Pretreatment Approach Research Articles

Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Peracetic acid pretreatment approach for enhanced sugars and decreased inhibitors for bio-ethanol production from OPEFB

The Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) constitutes the primary solid waste produced by the palm oil sector. This study aims to identify the best pretreatment conditions for increasing the sugars yield and lowering that of inhibitors in ultrasonic-treated OPEFB biomass using PAA. To study the individual and combined effects of pretreatment independent process variables, such as PAA concentration, sonication time, and temperature on the response variables glucose, xylose, arabinose, furfural, and HMF response surface approach, the central composite design (CCD) model was used. According to the findings from response surface analysis, the optimal conditions to obtain the highest sugar yield with the least amount of inhibitors were PAA concentration (10%), sonication time (120 min), and temperature (60ºC) for pretreatment, which produced 32.19, 15.83, and 5.92 g/L of glucose, xylose, and arabinose sugars, respectively, and about 1.86 and 3.2 g/L of furfural and HMF, respectively. The strong agreement observed between the experimental and predicted results. Detoxification with activated carbon, results in decreasing the inhibitory compounds in the hydrolysate. Subsequent fermentation studies demonstrated that hydrolysate with higher sugar content resulted in achieving a greater ethanol yield (67.5 g/L) than low ultrasonicated OPEFB (56.7 g/L).

Enhancing Germination Efficiency of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Seeds under Varied Climatic Conditions in East Nimar, Madhya Pradesh, India

The current study sought to identify optimal pre-treatment approaches for increasing seed germination percentage and vigor. Regardless of the therapies. The experiment was set up in randomized block design (RBD), with three replications. The nursery experiment was carried out in 2024 at the School of Agriculture Science, Dr. C.V. Raman University in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. Dragon fruit seeds from seven treatments were pretreated with various pretreatments, viz. T1 Darkness + water soaking 12 hours; T2 Darkness + water soaking 24 hours; T3 Continuous light (24 hours) + water soaking 12 hours. T4 Continuous light (24h) + water soaking for 24 hours, T5 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking for 12 hours T6 alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking for 24 hours, T7 Control (without pretreatment) to examine the impacts on germination %, germination value, mean germination time, and seedling vigour index. Seeds pre-treated with T-6 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking 24 hours had the highest average germination percentage (94.66%), while control had the lowest germination percentage (78.66%) when compared to other pre-treatments among all treatments, and the highest average mean germination value (9.57), while T7 Control had the lowest mean germination value (6.71). Seeds were pre-treated with T7 control recorded average highest mean germination time 21.21 days, while T6 Alternating light (12h light/12h dark) + water soaking 24 hours showed lowest mean germination time as compared to other pre-treatments among all treatments, When compared to other pre-treatments, T7 control had the lowest mean seedling vigor index (694.09) across all treatments.

High-Performance Near-Neutral Zinc-Air Batteries Enabled By Two-Step Electrochemical Pre-Treatment

