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The catalytic properties of K-grafted USY zeolite in fast pyrolysis of acid-washed wheat straw have been investigated using the parent USY sample as a reference. Potassium was incorporated into the zeolite by replacing H+ protons from framework hydroxyl groups with K+ cations. CO2-TPD confirmed the presence of basic sites, with mainly weak-mild strength, in the resulting material. Catalytic tests were performed in a down-flow fixed bed reactor with two furnaces. The thermal zone operated at 550 °C, whereas the temperature of the catalytic bed was varied from 400 to 500 °C. The catalysts were tested at two different catalyst to biomass ratios (C/B = 0.2 and 0.6). The K-USY sample was quite more active in bio-oil* (bio-oil in a water-free basis) conversion and upgrading than the parent zeolite, as denoted by the increased production of gases and the lower oxygen content of the organic liquid phase, although it also suffered higher coke deposition. Sharp changes were observed in the bio-oil* composition when using the K-USY catalyst. In particular, the presence in this material of a high population of weak-mild basic sites favoured the conversion of lignin oligomers and the occurrence of ketone-forming reactions from holocellulose. As a result, phenols and ketones were the main components (with an overall concentration up to 31.5 wt.%) in the bio-oil* obtained over K-USY, which is an interesting result due to their potential use for the preparation of fine chemicals with high-added value.

Chlorosis at leaf margins is a typical symptom of potassium (K) deficiency, but inappropriate application of K with other nutrients often masks symptoms of K deficiency. A two-year field experiment was conducted to measure the interactive effects of N and K on leaf photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation and the resulting growth dilution effect on K concentration and leaf K deficiency symptoms. N application aggravated the imbalance of N and K nutrients and further exacerbated K deficiency symptoms under K limitation. Synergistic effects of N and K promoted plant growth, amplified the growth dilution effect, and reduced the critical K concentration in leaves. Using 90% of the maximum shoot biomass as a threshold, the critical K concentration was 0.72% at the recommended N (N180) fertilization level. The critical K concentration increased by 62.5% owing to the reduced biomass under insufficient N (N90) supply. In contrast, high N (N270) reduced the critical K concentration (0.64%), accelerating chlorophyll decomposition and exacerbating K deficiency symptoms. The basis of changing the critical K concentration by magnifying growth dilution effect was the functional synergistic effect of N and K on photosynthetic characteristics. Under insufficient N, the low maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) limited the net photosynthetic rate (An) and necessitated more K to maintain high CO2 transmission capacity, to improve the total conductance gtot /Vcmax ratio. High N supply increased gtot and Vcmax, possibly mitigating the effect of K reduction on photosynthesis. In conclusion, it is unwise to judge K status of plants only by K concentration without accounting for crop mass (or dilution effect), critical K concentration and deficiency symptoms are affected by N fertilization, and the synergistic effect of N and K on leaf photosynthesis is the foundation of maximal growth of plants under diverse critical K concentrations.

Micronutrient deficiency in the soil is one of the major causes of mango fruit and yield's poor quality. Besides, the consumption of such a diet also causes a deficiency of micronutrients in humans. Boron deficiency adversely affects the flowering and pollen tube formation, thus decreasing mango yield and quality attributes. Soil and foliar application of B are considered a productive method to alleviate boron deficiency. A field experiment was conducted to explore the Boron most suitable method and application rate in mango under the current climatic scenario. There were nine treatments applied in three replications. The results showed that application of T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) significantly enhanced the nitrogen, potassium, proteins, ash, fats, fiber, and total soluble solids in mango as compared to the control. A significant decrease in sodium, total phenolics contents, antioxidant activity, and acidity as citric acid also validated the effective functioning of T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) as compared to control. In conclusion, T8 = RD + Borax (75 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) and T9 = RD + Borax (150 g plant -1 as a basal application) + H3 BO3 (0.8% as a foliar spray) is a potent strategy to improve the quality attributes of mango under the changing climatic situation.

To evaluate predictors of abnormal routine postoperative day 1 (POD1) labs in patients with normal pre-operative renal function following robotic assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and the associated clinical outcomes of these lab results.We analyzed 500 consecutive RAPN from a single surgeon series. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) III or greater were excluded from the study. Three hundred ninty-three RAPN were included in the analysis. Routine POD1 lab tests including hemoglobin (Hgb), creatinine, potassium, and sodium were evaluated to determine rates of abnormal values and rates of clinical intervention. Abnormal Hgb at POD1 was defined as8 g/dL or ≥3 g/dL decrease from the preoperative (baseline) value. Abnormal sodium (Na) preoperatively and postoperatively was defined as135 mEq/L or145 mEq/L. Abnormal potassium (K) was defined preoperatively and POD1 as3.5 mEq/L or5 mEq/L.Of 37.4% (147/393) had one or more abnormal labs at POD1. Of the 101 patients with abnormal Hgb, 15 patients required blood transfusion. Twenty-six patients had abnormal sodium for which two were treated with IV fluids. Twenty-seven patients had potassium abnormalities (12/25 were hypokalemia). Acute kidney injury stage I was seen in 27 patients (6.9%) and stage II in 3 (0.8%). Patients with abnormal labs were more likely to have larger renal mass, higher R.E.N.A.L. scores, intraoperative complications, longer operative times, and higher EBL on multivariate analysis.POD1 serum laboratory tests appear to be necessary following RAPN in patients with normal pre-operative renal function.

One of the most important priorities in the medicinal mushrooms cultivation is the selection and preparation of the substrate, which depends on factors such as price and easy access to different lignocellulosic compounds. In order to investigate the effect of mixed and non-mixed agro-waste substrates on some vegetative, reproductive, nutritional and medicinal properties of two Iranian and Chinese strains of Ganoderma lucidum, the factorial experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three replications. The experimental substrates of different poplar wood chip (PWC), wheat bran (WB), soybean meal (SM), date palm leaf (DPL) and olive oil extraction waste (OOEW) were used. They were enriched with chemical supplements (ammonium nitrate, manganese sulfate and Nano manganese oxide) using two cultivation techniques (open bag door and Polika-Cotton) for fruiting body production. The results showed that various substrates significantly affect dry weight, moisture content quantity, vegetative and fruit yield, total ganoderic acids content, total polysaccharide value and mineral elements amount (nitrogen, potassium and calcium) in fruiting body. The highest amount of N content in the fruiting body of both Iranian and Chinese strains (5.88 and 6.25 mg/100 g dry matter) was dedicated to the combined PWC + SM (70:30) substrate enriched with Nano manganese oxide supplement and Polika-Cotton method. The highest total fresh of Iranian and Chinese strains weight (109.60 and 127.66 g, respectively) obtained in the combined PWC + WB (70:30) substrate enriched with manganese sulfate. The highest amount of total ganoderic acids in fruiting organs in both strains (0.52 and 0.42 μg/mg dry matter) is achieved using a combined PWC + SM (70:30) enriched with manganese sulfate.

