Restoration Of Structure Research Articles

CHANGES IN THE GLOBAL ENERGY SECTOR CAUSED BY RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE

Problems. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia's refusal to accept the planned volumes of natural gas to the countries of the European Union caused a global energy and financial crisis, and changed the movement towards the development of renewable energy. the transition to sustainable and clean energy sources has become problematic for many countries. Objective. General review and analytical analysis of trends in the development of energy consumption and the introduction of renewable sources in electric power systems in 2017-2023 using the results of research International Energy Agency (IEA), listed in World Energy Outlook (WEO) [1-6]. Methodology of implementation Trends in the development of the world system of renewable power plants to ensure climate neutrality, zero emissions, and a clean ecological environment have been analyzed for the study of the topic article. The study of changes and ways to limit the negative consequences of hostilities in Europe and the Middle East was carried out according to the long-term plans of the IEA. Results. An overview of changes in the structure of energy resources in the world energy balance is presented. It is shown that the energy crisis has led to a sharp increase in the production of fossil fuels, primarily coal and oil. The construction of new capacities for the production of 250 billion tons of liquefied gas has begun. in order to stabilize fuel prices and reduce the price of electricity. Statistical and forecast information on the structure of the world energy balance and annual electricity production by types of generation is provided. The environmental negative consequences registered for the last three years are considered: increased CO2 emissions; air pollution with fine dust; pollution of soils and water horizons; changes in climatic indicators. The problems that have arisen for the implementation of new projects for the construction of renewable sources, the development of electric power infrastructure, security and reliability of power supply are analyzed. An analysis of the proposed measures under several scenarios to increase the production and use of solar, wind and nuclear energy, reduce dependence on traditional energy sources and the prospect of zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 is carried out. Conclusions. Actions aimed at reducing energy consumption, projected reduction in fuel prices, planned restarts of nuclear power and further implementation of renewable power plants – these are the proposed measures that make it possible to solve the problems that have arisen around the world. Confidence in meeting the tasks is confirmed by 83 countries and the European Union to meet their commitments to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions on time and in full. Learning from the experience and directions of development of the world energy sector will create an opportunity for the rapid restoration of the energy structure in Ukraine in the post-war period.

Response and Assembly Process of Soil Microbial Communities Under Different Reclamation Measures

Reclamation is essential for restoring the ecological function of soil in mining areas. However, the microbiological mechanism of soil ecological function reconstruction under different reclamation measures still needs to be clarified. Clarifying the characteristics of soil bacterial and fungal communities, assembly mechanisms, and their relationship with physicochemical properties under different reclamation measures is crucial for reshaping the ecological stability of soil in mining areas. Metagenomic sequencing technology was combined with the null model and neutral model to analyze the differences in soil microbial diversity, community composition, network structure, and community assembly process between the reclaimed natural recovery area （LH） and the reclamation fertilization area （MM）. The results suggested that： ① Compared with that in the LH treatment, the MM treatment significantly increased the soil nutrient content, and the total nitrogen （TN）, total phosphorus （TP）, available phosphorus （AP）, and available potassium （AK） contents increased by 34.70%, 72.72%, 468.98%, and 45.74%, respectively （P<0.05）. ② The dominant bacterial and fungal communities did not change under the LH and MM treatments； however, the abundance of bacterial communities changed significantly. Compared with that in the LH treatment, the relative abundance of Acidobacteria increased significantly by 5.4% in the MM treatment, while the relative abundance of Candidatus Rokubacteria decreased significantly by 235.72% （P<0.05）. Under different reclamation measures, the indicator microorganisms of bacterial and fungal communities changed. ③ Compared with that in the LH treatment, the MM treatment increased the complexity of bacterial networks, decreased the complexity of fungal networks, and increased the number of soil bacterial nodes and links. The reclamation measures transformed the key bacterial groups from Proteobacteria to Candidatus Rokubacteria and Planctomycetes. The key group of fungi was Ascomycota. 4.） The deterministic process dominated the assembly of bacterial and fungal communities. Homogeneous selection contributed the most to the bacterial community assembly in the LH treatment, and heterogeneous selection contributed the most to the MM treatment. The fungal communities were all dominated by heterogeneous selection. These results provide new insights into the soil microbial community structure and ecological function restoration in coal mining subsidence reclamation areas.

