Removal Of Wall Research Articles

A Qualitative Analysis of the Commercial Broiler System, and the Links to Consumers' Nutrition and Health, and to Environmental Sustainability: A South African Case Study.

Food systems face growing challenges to meet targets of Zero Hunger (SDG 2), and South Africa is no exception given its triple burden of malnutrition, foodborne disease outbreaks, and threats of climate change to food production. Broiler meat is South Africa's most affordable meat option, supporting household food and nutrition security. Although considered healthier and less environmentally harmful than ruminant meat, it is not without food safety risks and environmental impacts. This research aimed to present the foremost commercial broiler system narratives in South Africa, around targets of SDG 2, and to discuss key considerations for policymakers. Twenty-nine key informants and stakeholders, purposively selected to cover a wide range of opinions, participated in semi-structured interviews. Transcripts underwent a qualitative framework analysis. Results showed a highly efficient system, dominated by a small number of interlinked large-scale actors, vulnerable to competition from cheaper imports, yet pressurized to maintain high food safety and environmental impact standards, with a price-sensitive consumer base. Existing policies lack integration and enforcement capacity, and are undermined by siloed government departments, and mistrust and power struggles between public and private sectors. We propose removal of silo walls, and trust building through participatory policy development, with collaborative and transformative public-private partnerships that are designed to build capacity to deliver sustainable solutions.

Fractionation of pulp and precipitated CaCO3\u2013pulp composites: effects on sheet properties of selective CaCO3 precipitation onto fiber size fractions

CaCO3-pulp composite was prepared via precipitation of calcium hydroxide in the presence of pulp. In order to investigate the precipitation selectivity and mechanism, the substrate pulps and the obtained composites were fractionated (R30, R100, R200, R400 and a sedimented fraction that passed the 400 mesh wire) using a Bauer-McNett unit. The main fractionation criterion was therefore fiber length. The pulp used was CTMP (chemithermomechanical pulp), yielding a precipitated calcium carbonate-chemithermomechanical pulp (PCC-CTMP) composite with a targeted PCC-to-CTMP ratio of 1:1. The PCC consisted primarily of nano-sized primary particles which formed aggregates and clusters on the fibers. When the fiber morphology, zeta potential and surface charge density of the fractions were determined, a correlation was found between the surface charge density of the CTMP and the ash content of the corresponding PCC-CTMP fractions. This supports the hypothesis that the precipitation on the CTMP fiber is driven by the charge interparticle interaction. The use of refined CTMP furnishes and fractionation of the PCC-CTMP furnishes demonstrates that PCC is preferably fixed on fines and fibrils since it appears at a higher content in the fines fractions. Fiber activation via fiber split, removal of primary wall and surface defibrillation enhanced the affinity of the PCC for the fibrils. The laboratory handsheets prepared from the material demonstrated the importance of controlling the substrate fiber properties for the mineral-fiber composite, e.g. via refining, as differences between the refining levels and fractions were found to lead to differences in both optical properties and bonding.Graphic abstract

Somatotroph Adenomas have a Predilection to Invade the Cavernous Sinus and Resection of the Medial Wall of the Cavernous Sinus Offers the Highest Potential for Biochemical Remission in Acromegaly

