Analysis on the Effect of Yiqi Huoxue Decoction Combined with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Improving ICU-Acquired Debility in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of Yiqi Huoxue decoction combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on improving intensive care unit(ICU)acquired debility in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods:50 patients who were admitted to the ICU and received mechanical ventilation treatment in our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 and were complicated with ICU-acquired neurasthenia were selected,and randomly grouped using the randomized envelope method into two groups:control group with 25 patients who received neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone;observation group with 25 patients who received the traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue decoction.Comparison indexes:treatment efficiency,degree of emotional recovery(APACHEⅡscore),muscle strength status(MRC score),motor status(FAC rating),and self-care ability(BI index score).Results:The treatment efficiency of patients in the observation group patients was higher as compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the comparison of the results of the scores(ratings)of each index between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05).After the treatment,the APACHEⅡscores of patients in the observation group were significantly lower as compared to those in the control group,while the MRC scores,FAC ratings,and BI index scores were higher in the observation group than those of the control group patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined application of Yiqi Huoxue decoction and neuromuscular electrical stimulation in the treatment of patients with ICU-acquired neurasthenia complicated by mechanical ventilation significantly enhanced the clinical efficacy,the patient’s muscle strength,motor status,and ability of self-care.Hence,it has high application value and is worthy to be popularized.

Activity of the Mechanically Isolated Hybrid Stromal Vascular Fraction on Osteoarthritis

Background: Regenerative medicine holds promise for treating degenerative and inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis (OA). However, the complex molecular mechanisms of OA and the limitations of current therapies remain challenges. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) are gaining attention for OA treatment due to their abundance in adipose tissue. The literature delineates two primary techniques for SVF extraction from adipose tissue: enzymatic digestion and mechanical methods. The Lipocube Hybrid SVF presents a straightforward and secure mechanical isolation method for SVF, enhancing its regenerative potential for various applications. Purpose: This study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of Lipocube Hybrid SVF as a regenerative therapy for OA, contributing to the broader understanding of its applicability in addressing this debilitating condition. Method: To assess the effectiveness and safety of the Lipocube Hybrid SVF, we have designed a comparative study that evaluates cellular activity and viability, phenotypic characterization, and differentiation potential. The in vitro activity of mechanically isolated SVF is compared to the established gold standard enzymatic digestion method. After in vitro studies, Lipocube Hybrid mechanical isolation method was used to isolate SVF and applied in 42 knee and 7 hip joints of 28 patients with Grade II, Grade III, and Grade IV OA. Results: The Lipocube Hybrid group had slightly lower viable cell numbers but higher cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis showed the Lipocube Hybrid group exhibited more favorable markers for regenerative potential and reduced inflammatory response. Additionally, both groups demonstrated successful osteogenic differentiation, with the Lipocube Hybrid group excelling in chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The clinical application of the Lipocube Hybrid SVF in OA patients resulted in significant improvements in WOMAC and VAS scores across different OA grades. Conclusions: This comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Lipocube Hybrid SVF, which has shown promise in laboratory settings, for different stages of osteoarthritis. The study findings provide valuable insights into the potential of Lipocube Hybrid SVF as a regenerative therapy for OA, highlighting its suitability for addressing this debilitating condition.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Marked Suction Tubes vs. Plain Suction Tubes in Pediatric Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Introduction: Endotracheal suction plays a crucial role in the management of mechanically ventilated patients. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of suction tubes with markings in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized assignment was carried out on a cohort of 52 pediatric patients who underwent mechanical ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, covering the period from January 2022 to December 2022. These patients were divided into two groups: an improved group (n = 26) utilizing marked suction tubes, and a regular group (n = 26) employing conventional suction tubes. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of marked suction tubes. Results: The effects of the improved group on the vital signs of children undergoing mechanical ventilation were small and statistically significant compared with the regular group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the improved group exhibited a reduced frequency of sputum suction, shorter mechanical ventilation duration, and fewer days of hospitalization in the PICU compared to the regular group during the ventilation period. Notably, the difference in the duration of PICU hospitalization was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions in the improved group was notably lower, with statistically significant differences observed in airway mucous membrane damage and irritating cough when compared to the regular group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The utilization of marked suction tubes provides clinical nurses with clear guidance for performing suctioning with ease, efficiency and safety. Consequently, advocating for the widespread implementation of marked suction tubes in clinical practice is a commendable pursuit.

