Mechanical Treatment Research Articles

Fabrication, modification, interaction mechanisms, and applications of fish gelatin: A comprehensive review.

Fish gelatin (FG) is an essential natural biopolymer isolated from aquatic sources and has been considered as a feasible substitute for mammalian gelatins. However, its inferior mechanical and gelling properties limit its applications. Consequently, FG has been modified using various methods. This review summarizes the extraction techniques (including traditional acid and alkaline methods, as well as newer technologies such as ultrasonic-assisted and microwave-assisted extraction), modification strategies (mechanical treatments, physical mixing with polysaccharides, utilization of the Hofmeister effect, chemical modifications, etc.), along with their mechanisms of action. Additionally, we discussed the applications of FG and its modified products. Furthermore, this review highlights the safety and prospects for FG and its derivatives. The mechanical properties and biological functions of FGs are enhanced after modification. Thus, modified FG composites exhibit diverse applications in areas such as foaming agents and emulsifiers, food packaging, three-dimensional printing, drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. This paper aims to provide comprehensive information for future research on FG with the intention of broadening its applicability within the industries of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, the development of tough gels, aerogels, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels based on FG requires further investigation.

Recent Progress on Photonic Cellulose Nanocrystal Films for Sensing Applications

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have triggered considerable research interest in the last few years owing to their unique optical, biodegradation, and mechanical behavior. Herein, recent progress on the sensing application of photonic CNC films is summarized and discussed based on the analyses of the latest studies. We briefly introduce the three approaches for preparing CNCs: mechanical treatment, acid hydrolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis, recapitulating their differences in preparation and properties. Then, when the aqueous suspension of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) reaches a specific concentration, it will self-assemble to form a lefthanded nematic liquid crystal structure, and this structure can be maintained in films after water evaporation, which has strong photonic crystal properties. The periodic layered structure in the film interferes and diffracts with light, showing a rainbow color. Photonic CNC composites that combine CNCs and functional materials have good properties and broad prospects. Finally, we highlight the advanced applications of photonic CNC films, including mechanical sensing, thermal sensing, and humidity sensing. The prospects and ongoing challenges of photonic CNC films were summarized.

Fabrication of multilayer cellulose filters isolated from natural biomass for highly efficient air filtration for replacement of synthetic HEPA filters

Indoor air pollution can be extensively reduced by using a molecular air filtration system. However, widely utilized synthetic polymer-based filtration medium can lead to waste management difficulty after use. Consequently, this work aimed to synthesize highly efficient air nano-filters derived from renewable and biodegradable resources namely EFB and Pulp. The study successfully presented an air filter from 100% natural cellulose using a facile physical multilayer filter fabrication method. A combination of chemical and mechanical treatment was applied to prepare nanocellulose. The chemical composition analysis showed that 66-67% nanocellulose yield was efficiently isolated from both raw materials. The highest particle filtration efficiency (PFE) of 97.30% (0.3 μm particle size) greater than that of commercial HEPA filters was achieved from multilayer acid-derived microfiber@mechanically treated nanofibers from EFB with low-pressure drop of 11.56mm H2O. When %PFE and pressure drop were taken into consideration, all single-layer and multilayer-patterned fiber filters in this study provided high quality factor (QF) beyond 0.01Pa−1 which is the target of the air filter. The findings revealed that the pattern-layer filters through TBA-induced freezing-drying technique could achieve the removal of microbial model and Particulate Matters (PM1.0) represented as 0.1 and 0.3 μm particles, at the very low-pressure drop. Therefore, this study not only enhances the value of natural lignocellulosic wastes but also presents inspiring concepts for creating biodegradable cellulose-based air filters that will pave the way to more eco-friendliness and sustainability for synthetic filter replacement.

Improved surface integrity and fatigue property of FV520B steel via surface mechanical rolling treatment process

Improved surface integrity and fatigue property of FV520B steel via surface mechanical rolling treatment process

Abstract TP151: Optimizing Acute Stroke Care Through a Hub-and-Spoke Telestroke Network: Insights from a Large Cohort Analysis

