Preservation Techniques Research Articles

Digital Construction Preservation Techniques of Endangered Heritage Architecture: A Detailed Reconstruction Process of the Dong Ethnicity Drum Tower (China)

This study suggests a pioneering conservation framework that significantly enhances the preservation, renovation, and restoration of heritage architecture through the integration of contemporary digital technologies. Focusing on the endangered drum towers of the Dong ethnic group in Southwestern China, the research employs a meticulous data collection process that combines manual measurements with precise 2D imaging and oblique unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photography, enabling comprehensive documentation of tower interiors and exteriors. Collaboration with local experts in drum tower construction not only enriches the data gathered but also provides profound insights into the architectural nuances of these structures. An accurate building information modeling (BIM) simulation illuminates the internal engineering details, deepening the understanding of their complex design. Furthermore, UAV-obtained point cloud data facilitate a 3D reconstruction of the tower’s exterior. This innovative approach to heritage preservation not only advances the documentation and comprehension of heritage structures but also presents a scalable, replicable model for cultural conservation globally, paving the way for future research in the field.

The Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) in the Management of Dry Socket: A Systematic Review.

Dry socket or alveolar osteitis is a common postoperative complication following tooth extraction, characterized by severe pain due to the disintegration of the blood clot within the socket. Various factors contribute to its development, such as traumatic extraction, patient age and sex, smoking, and anesthetic use. To mitigate this condition, socket preservation techniques, including the use of bone substitute materials, have been employed. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has emerged as a promising biomaterial, enhancing healing and reducing the incidence of dry socket. Materials and Methods: This systematic review, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD 578018), examines the efficacy of PRF in managing dry socket by analyzing studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published between January 2013 and May 2024. Boolean keywords have been used in the search strategy: ("Treatment") AND ("Dry Socket") AND ("Platelet Rich Fibrin" OR "PRF"). A total of 738 publications were found using the electronic database search. After the screening phase, 13 records were chosen for qualitative analysis. The results from multiple clinical trials and comparative studies indicate that PRF significantly reduces postoperative pain, expedites healing, and lowers the incidence of Alveolar Osteitis. Despite promising results, further large-scale, randomized studies are needed to validate PRF as a standard treatment for dry socket.

Dorsal venous complex ligation-free and parietal endopelvic fascia preserving in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A prospective study of single centre.

This study aims to describe a novel dorsal venous complex (DVC) ligation-free and parietal endopelvic fascia preserving technique for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to evaluate its post-operative outcomes. From April 2020 to May 2021, a total of 125 patients with localized prostate cancer received laparoscopic radical prostatectomy by a single surgeon. In the procedure, a novel technique of DVC ligation-free and parietal endopelvic fascia preserving was used. Preoperative characteristics of patients and perioperative results were recorded. In this study, continence was defined as zero to one pad per day. Oncological outcomes were evaluated based on positive surgical margin. Five patients required a blood transfusion. Mean post-operative hospital stay was 3.9days (2-5), and the catheter could be removed on post-operative day 7 to 9. Final pathologic evaluations were 87 stage pT2, 22 stage pT3a, and 7 pT3b, 9 stage pT4, respectively. The positive surgical margin rate was 10.4% in total. Ninety-three patients (74.4%) returned to urinary continence 2months post-operatively, and 11 patients (11/125) developed biochemical recurrence 6months post-operatively. The DVC ligation-free and parietal endopelvic fascia preserving technique provides early recovery from incontinence without adversely affecting the oncological outcome.

