EVALUATION OF EFFECT OF EXPIRED TABLET ON SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: A CASE STUDY OF RANOZEX TABLET

Pharmaceutical waste can result from many locations and from many activities in health care facilities. They generate medicines waste which are compounding from pharmacy. In the present study, an attempt has been made to know the effect of Ranozex expired tablet on soil physical quality. The expired tablets were applied at a concentration of 150 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg and 1g. The expired ranozex tablets was mixed with sandy loam clay soil and kept for observation for 7 to 27 days respectively. The experimental setup was maintained till 27 days, at every 7 days intervals, the soil was extracted and subjected to selected physical properties such as bulk density, particle density, water holding capacity and moisture content. From the results, it was found that, the bulk density and particle density were found to be reduced. The percentage of water holding capacity was found to be higher during the experimental period

Organic carbon in soils with different systems of use in Tacarimena Yopal, Colombia / Carbono orgánico en suelos con diferentes sistemas de uso en Tacarimena Yopal, Colombia

ABSTRACT Soil is an important carbon reservoir as it can store twice the amount that atmosphere does and three times the biomass, which makes it a key component for climate change (CC) mitigation projects. It is important to know the potential of soil organic carbon storage (SOC) in the main uses of the soli and their expected dynamics due to potential use changes. SOCS is estimated in 7 of the dominant land use systems in the area of the study, with 5 replicas as follows: 1) banana with shade (SAF+banana); 2) cocoa with shade (Ca+S); 3) citrus (C); 4) low silvopastoral system (SSPB); 5) high silvopastoral system (SSPA); 6) gallery forests (BG); and 7) bush forest (MM). SOC concentration was analyzed in samples composed of 25 soil sub-samples per plot, and the DA was estimated with the cylinder method in a simple per plot. All land uses studied can mitigate CC when storing SOC. BG was the system that showed the highest carbon storage. On the other hand, SAF+banana stored the least SOC (72,7 vs 33,4Mg/ha, respectively). Changes in land use can cause CO2 emissions or an addition in carbon fixation. Changes in land use that increase SOC allow CC mitigation, which makes them feasible for funding, thus allowing an improvement in the livelihood of local producers.

RESUMEN El suelo es un reservorio importante de carbono, ya que puede almacenar el doble de lo contenido por la atmósfera y el triple de la biomasa. Esto lo constituye en un componente clave para proyectos de mitigación del cambio climático (CC). Es importante conocer el potencial de almacenamiento de carbono orgánico del suelo (COS) en los principales usos del suelo y su dinámica esperada, por potenciales cambios de uso. Se estima el COS en los siete de los sistemas de uso del suelo dominantes en el área de estudio, con cinco réplicas, así: 1) plátano con sombrío (SAF+plátano); 2) cacao con sombrío (Ca+S); 3) cítricos (C); 4) sistema silvopastoril bajo (SSPB); 5) sistema silvopastoril alto (SSPA); 6) bosques de galería (BG) y 7) mata de monte (MM). La concentración de COS fue analizada en muestras compuestas de 25 submuestras de suelo por parcela y la DA, se estimó con el método del cilindro en una muestra por parcela. Todos los usos del suelo estudiados pueden mitigar el CC al almacenar COS. El BG fue el sistema que presentó el mayor almacenamiento de carbono; por el contrario, el SAF+plátano almacenó el menor COS (72,7 vs 33,4Mg/ha, respectivamente). Cambios de uso del suelo pueden causar emisión de CO2 o adicionalidad en la fijación de carbono. Cambios de uso del suelo que incrementen el COS permiten la mitigación del CC, pudiendo ser susceptibles de financiamiento, lo que permite mejorar los medios de vida de los productores locales.

Defoliation heights for palisade grass cv. Marandu in silvopastoral system / [Alturas de desfolhação para capim-marandu em sistema silvipastoril]

The objective was to test the response of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in monoculture and in silvopastoral system (SPS), at two distances from the trees, and define the best defoliation height for SPS. Four intermittent defoliation heights (25, 35, 45 and 55cm) and two distances from tree lines (2.5 and 5.0m) were evaluated in the SPS with a control defoliated with 25cm in full sun. The experiment was performed in a randomized block design with 3 replicates in a 4 × 2 + 1 split plot scheme. The control had higher forage accumulation (46.9kg/ha. day) than the SPS (31.1kg/ha. day). The bulk density was also higher in the control (0.89mg/cm³) than in SPS (0.48mg/cm³). The percentage of leaves (78.06%) and leaf/stem ratio (6.04) did not differ among the treatments. In the SPS, there was an increase of 31.07% in forage accumulation from 25 to 55cm. The forage accumulation and bulk density of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu in monoculture is greater than in the SPS regardless of the management goal and the distance from trees. The goal of 55cm in the SPS presented greater forage accumulation.(AU)