Mechanically Driven Alloying and Structural Evolution of Nanocrystalline Fe_(60)Cu_(40) Powder

Highly supersaturated nanocrystalline fcc Fe60Cu40 alloy has been prepared by mechanical alloying of elemental powders. The phase transformation is monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD),Mossbauer spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). The powder obtained after milling is of single fcc structure with grain size of nanometer order. The Mossbauer spectra of the milled powder can be fitted by two subspectra whose hyperfine magnetic fields are 16 MA/m and 20 MA/m while that of pure Fe disappeared. EXAFS results show that the radial structure function (RSF) of Fe K-edge changed drastically and finally became similar to that of reference Cu K-edge, while that of Cu K-edge nearly keeps unchanged in the process of milling. These imply that bcc Fe really transforms to fcc structure and alloying between Fe and Cu occurs truly on an atomic scale. EXAFS results indicate that iron atoms tend to segregate at the boundaries and Cu atoms are rich in the fcc lattice. Annealing experiments show that the Fe atoms at the interfaces are easy to cluster to α-Fe at a lower temperature, whereas the iron atoms in the lattice will form γ-Fe first at temperature above 350℃, and then transform to bcc

A multiscale 3D finite element analysis of fluid/solute transport in mechanically loaded bone

The transport of fluid, nutrients, and signaling molecules in the bone lacunar–canalicular system(LCS) is critical for osteocyte survival and function. We have applied the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching(FRAP) approach to quantify load-induced fluid and solute transport in the LCS in situ, but the measurements were limited to cortical regions 30–50 μm underneath the periosteum due to the constrains of laser penetration. With this work, we aimed to expand our understanding of load-induced fluid and solute transport in both trabecular and cortical bone using a multiscaled image-based finite element analysis(FEA)approach. An intact murine tibia was first re-constructed from micro CT images into a three-dimensional(3D)linear elastic FEA model, and the matrix deformations at various locations were calculated under axial loading. A segment of the above 3D model was then imported to the biphasic poroelasticity analysis platform(FEBio) to predict load-induced fluid pressure fields, and interstitial solute/fluid flows through LCS in both cortical and trabecular regions. Further, secondary flow effects such as the shear stress and/or drag force acting on osteocytes, the presumed mechano-sensors in bone, were derived using the previously developed ultrastructural model of Brinkman flow in the canaliculi. The material properties assumed in the FEA models were validated against previously obtained strain and FRAP transport data measured on the cortical cortex.Our results demonstrated the feasibility of this computational approach in estimating the fluid flux in the LCS and the cellular stimulation forces(shear and drag forces) for osteocytes in any cortical and trabecular bone locations, allowing further studies of how the activation of osteocytes correlates with in vivo functional bone formation. The study provides a promising platform to reveal potential cellular mechanisms underlying the anabolic power of exercises and physical activities in treating patients with skeletal deficiencies.

Structure and Magnetic Properties of Nd(Fe,Mo)_(12)N_x Prepared by Mechanically Alloying

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Mechanically strong,flexible,and multi-responsive phase change films with a nacre-mimetic structure for wearable thermal management

