Apparent Efficiency Research Articles

Crop yield, nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency and soil properties of soybean-mustard system as influenced by soil amendments in degraded vertisol of western India

Amelioration of salt affected soils aims to reduce exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), improve crop growth and yield. A field study was conducted with soybean-mustard cropping system for four consecutive years (2016–2019) to study the effect of soil amendments on crop yield, nutrient use efficiency and soil properties in degraded vertisol of North Western India. Treatments consist of various combinations of gypsum, farm yard manure (FYM) and crop residue (CR) with recommended fertilizer doses (RNPK), were laid in random block design with three replications. Application of gypsum alone and combined with organic amendments, showed pronounced decrease in ESP, slight reduction in pH, increased bioavailability of nutrients, as reflected by higher nutrient uptake and crop yields. Grain yield improvement in soybean (37–41%) and mustard (58–63%) was recorded in plots receiving RNPK + Gypsum + CR + FYM, RNPK + Gypsum + CR or FYM over only chemical fertilizer treatments. Combined application of gypsum with organic amendments increased N, P, K and S uptake by 75, 76, 84 and 114%, respectively over RNPK alone in soybean-mustard system. Highest values of apparent recovery efficiency and agronomic efficiency of N, P, K, S was registered under RNPK + Gypsum and RNPK + Gypsum + CR/FYM. Highest physiological and internal efficiency of nutrients was registered under RNPK and decreased with amendment application. This study revealed the combined use of FYM (10 t ha−1), CR (3 and 1.5 t ha−1), gypsum (2.5 t ha−1) with fertilizers as a sustainable technology for reclaiming soil sodicity, improving nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity under soybean-mustard system.

Photoelectrocatalysis Synthesis of Ammonia Based on a Ni-Doped MoS2/Si Nanowires Photocathode and Porous Water with High N2 Solubility

The synthesis of ammonia through photocatalysis or photoelectrochemistry (PEC) and nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has become one of the recent research hotspots in the field, where the catalyzed materials and strategies are critical for the NRR. Herein, a Ni-doped MoS2/Si nanowires (Ni-MoS2/Si NWs) photocathode is prepared, where the Si NWs are formed on the surface of a Si slice by the metal-assisted chemical etching method, and the hydrothermally synthesized Ni-MoS2 nanosheets are then cast-coated on the Si NWs electrode. Porous water with high solubility of N2 is prepared by treating a hydrophobic porous coordination polymer with hydrophilic bovine serum albumin for subsequent aqueous dispersing. The relevant electrodes and materials are characterized by electrochemistry, UV-vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, and zeta potential method. The uses of the Ni-MoS2/Si NWs photocathode and the porous water with high nitrogen solubility for PEC-NRR give a yield of NH3 of 12.0 mmol h-1 m-2 under optimal conditions (e.g., at 0.25 V vs RHE), and the obtained apparent Faradaic efficiency higher than 100% is discussed from the inherent photocurrent-free photocatalysis effect of the photoelectrodes and the suggested classification of three kinds of electrons in PEC, which may have some reference value in understanding and improving other PEC-based processes.

Nanoarchitecture of a Ti3C2@TiO2 Hybrid for Photocatalytic Antibiotic Degradation and Hydrogen Evolution: Stability, Kinetics, and Mechanistic Insights.

Designing of a visible-light-driven semiconductor-based heterojunction with suitable band alignment and well-defined interfacial contact is considered to be an effective strategy for the transformation of solar-to-chemical energy and environmental remediation. In this context, MXenes have received tremendous attention in the research community due to their merits of abundant derivatives, elemental composition, excellent metallic conductivity, and surface termination groups. Meanwhile, a facile synthetic strategy for MXene-derived TiO2 nanocomposites with stable framework and higher photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation still remains a challenge for researchers. Herein, we report a novel synthetic strategy of preparing a two-dimensional Ti3C2@TiO2 nanohybrid by a facile reflux method under acidic conditions. In this oxidation reaction, protonation of the hydroxyl terminal group of MXene creates Ti more electrophilic and susceptible to an oxidative nucleophilic addition reaction with the presence of both water and oxygen. The physicochemical properties of the nanohybrid Ti3C2@TiO2 were verified by varieties of characterization techniques. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis specifically elucidated the intimate interfacial interaction between Ti3C2 and TiO2. The optimized Ti3C2@TiO2-48 h photocatalyst exhibited the highest tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH, 90% in 90 min) degradation efficiency in comparison to pristine TiO2 with a rate constant (k) of 0.02463 min-1. The major contribution of •O2- and •OH radicals throughout photocatalytic TCH degradation was confirmed by the trapping experiment. Moreover, the photocatalyst showed the highest hydrogen generation rate of 140.8 μmol h-1 along with an apparent conversion efficiency of 2.2%. The excellent photocatalytic activity of Ti3C2@TiO2 originated from the superior electrical conductivity of cocatalyst Ti3C2, which facilitated spatial photogenerated e-/h+ separation and transfer at the Ti3C2 MXene@TiO2 interface. Overall, this research work will describe a promising protocol of designing MXene-derived photocatalysts toward efficient environmental remediation and wastewater treatment applications.

