Integrated assessment of yield,nitrogen use efficiency and ecosystem economic benefits of use of controlled-release and common urea in ratoon rice production

Controlled-release urea(CRU)is commonly used to improve the crop yield and nitrogen use efficiency(NUE).However,few studies have investigated the effects of CRU in the ratoon rice system.Ratoon rice is the practice of obtaining a second harvest from tillers originating from the stubble of the previously harvested main crop.In this study,a 2-year field experiment using a randomized complete block design was conducted to determine the effects of CRU on the yield,NUE,and economic benefits of ratoon rice,including the main crop,to provide a theoretical basis for fertilization of ratoon rice.The experiment included four treatments:(i)no N fertilizer(CK);(ii)traditional practice with 5 applications of urea applied at different crop growth stages by surface broadcasting(FFP);(iii)one-time basal application of CRU(BF1);and(iv)one-time basal application of CRU combined with common urea(BF2).The BF1 and BF2 treatments significantly increased the main crop yield by 17.47 and 15.99%in 2019,and by 17.91 and 16.44%in 2020,respectively,compared with FFP treatment.The BF2 treatment achieved similar yield of the ratoon crop to the FFP treatment,whereas the BF1 treatment significantly increased the yield of the ratoon crop by 14.81%in 2019 and 12.21%in 2020 compared with the FFP treatment.The BF1 and BF2 treatments significantly improved the 2-year apparent N recovery efficiency,agronomic NUE,and partial factor productivity of applied N by 11.47-16.66,27.31-44.49,and 9.23-15.60%,respectively,compared with FFP treatment.The BF1 and BF2 treatments reduced the chalky rice rate and chalkiness of main and ratoon crops relative to the FFP treatment.Furthermore,emergy analysis showed that the production efficiency of the BF treatments was higher than that of the FFP treatment.The BF treatments reduced labor input due to reduced fertilization times and improved the economic benefits of ratoon rice.Compared with the FFP treatment,the BF1 and BF2 treatments increased the net income by 14.21-16.87 and 23.76-25.96%,respectively.Overall,the one-time blending use of CRU and common urea should be encouraged to achieve high yield,high nitrogen use efficiency,and good quality of ratoon rice,which has low labor input and low apparent N loss.

Microwave-assisted exploration of the electron configuration-dependent electrocatalytic urea oxidation activity of 2D porous NiCo_(2)O_(4) spinel

Urea holds promise as an alternative water-oxidation substrate in electrolytic cells.High-valence nickelbased spinel,especially after heteroatom doping,excels in urea oxidation reactions(UOR).However,traditional spinel synthesis methods with prolonged high-temperature reactions lack kinetic precision,hindering the balance between controlled doping and highly active two-dimensional(2D)porous structures design.This significantly impedes the identification of electron configuration-dependent active sites in doped 2D nickel-based spinels.Herein,we present a microwave shock method for the preparation of 2D porous NiCo_(2)O_(4)spinel.Utilizing the transient on-off property of microwave pulses for precise heteroatom doping and 2D porous structural design,non-metal doping(boron,phosphorus,and sulfur)with distinct extranuclear electron disparities serves as straightforward examples for investigation.Precise tuning of lattice parameter reveals the impact of covalent bond strength on NiCo_(2)O_(4)structural stability.The introduced defect levels induce unpaired d-electrons in transition metals,enhancing the adsorption of electron-donating amino groups in urea molecules.Simultaneously,Bode plots confirm the impact mechanism of rapid electron migration caused by reduced band gaps on UOR activity.The prepared phosphorus-doped 2D porous NiCo_(2)O_(4),with optimal electron configuration control,outperforms most reported spinels.This controlled modification strategy advances understanding theoretical structure-activity mechanisms of high-performance 2D spinels in UOR.