The reaction of sea salt (or biomass burning) particles with sulfuric acid and nitric acid leads to the displacement of chloride relative to sodium (or potassium). We have developed a new particle mass spectrometer to quantify non-refractory and refractory sulfate aerosols (referred to as refractory aerosol thermal desorption mass spectrometer: rTDMS). The combination of a graphite particle collector and a carbon dioxide laser enables high desorption temperature (blackbody equivalent radiation temperature of up to 930 ∘C). Ion signals originating from evolved gas molecules are detected by a quadrupole mass spectrometer. Here we propose a new method to quantify the mass concentrations of sodium nitrate (NaNO3: SN), sodium chloride (NaCl: SC), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4: SS), potassium nitrate (KNO3: PN), potassium chloride (KCl: PC), and potassium sulfate (K2SO4: PS) particles by using the rTDMS. Laboratory experiments were performed to test the sensitivities of the rTDMS to various types of particles. We measured ion signals originating from single-component particles for each compound and found a good linearity (r2>0.8) between the major ion signals and mass loadings. We also measured ion signals originating from internally mixed SN + SC + SS (or PN + PC + PS) particles and found that the temporal profiles of ion signals at m/z 23 (Na+) (or 39; K+) were characterized by three sequential peaks associated with the evolution of the desorption temperature. We tested potential interferences in the quantification of sea salt particles under real-world conditions by artificially generating “modified” sea salt particles from a mixture of diluted seawater and SN (or SS) solution. The SS/SC ratios estimated from the ion signals at m/z 23, 36 (H35Cl+), and 48 (SO+) agreed well with those predicted from the solution concentrations to within ∼10 %. The SN/SC ratios estimated from the ion signals at m/z 30 (NO+) and 36 also agreed with those predicted from the solution concentrations to within ∼15 %, whereas the SN/SC ratios estimated from m/z 23 were significantly lower than the predicted values. Based on these experimental results, the applicability of the rTDMS to ambient measurements of sea salt particles is discussed.

Cellulose accounts for the largest proportion of lignocellulosic biomass. Herein, experimental and simulation studies are used to deeply understand the kinetic characteristics of the thermal decomposition of α-cellulose. The simulated data is in good agreement with the experimental data in the aspects of the conversion and the conversion rate versus temperature. The decomposition of α-cellulose, mainly occurring at 270–420 °C, induced an apparent activation energy ranging from 175.42 kJ/mol to 197.73 kJ/mol at a conversion of 10–90%. With 0.1–0.2 wt% K or Ca impregnation into the α-cellulose, the mean activation energy for pyrolysis was lowered (from 181.47 kJ/mol (for α-cellulose) to 141.11 kJ/mol (for 0.2 wt% K/α-cellulose) and 159.46 kJ/mol (for 0.1 wt% Ca/α-cellulose)) and higher amounts of liquid and gas products were produced. Furthermore, the addition of potassium and calcium increased the production of lower molecular weight components, such as furfural and its derivatives. The kinetic parameters of the α-cellulose pyrolysis were determined based on a nonlinear least-squares regression of the experimental data assuming first-order kinetics and correlated with the simulated result. The kinetic rate constants indicate that the predominant reaction pathway is from α-cellulose into a liquid product, rather than from α-cellulose into a gas product.

Keeping in view of the hazardous effects of production of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) on the environment, it is necessary to minimize the usage of OPC and subsequently replace it by the alternative materials which possess the binding properties. One such attempt led to discovery of geopolymer concrete. In present study, Alumina Refinery Residue (ARR) and slag from iron industry (GGBFS) are the two binder materials used in the ratio of 25:75 (ARR: GGBFS) along with the combination of Sodium Hydroxide and plagioclase-based alkali activator for initiating polymerization reaction. Present study focuses on evaluation of performance of geopolymer concrete in terms of Compressive Strength and Acid Durability Factor. Test results revealed that 28 days compressive strength of geopolymer concrete was found to be 38.37 N/mm2 and that for NCC was 35.32 N/mm2. It is also observed that the percentage weight loss and strength loss after 120 days of immersion of the specimens in 10% HCl solution, was found to be 11.133% and 13.526% for GPC and that for NCC was found to be 13.504% and 21.347% respectively. Results of Acid Durability Factor proved that GPC specimens were found to perform 7.82 times better than NCC specimens. Further, Scanning Electron Microscope technique was used to analyze microstructure of both GPC and NCC specimens. Micro analysis results also showed that GPC specimens prove to be better than NCC specimens. The present study significantly determines the performance of GPC specimens produced by the combination of Sodium Hydroxide and Plagioclase based activator for initiating polymerization reaction. Generall, In this study, sodium/potassium based silicate compound in the alkali activator part is completely replaced by Plagioclase based activator (in the powder form) in order to have better mechanical, durable and microstructure properties, resulting to a economic mix for massive applications.

Rational functionalization plays an important role to push forward graphene applications in multifarious cutting-edge technologies. A key topic that how to program the regular distribution of functional groups, however, remains a big challenge. Herein, we developed a very simple, high-throughput graphite reduction methodology to attain the negatively-charged graphene which carried ultrahigh-density and evenly-distributed negative charges. Guided by these negative charges, electrophiles were regularly attached to graphene sheets. On the other hand, potassium reduction will not break the carbon-carbon σ-bonds, hence graphene hexagonal lattice was kept as perfect as the pristine pattern. Structural advantages of the negatively-charged graphene derivatives allowed a far more excellent conductivity and electron mobility than the counterparts derived from the prevalent graphene oxide precursor.

Carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are gasotransmitters known for their roles in plant response to (a)biotic stresses. The crosstalk between these gasotransmitters and potassium ions (K+) has received considerable attention in recent years, particularly due to the dual role of K+ as an essential mineral nutrient and a promoter of plant tolerance to abiotic stress. This review brings together what it is known about the interplay among NO, CO, H2S and K+ in plants with focus on the response to high salinity. Some findings obtained for plants under water deficit and metal stress are also presented and discussed since both abiotic stresses share similarities with salt stress. The molecular targets of the gasotransmitters NO, CO and H2S in root and guard cells that drive plant tolerance to salt stress are highlighted as well.

Nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) deficiency all result in the decrease of chlorophyll density (CH.D) in cucumber leaf, but it is difficult to differentiate N/Mg/K-deficient leaves using CH.D. New nutrient indicators based on CH.D distribution features of the whole cucumber leaf were proposed to simultaneously diagnose N/Mg/K-deficient cucumber plants. CH.D distribution map in N/Mg/K-deficient and control leaves were determined non-destructively using hyperspectral imaging with the wavelength range of 430–960 nm. Compared with the CH.D distribution map of control group leaves, a decrease in CH.D could be observed on the whole area of N-deficient leaves, Mg-deficient leaves presented pixels with low CH.D between main leaf vein, and pixels with low CH.D at the border of K-deficient leaves. Distribution features were extracted from the CH.D distribution map and were employed to diagnose N/Mg/K-deficient leaves simultaneously, with the diagnostics rates of 96.67%. The results indicated that CH.D distribution features can realize the simultaneous diagnosing in the early stage of N/Mg/K deficiency and timely guidance of top dressing is of great significance to increase yield.

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and mineral contents of dried extract of Averrhoa bilimbi and its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Dried extracts leaves powder of A. bilimbi were analysed for its physicochemical properties and mineral compositions. The antioxidant and antibacterial capacities of extracts were determined by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the disc diffusion method respectively. The functional groups from active compounds were identified by Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR). Physicochemical characteristics of A. bilimbi dried extracts, including pH and total acids dissolved in water and ethanol solvents, showed negligible differences. The dried leaves powder of A. bilimbi was rich in carbohydrate, protein, and ash contents. It also exhibited essential minerals in which potassium was the highest content. Compared to water, ethanol extract showed more scavenging property against DPPH (82.82 mg GAE/ g DW) and gave a more inhibitory effect on the growth of Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The FTIR spectra showed phenolic compounds might be associated with the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of this extract. A. Bilimbi leaves are promising a source for the development of functional food to prevent diseases related to stress oxidative and bacterial infections.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) are currently recognized as an emerging battery technology because of the rich resources and low cost of potassium. Nevertheless, investigations on exploiting suitable anode materials to meet stable potassium-ions storage remain to be a problem owing to the big radius size of potassium-ions. Herein, we designed N-doped carbon restricted CoP polyhedra embedded into reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheet (CoP/NC@rGO) through coupling the function of ZIF-67 and rGO. For this composite, nano-scale CoP particles can be encapsulated by ZIF-67 derived carbon matrix, which significantly alleviates the volume change and promotes K+/e− transfer. Additionally, the combination of CoP/NC polyhedra and rGO nanosheets can build a fascinating 3D architecture to further improve the electronic conductivity of materials, as well as effectively preventing the aggregation of CoP/NC polyhedra. As a result, such composites can exhibit remarkable long-cycle performance, maintaining remarkable capacities of 177 mAh g−1 after 2800 cycles at 1 A g−1. This work provides a hopeful strategy that the combination of MOF-derived porous structures with rGO can effectively promote K+/e− transfer and improve the stability of electrode materials.

Background: Hypoestes rosea (family: Acanthacea), has been harnessed and utilized for treatment of several ailments. However, there is the paucity of available data on nephrotoxicity associated with this herb. Here, we investigated the phytochemical profile and toxicological effect of H. rosea on Wistar Rats. Methods: Twenty rats (weight range: 75–100 g) were assigned into five study groups, viz; (a) control (without treatment) (b) treatment group 1, orally administered with 50 mg/kg (c) treatment group 2, orally administered with 100 mg/kg (d) treatment group 3, orally administered with 250 mg/kg, and (e) treatment group 4, orally administered with 300 mg/kg of H. rosea, respectively for 28 days of four rats per group. The rats were made unconscious by using oral administration of chloroform. Cardiac punctures were made, and blood samples collected into 10 ml labeled plain container, allowed to clot and spun to harvest serum for determination of sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine using colorimetric, back-titrimetric, Urease-Berthelot and Jaffe’s reaction methods respectively. Kidneys of rats were harvested, weighed and immediately fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histological analysis. Result: Mean serum sodium (p = 0.049), potassium (p = 0.007), and urea (p

Saffron is one of the highly prized spices in the world. This spice is dark-red owing to the accumulation of crocins. Crocins are a group of carotenoid derivatives termed apocarotenoids with various health-promoting properties, especially anticancer and antidepressant ones. The present study aims to investigate the changes in the total crocin content in Crocus sativus stigma under salt stress. Additionally, plant resistance was evaluated by measuring the amounts of proline, soluble and insoluble sugars, potassium, and sodium in leaves. The corms about 80 g were planted in planting boxes under 6 levels of salinity (0, 2, 4, 6, 10 dS/m) in a completely random design with four replications. Results showed that after a relative decrease under electrical conductivities (EC) from 2 to 4 dS/m (49.62 mg/g DW), a sudden increase occurred in the total crocin content at the EC of 6 dS/m (63.07 mg/g DW). The amount of proline significantly increased at the EC of 4 dS/m (18.1 µg/g DW). With increasing levels of salinity, the amount of glucose, calcium, potassium, and sodium gradually increased in the leaves. Therefore, one of the advantages of saffron cultivation in saline areas or with saline water can be an increase in crocin. This not only brings huge economic benefits but also has a beneficial effect on human health.