O objetivo foi testar a resposta de pastos de Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu em monocultivo e em sistema silvipastoril (SSP), a diferentes distâncias das árvores, bem como definir qual altura de desfolhação é a mais indicada para manejo em SPS. Foram avaliadas quatro alturas de desfolhação intermitente (25, 35, 45 e 55cm) e duas distâncias das linhas de árvores (2,5 e 5,0m), no SPS, e uma testemunha desfolhada com 25cm, em pleno sol. O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas 4 × 2 + 1. O controle apresentou maior acúmulo de forragem (46,9kg/ha.dia) que a média do SSP (31,1kg/ha.dia). A densidade volumétrica da forragem do controle (0,89mg/cm³) foi maior que a do SSP (0,48mg/cm³). A porcentagem de folhas (78,06%) e a relação folha/colmo (6,04) não diferiram entre os tratamentos. O aumento das alturas de 25 para 55cm no SSP resultou em aumento de 31,07% no acúmulo de forragem. O acúmulo e a densidade volumétrica da forragem são maiores no monocultivo, independentemente da meta de manejo e da distância das árvores no sistema silvipastoril. A meta de 55cm no silvipastoril apresenta maior acúmulo de forragem.(AU)

Cover crops, lime and gypsum influence on soil physical attributes

Cover crops promote nutrient cycling, and lime and gypsum can alter the soil physical attributes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lime and gypsum rates applied to a no-tillage system with addition of residues of three cover crops on the soil physical attributes. This experiment was carried out in chapadão do sul-ms. The treatments were comprised of three cover crops (Urochloa ruziziensis, fallow, and Pennisetum glaucum), with gypsum (0, 2.3 and 4.6 Mg ha-1) and lime applied at a dose of 0, 2, 4, 6 Mg ha-1).The attributes evaluated were: soil density, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity and penetration resistance. The soil of the experiment was classified an Oxisol. Cover crops and lime and gypsum improved macroporosity, microporosity and total porosity at all depths, 0-0.2 m. Millet presented lower values for penetration resistance with the lime application and without gypsum application. No residual effect on soil density was detected for lime and gypsum application or cover crops in the 0.1-0.2 m layer. Brazilian Cerrado producers will have a well-defined management system to follow aiming at improving the soil physical attributes.

Physical properties of beans of the BRSMG majestoso cultivar during drying / Propriedades físicas de grãos de feijão cultivar BRSMG majestoso durante a secagem

Beans are the main source of protein of plant origin in the Brazilian diet, they also contain phenolic compounds, antioxidants, iron, fibers and vitamins. The BRSMG Majestoso cultivar belongs to the commercial group of carioca beans, displays high productivity, excellent health and a 90-day cycle, has high yield and is resistant to disease. The study of physical properties enables the prediction of agricultural products behavior relative to responses of physical and chemical treatments, in order to allow the maintenance of quality and safety of processed foods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of drying on the physical characteristics of beans of the BRSMG Majestoso cultivar. Beans with an initial moisture content of approximately 0.2660 d.b. (dry basis) were used, and dried at 40ºC. The following physical characteristics were determined: bulk density, unit density, intergranular porosity, 1000-grain weight, sphericity, circularity, geometric diameter, unit volume, projected area, surface area and the surface to volume ratio. Based on the results, a reduction in the moisture content of the beans promotes an increase in bulk density, unit density, porosity, sphericity, circularity and the surface to volume ratio. Conversely, the 1000-grain weight, geometric diameter, unit volume, projected area and surface area decreased as the moisture content of the beans was reduced.

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, avaliar o efeito da secagem sobre as características físicas de grãos de feijão cultivar BRSMG Majestoso. Foram utilizados grãos com teor de água inicial de aproximadamente 0,2660 b.s. (base seca), e submetidos à secagem com temperatura de 40 ºC. Foram determinadas as propriedades físicas: massa específica aparente, massa específica unitária, porosidade intergranular, massa de mil grãos, esfericidade, circularidade, diâmetro geométrico, volume unitário, área projetada, área superficial e a relação superfície/volume. Com base nos resultados obtidos conclui-se que a redução do teor de água dos grãos de feijão proporcionou aumento da massa específica aparente e unitária, porosidade, esfericidade, circularidade e relação superfície/volume. Em contrapartida, a massa de mil grãos, o diâmetro geométrico, o volume unitário, a área projetada e a área superficial diminuíram com a redução do teor de água dos grãos de feijão.

