Search Results (584)

This study addresses challenges in recycling electronic waste (e-waste) by developing a self-degrading electrical wire coating material using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). Two types, melamine-derived carbon nitride (MCN) and urea-derived carbon nitride (UCN), were synthesized and evaluated for their photocatalytic activity by measuring the decolorization rate of rhodamine-B (RhB). UCN demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance compared to the widely used TiO₂. When incorporated into PVC film, UCN achieved a maximum weight loss of 68% in photodegradation tests after 40 days of irradiation, contributing to reduced environmental impact. A UCN-mixed coating for a vinyl-insulated cable prototype showed that photodecomposition in water facilitated copper wire separation. The study also indicated that water is vital for the decomposition process, while UCN enhanced stiffness and tensile strength of the material without compromising elongation and electrical insulation properties. Full article

Reducing nitrogen (N) fertilizer input while sustaining maize yield and alleviating nitrogen leaching is a significant challenge due to economic and practical feasibility, as well as the environmental friendliness of this process. However, it remains unclear whether reducing nitrogen by using a blend of slow/controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer (SCRNF) with urea at an equal nitrogen rate can achieve the desired yield and mitigate nitrogen leaching. A field experiment consisting of four treatments (240 kg·N·hm⁻², 100% urea, CK; 240 kg·N·hm⁻², 50% N from urea and 50% N from SCRNF, N100%; 192 kg·N·hm⁻², 50% N from urea and 50% N from SCRNF under 20% N reduction, NR20%; 144 kg·N·hm⁻², 50% N from urea and 50% N from SCRNF under 40% N reduction, NR40%) was conducted in Shanxi from 2019 to 2021. In this study, we explored the effects of a mixture of SCRNF and urea on grain yield, yield components, main agronomic traits, nitrogen partial factor productivity, and content of nitrate/ammonium nitrogen in soil in maize under decreasing amounts of nitrogen fertilization. The results showed that the mixture of SCRNF and urea can improve spring maize yield under reduced nitrogen input, with its yield and yield component factors generally performing better than those of the control. The yield of the NR20% treatment was highest in 2020 and 2021, increasing by 8.8% and 11.7% over CK, respectively; the NR20% and NR40% treatments had no significant impact on the main agronomic traits of spring maize, such as plant height, leaf area, shoot biomass, and SPAD value of the ear leaf, compared with CK; the NR20% and NR40% treatments significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced nitrogen partial factor productivity but reduced nitrate and ammonium nitrogen in 0~200 cm soil over the three years compared with CK. Therefore, reducing nitrogen input by 20% with 50% N from urea and 50% N from biodegradable film-coated urea was an appropriate nitrogen fertilizer management measure for mitigating environmental risks without compromising maize yield in North China. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: The pathology of the round ligament (RL) is rare and often remains in the shadow of common surgical emergencies. The preoperative diagnosis is challenging, leaving the surgeon perplexed as to whether and when to operate. The presented case deserves attention due to the difficult decision to operate based solely on the clinical picture, despite negative imaging diagnostic results. Case presentation: A 76-year-old woman was admitted to the Emergency Department with 6 h complaints of epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. She was afebrile with stable vital signs. The abdomen was slightly tender in the epigastrium, without rebound tenderness or guarding. The following blood variables were beyond the normal range: WBC—13.5 × 109/L; total bilirubin 26 mmol/L; amylase—594 U/L; CRP 11.4 mg/L; ASAT—158 U/L; and ALAT—95 U/L. The ultrasound (US) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of the abdomen were normal. A working diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was established, and intravenous infusions were initiated. The next day, the patient became hemodynamically unstable with blood pressure 80/60 mm Hg, heart rate 130/min, chills and fever of 39.5 °C, and oliguria. There was remarkable guarding and rebound tenderness in the epigastrium. The blood analysis revealed the following: WBC—9.9 × 109/L; total bilirubin—76 µmol/L; direct bilirubin—52 µmol/L; amylase—214 U/L; CRP 245 mg/L; ASAT—161 U/L; ALAT—132 U/L; GGT—272 U/L; urea—15.7 mmol/L; and creatinine—2.77 mg/dL. She was taken to the operating room for exploration, which revealed local peritonitis and phlegmon of the RL. Resection of the RL was performed. The microbiological analysis showed Klebsiella varicola. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 5th postoperative day. In the next months, the patients had several readmissions due to mild cholestasis and pancreatitis. The magnetic resonance demonstrated a duodenal diverticulum adjacent to the papilla, located near the junction of the common bile and pancreatic duct. This clinical manifestation and the location of the diverticulum were suggestive of Lemmel’s syndrome, but a papillary dysfunction attributed to the diverticulum or food stasis cannot be excluded. Conclusion: To our knowledge, we report the first association between RL gangrene and Lemmel’s syndrome. We speculate that duodenal diverticulitis with lymphatic spread of the infection or transient bacteriemia in the bile with bacterial translocation due to papillary dysfunction, as well as cholestasis resulting from the diverticulum, could be plausible and unreported causes of the RL infection. The preoperative diagnosis of RL gangrene is challenging because it resembles the most common emergency conditions in the upper abdomen. The present case warrants attention due to the difficult decision to operate based solely on the clinical picture, despite negative imaging results. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in a case of unexplained septic shock and epigastric tenderness, even in negative imaging findings. MSCT, however, is a valuable tool to avert unnecessary operations in conditions that must be managed conservatively, such as acute pancreatitis. Full article

Chinese milk vetch (CMV; Astragalus sinicus L.), serving as winter green manure in rice cropping systems, is widely adopted in the southern China. Field experiments including different incorporation regimes (CMV incorporation, urea substitution incorporation and fertilizer-free incorporation), times (45 days, 30 days and 15 days before rice transplanting) and methods (no flooding, intermittent flooding and continuous flooding) were conducted from 2022 to 2024 to determine the optimal time and method for CMV incorporation that could improve soil nutrients, reduce rice-associated weed infestation, and increase rice yield. Delaying CMV incorporation was beneficial to the accumulation of dry matter and organic matter content in CMV shoots and the increase in the total nitrogen content of the soil before rice transplanting. Broadleaf weed infestation was significantly influenced by flooding method, CMV incorporation and incorporation time. Delaying CMV incorporation combined with flooding significantly reduced the density of broadleaf weeds. Grassy weed infestation was only significantly affected by the flooding method, with significantly lower density under flooding conditions compared to non-flooding conditions when other treatments were consistent. Sedge weed infestation was not affected by any of the experimental treatments. Compared with conventional CMV incorporation (incorporated 30 days before rice transplanting without flooding), incorporating CMV 15 days before rice transplanting with flooding (continuous or intermittent flooding) resulted in a 59.20–66.86% reduction in rice-associated weed infestation. Rice yield was also increased with a delay in CMV incorporation, which mainly manifested in increases in panicle number and seed setting rate. Incorporating CMV 15 days before rice transplanting increased rice yield by 5.34–13.24% compared to conventional CMV incorporation. Therefore, considering the comprehensive effects on soil nutrients, weed infestation and rice yield, incorporating CMV 15 days before rice transplanting combined with intermittent flooding is a recommended green manure management practice in green manure–rice rotation systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: The dysregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been established as a key driver of inflammatory disease pathology, which marks NLRP3 as an attractive therapeutic target. However, the clinical development of NLRP3 inhibitors such as MCC950 has been hampered by their associated toxicity profiles, highlighting an unmet clinical need. Methods: Herein, we present LMT2368, a novel urea-based NLRP3 inhibitor identified through screening of urea-based derivatives from our in-house compound library. Results: Biolayer interferometry confirmed direct binding of LMT2368 to the NLRP3 NACHT domain with a (K_D = 27.4 ± 1.2 μM which was superior to MCC950. Molecular docking studies predicted enhanced binding interactions for LMT2368, consistent with its improved biological activity. In LPS-primed macrophages, LMT2368 dose-dependently suppressed IL-1β secretion (IC50 = 0.8 μM in J774A.1 cells) and caspase-1 activation without affecting NF-κB signaling. Importantly, LMT2368 inhibited ASC oligomerization and pyroptosis while maintaining excellent safety margins (CC50 > 50 μM). In a murine model of LPS-induced acute lung injury, LMT2368 (10 mg/kg) reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid immune cell infiltration by 68% (p < 0.001), suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-1β/IL-6/TNF-α), and preserved lung histoarchitecture. Notably, LMT2368 showed selectivity for NLRP3 inhibition without affecting TNF-α/IL-6 production during TLR4 priming in monocytic cell lines. Conclusions: Together, these findings establish LMT2368 as a promising lead compound for developing safer NLRP3 inhibitors with therapeutic potential for inflammasome-driven diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology has the potential to improve decision making, particularly in managing the risk associated with targeted therapies. This study aimed to develop and validate a machine learning-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) capable of predicting complications associated with Bevacizumab or its biosimilars and to translate the resulting predictive model into a clinically applicable tool. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 395 records from patients treated with Bevacizumab or biosimilars for solid tumors. Pretherapeutic variables, such as demographic data, medical history, tumor characteristics and laboratory findings, were retrieved from medical records. Several machine learning models (logistic regression, Random Forest, XGBoost) were trained using 70/30 and 80/20 data splits. Their predictive performances were compared using accuracy, AUC-ROC, sensitivity, specificity, F1-scores and error rate. The best-performing model was used to derive a logistic-based risk score, which was further implemented as an interactive HTML form. Results: The optimized Random Forest model trained on the 80/20 split demonstrated the best balance between accuracy (70.63%), sensitivity (66.67%), specificity (73.85%), and AUC-ROC (0.75). The derived logistic risk score showed good performance (AUC-ROC = 0.720) and calibration. It identified variables, such as age ≥ 65, anemia, elevated urea, leukocytosis, tumor differentiation, and stage, as significant predictors of complications. The final tool provides clinicians with an easy-to-use, offline form that estimates individual risk levels and stratifies patients into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk categories. Conclusions: This study offers a proof of concept for developing AI-supported predictive tools in oncology using real-world data. The resulting logistic risk score and interactive form can assist clinicians in tailoring therapeutic decisions for patients receiving targeted therapies, enhancing the personalization of care without replacing clinical judgment. Full article

The proportion of laboratory tests ordered in cardiology departments without clinical utility is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine if criteria limiting testing can safely reduce admission and follow-up testing. We reviewed the charts of 471 consecutive patients admitted to the cardiology department at a regional hospital from January 2019 to June 2019. We prospectively set appropriate criteria for routine admission and follow-up testing. Commonly ordered tests and parameters considered not to be indicated either on admission or on follow-up included C-reactive protein, liver function tests, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, calcium, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, Hemoglobin A1c, and prothrombin times (except for patients treated with warfarin). Admission tests considered appropriate included electrolytes, glucose, creatinine, and complete blood counts. Follow-up testing was indicated only if test results were outside the reference ranges. Troponin tests were only indicated if needed to determine the need for a coronary angiogram. The outcome variables were the proportion of indicated tests and whether tests outside the criteria led to changes in acute care that positively affected the patient’s hospital care. In the 471 patients, there were 18,061 tests ordered (not including troponin), and 14,427 (79.9%) were not indicated; this led to 46 (0.3%) changes in medical care, which did not affect the patients’ clinical course. There were 47.8% (364/761) troponin tests that were not indicated and did not change patient care. Our study suggests that interventions in cardiology departments such as ours could safely reduce troponin testing by nearly 50% and other laboratory tests by around 80%. These results need to be confirmed in other settings and in interventional studies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a major cause of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions among older adults. Although most seniors present hemodynamically stable, a sizeable fraction deteriorate during hospitalization, and no ED-specific tool exists to identify those at greatest risk. We sought to determine risk factors for in-hospital mortality in this population and to develop a predictive model. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the MIMIC-IV-ED database (2011–2019) and enrolled culture-confirmed UTI patients aged ≥ 65 years who were hemodynamically stable—defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mm Hg without vasopressor support. Demographics, comorbidities, triage vital signs, and initial laboratory tests were extracted. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression with 10-fold cross-validation was performed for variable selection. Discrimination was quantified with the C-statistic, calibration with the Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and clinical utility with decision curve analysis. Internal validation was assessed via 1000-sample bootstrap resampling. Results: Among 1571 eligible encounters (median age 79 years, 33% male), in-hospital mortality was 4.5%. LASSO selected eight variables; six remained significant in multivariable analysis: age, systolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, white blood cell count, red cell distribution width, and blood urea nitrogen. The predictive nomogram demonstrated a C-statistic of 0.73 (95% CI 0.66–0.79) and outperformed traditional early warning scores. Conclusions: A six-variable nomogram may stratify mortality risk in hemodynamically stable older adults with UTI. Because the model was developed in a single U.S. tertiary-care ED, it remains hypothesis-generating until validated in external, multicenter cohorts to confirm generalizability. Full article

Photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter accumulation are essential for achieving high rice yields, yet conventional controlled-release fertilizers often fail to synchronize nitrogen (N) supply with crop demand. In this study, we evaluated a novel double core–shell controlled-release urea (DCSCRU) designed to align with the bimodal N uptake pattern of rice. A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare DCSCRU at three application rates (180, 225, and 270 kg N ha⁻¹) with conventional urea and conventional controlled-release urea (both at 270 kg N ha⁻¹). DCSCRU exhibited a distinct biphasic N release profile, with a rapid initial release peaking at 1.60% d ⁻¹ on day 10 to meet early vegetative demand, followed by a second peak (1.85% d⁻¹ on day 45) supporting reproductive development. Compared with conventional urea, DCSCRU treatments significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter accumulation during critical growth stages. The 270 kg N ha⁻¹ DCSCRU treatment achieved a grain yield exceeding 11.50 × 10³ kg ha⁻¹, substantially higher than that of conventional urea. Notably, the 225 kg N ha⁻¹ DCSCRU treatment produced a comparable yield (10.90 × 10³ kg ha⁻¹) to that of the conventional urea treatment (10.83 × 10³ kg ha⁻¹), indicating the potential to reduce N input by 16.7% without compromising yield. The enhanced physiological performance was attributed to improved N availability and optimized canopy function. These findings highlight DCSCRU as a promising strategy for high-yield, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable rice production. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have garnered extensive application across various domains. However, frequent safety incidents associated with these LIBs have emerged as a significant impediment to their further advancement. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to develop a novel fire extinguishing agent that possesses both rapid fire suppression and efficient cooling capabilities, thereby effectively mitigating the occurrence and propagation of fires in LIBs. This study pioneers the development of an adaptive thermosensitive microcapsule (TM) fire extinguishing agent synthesized via in situ polymerization. The TM encapsulates a ternary composite core—perfluorohexanone (C₆F₁₂O), heptafluorocyclopentane (C₅H₃F₇), and 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (2-BTP)—within a melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin shell. The TM was prepared via in situ polymerization, combined with FE-SEM, FTIR, TG–DSC, and laser particle size analysis to verify that the TM had a uniform particle size and complete coating structure. The results demonstrate that the TM can effectively suppress the thermal runaway (TR) of LIBs through the synergistic effects of physical cooling, chemical suppression, and gas isolation. Specifically, the peak TR temperature of a single-cell LIB is reduced by 14.0 °C, and the heating rate is decreased by 0.17 °C/s. Additionally, TM successfully blocked the propagation of TR thereby preventing its spread in the dual-LIB module test. Limitations of single-component agents are overcome by this innovative system by leveraging the ternary core’s complementary functionalities, enabling autonomous TR suppression without external systems. Furthermore, the TM design integrates precise thermal responsiveness, environmental friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, offering a transformative safety solution for next-generation LIBs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanobubble water (NBW) is being studied increasingly for its potential benefits in sports nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate whether supplementation with ozone-enriched NBW (O₃-NBW) could improve integrated exercise capacity—encompassing endurance performance, muscle strength, and postexercise recovery as well as body composition and metabolic adaptations in mice. Methods: Male ICR mice (n = 24) were allocated into Control, Air-NBW, or O₃-NBW (0.2–1 mg/L ozone) groups for 4 weeks. Results: O₃-NBW treatment considerably enhanced forelimb grip strength and treadmill running endurance compared to the Control group (both p < 0.05). Analyses of body composition revealed a higher proportion of lean mass and muscle glycogen storage in NBW groups, notably with O₃-NBW. Serum markers gathered post-exercise demonstrated a reduction in ammonia and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), suggesting improved nitrogen metabolism. Levels of resting serum creatine kinase (CK) and uric acid were also lower in O₃-NBW mice, indicating potential benefits for muscle recovery. In addition, O₃-NBW treatment significantly enhanced oxygen consumption (VO₂) and reduced the respiratory quotient (RQ), signifying amplified fat oxidation, while also lowering total energy expenditure (all p < 0.05). Spontaneous wheel-running activity remained consistent across all the groups. Conclusions: Taken as a whole, these findings emphasize that O₃-NBW supplementation offers ergogenic and metabolic advantages by improving integrated exercise capacity and efficiency of gas exchange, without adverse effects. Full article