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are competent candidates for next-generation energy-storage systems due to the source abundance, cost efficiency, and high energy density from comparable electrode potential to lithium. However, developing practical electrode materials for KIBs is still in its infancy, and the electrochemical reaction mechanisms for a specific material are far from clear. Here, MoTe2, due to the merits of sizeable ion-intercalation interlayer spacing of Van der Waals-type material, superior electron conductivity of its metal-semimetal characteristics to wildly studied MoS2, was for the first time investigated as the working electrode for potassium storage. The potassiation/depotassiation mechanisms were unravelled, combining electrochemical analysis, ex-situ scanning electron microscope (SEM), ex-situ transmission electron microscope (TEM) and in-situ X-ray diffraction. Sub-millimetre single-crystal MoTe2 displayed a high volumetric capacity of 792.4 mAh cm−3 at initial depotassiation and maintained a gravimetric specific capacity of 210 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. It decayed rapidly after 25 cycles caused by the deactivation of active electrode material from the irreversible crystalline cracking and structure evolution during the electrochemical cycling. At initial potassiation, 2H-MoTe2 was irreversibly converted to 1T-MoTe2 and then further converted to potassium telluride. And at initial depotassiation over 2.5 V (vs. K/K+), a tentative K-Mo-Te compound with R-3H Cs4Mo18Te20 structure was formed and soon irreversibly converted to K2Te3 under following potassiation. Meanwhile, the stepwise reversible conversion of K2Te3-KTe-K5Te3 predominates the continuous electrochemical processes after the initial discharge/charge. Apart from the potential application for potassium-ion batteries, the conversion mechanisms amongst potassium tellurides also provide instructions for upcoming potassium-tellurium batteries.

The K+ and Na+ levels in cells have a synergistic effect on many biological processes (BPs); therefore, the simultaneous detection of them is important. Here, we propose a novel Y-shaped DNA sensor for simultaneous monitoring of Na+ and K+ in extracellular microenvironments. The designed sensor contributed to the selective response to the above two ions. In addition, it performed the imaging of the above two ions on the cell surface in a real-time, on-site manner, which would shed more light on the association of the Na+/K+ content with regulatory BPs. We believe that this new strategy will be a promising tool to investigate the synergy of Na+/K+ in regulating different BPs.

Metal phosphides have shown great potential for potassium-ion batteries because of their high theoretical specific capacity. Nevertheless, most of the metal phosphide anodes are plagued by rapid capacity decay (caused by the large volume changes during the discharge/charge process), which would restrict their further practical application. Herein, a chemically bonded CuP2/C composite was prepared by a facile high-energy ball milling method. A potassium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (KFSI)-based electrolyte was adopted instead of a conventional KPF6-based electrolyte for the CuP2/C composite anode. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the formation of strong P–O–C chemical bonds and the KFSI-based electrolyte, the CuP2/C composite anode exhibited high reversible capacity (451.4 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1), excellent rate performance (123.5 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1), and superior cycling stability (300 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles). This work paves the way for the development of high-performance CuP2 anode for potassium-ion batteries.

The burning of agricultural waste is a major cause of environmental pollution. In this study, we sought to prepare biochar from agricultural waste as a source material for the preparation of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs). Surface morphology, hydrodynamic particle size, and purity and crystallinity of CNPs were extensively investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta sizing, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, respectively. The CNPs were subsequently immersed in a solution of potassium nitrate (KNO3) to prepare a CNPs/NK nanocomposite (CNPs loaded with nitrogen (N) and potassium (K)) as a nanocomposite fertilizer for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The CNPs/NK nanocomposite was sprayed as a foliar fertilizer at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg L–1 on common bean plants 25 d after sowing on a farm in Shebin El-Kom, El-Monifia, Egypt. The growth, yield, and quality of common bean were investigated during two successive growing seasons (2017 and 2018). The highest seed yields of 2.04 and 2.01 t ha–1 and the highest values of growth parameters including plant height of 61.5 and 59.2 cm, number of leaves per plant of 35 and 35, number of flowers per plant of 83.3 and 82.7, and plant fresh weight of 148.7 and 152.8 g plant–1 were obtained when using the CNPs/NK nanocomposite at a concentration of 20 mg L–1 during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons, respectively.

The downstream separation of acetoin from microbial fermentation broths is a complex process, which has become the bottleneck of large-scale production. In this study, salting-out was proved to be an effective separation method. Three high-solubility potassium salts, K4P2O7, K2CO3 and K2HPO4, were used to recover acetoin from three different concentrations of model acetoin fermentation broth at 298.15 K. Under the optimized conditions, the recovery of acetoin in the model aqueous solution could reach 99.7 %, which was obviously higher than other separation methods. The residual amount of water in the organic phase was 7.67 wt%, while only 0.026 wt% acetoin remained in the aqueous phase. The salting-out ability of the three high-solubility inorganic salts to acetoin model fermentation broth showed the following sequence: K4P2O7 > K2HPO4 > K2CO3. In addition, the content of acetoin in the aqueous phase and the residual amount of water in the organic phase could be calculated by the total linear regression equation in the range of 5 wt% to 10 wt% acetoin concentration. Because inorganic salts have strong stability, low cost and non-toxic, this process shows a good prospect of industrial application.

Although great potential hazards and threats still occur from sulfur mustard, there are no specific medicine or therapy for the intoxication of sulfur mustard. Herein, we have demonstrated a supramolecular approach for the detoxification of the sulfur mustard simulant CEES (4) in vitro and in vivo by carboxylatopillar[5]arene potassium salts (CP[5]AK 1) efficiently based on host-guest interactions. The encapsulation of CEES (4) by the cavity of the pillar[5]arene 2 is driven by C-H···π interactions between CEES (4) and the electron-rich cavity of pillar[5]arene 2, which was investigated by 1H NMR titration, density functional theory studies, and the independent gradient model studies. CEES (4) is degradated to the reactive sulfonium salts quickly in aqueous media, resulting in the alkylation of DNA and proteins. The sulfonium salts can be encapsulated by CP[5]AK 1 efficiently, which accelerates the degradation of the sulfonium salts about 14 times. The cell and animal experiments indicated that the bioactivities of the sulfonium salts are inhibited with the formation of stable host-guest complexes, and CP[5]AK 1 has a good therapeutic effect on the damages caused by CEES (4) at either pre- or post-treatments. Due to the low cytotoxicity and good therapeutic effect, the anionic pillar[5]arenes are expected to be developed as specific antidotes against sulfur mustard (HD).