Mowing and lowering the marandu palisadegrass sward height at late winter improve the sward structure / A roçada e a redução da altura do capim-marandu no final do inverno melhora a estrutura do pasto

The structure of the sward is important because it influences the responses of plants and animals in grazing conditions. The objective with this work was to evaluate the structural characteristics of the Marandu palisade grass pasture (Brachiaria brizantha syn. Urochloa brizantha) during spring and summer, depending on the condition of the sward at the end of winter. Four grazing conditions at the end of winter were evaluated: short (24.1 cm), short (25.2 cm)/mown (8 cm), tall (49.0 cm) and tall (50.0 cm)/mown (8 cm). The foliar area index was lower in the tall pasture than in the tall/mown pasture. The mass and the volumetric density of dead stem were higher in the tall pasture, intermediate in the short pasture, and lower in mowed pastures. At the beginning of the grazing period, the live stem mass was higher in the tall pasture. At the beginning and middle of the grazing period, the volumetric density of dead leaf lamina was lower in mowed pastures. At the beginning of the pasture period, the short pasture had a higher tiller number (TN). In the middle of the grazing period, the short and short/mown pastures had higher TN. At the end of the pasture period, the lowest TN value occurred in the tall pasture. The tall pasture at the end of winter presents an unfavorable structure to the animal in grazing, while the mowing and reduction in the height of the marandu palisade grass improves the structure of the sward in spring and summer.

A estrutura do pasto é importante porque influencia as respostas de plantas e animais em condições de pastejo. O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar as características estruturais do pasto de capim-marandu (Brachiaria brizantha syn. Urochloa brizantha) durante a primavera e o verão, em função da condição do pasto no fim do inverno. Quatro condições de pasto no fim do inverno foram avaliadas: baixo (24,1 cm), baixo (25,2 cm)/roçado (8 cm), alto (49,0 cm) e alto (50,0 cm)/roçado (8 cm). O índice de área foliar foi menor no pasto alto do que no pasto alto/roçado. A massa e a densidade volumétrica de colmo morto foram maiores no pasto alto, intermediárias no pasto baixo, e inferiores nos pastos roçados. No início do período de pastejo, a massa de colmo vivo foi maior no pasto alto. No início e meio do período de pastejo, a densidade volumétrica de lâmina foliar morta foi menor nos pastos roçados. No início do período de pastejo, o pasto baixo apresentou maior número de perfilho (NP). No meio do período de pastejo, os pastos baixo e baixo/roçado tiveram maior NP. No fim do período de pastejo, o menor valor de NP ocorreu no pasto alto. O pasto alto no fim do inverno apresenta estrutura desfavorável ao animal em pastejo, enquanto que a roçada e a redução da altura do capim-marandu melhora a estrutura do pasto na primavera e no verão.

Optimization of preparation process and evaluation of physical fingerprint of Angelicae Sinensis Radix cellwall broken powder / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the preparation process of Angelicae Sinensis Radix cellwall broken powder (ASR CBP) and evaluate the physical quality of powder. Methods: A HPLC method was established for the determination of five active constituents (ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, coniferyl ferulate, ligustilide and n-butylidenephthalide) of ASR. The Box-Behnken response surface design method was used. The pulverization time, pulverization temperature and sampling capacity in the pulverization process were investigated. The particle size distribution (D90) of the broken wall powder of ASR and the five active ingredients content were used as the response value to construct the response surface model. Under the premise of D90 < 45 μm, the maximum value of the five active ingredients was calculated to optimize the superfine grinding process parameters. A total of 13 physical indicators of D90, coefficient of nonuniformity, particle size distribution width, bulk density, tap density, interparticle porosity, Karl index, specific surface area, pore volume, Hausner ratio, angle of repose, loss on drying and hygroscopicity were used to establish the physical fingerprint of ASR CBP. The similarity evaluation method was used to evaluate the similarity of different batches of ASR CBP. Results: The methodological results of the HPLC method for the determination of the five active ingredients were in accordance with the guidelines. Results of response surface method showed the optimized preparing parameters of ASR CBP technology as follows: 35 min of pulverization time, -10 ℃ of pulverization temperature, and 580 g of sampling capacity. The RSD values between the content and the response surface fitting results of five active ingredients of three batches of cellwall broken powder prepared by the optimal process were all less than 3%. The similarity of the three batches of the optimal process of ASR CBP was above 99.4%. Conclusion: Box-Behnken optimized preparation method of ASR CBP has obvious advantages in retaining the content of active ingredients, especially volatile components. Physical fingerprinting has good practical effects as a tool to evaluate the consistency of physical properties of Chinese material medica powder. The combination of applications helps to achieve a higher quality control level of Chinese medicine cellwall broken powder production.