Effect of prolific breed type and silage type on ewe performance during late pregnancy

Multiple-bearing ewes undergo significant increases in energy and protein requirements during late pregnancy and high-quality forages are essential to meet these requirements in forage-based production systems. Three prolific breed types (Belclare X, Lleyn X, and Mule (Blue-faced Leicester ram and a Black-faced mountain ewe)) were offered one of two silage types: Italian ryegrass and red clover silage (IRGRCS) or perennial ryegrass silage (PRGS) in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment. No breed type effects were observed for ewe body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and combined litter weight (CLW; P > 0.05) but Mule ewes had lower dry matter (DM) and metabolisable energy intakes compared to Belclare X ewes which subsequently lead to lower colostrum yield over the first 18 h postpartum compared to Belclare X ewes with less colostrum available for their progeny per kg of birth weight (P < 0.05). Silage type had no effect on ewe DM intake, BW, BCS, colostrum yield and composition, CLW, and subsequent lamb performance (P > 0.05). When IRGRCS was offered to ewes, higher apparent efficiency of energy utilisation was achieved (P < 0.0001) with higher ruminal pH and ammonium concentrations. Overall, the nutrient composition of both silage types was similar and silage type had minimal effect on ewe and lamb performance. Prolific breed type can affect forage and nutrient intake and colostrum yield.

Rice Production and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Different Nitrogen Management Systems Under Sub-Humid Conditions

ABSTRACT A two-year experiment study was conducted at CSK HPKV, Rice, and Wheat Research Center, Malan, Himachal Pradesh, India, on silty clay loam soil during kharif 2016 and 2017. Application of highest dose of nitrogen i.e. 125% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through neem-coated urea (NCU) in three splits recorded maximum grain (5.16 t ha−1) and straw yield (6.37 t ha−1), and this treatment also proved better in terms of absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, crop growth rate, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake and apparent recovery efficiency over rest of the treatments. However, application of 75% RDN through NCU in three splits obtained higher agronomic efficiency (27.07 kg kg−1), utilization efficiency (35.72 kg kg−1), agro physiological efficiency (43.31 kg kg−1), and partial factor productivity (72.14 kg kg−1). The higher physiological efficiency (73.44 kg kg−1) was obtained with application of 100% RDN through NCU in three splits. Soil available nitrogen decreased over initial value, irrespective of the treatments. 125% RDN through NCU when applied in three splits recorded higher available soil nitrogen (449.5 kg ha−1) as well as soil available potassium (257.6 kg ha−1) while soil available phosphorus improved over initial value with highest value (49.5 kg ha−1) observed with 75% RDN through NCU in three splits.

Biopriming with Bacillus subtilis Enhanced the Sulphur Use Efficiency of Indian Mustard under Graded Levels of Sulphur Fertilization