The rapid development of portable electronics and emerging electric vehicles has created a pressing need for electrical energy storage systems. Among these systems, rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs) have emerged as a compelling candidate due to their high theoretical energy density of 1218 Wh k-1, coupled with inherent safety features, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The efficiency of ZABs is significantly boosted by alkaline electrolytes, known for their high ionic conductivity, which improves charging and discharging processes. However, the stability and cycle life of ZABs suffer due to issues like zinc dendrite growth and carbonate salt formation, arising from the side reaction with electrolytes. Recently, the substitution of traditional alkaline electrolytes with near-neutral electrolytes has gained attention, offering a pathway to alleviate the aforementioned drawbacks.A pivotal area of research in advancing near-neutral zinc–air batteries (ZABs) centers on the development of bi-functional catalysts. This focus stems from the significantly reduced catalytic efficiency for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in near-neutral electrolytes compared to their performance in alkaline counterparts. Notably, these electrocatalysts are typically deposited onto a gas diffusion layer (GDL) to facilitate both mass and electron transport. The characteristics of the GDL play a critical role in influencing the battery's overall efficiency due to its involvement in the three-phase reaction. Despite its importance, there has been a scarcity of research dedicated to exploring the properties and optimization strategies of the GDL, highlighting a gap in the current understanding and development of high-performance near-neutral ZABs.In this study, we introduce a straightforward two-step electrochemical pre-treatment method aimed at enhancing the functionality of both the commercial GDL and the catalyst. Initially, the commercial GDL undergoes electroactivation in an acidic environment, as evidenced by an uptick in –OH and –C=O signals in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, indicative of a rise in oxygen-containing functional groups. This alteration significantly decreases the electrolyte's contact angle with the GDL from 130 to 60 degrees, signifying enhanced hydrophilicity. Further analysis via Raman spectroscopy reveals an augmentation in defective surface areas, advantageous for electrochemical processes. Subsequently, the bi-functional catalyst, Ru0.7Sn0.3O2, was drop-coating on the activated GDL and underwent a secondary electroactivation pre-treatment. The SEM results show that the modification substantially generates the porous structure of the catalyst and thus increases the electrochemically active surface area, dramatically enhancing the activity of the catalyst.To assess the impact of the electrochemical pre-treatment, we performed electrochemical evaluations on ZAB full cells, comparing air cathodes that underwent pre-treatment (activated ZAB, denoted as ac-ZAB) with those that did not (original ZAB referred to as o-ZAB), within a chloride-based near-neutral electrolyte environment. Cyclic voltammetry testing highlighted the enhanced bifunctional catalytic efficiency of Ru0.7Sn0.3O2, with ac-ZAB showing stronger cathodic ORR and anodic OER signals in comparison to the o-ZAB. Furthermore, the galvanodynamic discharge curve along with its power density curve (Figure a) revealed that the ac-air has a much higher power density of 38 mV cm-2, surpassing the o-ZAB (15 mV cm-2). It is noteworthy that ac-ZAB exhibits much smaller activation polarization in comparison to o-ZAB, indicating the effectiveness of the pre-treatment. In long-cycle galvanodynamic charge-discharge tests (Figure b), the ac-ZAB showcased improved performance, demonstrating lower charging voltages and higher discharging voltages (1.98 V and 1.15 V, respectively), resulting in a reduced voltage gap of approximately 0.83 V. The battery incorporating ac-ZAB also exhibited remarkable stability, maintaining performance over 10 days. These outcomes underscore the pre-treatment’s ability to significantly boost bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity, surpassing untreated counterparts and setting new benchmarks in the field.To evaluate the wide application of this pre-treatment approach, we assembled a range of battery models incorporating the pre-treated cathode. Notably, the flexible near-neutral ZABs exhibited a significant enhancement in power density (25 mV cm-2) alongside a narrowed voltage gap (0.98 V). Additionally, its application to alkaline ZABs also significantly improves the battery performance, affirming the pre-treatment's utility across different battery chemistries. Various GDLs and catalysts were also subjected to the pre-treatment process. The subsequent material analyses and electrochemical performance assessments indicated successful activation, as evidenced by improved functional characteristics. This investigation offers a straightforward yet innovative methodology for augmenting the air electrode design, contributing to the development of high-performance ZAB. Figure 1

Advances and challenges in pretreatment technologies for bioethanol production: A comprehensive review

Bioethanol production from biomass is a promising avenue for sustainable energy, yet the high cost of pretreatment processes poses significant economic challenges. This paper explores the critical role of pretreatment in enhancing bioethanol yield and reducing production costs. Various pretreatment methods, including physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological techniques, are reviewed and further analyzed for their effectiveness in breaking down lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars. Emphasis is placed on recent technological advancements and innovations that improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The paper reviews the latest research on combined pretreatment approaches that have shown potential in overcoming recalcitrance and increasing sugar yield. Also, the role of nanotechnology in biomass pretreatment has been discussed. The economic implications of different pretreatment strategies are discussed, highlighting cost-benefit analyses and the potential for scalability. By addressing the complexities and advancements in pretreatment technologies, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of optimizing pretreatment processes in significantly enhancing hydrolysis efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of continued research and development to achieve better economic viability and environmental sustainability in bioethanol production.

