Production and Characterization of a Composite Based on Plaster and Juncus Maritimus Plant Fibers

Nowadays,materials with a limited impact on the environment are required in the construction sector.Considering the interesting properties of natural elements such as natural fibers,it seems advantageous to use them to reinforce materials while protecting the environment and guaranteeing economic gain.Along these lines,this research was devoted to studying the effect of untreated natural fibers extracted from the Juncus maritimus plant(from Southern Morocco)on plaster.First,the effect of the percentage of added fibers on the fluidity of the plaster was evaluated by means of the Marsh’s cone method,that is,by measuring the time taken by a known volume of plaster to flow from a cone through a short tube.Then,the highly porous microstructure of the plaster was observed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM).The diffractogram of Juncus maritimus fibers was built by means of a X-ray diffraction(XRD)method.The values obtained for the wet thermal conductivity of the composites decreased from 0.4853 W/m.K for the reference specimen to 0.4324 W/m K for a fiber volume content of 40%.The densities were calculated to determine the lightness of each composite.The mechanical strengths[flexural and compressive]were evaluated for different percentages of rush fibers.The addition of 20%volume fiber was found to improve the flexural strength to 3.63 MPa compared to the sample without fiber(3.36 MPa),thereby ensuring good toughness of the considered material.Nevertheless,a reduction in compressive strength was observed,due to the poor adhesion between the fibers and the plaster matrix.

Study on the effect of Shixiang plaster on the expression of CD31,serum FN,and VEGF in a rat model with chronic wounds

Background:Chronic wounds pose a significant surgical challenge,often requiring traditional treatments with limited efficacy.This study explores the promising impact of Shixiang plaster,a classic Chinese ointment,on wound healing.We investigated the cluster of differentiation 31(CD31)expression,serum fibronectin(FN),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)levels in SPF rats with induced wounds to elucidate the mechanism behind Shixiang plaster’s effectiveness.We investigated the effect and explored the role of Shixiang plaster on the expression of CD31,serum FN,and VEGF in chronic wounds.Methods:The study involved 36 SPF rats divided into model,rb-bFGF,and Shixiang plaster groups.Penicillin was injected into the rats before modelling for 3 days to prevent infection.The skin was excised 2 cm below the horizontal line of the inferior border of the shoulder bone in the middle of the rat column up to the deep fascial layer and inoculated with a certain concentration of Staphylococcus aureus;the wound was covered aseptically for 3 days.The trauma area of the rats was observed at 3,7,and 14 days,respectively.Histopathology was observed using haematoxylin eosin and Masson staining.CD31 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry staining.FN and VEGF expression was detected using serum ELISA.Statistical analyses were carried out by the method of SPSS.Results:Regarding wound morphology,at 3 days,the recovery area of the Shixiang plaster group was larger than that of the other two groups,at 7 days,the wound healing rate of the Shixiang plaster group was significantly higher,and at 14 days,the wounds of the Shixiang plaster group had been mostly healed,with a healing rate of 98.3%.Haematoxylin eosin staining revealed a large amount of granulation tissue at 3 days in the Shixiang plaster group,and the epidermal scales disappeared at 14 days,with thinner epidermal thickness at 1 lesion and a large reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration.Masson staining showed that at 3,7,and 14 days,blue staining was the most abundant and deeper in the Shixiang plaster group,with richer collagen and a compact tissue matrix.Immunohistochemical testing showed strong positive expression of CD31 in the Shixiang plaster group,with abundant neovascularisation and large official lumens extending towards the surface of the wound.Statistically significant elevated expression of FN at 7 and 14 days was determined by ELISA in the Shixiang plaster group,and VEGF expression was significantly increased at 7 days,but expression had been expressed at a low level at 14 days.Conclusion:Shixiang plaster exhibits remarkable efficacy in healing chronic wounds.The proposed mechanism involves FN’s promotion of angiogenesis and cell proliferation,VEGF’s impact on angiogenesis and inflammation,and CD31’s regulatory role in inhibiting inflammation while promoting angiogenesis.