Hungarian Socialist Solidarity with Namibia

As an Eastern Bloc country, the People’s Republic of Hungary was engaged with the issue of international socialist solidarity. Except for the German Democratic Republic, none of the Eastern Bloc countries had a considerable colonial past; hence, their anti-colonial point of view seemed credible for the liberation movements in Africa and Asia. The Hungarian socialist state approved the activities of the liberation movements ANC, FRELIMO, MPLA, and SWAPO in Southern Africa. The right-wing and white supremacist systems of the Salazarist Portugal, Rhodesia, and the apartheid South Africa were seen as obvious enemies and oppressors who were contributing to the functioning of an exploiting and capitalist system based on the rule of a minority group. The anti-colonial interests of the socialist Eastern Bloc countries had various other aspects as well. In the liberation of Southern Africa, economic interests played a key role. These countries, especially Angola, South Africa, and Namibia have an incredible abundance of resources. Therefore, the Eastern Bloc countries were involved not only in the wars of liberation, but also in the restoration and rebuilding of structures. This meant a practically new market for goods from Africa in the Eastern Bloc countries, and the export of technology and manufactured goods to Africa from the Eastern Bloc countries.

Assessing an Asphalt Mixture’s Self-Healing with Microwave Induction for Enhanced Durability and Structural Restoration

Assessing an Asphalt Mixture’s Self-Healing with Microwave Induction for Enhanced Durability and Structural Restoration

TTF2 promotes replisome eviction from stalled forks in mitosis.

When cells enter mitosis with under-replicated DNA, sister chromosome segregation is compromised, which can lead to massive genome instability. The replisome-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAIP mitigates this threat by ubiquitylating the CMG helicase in mitosis, leading to disassembly of stalled replisomes, fork cleavage, and restoration of chromosome structure by alternative end-joining. Here, we show that replisome disassembly requires TRAIP phosphorylation by the mitotic Cyclin B-CDK1 kinase, as well as TTF2, a SWI/SNF ATPase previously implicated in the eviction of RNA polymerase from mitotic chromosomes. We find that TTF2 tethers TRAIP to replisomes using an N-terminal Zinc finger that binds to phosphorylated TRAIP and an adjacent TTF2 peptide that contacts the CMG-associated leading strand DNA polymerase ε. This TRAIP-TTF2-pol ε bridge, which forms independently of the TTF2 ATPase domain, is essential to promote CMG unloading and stalled fork breakage. Conversely, RNAPII eviction from mitotic chromosomes requires the ATPase activity of TTF2. We conclude that in mitosis, replisomes undergo a CDK- and TTF2-dependent structural reorganization that underlies the cellular response to incompletely replicated DNA.

WATERPROOFING OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Purpose. The purpose of the paper is to summarize the results of waterproofing, in particular, the mechanisms of the main factors of waterlogging and salinization, evaluate waterlogging and salinization and suggest ways to extend the resource, develop the technology to restore the operational characteristics of reinforced concrete structures of buildings and structures. Methodology. A review of scientific and technical sources, field studies, and regulatory documents on the technical condition of waterproofing, waterlogging, and salinization of reinforced concrete structures in buildings and structures in Ukraine was conducted to achieve this goal. The results of the analysis and synthesis of research became the basis to establish relevant waterproofing errors during design, identifying defects and shortcomings in construction and shortcomings in the long-term operation of reinforced concrete structures of buildings and structures. Findings. The analysis of domestic and foreign scientific and technical sources on the technical condition of waterproofing on old and newly built reinforced concrete structures of buildings and structures is carried out. The analysis and synthesis of problems of ensuring the reliability and durability of reinforced concrete structures of buildings and structures in their operation in air, ground and water environments is carried out. In particular, the analysis of the reasons for the failure of waterproofing systems is carried out, and the main factors – waterlogging and salinity that affect the creation of reliable waterproofing are identified. Scientific novelty. In this paper, based on the analysis and synthesis of scientific and technical sources and many studies of waterproofing of reinforced concrete structures of real objects of buildings and structures during construction and long-term operation, data on waterproofing and processes that significantly affect the degradation of structures are summarized, and conclusions are formulated regarding reliable waterproofing and protection and restoration of such structures. Practical significance. Based on the obtained generalized data on waterproofing, the conclusions present proposals to ensure reliable waterproofing of load-bearing reinforced concrete structures that are operated in moistened and saline-aggressive environments. The method of technical diagnostics and elimination of shortcomings in waterproofing and reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures, which makes it possible to increase the reliability and resources of these structures, has been developed.