Physical-chemical characterization of powder soursop obtained by foam-mat drying / Caracterização físico-química de pó de graviola obtido por secagem em leito de espuma

The development and improvement of fruit processing technologies in powder form is a alternative to add value to the product and increase the income of the producers, being required the knowledge of physicalchemical properties of the product. The aim of this study was to determine the physical-chemical properties of soursop powder obtained by foam-mat drying. To the foam formation, albumin was added to the pulp at concentration of 7.43% in mass and subjected in mixer for 15 min; then, it was spread onto trays forming a thin layer about 5.0 mm thick, and the drying conditions were: 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 °C, 5.6 m s-1 and 60%. Moisture content, water activity, titratable total acidity and hydrogenic potential of soursop powder indicate good stability of the product obtained by foam-mat drying, without the need of addition of preservatives for its conservation. Reducing sugars increased with increasing drying temperature due to the concentration of the compounds caused by moisture content reduction. In addition, the color was the physical-chemical property that presented greater sensitivity to drying, mainly by darkening index. Temperatures lower than 60 °C indicate higher preservation of initial characteristics for soursop powder. Besides that, bulk density, true density, porosity and repose angle increased subtly with drying temperature.

O desenvolvimento e aperfeiçoamento de tecnologias de processamentos de frutos na forma de pó é uma alternativa para agregar valor ao produto e aumentar a renda dos produtores, sendo necessário para isso o conhecimento das propriedades físico-químicas do produto. Assim objetivou-se determinar as propriedades físicoquímicas do pó de graviola obtido pelo método de secagem em leito de espuma. Para a formação da espuma foi adicionada, à polpa, albumina, na concentração de 7,43% em massa e submetida à agitação em batedeira doméstica, durante 15 min; em seguida, esta foi espalhada sobre bandejas formando uma camada fina de cerca de 5,0 mm de espessura cujas condições de secagem foram: de 40, 50, 60, 70 e 80 °C, 5,6 m s-1 e 60%. O teor de água, atividade de água, acidez total titulável e o potencial hidrogeniônico do pó de graviola indicam boa estabilidade do produto obtido pelo método de secagem em leito de espuma, não necessitando portanto, da adição de conservantes para sua conservação. Os açúcares aumentaram com o incremento da temperatura de secagem devido a concentração dos compostos provocada pela redução do teor de água. Adicionalmente, a cor foi a propriedade físico-química que apresentou maior sensibilidade à secagem, principalmente pelo índice de escurecimento. Temperaturas menores que 60 °C indicam maior preservação das características iniciais para o pó de graviola. Além disso, a massa específica aparente e unitária, a porosidade e o ângulo de repouso aumentaram sutilmente com a temperatura de secagem.

Effects of soil bulk density on growth, physiology and quality of Glechoma longituba / 中国中药杂志

Through the determination of the growth, physiological and active components of Glechoma longituba, the effect of soil bulk density on growth and quality of G. longituba was explored. Through pot experiment, six different bulk density treatments were set for 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 g·cm⁻³ , the growth index, physiological index and the content of active components were determined. The results showed that the growth indexes and biomass of G. longituba firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of soil bulk density. The dry weight of G. longituba achieved the maximum 5.70 g in the treatment of 1.0 g·cm⁻³ . The photosynthetic pigments, soluble sugars and free amino acids firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of soil bulk density. The suitable soil bulk density was beneficial to the accumulation of photosynthetic pigment, soluble protein and free amino acid synthesis. The content of malondialdehyde increased gradually with the increase of soil bulk density. The contents of ethanol-soluble extractives of G. longituba were greater than 25%, meeting its quality criterionin Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015, achieved the maximum of 40.66% in the treatment of 1.0 g·cm⁻³ . The total flavonoids content of G. longituba increased gradually with the increase of soil bulk density, triterpenic acid and phenolic acids decreased gradually with the increase of soil bulk density. Soil bulk density has a significant effect on the growth and quality of G. longituba, and it is conducive to the growth and its medicinal quality at the soil bulk density of 1.0 g·cm⁻³.

Study on preparation technology and physical fingerprint of Huanghuai Tablets based on quality by design / 中草药

Objective: To study the prescription and preparation technology of Huanghuai Tablets and evaluate the physical quality of intermediate particles based on quality by design. Methods: Using Huanghuai (Scutellaria baicalensis and Sophora japonica) extract as the main component, the single factor experiments were used to screen adjuvant, and the forming rate, quality difference, hardness, friability, and disintegration time of tablets were used as indicators to optimize the optimal preparation processing of Huanghuai Tablets by wet granulation process. Physical indicators of granules were characterized by using micromeritics evaluation method. The physical fingerprint of granules were constructed by nine indexes including relative homogeneity index, interparticle porosity, Carr index, bulk density, tapped density, loss on drying, hygroscopicity, Hausner ratio, and angle of repose. The granules physical fingerprint is of great importance to evaluate the quality consistency of different batches of Huanghuai granules and analyze the compressibility of the granules. Results: The optimum formula was Huanghuai granule 0.25 g, 7% croscarmellose sodium, and 2% talc powder. The optimum conditions were as follows: granulated with 16 mesh sieve, dried at 60 ℃ for 1 h, and unified with 18 mesh screen. The similarity of the physical fingerprint of five batches of Huanghuai granules was higher than 0.983, the parameters of five batches of particle parameters were all greater than 0.4, and the parameter profile index was 4.82-5.70, and the good pressure index was from 4.44 to 5.25. Conclusion: The prescription and preparation technology of Huanghuai Tablets and the physical quality of intermediate particles were scientific and reasonable, which can provide ideas and methods for the research and development of Chinese materia medica formula.