Phase change materials(PCMs)are a highly promising candidate for thermal energy storage owing to their large latent heat and chemical stability.However,their intrinsic brittle induces poor flexibility and low mechanical strength,which limits them use for wearable thermal management.And,the electrical insulation and weak solar absorption make them lack multi-responsive capability.Herein,we report a facile strategy to synthesize mechanically strong and flexible multi-responsive phase change films by stirring an aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofibrils(CNFs),MXene(Ti_(2)C_(3))nanosheets,and polyethylene glycol(PEG),followed by air-drying self-assembly and coating with hydrophobic fluorocarbon.The hydrogen bonds and nacre-mimetic synergistic toughening networks formed by ternary CNFs,Ti_(2)C_(3)nanosheets,and PEG endow films with high mechanical strength(16.7 MPa)and strain(10.4%),which are 18.6 and 8.7 times higher than those of pure PEG film,respectively.The films exhibit outstanding flexibility and do not crack or fracture even when bent,twisted,and folded into a complex small boat.Meanwhile,the laminar structure formed by the self-assembly Ti_(3)C_(2)nanosheets enhances electrical conductivity(3.95 S/m)and solar absorption,affording excellent electro-thermal(68.3%–81.0%)and solarthermal(85.6%–90.6%)conversion efficiency,thus achieving multi-response to external stimuli(electron/solar radiation).In addition,the as-prepared films also deliver large latent heat(136.1 J/g),outstanding cyclic and shape stability,leak-free encapsulation even under compressed at above 5000 times its weight,excellent hydrophobicity(131.4°),and self-cleaning function.This work paves the way for developing flexible,mechanically strong,and self-cleaning phase change film with multi-responsive function for wearable thermal management devices under high humidity condition.

Structural and Magnetic Properties of Mechanically Alloyed Nd_(15)Fe_(70)T_(15)N_δ(T=V,Mo) Magnets

Structural and magnetic properties of Nd15Fe70T15Nδ(T=V, Mo) alloys, made by mechanical alloying (MA) followed by heat-treatment and nitriding, have been investigated systematically.Effects of annealing temperature on the structure and magnetic properties of the materials were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, AC susceptibility and high field magnetization measurements. Under pure argon atmosphere, the optimum temperatures for the heat treatment are found to be 75 and 850℃ for Nd15Fe7015Nδ and Nd15Fe70Mo15Nδ respectively. Correspondingly, the following magnetic properties are achieved : (1) Nd15Fe70V15Nδ:Br=0.63 T,,HC=8.01kA/cm (10.1 kOe), (BH )max=50.3 kJ/m3 (6 32 MGOe), (2) Nd15Fe70Mo15Nδ :Br=0.42 T. iHc=5.6 kA/cm (7.4 kOe), (BH )max=26.6 kJ/m3 (3.34 MGOe)

Phase-dependent double optomechanically induced transparency in a hybrid optomechanical cavity system with coherently mechanical driving

We propose a scheme that can generate tunable double optomechanically induced transparency in a hybrid optomechanical cavity system.In this system, the mechanical resonator of the optomechanical cavity is coupled with an additional mechanical resonator and the additional mechanical resonator can be driven by a weak external coherently mechanical driving field.We show that both the intensity and the phase of the external mechanical driving field can control the propagation of the probe field, including changing the transmission spectrum from double windows to a single-window.Our study also provides an effective way to generate intensity-controllable, narrow-bandwidth transmission spectra, with the probe field modulated from excessive opacity to remarkable amplification.

Mechanically induced Cu active sites for selective C–C coupling in CO_(2)electroreduction

Developing a convenient method to endow bulk Cu-based electrode with high activity of electrocatalytic CO_(2)reduction reaction(CO_(2)RR)to multicarbon(C_(2+))products is desirable but challenging.Herein,for the first time,we report that mechanical polishing induces highly reactive Cu sites for selective C-C coupling in CO_(2)RR.We find that mechanical polishing could endow Cu foil with abundant nanocavity surface structure,which efficiently confines the carbonaceous intermediates to enhance the probability of C-C coupling reaction.By confining the carbonaceous intermediates with Cu nanocavity,the as-prepared electrode delivers a Faradaic efficiency toward C_(2+)products of 65.7%at-1.3 V vs.RHE,which is enhanced up to 1.7 folds compared with that of commercial Cu foil.This work provides a new method to enable Cu foil with high activity of CO_(2)RR to C_(2+)products.