Thermal Performance Analysis of Plaster Reinforced with Raffia Vinifera Particles for Use as Insulating Materials in Building

The present study focuses on the formulation of new composite consisting of plaster and raffia vinifera particle (RVP) with the purpose to reducing energy consumption. The aim of this study is to test this new compound as an insulating eco-material in building in a tropical climate. The composites samples were developed by mixing plaster with raffia vinifera particles (RVP) using three different sizes (1.6 mm, 2.5 mm and 4 mm). The effects of four different RVP incorporations rates (i.e., 0wt%, 5wt%;10wt%;15wt%) on physical, thermal, mechanicals properties of the composites were investigated. In addition, the use of the raffia vinifera particles and plaster based composite material as building envelopes thermal insulation material is studied by the habitable cell thermal behavior instrumentation. The results indicate that the incorporation of raffia vinifera particle leads to improve the new composite physical, mechanical and thermal properties. And the parametric analysis reveals that the sampling rate and the size of raffia vinifera particles are the most decisive factor to impact these properties, and to decreases in the thermal conductivity which leads to an improvement to the thermal resistance and energy savings. The best improvement of plaster composite was obtained at the raffia vinifera particles size between 2.5 and 4.0 mm loading of 5wt% (C95P5R) with a good ratio of thermo-physical-mechanical properties. Additionally, the habitable cell experimental thermal behavior, with the new raffia vinifera particles and plaster-based composite as thermal insulating material for building walls, gives an average damping of 4°C and 5.8°C in the insulated house interior environment respectively for cold and hot cases compared to the outside environment and the uninsulated house interior environment. The current study highlights that this mixture gives the new composite thermal insulation properties applicable in the eco-construction of habitats in tropical environments.

Investigation of the Fermentation Mode of Rice Husk for the Stabilization of Earth Plaster

Despite its low resistance to humidity, adobe remains the most widely used material for housing construction, particularly in developing countries. The present study aims to assess different modes of use of fermented RH and to evaluate their influence on the behavior of raw earth for application in plaster. The influences of two types of RH are evaluated: granular rice husk (RHg) and powdered RH (RHp). The clay mainly consists of clay (40%), silt (22%), and sand (38.4%), with a small proportion of gravel (0.24%). Its liquidity limit is 40% and the plasticity index is 26.5%. The mixtures were designed using earth and each of the two rice husks at the volumetric content of 10%, 15% and 20% of the total volume mixed with water 36.5%, 38.5% and 40.3% and fermented for three weeks. Each fermented mixture was added to the soil to form the paste, and 40 × 40 × 160 mm3 test speciments were made for characterization. The results generally show an improvement in the physico-mechanical properties and water resistance of the mortars containing fermented RH, with an optimal content between 10% and 15%. The powdered RH improved the performance of the mortar better than granular RH.

Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste Combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine Plaster for the Intervention of Drug Rash Induced by Targeted Therapy in Lung Cancer

Objective:To observe the efficacy and safety of Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste combined with traditional Chinese medicine plaster in treating drug rash caused by targeted therapy in lung cancer.Methods:A total of 100 lung cancer patients treated at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 50 patients in each group.The control group received conventional medication,while the observation group was treated with Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste combined with traditional Chinese medicine plaster.The clinical symptom improvement and adverse reactions in both groups were observed.Results:The effective rate in the control group was 80.00%,while in the observation group,it was 96.00%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).The onset time,duration,and significant effect time in the control group were(2.41±0.29)days,(4.42±1.21)days,and(5.45±0.29)days,respectively;in the observation group,they were(2.44±0.21)days,(4.28±1.11)days,and(5.57±1.01)days,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference in the total onset time and total duration between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 28.00%,higher than the observation group’s 10.00%(P<0.05).Conclusion:Yinqiao Sanhuang Paste combined with traditional Chinese medicine plaster can effectively reduce the symptoms of drug rash induced by targeted therapy in lung cancer and lower the incidence of adverse reactions,indicating good clinical application value.