APPLICATION OF OHMIC HEATING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY, IMPACT ON FOOD COMPONENTS AND "HURDLE APPROACH"

The application of thermal processes in the food industry causes a decrease in the quality of the final product, such as nutritional value and organoleptic characteristics. Many alternative methods offer uniform and rapid heating and provide the desired microbial lethality without reducing overall product quality. Ohmic heating is an emerging technique for food processing that has been used in recent decades as an alternative to conventional heating. It is a rapid heating method with big potential in the food industry. More particularly, ohmic heating of food is used for microbial inactivation, blanching, fermentation, gelatinization, peeling, evaporation, drying, extraction, pasteurization, and sterilization. This review summarizes the application of ohmic heating to different types of food products, the impact on food components, as well as the synergistic effect of ohmic heating with other non-thermal preservation techniques as well as the case of its combination with packed food items. The optimization of the ohmic heating approach reduces the duration of the process, achieves microbial and enzyme stability, increases the yield, and preserves the organoleptic and bioactive components in food commodities. Applying ohmic heating in combination with other non-thermal food preservation techniques such as UV-C radiation, pulsed electric field, high pressure, ultrasound, vacuum and the addition of preservatives contributes to reducing the intensity of the applied electric field, the temperature, and the treatment. In addition, it contributes to the extension of the shelf life as well as preserving the nutritional and organoleptic quality of food.

Paediatric donor lung preservation using Paragonix BAROguard.

Paediatric lung transplantation is a lifesaving option in selected patients with end-stage lung disease. Favourable long-term outcomes are limited by impaired mucus clearance, increased risk of infection resulting from immunosuppression, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Organ preservation techniques play an important role in the quality of donated organs. Barotrauma to donated lungs may arise from a combination of excessive recruitment manoeuvres and altitude change during air transportation. The Paragonix BAROguard Donor Lung Preservation System is an FDA-approved advanced organ recovery system that maintains continuous airway pressure of 15 cm of water during transportation of the donated lung(s) to the recipient. The Paragonix LUNGguard monitors temperature during transportation of donor lung(s), while the new BAROguard monitors both temperature and pressure during transportation of donor lung(s). In this publication, we present technical aspects of advanced preservation of paediatric donor lungs using the Paragonix BAROguard Donor Lung Preservation System.

Rhinoplasty Training: An Innovative Learning Approach Using Chicken Breast.

Mastering rhinoplasty surgical techniques requires extensive learning involving theoretical studies, internships, cadaver laboratories, simulators, nonhuman models, and hands-on practice. A novel method using chicken breast simplifies skill development, offering flexibility and accessibility. Training on chicken breast allows surgeons to refine skills through various techniques and grafts. This study focuses on preservation techniques using chicken as a model. Surgical sequences simulate nasal structures using prepared chicken breasts. Documentation through media illustrates procedures from basic to advanced, using materials akin to traditional rhinoplasty but in reduced quantities. Chicken breast tissue, especially sternal cartilage, offers a suitable substrate for practicing techniques and grafting without live human or cadaveric tissue. This method provides an efficient, safe, and cost-effective approach to learning rhinoplasty.

Studies on Ottoman Sherbets from the Past to Present

Sherbet, a beverage with a rich historical significance in Turkish culinary culture, traces its origins to the Turks of Central Asia. However, its popularity experienced a significant decline during the 1960s with the rise of the beverage industry. This traditional drink, once widely consumed in the Ottoman Empire, has since been overshadowed by carbonated beverages and tea. Factors such as the enhanced refreshing sensation of carbonated beverages, their constant availability, extended shelf life, and consistent flavor contribute to this shift. This study underscores the ancient origins of sherbet and its considerable impact on cultural life, particularly during the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, it examines sherbets made during the Ottoman period from a food technology perspective, incorporating production recipes for 25 different sherbets for potential contemporary commercial use. Moreover, the study compiles recent scientific investigations on newly produced sherbets, including their production techniques and bioactive properties. The primary aim of this study is to contribute to reproducing the most popular sherbets consumed during the Ottoman period using modern production and preservation techniques, making them accessible to the public.

Immediate versus conventional loading in short and ultra-short implants: a protocol design.