Pre-treatment of composite industrial wastewater by Fenton and electro-Fenton oxidation processes

The present study aims to characterize three industrial wastewater samples collected from petrochemical, food and beet sugar industries to determine the pollution potential and select the appropriate pre-treatment approach. According to the biodegradability profile of the multi-sourced mixed (composite) sample, the advanced oxidation process (AOPs) namely, Fenton (F) and Electro-Fenton (EF) were adopted as pre-treatment techniques and the operating parameters such as time, type of electrodes, pH, voltage, iron and H2O2 concentrations were critically examined. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the performance efficiency of F& EF AOPs for treating the composite samples and the total operating costs for both approaches were assessed. The results revealed that, the initial values of the composite sample were 7.11, 19.2, 32.6, 19.3, 937, 1512, 860, 3.9, 2110 and 2.34 for pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Salinity, BOD, COD, Oil and grease (O&G), Total Phosphorous (TP), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), respectively. In addition, EF process achieved more removal efficiency for COD, O&G, BOD, TSS, and TKN (84.3%, 69%, 85%, 72% and 71.27%) compared to Fenton which displayed 78.43%, 66%, 69%, 70.1%, and 61%, respectively. Moreover, there are statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the initial and final (pretreated) values of the composite industrial wastewater for the addressed parameters and EF was significantly (p < 0.05) more effective than F process. The total operating costs were 3.117 and 2.063$ for F and EF, respectively, which confirmed that EF is more efficient and cost effective than F process. It was concluded that electro-Fenton process is favorable, eco-friendly and cost-effective option for pretreating real complicated multi-sourced industrial wastewater. The present study demonstrated a new avenue for achieving efficient management of industrial wastewater generated from similar industries.

Combined approach of nanoemulgel and microneedle pre-treatment as a topical anticellulite therapy.

Cellulite is caused by changes in the metabolism of the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Methylxanthines and retinoids are commonly added to the different anticellulite products. However, their topical permeation into the dermis is limited. Thus, the objective of this research is to formulate a nanoemulgel (NEG) containing a triple therapy of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin as a topical anticellulite product to improve their skin permeation. Furthermore, the influence of microneedles (MNs) as skin pre-treatment on the permeation of the NEG was investigated. Various nanoemulsion (NE) formulations were prepared using high-energy ultrasonication with different compositions and sonication amplitudes. Several characterisation tests were employed to select the optimum NE formulation. Then, the optimised NE formulation was incorporated with hyaluronic acid to prepare the NEG, which was, in turn, subjected to various evaluations. An ex vivo permeation study using human skin was performed for the NEG compared to a control preparation of plain gel. Additionally, a microneedling pen was applied as a skin pre-treatment at varying lengths prior to NEG application to examine its impact on the NEG's permeation. The selected NEG has a homogenous and consistent texture with no coarse particles, a droplet size of 175.8 nm and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.19, an optimum pH value of 5.28, high drug content of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin (99.35, 98.48 and 98.05 %, respectively), high drug release values of approximately 100 % within 6 hours, appropriate viscosity, minimum skin irritation, and adequate short-term stability. The ex vivo permeation study showed that caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin permeated more and deposited in the skin with higher percentages from the NEG than plain gel. This skin deposition within the dermis was increased by applying the microneedling pen at varying lengths of 0.5, 1, and 2 mm as a skin pre-treatment. This combined approach of NEG formulation containing a triple therapy of caffeine, aminophylline, and tretinoin, along with MNs application, has the potential to serve as a topical anticellulite product, reducing cellulite formation and improving skin appearance.