Efficient use of nitrogen and phosphorus is crucial for achieving sustainable wheat production. Slow-release nano-fertilizers offer a targeted strategy to minimize nutrient losses, reduce excessive fertilizer application, and improve crop yield. This study introduces urea–hydroxyapatite (n-UHA) nanohybrid as a slow-release fertilizer synthesized to enhance nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) delivery efficiency in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Physical characterization techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Zetasizer, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed the formation of spherical n-UHA with a particle size of 106 nm. FTIR results indicated the formation of physically bound urea as a coating layer on the particle surface. Foliar application of n-UHA at 2500 and 5000 ppm N significantly increased tiller intensity and grain yield compared to conventional urea. The highest biological yield, approximately 16 t ha⁻¹, was achieved with 5000 ppm n-UHA plus supplemental soil phosphorus (P), representing a 4-fold increase over the control. Conventional urea treatments, in comparison, only doubled yield. Notably, increasing conventional urea concentration from 2500 to 5000 ppm N did not significantly increase the yield even with additional P-soil supplement, while applying 5000 ppm N from n-UHA with supplemental P provided an approximate 25% yield increase compared to 2500 ppm n-UHA without P. The n-UHA’s slow-release mechanism supported prolonged tiller intensity, enhanced protein content, and higher biomass yield and chlorophyll content. This study showed that the slow-release mechanism of urea in the monohybrid due to hydrolysis resulted in localized acidity from carbonic acid production on the leaf surface area and contributed to dissociating phosphate ions from hydroxyapatite, making phosphorous more accessible. The enhanced performance of n-UHA is due to its controlled nutrient release, enabled by the physical binding of urea with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. This binding ensures a synchronized supply of nitrogen and phosphorus aligned with plant demand. The nano-hydroxyapatite composite (N/Ca 6:1) supplies balanced nutrients via efficient stomatal absorption and gradual release. As an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers, n-UHA improves nitrogen delivery efficiency and reduces N-evaporation, supporting sustainable agriculture. Full article

A psoriasis vulgaris flare is characterized by a rapid intensification of symptoms, which is often triggered by various factors that can worsen the condition. The risk factors for these exacerbations are numerous and include obesity, antihypertensive drugs, and psychological stress. Moreover, links have been documented between type II diabetes, hypertension, and psoriasis vulgaris. The present case report describes a 52-year-old female patient who presented at the clinic with disseminated erythematous-squamous plaques and patches covered by thick, white-pearly, easily detachable scales, along with stress, fatigue, anxiety, severe pruritus, irritability, insomnia, and decreased self-esteem. Her past medical regimen included various conventional topical options, including calcipotriol combined with betamethasone, clobetasol, betamethasone combined with salicylic acid, and betamethasone combined with gentamicin, yet the condition remained refractory, with periodic flare-ups. The integrated and personalized therapeutic approach aimed to target both the dermatological issues and the associated systemic and psychological factors contributing to the condition. The therapeutic strategy implemented in this case combined psychological counseling sessions, a very low-calorie ketogenic diet, oral supplementation with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant vitamins and minerals, topical treatments utilizing urea and Dead Sea-mineral-based formulations, and rosemary extract-based scalp care, without requiring additional conventional treatment. This comprehensive approach led to significant improvement, ultimately achieving complete remission of the patient’s psoriasis. The associated comorbidities were well controlled with the specified medication, without any further complications. Thus, the importance of alternative options was emphasized, particularly in the context of an incurable disease, along with the need for continued research to improve the ongoing therapeutic management of psoriasis vulgaris. Such approaches are essential to reducing the risk of flare-ups and to achieving better management of associated risk factors. Full article