This study investigated the effect of bioinoculants (Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens) as biopriming agents under varied sulphur (S) fertilizer levels (0, 20, 30, and 40 kg S ha−1) to enhance sulphur use efficiency (SUE) in Indian mustard. The experiment was conducted during the 2018–19 and 2019–20 winter seasons at the research farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (25°26′ N, 82°99′ E). A randomized block design was employed to assess the combined effect of biopriming and S fertilization on the partitioning of S in different parts of mustard plants, S uptake, SUE, and soil urease, dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and arylsulphatase activity. Results showed that the application of S fertilizers along with biopriming significantly increased the S content, uptake, and SUE by plants and enzymes involved in the S mineralization process. Application of 40 kg S ha−1 + B. subtilis resulted in the highest S content in the root (0.12%), stover (0.30%), and seed (0.67%), and the highest total S uptake (2.97 g m−2 in the first year and 3.37 g m−2 in the second year), agronomic use efficiency (8.80 g g−1), apparent S recovery (22.37%), urease activity (156.68 µg NH4+ g−1 hr−1), dehydrogenase activity (42.80 µg TPF g−1 24 hr−1), and arylsulphatase activity (39.94 µg pNP g−1 hr−1). However, the highest alkaline phosphatase activity (129.17 µg pNP g−1 hr−1) was found in the treatment that received 40 kg S ha−1 + P. fluorescens. Further, the different indices of SUE revealed that the effect of biopriming was more prominent in apparent recovery efficiency than agronomic SUE and physiological SUE. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that seed biopriming with B. subtilis along with S fertilization is more rewarding and can promote sustainable production of Indian mustard.

Strategic growth engineering of Ag self-doped Ag2CO3 on MIL-53 MOF: A novel p-n heterostructure facilitates serendipitous charge migration and remarkable multimodal photocatalytic activity

The significance of influencing the transit of photoinduced exciton is to replicate the intrinsic power of natural photosynthesis using Z-scheme-based charge-transfer pathway in a p-n heterostructure. Herein, Ag2CO3 was incorporated within an MIL-53 (Fe) MOF matrix to synthesize MAC-X hybrid p-n heterostructure that had remarkable photocatalytic activity. The optimal photocatalyst MAC-30 showed the highest photocatalytic efficiency towards RhB degradation with rate constant (0.025 min−1) which was 3.57 and 4.16 times more than pristine Ag2CO3 and MIL-53 respectively. The MAC-30 photocatalyst also exhibited superior photocatalytic H2 evolution (1346 μmol.h−1.g−1) with apparent conversion efficiency of 8.59%. Self-reduced Ag nanoparticle in MAC-X composites acts as an electron mediator in the Z-scheme mechanism path to improve the photocatalytic performances. Additionally, the MAC-30 heterostructure exhibits better stability even after five consecutive catalytic cycles. This study may provide perceptiveness into fabrication of novel p-n heterostructure photocatalytic systems for green energy generation and environmental remediation.

Colostrum insulin supplementation does not influence immunoglobulin G absorption in neonatal Holstein bulls

Since insulin has been demonstrated to suppress IgG absorption in other neonatal species, we had the objective to delineate how colostral insulin concentrations affect IgG absorption in neonatal bovines. We enrolled Holstein bull calves (n = 48; body weight = 46.3 ± 0.84 kg) at birth and randomized them by birth order to receive (1) colostrum that contained basal insulin concentrations (12.9 μg/L; n = 16), or colostrum that had been supplemented with an exogenous insulin to increase the insulin concentration to either (2) 5 times (70.0 μg/L; n = 16) or (3) 10 times (149.7 μg/L; n = 16) that of the basal colostrum. Gross colostrum composition (crude fat: 4.1 ± 0.06%; crude protein: 11.7 ± 0.05%; lactose: 1.9 ± 0.01%; IgG: 63.9 ± 1.19 g/L) was similar between treatments and calves were fed (7% body weight, 3.1 ± 0.06 L) their treatments at 2, 14, and 26 h postnatal. Serum was collected at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 360, 480, and 600 min postprandial respective to the first and second colostrum feeding and analyzed for IgG concentration. The incremental area under the curve (I-AUC) and apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) were calculated for the 10-h periods following the first and second colostrum meal. Serum IgG concentrations over time, I-AUC, and AEA were statistically analyzed as a complete randomized design. Colostrum insulin concentration did not affect serum IgG concentrations or the I-AUC or AEA after calves were fed colostrum at 2 and 14 h postnatal. High colostral insulin content is not detrimental or promotive to IgG absorption in neonatal Holstein bulls.