Hollow Ni Mo-based nitride heterojunction with super-hydrophilic/aerophobic surface for efficient urea-assisted hydrogen production

Hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)and urea oxidation reaction(UOR)are key reactions of the watercycling associated catalytic process/device.The design of catalysts with a super-hydrophilic/aerophobic structure and optimized electron distribution holds great promise.Here,we have designed a threedimensional(3D)hollow Ni/NiMoN hierarchical structure with arrayed-sheet surface based on a onepot hydrothermal route for efficient urea-assisted HER based on a simple hydrothermal process.The Ni/NiMoN catalyst exhibits super-hydrophilic/aerophobic properties with a small droplet contact angle of 6.07°and an underwater bubble contact angle of 155.7°,thus facilitating an escape of bubbles from the electrodes.Density functional theory calculations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate the optimized electronic structure at the interface of Ni and NiMoN,which can promote the adsorption/desorption of reactants and intermediates.The virtues combining with a large specific surface area endow Ni/NiMoN with efficient catalytic activity of low potentials of 25 mV for HER and 1.33 V for UOR at10 mA cm^(-2).The coupled HER and UOR system demonstrates a low cell voltage of 1.42 V at 10 mA cm^(-2),which is approximately 209 mV lower than water electrolysis.

Pyridinic-N doping carbon layers coupled with tensile strain of FeNi alloy for activating water and urea oxidation

Exploitation of oxygen evolution reaction(OER)and urea oxidation reaction(UOR)catalysts with high activity and stability at large current density is a major challenge for energy-saving H_(2) production in water electrolysis.Herein,we use the pyridinic-N doping carbon layers coupled with tensile strain of FeNi alloy activated by NiFe_(2)O_(4)(FeNi/NiFe_(2)O_(4)@NC)for efficiently increasing the performance of water and urea oxidation.Due to the tensile strain effect on FeNi/NiFe_(2)O_(4)@NC,it provides a favorable modulation on the electronic properties of the active center,thus enabling amazing OER(η_(100)=196 mV)and UOR(E_(10)=1.32 V)intrinsic activity.Besides,the carbon-coated layers can be used as armor to prevent FeNi alloy from being corroded by the electrolyte for enhancing the OER/UOR stability at large current density,showing high industrial practicability.This work thus provides a simple way to prepare high-efficiency catalyst for activating water and urea oxidation.

Atomically dispersed Ni electrocatalyst for superior urea-assisted water splitting

Urea oxidation reaction(UOR) has been selected as substitution for oxygen evolution reaction ascribing to its low thermodynamic voltage as well as utilization of nickel as electrocatalyst.Herein,we report the formation of nickel single atoms(Ni-SAs) as exceptional bifunctional electrocatalyst toward UOR and hydrogen evolution reaction(HER) in urea-assisted water splitting.In UOR catalysis,Ni-SAs perform a superior catalytic performance than Ni-NP/NC and Pt/C ascribing to the formation of HOO-Ni-N_(4) structure evidenced by in-situ Raman spectroscopy,corresponding to a boosted mass activity by 175-fold at 1.4 V vs.RHE than Ni-NP/NC.Furthermore,Ni-SAs requires only 450 mV overpotential to obtain HER current density of 500 mA cm^(-2).136 mA cm^(-2) is achieved in urea-assisted water splitting at1.7 V for Ni-SAs,boosted by 5.7 times than Pt/C-IrO_(2) driven water splitting.

Solid-liquid phase equilibrium for the system ammonium polyphosphate-urea ammonium nitrate-potassium chloride-water at 273.2 K