A Mssbauer Study on the Mechanically Alloyed Cu-Sn Alloys

Nanocrystalline E and η electron compounds and supersaturated solid solution of the Cu-Sn system have been prepared by mechanical alloying of elemental Cu and Sn powders. The atomie alloying and microstructure of the resultant alloys have been investigated by XRD, DSC and 119Sn Mossbauer spectroscopy. A little amount of SnO2 was detected by Mossbauer spectroscopy, although no trace of diffiaction peaks occurred in the XRD pattern. Thus the spectra for all the milled samples should be fitted using two quadrupole-splitting doublets: one corre sponding to SnO2, the other corresponding to the resultant alloys. The composition dependence of the hyperfine parameters has been eXtensively discussed and explained well with respect to oxidation, sudece effect resulting from grain refinement, coordination environment asymmetry and distortion caused or/and induced by mechanical alloying.

Two mechanically ventilated cases of COVID-19 successfully managed with a sequential ventilation weaning protocol: Two case reports

BACKGROUND Patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),characterized by respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation(MV),are at high risk of mortality.An effective and practical MV weaning protocol is needed for these fragile cases.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present two critical COVID-19 patients who presented with fever,cough and fatigue.COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed based on blood cell counts,chest computed tomography(CT)imaging,and nuclei acid test results.To address the patients’respiratory failure,they first received noninvasive ventilation(NIV).When their condition did not improve after 2 h of NIV,each patient was advanced to MV[tidal volume(Vt),6 mL/kg ideal body weight(IBW);8-10 cmH2 O of positive end-expiratory pressure;respiratory rate,20 breaths/min;and 40%-80%FiO2]with prone positioning for 12 h/day for the first 5 d of MV.Extensive infection control measures were conducted to minimize morbidity,and pharmacotherapy consisting of an antiviral,immune-enhancer,and thrombosis prophylactic was administered in both cases.Upon resolution of lung changes evidenced by CT,the patients were sequentially weaned using a weaning screening test,spontaneous breathing test,and airbag leak test.After withdrawal of MV,the patients were transitioned through NIV and high-flow nasal cannula oxygen support.Both patients recovered well.CONCLUSION A MV protocol attentive to intubation/extubation timing,prone positioning early in MV,infection control,and sequential withdrawal of respiratory support,may be an effective regimen for patients with critical COVID-19.

Pressure Sensor Based on Mechanically Induced LPFG in Novel MSM Fiber Structure

We have proposed and demonstrated experimentally a novel and simple pressure sensor based on mechanically induced long period optical fiber gratings. We report here for the first time to our knowledge the characterization of mechanically induced long period fiber gratings in novel multimode-singlemode-multimode fiber structure. The MLPFG induced in single mode fiber and multimode fibers are studied separately and the results are compared with MLPFG induced in MSM fiber structure. MLPFG in MSM structure has much greater sensitivity. We have obtained maximum transmission loss peak of around 18 dB, and the sensitivity of pressure sensor is 8 dB/Kg.

Microstructures of Sintered Mo-Cu Alloys with Mechanically Activated Powder

Mechanical activation and liquid phase sintering were used to manufacture high performance Mo-Cu alloy and develop new processes. The microsboctures and propefties of the alloy were investigated. The experimental results showed that: (1) the ball milled Mo/Cu powder has lamellar structure, (2) the microstructures of the sintered Mo-Cu alloy were homogenous composed structUres of adhesive phase Cu linking Mo grains, (3) Mo grains frequently strung or ga- thered in Cu phase, and (4) the full densities of Mo-Cu alloy was achieved through sintering and special densification process. As a result, the properties of the alloy are good enough to satisfy various requirements.