The qualities of the honey were evaluated using the following attributes Physico-chemical, Microbiological, minerals and metallic contaminants respectively. The Physico-chemical analysis revealed a moisture content of 17.45%, Ash 0.64%, Total solid 81.25%, Fat 0.64%, Protein 0.25%, Fibre 0.03%, Total carbohydrate81.22%, Energy value of 329.5 Kcal, pH@24.2oC, Sucrose content 5.48%, Nitrogen content 0.004%, Total acidity 3.45%, Reducing sugar 61.82%, insoluble water content 0.06%, Refractive index of 1.477, and Specific gravity of 1.234 respectively. The microbiological analysis showed a total bacterial count TBC of 7x102 cfu/g, Yeast count 2x101cfu/g and Mould count 2x101cfu/g, which was within the national standards range by SON as 1x102 cfu/g, 5x101 cfu/g, and 5x101 cfu/g respectively while the Coliform count, Escherichia count, Salmonella count, Staphylococus count and Clostridium count were not detected this research. Generally, honey may contain organisms from bees, soil, air and dust that may be introduced during post-harvest handling. This is evidence that honey is well preserved against bacteria so that these organisms would not survive unfavourable conditions. The mineral analysis showed the presences of potassium{K), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na), Magnesium (Mg), Zink (Zn), Iron (Fe) Arsenic (As) respectively with values of 70.5, 21.0, 95.0,12.0, 1.3, 1.0, and 1.0 (Mg/100g) while Cupper and Lead were not detected.

To determine if a C5Me5 complex of Y(II) could be isolated and to examine the synthetic accessibility of heteroleptic Y(II) complexes, the reduction of (C5Me5)2YIII(NR2) (R = SiMe3) with potassium ...

The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of different levels of nano-potassium molybdate (nano-K2MoO4) fertilization on the copper (Cu) metabolism in grazing the Pishan red sheep in the natural pasture. The fertilization and grazing experiments were conducted on the Pishan farm in Southern Xinjiang, China. The natural pastures of 16 hm2 were randomly divided into four groups (4 hm2/group), consisting of group C (no fertilized), group I, group II, and group III. The fertilizing amount of Mo from nano-K2MoO4 was 0, 7, 8, and 9 kg/hm2 for group C, group I, group II, and group III, respectively. The 40 Pishan red sheep were randomly distributed to the tested pastures for 90 days, and the 10 sheep/group. The results showed that the contents of Mo and N in forage from the fertilized pastures were extremely increased (P

Lovastatin is a potent drug for lowering the blood cholesterol. It is a competitive inhibitor of 3-hyroxy3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is a key enzyme in the cholesterol production pathway. Lovastatin increases the good cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins to prevent the formation of plaque inside the blood vessels. This study aims to develop a process model of lovastatin production, produced by Monascus purpureus under solid-state fermentation using oil palm frond. SuperPro Design V9.5 software was used to develop and simulate the process model. Three parameters which are initial moisture content, composition of peptone and potassium, were varied to investigate their effects on lovastatin production. The optimum condition simulated using the process model at pH 7 with 60% initial moisture content, 0.0075 kg/hr of potassium, and 0.0075 kg/hr of peptone was able to produce 0.0288 kg/kg of lovastatin. The simulated results show good agreement with experimental work, with low percentage error of 5.77%, and provide a good approximation on the production of lovastatin under various process operating conditions.

Background and Aim: The selection and proper application of disinfectants are crucial to the prevention of many diseases, so disinfectants must be evaluated before being used for the prevention of African swine fever (ASF). Three disinfectant products belonging to the group of potassium hydrogen peroxymonosulfates, product A and product B, and a quaternary ammonium compound called product C, were examined in vitro for host cell cytotoxicity and the efficacy of ASF virus inactivation. The study parameters included various concentrations, exposure times, temperatures, and degrees of cytotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Three disinfectant products were evaluated for cytotoxicity using primary porcine alveolar macrophage (PAM) cells at dilutions from 1:200 to 1:51,200. Disinfectants in concentrations of 1:200, 1:400, and 1:800 were prepared, the pH and the virucidal activity were tested. An equal volume of each dilution was mixed with the ASF virus and incubated at room temperature (20°C) or on ice (4°C) for 1 min, 5 min, or 30 min. Hemadsorption (HAD) or rosette formation was observed using an inverted microscope for 5 days after inoculation, and the virus titer was calculated as HAD50/mL. Each treatment and virus control were tested in triplicate, and the titers were reported as means and standard deviations. The reduction factor was used to measure inactivation. Results: Products A, B, and C at 1:400, 1:800, and 1:25,600 of dilution, respectively, did not show significant cytotoxic effects on PAM cells. Products A and B could inactivate ASF virus at 1:200 dilution within 5 min after exposure at 4°C. However, at 20°C, the exposure time had to be extended to 30 min to inactivate the virus. Product C could inactivate the virus at 1:400 dilution within 5 min under both temperature conditions, whereas at 1:800 dilution, the exposure time had to be extended to 30 min to completely inactivate the virus at 20°C. Conclusion: All disinfectants could inactivate ASF virus in various concentrations, under appropriate exposure times and reaction temperatures, and there was no evidence of host cell cytotoxicity. For the control of ASF in pig farms, the appropriate concentration, ambient temperature, and contact time of these disinfectants should be taken into account.

Single crystals of the langbeinite-type phosphates K1.65Na0.35TiFe(PO4)3 and K0.97Na1.03Ti1.26Fe0.74(PO4)3 were grown by crystallization from high-temperature self-fluxes in the system Na2O–K2O–P2O5–TiO2–Fe2O3 using fixed molar ratios of (Na+K):P = 1.0, Ti:P = 0.20 and Na:K = 1.0 or 2.0 over the temperature range 1273–953 K. The three-dimensional framework of the two isotypic phosphates are built up from [(Ti/Fe)2(PO4)3] structure units containing two mixed [(Ti/Fe)O6] octahedra (site symmetry 3) connected via three bridging PO4 tetrahedra. The potassium and sodium cations share two different sites in the structure that are located in the cavities of the framework. One of these sites has nine and the other twelve surrounding O atoms.

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) as a new electrochemical energy storage system have been considered as a desirable candidate in the post-lithium-ion battery era. Nevertheless, the study on this real...