Based on the dynamic method,a quaternary system of ammonium polyphosphate (APP)-urea ammonium nitrate (UAN,CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3))-potassium chloride (KCl)-H_(2)O and its subsystems (APP-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-H_(2)O,KCl-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-H_(2)O and APP-KCl-H_(2)O) were systematically investigated at the temperature of 273.2 K.Each ternary phase diagram contains one invariant point and three crystallization regions.The crystallization regions are:(1)(NH_(4))_(3)HP_(2)O_(7),(NH_(4))_(4)P_(2)O_(7)and ((NH_(4))_(3)HP_(2)O_(7)+(NH_(4))_(4)P_(2)O_(7)) for APP-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-H_(2)O diagram;(2) KCl,KNO_(3)and(KCl+KNO_(3)) for KCl-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-H_(2)O diagram and (3)(NH_(4))_(3)HP_(2)O_(7),KCl and((NH_(4))_(3)HP_(2)O_(7)+KCl) for APP-KCl-H_(2)O diagram.The quaternary phase diagram of APP-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-KCl-H_(2)O has no quaternary invariant point but includes four solid phase crystallization regions,i.e.,(NH_(4))_(3)HP_(2)O_(7),(NH_(4))_(4)P_(2)O_(7),KNO_(3)and KCl,in which the KNO_(3)region occupies the largest area.The maximum total nutrient content (N+P_(2)O_(5)+K_(2)O) existing as ionic forms in the APP-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-H_(2)O,KCl-[CO(NH_(2))_(2)-NH_(4)NO_(3)]-H_(2)O,APP-KCl-H_(2)O and quaternary systems is 44.70%,32.86%,45.56%and 46.23%(mass),respectively,indicating that the maximum nutrient content can be reached using raw materials of the corresponding systems to prepare liquid fertilizer.In the quaternary system,the content of NH_(4)~+-N ascends with the increase of the total nutrient content,while the contents of NO_(3)^(-)-N and CO(NH_(2))_(2)-N increase with elevated total N.This work can help optimize the operating parameters for the production,storage and transportation of liquid fertilizers.

Boosted urea electro-oxidation over Ni_(3)N-based nanocomposite via systematic regulation tactic

Exploiting high-efficiency Ni-based materials for electrocatalytic urea oxidation reaction(UOR) is critical for urea-related technologies.The catalytic site density,intrinsic activity,charge transfer,and mass diffusion determine overall electrocatalytic efficiency.Simultaneous modulation over the above four factors promises advanced electrocatalysis,yet challenging.Herein we propose a systematic regulation tactic over composition and geometric structure,constructing a nanocomposite comprising Mn doped Ni_(3)N nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide(rGO/Mn-Ni_(3)N),achieving elegant integration of four design principles into one,thereby eminently boosting UOR.Particularly,Mn doping in Ni_(3)N can modulate electronic state to induce intrinsic activity regulation.Combining metallic Mn-Ni_(3)N with rGO to engineer hierarchical architecture not only promotes charge transfer,but also enriches active site population.Intriguingly,improved hydrophilicity could impart better electrolyte penetration and gas escape.Consequently,such system-optimized rGO/Mn-Ni_(3)N demonstrates state-of-the-art-level UOR electrocatalysis.This work offers a novel paradigm to create advanced catalysts via systematic and integrated modulation.

Generating highly active oxide-phosphide heterostructure through interfacial engineering to break the energy scaling relation toward urea-assisted natural seawater electrolysis

Urea-assisted natural seawater electrolysis is an emerging technology that is effective for grid-scale carbon-neutral hydrogen mass production yet challenging.Circumventing scaling relations is an effective strategy to break through the bottleneck of natural seawater splitting.Herein,by DFT calculation,we demonstrated that the interface boundaries between Ni_(2)P and MoO_(2) play an essential role in the selfrelaxation of the Ni-O interfacial bond,effectively modulating a coordination number of intermediates to control independently their adsorption-free energy,thus circumventing the adsorption-energy scaling relation.Following this conceptual model,a well-defined 3D F-doped Ni_(2)P-MoO_(2) heterostructure microrod array was rationally designed via an interfacial engineering strategy toward urea-assisted natural seawater electrolysis.As a result,the F-Ni_(2)P-MoO_(2) exhibits eminently active and durable bifunctional catalysts for both HER and OER in acid,alkaline,and alkaline sea water-based electrolytes.By in-situ analysis,we found that a thin amorphous layer of NiOOH,which is evolved from the Ni_(2)P during anodic reaction,is real catalytic active sites for the OER and UOR processes.Remarkable,such electrode-assembled urea-assisted natural seawater electrolyzer requires low voltages of 1.29 and 1.75 V to drive 10 and600 mA cm^(-2)and demonstrates superior durability by operating continuously for 100 h at 100 mA cm^(-2),beyond commercial Pt/C||RuO_(2) and most previous reports.

