Ratio Of Urea Research Articles

Solid-State Fluorescent Carbon Dots with Hydrophobic Modification Induced Red Emission for White Light-Emitting Diodes.

Herein, we developed red solid-state fluorescent carbon dots (SSF-CDs) through a one-step solvothermal method, utilizing acetone as the carbonization solvent. Optical and structural characterization revealed that the sp2 domains in the core of the R-CDs were consistently interrupted and that the oxygen-containing groups on the surface were replaced by alkyl groups. This substitution mitigates excessive π-π interactions, thereby preventing quenching of fluorescence in the solid state. Adjusting the molar ratio of citric acid (CA) and urea yielded solid fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with panchromatic luminescence, indicating enhanced π-π interactions and more pronounced red shifts in the emission peaks. Furthermore, we found that this strategy is applicable to other carbon sources, including phenylenediamine, salicylic acid, and lignin. This research presents an innovative strategy for the fabrication of solid-state luminescent CDs.

Association of Urine-to-Plasma Urea Ratio with the Incidence of Kidney Failure in Patients with CKD

Association of Urine-to-Plasma Urea Ratio with the Incidence of Kidney Failure in Patients with CKD

Optimization of process parameters for preparing AlN nanopowders by combining carbon-containing droplet combustion and carbothermal reduction methods

In this research, AlN nano-powders were prepared by combining carbon-containing droplet combustion (CCDC) and carbothermal reduction (CR) methods. Firstly, Al2O3+C mixed precursor was synthesized by the CCDC method, and then AlN nano-powder was obtained by the carbothermal reduction of this CCDC precursor. The effects of urea and glucose contents, ignition temperature, and combustion atmosphere on precursors and AlN powders were studied in detail. The results showed that with the molar ratio of urea to aluminum nitrate (U/A) of 3, the atomic ratio of carbon to aluminum (C/Al) of 6, and the ignition temperature at 800 °C under air atmosphere, the prepared precursor was composed of hollow and spherical structure particles exhibiting rough and porous surface morphology with high specific surface area (SSA) (41.4 m2/g). AlN nano-powders obtained by the carbothermal reduction of this precursor were found to be consisted of fine particles with the size of 20–30 nm with high SSA of 39.9 m2/g.

Effect of nitrate, ammonium, and urea ratios and molybdenum level in the nutrient solution on vegetative growth and biochemical responses of basil plants

In hydroponics, preferring a higher nitrate to ammonia ratio can lead to nitrate accumulation in plant tissues. Reducing nitrate application and substituting nitrate-based fertilizers with ammonium or urea can help solve this issue. Additionally, adding molybdenum (Mo) can decrease nitrate accumulation by stimulating nitrate reductase activity. This study was carried out in a factorial design within a completely randomized experimental setup to investigate the effects of varying nitrate, ammonium, and urea ratios, as well as Mo concentration in the nutrient solution, on vegetative growth and biochemical parameters in hydroponically grown Jenovise basil. The treatments included different ratios of nitrate: ammonium: urea (75:25:0, 50:25:25, 25:25:50, 0:25:75, 50:0:50, 25:0:75, 0:0:100, or 100:0:0) and three Mo levels (0.001, 0.01, 0.1 mg. L−1) in a modified Hoagland solution. The results indicated that growth-associated characteristics improved when nitrate was partially substituted with ammonium and urea in the nutrient solution. The highest total phenolics (2.61 mg. g−1 DW) and flavonoids (2500.36 mg. g−1 DW) were observed at a nitrate: ammonium: urea ratio of 75:25:0 with 0.1 mg. L−1 Mo. Plants treated with a nutrient solution containing a nitrate: ammonium: urea ratio of 0:25:75 and 0.01 mg L−1 Mo showed a significant increase in chlorophyll b concentration, reaching 0.22 mg.g−1 FW, which was higher than all other treatments. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that optimizing the combined nitrate, ammonium, and urea ratios along with Mo in the nutrient solution regulated nitrate accumulation and growth in hydroponically grown basil.