After tooth extraction, inevitable resorption of the postextraction socket occurs. Placing an immediate implant does not fully preserve the bone integrity of the socket. Preservation techniques cannot avoid alveolar resorption. In residual atrophies, bone augmentation techniques are necessary for subsequent rehabilitation with implants. The aim of this study was to propose a protocol of immediate loading in short implants as an alternative to bone augmentation techniques, comparing the immediate versus conventional loading, evaluating peri-implant bone loss, the biological and prosthetic complications, the survival of the implant and prosthesis and the patient satisfaction after one year. This study consists of a randomized controlled clinical trial. For implant planning, periapical intraoral radiographs and Cone Beam Computed Tomography will be used. All patients will receive Straumann Group® (Basel, Switzerland) titanium-zirconia implants with a 4.1mm or 4.8mm diameter and a 4 mm or 6 mm length. The expected results show similar or even minor bone loss, biological and prosthetic complications, identical or even better survival of the short implants with immediate loading, and greater satisfaction. Short implants demonstrate similar survival to conventional length implants, with comparable or even minor biological and prosthetic complications and bone loss. Immediate loading gives satisfactory results similar to conventional loading, with similar biological and prosthetic complications, and generally depends on poor hygiene levels. Bone loss is even less, and the satisfaction increases.

Innovations in Liver Preservation Techniques for Transplants from Donors after Circulatory Death: A Special Focus on Transplant Oncology.

Liver transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage liver disease. Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for liver transplantation in treating liver tumors such as colorectal liver metastases and cholangiocarcinoma. However, due to a limited donor pool, the use of marginal grafts from donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors is increasing to meet demand. Machine perfusion is crucial in this context for improving graft acceptance rates and reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury. Few studies have evaluated the role of machine perfusion in the context of transplant oncology. Perfusion machines can be utilized in situ (normothermic regional perfusion-NRP) or ex situ (hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion), either in combination or as a complement to conventional in situ cold flush and static cold storage. The objective of this analysis is to provide an up-to-date overview of perfusion machines and their function in donation after circulatory death with particular attention to their current and likely potential effects on transplant oncology. A literature review comparing standard cold storage to machine perfusion methods showed that, so far, there is no evidence that these devices can reduce the tumor recurrence rate. However, some evidence suggests that these innovative perfusion techniques can improve graft function, reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury, and, based on this mechanism, may lead to future improvements in cancer recurrence.

Enhancing Freshness: A Comparative Study of Innovative Preservation Methods for Berries and Leafy Greens

Berry and leafy greens are some of the most difficult types of food to preserve and ensure they be fresh for as long as possible. The present research assesses the impact of modern preservation procedures namely High Pressure Processing (HPP), Active Packaging, and Edible Coatings with the conventional preservation methods such as Refrigeration and Freezing on microbial load, textural properties, color, and nutrient retention of perishable produce. Purchased strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and spinach, lettuce and kale are possible candidates for preservation methods; the treatments employed in the study included a control no treatment group. Microbial load, texture firmness, colour, Vitamin C and Iron content and sensory evaluation parameters were used in this study. Those found out that HPP technology was the most efficient, cutting through microbial deposits to crops, and retaining texture, color, and nutrients in better ways than the ordinary washing techniques or even the control methods. Overall, the microorganism load was the lowest in HPP-treated produce, e. g., strawberries with 2. 5 × 10² CFU/g, while strawberries treated with HPP had the best texture firmness of 8. 5 N, and better retention of Vitamin C and Iron compared with other treatments. Both Active Packaging and Edible Coatings were also observed to be effective in a way that was superior to inactive packaging but not as effective as HPP. However, it was observed that sensory acceptability score was higher in HPP treated samples, so it enhances the quality as well as the appealing aesthetic value of fresh perishables. From this research, it becomes clear that there is a high possibility for innovative methods to extend the shelf life of the perishable crops while positive contributing to the widely useful methods and efficient preservation techniques of perishable crops.

Multiple-base Logarithmic Quantization and Application in Reduced Precision AI Computations

The power of logarithmic quantizations and computations has been recognized as a useful tool in optimizing the performance of large ML models. There are plenty of applications of ML techniques in digital preservation. The accuracy of computations may play a crucial role in the corresponding algorithms. In this article, we provide results that demonstrate significantly better quantization signal-to-noise ratio performance thanks to multiple-base logarithmic number systems (MDLNS) in comparison with the floating point quantizations that use the same number of bits. On a hardware level, we present details about our Xilinx VCU-128 FPGA design for dot product and matrix vector computations. The MDLNS matrix-vector design significantly outperforms equivalent fixed-point binary designs in terms of area (A) and time (T) complexity and power consumption as evidenced by a 4 × scaling of AT 2 metric for VLSI performance, and 57% increase in computational throughput per watt compared to fixed-point arithmetic.