Continuous-flow electrosynthesis of urea and oxalic acid by CO_(2)-nitrate reduction and glycerol oxidation

Urea and oxalic acid are critical component in various chemical manufacturing industries.However,achieving simultaneous generation of urea and oxalic acid in a continuous-flow electrolyzer is a challenge.Herein,we report a continuous-flow electrolyzer equipped with 9-square centime-ter-effective area gas diffusion electrodes(GDE)which can simultaneously catalyze the glycerol oxidation reaction in the anode region and the reduction reaction of CO_(2) and nitrate in the cathode region,producing oxalic acid and urea at both the anode and cathode,respectively.The current density at low cell voltage(0.9 V)remained above 18.7 mA cm^(-2) for 10 consecutive electrolysis cycles(120 h in total),and the Faraday efficiency of oxalic acid(67.1%) and urea(70.9%)did not decay.Experimental and theoretical studies show that in terms of the formation of C-N bond at the cathode,Pd-sites can provide protons for the hydrogenation process of CO_(2) and NO_(3)^(-),Cu-sites can promote the generation of *COOH and Bi-sites can stabilize *COOH.In addition,in terms of glycerol oxidation,the introduction of Cu and Bi into Pd metallene promotes the oxidation of hydroxyl groups and the cleavage of C-C bond in glycerol molecules,respectively.

Efficient electrocatalytic urea synthesis from CO_(2)and nitrate over the scale-up produced FeNi alloy-decorated nanoporous carbon

Electrocatalytic urea synthesis provides a favorable strategy for conventional energy-consuming urea synthesis,but achieving large-scale catalyst synthesis with high catalytic efficiency remains challenging.Herein,we developed a simple method for the preparation of a series of FeNi-alloy-based catalysts,named FeNi@nC-T(n represents the content of nanoporous carbon as 1,3,5,7 or 9 g and T=900,950,1000 or 1100°C),for highly performed urea synthesis via NO_(3)−and CO_(2)co-reduction.The FeNi@7C-1000 achieved a high urea yield of 1041.33 mmol h^(−1)gFeNi^(−1)with a Faradaic efficiency of 15.56%at–1.2 V vs.RHE.Moreover,the scale-up synthesized FeNi@7C-950-S(over 140 g per batch)was achieved with its high catalytic performance and high stability maintained.Mechanism investigation illuminated that the Ni and Fe sites catalyze and stabilize the key*CO and*N intermediates and minimize the C–N coupling reaction barriers for highly efficient urea synthesis.

Efficient C-N coupling in electrocatalytic urea generation on copper carbonate hydroxide electrocatalysts

Urea generation through electrochemical CO_(2) and NO_(3)~-co-reduction reaction(CO_(2)NO_(3)RR)is still limited by either the low selectivity or yield rate of urea.Herein,we report copper carbonate hydroxide(Cu_2(OH)_2CO_(3))as an efficient CO_(2)NO_(3)RR electrocatalyst with an impressive urea Faradaic efficiency of45.2%±2.1%and a high yield rate of 1564.5±145.2μg h~(-1)mg_(cat)~(-1).More importantly,H_(2) evolution is fully inhibited on this electrocatalyst over a wide potential range between-0.3 and-0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode.Our thermodynamic simulation reveals that the first C-N coupling follows a unique pathway on Cu_2(OH)_2CO_(3) by combining the two intermediates,~*COOH and~*NHO.This work demonstrates that high selectivity and yield rate of urea can be simultaneously achieved on simple Cu-based electrocatalysts in CO_(2)NO_(3)RR,and provide guidance for rational design of more advanced catalysts.

