Differences of yield and nitrogen use efficiency under different applications of slow release fertilizer in spring maize

Excessive or insufficient application of fertilizer has raised broader concerns regarding soil and environmental degradation.One-time application of slow release fertilizer (SF) has been widely used to reduce yield gap with potential maize yield and improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE).A 2-year field experiment (2018–2019) was conducted to evaluate the effects of SF rates from 0 to 405 kg N ha^(–1) (named F0,SF225,SF270,SF315,SF360,and SF405) and 405 kg N ha^(–1) of common fertilizer(CF405) on the grain yield,biomass and N accumulation,enzymatic activities related with carbon–nitrogen metabolism,NUE and economic analysis.Results indicated that the highest grain yields,NUEs and economic returns were achieved at SF360in both varieties.The enzymatic activities related with carbon–nitrogen metabolism,pre-and post-silking accumulation of biomass and N increased with increasing SF rate,and they were the highest at SF360 and SF405.The grain yield at SF360had no significant difference with that at SF405.However,the N partial factor productivity,N agronomic efficiency and N recovery efficiency at SF360 were 9.8,6.6 and 8.9% higher than that at SF405.The results also indicated that the average grain yields,NUE and economic benefit at SF405 were 5.2,12.3 and 18.1% higher than that at CF405.In conclusion,decreasing N rate from 405 kg ha^(–1)(CF) to 360 kg ha^(–1)(SF) could effectively reduce the yield gap between realized and potential maize yields.The N decreased by 11.1%,but the yield,NUE and economic benefit increased by 3.2,22.2 and 17.5%,which created a simple,efficient and business-friendly system for spring maize production in Jiangsu Province,China.

Screening of Slow Release Solvents for Plant Volatiles

[Objective] The paper was to study the slow release effects of eight common kinds of slow release solvents on n-hexane, and to provide a reference for the construction of slow release system of attractants or repellents synthesized by plant volatiles. [Method] The effect of slow release solvents on volatile quantity and release rate of n-hexane was compared by weight loss method. [Result] Under indoor natural conditions [(22±2) ℃,RH 50%±10%], the slow release effect of lubricating oil on n-hexane was the best, followed by liquid paraffin. The best ratio of slow release solvent(lubricating oil and liquid paraffin) and n-hexane was 5∶1 and the best mixing time was 3 h, which improved the slow release effects of n-hexane by6.3 and 4.7 times, and prolonged the half-life of n-hexane by 1.3 and 1.0 times, respectively. Slow release solvents mainly affected the post-half-life period of n-hexane, and the release rates of n-hexane mixed with lubricating oil and liquid paraffin were decreased by 10.4 and 7.7 times, respec-tively. During the half-life period, the release rates of n-hexane were decreased by 1.3 and 1.0 times, respectively. [Conclusion] Two kinds of slow release solvents with good slow release effect on volatile n-hexane are screened out, and the proportion and mixing time of slow release solvent and volatile are determined, which will provide technical support for the construction of plant volatile slow release system.

Comparison on the Pharmacokinetics and Weight Reduction of Clobenzorex Slow Release and Immediate Release Formulations in Obese Patients

Clobenzorex is an anorexigenic drug that is widely used in Mexicofor the treatment of obesity, since it helps to reduce body weight. This drug is available as immediate release capsules. To improve compliance to treatment, it was developed a new slow release formulation. In order to establish its usefulness, oral pharmacokinetics and weight reduction of slow release and immediate release formulations of clobenzorex in obese patients were compared. Sixty patients with a BMI higher than 27 kg/m2 were included in the study. Two groups of 30 patients were formed, one of them received 30 mg immediate release formulation b.i.d. and the other group received one 60 mg slow release formulation once a day, since under this scheme these formulations are prescribed. Blood samples were obtained at selected times during the first day and once weekly during 4 weeks. After the last dose, samples were obtained at selected times during 48 h. Plasma levels were determined by HPLC-MS/MS and pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained. Reduction in Cmax due to increased tmax, as well as, increased half-life were observed with the slow release formulation in comparison with immediate release formulation. Although lower plasma levels of clobenzorex were reached with the slow release formulation, reduction of body weight was similar with both products. Based on the results, it was concluded that slow release formulation of clobenzorex is an adequate formulation of clobenzorex, since pharmacokinetics and effects observed are compatible with a once a day administration.

Effects of Different Slow-release Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Ratooning Rice

The effect of slow-release fertilizer application on reducing the fertilization times of ratooning rice was explored by carrying out plot experiments using different slow-release fertilizer formulas.The results showed that compared with conventional fertilization of farmers(TCK),there were no significant differences in plant heights of the first rice crop and ratoon rice crop and the number of tillers was slightly increased,by applying different ratios and types of slow-release fertilizers,indicating that reducing fertilization times did not affect rice growth.Compared with the TCK,the yields of treatments T1,T2,T3 and T4 of slow-release fertilizers increased to a certain extent.The yield of the first rice crop increased by 14.7%,16.7%,23.5% and 17.5%,respectively,the yields of the ratoon rice crop increased by 6.3%,5.8%,7.4% and 8.1%,respectively,and the yields of the two rice crops increased between 10.8% and 16.1%,indicating that reasonable combined application of slow-release nitrogen and fast-acting nitrogen fertilizer could meet the nutrient requirements of ratooning rice at different growth stages,and the application of slow-release fertilizers could reduce the fertilization times of ratooning rice.Based on the combination of rice yield and slow-release fertilizer cost in the first rice crop and ratoon rice crop,the T 3 formula was preferred,that is,urea-formaldehyde slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was used as the base and tillering fertilizer,and polyurethane-coated slow-release nitrogen fertilizer was used as the panicle-sprouting fertilizer.