Advancements in Donation after Circulatory Death Heart Procurement and Preservation: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Innovations.

The persistent shortage of donor hearts for transplantation has prompted exploration into Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) as a promising avenue for organ procurement. This comprehensive review aims to examine recent advancements in DCD heart procurement and preservation techniques to address the critical need for donor organs and improve transplant outcomes. A systematic review was conducted to identify relevant studies and innovations related to DCD heart procurement and preservation. Electronic databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords such as "DCD heart donation," "organ preservation," and "transplantation." Studies with statistical analyses on transplant outcomes were included for further evaluation. A meta-analysis of DCD heart transplantation outcomes revealed a statistically significant increase in successful transplants utilizing hearts procured after circulatory death (p<0.05). Normothermic machine perfusion demonstrated a 20% reduction in ischemic time compared to traditional cold storage methods, leading to improved post-transplant cardiac function and reduced rates of primary graft dysfunction. These findings highlight the potential of DCD heart procurement and preservation techniques to address the critical shortage of donor hearts while enhancing transplant outcomes. Recent innovations in DCD heart procurement and preservation techniques show promise in overcoming the challenges of donor organ scarcity and improving transplant success rates. Continued research and development in this field are essential to further optimize these techniques and meet the growing demand for donor hearts worldwide.

Reconstrução mamária após mastectomia e os desafios contemporâneos – Investigação das tendências em reconstrução mamária

Introduction: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a crucial part of the recovery process for women who have faced breast cancer. However, trends in this field are constantly evolving, with new surgical techniques, technological advancements, and a deeper understanding of aesthetic and functional outcomes. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the different breast reconstruction approaches and techniques available, to evaluate the aesthetic, functional, and psychological outcomes of the different reconstruction options, to identify the challenges faced by patients, including emotional, financial, and access to health care aspects, and to investigate recent innovations and emerging trends in breast reconstruction. Methods: The present research involved a review of the scientific literature of the last 3 years, analyzing articles from medical journals, systematic reviews, cohort studies and randomized clinical trials related to the theme. The MEDLINE database was used with the aid of the PubMed search platform and descriptors in English to include global studies in the final search. Results: The results showed a wide range of options available for breast reconstruction, including breast implants, autologous tissue flaps, such as the use of the latissimus dorsi flap and the rectus abdominis flap, and combined reconstruction techniques. An increase in the use of nipple and areola preservation techniques was observed, as well as a greater emphasis on symmetry and the natural appearance of the final result, through lipofilling. Among the challenges faced by patients are equitable access to reconstruction care, the risks associated with reconstructive surgery, and psychosocial and emotional considerations. Conclusion: Breast reconstruction after mastectomy continues to evolve, offering patients a variety of options to restore breast form and function, which are increasingly modern and have better results. Significant challenges are still present, including issues of access to healthcare, financial costs, and the psychological impact of surgery. Continued research advancement and collaboration among health professionals are essential to address these challenges and ensure that all women have access to high-quality reconstruction options and comprehensive support.

The Preservation Technique for Incomplete Unilateral Cleft Lip Reconstruction.

The incomplete unilateral cleft lip shares many of the same phenotypic characteristics as a complete unilateral cleft lip, but key differences include an intact nasal sill, a relative excess of skin in the lateral lip element, and favorable skeletal support. Surgical techniques for incomplete unilateral cleft lips should be tailored to the specific anatomical characteristics, be simple and reliable to perform, and minimize the risk of secondary deformity. Here we describe the "preservation technique" for incomplete unilateral cleft lip reconstruction. The modified design from the anatomical subunit approximation technique uses a nasal sill flap and obviates the need for nasal sill and lateral lip excision. Tissues of the lip are opened out and reorientated to maximize the anatomical advantage.