Algal polysaccharides-Selenium nanoparticles regulate the uptake and distribution of selenium in rice plants.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element required for proper human and animal health. In this paper, we investigated the uptake and distribution characteristics of a new Se fertilizer, which comprises algal polysaccharides-selenium nanoparticles (APS-SeNPs), in rice plants in both hydroponic and pot experiments. The results from the hydroponic experiments revealed that the rice root uptake of APS-SeNPs fitted the Michaelis-Menten equation, with a V max of 13.54μgg-1 root dry weight (DW) per hour, which was 7.69 and 2.23 times those of selenite and selenate treatments, respectively. The root uptake of APS-SeNPs was inhibited by AgNO3 (64.81%-79.09%) and carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP; 19.83%-29.03%), indicating that the uptake of APS-SeNPs by rice roots is mainly via aquaporins and is also affected by metabolic activity. Moreover, sulfur deficiency caused rice roots to absorb more APS-SeNPs, but treatment with APS-SeNPs increased the expression of the sulfate transporter OsSULTR1;2 in the roots, suggesting that OsSULTR1;2 is probably involved in the uptake of APS-SeNPs. The application of APS-SeNPs significantly increased the Se content in rice plants and the apparent Se uptake efficiency compared with selenate and selenite treatments. Most of the Se in the roots of rice plants was distributed in the cell wall, while it was primarily located in the cytosol in the shoots when treated with APS-SeNPs. The results from the pot experiments indicated that the application of Se enhanced the Se content of each rice tissue. It is worth noting that the Se content in brown rice under APS-SeNP treatment was higher than that under selenite or selenate treatment and was mainly concentrated in the embryo end, with the Se in organic form. Our findings provide important insights into the uptake mechanism and the distribution of APS-SeNPs in rice plants.

In-situ synthesis of structurally oriented hierarchical UiO-66(–NH2)/CdIn2S4/CaIn2S4 heterostructure with dual S-scheme engineering for photocatalytic renewable H2 production and asulam degradation

The in-situ fabrication of dual S-scheme ternary heterostructure is a promising approach to isolate photo-induced electron-hole and boost the efficiency of a semiconductor photocatalyst. However, the dual S-scheme heterostructure based on MOFs are rarely narrated. Herein, a S-vacancy rich hierarchical UiO-66(–NH2)/CdIn2S4/CaIn2S4 ternary hybrid material is successfully fabricated by in-situ preferential growth of ultrathin CaIn2S4 nanosheets and CdIn2S4 nanorods in presence of UiO-66(–NH2) (UN) spherical nanoparticles by using a simple reflux route. The physiochemical characteristics and optoelectronic features of the developed materials are illustrated in detail. The efficacy of UiO-66(–NH2)/CdIn2S4/CaIn2S4 ternary hybrid material is explored for photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction and decontamination of asulam (ASM) herbicide. The development of S-vacancy facilitates interfacial charge carrier migration and reduces the recombination rate. The enhanced photocatalytic H2 production and ASM degradation could be ascribed to staggered band alignment between UiO-66(–NH2) (UN), CdIn2S4 (CDS) and CaIn2S4 (CAS), which support S-scheme charge channelization in the heterojunction. Due to its physio-chemical advantages, the optimal 15UN/CDS/CAS30 hybrid photocatalyst exhibits highest photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 4931 μmol g−1h−1 with apparent conversion efficiency of 31.5% and ASM degradation > 93% (k = 0.02 min−1) under irradiation of visible light. This work furnishes a new perceptive into the in-situ construction of dual S-scheme photocatalytic systems for renewable energy production and decontamination of organic pollutants. In addition, this study for the first time illustrates mineralization of Asulam using a heterogeneous photocatalytic route.

Effects of enriching IgG concentration in low- and medium-quality colostrum with colostrum replacer on IgG absorption in newborn Holstein calves