Preparation and physicochemical properties of ultra-fine powder of Fritillaria unibracteata / 中草药

Objective The morphological and particle size distribution of Fritillaria unibracteata under different preparation conditions and the physicochemical property before and after grinding were studied, which provides the experimental basis for the particle size control and application of ultra-fine powder. Methods The single-factor experiment was carried out. The ultra-fine powder was prepared using ball milling method under different milling time, the weight ratio of ball to material, and rotating speed conditions. The powder morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The particle size and particle size distribution of the powder was determined by laser particle size analyzer. The particle size, particle size distribution, expansion degree, total alkaloid content, and other properties of F. unibracteata powder before and after milling were compared. Results The optimum conditions for powder preparation were as follows: The grinding time was 0.5 h, the weight ratio of ball to material was 12:1, the rotating speed was 250 r/min. The volume average particle size of ultrafine powder was (26.92 ± 0.12) μm, and D90 was (45.15 ± 0.18) μm. After grinding, the particle size decreased, the particle size distribution became narrower, the expansion degree and angle of repose increased, the hygroscopicity of powder did not change significantly, the bulk density decreased, and the alcohol-soluble extract content and total alkaloid content increased greatly. Conclusion Moderate grinding can significantly reduce the size of F. unibracteata powder, improve the particle size distribution, increase the total alkaloid content, and help to improve bioavailability.

Effect on different drying methods on powder properties of extraction paste based on physical fingerprint of extract / 中草药

Objective To study the influence of different drying technology on the micromeritic properties of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract powder. Methods Taking S. miltiorrhiza extract as model drug, three kinds of extract powders were obtained by vacuum drying, vacuum microwave drying, and spray drying. The properties of powder were evaluated comprehensively with 13 physical indicators, including particle size, span, width, bulk density, tap density, Hausner ratio, angle of repose, compressibility, viscosity, specific surface area, pore volume, moisture content and hygroscopicity. Furthermore, the physical properties of the powder were summarized as homogeneity, stackability, fluidity, compressibility and stability of five aspects, then established the corresponding physical fingerprint spectrum. The powder properties were evaluated by the physical property values. The similarity of the three powders was compared by similarity evaluation method. And the indexes of parameter, parametric profile, and good compression were constructed to analyze the compressibility of the powder. Results The powders obtained by the three kinds of drying methods have poor fluidity and stability. The vacuum drying and vacuum microwave drying powders have good stackability, and the spray-dried powders have excellent homogeneity and compressibility. From the similarity, it can be seen that the similarity of powdery property of spray drying and vacuum drying extract is 79%, and 81.3% with vacuum microwave drying. Conclusion The physical fingerprint of TCM can be used to evaluate the influence of different drying methods on the powder science properties of Chinese medicine extract powder and the influence of physical properties on the formability of the preparation, which provides a new evaluation method for the Chinese medicine extract powder.

Winter cover crops affecting physical and chemical soil attributes in a commercial vineyard / Plantas de cobertura de inverno afetando atributos químicos e físicos do solo em vinhedo comercial

ABSTRACT: Cover crops may have direct or indirect effects on the physical and chemicalsoil attributes; these cropsplay a key role in the cycling of nutrients in the soil and add labile organic carbon, bringing economic and environmental benefits to the system. To study the effect of cover crops on the physical and chemical properties of an Oxisol, a three-year experiment was conducted in a commercial vineyard located at Epagri's Experimental Station in Videira, SC, Brazil. Different winter species (white clover, red clover, common vetch, turnip, corn spurrey, black oat, rye, and ryegrass) were sown in addition to treatments with manual weeding or mechanical mowing. Certain chemical and physical attributes of soil were determined in samples collected fromlayers 0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2m deep on the vinerows and between rows, as well as the dry mass of winter cover crops. Few chemical and physical attributes of the soil changed among winter cover crops and did not differ from the crops managed with mechanical mowing or hand weeding of spontaneous vegetation. Vine rows provided more adequate values of most physical and chemical soil attributes.