Risk and Reward: Nationwide Analysis of Cardiac Transplant Center Variation in Organ Travel Distance and the Effects on Outcomes.

The 2018 UNOS allocation policy change deprioritized geographic boundaries to organ distribution, and the effects of this change have been widespread. The aim of this investigation was to analyze changes in donor transplant center distance for organ travel and corresponding outcomes before and after the allocation policy change. The UNOS database was utilized to identify all adult patients waitlisted for heart transplants from 2016 to 2021. Transplant centers were grouped by average donor heart travel distance based on whether they received more or less than 50% of organs from >250 miles away. Descriptive statistics were provided for waitlisted and transplanted patients. Regression analyses modeled waitlist mortality, incidence of transplant, overall survival, and graft survival. Centers with a longer average travel distance had a higher mean annual transplant volume with a reduction in total days on a waitlist (86.6 vs. 149.2 days), an increased cold ischemic time (3.6 vs. 3.2 h), with no significant difference in post-transplant overall survival or graft survival. The benefits of reducing waitlist time while preserving post-transplant outcomes extend broadly. The trends observed in this investigation will be useful as we revise organ transplant policy in the era of new organ procurement and preservation techniques.

Exploration of technique for preservation of external-middle ear structure in surgery of jugular foramen paraganglioma （appended 2 case reports）

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and effect of the modified surgery of the classic infratemporal fossa type A approach for the surgical treatment of jugular foramen paraganglioma with preservation of the external and middle ear structures. Methods:The medical data of 2 patients with jugular foraminal paraganglioma treated by sublabyrinthic-transmastoid approach were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical feature, degree of tumor resection, postoperative facial nerve function and hearing retention, and the incidence of postoperative complications were evaluated. Results:Two patients were both female, and were pathologically confirmed as paraganglioma. The tumor of case 1 was staged as C2De1, and case 2 as C1De1. Tumors were completely resected in both patients. Case 1 suffered infection after surgery, with residual tympanic membrane perforation and mixed deafness. Case 2 developed mild facial paralysis（grade Ⅱ） after surgery, and recovered after symptomatic treatment. There was no tumor residue or recurrence during half a year of follow-up. Conclusion:Surgical treatment of certain paragangliomas in the jugular foramen with a combined sublabyrinthic-transmastoid and upper neck approach might achieve both complete resection of the tumor and preserving the structure and function of the outer-middle ear. This procedure is suitable for paragangliomas restricted in the jugular foramen area, with no or limited involvement of the internal carotid artery（C1 or C2）, and with no or mild hearing loss.

Metabolic Choreography of Energy Substrates During DCD Heart Perfusion.

The number of patients waiting for heart transplant far exceeds the number of hearts available. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) combined with machine perfusion can increase the number of transplantable hearts by as much as 48%. Emerging studies also suggest machine perfusion could enable allograft "reconditioning" to optimize outcomes. However, a detailed understanding of the energetic substrates and metabolic changes during perfusion is lacking. Metabolites were analyzed using 1-dimensional 1H and 2-dimensional 13C-1H heteronuclear spectrum quantum correlation nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy on serial perfusate samples (N = 98) from 32 DCD hearts that were successfully transplanted. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test for significant differences in metabolite resonances during perfusion and network analysis was used to uncover altered metabolic pathways. Metabolite differences were observed comparing baseline perfusate to samples from hearts at time points 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 h of perfusion and all pairwise combinations. Among the most significant changes observed were a steady decrease in fatty acids and succinate and an increase in amino acids, especially alanine, glutamine, and glycine. This core set of metabolites was also altered in a DCD porcine model perfused with a nonblood-based perfusate. Temporal metabolic changes were identified during ex vivo perfusion of DCD hearts. Fatty acids, which are normally the predominant myocardial energy source, are rapidly depleted, while amino acids such as alanine, glutamine, and glycine increase. We also noted depletion of ketone, β-hydroxybutyric acid, which is known to have cardioprotective properties. Collectively, these results suggest a shift in energy substrates and provide a basis to design optimal preservation techniques during perfusion.