Quantitative detection of plasticizer migration in starch/polyvinyl alcohol film with UV-Vis and GC-MS/MS

In this work, the migration of urea and/or formamide plasticizers in crosslinked starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films under UV irradiation has been accurately quantified by using a combination of GC-MS/MS and UV–Vis analysis. The crosslinked starch/PVA films, prepared with different amide plasticizers (urea, formamide, urea-formamide), were characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After 7 days of UV irradiation, the starch/PVA film plasticized with urea-formamide (A7-SPF-UF) exhibited a flat surface morphology, high crystal stability, and highest thermal stability. The migration ratio of urea and formamide for A7-SPF-UF was also quantified to be 3.2 % and 4.5 %, respectively, using GC-MS/MS and UV–Vis analysis, indicating optimal migration resistance. The synergistic effect of urea and formamide as plasticizers built the dense network structure of An-SPF-UF and improved the UV aging resistance, toughness and durability of the film. On one hand, this enhances the market competitiveness of the products; on the other hand, it promotes the development of environmentally friendly materials, aligning with sustainability requirements.

Influence of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots on H• Radical-Mediated Au-H Formation in the Hydrogenation of 4-Nitrophenol Using NCDs-Au Nanohybrids.

The hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol using carbon dot-stabilized gold (Au) nanoparticles is well-studied, with Au-H species known to catalyze the reaction. However, the impact of specific nitrogen moieties in nitrogen-doped carbon dots on Au-H formation and catalytic activity remains unexplored. These nitrogen species, acting as surface ligands, may influence the catalytic properties through the generation of Au-H species via H• radicals. In this regard, modulation of the catalytic properties of Au nanoparticles has been explored by conjugating their surface with nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs). Three distinct nanohybrid formulations comprising NCDs and Au nanoparticles (i.e., NCDs-Au) have been prepared, where the NCDs were derived from different carbon sources (e.g., citric acid and l-malic acid) and varying mole ratios of the nitrogen source (i.e., urea). The impact of NCDs on Au nanoparticle-mediated catalysis has been investigated using the model reaction of hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of NaBH4. The fractions of different nitrogen species (such as pyrrolic, pyridinic, and amidic) in the different NCDs-Au nanohybrids were quantified through XPS analysis, and their roles in catalytic performance have been studied. Further, the size, shape, crystallinity, defects, and exposed facets of the NCDs-Au nanohybrids have also been assessed (through XRD, HRTEM, and Raman studies), and their structure-activity relationships have been corroborated. The hydrogenation of 4-NP is proposed to happen through the formation of gold-hydride (Au-H) species facilitated by H• radicals, as confirmed by EPR analysis. The NCDs-Au nanohybrid, synthesized from NCDs derived from a 1:3 molar ratio of l-malic acid and urea (MU13-Au), exhibits superior catalytic efficiency with a rate constant of 1.013 min-1, attributed to its abundant defects and a notably high relative content of catalytically favorable pyridinic nitrogen species compared to other tested nanohybrids.

Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots: A New Powerful Fluorescent Dye with Substantial Effect on Bacterial Cell Labeling.

Carbon dots (CDs)-minute carbon nanoparticles with remarkable luminescent properties, photostability, and low toxicity-show potential for various applications. CDs synthesized using citric acid and urea are the least toxic to biological environments. Here, we aimed to explore the effect of CDs synthesized using citric acid and urea at 50, 33, and 25% (CDs 1/1, 1/2, and 1/3, respectively) weight ratios in a microwave on bacterial cell fluorescence sensing and labeling. The nanoscale properties of CDs were investigated via transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering particle size analysis. X-ray powder diffraction confirmed the graphitic structures of CDs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the nitrogen content increased gradually with increasing urea ratios, indicating functional group changes. Transient photoluminescence decay periods demonstrated superior fluorescence intensity of CDs 1/3 under blue, green, and red lights. The use of CDs was notably more efficient than traditional methods in staining bacterial cells. Fluorescence microscopy of 10 g-positive and 10 g-negative bacteria revealed enhanced staining of Gram-positive strains, with CDs 1/3 presenting the best results. The CDs exhibited excellent photostability, maintaining poststaining fluorescence for 100 min, surpassing the performance of conventional dyes. CDs could serve as potential fluorescent dyes for the rapid discrimination of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Activated persulfate for efficient bisphenol A degradation via nitrogen-doped Fe/Mn bimetallic biochar.