Effect of Head Meridian Massage Combined with Auricular Acupoint Plaster on Patients with Insomnia

Objective:To study the effect of head meridian massage combined with auricular acupoint plasters on patients with insomnia.Methods:The sample consisted of 50 cases,and all of them were admitted to Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to December 2023.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 25 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with a combination of head meridian massage and auricular acupoint plaster while the control group underwent conventional nursing care.The improvement of sleep quality and nursing effect were used as evaluation criteria to compare the clinical effects of the nursing programs.Results:After nursing intervention,the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score of the observation group,which was 7.17±1.41 points was lower than that of the control group(9.04±1.96 points),(t=3.8724,P<0.05).The total efficacy was 96.00%for the observation group and 76.00%for the control group(2=4.1528,P<0.05).Conclusion:Head meridian massage combined with auricular acupoint can improve the sleep quality of patients with insomnia.

Properties of fiber reinforced plaster molds for investment casting

In order to improve the performance of plaster molds for investment casting,a diverse content of glass fiber and polypropylene(PP)fiber was incorporated into the slurry for the preparation of a fiber-reinforced mold.The green and fired bending strengths,thermal expansion properties,permeability,and thermal shock resistance of the mold were examined,and the scanning electron microscope(SEM)with energy dispersive spectrometer(EDS)was applied for the observation of fracture morphology.With appropriate content,the introduction of glass fiber was proved to increase the green bending strength and fired bending strength,restrain the thermal expansion and improve the thermal shock resistance of the mold,while the polypropylene fiber added was able to raise the green bending strength and the permeability,reduce the thermal expansion and heighten the thermal shock resistance as well,though the fired bending strength would be weakened slightly.Evenly distributed fibers were capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of the matrix,but agglomerations and bundles of fibers resulting from excessive addition had a negative impact.Meanwhile,it was also manifested that micropores left by ablative polypropylene fibers could improve the permeability and reduce the thermal expansion of the mold,and the fired bending strength would be decreased slightly by the deterioration of continuous structure.Three different ratios of hybrid fiber were employed in plaster molds,which can meet altered requirement of castings.The samples modified with hybrid fiber possessed lower thermal deformation,higher air permeability,and better resistance of thermal shock,while the mechanical strength was equal to the fiber free sample or slightly increased.

Preparation of Novel Composite from Natural Rubber, Bagasse and Plaster

The sugar cane bagasse was treated with chemical treatment including sodium hydroxide and silane. The characterization of the modified bagasse was achieved with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR）, and scaning electron microscopy （SEM）. Results showed that the presence Si-CH3 group occurred on bagasse surface after chemical modification. In addition, the roughness of the modified bagasse was higher than that of unmodified bagasse due to chemical modification from sodium hydroxide. Two polymer composite types, namely （1） natural rubber NR/sugar cane bagasse and （2） NR/plaster via two-roll mill method, were prepared. The optimum cure （t90） and torque of the NR/plaster increased with increasing plaster loading in composite. In case of NR/bagasse, the tgo of this sample decreased as a function of sugar cane bagasse while torque of this sample increased with increasing sugar cane bagasse. The modulus of the resulting composite increased with increasing both plaster and sugar cane bagasse, but the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composite decreased as a function of both piaster and sugar cane bagasse in composite.

INSOMNIA TREATED WITH AURICULAR-PLASTER THERAPY IN 218 CASES

218 cases of insomnia were treated by auricular plaster therapy with seeds of Vaccaria segetalis. The auricular points Heart, Shenmen, Occiput and Brain were selected. The resultsshowed that 136 cases were cured, 76 markedly impr0ved and 6 no effect. The effect of this therapywas significantly better than that of medication (P【0. 01) in comparison with the application of western medicine.

The Influence of Two Natural Reinforcement Fibers on the Hygrothermal Properties of Earthen Plasters in Mogao Grottoes of China

Murals in Mogao Grottoes consist of three parts:support layer,earthen plasters and paint layer.The earthen plasters play a key role in the preservation of murals.It is a mixture of Dengban soil,sand,and plant fiber.Two different natural fibers,hemp fiber and cotton fiber,were reinforced to earthen plasters in the same percentage to evaluate the influence on hygrothermal performance.The two types of earthen plasters were studied:one containing hemp fiber in the fine plaster(HFP)and the other containing cotton fiber in the fine plaster(CFP).Specific heat capacity,dry thermal conductivity,water vapor permeability,and sorption isotherms were investigated.The results showed that the difference between two natural fibers has much more impact on the hygric properties(water vapor permeability and sorption isotherms)of earthen plasters than on their thermal performance(specific heat capacity and dry thermal conductivity).The CFP with higher density has higher thermal conductivity than the HFP with lower density.But no significant differences of specific heat capacity were observed.Compared with HFP,CFP used in murals can reduce the rate of water transfer and prevent salt from transferring water to the mural surface.The overall findings highlight that all these features of CFP are beneficial to the long-term preservation of murals.The study of the earthen plasters in Mogao Grottoes is of general significance,and the measured properties can be used to obtain coupled heat and moisture analysis of the earthen plasters and to dissect the degradation mechanism of murals.