Background: Efficient management of acute ischemic stroke is critical to reducing disability and mortality. The hub-and-spoke telestroke model has been developed to extend specialized stroke care to regions with limited resources, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a large-scale hub-and-spoke telestroke network in delivering acute stroke care, focusing on the rates of thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, treatment timelines, and patient outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 9,702 patients treated within a 38-hospital telestroke network from December 2014 to January 2018. Data collected included patient demographics, stroke characteristics, treatment interventions, and outcomes. Key measures included the proportion of patients receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA), mechanical thrombectomy, time from stroke onset to treatment, and rates of complications and discharge outcomes. Results: Of the 9,702 patients included, 83.1% were diagnosed with a true stroke, and the mean NIHSS score on admission was 6.2. IV tPA was recommended for 16.3% of patients, with 61.7% receiving the treatment. Mechanical thrombectomy was performed in 2.3% of cases, with an average procedure duration of 46.2 minutes. The median time from stroke onset to IV tPA administration was 114.2 minutes. Hemorrhagic transformation occurred in 19.4% of patients who received thrombolysis, and the overall mortality rate was 17.4%. The average NIHSS score at discharge improved to 4.4, with 54.9% of patients discharged home. Conclusion: The hub-and-spoke telestroke network demonstrated significant efficacy in delivering timely, specialized stroke care across a large and diverse patient cohort. By reducing treatment delays and optimizing access to advanced interventions, this model has the potential to transform stroke care in underserved regions, reducing both mortality and long-term disability.

Effect of surface treatments on the bond strength of resin-repaired resin matrix CAD-CAM ceramic: A Scoping review.

To evaluate the existing evidence on surface treatment techniques employed in the repair of resin matrix CAD-CAM ceramics and their effects on short- and long-term bond strength. This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews and was registered on the Open Science Framework platform. Based on the PCC concept, where P: Resin matrix CAD-CAM ceramic blocks for CAD-CAM, C: Bond strength, and C: Surface treatments, a search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Lilacs (grey literature) databases until October 2024, with no language or date restrictions. In vitro studies comparing mechanical and/or chemical surface treatments on the bond strength of resin composite repairs were included. A total of 47 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, of which 45 used both mechanical and chemical treatments, and 29 used chemical treatments alone. The combination of chemical and mechanical treatments is the appropriate option. Alumina blasting and silica coating are the most commonly used mechanical surface treatments, either alone or in conjunction with chemical treatments. Laser irradiation may serve as an alternative to conventional treatments. The studies revealed variability among protocols for repairing resin matrix CAD-CAM ceramics, with the combined use of chemical and mechanical treatments being the most effective approach.

Advances in the treatment of glioma-related signaling pathways and mechanisms by metformin

Metformin (MET) is a commonly used drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the department of endocrinology. In recent years, due to the few clinically effective treatment options including glioma, some scholars have proposed the possibility of metformin in the treatment of glioma, and studies have shown that metformin has a certain inhibitory effect on this tumor. This review explores the multiple mechanisms through which metformin exerts its antitumor effects, focusing on signaling pathways such as AMPK/mTOR, ferroptosis, autophagy, apoptosis and chloride ion channels (CLIC1). Metformin’s inhibition of glioma proliferation involves complex cellular processes, including mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and modulation of immune responses. Additionally, metformin affects glioma stem cells by inhibiting key pathways, including STAT3, mTOR, and AKT, and altering the tumor microenvironment. While preclinical studies suggest that metformin enhances radiosensitivity and reduces tumor recurrence, its clinical application remains in early stages, with further studies needed to optimize dosing regimens and understand its full therapeutic potential. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of metformin’s molecular mechanisms in glioma treatment and highlights its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy, especially for treatment-resistant gliomas.

Evaluating the effects of chlorhexidine and vitamin c mouthwash on oral health in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the most commonly used mouthwash with proven antiplaque and antibacterial activity. The aim is to evaluate the effect of vitamin C (VitC) in CHX mouthwash on plaque accumulation and gingivitis, and to compare it with CHX alone mouthwash and antiseptic phenol-containing mouthwashes. This study conducted as a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel design clinical study. Sixty patients were included, randomly divided into three groups. 1. Antiseptic phenol agent (P, Phenol), 2. Antiseptic bisbiguanide agent CHX-only (CHX) and 3. Antiseptic bisbiguanide agent CHX + VitC mouthwash (CHX + VitC). The study assessed oral hygiene and periodontal health status, followed by scaling and root planning (SRP) and subsequent polishing. After using the mouthwash for 60 s twice daily along 14 days, patients recalled for evaluation of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and staining. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences formed between groups and Tukey multiple comparison analysis was used to determine groups that showed the differences. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value threshold of 0.05. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding baseline PI, GI and BOP (p > 0.05). Changes at 14th day in PI, GI and BOP in all groups were similar and no significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). Regarding ‘all surfaces’, staining density of two mouthwashes containing CHX was significantly higher than that of P mouthwash. CHX, CHX + VitC, and P mouthwashes appeared to exhibit comparable effects as oral hygiene adjuncts to periodontal mechanical treatment, with the exception of staining, which was more noticeable in the CHX groups compared to the P group. Adding vitamin C did not enhance the effects of CHx alone.