Boosting Electrochemical Urea Synthesis via Constructing Ordered Pd–Zn Active Pair

Electrochemical co-reduction of nitrate(NO_(3)^(-))and carbon dioxide(CO_(2))has been widely regarded as a promising route to produce urea under ambient conditions,however the yield rate of urea has remained limited.Here,we report an atomically ordered intermetallic pallium-zinc(PdZn)electrocatalyst comprising a high density of PdZn pairs for boosting urea electrosynthesis.It is found that Pd and Zn are responsible for the adsorption and activation of NO_(3)^(-)and CO_(2),respectively,and thus the co-adsorption and co-activation NO_(3)^(-)and CO_(2) are achieved in ordered PdZn pairs.More importantly,the ordered and well-defined PdZn pairs provide a dual-site geometric structure conducive to the key C-N coupling with a low kinetical barrier,as demonstrated on both operando measurements and theoretical calculations.Consequently,the PdZn electrocatalyst displays excellent performance for the co-reduction to generate urea with a maximum urea Faradaic efficiency of 62.78%and a urea yield rate of 1274.42μg mg^(-1) h^(-1),and the latter is 1.5-fold larger than disordered pairs in PdZn alloys.This work paves new pathways to boost urea electrosynthesis via constructing ordered dual-metal pairs.

Urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori infection in adult dyspeptic patients: A meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection has been well-established as a significant risk factor for several gastrointestinal disorders.The urea breath test(UBT)has emerged as a leading non-invasive method for detecting H.pylori.Despite numerous studies confirming its substantial accuracy,the reliability of UBT results is often compromised by inherent limitations.These findings underscore the need for a rigorous statistical synthesis to clarify and reconcile the diagnostic accuracy of the UBT for the diagnosis of H.pylori infection.AIM To determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT for H.pylori infection in adult patients with dyspepsia.METHODS We conducted an independent search of the PubMed/MEDLINE,EMBASE,and Cochrane Central databases until April 2022.Our search included diagnostic accuracy studies that evaluated at least one of the index tests(^(13)C-UBT or ^(14)C-UBT)against a reference standard.We used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess the methodo-logical quality of the studies.We utilized the bivariate random-effects model to calculate sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative test likelihood ratios(LR+and LR-),as well as the diagnostic odds ratio(DOR),and their 95%confidence intervals.We conducted subgroup analyses based on urea dosing,time after urea administration,and assessment technique.To investigate a possible threshold effect,we conducted Spearman correlation analysis,and we generated summary receiver operating characteristic(SROC)curves to assess heterogeneity.Finally,we visually inspected a funnel plot and used Egger’s test to evaluate publication bias.endorsing both as reliable diagnostic tools in clinical practice.CONCLUSION In summary,our study has demonstrated that ^(13)C-UBT has been found to outperform the ^(14)C-UBT,making it the preferred diagnostic approach.Additionally,our results emphasize the significance of carefully considering urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both tests to enhance diagnostic precision.Nevertheless,it is crucial for researchers and clinicians to evaluate the strengths and limitations of our findings before implementing them in practice.

Asymmetric configuration activating lattice oxygen via weakening d-p orbital hybridization for efficient C/N separation in urea overall electrolysis

Urea oxidation reaction(UOR)is proposed as an exemplary half-reaction in renewable energy applications because of its low thermodynamical potential.However,challenges persist due to sluggish reaction kinetics and complex by-products separation.To this end,we introduce the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism(LOM),propelling a novel UOR route using a modified CoFe layered double hydroxide(LDH)catalyst termed CFRO-7.Theoretical calculations and in-situ characterizations highlight the activated lattice oxygen(O_(L))within CFRO-7 as pivotal sites for UOR,optimizing the reaction pathway and accelerating the kinetics.For the urea overall electrolysis application,the LOM route only requires a low voltage of 1.54 V to offer a high current of 100 mA cm^(-2) for long-term utilization(>48 h).Importantly,the by-product NCO^(-)−is significantly suppressed,while the CO_(2)2/N_(2) separation is efficiently achieved.This work proposed a pioneering paradigm,invoking the LOM pathway in urea electrolysis to expedite reaction dynamics and enhance product selectivity.