Research progress on the repair of tendon injuries with Tissue Engineering Technology

Tendon injuries are frequently encountered in clinical practice, and traditional repair methods rarely achieve complete restoration of the tendon's original structure and functionality. The challenges of accelerating and optimizing the healing of injured tendons, enhancing the strength of the regenerated tendon, and preventing adhesion remain significant in clinical settings. Tendon tissue engineering, which combines material science, cell biology, and molecular biology, involves the synergistic application of multiple factors to create functional constructs and has become an emerging technique with promise for repair. The maximization of the regenerative potential of these elements is a critical research question. Future research should concentrate on discovering the optimal combinations of cells, biosignals, and scaffolds to produce tissue that emulates the characteristics of an undamaged, natural tendon. This review will cover various aspects, including the fabrication of tendon tissue scaffolds, the selection of seed cells, strategies for the modulation of healing-related biosignals, and provide a summary with prospective insights, aiming to enhance the comprehension of tissue engineering techniques in tendon injury repair and to inspire innovative applications in this domain.

Duhuo Jisheng Decoction in reduction of inflammatory response via Transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling pathway for repairing rabbit articular cartilage Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on the repair of rabbit articular cartilage injury through a reduction in the inflammatory response mediated by the Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad signaling pathway. MethodsA rabbit articular cartilage injury model was constructed using a ring bone extraction drill. Twenty-four Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided into six groups, namely Sham operation, model, low-dose Duhuo Jisheng Decoction, medium-dose Duhuo Jisheng Decoction, high-dose Duhuo Jisheng Decoction, and positive control groups. The treatment lasted 12 weeks. Gross observation, International Cartilage Repair Society score, Wakitani score, and Micro-computed tomography analysis were used to evaluate the structural repair of cartilage injury. Histology and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the proteoglycan, P-TβRII, P-Smad2, and type II collagen expression levels. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the concentrations of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 and Syndecan-4 in the joint fluid; and RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to observe the mRNA and protein expressions of ALK5, Sox-9, P-Smad3, and TGF-β1 at the injury repair site. ResultsThe repair effect of cartilage injury, as seen through gross observation and quantitative scoring, was better in all the Duhuo Jisheng Decoction treatment groups than in the model group. The medium dose group of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction had the best repair effect. We observed remarkable structural restoration of cartilage injury in the medium-dose Duhuo Jisheng Decoction group, with the subchondral bone presenting a distinct hierarchy, and parameters such as bone volume fraction and trabecular separation/spacing being significantly augmented. We found high expression levels of proteoglycans, P-TβRII, P-Smad2, and type II collagen. The concentrations of Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 and Syndecan-4 in the joint fluid were significantly lower following treatment. The low gene expression levels of ALK5, Sox-9, P-Smad3, and TGF-β1 in the injury site of the model group could be reversed in the medium-dose Duhuo Jisheng Decoction group. ConclusionDuhuo Jisheng Decoction can repair rabbit cartilage injury and reverse the levels of inflammatory factors in the joint fluid. The mechanism underlying its therapeutic effect is related to the activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This study provides a reliable basis for using Duhuo Jisheng Decoction to treat cartilage injury following knee osteoarthritis.

The use of osteoinductive materials in the treatment of bone pathologies and severe fractures

Treatment of bone pathologies and severe fractures is an urgent healthcare problem that requires effective and innovative approaches to ensure complete restoration of bone tissue and improve the quality of life of patients. Traditional methods of bone tissue regeneration, such as transplantation of bone autografts and allografts, have a number of limitations, including a shortage of donor material and the risk of complications. In this regard, it is of interest to use osteoinductive materials that promote accelerated healing and restoration of bone structures. The article discusses modern osteoinductive materials, their types, mechanisms of action and clinical application. Particular attention is paid to their role in the treatment of complex fractures and bone pathologies, such as osteoporosis and osteomyelitis. Data from clinical studies have been analyzed demonstrating the high effectiveness of osteoinductive materials in the treatment of complex fractures, osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis and other bone pathologies. Benefits of using these materials include accelerated healing, reduced risk of complications, minimized need for autografts, and improved integration with bone tissue.