There is a lack of systematic research on the comprehensive regulatory effects of urea and organic fertilizer application on soil quality and cotton yield in summer direct-seeded cotton fields in the Yangtze River Basin. Additionally, there is a redundancy of indicators in the cotton field soil quality evaluation system and a lack of reports on constructing a minimum dataset to evaluate the soil quality status of cotton fields. We aim to accurately and efficiently evaluate soil quality in cotton fields and screen nitrogen application measures that synergistically improve soil quality, cotton yield, and nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency. Taking the summer live broadcast cotton field in Jiangxi Province as the research object, four treatments, including CK without nitrogen application, CF with conventional nitrogen application, N1 with nitrogen reduction, and N2 with nitrogen reduction and organic fertilizer application, were set up for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024. A total of 15 physical, chemical, and biological indicators of the 0–20 cm plow layer soil were measured in each treatment. A minimum dataset model was constructed to evaluate and verify the soil quality status of different nitrogen application treatments and to explore the physiological mechanisms of nitrogen application on yield performance and stability from the perspectives of cotton source–sink relationship, nitrogen use efficiency, and soil quality. The minimum dataset for soil quality evaluation in cotton fields consisted of five indicators: soil bulk density, moisture content, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, with a simplification rate of 66.67% for the evaluation indicators. The soil quality index calculated based on the minimum dataset (MDS) was significantly positively correlated with the soil quality index of the total dataset (TDS) (R² = 0.904, p < 0.05). The model validation parameters RMSE was 0.0733, nRMSE was 13.8561%, and the d value was 0.9529, all indicating that the model simulation effect had reached a good level or above. The order of soil quality index based on MDS and TDS for CK, CF, N1, and N2 treatments was CK < N1 < CF < N2. The soil quality index of N2 treatment under MDS significantly increased by 16.70% and 26.16% compared to CF and N1 treatments, respectively. Compared with CF treatment, N2 treatment significantly increased nitrogen fertilizer partial productivity by 27.97%, 31.06%, and 21.77%, respectively, over a three-year period while maintaining the same biomass, yield level, yield stability, and yield sustainability. Meanwhile, N1 treatment had the risk of significantly reducing both boll density and seed cotton yield. Compared with N1 treatment, N2 treatment could significantly increase the biomass of reproductive organs during the flower and boll stage by 23.62~24.75% and the boll opening stage by 12.39~15.44%, respectively, laying a material foundation for the improvement in yield and yield stability. Under CF treatment, the cotton field soil showed a high degree of soil physical property barriers, while the N2 treatment reduced soil barriers in indicators such as bulk density, soil organic carbon content, and soil carbon-to-nitrogen ratio by 0.04, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.02, respectively, compared to CF treatment. In summary, the minimum dataset (MDS) retained only 33.3% of the original indicators while maintaining high accuracy, demonstrating the model’s efficiency. After reducing nitrogen by 20%, applying 10% total nitrogen organic fertilizer could substantially improve cotton biomass, cotton yield performance, yield stability, and nitrogen partial productivity while maintaining soil quality levels. This study also assessed yield stability and sustainability, not just productivity alone. The comprehensive nitrogen fertilizer management (reducing N + organic fertilizer) under the experimental conditions has high practical applicability in the intensive agricultural system in southern China. Full article

Background: Several blood biomarkers have shown a major role in predicting major adverse complications (MACs) in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery. Here, we aimed to investigate the possible role of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to serum albumin ratio (BAR) and the inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) in predicting major adverse complication after surgical aorta valve replacement (SAVR). Methods: The clinical, echocardiographic, and clinical-chemistry laboratory data of 195 patients who underwent SAVR were evaluated. The post-surgical MACs (death, surgical re-exploration, myocardial infarction and cerebral ischemia) during the hospitalization were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were studied by comparing the basic clinical features, echocardiographic parameters, and patients’ hematological indices between patients with or without MACs. Results: The mean age was 66.1 years, and 62.5% were males. Logistic regression analysis showed that the left atrium volume (LAV), BAR, and IPI as either continuous or categorical variables were independently associated with MACs. Moreover, we found a combined effect of higher LAV with a higher value of BAR or IPI. Combined higher levels of LAV and BAR increased the risk of developing MACs by 9.8 (CI 95% = 2.8–34.3, p = 0.0003), while higher values of LAV and IPI increased the risk of developing MACs by 4.5. Conclusions: Higher levels of BAR and IPI, alone or in combination with higher LAVs, showed an independent predictive value of MACs after SAVR. These findings strongly support the importance of evaluating easily available biomarkers of the pre-operative status of patients in order to predict adverse outcomes. Full article