided into no uterine manipulator (n = 26) and uterine manipulator group (n = 32). Then, clinical characteristics were collected and intraoperative/postoperative related indicators were compared. Results: Patients in the no uterine manipulator group had significantly higher operation time and blood loss than in the uterine manipulator group. Notably, there was no significant difference in hemoglobin change, blood transfusion rate, number of pelvic nodules, anal exhaust time, complications and recurrence rate between the two groups. Additionally, patients in the uterine manipulator group were prone to urinary retention (15.6%) and lymphocyst (12.5%), while the no uterine manipulator group exhibited high probability of bladder dysfunction (23.1%) and urinary retention (15.4%). Furthermore, the 1‐year disease‐free survival rate and the 1‐year overall survival rate were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the efficacy and safety of TLH with or without uterine manipulator combined with pelvic lymphadenectomy in the treatment of patients with early‐stage CC. However, the latter requires consideration of the negative effects of high operation time and blood loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) production in the semiarid northern Great Plains of the United States has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Lentil in rotation provides agroecosystem benefits of more efficient water use, pest cycle disruption, and biological nitrogen (N) fixation. Increasing N fixation could alleviate soil acidification and groundwater impairment, decrease N fertilizer costs, and increase lentil seed yield. Despite widespread farmer adoption of lentil in the region, little is known about the benefits of fertilizer or inoculant type on N fixation. The aim of this study was to determine how nutrients (potassium (K), sulfur (S), and foliar‐applied micronutrients) and rhizobial inoculant types (seed‐coat powder and granular) influence N fixation of lentil. The study was conducted at two field sites in Montana from 2019 to 2021. Fixed N amounts were calculated using both an N difference approach and 15N natural abundance method. N fixation was highly responsive to climatic conditions and soil characteristics. The amount of N fixed did not respond to K fertilization, likely because soil test K levels were sufficient. In a moderately dry year at a site with low soil sulfate‐S, fertilizer application of 5.6 kg S ha−1 increased N fixed by 40%. Inoculated lentil fixed more N than uninoculated lentil in two site‐years, but there were no differences in N fixed between inoculant types. Inoculation response was not related to field cropping histories with legumes. The study shows that S fertilization and rhizobial inoculation have potential to increase lentil N fixation amounts in the northern Great Plains. Core Ideas: Inoculating lentil increased nitrogen (N) fixed by up to 37 kg N ha−1 in 40% of site‐years, but inoculant type had no effect.Sulfur fertilization increased N fixed by lentil in 40% of site‐years by up to 38 kg N ha−1.Greater N fixed amounts were often associated with greater biomass N accumulation, seed yield, and seed protein.Increasing tissue S concentrations may increase N fixed amounts more than seed and N yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is an essential micronutrient for all organisms. In plants, Mn plays a critical role in photosynthesis and as a structural component of enzymes. In soils, Mn exists as different fractions of varying availability to plants. Mn fertilizers can be used to increase Mn availability to plants but are easily converted from a plant‐available fraction (exchangeable Mn) to an unavailable fraction (Mn‐oxides). Little research has been done in agricultural settings on soil Mn fractions; thus, the objective of this experiment was to study the effect of Mn additions on soil Mn fractions and plant Mn concentration. A greenhouse experiment was conducted by growing soybean (Glycine max) treated with three Mn application rates (recommended or 1×, 10×, and 50×) of two sources (MnSO4 and Mn ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid [MnEDTA]). Soil Mn fractions (Mehlich‐1 extractable, exchangeable, organic‐bound, Mn‐oxide, residual) were quantified via sequential Mn extraction procedures. Bioavailability was evaluated by measuring soybean leaf Mn concentrations. Both fertilizer types increased available soil Mn fractions. Leaf Mn concentration increased with MnSO4 50× application at the V3 stage and decreased with MnEDTA addition at the V3 and R2 stages. Mn additions likely resulted in the conversion of Mn into unavailable fractions. This was amplified by higher application rates, where total Mn increased by 18.5%, but available Mn decreased by 4.3% relative to initial soil values. Thus, our study showed that adding Mn to soils does not necessarily increase plant‐available Mn. Core Ideas: Manganese (Mn) fertilizer types and rates impacted plant uptake of Mn.MnSO4 fertilizer increased Mn uptake with increasing application rates, whereas MnEDTA decreased Mn uptake.MnEDTA was less effective at increasing soil Mn concentrations and was likely leached from soil.Mn fertilization resulted in the conversion of available Mn to unavailable Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter oilseeds are cool season Brassica crops currently being grown in the upper Midwest and North‐West of the United States. They have the potential to function as dual crops when grown in rotation with corn, soybean, and small grains. They provide many of the benefits of typical cover crops over winter, with the added benefit of extra revenue to growers who sell the seeds for uses such as biofuel, industrial products, human consumption, or animal feed. This review gathers current agronomic and industrial use information about canola (Brassica napus L.), camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz], and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.). Currently, most research involving these crops is specific to the Midwest. This review also poses questions regarding how these crops could be adapted to grow in the Mid‐South, with further research being necessary in several areas before promoting adoption in the region. Core Ideas: Winter oilseed crops have the potential to address both environmental and economic sustainability issues.Winter oilseed crops provide winter cover, biofuel production, and revenue without interfering with the food supply.Canola production is well established in the United States, and pennycress and camelina production is increasing.Winter oilseeds may have untapped potential within the Mid‐South region of the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual‐purpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell.) production systems (i.e., graze and grain) are prevalent in the U.S. Southern Great Plains region, though few of them are managed organically and organic research is very limited, particularly on forage and grazing aspects of the system. Therefore, the objective of this 3‐year systems study (2018–2021) conducted near Vernon, TX, was to compare forage production, forage nutritive value, and cattle gains in transitional organic and conventional dual‐purpose wheat systems. Forage data were collected each year during the early‐season dual‐purpose grazing period until maturity. Monthly standing crop biomass, rate of forage production, and forage nutritive value did not differ during the grazing period between systems in any year. Limited early‐season precipitation resulted in slow forage growth in all years and inadequate forage production to support grazing in 2 of 3 years. In the year when grazing occurred (2018–2019), cattle performance did not differ between systems. Following the dual‐purpose grazing period, the organic system trended toward lower forage production and crude protein concentration than the conventional system, suggesting that in a "graze‐out" scenario (i.e., season‐long grazing and no