Recovery of peat-forming layer after a fire on mesotrophic bog (Khabarovsk Territory)

The paper considers the structural organization of the peat active layer (acrotelm) of a mesotrophic bog in the Middle-Amur Lowland. Data on the phytomass and production of mosses as well as vascular plant roots are provided to describe the dynamics of the layer structure restoration after fire. It was established that the phytomass of live sphagnum mosses has recovered by 42% in 12 years after the fire, with a change in the dominating species. The production of dominant Sphagnum fuscum ((84 ± 14) g/m2) was 1.5 times more than the production of S. divinum ((54 ± 14) g/m2) before the fire, and than decreased by 1.5 times on the site that was unburned in 2008 and by 4 times in the burned site by the end of the observations. An analysis of the Polytrichum strictum phytomass dynamics during the pyrogenic succession of the phytocenose is provided. The phytomass of P. strictum in the 0–30 cm horizon rose by the end of the monitoring observations by (1537 ± 540) g/m2 on the burned site and by (2142 ± 366) g/m2 on the site not affected by the 2008 fire.

Effectiveness of the injectable hyaluronic acid-based microparticles loaded with cannabidiol on rat sciatic nerve injury model

We have developed an innovative peripheral nerve tissue repair approach by designing biomimetic microparticles loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) using horseradish peroxidase-mediated crosslinking within a microfluidic device. This method utilizes a water-in-oil emulsion system where a mixture of phenol-substituted hyaluronic acid (HAPh), CBD, and laccase is channeled into oil flow, forming hydrogel microparticles. The physical properties, such as their swelling rate, mechanical strength, and the sustained release of CBD, emphasize their potential in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Cellular proliferation studies within the microparticles demonstrate their cytocompatibility, making them suitable for developing microtissues. The microparticles also served as a controlled release mechanism for CBD-targeted delivery to the injured locations, showcasing the effectiveness and ability to aid in the regeneration of the sciatic nerve tissue. In vivo, histopathological analysis of treated sciatic nerve injuries showed enhanced axonal restoring and remyelination with HAPh microparticles containing CBD in contrast to control groups. Furthermore, microparticles enhanced various functional aspects of locomotor activities, such as functional sciatic index (SFI) values, response to heat stimulation, and muscle mass retention. In conclusion, results indicate that these composite biomimetic microparticles with CBD effectively promote nerve structural restoration and increase the reconstruction process in a sciatic nerve injury model.

Aging, ROS, and cellular senescence: a trilogy in the progression of liver fibrosis.

Ageing is an inevitable and multifaceted biological process that impacts a wide range of cellular and molecular mechanisms, leading to the development of various diseases, such as liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis, which is an advanced form due to high amounts of extracellular matrix and restoration of normal liver structure with failure to repair damaged tissue and cells, marking the end of liver function and total liver failure, ultimately death. The most important factors are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular senescence. Oxidative stress is defined as an impairment by ROS, which are by-products of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and other key molecular pathways that induce cell damage and can activate cellular senescence pathways. Cellular senescence is characterized by pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and proteases secreted by senescent cells, collectively known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The presence of senescent cells, which disrupt tissue architecture and function and increase senescent cell production in liver tissues, contributes to fibrogenesis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated in response to chronic liver injury, oxidative stress, and senescence signals that drive excessive production and deposition of extracellular matrix. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenic role of ROS and cellular senescence in the aging liver and their contribution to fibrosis.

A CLINICAL CASE OF SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL TREATMENT OF A LATE-PRESENTING PATIENT WITH TRAUMATIC FLAP DISLOCATION AFTER FEMTOLASIK

FemtoLASIK is a frequently performed refractive surgery, one of the complications of which is flap dislocation. Most often, this condition is accompanied by decreased vision, pain, lacrimation, which makes patients immediately visit ophthalmologist. This article describes a case of a patient who came to the clinic only on the fourth day after the flap displacement due to blunt eye trauma. By this time, the patient’s corneal flap had significant edema, was folded and displaced with exposure of the stromal bed, which was epithelialized over 2/3 of the area. The surgical treatment of this patient with restoration of anatomical structures, as well as visual functions exceeding the maximum-corrected at the preoperative stage is presented. The treatment provided a stable result for 15 months after the performed reposition.