Evaluation of the efficiency of smear layer removal during endodontic treatment using scanning electron microscopy: an in vitro study

BackgroundThe smear layer formed during root canal instrumentation negatively affects root canal irrigation activity, which in turn can affect the treatment prognosis of endodontic treatment.AimThe aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of smear layer and debris removal in root canals using different irrigation protocols using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Materials and methodsThe quality of smear layer removal throughout the root canal was assessed in 30 intact extracted teeth divided into 3 groups according to the irrigation protocol: Group 1: 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL) alternately with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acetate (EDTA) was used. Group 2: 3% NaOCL alternately with 9% etidronate solution diluted with distilled water and Group 3: 9% etidronate solution diluted in 3% NaOCL. The quality of smear layer removal was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nonparametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the protocols of irrigations.ResultsThe study showed significant differences in the quality of smear layer removal in the apical part of the root canal. The best results were obtained in the groups using 9% etidronate and 9% etidronate solution diluted in 3% sodium hypochlorite. Conducting a comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of removing the smear layer using 3% NaOCL + 17% EDTA, 3% NaOCL + 9% etidronic acid diluted with distilled water, 3% NaOCL + 9% etidronic acid diluted with 3% hypochlorite showed greater effectiveness of protocols using etidronate. When comparing statistical data, protocols using etidronate were 4 times more effective than EDTA.ConclusionThe smear layer formed during mechanical treatment of the root canal was better removed during irrigation with etidronate solution.

Weak Covalent Bonds and Mechanochemistry for Synergistic Self-Strengthening of Elastomers.

The macroscopic properties of elastomers are intimately linked to their molecular reactivity and mechanisms. Here, we propose a new strategy for designing strengthening materials based on the synergy of weak covalent bonds and mechanochemistry. After mechanical treatment, the failure strength and toughness of the elastomer increased from 2.37 ± 0.05 MPa and 11.34 ± 0.30 MJ/m3 to 6.02 ± 0.04 MPa and 18.40 ± 0.30 MJ/m3, respectively, while maintaining excellent tensile properties. Notably, experimental tests, theoretical calculations, and small-molecule reaction model results show that the sulfur-carbon bond is more prone to homolysis, and the reactive sites are between sulfur radicals and the end-positioned carbon of the vinyl. The C-S weak bond of spirothiopyran (STP) first undergoes homolysis to dissipate energy suffering from external stress, and the radical-mediated click reaction leads to the interchain cross-linking, thus enhancing the mechanical strength. In the end, the prepared elastomer is further used to construct a photonic elastomer, which exhibits not only mechanical force-enhanced strength but also mechanochromism. The present work provides an opportunity for innovative design of self-strengthening materials, and the prepared novel self-strengthening elastomer has broad applications in visualized strain monitoring, electronic skin, soft robots, and other fields.

Animal models of cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain.

Cisplatin chemotherapy has been used as the main treatment for different types of cancer. However, cisplatin chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP) seriously affects the treatment process and quality of life of patients. In addition, it impacts the underlying mechanism and prevention and treatment strategies, indicating that drug selection and efficacy evaluation need to be further investigated. Furthermore, an animal model that is more consistent with the pathological mechanism needs to be developed. In this study, we describe and discuss the methods of developing and detecting CIPNP models in rats and mice induced by cisplatin chemotherapy. The aim was to improve the modeling rate and develop animal models that are more consistent with the developmental pattern of the disease. In addition, the study provides ideal reference animal models for clinical research and drug discovery and development.

The prognostic impact of arterial spin labeling hyperperfusion in acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hyperperfusion is related to vessel recanalization, tissue reperfusion, and collateral circulation. To determine the prognostic impact of hyperperfusion after an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) identified by arterial spin labeling (ASL) cerebral blood flow. Studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Studies assessing the diagnostic performance of ASL hyperperfusion after AIS were included. Functional prognosis, hemorrhagic transformation (HT), infarction volume, and penumbra salvage volume were evaluated. The standardized mean difference or risk ratio was pooled, implementing a random effect model. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed. Seven studies including 617 participants were included in this meta-analysis. ASL hyperperfusion in AIS was correlated well with symptom severity and outcome after 24 h National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Earlier ASL hyperperfusion was associated with a smaller infarction volume and a larger penumbra salvage volume, while also indicating a higher risk of HT. In addition, in subgroup analysis, our results demonstrated that thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy treatment, early improvement of NIHSS, and involving infarction in cortical territory are associated with ASL hyperperfusion. ASL hyperperfusion was related to a favorable functional outcome but an increased risk of HT. Stroke patients with hyperperfusion showed smaller infarction volume and larger penumbra salvage volume than those with non-hyperperfusion.