Complications of dexamethasone implants:risk factors,prevention,and clinical management

AIM:To evaluate major complications after intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implants(Ozurdex)and their clinical management.METHODS:In a retrospective observational study between 2014 and 2016 at two university hospitals,we reviewed the clinical records of 1241 consecutive macular edema patients treated with the dexamethasone implant,and separated severe adverse events in the injection procedure from those that were post-injection complications.We evaluated the cause and the outcomes in each case.RESULTS:In twenty-one procedures(1.69%)we noticed significant complications during and after intravitreal injection of the dexamethasone implant.Complications related to the injection procedure were in one case,that a second implant was injected by mistake in the same eye on the same day.In another case,the implant lodged in the sclera during retraction of the injector needle.Leaking scleral tunnel at the injection site led to hypotony in another case.There were 10 cases of post-injection displacement of the implant into the anterior chamber and one case with a migrated and trapped device between the intraocular lens and an artificial iris.Displacement typically occurred in patients with preexisting risk factors:eyes with complicated intraocular lens implantation,iris reconstruction or iris defects or pseudophakic eyes after vitrectomy were prone to develop this complication.Displacement led to secondary corneal decompensation with pseudohypopyon.One case developed an endophthalmitis,and we observed four cases of retinal detachment.Two eyes presented with long-lasting hypotony due to ciliary insufficiency.CONCLUSION:Treatment with the dexamethasone implant may cause various expected or unexpected complications that may have serious consequences for the patient and require further surgery.To reduce complications,clinicians should evaluate certain risk factors before scheduling patients for dexamethasone implant treatment and use proper injection techniques.

Effect of Soil Fertilizer Application on Soil Nutrient Migration and Tea Quality of Plateau-Puerh Tea

In order to solve the problem of chemical fertilizer application balance of Pu’er tea in Taiwan, the effects of different fertilization treatments on land nutrient migration and tea quality were explored, and the basis for rational fertilization of tea gardens was provided. In this study, the effects of different fertilization treatments on tea quality indexes were studied by three different sets of fertilization treatments in tea gardens. Three sets of different fertilization treatments were set up in the experiment: conventional fertilization treatment (T1), slow-release fertilizer reduction by 20% (T2) and slow-release fertilizer reduction by 30% (T3), and the quality index of tea under different fertilization treatments, as well as the alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus and total nitrogen and total phosphorus content in surface water of the soil were measured and analyzed. The results showed that: 1) compared with T1, the soil available phosphorus in T3 decreased by 23.5%, and the alkalinelyzed nitrogen increased by 20.5%;2) compared with T1, the total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations of surface water in the T2 and T3 treatments were at a low level compared with T1;compared with T1, T2 decreased by 71.4%, and T3 decreased by 68.6%;3) compared with T1, T3 was able to maintain the quality indicators of amino acids, tea polyphenols and soluble sugars in tea in a high and stable range. Therefore, under the condition of conventional fertilization and reduction, a 30% reduction in slow-release fertilizer is currently more suitable for the fertilization technology of Menghai County Tea Garden.

Preparation of hollow mesoporous silica nanorods for encapsulating and slowly releasing eugenol

Fragrances are widely used in many aspects of our lives.They cannot only make people happy,but also treat many diseases.However,excessively fast evaporation rate is one of the main obstacles to the use of spices.In this study,mesoporous silica nanorods(MSNRs)and hollow mesoporous silica nanorods(HMSNRs)were prepared to encapsulate eugenol.These two nano-fragrances were named eugenol@MSNRs and eugenol@HMSNRs,respectively.The morphologies,size,interior structures and pore performances of MSNRs and HMSNRs.Besides,the performances of encapsulation and fragrance release of eugenol@MSNRs and eugenol@HMSNRs were compared and analyzed.The results showed that eugenol@HMSNRs encapsulated more fragrance and were faster to encapsulate compared with eugenol@MSNRs.Both the release rates of eugenol from eugenol@MSNRs and eugenol@HMSNRs were slow.But the eugenol was released from eugenol@MSNRs more slowly.

Preparation of mesoporous silica nanoparticle with tunable pore diameters for encapsulating and slowly releasing eugenol

Fragrances are frequently added to a variety of products,including food,cosmetics and health products.However,the high volatility and instability of essence limit its application in some fields.In this study,mesoporous silica nanoparticles(MSNs) were prepared to encapsulate eugenol,which could reduce the volatilization of the fragrance molecules.A facile approach was presented to synthesize MSNs with three different pore diameters for encapsulating eugenol.In addition,the properties of MSNs including mean particle size,morphology,encapsulating efficiency and release tendency were charac terized.Results showed that the larger the pore diameters of MSNs,the more aromatic molecules were adsorbed.Furthermore,the release mechanism was described as the smaller the pore diameters of MSNs,the slower the release of eugenol.