Converting perennial ryegrass into lipid using the oleaginous yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima

Grass, a low-cost lignocellulosic feedstock with relatively low lignin content, serves as a potential carbon source for microbial processes due to its polymeric sugar content. However, converting carbohydrates into monomeric sugars presents challenges due to complex lignocellulosic matrix. In this study, a mixture of perennial ryegrass and white clover (RG) was pretreated with alkaline before being enzymatically hydrolysed for use as a fermentable sugar source for the oleaginous yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima. The dilute alkaline pretreatment approach resulted in a 3 times improvement in the conversion of RG, yielding a fermentable sugar concentration of 56.5 g/L. The yeast exhibited a growth yield (Ym/m) of 0.47, producing 23.7 g/L of dry cell weight at 20°C over 140 hours, with a lipid content of 37 % with a similar composition to high oleic palm oil. These findings suggest that RG can be utilised for formulating an oleaginous yeast medium containing the necessary nutrients.

Second-generation biorefineries: single platform for the conversion of lignocellulosic wastes to environmentally important biofuels.

The continuously increasing demands for various fossil fuels to achieve the day-to-day needs of the human population are growing and causing adverse effects on the environment and leading to the depletion of their natural resources. To overcome such drastic problems and minimize the production of greenhouse gases, lignocellulose biomass, which is an abundant and bio-renewable source present on earth with excellent properties and composition, has been used for decades to develop biofuels that can easily take over the place of conventional fuels. Lignocellulose biomass comprises polymeric sugars, i.e., cellulose and hemicellulose, and aromatic polymer, lignin, which are responsible for producing various bio-based products. However, utilizing lignocellulosic wastes for such purposes is needed but their recalcitrant structure makes it difficult to achieve their full usage. For this, several pretreatment approaches are developed to loosen the complexity between sugars and lignin. In some way, few of the conventional pretreatment methods are expensive, non-eco-friendly, and produce undesired by-products, causing a lower yield and reusability of enzymes used in the reaction. Utilizing novel pretreatment strategies that are cost-effective, help in increasing the yield of products, and are environment-friendly is required. Thus, incorporating nanoparticles and nanomaterials in the development of pretreatment and other strategies for the production of bio-based products is currently thriving. This review is designed in such a way that the readers can easily get brief knowledge about the production of important biofuels developed within second-generation biorefineries using lignocellulosic biomass. It also summarizes the importance of nanotechnology in different steps of biofuel development.

Exploring Optimal Pretreatment Approaches for Enhancing Biohydrogen and Biochar Production from Azolla filiculoides Biomass

Exploring Optimal Pretreatment Approaches for Enhancing Biohydrogen and Biochar Production from Azolla filiculoides Biomass

Enhanced bioethanol production from Compositae plant stalks: Integrating dry acid pretreatment and fungal mediated biodetoxification

Compositae is an important economic plant with relatively high contents of water-soluble sugars in stalk section. The pretreatment of Compositae plant stalks quickly converts the water-soluble sugars into high titers of furan aldehydes, which inhibits the viability of consequent fermentation strains. This study used the typical Compositae plant stalks of sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, and stevia as feedstocks for dry acid pretreatment under high solids loading, then a unique solid-state biodetoxification method was applied to degrade these high-titer inhibitors. The results showed that temperature and sulfuric acid concentration were two key parameters for enhancing pretreatment efficiency. Enzymatic hydrolysis yield of the above pretreated stalks reached up to 79.68%, 66.75% and 74.05%, respectively. For pretreated Jerusalem artichoke stalk, it contained 37.36% of cellulose, 2.72% of xylan, 3.04% of glucose, 11.64% of xylose, 20.54% of lignin, and some inhibitors (3.80% of acetate, 0.24% of HMF and 0.23% of furfural). After biodetoxification, 100% of furfural, 40% of HMF, and 36% of acetate were quickly removed by Amorphotheca resinae ZN1, which resulted in 55.57 g/L ethanol production (equivalent to 7.1% by volumetric percentage) with the yield of 55.54% from 73.59 g/L of glucose and 40.69 g/L of xylose by simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF). This study provides a combinational approach of dry acid pretreatment and biodetoxification for Compositae plant stalks biorefinery.