Ingestion and absorption of greater quantities of IgG are required to increase serum IgG levels in newborn calves. This could be achieved by adding colostrum replacer (CR) to maternal colostrum (MC). The objective of this study was to investigate whether low and high-quality MC can be enriched with bovine dried CR to achieve adequate serum IgG levels. Male Holstein calves (n = 80; 16/treatment) with birth body weights (BW) of 40 to 52 kg were randomly enrolled to be fed 3.8 L of the following combinations: 30 g/L IgG MC (C1), 60 g/L IgG MC (C2), 90 g/L IgG MC (C3), C1 enriched with 551 g of CR (60 g/L; 30-60CR), or C2 enriched with 620 g of CR (90 g/L: 60-90CR). A subset of 40 calves (8/treatment) had a jugular catheter placed and were fed colostrum containing acetaminophen at a dose of 150 mg/kg of metabolic body weight, to estimate abomasal emptying rate per hour (kABh). Baseline blood samples were taken (0 h), followed by sequential samples at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h relative to initial colostrum feeding. Results for all measurements are presented in the following order, unless otherwise stated: C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR. Serum IgG levels at 24 h were different among calves fed C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR: 11.8, 24.3, 35.7, 19.9, and 26.9 mg/mL ± 1.02 (mean ± SEM), respectively. Serum IgG at 24 h increased when enriching C1 to 30-60CR, but not from C2 to 60-90CR. Similarly, apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) values for calves fed C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR were different: 42.4, 45.1, 43.2, 36.3, and 33.4% ± 1.93, respectively. Enriching C2 to 60-90CR reduced AEA, and enriching C1 to 30-60CR tended to decrease AEA. The kABh values for C1, C2, C3, 30-60CR, and 60-90CR were also different: 0.16, 0.13, 0.11, 0.09, and 0.09 ± 0.005, respectively. Enriching C1 to 30-60CR or C2 to 60-90CR reduced kABh. However, 30-60CR and 60-90CR have similar kABh compared with a reference colostrum meal (90 g/L IgG, C3). Even though kABh was reduced for 30-60CR, results indicate that C1 has the potential to be enriched and achieve acceptable serum IgG levels at 24 h without affecting AEA.

Plant-Growth Promoting Microbes Change the Photosynthetic Response to Light Quality in Spinach.

In this study, the combined effect of plant growth under different light quality and the application of plant-growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) was considered on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) to assess the influence of these factors on the photosynthetic performance. To pursue this goal, spinach plants were grown in a growth chamber at two different light quality regimes, full-spectrum white light (W) and red-blue light (RB), with (I) or without (NI) PGPM-based inoculants. Photosynthesis-light response curves (LRC) and photosynthesis-CO2 response curves (CRC) were performed for the four growth conditions (W-NI, RB-NI, W-I, and RB-I). At each step of LRC and CRC, net photosynthesis (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), Ci/Ca ratio, water use efficiency (WUEi), and fluorescence indexes were calculated. Moreover, parameters derived from the fitting of LRC, such as light-saturated net photosynthesis (PNmax), apparent light efficiency (Qpp), and dark respiration (Rd), as well as the Rubisco large subunit amount, were also determined. In not-inoculated plants, the growth under RB- regime improved PN compared to W-light because it increased stomatal conductance and favored the Rubisco synthesis. Furthermore, the RB regime also stimulates the processes of light conversion into chemical energy through chloroplasts, as indicated by the higher values of Qpp and PNmax in RB compared to W plants. On the contrary, in inoculated plants, the PN enhancement was significantly higher in W (30%) than in RB plants (17%), which showed the highest Rubisco content among all treatments. Our results indicate that the plant-growth-promoting microbes alter the photosynthetic response to light quality. This issue must be considered when PGPMs are used to improve plant growth performance in a controlled environment using artificial lighting.

Organic fertilizer substitutions maintain maize yield and mitigate ammonia emissions but increase nitrous oxide emissions.