grain production), the organic system might not support as much cattle production. The late‐season divergence between systems could likely be minimized or eliminated by improving N availability in the organic system. Agronomic viability of the organic system, in terms of forage production, nutritive values, and cattle gains, was supported by its overall similarity to the conventional system. Core Ideas: Transitional organic and conventional dual‐purpose wheat systems were compared for the first time in the Southern Great Plains.Forage production, quality, and cattle gains did not differ between systems during the grazing period in any year.Limited precipitation resulted in inadequate forage production to support grazing in 2 of 3 years.Following the grazing period, the organic system trended toward lower forage production and crude protein.The late‐season divergence between systems may be improved by increasing N availability in the organic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers of nontraditional crop additives may claim products will enhance yield and improve economic return, yet many offer only grower testimonials for product validation rather than unbiased, peer‐reviewed research. If the products do not perform as described, they may serve to reduce grower revenue. To investigate these claims in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), field trials were conducted near Othello, Washington from 2016 to 2019 on 27 nontraditional additive treatments composed of 32 products. Treatments were applied using one or more application techniques: in‐furrow and surface bands, foliar sprays, and chemigations/fertigations (applied through irrigation system) per manufacturer recommendations and in addition to grower standard practices. Conventional nutrients were applied to be nonlimiting to potato growth. Economic return was calculated using a mock processing contract and adjusted for individual product costs that ranged from US$15 to US$889 ha−1. Treatment‐adjusted gross return values ranged from <7.7% to >8.5% the grower standard treatment value, and total yields ranged from 108 to 136 Mg ha−1, but differences from the control were not significant for any treatment. Reclaim, a surfactant, and OneUP and NutriCal, both specialty fertilizers, increased US No. 1 yield, average tuber weight, and tuber specific gravity, respectively. Some of the tested products may provide other benefits like soil health improvement or water use reduction but those parameters were not included in this study. Growers should avoid applying unproven products until they are tested and approved by an unbiased, trustworthy research entity. Core Ideas: Unproven, nontraditional crop production additives are widely used and advertised, yet unbiased research is lacking.Many peer‐reviewed articles testing nontraditional crop additives in agriculture production fail to measure grower return.Research in nontraditional crop production inputs is typically expensive and land and resource intensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injecting manure and commercial fertilizer beneath the soil surface is an important nutrient management practice that conserves ammonia‐nitrogen (N) but creates distinct bands of N below the soil surface. To date, no widely accepted soil nitrate sampling protocol has been developed to account for the extreme heterogeneity created by injection. To develop sampling recommendations for Pre‐Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT), we quantified patterns of NO3−‐N concentrations in soil of corn (Zea mays L.) plots injected with liquid dairy cattle (Bos taurus L.) manure at 76 cm spacing over 2 years. Soil monoliths were collected to allow precise sampling of 30 cm deep by 2.5 cm soil cores from which a mid‐season PSNT was determined. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to simulate the effects of alternative soil sampling protocols on bias and error. Results from the simulation support the following equispaced sampling protocol: five, 30‐cm deep soil cores are spaced 15 cm apart and oriented in a line perpendicular to the injected manure bands, collected at four locations in the field, to produce a single composite of 20 samples for NO3− analysis. It is not necessary to know manure band location. As spatially discrete manure application patterns become more prevalent with the expansion of manure injection, we believe this PSNT sampling protocol balances risk of error with practical concerns needed to promote adoption. Core Ideas: Monolith soil sampling provided unique ability to explore nitrate distribution after manure injection. Analysis of nitrate from monolith soil cores provided recommendation for soil collection protocol. Recommended soil nitrate testing procedure can be consistent with current PSNT protocols. Novel spatial analysis model can be used for future soil nutrient distribution work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2021 emergence of the 17‐year Brood X cicadas (Magicicada septendecim, M. cassinii, and M. septendecula) saw billions of cicadas emerge from the soil throughout the midwestern and eastern United States. The emergence left connected burrows visible at the surface, which are hypothesized to affect near surface hydrologic processes. To investigate these processes, we used single‐ring, dual head infiltrometers to measure field saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs, n = 70) across patterns of emergence and land use in south‐central Indiana, USA. Our experimental design included locations with and without cicada burrows in forested (undisturbed) and urbanized (disturbed) areas. Across undisturbed sites, we found a significant 80.8% increase in Kfs between soils with (median = 14.1 cm/h; n = 20) and without (median = 7.8 cm/h; n = 20) cicada burrows. At disturbed sites, we found no significant difference in Kfs between sites with (median = 4.2 cm/h; n = 18) and without (median = 4.4 cm/h; n = 12) cicada burrows. We found a significant correlation between the number of burrows present at the surface and Kfs rates for undisturbed sites (ρ$$ \rho $$ = 0.42; p = 0.008), while no correlation was found for the disturbed sites (ρ$$ \rho $$ = −0.09; p = 0.62). Our measurements suggest that the effect of burrows on Kfs is minimized in urbanized areas, potentially due to compaction and other impacts from human disturbance that mitigate the presence of macropores left by cicadas. In contrast, surface‐connected macroporosity from Brood X cicada burrows in undisturbed areas act as a conduit for precipitation into the soil profile and bypass flow into deeper horizons and the shallow groundwater table, with implications for runoff dynamics, soil and groundwater recharge and quality, and nutrient cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Prenatal detection of congenital heart defects is hampered by overweight and obesity: Review on 19,687 pregnant women," by A. Schroer and colleagues is presented.

Keywords: epidemiology; vulva; vulval clinic; vulval dermatology EN epidemiology vulva vulval clinic vulval dermatology e269 e271 3 08/14/23 20230801 NES 230801 BACKGROUND Tertiary hospitals in Australia and beyond, run multidisciplinary vulvar dermatoses clinics, drawing on the experience and knowledge of multiple specialties to deliver optimal care for patients with vulvar disease.[[1], [3]] The Royal Adelaide Hospital RAH (800-bed tertiary hospital) vulvar clinic runs every 4 weeks, accepting both primary and tertiary referrals. There are three patient lists seen by a gynaecologist, dermatologist and gynaecological registrar. For example, allergic contact dermatitis is a condition more familiar to dermatologists than gynaecologists, particularly gynaecology registrars. [Extracted from the article]