Enhancing Microplastic Degradation through Synergistic Photocatalytic and Pretreatment Approaches.

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has emerged as a pressing environmental concern in recent years. Owing to their minute dimensions, conventional plastic remediation approaches are inadequate for addressing the challenges posed by MPs. Herein, spherical (BOC-S) and nanosheet (BOC-N) BiOCl photocatalysts were prepared and applied to the degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) MPs after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results indicated that the degradation efficiency of pretreated PET MPs using BOC-S and BOC-N photocatalysts was 8.8 and 6.9 times that of the unpretreated MPs under the same conditions. Comparative experiments confirmed the excellent performance of the photocatalysis-pretreatment system. The creation of pores on the surface of pretreated PET MPs facilitates the entry of active substances into the interior to cause damage, while the enhancement of hydrophilicity and specific surface area facilitates the contact between the catalyst and PET MPs, thus increasing the degradation efficiency. Free radical trapping experiments revealed that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) produced by photocatalysis had the greatest influence on the degradation performance of pretreated PET MPs. Finally, a possible photocatalytic degradation mechanism for PET MPs was proposed. This research offers a novel perspective on MPs degradation, providing valuable insights for advancing the efficacy of the process.

Biomass-based three-dimensional network porous carbon anodes derived from discontinuous activation for high performance Li-ion batteries

An approach of discontinuous activation and frozon-dry pretreatment toward a three-dimensional network porous carbon was proposed by using apple as the carbon source. The porous carbon, characterized by its high surface area and abundant porosity, was optimized through the manipulation of temperature and activator quantities during the activation process. The sample obtained by first calcining at 500 °C and then at 800 °C shows ultra-high rate electrochemical performance of over 900 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles and over 500 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles under the condition of charging and discharging current density of 0.2 A g−1 due to the high porosity. It is ascribed to the unique porous structure that can make the electrolyte and lithium ion transport and path short on the surface and inside the electrode material, further enhance its fast transport ability. The described approach represents an innovative and potentially impactful method for producing porous carbon electrodes with excellent electrochemical performance, particularly in the context of high-rate capability lithium-ion batteries.

SERS-Driven Ceftriaxone Detection in Blood Plasma: A Protein Precipitation Approach

Accurate detection of antibiotics in biological samples is essential for clinical diagnoses and therapeutic drug monitoring. This research examines how proteins and other substances in blood plasma affect the detection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We detected ceftriaxone spiked in blood plasma without sample preparation within the range of 1 mg/mL to 50 µg/mL. By employing a pretreatment approach involving methanol-based protein precipitation to eliminate interfering substances from a spiked blood plasma solution, we could detect ceftriaxone down to 20 µg/mL. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the protein precipitation step enhances the sensitivity of SERS-based detection of drugs in the matrix blood plasma. The insights derived from this study are highly beneficial and can prove advantageous in developing new antibiotic detection methods that are both sensitive and selective in complex biological matrices. These methods can have important implications for clinical treatments.

The peritumoral brain zone in glioblastoma: a review of the pretreatment approach.

Glioblastomas are the most common and aggressive form of malignant primary brain tumors in adults. The standard treatment is surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite optimal treatment methods, the prognosis for patients remains poor. Preoperative determination of glioblastoma margins remains beneficial for the complete removal of the tumor mass. Radiotherapy is essential for post-surgery treatment, but radioresistance is a significant challenge contributing to high mortality rates. Advanced imaging technologies are used to analyze the changes in the peritumoral brain zone (PTZ). Consequently, they may lead to the development of novel therapeutic options, especially targeting the marginal parts of a tumor, which could improve the prognosis of glioblastoma patients. The clinical presentation of glioblastoma is heterogeneous and mostly depends on the location and size of a tumor. Glioblastomas are characterized by both intratumoral cellular heterogeneity and an extensive, diffuse infiltration into the normal tissue bordering a tumor called the PTZ. Neuroimaging techniques, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI), proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS), and chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) are useful methods in the evaluation of the tumor infiltration and thus the resection margin.