Recurrence and remission rates vary widely among different histological subtypes of pituitary adenoma. Invasion of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus is a known mechanism that may account for such failed clinical outcomes as its removal has long been considered unattainable. The use of modern endoscopic techniques allows for direct intraoperative evaluation of invasion and resection of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus with low morbidity when performed by highly experienced surgeons. In this retrospective study we evaluated 105 consecutive primary pituitary adenomas operated by a single surgeon including 28 corticotroph, 27 gonadotroph, 24 somatotroph, 15 lactotroph, 5 null-cell, 5 plurihormonal, and 1 dual adenoma; 53 caused hypersecretory syndromes, specifically acromegaly (30), hyperprolactinemia (15) and Cushing’s disease (8). In each case, we performed meticulous intraoperative inspection of the medial wall with its surgical removal when invasion was suspected, regardless of functional status. Medial wall resection was performed in 46% of pituitary adenomas, and 38/48 walls confirmed pathologic evidence of invasion rendering a positive predictive value of intraoperative evaluation of medial wall invasion of 79%. Furthermore, we show for the first time that the rate of medial wall invasion among pathological subtypes is dramatically different. Somatotroph tumors invaded the medial wall much more often than other adenoma subtypes, 83% intraoperatively and 71% histologically, followed by plurihormonal tumors (40%) and gonadotrophs (33%), both with intraoperative positive predictive value of 100%. The least likely to invade were corticotroph, at a rate of 32% intraoperatively and 21% histologically, and null-cell adenomas at 0%. Removal of the medial wall caused no permanent morbidity with no carotid artery injuries and 2 patients with transient diplopia. We report that resecting the medial wall of the cavernous sinus in acromegaly offers the highest potential for biochemical remission with average postoperative day 1 GH levels at 0.96 ug/l and early surgical remission rates at 90% (100% with adjuvant therapy) based on normalization of IGF-1 levels 3 to 6 months after surgery; these results are significantly better than previously reported but longer follow-up is required for definitive conclusions. Our findings may explain the failed biochemical remission rates seen in acromegaly and illustrate the relevance of advanced surgical techniques for successful outcomes in pituitary surgery.

An improved method for the segmentation of roots from X-ray computed tomography 3D images: Rootine v.2

BackgroundX-ray computed tomography is acknowledged as a powerful tool for the study of root system architecture of plants growing in soil. In this paper, we improved the original root segmentation algorithm “Rootine” and present its succeeding version “Rootine v.2”. In addition to gray value information, Rootine algorithms are based on shape detection of cylindrical roots. Both algorithms are macros for the ImageJ software and are made freely available to the public. New features in Rootine v.2 are (i) a pot wall detection and removal step to avoid segmentation artefacts for roots growing along the pot wall, (ii) a calculation of the root average gray value based on a histogram analysis, (iii) an automatic calculation of thresholds for hysteresis thresholding of the tubeness image to reduce the number of parameters and (iv) a false negatives recovery based on shape criteria to increase root recovery. We compare the segmentation results of Rootine v.1 and Rootine v.2 with the results of root washing and subsequent analysis with WinRhizo. We use a benchmark dataset of maize roots (Zea mays L. cv. B73) grown in repacked soil for two scenarios with differing soil heterogeneity and image quality.ResultsWe demonstrate that Rootine v.2 outperforms its preceding version in terms of root recovery and enables to match better the root diameter distribution data obtained with root washing. Despite a longer processing time, Rootine v.2 comprises less user-defined parameters and shows an overall greater usability.ConclusionThe proposed method facilitates higher root detection accuracy than its predecessor and has the potential for improving high-throughput root phenotyping procedures based on X-ray computed tomography data analysis.

On passive damping in machine tool hybrid structural parts

Hybrid materials combining steel or cast iron with fibre or particle composites have a good potential for lightweight machine tool structural design with high damping ratio. These materials are analyzed in the paper with a focus on damping improvement of structural components and machine tool assemblies. Fibre composites and particle composites were selected as the lightweight elements for the hybrid machine tool structure. The fibre composites were designed as low-density, high stiffness-oriented reinforcements, which were bonded to build metal structural parts conventionally. The particle composites were applied as filler materials into the hollows of the metal structural parts. Both composite structures presented a possibility to reduce the mass of the component due to the reduction of wall thickness (fibre composite) or removal of heavy ribbing (particle composites) and to influence the parts’ static and dynamic stiffness. Hybrid structures, combining the light-weight elements with cast iron or welded steel, were designed and tested in case studies using experimental modal analysis methods. Experimental modal analysis was used as the main approach for identification of the damping ratio on a basic coupon level, followed by testing of structural parts in a stand-alone configuration and ending with a structural part assemblies testing. Both particle composites and fibre composites were successful in improving the damping ratio of single structural parts. However, the damping ratio of the hybrid component mounted into an assembly configuration shows only less significant improvement. The presented results demonstrate importance of the damping caused in the connecting interfaces.