ESUMO: As plantas de cobertura podem apresentar efeitos diretos ou indiretos sobre os atributos físicos e químicos do solo, desempenhando papel fundamental na ciclagem dos nutrientes e na adição de carbono orgânico lábil ao solo, trazendo benefícios econômicos e ecológicos ao sistema. Para estudar o efeito de plantas de cobertura sobre os atributos físicos e químicos de um Nitossolo Vermelho, foi conduzido por três anos um experimento com semeadura de diferentes espécies de inverno (trevo-branco, trevo-vermelho, ervilhaca-comum, nabo-forrageiro, espérgula, aveia-preta, centeio e azevém), além dos tratamentos com capina manual e roçada mecânica, em um vinhedo comercial localizado na Estação Experimental da Epagri em Videira, SC. Foram determinados alguns atributos químicos e físicos do solo em amostras coletadas nas camadas de 0-0,1 e 0,1-0,2m de profundidade na linha e na entrelinha da cultura, além da massa seca das plantas de cobertura de inverno. As plantas de cobertura do solo alteram poucos atributos químicos e físicos do solo e não se diferenciam do manejo da vegetação espontânea com capinas manuais ou com roçadas mecânicas. A linha da cultura apresenta valores mais adequados da maioria dos atributos físicos e químicos do solo.

Preparation technology and physico-chemical characteristics of Olibanum ultramicro powders / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the technology and evaluate the influence of micronization on Olibanum physic-chemical characteristics and dissolution. Methods: The single factor test was employed to investigate the effect of the size and freezing time of common powder particle, the ratio of excipients, and grinding time on the yield of ultramicro powder; Additionally a comparative research between ultramicro powder and common powder was designed, including micromeritic properties (angle of repose, bulk density, tap density, and squeezing degree), effective components concentration [volatile oil, octyl acetate and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA)], and cumulative dissolution rate. Results: The optimal technology of ultramicro powder was as follows: the medicinal material was ground into fine powder, followed by 4 h freezing at -20℃ and 15 min superfine grinding with excipient and fine powder in ratio of 1:5; As the degree of smashing enhanced, the angle of repose of powders increased, bulk density and tap density decreased, and compressibility had a tendency of increase as flowability declined; The concentration of octyl acetate had an increased tendency and then decreased. While the concentration of octyl acetate in ultrafine powder prepared by optimal technology was the highest, the cumulative dissolution rate of AKBA in the ultramicro powder was higher than that in common powder. Conclusion: The application of optimal superfine pulverizing technique to Olibanum is feasible, and appropriate degree of micronization is helpful for the extraction and dissolution of effective components in Olibanum.

Precompression stress and compression index depend on the property used to represent the soil deformation in the compression curve / Pressão de preconsolidação e índice de compressão dependem da propriedade usada para representar a deformação do solo na curva de compressão

ABSTRACT: During linear deformation (h) in a soil sample, the variation of the void ratio with respect to deformation (dε/dh) and the respective variation of soil bulk density (dρ/dh) are identical only for a specific value of h. Consequently, if two compression curves are drawn for the same soil sample, one using ρ and the other using ε, there are differences in both the calculated precompression stress (σp) and compression index (Ic). In this study, we highlight the causes by a mathematical analysis and an experimental investigation, quantifying the differences in σp and Ic when using ε and ρ. σp and Ic were calculated for 103 compression curves of an ultisol and 193 of an oxisol. The σp (kPa) using ρ (σpρ) was greater than when using ε (σpε), and differences were rather independent of the soil type. The relations found by linear regression relating σpρ to σpε were σpρ=0.8186σpε+34.202 for the ultisol and σpρ=0.8878σpε+34.875 for the oxisol. In contrast, the used soil property (ρ or ε) as well as soil type affected Ic. Ic calculated using ρ was greater than when using ε in almost all (96%) of the cases for the ultisol, and in only 12% of the cases for the oxisol. For a wide range of ρ, evidence from this study indicated that the use of ρ overestimates σp when compared to the use of ε.

RESUMO: À medida que uma amostra de solo sofre deformação linear (h), a variação do índice de vazios em relação à deformação (dε/dh) e da respectiva variação da densidade do solo (dρ/dh) são coincidentes somente para um único valor de h. Decorrente disso, verifica-se experimentalmente que, para a mesma amostra de solo, há diferenças, tanto na pressão de preconsolidação (σp) como no índice de compressão (Ic), se forem determinados a partir das duas curvas de compressão, uma a base da ρ e outra a base do ε. A análise matemática, seguida da investigação experimental deste estudo, evidencia as causas e quantifica as diferenças na σp e no Ic, devido ao uso do ε ou ρ. A σp e o Ic foram calculados em 103 curvas de compressão de um Argissolo e em 193 de um Latossolo. A σp (kPa) com o uso da ρ (σpρ) foi maior que a σp com o uso do ε (σpε), e as diferenças dependeram menos do tipo de solo. As relações encontradas por regressão foram σpρ=0,8186 σpε+34,202 para o Argissolo e σpρ=0,8878 σpε+34,875 para o Latossolo. Diferentemente, o Ic foi afetado pela propriedade usada (ρ ou ε) para descrever a deformação e pelo tipo de solo. O Ic calculado com o uso da ρ foi maior que quando calculado com o uso do ε em quase todos os casos (96%) no Argissolo e raramente (em 12% dos casos) no Latossolo. Para uma ampla faixa de ρ, as evidências deste estudo indicam que o uso da ρ superestima a σp em relação ao uso do ε.