Dual purpose of superheated steam treatment: Inactivating surface pathogens of pork belly and replacing blanching

Superheated steam (SHS) treatment is increasingly recognised as an emerging thermal sterilisation technology in food processing because of its high energy efficiency, time-saving benefits and minimal quality loss in raw materials. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of SHS treatment as a high-temperature pre-treatment approach for eliminating foodborne pathogens on the surface of pork belly and to determine its impact on nutritional quality. The SHS treatment at 180 °C and 25 kg h−1 for 50 s achieved sterilisation rates of 98.15% ± 1.70%, 96.59% ± 1.40% and 91.30% ± 2.14% for Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, which were three times higher than those achieved by microwave (MIC) sterilisation (700 W, 20 s). Furthermore, SHS-treated pork belly exhibited the highest moisture content and lowest cooking loss, with no significant changes in pressing loss and pH values. Compared with samples treated with MIC and blanching (99 °C ± 1 °C, 2 min), those treated with SHS showed significantly lower TBARS value and protein carbonyl content, with an increasing trend in L∗ values. Meanwhile, SHS treatment not only preserved the tenderness of the pork belly to the greatest extent but also yielded the highest sensory score of 7.81 out of 9. These findings indicate the potential of SHS treatment in producing premium-quality pasteurised pork belly.

Ultraviolet/dielectric barrier discharge enhanced ultrafiltration for treating natural water: Performance, mechanism and iodinated disinfection by-product fate

This study employed ultraviolet (UV)/ dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) pre-treatment to mitigate ultrafiltration membrane fouling and enhance the purification efficiency of natural surface water. Moreover, as an emerging contaminant, the iodinated disinfection by-products’ fate and degradation performance were discussed. The investigation revealed that the generation of numerous active species (⋅OH, ⋅O2−, 1O2, etc) under high input voltage and low pH conditions were advantageous for augmenting membrane flux, with sodium sulfate electrolyte playing a role in promoting the formation of selective sulfate radicals. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy indicated that the UV/DBD system at 5.5 kV can effectively degrade proteins and humic substances in surface water, leading to an enhancement in water quality. With the assistance of UV radiation, macromolecular organic matter underwent extensive decomposition into smaller molecules, thus creating an ideal environment for controlling membrane fouling in the UV/DBD system. Additionally, it was identified the intermediate products and degradation pathways during iopamidol degradation by UV/DBD. It also affirmed the minimal risk of disinfection by-product generation with this strategy. The study provides a viable and efficient pre-treatment approach for mitigating membrane fouling and purifying water.

A novel pretreatment approach on titanium alloys for electroless nickel

To augment the wear resistance of the titanium alloy, electroless nickel (EN) is an effective method to strengthen the surface properties. However, the oxide layer on the surface of titanium alloy will inhibit the adhesion of EN. Meanwhile, the traditional pretreatment methods are cumbersome steps and time-consuming. To overcome these limitations, this study systematically explores a one-step pretreatment approach through amino tris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMPA) and HF, which is designed to improve the binding strength of EN. The results exhibit that the compact composite membrane with Ti-ATMPA and TiF3 are successfully prepared under pH 3.0, which has provided a pretreatment layer to replace the oxidation of titanium alloy during EN process, and the adhesion of EN coating (EN-3.0) based on the pretreatment layer reaches 22.46 MPa. The wear resistance of titanium alloy and EN plating system studied via a friction measurement, and the lowest wear rate exhibit in EN-3.0 plating (880.9 × 10-10mm3/Nm) that is lower than EN-traditional pretreatment with a decrease of 32 %. Moreover, the formation and catalytic model of medial layer are also discussed.