OBJECTIVE: The study aims at assessing the relationship between blood pressure, heart geometry parameters, and the erythrocyte content of sulfur, potassium, chlorine and phosphorus, in a group of patients with ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) below 140 or 90 mm Hg, respectively, who were otherwise healthy and untreated. METHODS: The study group consisted of 42 adults recruited in a primary care setting. The individuals were healthy, not undergoing any therapy and free from smoking. For each individual, data were obtained on: average 24-hour SBP and DBP, left ventricle geometry, complete blood count, lipids profile, fibrinogen, hs-CRP and the erythrocyte concentration of sulfur (S), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl) and phosphorus (P). RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed statistically significant relationships of diastolic posterior wall thickness (PWTd) and relative wall thickness (RWT) with the concentration ratio of sulfur and potassium (S/K) in erythrocytes: PWTd and RWT increase as the S/K ratio increases. Also, SBP was found to be positively correlated with the S/K ratio. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in sulfur content in RBCs could be an indicator of the downregulation of nitric oxide (NO) erythrocyte bioavailability exerted by endogenously produced hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and, in consequence, a marker of the development of hypertension and/or adverse changes in heart geometry.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the promotive effect of potassium on the catalytic performance and properties of Co/ZrO2 catalysts during hydrogenation of CO2 to hydrocarbons. All catalysts utilized in this study were prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation technique and characterized by CO2-TPD, XRF, XRD, H2-TPR and BET analyses. The prepared catalysts were tested for the hydrogenation of CO2 reaction on a fixed-bed tubular reactor. The unpromoted catalyst produced mainly methane. Potassium addition shifted reduction towards higher temperatures, significantly suppressed methane formation and favored the production of long chain hydrocarbons. The highest C2+ yield of 13.1%, with the CO2 conversion of 41% and selectivity to C2+ of 31.9% was observed with 1 wt% potassium promoted Co/ZrO2 catalyst, which also demonstrated good catalytic stability.

Wheat (T1) and maize (T2) based sattu were formulated using chick pea, barley and other food adjuncts. Results revealed that, no significant difference was observed in the protein and ash content between control (chickpea basede sattu mix) and T1. However, significant difference was observed between the control and T2 sample between moisture, fat, insoluble and total fiber, with the exception of protein, soluble fiber and ash. In case of T1 and T2, significant difference was observed in fat and total fiber content. Coming on to the mineral composition, significant difference was observed between the mineral content in control and T1, with respect to calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese and copper. In case of control and T2, significant difference was observed with respect to calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron and copper, with the exception of manganese. Coming on to the mineral content of both the formulations, significant difference was observed with respect to all the minerals estimated. Significant difference was observed in the total amylose content between control and formulated samples on 0, 30 and 60 days. Microstructural studies of raw and roasted sattu and its ingredients by observation under scanning electron microscope revealed that substantial structural changes occurred during processing. The raw grains were tightly packed and contained no air spaces. However, a large number of air spaces are formed in the cotyledon of the roasted grain sample. It was observed that, T1and T2 had medium GI value (56 and 58% respectively), Whereas for control it was 60%. The formulated samples were found to be shelf stable for 60 days at RT, with an increase in moisture content of 4–6%. All the samples were sensorial acceptable and there was no perceptible off odor or off taste.

Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO4) is a well-known material for nonlinear optical device applications, but its electrochemical properties are not yet well understood. This study investigates sod...

Delays between soil sampling and processing for analysis are common in both research and agronomy, but the effects of storage conditions on measurements of plant-available nitrogen (N) are rarely considered. With increasing recognition of organic N pools in soils, such as amino acids and peptides, it is necessary to determine how sample handling impacts the outcomes of soil N quantification. In this study, we used in situ microdialysis to approximate plant availability of amino acids, ammonium and nitrate, then compared to both potassium chloride (KCl) extract and microdialysis samples taken from excavated soil samples when in the field, after 24 h refrigerated storage, and after storage for 1 month, either refrigerated or air-dried. Nitrate levels measured with microdialysis and KCl extracts increased immediately after soil sampling and continued to accumulate in the next day and 1 month stored samples. Amino acid and ammonium measurements remained more constant; however, microdialysis showed a decline in amino acid-N between in situ and next day samples. The proportional representation of N pools in the in-field extracts was most similar to in situ microdialysis. Soil samples should be processed for N analysis as close to sampling as possible, and the storage duration and conditions reported. The influence of storage must be considered in interpreting soil test results.

Sluggish solid-state K+-migration kinetics and electrode material degradation represent two critical issues facing K-ion batteries. Here we report a new inorganic-open-framework (IOF) compound K0.76V0.55Nb0.45OPO4 (KVNP, synthesized through aliovalent substitution) which, as a bifunctional electrode material, simultaneously mitigates these issues on both anode and cathode sides. The distinctive IOF crystal structure enables a low K+-migration energy barrier (0.16 eV) even surpassing the Li+ counterpart in state-of-the-art LiCoO2/LiFePO4 (0.21/0.55 eV) and consequently achieves fast-charging capability and high energy efficiency. Equally important, KVNP undergoes exceptionally small lattice-volume changes upon cycling (7.1% on anode and 3.1% on cathode, versus 10% for graphite anode and 6.8% for LiFePO4 cathode in commercial Li-ion batteries). This intrinsic low-strain feature ensures high structural stability against K+-ion (de)intercalation and ultralong cycle lives of > 18 months for both KVNP anode and cathode (versus

Moderate elevations of extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o) occur during exercise and have been shown to potentiate force during contractions elicited with subtetanic frequencies. Here, we investigated whether lactic acid (reduced chloride conductance), β2-adrenoceptor activation, and increased temperature would influence the potentiating effect of potassium in slow- and fast-twitch muscles. Isometric contractions were elicited by electrical stimulation at various frequencies in isolated rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles incubated at normal (4 mM) or elevated K+, in combination with salbutamol (5 μM), lactic acid (18.1 mM), 9-anthracene-carboxylic acid (9-AC; 25 μM), or increased temperature (30–35°C). Elevating [K+]o from 4 mM to 7 mM (soleus) and 10 mM (EDL) potentiated isometric twitch and subtetanic force while slightly reducing tetanic force. In EDL, salbutamol further augmented twitch force (+27 ± 3%, P < 0.001) and subtetanic force (+22 ± 4%, P < 0.001). In contrast, salbutamol reduced subtetanic force (−28 ± 6%, P < 0.001) in soleus muscles. Lactic acid and 9-AC had no significant effects on isometric force of muscles already exposed to moderate elevations of [K+]o. The potentiating effect of elevated [K+]o was still well maintained at 35°C. Addition of salbutamol exerts a further force-potentiating effect in fast-twitch but not in slow-twitch muscles already potentiated by moderately elevated [K+]o, whereas lactic acid, 9-AC, or increased temperature does not exert any further augmentation. However, the potentiating effect of elevated [K+]o was still maintained in the presence of these, thus emphasizing the positive influence of moderately elevated [K+]o for contractile performance during exercise.