Multidisciplinary approach to orbital decompression. A review.

SUMMARYEndoscopic orbital surgery has become a highly evolving multidisciplinary surgical field thanks to development in technical skills of ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists. These advances expanded the clinical application of orbital decompression, with a growing body of literature describing the multidisciplinary management of thyroid eye disease and compressive optic neuropathy, since 1990. Although techniques have improved considerably, only few Randomized Control Trials (RCT) provide evidence to support recommendations in clinical practice. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of orbital decompression to clarify which is the most standardized therapeutic strategy. In the literature, we observed several approaches with contradicting results and the comparison of different surgical techniques was biased by inclusion of patients at different stage of disease (active or inactive), different surgical indications (dysthyroid neuropathy or disfiguring proptosis) and measures of outcomes (such as different system for ocular motility evaluation). The timing of surgical decompression is one of the debated issues. One RCT focusing on Graves’ orbitopathy showed how intravenous corticosteroids achieve better visual recovery than surgical orbital decompression; but in case of absent or poor response to medical therapy the patient should undergo surgery within two weeks. There is slight evidence that the removal of the medial and lateral wall (so-called balanced decompression) with or without fat removal could be the most effective surgical technique, with low complication rate, but an increasing number of authors are promoting, for selected cases, a pure endoscopic surgical approach (with removal of medial and infero-medial orbital wall), less invasive than the balanced one; the latter indicated to more severe proptosis or diplopia after endoscopic procedure. Three-wall decompression is chosen for high degrees of proptosis, but complications are more frequent. Timing of surgical orbital decompression, in particular when a concomitant optic neuropathy is present, is still to be determined. Additional ophthalmological procedures are needed to restore normal eye function and cosmesis. Strabismus surgery to address diplopia and lowering the position of the upper eyelid represent some of the additional steps for the final rehabilitation of Graves’ orbitopathy. The main clinical outcomes including visual acuity, proptosis, and new-onset diplopia are changing. Recent studies focused on the development of imaging measurements in order to objectively evaluate the surgical results and QOL questionnaires are gaining increasing importance.

Insulation of Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Nests is Largely Driven by Animal-Derived Materials in the Cup Lining

Incubation of eggs and nestlings is energetically costly and may be affected by the amount of thermal insulation the surrounding nest provides. In many small passerine species, animal-derived materials, i.e., feathers and hair, are often used in the nest lining where, presumably, their lower thermal conductance offers better insulation. A previous study that involved partial deconstruction of thrush nests revealed that different parts of the nest confer different levels of insulation. The present study examined the insulatory values of Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs nests because of the high proportion of animal-derived materials in their cup lining but not the outer nest. Insulatory values and cooling rates of temperature loggers inside the cup were determined for whole nests and then only the cup lining. There were no significant relationships between nest measurements and measures of thermal insulation. However, removal of the outer nest wall reduced the insulatory value by around 10% despite the cup lining being less than half the thickness of the complete nest wall and the cup lining being only a third of the total nest mass. Differential placement of animal-derived materials within the cup lining of Common Chaffinch nests means that the birds seem to be able to confer a high level of insulation without expending too much energy searching for a large mass of particular nest materials.