Organic fertilizer can improve soil structure and enhance the nutrient content in soil and is beneficial to sustainable agricultural development. However, the influence of organic fertilizer substitutions on NH3 and N2O emissions from farmland is unclear. Thus, we set up an organic substitution field experiment in Northeast China. The experiment included six treatments: single application of chemical fertilizers (NPK: 250kg N ha-1); NO10, 10% reduction in chemical nitrogen fertilizers (225kg N ha-1) + chicken manure (25kg N ha-1); NO20, 20% reduction in chemical nitrogen fertilizers (200kg N ha-1) + chicken manure (50kg N ha-1); NO30, 30% reduction in chemical nitrogen fertilizers (175kg N ha-1) + chicken manure (75kg N ha-1); NO40, 40% reduction in chemical nitrogen fertilizers (150kg N ha-1) + chicken manure (100kg N ha-1); and no-nitrogen fertilizer (CK). This experiment investigated the effects of partial substitution of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer on NH3 and N2O emissions and nitrogen use efficiency in a maize field. The results showed that, compared with chemical N, organic fertilizer mitigated NH3 volatilization but promoted the soil N2O total emissions during the whole growth stage. NH3 cumulative volatilization decreased with the increase in the substitution rate of organic fertilizer. Compared with the NPK treatment, the cumulative volatilization of NH3 in the NO30 and NO40 treatments decreased by 15.24 and 17.92%, respectively. The NO40 treatment had the highest N2O emission in the whole growth stage, and the N2O emission of the NO40 treatment increased by 10.72% compared to the NPK treatment. Moreover, the yield, partial factor productivity (PFP), nitrogen harvest index (NHI), and apparent nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) of NO30 treatment were the highest of all treatments, and the yields, PFP, plant N accumulation, grain N accumulation, and the cumulative emissions of NH3 and N2O were similar to N20 treatment. In conclusion, nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency was enhanced, decreasing environmental pollution from livestock under organic fertilizer substitution conditions. We suggested 20% or 30% substitution rates of organic fertilizer were proper.

Selection for Growth Does Not Affect Apparent Energetic Efficiency of Jejunal Glucose Uptake in Mice

Five-wk-old male mice from high growth (M16) and randomly bred control (ICR) lines, plus their reciprocal crosses, ICR × M16 and M16 × ICR, were used to investigate whether whole-body O2 consumption, jejunal respiration, jejunal glucose absorption and the apparent energetic efficiency of jejunal active glucose uptake in mice are altered by genetic selection for growth as well as by heterosis and maternal effects. Whole-body O2 consumption was measured in 12 mice from each line or cross. The mice were later killed for measurement of jejunal O2, using tissue respiration chambers and jejunal glucose transport determined by 3H-3-O-methylglucose accumulation. No heterosis or maternal effects were detected in jejunal glucose active transport and active glucose uptake. Selection for growth (M16 vs. ICR) increased daily gain (1.54 vs. 1.09 g, P < 0.001), small intestinal length and weight, but did not enhance jejunal glucose transport. The apparent energetic efficiency of jejunal active glucose uptake among lines was not different (54.0, 50.4, 51.6 and 47.1 nmol ATP expended/nmol glucose uptake for M16, ICR, M16 × ICR and ICR × M16, respectively, P > 0.63). Selection for growth in mice did not result in more energetically efficient jejunal glucose absorption.

Selection for Body Composition Does Not Affect Energetic Efficiency of Jejunal Glucose Uptake in Mice

Five-wk-old male mice from three lines were used to examine whether the apparent energetic efficiency of active jejunal glucose uptake in mouse jejunum is altered by genetic selection for different body composition. The mice lines were selected as follows: HE, high percentage of body fat with no change in body weight as a constraint; LF, low percentage of body fat; and RS, randomly bred control. Body weight was similar in all lines. Total jejunal O2 consumption and ouabain-sensitive O2 consumption were used to estimate the energy expenditure associated with glucose absorption and Na+/K+-ATPase activity. Tritiated 3-O-methyl-D-glucose was used to determine glucose uptake by mouse jejunum. Line LF, when compared with line HE, had lower body fat as indicated by epididymal fat pad weight (143 vs. 362 mg/mouse, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in small intestinal weight, length and density (mg/cm) between LF and HE lines. Jejunal villus width was greater in line LF compared with line HE (115 vs. 92 µm, P < 0.002). Jejunal glucose transport and O2 consumption were not different between LF and HE lines. Ouabain-sensitive O2 consumption was not significantly different among the three lines. No differences were noted in the apparent energetic efficiency of active glucose uptake among lines.

Effect of Water Regime, Nitrogen Level, and Biostimulant Application on the Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Wild Rocket [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC

The use of biostimulants in agriculture is an emerging technique that can contribute to improved production and resource use efficiency. This research was carried out in southern Italy to evaluate the biostimulating effects of seaweed extract (SW) and azoxystrobin (AZ) on wild rocket subjected to two water regimes (WRs) and three nitrogen levels (NLs), and grown in pots under unheated greenhouse conditions. The following treatments were compared: (i) two WRs: restoration of 100% (WR100) and 50% (WR50) of crop evapotranspiration; (ii) three NLs: 0 (N0), 75 (N75), or 150 (N150) kg ha−1 of N; and (iii) three biostimulants (BSs): an untreated control (C), and the application of AZ or SW. This paper reports the effects on N uptake (Nup), N use efficiency (NUE), and water use efficiency (WUE). The following indicators of NUE were assessed: apparent recovery efficiency (RE), internal utilization efficiency (IE), partial productivity factor (PFPn) of N supplied, agronomic efficiency (AE), and physiological efficiency (PE). The following indicators of WUE were assessed: photosynthetic WUE (p_WUE), yield WUE (Y_WUE), biomass WUE (B_WUE), and irrigation yield WUE (IY_WUE). The indicators of NUE were affected differently by treatments. RE was 20% higher with SW. IE was higher with AZ. PFPn increased by 10.4 and 8.1% with AZ and SW, respectively. AE increased by 10.9 and 19.9% after applying AZ and SW, respectively. PE rose by 6.7 and 9.3% after applying AZ and SW. AZ and SW improved p_WUE, mainly under water deficit (interaction of WR × BS). With AZ application, Y_WUE, B_WUE, and IY_WUE were higher by 17.8, 13.8, and 19.3%, respectively, while the application of SW resulted in a smaller increase (9.5–7.7 and 9.9%). SW and AZ were shown to be effective through the moderate improvement of wild rocket’s nitrogen and water use efficiency. The two biostimulants were more effective at improving p_WUE in water deficit conditions, proving to be particularly useful for farmers operating with water scarcity. Therefore, they can provide valuable support to farmers by improving the sustainability of resource use.

Effects of humic acid–enhanced phosphate fertilizer on wheat yield, phosphorus uptake, and soil available phosphorus content

AbstractHumic acid (HA) can improve the use efficiency of phosphate fertilizer, although its optimal proportion in fertilizers remains unknown. In this study, we conducted soil column experiments over two growing seasons to compare the effects of different HA proportions in phosphate fertilizer on wheat yield and phosphorus uptake, utilization, and soil available phosphorus. At harvest, grain yields were 0.23%–13.21% higher under HA‐enhanced phosphate (HAP) compared to treatments with conventional phosphate fertilizer (P). Among different HAPs, wheat treated with HAP with 1.0% HA (HAP10) or 2.0% HA (HAP20) had the highest 2‐year grain yield. Furthermore, total phosphorus uptake and its allocation in grains were both higher under HAP treatments compared to P treatment. The apparent use efficiency, agronomic efficiency and partial productivity of phosphorus in HAP10 and HAP20 treatments were also significantly higher than those treated with P in both growing seasons. In addition, HAP10 and HAP20 treatments resulted in the highest content of available phosphorus in the 0–60 cm soil layer compared with other HAPs or P alone. Incorporating HA into phosphate fertilizer at proportions of 0.5%–5.0% can increase wheat yield, phosphorus uptake, phosphate fertilizer use efficiency, and soil available phosphorus content, 1.0% or 2.0% HA in HAP shows the highest effects on these indexes. Given the economic benefits, 1.0% level is an optimal level for enhancing the effects of phosphate fertilizer in winter wheat crops.

The impact of solvent selection on the characteristics of niosome nanoparticles prepared by microfluidic mixing

The aim of this work was to assess the impact of solvent selection on the characteristics of niosomes prepared by microfluidic mixing. To achieve this, niosomes were manufactured using bench-scale microfluidic mixing systems by changing the type of aqueous and/or organic solvents used to prepare the particles. Niosomes were prepared using different non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol compositions with different solvents and evaluated to investigate the influence of organic and aqueous solvents on the particle's physiochemical characteristics. Here we demonstrated that the solvent selection is a key factor to be considered during the preparation of niosomes with microfluidic mixing. The type of organic solvent was shown to significantly affect the size and the size distribution of the prepared particles. In general, niosome size increased with increasing organic solvent polarity, without affecting the niosomes stability. Moreover, changing the aqueous solvent used to hydrate the lipid components significantly (p < 0.05) affected the characteristics of the prepared niosomes in terms of particles size, size distribution, and surface charge. This impact of solvent selection on the final product is dependent on the lipid components where niosomes prepared with different compositions will have different characteristics when changing the type of organic and/or aqueous solvents. The apparent encapsulation efficiency of quinine as a model hydrophobic drug was subsequently shown to be significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the type of the organic solvent used to prepare the niosomes, while the impact of the organic solvent had less impact on the apparent encapsulation of atenolol as a model hydrophilic drug.