Beyond the random phase approximation for calculating Curie temperatures in ferromagnets: application to Fe, Ni, Co and monolayer CrI3

The magnetic properties of solids are typically analyzed in terms of Heisenberg models where the electronic structure is approximated by interacting localized spins. However, even in such models the evaluation of thermodynamic properties constitutes a major challenge and is usually handled by a mean field decoupling scheme. The random phase approximation (RPA) comprises a common approach and is often applied to evaluate critical temperatures although it is well known that the method is only accurate wellbelowthe critical temperature. In the present work we compare the performance of the RPA with a different decoupling scheme proposed by Callen as well as the mean field decoupling of interacting Holstein-Primakoff (HP) magnons. We consider three-dimensional (3D) as well as two-dimensional (2D) model systems where the Curie temperature is governed by anisotropy. In 3D, the Callen method is the most accurate in the classical limit, and we show that the Callen decoupling (CD) produces the best agreement with experiments for bcc Fe, fcc Ni and fcc Co with exchange interactions obtained from first principles. In contrast, for low spin systems where a quantum mechanical treatment is pertinent, the HP and RPA methods are superior to the CD. In 2D systems with magnetic order driven by single-ion anisotropy, it is shown that HP fails rather dramatically and both RPA and Callen approaches severely overestimates Curie temperatures. The most accurate approach is then constructed by combining RPA with the CD of single-ion anisotropy, which yields the correct lack of order forS=1/2. We exemplify this by the case of monolayer CrI3using exchange constant extracted from experiments.

Treatment and Valorization of Waste Wind Turbines: Component Identification and Analysis.

Recycling end-of-life wind turbines poses a significant challenge due to the increasing number of turbines going out of use. After many years of operation, turbines lose their functional properties, generating a substantial amount of composite waste that requires efficient and environmentally friendly processing methods. Wind turbine blades, in particular, are a problematic component in the recycling process due to their complex material composition. They are primarily made of composites containing glass and carbon fibers embedded in polymer matrices such as epoxies and polyester resins. This study presents an innovative approach to analyzing and valorizing these composite wastes. The research methodology incorporates integrated processing and analysis techniques, including mechanical waste treatment using a novel compression milling process, instead of traditional knife mills, which reduces wear on the milling tools. Based on the differences in the structure and colors of the materials, 15 different kinds of samples named WT1-WT15 were distinguished from crushed wind turbines, enabling a detailed analysis of their physicochemical properties and the identification of the constituent components. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified key functional groups, confirming the presence of thermoplastic polymers (PET, PE, and PP), epoxy and polyester resins, wood, and fillers such as glass fibers. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) provided insights into thermal stability, degradation behavior, and the heterogeneity of the samples, indicating a mix of organic and inorganic constituents. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) further characterized phase transitions in polymers, revealing variations in thermal properties among samples. The fractionation process was carried out using both wet and dry methods, allowing for a more effective separation of components. Based on the wet separation process, three fractions-GF1, GF2, and GF3-along with other components were obtained. For instance, in the case of the GF1 < 40 µm fraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the residual mass is as high as 89.7%, indicating a predominance of glass fibers. This result highlights the effectiveness of the proposed methods in facilitating the efficient recovery of high-value materials.

Renovating Recycled Fibres Using High‐Shear Homogenization for Sustainable Packaging and Other Bioproducts

ABSTRACTThe production of paper and paperboard has become increasingly dependent on the recycled fibres, which primarily include old corrugated containers (OCC). However, OCC pulp fibres often exhibit inferior papermaking properties, such as poor mechanical strength and suboptimal physico‐chemical characteristics due to changes in fibre length, swelling and flexibility of fibre, surface area, and the presence of contaminants. This study introduces an alternative approach to modifying OCC pulp fibres through mild mechanical treatment to enhance overall fibre properties, including strength, without affecting dewatering. In this study, OCC pulp was treated using a pilot‐scale high‐shear homogenizer, and the obtained fibre properties such as fibre length, fines content, and fibrillation, were compared with the fibres treated with double‐disc refiner (DDR), as well as a combination of DDR and homogenizer in tandem. Handsheets were prepared from untreated, homogenized, refined and refined + homogenized pulp fibres to measure strength, bulk and other properties. The results showed that homogenization improved strength properties and freeness compared to other samples. Overall, homogenization provided enhanced bulk, tensile strength and short‐span compressive strength without reducing the drainage (freeness) of the OCC pulp.