Evaluation of urea breath test as a diagnostic tool for Helicobacter pylori infection in adult dyspeptic patients

In this editorial,we discuss the article in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.The article conducts a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the urea breath test(UBT),a non-invasive method for detecting Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection in humans.It is based on radionuclide-labeled urea.Various methods,both invasive and non-invasive,are available for diagnosing H.pylori infection,inclu-ding endoscopy with biopsy,serology for immunoglobulin titers,stool antigen analysis,and UBT.Several guidelines recommend UBTs as the primary choice for diagnosing H.pylori infection and for reexamining after eradication therapy.It is used to be the first choice non-invasive test due to their high accuracy,specificity,rapid results,and simplicity.Moreover,its performance remains unaffected by the distribution of H.pylori in the stomach,allowing a high flow of patients to be tested.Despite its widespread use,the performance characteristics of UBT have been inconsistently described and remain incompletely defined.There are two UBTs available with Food and Drug Administration approval:The 13C and 14C tests.Both tests are affordable and can provide real-time results.Physicians may prefer the 13C test because it is non-radioactive,compared to 14C which uses a radioactive isotope,especially in young children and pregnant women.Although there was heterogeneity among the studies regarding the diagnostic accuracy of both UBTs,13C-UBT consistently outperforms the 14C-UBT.This makes the 13C-UBT the preferred diagnostic approach.Furthermore,the provided findings of the meta-analysis emphasize the significance of precise considerations when choosing urea dosage,assessment timing,and measurement techniques for both the 13C-UBT and 14C-UBT,to enhance diagnostic precision.

Engineering hierarchical quaternary superstructure of an integrated MOF-derived electrode for boosting urea electrooxidation assisted water electrolysis

Controllable design of the catalytic electrodes with hierarchical superstructures is expected to improve their electrochemical performance.Herein,a self-supported integrated electrode(NiCo-ZLDH/NF)with a unique hierarchical quaternary superstructure was fabricated through a self-sacrificing template strategy from the metal–organic framework(Co-ZIF-67)nanoplate arrays,which features an intriguing well-defined hierarchy when taking the unit cells of the NiCo-based layered double hydroxide(NiCo-LDH)as the primary structure,the ultrathin LDH nanoneedles as the secondary structure,the mesoscale hollow plates of the LDH nanoneedle arrays as the tertiary structure,and the macroscale three-dimensional frames of the plate arrays as the quaternary structure.Notably,the distinctive structure of NiCo-ZLDH/NF can not only accelerate both mass and charge transfer,but also expose plentiful accessible active sites with high intrinsic activity,endowing it with an excellent electrochemical performance for urea oxidation reaction(UOR).Specially,it only required the low potentials of 1.335,1.368 and 1.388 V to deliver the current densities of 10,100 and 200 mA cm^(-2),respectively,much superior to those for typical NiCo-LDH.Employing NiCo-ZLDH/NF as the bifunctional electrode for both anodic UOR and cathodic HER,an energy-saving electrolysis system was further explored which can greatly reduce the needed voltage of 213 mV to deliver the current density of 100 mA cm^(-2),as compared to the conventional water electrolysis system composed of OER.This work manifests that it is prospective to explore the hierarchically nanostructured electrodes and the innovative electrolytic technologies for high-efficiency electrocatalysis.

Mo_(2)P Monolayer as a Superior Electrocatalyst for Urea Synthesis from Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Fixation:A Computational Study

Urea synthesis through the simultaneous electrocatalytic reduction of N_(2)and CO_(2)molecules under ambient conditions holds great promises as a sustainable alternative to its industrial production,in which the development of stable,highly efficient,and highly selective catalysts to boost the chemisorption,activation,and coupling of inert N_(2)and CO_(2)molecules remains rather challenging.Herein,by means of density functional theory computations,we proposed a new class of two-dimensional nanomaterials,namely,transition-metal phosphide monolayers(TM_(2)P,TM=Ti,Fe,Zr,Mo,and W),as the potential electrocatalysts for urea production.Our results showed that these TM_(2)P materials exhibit outstanding stability and excellent metallic properties.Interestingly,the Mo_(2)P monolayer was screened out as the best catalyst for urea synthesis due to its small kinetic energy barrier(0.35 eV)for C-N coupling,low limiting potential(-0.39 V),and significant suppressing effects on the competing side reactions.The outstanding catalytic activity of the Mo_(2)P monolayer can be ascribed to its optimal adsorption strength with the key^(*)NCON species due to its moderate positive charges on the Mo active sites.Our findings not only propose a novel catalyst with high-efficiency and high-selectivity for urea production but also further widen the potential applications of metal phosphides in electrocatalysis.