Improved nitrogen (N) fertilizer management strategies are required to optimize yield and quality in processing carrots (Daucus carota L.) while minimizing risks of N loss. A 2‐year field study was conducted in commercial carrot fields near Hesperia and Pentwater, MI, USA, to investigate the effects of N fertilizer rate (29, 67, 135, and 202 kg ha−1 N), topdress N frequency (single vs. three split applications), and timing of split N applications on carrot production and N utilization. In addition, the potential for remote sensing‐based vegetation indices (VIs) to guide in‐season N topdress decisions was evaluated relative to conventional methods including petiole sap nitrate testing. Both carrot root yield and shoot biomass increased with greater N rates but did not plateau. Split‐applied topdress N and timing of topdress applications did not affect yield. However, greater N rates, single front‐loaded applications, and both earlier and later than typical topdress timings exhibited potential to increase N loss depending on the year. While VIs explained at most 66% and 29% of the variation in yield in 2019 and 2020, respectively, the indices consistently explained greater variation compared to petiole sap nitrate (6%), shoot N concentration (8%), and carrot root (10%) and shoot (14%) weights. Hypothetical N topdress decisions made using VI‐based sufficiency indices recommended N 26% less often than petiole sap nitrate, but more research is needed to evaluate reference and threshold selections. Despite labor and technological tradeoffs, remote sensing may increase accuracy, resolution, and scalability of N decision support in processing carrot production. Core ideas: Carrot yield responded to N above recommended rates on sandy soils following corn in Michigan.Split applications and timing of topdress N impacted N loss potential but not yield.Drone‐based N sufficiency indices correlated better with yield than petiole nitrate.Both RGB and multispectral indices demonstrate promise for N decision support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to livestock manure is increasing in semi‐arid cropping systems of U.S. Northwest prompting evaluation of fertilization strategies on regional production systems. A study conducted from fall 2012 to 2019 used: fall‐ or spring‐applied dairy manure (56 Mg ha−1), fall‐applied composted dairy manure (33 Mg ha−1), spring‐applied urea or SUPERU (Koch Agronomic Services), and a control (n = 6) on a corn (Zea mays L.)–barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)–alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–alfalfa–alfalfa rotation. The effects of fertilization strategies on (a) soil nutrients, (b) crop tissue nutrient concentration and removal, and (c) digestibility and energy content of forages are discussed. Compost and manure additions increased corn silage N, P, K, respectively, by 0.86, 0.28, and 2.4 g kg−1 over other treatments; silage Ca and Mg were depressed 0.4 and 0.53 g kg−1 by manure applications. Barley grain Premoval and Kremoval increased 5.10 and 7.65 g kg−1 under manure applications relative to urea and SUPERU treatments while crude protein (CP) (19.1 g N kg−1) neared limits of high‐quality malt extract (16–19 g N kg−1). Compost and manure increased alfalfa K by 2.3 and 5.5 g kg−1 over other treatments, approaching levels of concern for hypocalcemia in dairy cattle (≥30 g K kg−1). No major impact on corn silage or alfalfa quality parameters, were observed. Present Idaho nutrient removal estimates were representative of corn and alfalfa, but not barley in which observed N removal was 28% lower. In 17 of 18 instances, contrast testing suggested nutrient removal differed under organic amended treatments, suggesting nutrient removal modifiers in production systems receiving organic amendment may need established. Core Ideas: Manure enhanced plant tissue concentration and removal of N, P, K while decreasing uptake of Ca and Mg in some crops.Manure increased crude protein and crude fat in corn but had no effect on forage quality parameters in alfalfa.Organic amendment should be considered in nutrient removal estimate tables.A typical regional manure application rate, 56 Mg ha−1, rapidly necessitates P‐based management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food security crop in Ethiopia. However, low soil fertility and the use of haphazard nitrogen (N) fertilizer with little attention to the rate and timing of N application constrain productivity. Therefore, field experiments were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons to investigate the response of maize to different N application rates and timings. The treatments consisted of six N fertilizer rates (0, 23, 46, 69, 92, and 115 kg N ha−1) and four application timings (all at vegetative stages; one‐half at sowing + one‐half at vegetative stages; one‐third at sowing + one‐third at vegetative stages + one‐third at tasseling; one‐fourth at sowing + two‐fourths at vegetative stages + one‐fourth at tasseling). The experiments were a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The results of the study revealed that ears per plant, ear length, grains per row, grains per ear, stover, and grain yield were significantly (p ≤.001) influenced by the interaction effects of N application rates and timings. The highest stover (9.99 t ha−1) and grain yield (9.41 t ha−1) were obtained from the application of 92 kg N ha−1 in three split applications of one‐fourth at sowing, one‐half at vegetative stages, and one‐fourth at tasseling. Therefore, it is concluded that 92 kg N ha−1 in three split applications of one‐fourth at sowing, two‐fourths at vegetative stages, and one‐fourth at tasseling was found to be the most economical in the study area. Core Ideas: Yield components and yield of maize are determined by the availability of soil N.Location‐specific recommended rates and timing of N application are more important than blanket recommended.In eastern Ethiopia, rates and timing of N application had a greater impact on maize yield components and yield.Three split N applications appear to be better practice than two split in terms of N synchronization to the crop.For economic and environmental considerations, rates and timing of N application need to be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pena–Shokeir syndrome is considered to be a fatal congenital condition that is rarely diagnosed in neonates. We present the first‐ever reported case of Pena–Shokeir syndrome from Syria. Clinical assessment and early prenatal diagnosis are both needed to give the mother and baby more realistic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deficiency of secondary and micronutrients negatively affects plant metabolic functions and reduces crop yields. These nutrients are applied in small quantities (<10 kg ha−1) and are physically blended or chemically fused with primary nutrients to enhance uniformity of application. A 3‐yr study (2012–2014) was conducted to evaluate the effects of fall or spring‐applied fertilizer N with or without P and N–P fertilizers containing S and Zn (blended or fused) on soil properties, leaf chlorophyll, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Nebraska. Response variables were measured for additional 2 yr (2015–2016; residual years [RYs]). Soil Mehlich‐3 P was low (14 mg kg−1) at the onset of the experiment and adding P increased grain yield by 10% compared with N only treatment in 2013–2015. Grain yields were similar in treatments with S and Zn fused (9.7–12.4 Mg ha−1) or blended (9.7–12.2 Mg ha−1) in all years (2012–2016). A yield benefit of adding S and Zn was recorded only 1 yr (2015: the first RY) (12.3 and 11.6 Mg ha−1 in NP treatments with and without S and Zn). Except for 2012, all fertilized treatments had greater yields than the control in 2013–2016. The 2012 was a dry year, where yield was low across the treatments (1.6–2.1 Mg ha−1) suggesting minimal benefits of adding primary nutrients (N, P), let alone S or Zn, when moisture is limiting. It is warranted that blended and fused fertilizers are evaluated under specific conditions where soils are deficient in constituent nutrients. Core Ideas: Adding P in addition to N to soil with a low P level increased maize grain yield.Nutrients other than N can contribute to the chlorophyll content and thus, chlorophyll meter readings.Fused and blended fertilizers produced similar yields and soil nutrient accumulation.Interaction between P and Zn may affect the availability of both nutrients.Residual from applied fused and blended nutrients persisted for 2 yr following their 3‐yr application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potassium chloride (KCl) is often used to supply K for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production; it is the least costly K fertilizer. However, crop uptake of Cl can reduce diagnostic petiole NO3–N and reduce tuber specific gravity. This trial evaluated the effect of K fertilizer source (KCl vs. sulfate of potash [SOP] and sulfate of potash magnesia [KMag]) and fertilizer application timing on Cl, S, N, and K in soil, petioles, and whole plant biomass. Fertilizers were applied at 224 kg K2O ha–1 at three application timings: 210 d before planting (fall preplant), 14 d before planting (spring preplant), or 35 d after planting (Layby) to a sandy loam soil in Hermiston, OR. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied by overhead sprinklers during the growing season. Potassium source and timing had minimal effect on crop S, N, and K uptake. Crop Cl response reflected a fertilizer source × timing interaction. Fall‐applied KCl did not increase plant Cl above that observed for KMag and SOP treatments. Spring or summer‐applied KCl increased plant Cl concentrations. The most likely explanation for this response pattern was leaching of Cl below rooting depth with fall fertilizer application. Findings of importance for potato production practices in our region included: (a) fall‐applied Cl was not taken up by the crop, and so did not represent a risk to potato tuber quality; (b) elevated concentrations of petiole Cl from preplant or in‐season KCl application did not affect petiole NO3–N. Core Ideas: Delaying KCl application increased Cl in soil, petioles, and biomass.Crop Cl uptake was minimized by applying KCl preplant in fall.Elevated petiole Cl did not affect petiole NO3‐N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is an alternative crop in the Southern High Plains that thrives in semi‐arid regions, due to its low water input requirements. Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at New Deal, TX, to evaluate the response of guar ('Matador') to four levels of deficit irrigation (DI; extreme, 51 mm; severe, 127 mm; moderate, 203 mm; and mild, 279 mm). Soil moisture extraction patterns, plant height, leaf area index, yield components, seed yield, harvest index (HI), agronomic water use efficiency (AWUE), and irrigation WUE (IWUE) were measured among the irrigation levels. In both years, guar grown under extreme and severe DI extracted a major portion of the water from the 50‐to‐100‐cm soil depth. Water deficit reduced plant height, leaf area index, and number of pods per plant in both years. However, the IWUE and 1,000‐seed weight increased with reduced irrigation. There were no significant differences in seed yield, HI, and AWUE among treatments as a result of a tradeoff between increased seed weight with low pod production under lower DI treatments and increased pod production with low seed weight under higher DI treatments. Guar extracted water deeper in the soil and produced adequate numbers of pods per plant in balance with the source organ capacity to allocate resources toward optimal seed development. Our research offers valuable information about root exploration and development of larger seeds as compensatory mechanisms that can be further explored to improve the adaptability of guar under water‐restricted production conditions. Core Ideas: Guar requires low water input for optimal growth and productivity in semi‐arid regions.Seed weight adjustment and increased root exploration drive the water‐deficit adaptability of guar.Under reduced irrigation, guar tends to produce larger seeds rather than more seeds per pod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southern Great Plains (SGP) region of the United States is widely known for its dryland dual‐purpose winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping systems—integrated systems that provide both livestock grazing and grain production. Few of these systems are organic, however, and no relevant research had been conducted on this topic. A large‐scale (41 ha) systems research study was conducted for 3 yr (2018–2021) to compare a transitional organic dual‐purpose wheat system with a conventional one, with system management components customized to the ecological region. Organic wheat yield was 20% lower than conventional in the first season of organic transition, but there was no yield difference by the third year. The yield improvement in the organic system may be attributed to N fixation by a legume‐based cash crop the previous winter season, exogenous nutrients from application of composted manure, and appropriate wheat cultivar selection. Because of limited moisture, relying on annual establishment of summer cover crops to fix N and deliver other ecosystem services in the organic system was not feasible in most years. Grain protein concentration (GPC) of the transitional organic wheat ranged from 91 to 103 g kg−1, below the 120 g kg−1 threshold for a food market organic price premium. More intensive N management, including in‐season application of a more available form of N that is organic approved, could be an effective strategy to increase GPC. This proof‐of‐concept study shows that organic dual‐purpose wheat systems can be a viable enterprise in the SGP, though additional research is needed to address challenges identified herein. Core Ideas: An initial 20% yield gap between organic and conventional systems was closed by the end of organic transition.Grain protein remained below the minimum for the organic food market, indicating management adjustments are needed.The winter cash crop season was the prime opportunity for introducing legume‐based N fixation to the system. Summer cover crop establishment was not feasible in most years because of moisture limitation.This proof‐of‐concept study shows that organic dual‐purpose wheat systems are agronomically viable in the SGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atmospheric concentration of nitrous oxide (N2O) has increased by 23% since the pre‐industrial era, which substantially destructed the stratospheric ozone layer and changed the global climate. However, it remains uncertain about the reasons behind the increase and the spatiotemporal patterns of soil N2O emissions, a primary biogenic source. Here, we used an integrative land ecosystem model, Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM), to quantify direct (i.e., emitted from local soil) and indirect (i.e., emissions related to local practices but occurring elsewhere) N2O emissions in the contiguous United States during 1900–2019. Newly developed geospatial data of land‐use history and crop‐specific agricultural management practices were used to force DLEM at a spatial resolution of 5 arc‐min by 5 arc‐min. The model simulation indicates that the U.S. soil N2O emissions totaled 0.97 ± 0.06 Tg N year−1 during the 2010s, with 94% and 6% from direct and indirect emissions, respectively. Hot spots of soil N2O emission are found in the US Corn Belt and Rice Belt. We find a threefold increase in total soil N2O emission in the United States since 1900, 74% of which is from agricultural soil emissions, increasing by 12 times from 0.04 Tg N year−1 in the 1900s to 0.51 Tg N year−1 in the 2010s. More than 90% of soil N2O emission increase in agricultural soils is attributed to human land‐use change and agricultural management practices, while increases in N deposition and climate warming are the dominant drivers for N2O emission increase from natural soils. Across the cropped acres, corn production stands out with a large amount of fertilizer consumption and high‐emission factors, responsible for nearly two‐thirds of direct agricultural soil N2O emission increase since 1900. Our study suggests a large N2O mitigation potential in cropland and the importance of exploring crop‐specific mitigation strategies and prioritizing management alternatives for targeted crop types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic soil amendments can improve soil health but their role in improving N management has not been well quantified. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the influence of biochar and manure compost application on crop yield, N uptake, changes in soil and environmental losses and to use the information to assess the N requirement and project fertilization needs. A field experiment was conducted in California, USA, with processing tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) grown first, followed by garlic (Allium sativum). The soil was a sandy loam with a pH of 7.2 and CEC of 9.1 cmol(+) kg−1. Treatments included two biochar products, derived from almond shell or softwood feedstocks, applied at 20 or 40 tonnes (t) ha−1, dairy manure compost at 20 t ha−1, combinations of the manure and the biochar (each at 20 t ha−1), and a control. Although biochar and manure applications improved the surface soil organic C and total N content, no significant effects on crop yield, biomass and N uptake, as well as ammonia volatilization and leaching loss, were observed. The amount of N sequestered by plants ranged from 3.2 to 3.8 and 9.9 to 10.0 kg N Mg−1 to produce fresh tomato fruits and garlic bulbs, respectively. However, about half of the N for tomato and 93% for garlic plants were removed from soil by harvesting. The N sequestered per unit biomass (or yield) production appears a stable parameter, which can be used to reliably project fertilization needs that target high NUE and minimal loss to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O) may be an appropriate fertilizer to address phosphorus (P) deficiencies in organic cropping systems, but field studies assessing crop response to struvite are lacking. Field experiments were conducted over 3 yr on a low‐P, alkaline soil in Manitoba to assess the effect of struvite application rate on the yield and P accumulation of organically managed grain and forage crops. Struvite was applied to spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) at 0, 20, 30, and 40 kg P ha–1 in separate experiments each year and to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)–grass forage at 0, 30, 60, and 90 kg P ha–1 in a single application in a 3‐yr experiment. Wheat grain yield, P concentration, and P accumulation increased linearly with increasing struvite rate, whereas flax showed little to no response. Forage yield, P concentration, and P accumulation also increased with struvite rate. Benefits to forage yield and P accumulation were greatest in the second year, demonstrating important residual effects of struvite application. Struvite application shifted forage composition to become dominated by alfalfa whereas the unfertilized treatment was dominated by grasses. Annual P recovery efficiency was 4–7% for wheat, 1–2% for flax, and 7–12% for forage and did not vary significantly with struvite application rate. Our findings demonstrate that struvite applied at a relatively high rate is an effective P source for wheat and alfalfa‐based forage under organic management, but not for flax. Core Ideas: Wheat and alfalfa–grass yield and P concentration increased with struvite application rate.Alfalfa–grass yield increased in the second and third years after struvite application.Struvite application increased flax grain P concentration but not yield.Phosphorus recovery efficiency from struvite by crops did not vary with application rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winter canola (Brassica napus L.) production has increased in the United States over the past several decades; however, there is little research in the southeastern United States on its agronomic production and growth characteristics under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of N rates on winter mortality, yield, oil and protein content, and seedpod shatter resistance across cultivars. Canola was grown in a randomized split complete block design with four replicates under five different N rates (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha−1) with four different cultivars (Hekip, Inspiration, and Edimax CL or Phoenix CL). Seed yield was very low for the 2017–2018 season, likely due to extreme cold conditions in winter and/or frost at flowering. There was high winter mortality during this period, but Edimax CL had significantly lower mortality (79.7%) than Inspiration (85.7%) and Hekip (83.9%). In the following year, more mild temperatures led to low mortality and greater yields, where rates of 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha−1 had the greatest yields (1,612–1,857 kg ha−1) with no significant differences according to cultivar. In 2018, shatter resistance was greatest for the rates of 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha−1 and was positively related to N rate. Across both years, Inspiration had greater shatter resistance. In 2019, the lowest N rate (0 kg N ha−1) and Phoenix CL had significantly greater oil contents (48.4 and 47.3%, respectively), whereas the highest N rate (224 kg N ha−1) with no particular cultivar had a significantly greater protein content (21.0%). Core Ideas: Cultivars like Edimax CL may help reduce winter mortality under extreme cold conditions.Higher nitrogen rates had significantly greater resistance to seedpod shatter.A nitrogen rate of 112 kg ha−1 and the Inspiration cultivar are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of plant tissue analysis as a tool for diagnosing nutrient deficiency has steadily gained interest by producers and crop advisors in Oklahoma. A study was conducted during the 2012–2013 and 2015–2016 growing seasons at two locations near Stillwater and Perry, OK, to evaluate the variability of canola (Brassica napus L.) nutrient concentrations across various growth stages (STAGE), among several days within each growth stage (DAY), across several times during the day (TIME). Canola tissue samples were collected in the morning, noon, and evening for three consecutive days at rosette, postdormancy break, and prebolting stages. Samples were analyzed for macronutrients (N, P, K) and secondary (S, Ca, Mg) nutrient concentrations. Tissue nutrient concentrations were found to be extremely variable, as affected by main effects and interactions of sampling TIME, DAY, and STAGE. Nutrient concentration generally increased over time, for most nutrients. The analysis did not indicate any definitive pattern of tissue nutrient accumulation based on the fixed effects TIME and DAY. Although, the exact reasons for the different responses are not known, they may be related to soil physical and chemical property differences and variation in weather factors. While this work does not provide insight in the relationship between nutrient concentrations and crop yield, this does bring to light complications with using tissue analysis for management decisions. Further work must be done to investigate the relationships of tissue concentration and yield, and the viability of tissue sampling for nutrient management. Core Ideas: Canola tissue nutrient concentrations were affected by TIME, DAY, and STAGE samplings.Stage of sampling produced the greatest changes in concentration.The effects of TIME, DAY, and STAGE samplings were inconsistent across nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants are not able to take up organically bound phosphorus (P) before it is hydrolyzed by extracellular phosphatases while intracellular phosphatases play a role in P remobilization. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate intra‐ and extracellular acid phosphatase activity as well as root and shoot growth of two modern starch potato cultivars at different levels of P deprivation. Methods: In vitro propagated potato plantlets (cultivars Kuba and Cardoso) were grown in sand and fertigated with five different P concentrations, ranging from 1 to 0.05 mM P. Growth parameters, plant P concentrations, and acid phosphatase activities were determined after 40 days. Results: Shoot and root biomass decreased gradually with decreasing P supply, while the root‐to‐shoot ratio increased. Shoot P concentration decreased steadily, but root P concentration remained constant at P levels below 0.5 mM. Root‐associated and root intracellular acid phosphatase activity increased in both cultivars with rising levels of P deprivation. The activity of acid phosphatases in old but not in young leaves was increased with P deprivation. Intracellular acid phosphatase activity was genotype dependent, with higher activity in the cultivar Kuba than in Cardoso. Conclusions: Our results point to a tissue specific regulation of acid phosphatase activity depending on plant P status and potato genotype. Increasing root‐associated acid phosphatase activities may help P starved potato plants to ensure a sufficient P nutrition. Further research is needed to unravel the roles of leaf intracellular acid phosphatases in potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers have been interested in using foliar‐applied nutrient products to increase soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield since at least the 1970s, despite limited evidence that these products offer consistent yield increases when used prophylactically. Recently, interest in foliar fertilizer products for soybean production has been renewed, likely related to elevated soybean prices. Over the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons (46 site‐years), agronomists in 16 states collaborated to test six foliar nutrient treatments (commercial mixtures of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients) on soybean grain yield and composition. Soybean grain yield and composition differed among sites but not among foliar fertilizer treatments. Results show that prophylactic foliar fertilization is likely to decrease the profitability of soybean production. Foliar fertilizer products tested in this study and similar products should not be recommended to U.S. soybean farmers in the absence of visual symptoms of nutrient deficiency. Core Ideas: The tested prophylactic foliar fertilizers did not increase soybean yield.Foliar fertilizers did not change grain composition.Prophylactic foliar fertilizers tested decreased profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small grains are commonly grown in rotation following alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Utah and the Intermountain West, especially during drought years, as they require less irrigation than corn (Zea mays L.). Several studies have shown that corn following alfalfa rarely needs N fertilizer, yet few have evaluated the N needs of small grains. Objectives of this research were to determine whether N fertilizer is needed to economically optimize the yield and quality of first‐year soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) following alfalfa and whether the response could be predicted. Fertilizer trials (four replications of up to 13 N rates) were conducted on 12 first‐year wheat sites in Utah during 2018–2019. Three sites in 2018 with spring soil nitrate concentrations ≥17 mg kg–1 required no N to improve yield. The remaining nine sites in 2019 with soil nitrate ≤13 mg kg–1 all had yield, test weight, and protein responses to fertilizer N. Economic optimum N rates for optimal yield, protein, and test weight across the nine sites in 2019 were 22 kg N ha–1 (18%) greater for split applications (fall and spring) compared with single spring N across various wheat/N price ratios. Delaying N applications until flag leaf decreased yield in 2019 provided no economic protein or test weight advantages. Results indicate that 96–147 kg N ha–1 (depending on price ratio) should be applied as a single application in the spring to first‐year soft white winter wheat following alfalfa only when spring soil nitrate is <17 mg kg–1. Core Ideas: First‐year soft white wheat following alfalfa required 96–147 kg N ha–1 at 9 of 12 site‐years.Split N applications in fall and spring provided no advantages to spring‐only applications.First‐year small grains should only be fertilized in the spring when soil nitrate is <17 mg kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common scab, calcium deficiency, and internal tuber defects, such as hollow heart, have severe negative impact on the marketable yield and profitability of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) farmers. The present study was conducted to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling these traits. A tetraploid linkage map was constructed using 808 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the SolCAP 8300 Infinium Potato Array using 151 genotypes of an F1 population generated from a cross between cultivars with divergent traits, Atlantic and Superior. Atlantic is susceptible to scab and has high incidence of hollow heart and low tuber calcium. Conversely, Superior has resistance to scab, low incidence of hollow heart, and high tuber calcium. This population was phenotypically evaluated between 2009 and 2012. Seven QTL regions explained pitted scab incidence and severity; two on chromosomes 3 and 11 of Atlantic, and five on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, and 10 of Superior were identified. Also, six QTL regions that explained tuber calcium variation were detected; four QTL were located on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of Atlantic; and one QTL on chromosome 3 of Superior. In addition, five QTL were identified for the incidence of hollow heart; two QTL were located on chromosomes 3 and 5 of Atlantic, and three QTL were located on chromosomes 3, 6, and 12 of Superior. These QTL regions can be further studied to develop markers for marker‐assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurring slope lineae (RSL) are dark linear markings on Mars that regrow annually and likely originate from the flow of either liquid water or granular material. Following the great dust storm (or planet‐encircling dust event, PEDE) of Mars year (MY) 34, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter/High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment has seen many more candidate RSL than in typical Mars years. They have been imaged at more than 285 unique locations from August 2018 (when the atmosphere was clearing as the PEDE decayed) to August 2019, about half (157) of which are locations where RSL have not been documented previously. In MY34, 150 active RSL sites were identified in the southern middle latitudes (SML, ‐60° to ‐30°), whereas an average of 36 active sites were observed in each previous year (MY28–33). Post‐PEDE RSL are also present during southern summer over a wider range of latitude, slope aspect, and Ls (areocentric longitude of the sun) than in prior years. These RSL sites usually show evidence for recent dust deposition: obscuration of relatively dark areas, an overall brighter and redder surface than in prior years, and dust devil tracks, which indicate dust lifting by several mechanisms. We speculate that dust‐lifting processes may initiate and sustain RSL activity. The RSL may form from flows of dust (perhaps clumped) and/or sand that is destabilized by dust movement or directly mobilized by dust devils. If this is the case, then the otherwise puzzling recurrence and year‐to‐year variability of RSL activity can be at least partly explained. The dust replenishment varies from year to year, which could explain interannual variations in RSL activity. Plain Language Summary: Recurring slope lineae (RSL) are puzzling active slope features on Mars that resemble seeping water. Following the great dust storm of 2018, many