Grain gradient refinement and corrosion mechanisms in metals through severe plastic deformation: insights from Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)

Grain gradient refinement and corrosion mechanisms in metals through severe plastic deformation: insights from Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT)

Relationships Among Select Comorbidities, Duration of Mechanical Ventilation, Treatment Modalities, and Patient Survival in Patients with COVID-19 who Require Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Relationships Among Select Comorbidities, Duration of Mechanical Ventilation, Treatment Modalities, and Patient Survival in Patients with COVID-19 who Require Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE FROM OIL PALM FROND BY CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL TREATMENT

Oil palm fronds are currently an underutilised by product of plantations. The micro and nano cellulose can be utilised to create new goods, such as being used as a filler in environmentally friendly degradable composites. This study examined the process of extracting oil palm frond fiber (OPFF) by using a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to get pure microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The MCC obtained by OPFF was subsequently analysed in further detail. The identification of morphological analysis, presence of functional groups, and crystallinity index were conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and X-Ray Difraction (XRD) techniques. The findings revealed the presence of microcrystalline structures in OPF fibers, having a mean measurement of width 3.2 ± 0.42 ?m. The application of FTIR verified that the elimination of noncellulosic constituents from the treated OPF fibers had achieved its utmost level. Simultaneously, X-ray diffraction research revealed that the utilization of chemical procedures resulted the formation of a characteristic cellulose crystal structure and an augmentation in the crystallinity index. However, the mechanical treatment resulted in a minor drop in the crystalline index. This can be ascribed to the disturbance of cellulose chains and the crystal structure within the cellulose fibers. The cellulose obtained from raw fibers and subsequent processing exists in a very pure form, specifically in the cellulose I? structure. This enables its utilization as reinforcement in eco-friendly MCC-based green composites, offering numerous benefits.

Identification of waste lithium-ion battery cell chemistry for recycling.

Battery technology has attained a key position as an energy storage technology in decarbonization of energy systems. Lithium-ion batteries have become the dominant technology currently used in consumer appliances, electric vehicles (EVs), and industrial applications. However, lithium-ion batteries are not alike and can have different cathode chemistries which makes their recycling more complex. In addition, as larger quantities of batteries are starting to enter their end-of-life (EOL) stage, efficient handling and management of batteries with different cathode chemistry types are required. By identifying the cathode chemistry type prior to mechanical treatment, mixing of different cathode chemistries could be decreased, resulting in an increase in overall recycling efficiency. This study investigated the applicability of a non-destructive battery diagnostic methods, namely incremental capacity analysis (ICA), for identifying EOL lithium-ion battery chemistry. The study conducted ICA both on known reference batteries and EOL batteries from the recycling industry. Next, EOL batteries were crushed and the resulting fine active material was analysed to validate the ICA result. In addition, released gaseous and airborne particles were measured during crushing. The ICA results showed reliable identification of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) from other chemistries. In addition, lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) could be identified with various degrees. The identification may suffer if the battery is heavily used, and its state of health is low.

E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM7 alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a clinically common disease with high mortality, characterized by tissue damage caused by excessive activation of inflammation. TRIM7 is an E3 ligase that plays an important role in regulating viral infection, tumor progression and innate immune response. But its function in ALI is unclear. In this study, LPS was used to stimulate C57BL/6j mice and HULEC-5a cells to establish ALI models in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that TRIM7 expression was down-regulated during ALI. Further, overexpressing of TRIM7 in HULEC-5a cells relieved cell damage and inflammatory activation induced by LPS stimulation. TRIM7 knockdown has the opposite effect. Trim7-overexpressing mice were established by endotracheal injection of AAV6-Trim7 virus in vivo, and then the ALI model was induced by LPS stimulation. It was proved that overexpression of TRIM7 could alleviate lung tissue injury, pulmonary interstitial hemorrhage, increased alveolar and vascular permeability, inflammatory cell infiltration and secretion of inflammatory factors induced by LPS stimulation. Mechanistically, TRIM7 has been shown to inhibit the expression of NLRP3 and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. The regulatory effect of TRIM7 on ALI depends on NLRP3 inflammasome. This investigation for the first time found the inhibitory effect of TRIM7 on ALI and the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, which providing new targets and ideas for the mechanism research and treatment of ALI.