Hemangioblastoma with Contrast-Enhanced Cystic Wall: When the Surgical Rule Must Not Be Respected

The purpose of this paper is to describe the variation of surgical plan and technique required in a rare subset of hemangioblastomas compared with the accepted general strategy. The established rule in hemangioblastoma surgery is to avoid cyst wall removal, as it is not neoplastic, and it will not recur if mural nodule is completely removed. However, the wall of the associated cyst is occasionally enhanced by gadolinium on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. We present the case of a patient with a hemangioblastoma that was progressively compressed by a growing cyst, with the final appearance of a contrast-enhanced cyst wall. We collected similar cases reported in the literature. Our study points out the need for a tailored preoperative strategy, the usefulness of intraoperative fluorescent dyes, and the crucial role of frozen section histopathologic analysis to confirm diagnosis and optimize treatment. When a hemangioblastoma is associated with a contrast-enhanced cyst, care must be taken to intraoperatively confirm the presence of neoplastic cells and eventually remove the neoplastic cyst wall to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Influence of remaining tooth substance and post-endodontic restoration on fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary incisors.

The aim is to evaluate the influence of remaining tooth substance and post-endodontic restoration on fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary incisors. 150 maxillary central incisors were divided into three groups, Group 0, intact teeth; Group 1, removal of distal wall; Group 2, removal of mesial and distal walls, and further into two subgroups A0,A1,A2 and B0,B1,B2 according to post-endodontic restoration (post/no-post), then loaded to fracture. Interactions among variables and intergroup significance were tested with two-way ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis's tests (p≤0.05). Tukey's test was applied for multiple comparisons. Statistically significant differences were found between groups B1-A1, and B2-A2, but they were not found between B0-A0. Intragroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in both groups post/no-post with decreasing dental substance. Fiber post placement causes an increase in fracture strength and a reduction of irreparable fractures in endodontically treated maxillary central incisors that lost at least one wall.

Changes of pro- and antioxidant indicators in experimental animals under acute small bowel obstructions.

Acute small bowel obstruction remains one of the most challenging nosologies in emergency surgery, leading to a pronounced imbalance between lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant defense system. We aimed to study changes in the anti- and prooxidant status of serum and small intestine wall in an experiment modeling acute small bowel obstruction. The control group included 11 rats, and the main group included 42 rats (simulation of mechanical bowel obstruction on day 1 was conducted in 14 rats, on day 2 – in 12 rats, on day 3 – in 16 rats). Acute small bowel obstruction was modeled by ligation. Serum analysis and removal of the small intestinal wall were performed on days 1, 2, and 3. Indicators of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection were determined by the spectrophotometric method, and the imbalance between lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection gradually increased from 1 to 3 days of observation. On day 3, the low level of aldehyde increased 1.3 times, and the level of superoxide dismutase decreased 1.2 times compared to the control group. Pathophysiological changes in the wall of the small intestine are caused by the activation of lipid peroxidation and the exhaustion antioxidant protection, whereby the degree of their severity increases depending on the increase in time from the moment of modeling of acute obstruction of the small intestine.

Structural integrity of precast concrete modular construction

The American Concrete Institute’s (ACI’s) Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete (ACI 318-19) and Commentary (ACI 318R-19) contains structural integrity provisions for precast concrete panel buildings but does not address the structural integrity of precast concrete modules. ACI 318 requires spaced steel ties in all directions to tie the precast concrete panel elements together. These criteria are impractical for precast concrete modules due to the construction methods and the overall rigidity of each module. Precast concrete modules are inherently stable, even when subjected to General Services Administration criteria for partial removal of structural walls or corners, which require that if a portion of a wall or an entire module is removed, the remaining portions must have sufficient capacity to carry the resulting gravity loads. This paper examines the stress increases due to partial wall removal and the possibility of total module removal. It discusses strength reserves, provides recommendations for future editions of ACI 318 and the PCI Design Handbook: Precast and Prestressed Concrete, and presents conceptual connections that provide the continuity and ductility needed to maintain structural integrity following total module removal.

Comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of endodontically treated premolars with one remaining cavity wall restored using different techniques and materials: An in vitro study

Introduction: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of conventional posterior composites, and short fiber-reinforced composites with and without the use of glass fiber post (GFP) and polyethylene fiber post on fracture strength of endodontically treated maxillary premolar teeth. Materials and Methods: Root canal treatment was performed on the sixty extracted maxillary premolars followed by mesio-occluso-distal cavity preparation and removal of the lingual wall. The teeth were randomized into six groups (A1, A2, A3; B1, B2, and B3). In Group A, a conventional posterior composite was used as a core material, and in Group B, short fiber-reinforced composite was used. Groups A and B were divided according to the post systems used. In Groups A1 and B1, 3 mm deep cavities were prepared in the palatal canal and restored with respective core materials. In Groups A2 and B2 GFP were placed in 10 mm post space prepared in the palatal canal and restored with respective core material. While in Groups A3 and B3 polyethylene, fiber post was placed, followed by core build-up with respective core materials. Samples were subjected to fracture resistance testing in the Universal testing machine, and the fractured samples were inspected in stereomicroscope under 20× for identifying fracture patterns. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc Tukey's test. The failure pattern was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Higher fracture resistance values were seen with groups restored with the post as compared to groups restored without post, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The short fiber-reinforced composite showed higher resistance values than the conventional composite (P 0.05). The use of post resulted in a significantly higher number of favorable fracture of the teeth (P Conclusion: The use of post did not have a profound effect on the fracture resistance but had a positive effect on failure patterns in teeth with one remaining wall. In root canal treated teeth with one wall remaining, the use of either post with short fiber reinforced composite is recommended.

Implantation dermoid

True epidermoid inclusion cysts result from the implantation of epidermal elements in the dermis, and can result from any trauma or surgical procedure. Theoretically, any skin puncture, laceration or incision has the potential to implant epidermal elements into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, where continued production of keratin and other epidermal products produces a thick-walled cyst containing white cheesy material. They are frequently seen in who are subject to repeated minor traumas to the hand. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, ultraviolet exposure and ecrine duct obstruction are also suggested to be the additional factors in the development of palmoplantar epidermoid cysts. A 57-year-old male patient, who is a farmer by occupation, presented with a swelling in the left palm for last 4 years. He had a history of thorn prick in his palm 5 years back. He noticed a swelling in his palm four and a half years back, which was about 0.5 cm in size at the onset. The swelling is increasing slowly in size to attain the present size of about 4 cm. No heterotopic ossification (H/O) pain, fever, discharge. On examination a swelling in the middle of the left palm, globular 4 cm in diameter, smooth surface, no redness over the swelling. The surgical treatment is needed for symptomatic cysts causing interference with function. The treatment requires careful complete excision, removal of the entire cyst wall is necessary to avoid the recurrence.

Lagoon of Islands, Tasmania: Ecosystem response to dam wall removal

Lagoon of Islands was a rare wetland of high conservation value, supporting floating islands of vegetation before it was dammed to supply water for consumptive use downstream. After damming, water quality declined to such an extent that in 2013, the dam wall was removed and a wetland restoration project was commenced, resulting in immediate improvements in water quality and, within five years, regeneration of a plant community largely composed of dominant species of the original wetland.

Safety of large preparation with different instruments in the buccal canals of maxillary molars.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of large apical preparations with Reciproc (REC), Hyflex CM (HCM) and Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) systems using micro-computed tomography (MCT). Ninety mesiobuccal (MB) and distobuccal (DB) root canals of maxillary molars (n=45) were scanned using MCT before and after the shaping procedures. The root canals (n=15) were prepared until REC 40.06, HCM 40.04 and TFA 35.04. The root canal transportation (RCT), centring ability (CA), change in volume of the root canal and at different levels (VC), remaining dentine thickness (RDT), removal of dentine wall (RDW) and working time (WT) were evaluated. Data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, and the one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests with a level of significance set at 5%. No significant difference among the instruments was found regarding the RCT, CA, RDT, RDW and WT (P>0.05), in larger apical preparations in curved MB and straight DB canals of maxillary molars.