To achieve the purpose of treating waste by waste, in this study, a nitrogen-doped Fe/Mn bimetallic biochar material (FeMn@N-BC) was prepared from chicken manure for persulfate activation to degrade Bisphenol A (BPA). The FeMn@N-BC was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffract meter (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and found that N doping can form larger specific surface area. Catalytic degradation experiments showed that Fe/Mn bimetal doping not only accelerated the electron cycling rate on the catalyst surface, but also makes the biochar magnetic and easy to separate, thus reducing environmental pollution. Comparative experiments was concluded that the highest degradation efficiency of BPA was achieved when the mass ratios of urea and chicken manure, Fe/Mn were 3:1 and 2:1, respectively, and the pyrolysis temperature was 800 °C, which can almost degrade all the BPA in 60 min. FeMn@N-BC/PS system with high catalytic efficiency and low consumables is promising for reuse of waste resources and the remediation of wastewater.

Engineering of Soft Urea Synthesized Ni3n Nanomaterials for Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Most active electrocatalysts include platinum-group metals (PGMs) and their alloys for electrochemical water splitting, but they are strongly limited by material cost and scarcity. [1] On the other hand, transition metal nitrides overcome this bottleneck and show high electrical conductivity, making them catalytically active for water electrolysis. The high conductivity is based on the incorporation of nitrogen atoms into the unit cell of metal, leading to their d-band contraction with electron density enhancement below Fermi level. [2] For instance, metallic nickel nitride (Ni3N) has been widely reported as a promising electrocatalyst material to accelerate the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by in-situ forming a nickel (oxy)hydroxide [Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH] layer. [3] The Ni3N materials can be prepared by single step soft-urea route to obtain pure crystal phase [4] or a composite with carbon [5], which rises the following two research questions: 1. What are the optimal synthesis parameters of the soft-urea route to control the structure of Ni3N? 2. What is the relationship between structure and OER activity for Ni3N materials?In this work, we used the soft-urea route to prepare Ni3N materials by varying the ratios of NiCl2, urea and ethanol as precursor chemicals. The precursors were made into a gel by magnetic stirring having metal:urea ratio of 1:5, and then heated up to 400 ºC in a tubular furnace with constant flow of argon. The as-prepared Ni3N were then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental analysis (CHN), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).Based on the quantitative Rietveld refinement, the formation of pristine Ni3N materials is strongly controlled by the annealing temperature. In addition to the Ni3N phase, we observed the formation of the fcc Ni phase (0 – 10 wt.%) as a minor phase. The TEM images show individual particles of below 100 nm in size. Rotating disc electrode (RDE) technique was employed to establish the electrochemical OER activity of Ni3N materials by sweeping the potential from 1.3 to 1.8 VRHE at 10 mV s-1 in Ar-saturated 0.1 M KOH. Polycrystalline Ni and Ni particles are taken as reference materials. We observed an improvement of the OER activity as the overpotential at 10 mA cm-2 (normalized by the geometric surface area) reduced from 379 mV (poly-Ni) to 358 mV (Ni3N). Furthermore, in-situ XAS studies were performed to better understand the nature of the redox reactions between Ni species and the in-situ formation of nickel (oxy)hydroxide [Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH] layers before and during the OER as a function of the applied potential. Based on the in-situ XANES data, we correlated the structure of Ni3N/fcc-Ni/carbon composite with observed OER activity under alkaline conditions.To summarize, we were able to prepare a composite of Ni3N/fcc-Ni/carbon material with improved OER activity via soft-urea route. The in-situ formation of the layered nickel (oxy)hydroxide [Ni(OH)2 and NiOOH] layers as the catalytically active OER species were probed by in-situ XANES data.