The present article, based on reverse logistic, provides an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective method of producing calcium phosphate bioceramics (potassium calcium phosphates) aimed for soil conditioning, by a free-solvent mechanochemical process between eggshell waste and KH2PO4. The K3CaH(PO4)2 and possibly CaKPO4 phases formed provide a better nutrient management of P, K and Ca, when applied in soil system the material first release K and form hydroxyapatite and important P and Ca bioavailable source at pH ∼ 5, which comprises a large part of many countries soils.

A photoinduced reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, sulfur dioxide, and para-quinone methides under visible light irradiation at room temperature is developed, giving rise to diarylmethyl alkylsulfones in moderate to good yields. This reaction works well under photocatalysis with a broad substrate scope by using DABCO·(SO2)2 as the source of sulfur dioxide. Mechanistic study shows that this transformation is initiated by alkyl radicals generated in situ from potassium alkyltrifluoroborates in the presence of photocatalyst. The subsequent insertion of sulfur dioxide and radical 1,6-addition of para-quinone methides with alkylsulfonyl radical intermediates afford the corresponding diarylmethyl alkylsulfones.

Cadmium oxide (CdO) and potassium (K) doped CdO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method and were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of Eosin B dye. The X-ray diffraction results presented that the crystallite size of undoped CdO and K doped CdO NPs were 43.74 and 42.31 nm, respectively. The morphological study and percent composition of synthesized undoped CdO and K doped CdO NPs was done by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The formation of NPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The precursor decomposition to CdO after annealing at ∼500 °C was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The undoped CdO and K doped CdO nanoparticles degraded about 80% and 90% of the dye, respectively, in 140 min. The maximum degradation efficiency of the dye was achieved at a pH of 4, dye initial concentration of 15 ppm, catalyst dose of 20 mg, and a temperature of 45 °C. The degradation efficiency observed for recovered undoped CdO and recovered doped CdO nanoparticles was found to be 63% and 77%, respectively.

Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim causes hyperkalemia; however, the effect of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim dose and co-administered glucocorticoids on hyperkalemia has not been clarified.This single-center, retrospective, observational cohort, chart review study involving patients (20 years) who were treated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was conducted at Tokyo Women's Medical University, Medical Center East from June 2015 to May 2019. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify risk factors for hyperkalemia (serum potassium level 5.5 mEq/L). Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curve analyzed the cumulative incidence of hyperkalemia focusing on sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim dose and concomitant use of glucocorticoids with mineralocorticoid activity.Among 333 patients, 44 (13%) patients developed hyperkalemia associated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim use for over 49 (interquartile range; 17-233) days. We found associations between the time to hyperkalemia development and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim dose (hazard ratio 1.238, 95% confidence interval 1.147-1.338, p 0.001) and glucocorticoid use (hazard ratio 0.678, 95% confidence interval 0.524-0.877, p = 0.003). Interestingly, the Kaplan-Meier curves revealed that the concomitant use of glucocorticoids did not attenuate the risk of hyperkalemia in patients receiving high-dose sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (p = 0.747), whereas concomitant use of glucocorticoids significantly reduced the risk of hyperkalemia in patients receiving non-high dose sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (p 0.001).High-dose sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim is a significant predictor of hyperkalemia. The effect of glucocorticoids on hyperkalemia varies depending on the sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim dose.

Background Urolithiasis in small ruminants has a poor long‐term prognosis, and long‐term clinical outcomes are variable and unpredictable. Objectives To assess the accuracy of preoperative and postoperative blood l‐lactate concentrations in predicting a negative outcome in goats undergoing tube cystostomy. Animals Thirty‐four male goats undergoing tube cystostomy. Methods Retrospective study. Medical records of goats undergoing tube cystostomy from 2015 to 2020 were reviewed. Clinical variables recorded included signalment, procedures before surgery, urolith location and type, duration of hospitalization, and heart rate. PCV, plasma total protein, potassium, preoperative and postoperative blood l‐lactate concentrations, preoperative and postoperative creatinine concentrations, and relative changes in blood l‐lactate and creatinine concentrations over time were measured using heparinized blood. A negative outcome was defined as death or euthanasia from urolithiasis complications at 6 months after discharge. Negative outcomes as a function of independent clinical variables were evaluated using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests, and multivariate logistic regression. P .05). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Veterinarians should advise clients that clinical outcomes after tube cystostomy in goats are likely unpredictable.

How to improve the efficiency of liquid-phase shear exfoliation (LPSE) for mass production of large-size graphene nanosheets still remains an ongoing challenge. In this work, we have developed a LPSE method using a rotor-stator mixer. It is quite simple and efficient by exfoliation of expanded graphite (EG) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) with the assistance of organic salts including sodium citrate, potassium citrate and sodium tartrate. The LPSE of EG in NMP can provide improved yields, up to 6 times as high as values from exfoliation of natural flake graphite (NFG). The additive of organic salts in NMP can make a further improvement in graphene yields, 1.5 times higher than that obtained only in NMP. Remarkably, the yields of the as-exfoliated graphene are as high as 10% under optimal conditions, and up to 50% after multiple-cycle exfoliation. Organic salts in LPSE act as analogue grinding aids enhancing the applied shear forces and thus contributing to the improved efficiency of LPSE, but they do not intercalate into the interplanar spaces of graphite. This facile LPSE method should have excellent potential in the large scale production of graphene nanosheets for numerous applications.

Rechargeable potassium (K) metal batteries (PMBs) remain deeply challenged by the lack of suitable electrolytes that are stable against both highly reactive K anodes and 4 V-class cathodes. Despite their good reductive stability with K metal, classic potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (KFSI)-based ether electrolytes are typically used only in 3 M), is reported for the first time to be used in 4 V-class PMBs. A stable N/F-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is formed, enabling dense and uniform K deposition, especially under high current density. Remarkably, the PMBs with Prussian blue cathode exhibits an unprecedented cycle life (1000 cycles, 122 days). This work provides new perspectives of electrolyte design for 4 V-class PMBs.