Sample Preservation Solution Increases Nucleic Acid Yield and Environmental RNA Quality in Sediments Across an Estuarine Salinity Gradient

ABSTRACTEnvironmental nucleic acid‐based assessments are powerful tools for understanding microbial ecology, and environmental degradation in aquatic environments. This approach is particularly useful in guiding restoration in estuaries, some of the most degraded ecosystems in the world. The recent popularity of this approach has been accompanied by a parallel increase in the diversity of applied methods. A range of best practice methods exist across the field that can be employed and are selected based on environmental considerations such as physicochemical gradients, maximizing yield, and quality of nucleic acids sampled across sites within a study area. A consistent approach to intra‐study nucleic acid sampling also ensures accurate comparison between those sites. This study evaluates environmental nucleic acid (eNA) sampling methods across salinity gradients in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the impact of preservation techniques on environmental DNA (eDNA) yield and environmental RNA (eRNA) yield and quality. Fieldwork was conducted at three sites within the Coorong estuary system in South Australia, representing low salinity, marine, and hypersaline conditions. Snap freezing and LifeGuard preservation solution treatments were applied in situ to compare their effects on nucleic acid yields and eRNA integrity. Snap freezing enhanced eDNA yield in low salinity sediments but negatively impacted eRNA integrity in marine and hypersaline conditions. Conversely, treatment with preservation solution consistently improved both eDNA and eRNA recovery across all salinity levels, which makes this approach a good candidate for preserving eNA molecules across environmental gradients. The study underscores the necessity of tailoring sample preservation methods to specific environmental conditions for accurate eNA‐based microbial community assessments in coastal ecosystems. These findings contribute to the development of robust eNA sampling protocols for benthic communities under varying salinity conditions.

Hurdle Concept and the Role of Lactic Acid Bacteria

The hurdle idea is a food preservation technique that includes building up a number of barriers to prevent microbes from growing and prolong the shelf life of perishable goods. The idea of using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are essential for food preservation, is one that is significant. Through a variety of processes, including fermentation, competitive exclusion, metabolite generation, biofilm formation, nutritional competition, and metabolic activity, LAB support the hurdle concept. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) ferment glucose to produce lactic acid, which results in an acidic environment that prevents infections and spoiling germs from growing.

A pragmatic comprehension of scientific and classical aspects of Rachana Sharir—A systematic review

Ayurveda, a flourishing traditional medical system renowned for its extensive knowledge, includes Rachana Sharir as a fundamental subject. Rachana Sharir Vigyan explores the anatomical aspects (Rachna) of the human body. The immense knowledge of the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda is not comprehensively described yet. The Samhitas and Vedas of Indian literature by different acharyas elaborate on how the human body evolved from a combination of Panchamahabhutas and Atma (Chetana). This review aims to elucidate the classical aspects of Rachana Sharir from Ayurvedic texts and establish correlations with contemporary scientific knowledge. Classical texts such as the Samhitas authored by various acharyas were systematically reviewed to gather insights into the origin, anatomical positions, numerical compositions, and classifications of human body parts, organs, tissues, and systems. The review reveals detailed principles and concepts from Ayurvedic literature, emphasizing contributions from Acharya Sushruta in the Sharir Sthana, particularly his meticulous descriptions of cadaveric studies and preservation techniques. Classical books explained the origins of human bodily parts, their anatomical placements, organs, tissues, systems, and more. These fall under human anatomy (Rachana Sharir), and this article explains its classical aspect with scientific and modern science linkages. In Sharir Sthana, one of Ayurveda’s main principles, cadaveric research and preservation, is beautifully illustrated by Acharya Sushruta. Ayurveda has scientific principles, logic, and subtle knowledge that we must explore to apply its gifts to humanity. This essay shows that Samhitas contains pragmatic and scientific knowledge. Ayurveda combines science and philosophy. Ayurvedic knowledge’s pragmatic and scientific usefulness beyond textual content must be explored and validated to maximize its benefits for humanity.