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• Recycled carbon fibers are the first time used to reinforce limestone calcined clay cement. • The fiber–matrix interaction was comprehensively studied in terms of fiber surface state and matrix shrinkage. • The hydration products and microstructures of LC3 composites were investigated at the early and later ages. • The mechanical properties of the composites vary with fiber addition and OPC replacement levels. The carbon fibers (CFs) recovered from end-of-life CFRP scraps via pyrolysis have recently aroused ascending interest due to their highly retained fiber strength and lowered carbon footprint. However, the utilization of recycled CFs (rCFs) within cementitious matrices, as well as the exploration of their interfacial interactions, remains notably limited. In this study, we have first time incorporated rCFs into sustainable Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) composite and comprehensively investigated the microstructural changes and physical characteristics of LC3-blended mixtures. The incorporation of LC3 results in a reduction in setting times and the flowability of fresh mortar, accompanied by a decrease in cumulative heat release. Analytical analysis indicated the generation of a substantial quantity of ettringite crystallites and highly polymerized C-A-S-H gel in LC3 mixtures, which benefited the enhancement of flexural strengths but increased the micropores in the matrices. Compromised compressive strengths, with reductions ranging from 5% to 46%, were observed upon the incorporation of LC3, aligning closely with the porosity findings. Measurements of autogenous shrinkage revealed an expansion tendency as LC3 proportions increased, likely attributed to bleeding and ettringite formation. A thorough investigation into the properties of CFs after undergoing thermal recycling was undertaken. A quantitative assessment of the bonding at the fiber-cement interface revealed a progressive reduction in bond strength for both virgin and recycled CFs, diminishing from 5.1 MPa and 2.5 MPa to 0.4 MPa and 0.5 MPa, respectively, along with the addition of LC3 content. Our findings have provided a comprehensive understanding of the hydration and microstructure evolution within LC3 blends, as well as the influence of CF additions on the matrices' properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an effective and safe alternative to monopolar TURP. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of resected prostate weight on the clinical outcome improvement after bipolar TURP for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients., Materials and Methods: A total of 233 men with BPH who underwent bipolar TURP were included in this prospective study. International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual urine volume (PVR) were assessed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. The relationship between the resected prostatic weight ratio (RPWR, %) and clinical improvement was investigated., Results: Significant improvements in Qmax, PVR, I-PSS and QoL were found 3 months after operation, and Qmax was correlated with RPWR (r = 0.1521, P = .020). The RPWR was significantly higher in patients with postoperative Qmax > 20 mL/s (P = .049). Moreover, Qmax at 3-month follow-up was higher in patients with RPWR over 50% than patients with RPWR between 0-25% (P < .05). In addition, patients with larger prostate volume tended to gain better Qmax and I-PSS postoperatively (P < .05)., Conclusion: The RPWR exerts an influence on postoperative Qmax, rather than I-PSS and QoL score, and patients with larger prostate volume tend to gain better clinical outcomes from bipolar TURP than those who with smaller prostates.