more candidate RSL were seen than in typical Mars years. These RSL sites usually show evidence for recent dust deposition. There are clear dust devil tracks in 73% of poststorm images in the southern middle latitudes in the summer, where and when dust devils are most active. The tracks indicate dust lifting, by several mechanisms. We suggest that dust‐lifting processes on steep slopes may initiate and sustain RSL formed from flows of dust (perhaps clumped) and/or sand that is destabilized by dust movement. The otherwise puzzling recurrence and year‐to‐year variability of RSL activity can be explained by variable yearly dust fallout. Key Points: The origin of recurring slope lineae (RSL) on present‐day Mars has been controversial, including hypotheses with seeping water or dry granular flowsRecurring slope line were substantially more abundant following the planet‐encircling dust event in 2018Dust‐lifting processes present multiple possible mechanisms that can trigger downslope movement of dust and sand [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, guar straw and wood wool were used for the development of a relative humidity (RH) and temperature control system based on the storage requirement of onions in a semi‐arid region. The RH and temperature control system includes two major units: (a) dehumidification—three compartments of guar straw balls/guar balls and (b) humidification—water‐saturated wood wool pad (evaporative cooling). Guar balls of ~25 mm diameter were made by mixing 40% straw powder, 59.5% water, and 0.5% guar gum (wt/wt). The balls were dried until 5.6% moisture level before using in dehumidification unit and analyzed for thermal properties. The RH and temperature control system was evaluated for its ability to maintain the requisite RH inside the onion storage structure. The dehumidification unit can reduce the RH by 4.9% and the humidification unit can increase the RH by 4.2% in the storage chamber. Further, the humidification unit has a cooling efficiency of 83.3%. The control system was efficient in maintaining the necessary storage RH in a range of 60–70% with a variation of 1.5%, and 22–37°C storage temperature. Therefore, the storability of the onions in the conditioned environment was close to five months compared to three and a half months in control/ambient condition. Overall, the novel guar straw balls showed the desiccant properties that can be used with water‐saturated wood wool for controlling RH and temperature of a storage environment. Practical Applications: Agricultural waste generally remains unutilized that create disposal and environmental challenges. Hence, the task of agricultural waste management is paramount. For farm and industrial applications, the development of low‐cost desiccants and systems for controlling conditioned atmosphere using agricultural waste is interesting. In the present study, a relative humidity (RH) and temperature control system was developed using guar straw and wood wool. The control system is proved to be efficient in maintaining the storage requirement of onions; thus, extended the storage life significantly. This environmental‐friendly system can be used, in storage, preservation and drying of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil amendments with high carbon (C) content can be effective in semi‐arid regions where soils are characterized by low C. A field study was conducted in 2016–2018 to evaluate the effect of char on soil chemical properties and irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) yields in sandy loam fertilized with urea or composted manure. Carbon‐rich char used was a product of coal combustion residue from a local factory in western Nebraska. The experiment was arranged in a split‐plot randomized complete block design in four replications with char (0, 6.7, 13.4, 20.1, and 26.8 Mg C ha−1) as main and N treatment (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg urea‐N ha−1 and 33.6 and 67.2 Mg ha−1 of composted manure) as subplot factors. A handheld spectral sensor was used to determine normalized difference red edge (NDRE) at growth stages (V6, V8, V10, and R1) in 2017 and 2018. After 2 yr, char increased Fe, reduced pH at lower rates, and increased K and Mg at higher rates in top 20 cm soil but did not affect crop yields. Char applied at ≥13.4 Mg C ha−1 increased soil organic C by ≥8% and composted manure increased soil P and K compared to the control. There was a strong correlation of NDRE with N rates and grain yields at V8 and V10. This study found no adverse effect of char on soil properties. However, more site‐specific research is needed before char can be used as a regular soil amendment in semi‐arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine mammary carcinoma represents a model for the study of human breast cancer, although the prognostic value of various clinical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters has shown contradictory results. A prospective study, through a 4‐year follow‐up, was performed in 77 patients with mammary carcinoma to analyse the association between histological diagnosis, grade of malignancy, peritumoral and vascular invasion. We have also performed immunohistochemistry for the expression of oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) that define human biomarkers of disease progression and treatment response. An association between histological diagnosis and clinical stage was observed with a high proportion of complex carcinoma classified as stage I. There was a higher proportion of ER+/PR+/HER2− tumours in stage I. In contrast, triple‐negative tumours (ER−/PR−/HER2−) were found mainly in advanced clinical stages and were associated with vascular and peritumoral invasion. The tumours included in group VII (carcinosarcoma/adenosquamous carcinoma/other special types of carcinoma) had a higher expression of COX‐2. The univariate analysis showed that those patients with complex carcinoma had the lowest incidence of metastases and the highest probability of survival. In contrast, a high proportion of patients with anaplastic/inflammatory carcinoma developed metastases and showed the lowest probability of survival. In addition, the estimated survival time was shorter for those patients with triple‐negative tumours and those with high COX‐2 expression. However, in the multivariate analysis, only the peritumoral invasion maintained its prognostic significance. In conclusion, in our study anaplastic/inflammatory carcinomas had the worst prognosis with a high proportion of triple‐negative tumours in this category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) describes a set of malignancies of the head and neck that continue to inflict considerable morbidity and mortality. Because HNSCC often presents at an advanced stage, patients frequently undergo intensive multi‐modal therapy with an intent to cure. Vitamin D is a precursor to the biologically active hormone calcitriol which governs bone and calcium physiology that is obtained from diet and UV‐B exposure. Vitamin D is known to have pleiotropic effects on health and disease. In this review, we examine the role of vitamin D in cancer with emphasis on HNSCC and discuss potential avenues for further research that might better elucidate the role of vitamin D in the management of HNSCC. Review methods: A review of MEDLINE database indexed literature concerning the role and biology of vitamin D in HNSCC was conducted, with special consideration of recently published work and research involving immunobiology and HNSCC. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in protecting against HNSCC, particularly in persons who smoke, although conflicting and limited data exists. Promising initial work encourages the pursuit of further study. Implications for practice: The significant morbidity and mortality that HNSCC brings warrants continued research in available and safe interventions that improve patient outcomes. With the rise of immunotherapy as an effective modality for treatment, continued research of vitamin D as an adjunct in the treatment of HNSCC is supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this retrospective study, we describe the clinical course, ultrasound findings and genetic investigations of fetuses affected by fetal akinesia. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 22 eukaryotic fetuses of 18 families, diagnosed with fetal akinesia between 2008 and 2016 at the Department of Obstetrics and Feto‐Maternal Medicine at the Medical University of Vienna. Routine genetic evaluation included karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis. Retrospectively, exome sequencing was performed in the index case of 11 families, if stored DNA was available. Confirmation analyses and genetic diagnosis of siblings were performed by using Sanger sequencing. Results: Whole exome sequencing identified pathogenic variants of CNTN1, RYR1, NEB, GLDN, HRAS and TNNT3 in six cases of 11 families. In three of these families, the variants were confirmed in the respective sibling. Conclusions: The present study demonstrates a high diagnostic yield of exome sequencing in fetuses affected by akinesia syndrome, especially if family history is positive. Still, in a large part the underlying genetic cause remained unknown, whereas precise clinical evaluation in combination with exome sequencing shows to be the best tool to find the disease causing variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidification is an important cause of declining crop yields in many countries, including Canada and the United States. Meanwhile, alkaline by‐products from forest resources are widely available but underused in agriculture despite their expected benefits on soil pH and fertility. The aim of this study was to determine the effects, throughout a 40‐wk laboratory incubation, of six different forest‐derived liming materials on soil pH and Mehlich‐3–extractable major nutrients in two acidic soils. Lime mud, two wood ashes (papermill biosolids and wood bark), two biochars (maple and pine), and a de‐inking paper sludge (DPS) were applied at calcium carbonate equivalence–based rates, according to the amount of lime required to achieve a target pH of 6.5 on each soil. A calcitic lime (CL) was used as a reference. All forest‐derived materials except pine biochar were equally effective as CL in increasing the pH of the two acidic soils after 40 wk of incubation. Lime mud quickly raised the pH after soil incorporation, and then the pH progressively declined. By contrast, DPS upon decomposition gradually increased soil pH over time. In terms of liming value based on dry mass of each material, lime mud was needed at the lowest amount (0.8 CL unit) to increase pH to the target value. Wood ash, particularly from wood combustion, was a significant direct source of P, K, and Mg, whereas maple biochar supplied large amounts of available K and Mg. This study demonstrated that forest‐derived alkaline by‐products can efficiently remediate soil acidity and improve soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) and compare the long‐term outcomes and complication rates of polypropelene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), following up within a minimum of 12 months. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using patients who underwent LSCP for POP involving either PP or PVDF mesh between January 2011 and January 2018. Results: Our study focused on 172 women who underwent LSCP with mesh between January 2011 and January 2018. All procedures were successfully completed laparoscopically, and patients' baseline characteristics were not statistically different in the two groups. Between January 2011 and December 2014, we performed 82 cases of LSC, mainly using PP mesh. Over the last 5 years, since January 2015, we have used PVDF mesh for POP. Conclusions: LSCP using PVDF mesh was found to provide excellent anatomical and functional outcomes after a median follow‐up duration of 41 months, compared with the PP group, which had a median follow‐up duration of 54 months. Mesh infection and erosion rates in the PP group were significantly higher than those in the PVDF group. Additionally, rates of vaginal pain and discomfort were significantly lower in the PVDF group when compared with the PP group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have indicated that under certain conditions, most soils are water repellent to some degree, which impacts agricultural fields, pastures, forests, grasslands, and turf areas. Soil water repellency originates from amphiphilic molecules that reorient during contact with water. However, models to describe the flow in soils affected by time‐dependent contact angle (CA(t)) are still lacking. The current study aims to close this gap. The measured CA(t) for an oleic acid‐coated glass surface and a uniform capillary tube indicated that the initial CA was substantially higher for the latter. However, the rate of CA decrease was similar for both cases in spite of the fact that the contact area between the water and the tube wall continuously increases by the capillary rise. This indicates that the amphiphilic molecules reorientation at the vicinity of the contact line rather than at the wetted tube area controls the CA dynamics. A mathematical model for flow in a uniform and sinusoidal capillary tube with CA(t) < 90° that includes model for the reorientation of the amphiphilic molecules was introduced. The model for uniform case was successfully verified by comparison with measured capillary rise in a coated uniform tube. The simulations indicated that nonuniform pore geometry amplifies the effect of CA(t) on the capillary rise dynamics. The stepwise meniscus propagation in the sinusoidal capillary tubes is driven by the time for the meniscus to reach the converging section of the tube. The retardation in capillary rise increases with tube waviness. Key Points: The rate of CA decrease from its initial value was similar for both slide surface and capillary riseContrary to velocity‐dependent CA the use of CA(t) in flow equations predicts well the water rise in subcritically repellent capillary tubesMeniscus propagation in sinusoidal capillary tubes takes place as a stepwise pattern consisting of jumps interspersed with gradual creeping [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaerobic potentially mineralizable N (PMN) test combined with the preplant (PPNT) and presidedress (PSNT) nitrate tests may improve corn (Zea mays L.) N fertilization predictions. Forty‐nine corn N response experiments (mostly corn following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) were conducted in the U.S. Midwest from 2014–2016 to evaluate the ability of the PPNT and PSNT to predict corn relative yield (RY) and N fertilizer over‐ and under‐application rates when adjusted by PMN. Before planting and N fertilization, PPNT (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm) and PMN (0–30 cm) samples were obtained. In‐season soil samples were obtained at the V5 development stage for PSNT (0–30, 30–60 cm) in all N rate treatments and PMN (0–30 cm) in only the 0 and 180 kg N ha−1 preplant N treatments. Increasing NO3–N sampling depths beyond 30 cm with or without PMN improved RY predictability marginally (R2 increase up to 0.20) and reduced over‐ and under‐application frequencies up to 14%. Including PMN (preplant only) with PPNT or PSNT improved RY predictability minimally (R2 increase up to 0.10) only for coarse‐ and medium‐textured soils, but N fertilizer over‐ and under‐application frequencies were not substantially reduced (≤12%). These marginal improvements in RY predictability and N fertilizer over‐ and under‐application frequencies, regardless of the variables used (e.g., fertilization, sampling depth, soil texture, and growing degree‐day categories), demonstrate that including PMN with soil NO3–N alone does not improve corn N fertilization need predictions enough to recommend their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]