Controlled-release urea application and optimized nitrogen applied strategy reduced nitrogen leaching and maintained grain yield of paddy fields in Northwest China.

Nitrogen loss from paddy fields contributes to most of the nitrogen pollution load in the Ningxia Yellow River irrigation area, threatening the water quality of the Yellow River. Consequently, optimizing the nitrogen management practices in this area is essential, which can maintain paddy grain productivity and reduce nitrogen loss simultaneously. Five treatments with different nitrogen application rates and nitrogen fertilizer types were set in this study, including conventional urea application with zero nitrogen application rate (CK, 0kg hm-2), nitrogen expert-based fertilization application strategy (NE, 210kg hm-2), optimized nitrogen fertilizer application strategy recommended by local government (OPT, 240kg hm-2), and farmer's experience-based nitrogen fertilizer application strategy (FP, 300kg hm-2), and controlled-release urea application (CRU, 180kg hm-2). The data from one growth season field experiment in 2021 revealed the dynamics of nitrogen concentration, paddy yield and its nitrogen uptake characteristic, and nitrogen balance in the paddy field under different nitrogen application practices. Most nitrogen leaching was observed during the seedling and tillering stages in the form of nitrate nitrogen (NO3 -N). Compared with the FP, the CRU and OPT significantly reduced the nitrogen concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4 +-N), and NO3 -N in the surface and soil water and reduced the nitrogen leaching at 100cm soil depth. Meanwhile, the paddy grain yield in CRU (7737kg hm-2) and OPT (7379kg hm-2) was not significantly decreased compared with FP (7918kg hm-2), even though the nitrogen uptake by grain and straw was higher in FP (135kg hm-2) than in other treatments (52.10~126.40 kg hm-2). However, the grain yield in NE (6972kg hm-2) was decreased compared with the FP. The differences in grain yield among these treatments were mainly attributed to the ear number and grain number changes. Also, the highest nitrogen use efficiency (40.14%), apparent nitrogen efficiency (19.53kg kg-1), and nitrogen partial productivity (43.98kg kg-1) were identified in CRU than in other treatments. Considering increased grain yield and reducing nitrogen loss in the paddy field simultaneously, the treatments of CRU (i.e., 180kg hm-2 nitrogen application rate with controlled-release urea) and OPT (i.e., 240kg hm-2 nitrogen application rate with conventional urea) were recommended for nitrogen fertilizer application in the study area.

Characterization of Galectin Fusion Proteins with Glycoprotein Affinity Columns and Binding Assays.

Galectins are β-galactosyl-binding proteins that fulfill essential physiological functions. In the biotechnological field, galectins are versatile tools, such as in the development of biomaterial coatings or the early-stage diagnosis of cancer diseases. Recently, we introduced galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) as fusion proteins of a His6-tag, a SNAP-tag, and a fluorescent protein. We characterized their binding in ELISA-type assays and their application in cell-surface binding. In the present study, we have constructed further fusion proteins of galectins with fluorescent protein color code. The fusion proteins of Gal-1, Gal-3, and Gal-8 were purified by affinity chromatography. For this, we have prepared glycoprotein affinity resins based on asialofetuin (ASF) and fetuin and combined this in a two-step purification with Immobilized Metal Affinity chromatography (IMAC) to get pure and active galectins. Purified galectin fractions were analyzed by size-exclusion chromatography. The binding characteristics to ASF of solely His6-tagged galectins and galectin fusion proteins were compared. As an example, we demonstrate a 1.6-3-fold increase in binding efficiency for HSYGal-3 (His6-SNAP-yellow fluorescent protein-Gal-3) compared to the HGal-3 (His6-Gal-3). Our results reveal an apparent higher binding efficiency for galectin SNAP-tag fusion proteins compared to His6-tagged galectins, which are independent of the purification mode. This is also demonstrated by the binding of galectin fusion proteins to extracellular glycoconjugates laminin, fibronectin, and collagen IV. Our results indicate the probable involvement of the SNAP-tag in apparently higher binding signals, which we discuss in this study.