Study and application of plasticity plaster-slurry for preventing coal spontaneous combustion

Introduced the modulation scheme, function and mechanism of plasticity plaster slurry preventing coal spontaneous combustion. The applications show that the plasticity plaster slurry has good hygroscopicity and adsorptivity. To spray it on the coal wall of tunnel can shut off leakage wind fast and effectively. To press it into the coal body can absorb the heat and descend the temperature, surround the coal pieces, eliminate the possibility of the fiery district resuming combustion.

Clinical study on the treatment of bronchiectasis in remission period by embedding thread combined with Jianpi Qushi Huayu plaster

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of embedding thread combined with Jianpi Qushi Huayu ointment in the treatment of bronchiectasis in remission period,and to observe the effect on the level of inflammatory cytokines.Methods:150 patients with bronchiectasis in remission period were divided into three groups(50 cases in each group),western medicine group(treated with salmeterol fluticasone and low dose erythromycin),combined group(treated with Jianpi Qushi Huayu plaster),observation group(treated with western medicine+Jianpi Qushi Huayu plaster+embedding thread),and the clinical treatment of the three groups were compared.Result:before and after treatment,the improvement of TCM syndrome score,the improvement of pulmonary ventilation index,the improvement of inflammatory cytokines,and the change of adverse reactions.Results:the treatment efficiency of the observation group and the combination group was significantly higher than that of the western medicine group P The peak level of expiratory flow velocity,the maximum expiratory flow,the forced expiratory volume in one second and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to vital capacity in the observation group and the combined group were significantly better than those in the western medicine group and the pre-treatment level(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was better than that in the combined group After treatment,the expression of IL-13,IL-10 and IL-4 in the combined group was significantly better than that in the western medicine group and before treatment(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was better than that in the combined group;there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:catgut embedding combined with Jianpi Qushi Huayu ointment can significantly alleviate the related clinical symptoms and signs,effectively control the further aggravation of the disease,improve the lung function of patients,regulate the level of inflammatory cytokines to reduce the degree of inflammatory reaction,and do not significantly aggravate the adverse reactions of drugs.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF COMBINED AURICULAR-PLASTER AND MOXIBUSTION THERAPIES FOR TREATMENT OF 500 CASES OF DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING

The present study reports results of 500 cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding treatedwith combined auricular-plaster and moxibustion therapies. After treatment, 480 cases were cured,constituting 96. 0 %; 16 cases were improved, constituting 3. 2% and 4 had no any effect, constituting 0. 8 %. The total effective rate was 99. 2 %.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF AURICULAR-PLASTER THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF GASTROPTOSIS

In the present study, 100 patients suffering from gastroptosis were randomly dividedinto auricular-plaster group and acupuncture group. The effective rates of the two groups were bothabove 90% and no statistically significant difference in the rates was found between these groups (P】0. 05). It indicates that auricular-plaster and acupuncture, though they are different from each otherin methodology, are both effective in the treatment of gastroptosis.

THE EFFECT OF AURICULAR-PLASTER THERAPY ON 1000 CASES OF DYSMENORRHEA

1000 patients suffering from dysmenorrhea have been treated by applying auricular-plaster therapy in our clinic since 1957. They were differentiated into 3 types and then given pressingtherapy on selected auricular points. Among the 1000 cases, 817 cases were cured, marked effective159 cases, with the total effective rate of 99. 6%. This therapy was effective to all 3 types of dysmen-orrhea.