Systematic study of the N concentration effects on metal-free ORR electrocatalysts derived from corncob: Less is more

We report nitrogen-doped biomass-derived porous carbon materials with great performance for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) in alkaline media. The level of nitrogen doping in a simple pyrolysis of corncob (CC) was varied systematically, a 1:1 CC:urea ratio (CC1U) gave the best performance in terms of onset potential (Eonset = 0.97 V vs. RHE), maximum current density (jmax = -3.22 mA cm−2), hydroperoxide ion yield (%HO2– = 1.18 % at 0.5 V), and electron transfer number (n = 3.86 at 0.5 V). Unexpectedly, for higher CC:urea ratios the doping decreases, instead of plateauing, with lower concentration of C-N sites and more sp2 sites as determined by XPS, as well as lower specific surface area (SSA), while increasing both porosity and carbon (002) interplanar distance (d(002)). These materials should be durable and robust, since their performance actually improved after accelerated degradation tests. This study proves that renewable “waste” can be upconverted into metal-free electrocatalysts for electrochemical energy conversion technologies and emphasizes the need for studying and controlling doping levels to enhance performance.

Electrodeposition of NiCo on stainless steel substrate using deep eutectic solvent for efficient hydrogen evolution and methanol oxidation reactions

The electrodeposition of NiCo on a stainless-steel substrate using Deep eutectic solvent (DES) was carried out using constant current methods. A 1:2 mol ratio of ChCl (Choline chloride) and crystalline urea was used to prepare DES. The XRD analysis of the fabricated NiCo@SS showed a highly crystalline nature, and the SEM image revealed the fabricated electrode surface morphology. The composition and oxidation state of the deposited material were confirmed by EDAX and XPS techniques. The prepared electrodes were subjected to LSV and CV studies with 1 M KOH using a three-electrode system to analyse its catalytic ability in the Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). Among all the deposited electrocatalysts, NiCo@SS demonstrated the highest catalytic activity and excellent stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), achieving an overpotential of 257 mV at a current density of 100 mA/cm2. Additionally, NiCo@SS exhibited a remarkable current density of 240 mA at a potential of 0.8 V towards the MOR. The synthesized NiCo@SS possessed excellent low overpotential, low charge transfer resistance, high current density, and large surface area. The explored catalyst of NiCo@SS was examined with different concentrations of methanol using the CV technique. Finally, the stability of NiCo@SS, as examined by chronoamperometry and LSV with 3000 cycles, revealed it to be a robust, stable catalyst towards HER and OER.

Serum L C3-II levels in type 2 diabetic patients with impaired renal functions

This study was designed to evaluate serum LC3-II, BCL-2, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and podocin levels in.type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with renal dysfunction. Materials176 Turkish subjects were enrolled, of whom 26 were healthy, and 150 had T2DM. Patients.were classified according to albumin urea ratio: 88 patients had macroalbuminuria, 20.patients had microalbuminuria, and 42 had normoalbuminuria. T2DM patients were also.classified into three groups according to proteinuria and eGFR stages. ResultsIncreased serum LC3-II levels in patients with T2DM with increased urinary albumin.extraction and impaired renal functions. There was a strong relationship between serum.LC3-II levels and serum BCL-2, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and Podocin levels. The efficiency of LC3-II as a diagnostic biomarker in the differential diagnosis of DM patients with.macroproteinuria from DM patients with normoproteinuria was 75.4%. ConclusionsIt was thought that increased serum LC3-II levels in T2DM patients with impaired renal.functions may cause renal podocyte damage. In these patients, serum LC3-II levels can be.evaluated as a new biomarker to follow the development of renal damage.