A novel method to estimate cellular internalization of nanoparticles into gram-negative bacteria: Non-lytic removal of outer membrane and cell wall

Bacteria efficiently take up small organic molecules and ions. However, the internalization of particulate forms, specifically nanoparticles (NPs) has been understudied and is a newly-emerging area of interest. However, determination of true cellular internalization is challenging owing to the difficulty of separating the aqueous phase from bacteria-associated NPs and, more importantly, of differentiating between internalized and NPs sorbed on bacteria surfaces. In this work, we developed and validated an extraction method which can operationally estimate internalization of metal NPs into Gram-negative bacteria. The outer cell membrane and cell wall, collectively called the periplasm, was successfully removed from bacteria using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at an optimized exposure period and concentration, without lysis of bacteria. This was followed by standard digestion and metal measurements. Verification of each step of the methodology was conducted by assessing both cellular and metal behavior. Specifically, the combined approaches of live/dead staining of bacteria, optical density measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and metal analyses of the supernatant indicated that the method operationally separated externally-sorbed NPs from those internalized actually localized within the bacterial cytoplasm. However, this new method is ideally used alongside other methods in a multi-method approach, to provide improved data quality. Therefore, it should be used with CSLM, FACS, TEM and other available methods.

Easier lateral orbitotomy approach for excision of lacrimal gland tumour

Tumours of the lacrymal gland are relatively rare. Pleomorphic adenomas present with painless, unilateral progressive proptosis with downward and inward displacement of the globe. Surgical excision through the lateral orbitotomy is the commonest approach. It can be further simplified by removal of lateral wall with chisel instead of saw and replacing it back without any sutures or screws. Keywords: Lacrymal gland tumour, Lateral orbitotomy, Pleomorphic adenoma.

Resistance Marker- and Gene Gun-Mediated Transformation of Trichoderma reesei.

Transformation enables the transfer of DNA into fungal cells for subsequent integration into the genome. Due to its versatility in industrial application, transformation is of utmost importance in Trichoderma reesei and hence continuously optimized. As one of the most crucial obstacles in fungal transformation efforts, removal of the cell wall is required to efficiently target genome modification cassettes to the genome. Here we describe resistance marker-mediated gene gun (biolistic) transformation of fungal spores of T. reesei as an alternative to protoplast transformation.

Novel Approach for Repair of a Left Atrial Esophageal Fistula After Radiofrequency Ablation

Herein we described a novel repair approach for a left atrial esophageal fistula. Complete mediastinal debridement and simultaneous primary repairs of the left atrial posterior wall and the esophagus were completed under a median sternotomy, central cardiopulmonary bypass, left atrial circular incision around four pulmonary veins, inflamed left atrial posterior wall removal, and posterior pericardial opening.

Epidermoid cyst removal with CO2 laser fenestration: A retrospective cohort study.

Epidermoid cyst (EC) is a common and benign tumor, which can occur anywhere on the skin. Surgical excision is usually considered as the first-line treatment. However, linear scars arising after excision for EC remain a cosmetic problem. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of EC removal assisted with CO2 laser fenestration. All patients diagnosed with EC and treated with CO2 laser fenestration, content extrusion, and removal of the cyst wall between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, were included in this study. After a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 27months, scarring, recurrence, complications, and satisfaction were assessed and analyzed. Forty-three of the 47 patients have been cured by a single operation. The recurrence rate was 8.5%, which was not significantly correlated with tumor sizes or locations. 46.8% of the patients had no obvious scar after treatment. No infections or complications were observed in any of these cases. 89.4% of the patients were satisfied with the effectiveness of the treatment, while 95.7% and 87.2% were satisfied with the comfort and the cosmetic results, respectively. CO2 laser fenestration-assisted removal procedure is effective for the treatment of ECs with good aesthetic outcome.