Recent advances in electrochemical synthesis of urea via C-N coupling

Urea is widely used as fertilizer and is a key substance supporting global food production. However, the traditional industrial synthesis of urea faces the challenges with high energy consumption and serious environmental problems. With the increasing global demand for environmental protection and sustainable development, it is much necessary to develop novel and clean methods for the synthesis of urea.Electrocatalysis provides an efficient and renewable synthesis route that can directly produce urea at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by the coupling of CO_(2) and nitrogenous molecules. In this review, we summarized the most recent advances in electrochemical synthesis of urea via CAN coupling systematically, focusing on the coupling of CO_(2) and different nitrogen sources. And the associated coupling mechanism, catalysts optimization, and electrolyzer design are well discussed. Moreover, the challenges and future directions for electrocatalytic CAN coupling are prospected. This review will provide timely and valuable guidance for others and attract more interests to promote the development of electrochemical synthesis of urea or other valuable chemicals containing CAN bond.

A combination of straw incorporation and polymer-coated urea offsets soil ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions in winter wheat fields

The combined effects of straw incorporation(SI)and polymer-coated urea(PCU)application on soil ammonia(NH_(3))and nitrous oxide(N_(2)O)emissions from agricultural fields have not been comprehensively evaluated in Northwest China.We conducted a two-year field experiment to assess the effects of combining SI with either uncoated urea(U)or PCU on soil NH_(3)emissions,N_(2)O emissions,winter wheat yields,yield-scaled NH_(3)(/NH_(3)),and yield-scaled N_(2)O(/N_(2)O).Five treatments were investigated,no nitrogen(N)fertilizer(N_(0)),U application at 150 kg N ha-1 with and without SI(SI+U and S_(0)+U),and PCU application at 150 kg N ha^(-1) with and without SI(SI+PCU and S_(0)+PCU).The results showed that the NH_(3);emissions increased by 20.98-34.35%following Sl compared to straw removal,mainly due to increases in soil ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)-N)content and water-flled pore space(WFPS).SI resulted in higher N_(2)O emissions than under the So scenario by 13.31-49.23%due to increases in soil inorganic N(SIN)contents,WFPS,and soil microbial biomass.In contrast,the PCU application reduced the SIN contents compared to the U application,reducing the NH_(3)and N_(2)O emissions by 45.99-58.07 and 18.08-53.04%,respectively.Moreover,no significant positive effects of the SI or PCU applications on the winter wheat yield were observed.The lowest /NH_(3) and /N_(2)O values were observed under the S_(0)+PCU and SI+PCU treatments.Our results suggest that single PCU applications and their combination with straw are the optimal agricultural strategies for mitigating gaseous N emissions and maintaining optimal winter wheat yields in Northwest China.

Brain Urea as a Potential Biomarker of Neoplasm Progression

Metabolic reprogramming is a key feature driving oncogenesis in cancers. Recent studies have revealed that protein metabolism is largely altered in gliomas facilitating its malignant growth. Urea is the end product of nitrogen metabolism which is mainly produced by arginase. The interdependence of arginase and other biochemical mechanisms triggered scientific research interest. This research aimed to investigate the relationships between the urea as the main parameter of protein metabolism and glioma progression. It was also the most pronounced relationship between urea and the level of the nuclear protein Ki-67 as a marker of proliferative activity and O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), which performs DNA repair. Postoperative material from 20 patients with gliomas of different grades of anaplasia was analyzed.