The Development of Environmental Friendly Biological Sulfur Recovery Unit (BSRU) For Sulfur Coated Urea with Slow Release Fertilizer Method: A Case Study in Field X

The absorption of nitrogen from urea fertilizer is significantly inefficient. Due to its solubility in water. This problem can be overcome by producing slow-release fertilizer (SRF) that inhibits urea from being dissolved in water. Sulfur-coated urea (SCU) is one of the SRF methods. Therefore, this study aimed sulfur-coated slow-release urea fertilizer using sulfur waste from the Biological Sulfur Recovery Unit (BSRU) in Field X. A total of 14 tons of sulfur cake was produced daily by BSRU in Field X and sent to the laboratory for composition analysis, followed by drying. Subsequently, the dried sulfur was into a powder using a hammer and sieved to achieve a size of 200 mesh. Based on the results, SCU with the sulfur to urea ratio of 1:1 and mixing time of 15 minutes exhibited the best performance in dissolution tests with the longest dissolution time of 5 minutes which was better compared to the uncoated urea. After 7 days of observation, spinach that received SCU was more fertile and greener. The calculated NPV and payout time were 88712 million IDR and 1.76 years, respectively. This indicated that the development of this study was economically attractive. In conclusion, the value of sulfur waste from gas processing was increased by using sulfur waste from BSRU as a coating of urea while reducing related environmental effects.

#2715 Towards precise prediction of prognosis in ADPKD: a comprehensive biomarker analysis

Abstract Background and Aims Determining prognosis in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) heavily relies on the height-adjusted total kidney volume (HtTKV) Mayo classification. This classification predicts kidney outcomes on a group level but lacks precision in individual patients. Recently, several urine and blood biomarkers have demonstrated prognostic value in ADPKD, independent of HtTKV and baseline eGFR. This study compares the prognostic value of various biomarkers to aid selection when developing novel risk stratification tools. Method Included were participants of the DIPAK studies with a follow-up duration of >1 year and ≥3 eGFR measurements. We excluded patients with diabetes mellitus and patients using tolvaptan or somatostatin analogues. At baseline, urine samples were analyzed for albumin, urea, creatinine, β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), TmP/GFR (tubular maximum reabsorption rate of phosphate to GFR), and blood was drawn to measure creatinine, urea (for assessment of urinary-to-plasma urea ratio; UP urea), glucagon, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and copeptin. Albumin, β2-MG and MCP-1 were divided by urinary creatinine concentration to account for concentration effects. The cross-sectional and longitudinal association with baseline eGFR and eGFR decline over time was analyzed using multivariate linear regression and repeated measures linear mixed model regression. Furthermore, logistic regression models were tested to identify patients with rapidly-progressive disease (eGFR slope ≤ −3.0 ml/min/1.73 m2/year). Lastly, multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the time to the combined endpoint of 30% decline in eGFR, reaching an eGFR ≤ 15 ml/min/1.73 m2, initiation of dialysis or receiving a kidney transplant. Results 565 patients were included with a mean age of 47 ± 11 years, eGFR of 64 ± 27 ml/min/1.73 m2 and HtTKV of 858 [IQR: 540, 1305] ml/m. During a mean follow-up of 5.2 ± 2.2 years, the mean eGFR decline was −3.38 ± 2.37 mL/min/1.73 m2/year. Of these patients, 283 (50.1%) had rapidly progressive disease and 267 (47.3%) reached the combined kidney endpoint. All biomarkers except glucagon were associated with baseline eGFR and eGFR decline over time after adjustment for established clinical risk factors for disease progression (sex, PKD mutation and baseline age and eGFR). After adjustment for the same covariates, albumin/creatinine, MCP-1/creatinine, FGF-23, UP-urea and copeptin were predictive of rapid disease progression. The area under the curve (AUC) value for predicting rapidly progressive disease for the Mayo HtTKV classification alone was 0.694, which could be improved to 0.766 (P < .001) by a risk prediction model that also included the aforementioned predictive clinical risk factors. The introduction of several biomarkers further improved this clinical model, including albumin/creatinine (AUC 0.794, p = 0.03), MCP-1/creatinine (AUC 0.804, p = 0.04) and copeptin (AUC 0.789, p = 0.05). Similar results were seen in multivariate Cox regression models after adjustment for covariates, with independent predictors of the combined endpoint being again albumin/creatinine (P < .001), MCP-1 creatinine (P < .001), copeptin (p = 0.012), but now also UP-urea (p = 0.008) and FGF-23 (P < .001). These findings appeared robust in subgroup analyses of 200 patients with Mayo HtTKV class 1C and 122 patients with early disease (age ≤ 40 years and eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline), in whom predicting prognosis is most challenging. Conclusion In patients with ADPKD, albumin/creatinine, MCP-1/creatinine, FGF-23 and copeptin are consistent predictors of kidney outcomes after adjustment for established clinical risk factors. Our data suggest that these biomarkers should be prioritized when developing novel multimarker models to enhance precision of risk prediction in ADPKD.