The experience of chronic protracted mandibular dislocation treatment: manual vs. surgical reduction

Temporomandibular joint dislocation is a common challenge in dental care, but it can be promptly addressed through manual realignment, making it standard procedure in the realm of oral health. Nonetheless, effectively preventing and treating chronic protracted mandibular dislocation (CPMD), characterized by prolonged dislocation, remains a significant challenge. Hence, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 10 patients diagnosed with chronic protracted mandibular dislocation (CPMD), encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis details. CPMD tends to be more prevalent among the elderly population, with an average age of 67.2±11.9 years and a male-to-female ratio of 1:9. All diagnosed patients presented with bilateral anterior dislocation, each requiring diverse pre-treatment approaches. The most significant risk factor contributing to CPMD was unconsciousness resulting from nervous system injury, which delayed the perception of symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint dislocation. 90% of CPMD patients experienced successful treatment through manual reduction, while a refractory CPMD cohort, resistant to manual reduction, necessitated surgical intervention for resolution. All patients underwent treatment involving elastic intermaxillary traction, which served as the primary means of achieving reduction. Subsequent analysis of CT data revealed that condylar displacement beyond the zygomatic arch served as an indication for surgical reduction. Consequently, manual reduction under general anesthesia combined with elastic intermaxillary traction proved effective for managing CPMD cases. However, cases displaying excessive vertical displacement beyond the zygomatic arch should be considered for surgical intervention based on CT findings.

Ultrasound and high-speed shear pretreatments of walnut meal protein: Structural and functional characterization and mechanistic investigation

The study aims to investigate the effect of the addition of ultrasound (US) with high-speed shear (HSS) at the extraction stage on the yield, physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of walnut meal protein (WMP). Compared with the conventional alkaline soluble acid precipitation method, the WMP yields after US and HSS pretreatments were increased by 1.11 and 1.21 times, respectively. Protein samples treated with the US showed increased surface hydrophobicity, a more uniform distribution of particle sizes, and greater contact angles. SDS-PAGE results showed that the protein had broken peptide bonds at higher molecular weights. The proteins' free sulfhydryl groups and fluorescence intensity have both increased as a result of the two pretreatment approaches, indicating a substantial alteration in the proteins' tertiary structure. Dynamic light scattering and SEM findings revealed that the US and HSS treatments improved the protein water solubility and emulsion stability by reducing the aggregate particle size and homogenizing the protein dispersion system. These results indicate that US and HSS pretreatment can effectively solubilize WMP polymers and enhance the structural function of the protein. This provides a theoretical basis for the application of WMP in food processing and offers a suitable technology for improving protein utilization.

Enhancing methane yield and shifting microbial communities in anaerobic reactors treating lipid-rich dairy wastewater through exogenous lipase addition

This study explores a novel enzymatic pretreatment approach in anaerobic reactors for dairy wastewater, using lipase AY Amano to enhance methane production and modify microbial and archaeal community composition. Batch and semi-batch reactors with a total volume of 2000 mL were used to treat dairy wastewater with initial COD of 2000 and 15,000 mg L−1, respectively. In a new novel approach, the semi-batch reactors underwent a three-phase operation: 30 days of acclimation, 30 days of rest, and 30 days of active operation. Adding lipase (0.05% wv−1) as a pretreatment significantly increased methane yield over the 90 days by 135–138% compared with the control (without enzyme addition). The organic loading rate reached 0.22 g COD day−1 L−1. Furthermore, 30 days after the end of the semi-batch reactor approach (120 days from the start), reusing sludge in batch reactors increased methane yield by 114–122% compared to the control. This increase was linked to the emergence and shift of new methanogenic communities within the sludge. Integrating hydrolytic enzymes into the anaerobic treatment enhances performance and sustainability by fostering methanogen-enriched microbial communities. This is crucial for maximizing methane production but may increase costs, requiring further economic feasibility research.