Background and aim Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles which causes energy consumption; moderate and constant physical activity is known to be beneficial and to slow the muscle loss process associated with aging. The aim of the present study was to test, in an in vitro exercise model, the biological effects of a new formulation composed of magnesium and potassium combined with vitamin D and curcumin created to support muscle activity and to prevent hypercontraction damage. Experimental procedure C2C12 cells were treated with vitamin D, buffered magnesium bisglycinate, curcumin, and potassium citrate. Cell viability, morpho-functional changes, calcium and magnesium movements, and the main kinases involved in glucose uptake were analyzed. The glycogen level and lactate were also evaluated. Results and conclusion Important results about a positive effect on mitochondrial activity, ATP production, oxygen consumption and in the physiological differentiation of C2C12 cells were obtained. Further experiments were performed under conditions that mimic the biological aspects of strenuous exercise. The combination of magnesium, vitamin D3, curcumin, and potassium citrate revealed beneficial effects on skeletal muscle cells under physiological conditions as well as while mimicking intense activity. In particular, in an in vitro model, they were able to control the hypercontraction, restoring ion fluxes, reducing inflammation signaling and supporting the main mechanism involved on aerobic activity. Our results have indicated for the first time that this new combination could be considered as a new nutraceutical formulation to improve physical performance and muscle recovery., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights of the findings and novelties • MKVC is able to counteract the negative effect of strenuous muscle activity. • MKVC is able to restore muscle functions also in post-trauma condition. • MKVC may have numerous roles during muscle activity and recovery. • MKVC prevents a negative condition of strong state contraction.

In this study potassium salts such as KF, KCl and KBr were doped onto g-C3N4 to form KX-g-C3N4 (X = F, Cl and Br) via a thermal method. The KX-g-C3N4 was characterized by various instrumentation techniques such as UV-visible, FT-IR, XRD, Photoluminescence, TGA, BET, Raman, SEM, EDAX, HR-TEM, and Zeta potential. KX-g-C3N4 was explored for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. Among them, KF-g-C3N4 showed excellent photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. The KF-g-C3N4 significantly reduced the electrons-holes recombination rate when compared to KCl-g-C3N4, KBr-g-C3N4 and g-C3N4. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism was also studied with KF-g-C3N4.

Sago frond is produced in abundance upon harvesting of the sago palms for starch extraction, hence need to be utilized and developed into beneficial products. In this study, the sap which contains sugars and starch is obtained by roller crushing the skinned frond for use as fermentation medium. Fronds from different growth stages (namely Angkat punggung and Upong muda) and different positions within the rosette (inner and outer circle) of the sago palm were studied. Based on the results, the outer circle frond of Upong muda palm gave the highest volume of sap at 290mL/kg which equivalent to 1600 mL/frond. On top of that, sago frond sap has an acidic pH, with glucose as major sugar component and contained various kinds of minerals like calcium, potassium and manganese. All fronds from different growth stages contain glucose between 28-68 g/L and xylose 21-29 g/L, respectively. After 21 days of storage, it can be concluded that the amount of reducing sugars and starch in all samples obtained from different growth stages remained almost unchanged from the original. Subsequently after this study, both fresh and stored sago frond sap can be used as a fermentation substrate without any modification.

Previous work showed that the copper oxide nanoparticles confined in titania nanotubes (Cu-in-TiO2NT) can effectively enhance the water–gas shift (WGS) activity. The WGS activity is directly related to the concentration of active copper species and oxygen vacancies (Ov). The addition of potassium is found to enhance WGS activity of copper catalysts to some extent. Herein, the K-promoted copper oxide (2 wt% Cu) nanoparticles confined in TiO2 nanotubes catalysts (Cu-in-K/TiO2NT) with different potassium contents were synthesized and investigated for the WGS reaction. The K-promoted catalysts exhibit the enhanced WGS activity. Especially, the Cu-in-K20/TiO2NT with the molar ratio of K/Cu = 20 displays twofold higher WGS activity compared with the Cu-in-TiO2NT. XRD, Raman, XPS, H2-TPR and in situ DRIFTS have verified that the addition of appropriate potassium can make active copper species bound with oxygen of the TiO2, leading to a partial reduction of TiO2 to TiO2-x, which is beneficial to form Cu–Ov–Ti site for the WGS reaction.

Background: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is the main source of alkaloids anticancer drugs. Alkaloids are derived from amino acids and can lead to changes in these valuable compounds. Objective: This experiment evaluated the variation of amino acids under potassium and ascorbic acid treatments. Methods: Different concentrations (1.5, 3.16, 15 and 30 mM) and forms (K2SO4 and KNO3) of potassium (K+) were added to plants via Hoagland’s nutrient solution. Ascorbic acid (AsA) (750 mg L-1) was sprayed on the leaves surfaces on days 68 and 78. Amino acids were extracted from 90-day-old plant leaves, and different amino acids were determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with fluorescence detection. Results: Amino acids increased in K+ deficiency (1.5 mM), but changes in negatively charged amino acids were lower. In contrast, N-rich amino acids showed the biggest change. In excessive K+, branched-chain and aromatic amino acids decreased, while the least amount of the other amino acids was observed in the plants treated with optimum K+. Conclusion: The exterior of AsA and excessive K+ cause branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, aspartic acid and glutamic acid to decrease.

The objective of the present study was to degrade the herbicide atrazine in iron-containing media using several selected plant species under circumneutral conditions. The concentration of the root apoplastic H2O2 (CRAH) for 59 plant species was mainly measured using the potassium iodide-starch qualitative staining technique. Plant species with a range of CRAH values were used for the atrazine degradation. At pH 6.5, atrazine was immediately removed and most significantly by Asteraceae plants having high CRAH (≥ 1.5 mM) in the presence of Fe3+-nitrilotriacetate. Less biologically harmful degradation products (deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine) of the Fenton reaction were identified in the treated medium. Asteraceae plants were estimated to remove atrazine via a rhizosphere Fenton reaction which was more than twice that via plant uptake. This is the first report demonstrating direct and immediate degradation of atrazine in the medium by plant roots. The high CRAH of Asteraceae plants was connected with salinity/drought tolerance mechanisms and phylogenetic evolution. Roots of Asteraceae plants with high apoplastic H2O2 significantly degraded atrazine by transforming to less biologically harmful degradation products in the presence of iron under circumneutral conditions via the rhizosphere Fenton reaction.