The application of nano−clinoptilolite based nitrogen fertilizer mixed with urea promotes nitrogen balance and enhances economic and ecological benefits in paddy fields

Reducing the size of clinoptilolite accentuates its structural attributes, notably mesoporosity and the silica−aluminum ratio, which enhanced its capabilities as an efficient adsorbent and modifier. This research aims to utilize the augmented small−size effect of clinoptilolite to develop a high−performance nano−clinoptilolite based nitrogen (N) fertilizer, to substitute an equivalent amount of urea. To this end, a two−year field experiment was conducted using a single−factor randomized complete block design, involving five different nano−clinoptilolite based N fertilizer mixed with urea (ZN) ratios: control treatment (100% Urea, CK); 20% Z & 80% Urea (Z2N8); 30% Z & 70% Urea (Z3N7); 40% Z & 60% Urea (Z4N6); 50% Z & 50% Urea (Z5N5). This study explored the effects of ZN on ammonia volatilization (AV), N runoff loss, N accumulation, N balance, yield, and ecological benefits in paddy fields. The results showed that Z2N8, Z3N7, Z4N6, and Z5N5 reduced the total AV losses by 8.57%, 20.52%, 30.20%, and 37.13% (two−year average), and reduced runoff losses by 23.29%, 29.93%, 39.66%, and 43.76%, respectively. Additionally, Z2N8, Z3N7, Z4N6, and Z5N5 increased whole−plant N accumulation by 24.32%, 16.84%, 9.00%, 4.85%, and raised rice yield by 15.28%, 10.28%, 6.99%, 5.05%, respectively. This result indicates that ZN can enhance N utilization, although the effectiveness diminishes with an increased application ratio. Furthermore, Z2N8, Z3N7, and Z4N6 lowered N surpluses by 48.77%, 25.84%, and 3.17%, respectively, while Z5N5 resulted in an increase in N surplus by 9.61% relative to the control. Compared to CK, nano−clinoptilolite based N fertilizer replacing 20% of urea (Z2N8) increased income by 14.75%, reduced environmental damage cost by 8.77%, and ultimately boosted net economic benefits by 5.33% and net economic and ecological benefits by 5.75%. In conclusion, Z2N8 can be contemplated as a compound fertilizer to be applied to farmland to enhance both economic and ecological benefits.