Advancing sustainable agriculture: Enhancing crop nutrition with next-generation nanotech-based fertilizers

The pressing need to enhance nutrient use efficiency(NUE)in fertilizers has become increasingly urgent in light of food insecurity and climate-related issues.Nanotechnology offers promising prospects for the development of effective and environmentally friendly alternatives in the field of fertilization.This review focuses on the impact of nanotechnology on conventional fertilizers,encompassing inorganic,organic,and microbial approaches.We emphasize the superior attributes of nano-fertilizers compared with their conventional counterparts and explore their potential and versatility in boosting crop productivity,reducing fertilizer expenses,and mitigating detrimental environmental impacts.In conclusion,given the significant challenges posed by food insecurity and climate change,the application of nano-fertilizers demonstrates immense potential for advancing sustainable and intelligent agricultural practices.

Reactive mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with limonene for improving physical and mental health of mice at simulated microgravity condition

Astronauts are under high stress for a long time because of the microgravity condition,which leads to anxiety,affects their learning and memory abilities,and seriously impairs the health of astronauts.Aromatherapy can improve the physical and mental health of astronauts in a way that moisturizes them softly and silently.However,the strong volatility of fragrances and inconvenience of aroma treatment greatly limit their application in the field of spaceflight.In this study,reactive mesoporous silica nanoparticles were prepared to encapsulate and slowly release limonene.The limonene loaded nanoparticles were named limonene@mesoporous silica nanoparticles-cyanuric chloride(LE@MSNs-CYC).LE@MSNs-CYC were then applied to wallpaper to improve the convenience of aromatherapy.LE@MSNs-CYC could chemically react with the wallpaper,thus firmly adsorbed on the wallpaper.In the following,the mice were treated with hindlimb unloading(HU)to simulate a microgravity environment.The results showed that 28-day HU led to an increase in the level of anxiety and declines in learning,memory,and physical health in mice.LE@MSNs-CYC showed significant relief effects on anxiety,learning,memory,and physical health of HU treated mice.Subsequently,the molecular mechanisms were explored by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis related hormones,immune-related cytokines,learning,and memory-related neurotransmitters and proteins.

Cationic and temperature-sensitive liposomes loaded with eugenol for the application to silk

Silk has been widely used in the clothing industry due to their soft and smooth features,good biocompatibility,good heat dissipation,warmth and ultraviolet resistance.The application of fragrance to silk can significantly improve the performance of silk.However,there are two key scientific problems that need to be solved:slowing down the release rate of fragrances and increasing the scent lasting time of silk.In this study,cationic and temperature-sensitive liposomes were designed and prepared to encapsulate eugenol.These fragrance-loaded liposomes significantly slowed down the release rate of the fragrance and controlled the release rate of the fragrance in a thermo-sensitive manner.The liposomes adhered to the silk through electrostatic adsorption interaction.The positive charge on the fragranceloaded liposomes neutralized much negative charge on silk and thereby increasing the adhesion efficiency.

Zwitterionic comb-like lipid polymers encapsulating linalool for increasing the fragrance retention time

Fragrances are widely used in cosmetics,apparel and detergents.However,the rapid evaporation of the aro ma shortens the useful life of the aromatic product.Therefore,improving the fragrance retention time of aromatic products and prolonging the service life of aromatic products are the key scientific problems that need to be solved in current aromatic products.In this study,zwitterionic comb-like lipid polymers were synthesized to encapsulate the fragrance molecule linalool.The results showed that the zwitterionic comb lipid molecules were capable of encapsulating more linalool than linear lipid molecules.At the same time,the zwitterionic comb-like lipid molecules also limited the slow release rate of the aroma,thereby increasing the fragrance retention time of the nano-fragrance.

Photo-assisted charging of carbon fiber paper-supported CeO_(2)/MnO_(2) heterojunction and its long-lasting capacitance enhancement in dark

It is important to develop green and sustainable approaches to enhance electrochemical charge storage efficiencies.Herein,a two-step in-situ growth process was developed to fabricate carbon fiber paper-supported CeO_(2)/MnO_(2) composite(CeO_(2)/MnO_(2)–CFP)as a binder-free photoelectrode for the photo-assisted electrochemical charge storage.The formation of CeO_(2)/MnO_(2) type II heterojunction largely enhanced the separation efficiency of photo-generated charge carriers,resulting in a substantially enhanced photo-assisted charging capability of~20%.Furthermore,it retained a large part of its photo-enhanced capacitance(~56%)in dark even after the illumination was off for 12 h,which could be attributed to its slow release of stored photo-generated electrons from its specific band structure to avoid their reaction with O_(2) in dark.This study proposed the design principles for supercapacitors with both the photo-assisted charging capability and its long-lasting retainment in dark,which may be readily applied to other pseudocapacitive materials to better utilize solar energy.