Least limiting water range and degree of compactness of soils under no-tillage / Intervalo hídrico ótimo e grau de compactação de solos sob plantio direto

The least limiting water range (LLWR) and degree of compactness (DC) can be useful indicators of soil physical quality and crop yield. This study focused on assessing of LLWR, DC and evaluation of critical values to crop growth of an Alfisol and Oxisol under no-till management. Undisturbed soil cores were taken from the layer 0.00 - 0.20 m depth. Soil water retention curve, soil penetration resistance curve, air-filled porosity and bulk density (Bd) were measured. The range of LLWR variation was limited by volumetric water content at field capacity and penetration resistance. Values of LLWR varied from 0.00 - 0.14 m3 m-3 to Alfisol and 0.00 - 0.04 m3 m-3 to Oxisol. The critical values of the Bd and DC for crop development were 1.79 Mg m-3 and 1.35 Mg m-3 and 96% and 74% to Alfisol and Oxisol, respectively. Further researches relating LLWR, DC and crop response are still required in soils with different conditions and management.

O intervalo hídrico ótimo (IHO) e o grau de compactação (GC) são indicadores úteis da qualidade física do solo e produção de culturas. Objetivou-se avaliar o IHO, o GC e valores críticos do crescimento de plantas de um Argissolo e Latossolo sob semeadura direta. Amostras indeformadas de solo foram coletadas na camada de 0,00 a 0,20 m. Avaliou-se a curva de retenção de água e de resistência à penetração, a porosidade de aeração e a densidade do solo (Ds). A amplitude de variação do IHO foi limitada pela umidade na capacidade de campo e pela resistência à penetração com valores de 0,00 a 0,14 e de 0,00 a 0,04 e m3 m-3 para o Argissolo e Latossolo, respectivamente. Os valores críticos ao desenvolvimento de plantas de Ds e GC foram 1,79 e 1,35 Mg m-3 e 96% e 74%, respectivos para o Argissolo e Latossolo. Pesquisas futuras relacionando IHO, GC e resposta das culturas são ainda necessárias em solos com condições e manejos diferenciados.

Physicochemical properties and in vitro dissolution behavior of active ingredients in ultrafine powder of Eucommia ulmoides / 中草药

Objective: Comparing the differences about physicochemical properties and in vitro dissolution behavior of active ingredients between ultrafine powder and common powder of Eucommia ulmoides to provide the experimental evidence for the ultrafine powder application and the control of particle size. Methods: Ultrafine powders were produced by using ultra mill. Particle size, cell wall breaking rate, morphology, and dissolution were used to evaluate the effect of particle size on microcharacteristic and dissolution behavior of powders of E. ulmoides. Results: There were significant differences between ultrafine and common powders of microcharacteristic. The extraction rates and dissolution rates of the active ingredients of ultrafine powders were higher than those of common powders. Conclusion: An appropriate degree of superfine grinding can increase the wall-breaking rate and promote the dissolution of active ingredients of E. ulmoides, and the dissolution medium has an obvious influence on the dissolution rates. The application of ultrafine grinding technology to E. ulmoides is feasible.

Qualidade física de um latossolo vermelho sob sistema de semeadura direta e cultivo convencional / Physical quality of an oxisol under no-tillage and conventional tillage

Para garantir a sustentabilidade dos sistemas agrícolas, a compreensão e a quantificação do impacto do uso e manejo do solo na sua qualidade física são de fundamental importância. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a qualidade de um Latossolo Vermelho sob cultivo convencional (CC) e sistema de semeadura direta (PD), por meio de diferentes indicadores físicos. Os sistemas de uso e manejo do solo foram: CC e PD por sete e oito anos consecutivos (solo de textura média) e CC e PD por nove e dez anos consecutivos (solo de textura argilosa). Foram determinadas, nas camadas de 0-0,10; 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,30 m, a resistência do solo à penetração, a porosidade total, a macroporosidade e a microporosidade, a retenção de água no solo, o índice S, a densidade, a densidade do solo máxima e também a densidade do solo relativa. Foi verificada grande variação da resistência do solo à penetração ao longo do ciclo das culturas da soja e do milho, sendo que seus maiores valores foram constatados nas camadas superficiais. Dentre os sistemas de manejo, o PD apresentou maior resistência do solo à penetração. Dentre os sistemas de manejo, o CC apresentou melhores resultados em relação aos indicadores de qualidade física do solo.