Comparison of efficacy and safety of the new generation helixone dialyzers

IntroductionNew generation helixone dialyzers has recently been developed as part of the ongoing effort to improve dialyzer hemocompatibility and avoid adverse reactions to synthetic dialyzers. This study aimed to assess the performance and albumin loss of this new dialyzer series in hemodiafiltration and compare it with the previous generation helixone series. Material and methodsA prospective study was conducted in 19 patients. Each patient underwent eight dialysis sessions with the same routine dialysis parameters; only the dialyzer varied: FX60 CorDiax, FX CorAL 60, FX600 CorDiax, FX CorAL 600, FX80 CorDiax, FX CorAL 80, FX800 CorDiax, and FX CorAL 800. The reduction ratios (RR) of urea, creatinine, ß2-microglobulin, myoglobin, kappa-free immunoglobulin light chains (κFLC), prolactin, α1-microglobulin, α1-acid glycoprotein, lambda immunoglobulin light chains (λFLC), and albumin were compared intra-individually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. ResultsAll treatments were well tolerated. The mean amount of replacement fluid ranged from 31 to 34 L. Comparison of dialysis treatments showed no differences between small molecules and even up to those the size of β2-microglobulins. Little differences were found between myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1-microglobulin, and λFLC RRs, and only FX80 CorDiax was slightly superior to the others. Mean dialysate albumin losses were similar, with less than 2.5 g lost in each dialyzer. The FX80 CorDiax showed slightly higher global removal scores than the other dialyzers evaluated, except for FX CorAL 800. ConclusionThe new generation helixone dialyzers series has been updated to minimise the risk of adverse reactions, while maintaining the effectiveness and albumin loss achieved by the previous most advanced helixone generation.

Numerical Simulation Study on Combustion of Low Calorific Value Waste Blended with Biomass.

Numerical simulations of a 600 t/day waste incinerator was carried out using the fluid dynamic incinerator code and Fluent to evaluate the effect of biomass blending on furnace temperature, pollutant generation, and selective noncatalytic-reduction (SNCR) denitrification when treating low calorific-value waste. The results show that as the biomass blending ratio increases, the water content gradually decreases, the calorific value increases, and the maximum temperature of the incinerator gradually increases from 1227 to 1408 K, while the content of exported NOx increases from 579 to 793 mg/Nm3; during the combustion of low-quality waste, the residence time of the flue gas in the high-temperature region (above 1123 K) is 1.62 s. When the biomass blending ratio exceeds 20%, the residence time of the flue gas in the high-temperature region is more than 2 s, which can effectively curb the generation of dioxin. When the biomass blending ratio is 20%, and the normalized stoichiometric ratio (2nurea/nNO) of urea injected into the SNCR is 1.1, the NOx concentration at the outlet is 230.08 mg/Nm3, which satisfies the NOx emission standard of less than 250 mg/Nm3.

Comparación de la eficacia y seguridad de la nueva generación dializadores de helixona

IntroductionNew generation helixone dialyzers has recently been developed as part of the ongoing effort to improve dialyzer hemocompatibility and avoid adverse reactions to synthetic dialyzers. This study aimed to assess the performance and albumin loss of this new dialyzer series in hemodiafiltration and compare it with the previous generation helixone series. Material and methodsA prospective study was conducted in 19 patients. Each patient underwent eight dialysis sessions with the same routine dialysis parameters; only the dialyzer varied: FX60 CorDiax, FX CorAL 60, FX600 CorDiax, FX CorAL 600, FX80 CorDiax, FX CorAL 80, FX800 CorDiax, and FX CorAL 800. The reduction ratios (RR) of urea, creatinine, β2-microglobulin, myoglobin, kappa-free immunoglobulin light chains (κFLC), prolactin, α1-microglobulin, α1-acid glycoprotein, lambda immunoglobulin light chains (λFLC), and albumin were compared intra-individually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. ResultsAll treatments were well tolerated. The mean amount of replacement fluid ranged from 31 to 34litres. Comparison of dialysis treatments showed no differences between small molecules and even up to those the size of β2-microglobulins. Little differences were found between myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1-microglobulin, and λFLC RRs, and only FX80 CorDiax was slightly superior to the others. Mean dialysate albumin losses were similar, with less than 2.5grams lost in each dialyzer. The FX80 CorDiax showed slightly higher global removal scores than the other dialyzers evaluated, except for FX CorAL 800. ConclusionThe new generation helixone dialyzers series has been updated to minimise the risk of adverse reactions, while maintaining the effectiveness and albumin loss achieved by the previous most advanced helixone generation.