43 CASES OF POSTOPERATIVE GASTROINTESTINAL DYSFUNCTION TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE PLUS AURICULAR-PLASTER THERAPY

After general surgical operation, a part of patients occur gastrointestinal dysfunction.The author has treated 43 cases of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction by acupuncture plus auricularplaster therapy. Body points Neiguan((PC 6 ), Hegu(LI 4 ), Zusanli (ST 36 ) and Gongsun(SP4), and auricular points Shenmen(MA-TF 1 ), Wei, Jiaogan(MA-AH 7) and Dachang(MA-SC 4),etc. were selected. Results indicated that 31 cases were cured, 11 cases were effective and one casewas ineffective. The total effective rate was 97. 7%. There was no statistically significant differencebetween the kinds of diseases operated and therapeutic effects. The method is convenient and its actionlasts a long period with more satisfactory effects for treatment of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Effect of auricular plaster for primary hypertension in older people:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a critical public health problem globally.Antihypertensive drugs can create an extra burden on hypertension patients'self-regulation leading to an imbalance of blood supply and demand.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of auricular plaster therapy combined with western medicine to treat primary hypertension in older people.AIM To carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis for the effect of auricular plaster in elderly hypertension patients.METHODS Multiple databases like PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,Chinese Biomedical Literature on Disc,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wan Fang and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database were used to search for the relevant studies and full-text articles involved in the evaluation of auricular plaster combined with western medicine and western medicine alone for primary hypertension in older people.All included articles were quality assessed and the data analysis was conducted with the Review Manager(5.4).Forest plots,sensitivity analysis and funnel plots were also performed on the included articles.RESULTS In this analysis,fourteen(14)relevant studies were included.The Meta-analysis showed a significant difference in the effective ratio(OR=3.62;95%CI,2.46 to 5.33;P<0.00001),diastolic blood pressure change(5.68 mmHg;95%CI,3.49 to 7.87;P<0.00001),systolic blood pressure change(MD=8.78 mmHg;95%CI,5.04 to 12.53;P<0.00001)and symptom score(MD=3.20;95%CI,1.23 to 5.18;P=0.001)between auricular plaster combined with western medicine group and western medicine alone group.One bias was detected as selection bias and another two in reporting bias.Sensitivity analysis fulfilled the stability of the results.CONCLUSION Our study suggested that auricular plaster combined with western medicine improved primary hypertension better than western medicine alone.Limited by the quality of included studies,further studies should be performed to confirm our findings.

Influence of the Addition of Sand and Compaction on the Mechanical and Thermal Performances of Plaster

Since antiquity, man used to stock up materials and products existing in his close surroundings to build his house, which provides him shelter and comfort. Within the present work, mixtures of plaster and dune sand have been studied with the aim of valorization of locally abundant materials. The tests showed that with the addition of dune sand and the compaction, an optimal mixture (67% plaster and 33% dune sand) can be used as a carrier element for construction of up to three levels;since significant increase of the mechanical strength has been observed. The element obtained offers an acceptable thermal insulation with a decrease in the thickness of the outer wall construction. The use of this gypsum’s mortar block as a carrier element in a structure not exceeding three levels, also enables a considerable savings especially in areas where sand and plaster are abundant and relatively inexpensive.

Elaboration and Characterization of a Plaster Reinforced with Fibers from the Stem of Cola lepidota for Industrial Applications

Current environmental and eco-design issues require the use of environmentally friendly materials. These make up a large share of the building materials market. Natural fibers are already used in various types of materials, such as plastics, concrete and lime-based products. They exhibit different attributes like the right combination of mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties, allowing these types of materials to be used for different applications. The main disadvantage associated with plaster is its fragility, especially under mechanical stress. Therefore, it becomes interesting to study different methods that could improve the mechanical properties of plaster. The addition of fibers to the plaster to obtain a composite material is already recognized as a means of improving the behavior of the product, in particular after the rupture of the matrix. The aim of this work was to study the effects of the addition of natural fibers from the stem of Cola lepidota (CL), on the physical properties and the mechanical behavior of the composite matrix. This study highlights the effects of fiber size and volume fraction. It has been shown that the mass of composites decreases as the percentage and length of fibers increases. The mechanical properties of composite materials are also discussed. Even at low addition rates, CL stem fibers achieved slightly higher values of flexural properties.