Synthesis of mechanically robust porous carbon monoliths for CO2 adsorption and separation

Porous carbon materials with developed porosity,high surface area and good thermal-and chemicalresistance are advantageous for gas adsorption and separation.However,most carbon adsorbents are in powder form which exhibit high pressure drop when deployed in practical separation bed.While monolithic carbons have largely addressed the pulverization problem and preserved kinetics and usually suffer from abrasion during multiple adsorption-desorption cycles.Herein,we proposed the designed synthesis of mechanically robust carbon monoliths with hierarchical pores,solid nitrogen-containing framework.The synthesis started with the polymerization of resorcinol and formaldehyde under weakly acidic conditions generated from cyanuric acid,and then an appropriate amount of hexamethylenetetramine(HMTA)was added as a crosslinker to prompt the formation of three dimensional frameworks.After carbonization process,the as-obtained porous carbon monoliths have a high radial compressive strength of 886 N/cm as well as a BET specific surface area of up to 683 m2/g.At approximately 1 bar,the CO2 equilibrium capacities of the monoliths are in the range of 3.1–4.0 mmol/g at 273 K and of 2.3–3.0 mmol/g at 298 K,exhibiting high selectivity for the capture of CO2 over N2 from a stream which consists of 16.7%(v%)CO2 in N2.Meanwhile,they undergo a facile CO2 release in an argon stream at 298 K,indicating a good regeneration capacity.After cycle testing,sieving and regeneration,the adsorbent has no mass loss,compared to that of its fresh counterpart.

Reducing environmental risk of nitrogen by popularizing mechanically dense transplanting for rice production in China

The high nitrogen(N)application rates typically used in Chinese cropping systems have led to diminishing returns for yields and have also imposed substantial environmental costs.Here,we estimate that the annual N loss from rice production in China reached approximately 2.6×109 kg from 2011 to 2015,and we demonstrate that adoption of the mechanically dense transplanting technique by producers is an effective method to reduce N loss from rice cropping systems without suffering a yield penalty.

EFFECT OF IRON ON FORMATION OF MECHANICALLY ALLOYED NiAl ALLOY AND ITS MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

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Mechanically activated starch magnetic microspheres for Cd(Ⅱ)adsorption from aqueous solution

Magnetic starch microspheres(AAM-MSM)were synthesized via an inverse emulsion graft copolymerization by using mechanically activated cassava starch(MS)as a crude material,acrylic acid(AA)and acrylamide(AM)as graft copolymer monomers,and methyl methacrylate(MMA)as the dispersing agent and used as an adsorbent for the removal of Cd(Ⅱ)ions from aqueous solution.Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and vibrating sample magnetometry(VSM)were used to characterize the AAM-MSM adsorbent.The results indicated that AA,AM,and MMA were grafted to the MS,and the Fe_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles were encapsulated in the AAM-MSM adsorbent microspheres.The adsorbent exhibited a smooth surface,uniform size,and good sphericity because of the addition of the MMA and provided more adsorption sites for the Cd(Ⅱ)ions.The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd(Ⅱ)on the AAM-MSM was 39.98 mg·g^(-1).The adsorbents were superparamagnetic,and the saturation magnetization was 16.7 A·m^(2)·kg^(-1).Additionally,the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of the adsorption process were further investigated.The process of Cd(Ⅱ)ions adsorbed onto the AAM-MSM could be described more favorably by the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isothermal adsorption models,which suggested that the chemical reaction process dominated the adsorption process for the Cd(Ⅱ)and chemisorption was the rate-controlling step during the Cd(Ⅱ)removal process.

Engineering a flexible and mechanically strong composite electrolyte for solid-state lithium batteries

Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)have greatly facilitated our daily lives since 1990s[1,2].To meet the ever-increasing demand on energy density,Li metal is seen as the ultimate anode because of its ultra-high specific capacity(3860 m Ah/g)and the lowest electrochemical potential(-3.04 V vs.the standard hydrogen electrode)[3–6].However,issues of Li metal anode,such as Li dendrite formation and large volume change during plating/stripping。

Microstructure and Properties of W-Cu Alloys Prepared with Mechanically Activated Powder

W-15% Cu (mass fraction) alloys were sintered with mechanically activated powder in order to develop new preparing processes and improve properties of alloys. The microstructures of the activated powder and the sintered alloy were observed. Properties such as density were measured. The results show that through mechanical activation, the particle size of the powder becomes finer to sub-micron or nanometer level, some copper was soluble in tungsten, and high density W-Cu alloys can be obtained by mechanically activated powder for its action to the activation sintering.