Soil type and integrated nitrogen nutrient-rice straw residue management techniques affect soil microbes, enzyme activities and yield of wheat crop.

Sporadic burning of rice straw and the particulate air pollution caused consequently have created a pressing need for identification of practical environmentally sound in situ rice residue management methods. However, the agronomic interventions associated with the agri-inputs particularly the type of nitrogen fertilizer source must be worked out for these interventions. In a two-year field study performed at two different locations representing sandy loam and clay loam soil types, zero tillage with application of nitrophosphate (applied as basal dose through drilling) in combination with urea (applied at 1st irrigation + 3 foliar sprays of urea at weekly interval) significantly enhanced the grain and straw yield of wheat. The soil microbial viable cell counts and dehydrogenase and urease enzyme activities were also recorded to be highest in this treatment indicating the occurrence of higher living microbial population. The treatment × response variable Principle component analysis (PCA) biplot depicted relative variation among the residue management treatments/Nitrogen fertilizer sub-treatments and the enzyme activities as response variables. A variation in the soil organic content components was recognized through Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IRS) studies. Irrespective of the soil types under study, the FT-IR spectra exhibited presence of the aromatic carbon functional groups in residue incorporated treatments as compared to the no residue incorporation treatment.

Obesity reduction black intervention trial (ORBIT): 18-month results.

Obesity is a chronic condition that is prevalent in black women. The Obesity Reduction Black Intervention Trial (ORBIT) was a randomized controlled weight loss and weight-loss maintenance (WLM) trial. Participants (N = 213) were randomized to the intervention or control groups in August 2005 and September 2006. Follow-up data were collected 6 and 18 months after randomization. The main outcome was change in weight and BMI from baseline to 18 months. The mean weight at baseline was 104.9 kg, and the mean weight loss in the intervention group at 6 months was 3.0 kg and a gain of 0.2 kg in the control group (mean difference between groups in weight change at 6 months, adjusting for baseline weight and cohort, -3.27 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI), -4.50 to -2.05 kg; P < 0.001). Both groups gained weight between 6 and 18 months (mean 1.0 kg in the intervention group and 0.1 kg in the control group). However, intervention participants lost significantly more weight than control participants during the 18-month intervention (adjusted mean difference between groups at 18 months, -2.83 kg; 95% CI, -4.71 to -0.95; P = 0.003). At 18 months, intervention participants were more likely than control participants to have lost at least 5% of baseline weight (24% vs. 12%, P < 0.04). Our results indicate that the ORBIT program did promote weight loss and weight-loss maintenance. However, the results also clearly illustrate there is more to learn about what will contribute to meaningful weight loss and maintenance in this population.

Obesity reduction black intervention trial (ORBIT): six-month results.

The Obesity Reduction Black Intervention Trial (ORBIT) is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of a culturally proficient 6-month weight loss intervention followed by a 1-year maintenance intervention. This article describes the results of the 6-month weight loss intervention. Two hundred thirteen obese black women aged 30-65 years were randomized to the intervention group or a general health control group. The intervention consisted of a 6-month culturally adapted weight loss program that targeted changes in diet and physical activity patterns. Weight, dietary intake, and physical activity were measured at baseline and 6 months. A total of 198 women (93%) completed both the baseline and postintervention assessments. Women in the intervention group lost significantly more weight than women in the control group (P < 0.001). However, weight change was variable within the intervention group, with a maximum weight loss of 19.4% of initial body weight and a maximum weight gain of 6.4% of initial body weight. Women in the intervention group also showed significant improvements in fruit intake (P < 0.01), Healthy Eating Index score (P < 0.001), and moderate (P = 0.05), and vigorous (P < 0.001) physical activity compared to women in the control group. This study demonstrates that a culturally adapted program can successfully promote weight loss in obese black women. However, average weight loss was relatively modest, and weight change varied widely within the intervention group. Further research is needed in order to develop programs that will allow more black women to achieve their weight loss goals..

Obesity Reduction Black Intervention Trial (ORBIT): design and baseline characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with many chronic diseases, and weight loss can reduce the risk of developing these diseases. Obesity is highly prevalent among Black women, but weight loss treatment for black women has been understudied until recently. The Obesity Reduction black Intervention Trial (ORBIT) is a randomized controlled trial designed to assess the efficacy of a culturally proficient weight loss and weight loss maintenance program for black women. This paper describes the design of the trial, the intervention, and baseline characteristics of the participants. METHODS: Two hundred thirteen obese black women aged 30-65 years were randomized to the intervention group or a general health control group. The intervention consists of a 6-month weight loss program followed by a 1-year maintenance program. Weight, dietary intake, and energy expenditure are measured at baseline, 6 months, and 18 months. RESULTS: More than 40% of participants had a baseline body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m(2) (class III obesity). Intake of fat and saturated fat was higher and consumption of fruit, vegetables, and fiber was lower than currently recommended guidelines. Self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity was high (median 85 min/day). However, objectively measured physical activity among a subgroup of participants was lower (median 15 min/day). CONCLUSIONS: Weight loss among obese black women has received inadequate attention in relation to the magnitude of the problem. Factors that contribute to successful weight loss and more importantly, weight loss maintenance need to be identified.