Most recently developed polyester polymer alloy dialyzer: A new medium cut-off membrane?

New versions of the polyester polymer alloy (PEPA) membrane have appeared over the years, with increases in both the pore size and the amount of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to optimize hydrophilicity performance. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the most recently developed PEPA dialyzer, the FDY series, in hemodialysis (HD) modality in terms of uremic toxin removal and albumin loss and to compare it with that of several high-flux dialyzers currently used in HD and post-dilution hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatments. A prospective study was carried out in 21 patients. All patients underwent six dialysis sessions with the same routine dialysis parameters; only the dialyzer and/or the dialysis modality varied: FX80 in HD, FDY 180 in HD, Clearum HS17 in HDF, Elisio 19H in HDF, Vitapes 180 in HDF, and FX80 in post-dilution HDF. The reduction ratios (RR) of urea, creatinine, ß2 -microglobulin, myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, α1 -acid glycoprotein, λFLC, and albumin were compared intraindividually. Dialysate albumin loss was also measured. Both membranes FDY and FX80 are high-flux dialyzers and are applied here in high-flux HD. The average RR of β2 -microglobulin was slightly lower in the two HD treatments than in the HDF treatments. Comparison of dialysis treatments revealed that the PEPA FDY dialyzer in the HD modality was more effective than the FX80 dialyzer in high-flux HD and was as effective as post-dilution HDF, especially in terms of myoglobin, κFLC, prolactin, α1 -microglobulin, and λFLC RRs. The FDY treatments obtained similar albumin RR in blood and slightly higher dialysate albumin loss, although the values were clinically acceptable. The most recently developed PEPA dialyzers in the HD modality were as effective as all treatments in the HDF modality and were clearly superior to high-flux helixone HD treatment. These results confirm that this dialyzer should be categorized within the medium cut-off (MCO) membrane classification.

Reducing greenhouse gas intensity using a mixture of controlled-release urea and common urea combining suitable maize varieties in a summer maize system

The one-time application of common urea blended with controlled-release urea (CRU) is considered effective for improving nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of summer maize in intensive agricultural systems. However, the trade-off between the economic and environmental performances of different blended fertilizer treatments for different maize varieties remains unclear. Therefore, a consecutive two-year field experiment was conducted in the North China Plain to study the effects of different ratios of CRU and common urea on the yield, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, yield-scaled total N2O emissions, greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI), and net ecosystem economic benefit (NEEB) in 2021 and 2022. Four N fertilizer treatments with equal rate at 180 kg N ha−1 were applied as N180U (all Urea), N180C1(1/3CRU), N180C2(2/3CRU), and N180C (all CRU), and two maize varieties (JNK728-yellow ripe variety and ZD958-green ripe variety) were used. The N180C1 and N180C2 treatments produced the highest grain yield in varieties JNK728 and ZD958 (9.4–11.5 t ha−1 and 9.0–11.0 t ha−1), respectively. Compared to the N180U treatment (conventional method), the N180C1 treatment reduced the GHGI (24.8 %–25.9 %) and increased the NEEB (33.1 %–33.4 %) in the JNK728 variety, whereas the N180C2 treatment reduced the GHGI (16.9 %–28.8 %) and increased the NEEB (27.2 %–48.1 %) in the ZD958 variety. The study concludes that a one-time application of blended nitrogen fertilizer in suitable varieties can minimize the GHGI and maximize the NEEB, which is an effective strategy for balancing yield and nitrogen efficiency in the summer maize system in the North China Plain.