The understanding and quantification of the impact of tillage systems in their physical quality are fundamental in the development of sustainable agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of an Oxisol under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage system (NT), through different physical indicators. The management systems were: CT and NT for seven or eight consecutive years (medium textured soil) and CT and NT by nine and ten consecutive years (clay soil). Were determined, at the layers 0-0.10, 0.10-0.20; 0.20-0.30 m, soil resistance to penetration, total soil porosity, macroporosity and microporosity, soil water retention, S index, soil bulk density, maximum density and relative bulk density. Was observed great variation of soil resistance to penetration throughout the soybean and corn cycles, with its highest values were found in the surface layers. The NT showed greater resistance to penetration. Among the management systems, the results against indicators of soil physical quality were similar.

Comportamento da cana-de-açúcar em duas safras e atributos físicos do solo sob diferentes tipos de preparo / Behavior of sugarcane in two crops and physical attributes of soil under different tillage

O preparo do solo compreende em média 25% do custo de implantação de um canavial, portanto, medidas para redução deste custo são desejáveis desde que não comprometam a qualidade desta operação e a longevidade do canavial. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes sistemas de preparo num LATOSSOLO VERMELHO distrófico, correlacionando atributos físicos do solo e características agroindustriais da cana planta e da cana soca. Foram utilizados cinco tipos de preparos do solo, distribuídos em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições. A granulometria foi avaliada a cada 0,1 m até a profundidade 0,4 m, por meio de amostras de solo deformadas coletadas no final do primeiro ciclos de crescimento da cultura. Para os demais atributos físicos do solo: densidade do solo, porosidade total e teor de água, as avaliações foram realizadas no final de cada ciclo, coletando amostras indeformadas nas camadas de 0-0,20 m e 0,21-0,40 m, além da realização da resistência mecânica à penetração, utilizando-se de penetrômetro de impacto. A resposta da cana-de-açúcar em função dos tipos de preparo do solo foi determinada a partir da avaliação da produtividade por hectare de colmo (TCH), de açúcar (TPH), bem como dos valores de pol % (AP), açúcar total recuperável (ATR) e fibra de amostras de colmo coletadas na colheita da cana planta e cana soca. Nos preparos estudados, houve alteração dos atributos físicos do solo, provocando redução da produtividade na safra 2009/2010, quando comparada com a safra 2008/2009. No sistema de preparo de sulcação direta foi observado menor resultado de TCH, principalmente na safra 2009/2010, quando a diferença com o preparo convencional foi de 20,53 Mg ha-1.

The tillage comprises on average 25% of the cost of deploying a reed, so this cost reduction measures are desirable since they do not compromise the quality of the operation and longevity of sugarcane. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different tillage systems in Acrustox, correlating soil physical properties and characteristics of sugarcane agroindustrial plant cane and ratoon cane. We used five types of soil tillage, over experimental design in blocks with five replications. The particle size was measured every 0.1 m to 0.4 m depth, through deformed soil samples collected at the end of the first growth cycle of the culture. For other soil physical properties: bulk density, total porosity and water content, assessments were performed at the end of each cycle, collecting soil samples in layers of 0-0.20 to 0.21-0.40 m, in addition to performing the penetration resistance, using a penetrometer impact. The response of sugarcane depending on the types of tillage was determined from the evaluation of productivity per hectare of stem (TCH), sugar (TPH), the values of pol % cane (AP), sugar total recoverable (ATR) and fiber samples collected at harvest stalk of sugarcane plant and ratoon cane. In the tillage studied, there was a change of the physical attributes of the soil, causing reduced productivity in 2009/2010 crop, compared with the 2008/2009 season. In tillage system of furrowing direct lowest result was observed for TCH, especially in 2009/2010 crop, when the difference with conventional tillage was 20.53 Mg ha-1.

Study of the feasibility and precision in dose calculation with the method of bulk density assignment / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective To study investigate the dose accuracy that can be achieved with the method of bulk density assignment.Methods Sixteen cases of nasopharyngeal cancer patients and nineteen cases of esophageal cancer patients who accept radiotherapy in our department were selected.The planning CT images with bulk density assignment to different classes of tissues were applied to calculate the dose distributions,and then the resulting dose volume histograms (DVH) of the tumor and organs of risk were compared with the original treatment plan.The paired t-test was taken for dose comparison between two plans.Results The DVH comparison based on the planning CT and the bulk density assignment CT showed good agreements.With nasopharyngeal cancer patients,differences between the two plans about target and normal tissue were less than 1％.With esophageal cancer patients,the dose differences were less than 2％.Conclusion Preliminary results confirm that the bulk density assignment method can be applied to calculate the dose distributions.