The making of Mt Everest: channel flow and low-angle normal faults in the compressional Himalayan orogen

Mt Everest (8849 m) spans the Greater Himalayan Sequence metamorphic rocks and the base of the unmetamorphosed Tethyan sedimentary rocks in the Nepal–South Tibet Himalaya. Two north-dipping, low-angle normal faults cut the massif: the upper Qomolangma Detachment placing Ordovician sedimentary rocks above Everest Series greenschist–amphibolite facies rocks; and the lower Lhotse Detachment placing Everest Series schists above sillimanite gneisses, migmatites and leucogranites. The two faults merge northwards into one large ductile shear zone (the South Tibetan Detachment). Pressure–temperature constraints and structural restoration show that the South Tibetan Detachment acted as a passive roof fault during extrusion of the footwall. At least 120 km of southward flow of the footwall rocks occurred during the Miocene, resulting in the exhumation of rocks that were buried to 5.5 kbar ( c. 18–22 km depth) below the detachment, juxtaposing them against hanging wall rocks that are essentially unmetamorphosed. The low-angle normal faults were operative during north–south convergence and reflect the exhumation of a locked passive roof fault, unrelated to any crustal extensional processes. U–(Th)–Pb dating of peraluminous leucogranites exposed on Mt Everest (21–20 Ma), Nuptse ( c. 19–18 Ma) and along the Rongbuk valley (15.6–15.4 Ma) show that ductile extrusion occurred during the Early Miocene, with brittle faulting at <15.4 Ma during exhumation.

Targeting gut microbiota as a therapeutic target in T2DM: A review of multi-target interactions of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics with the intestinal barrier

The global epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) imposes a substantial burden on public health and healthcare expenditures, thereby driving the pursuit of cost-effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between dysbiosis of gut microbiota and its metabolites with T2DM, indicating that targeted interventions aimed at modulating gut microbiota may represent a promising therapeutic approach for the management of T2DM. In this review, we concentrated on the multifaceted interactions between the gut microbiota and the intestinal barrier in the context of T2DM. We systematically summarized that the imbalance of beneficial gut microbiota and its metabolites may constitute a viable therapeutic approach for the management of T2DM. Meanwhile, the mechanisms by which gut microbiota interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics, synergistically improve insulin resistance in T2DM are summarized. These mechanisms include the restoration of gut microbiota structure, upregulation of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, enhancement of tight junction protein expression, promotion of mucin secretion by goblet cells, and the immunosuppressive functions of regulatory T cells (Treg) and M2 macrophages. Collectively, these actions contribute to the amelioration of the body's metabolic inflammatory status. Our objective is to furnish evidence that supports the clinical application of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in the management of T2DM.

Initial WNT/β-Catenin or BMP Activation Modulates Inflammatory Response of Mesodermal Progenitors Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Wound healing in adults largely depends on the functional state of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Human fetal tissues at the early stages of development are known to heal quickly with a full-quality restoration of the original structure. The differences in the molecular mechanisms that determine the functional activity of mesodermal cells in fetuses and adults remain virtually unknown. Using two independent human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, we examined the effects of the initial WNT and BMP activation on the differentiation of iPSCs via mesodermal progenitors into MSCs and highlighted the functions of these cells that are altered by the proinflammatory microenvironment. The WNT-induced mesoderm commitment of the iPSCs enhanced the expression of paraxial mesoderm (PM)-specific markers, while the BMP4-primed iPSCs exhibited increased levels of lateral mesoderm (LM)-specific genes. The inflammatory status and migration rate of the isogenic iPSC-derived mesoderm cells were assessed via gene expression analysis and scratch assay under the receptor-dependent activation of the proinflammatory IFN-γ or TNF-α signaling pathway. Reduced IDO1 and ICAM1 expression levels were detected in the WNT- and BMP-induced MSC progenitors compared to the isogenic MSCs in response to stimulation with IFN-γ and TNF-α. The WNT- and BMP-induced MSC progenitors exhibited a higher migration rate than isogenic MSCs upon IFN-γ exposure. The established isogenic cellular model will provide new opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms of regeneration and novel therapeutics for wound healing.

URBAN LANDSCAPE AND DIGITAL PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE SITES: A CASE STUDY OF THE ANCIENT CITY OF SHANDAN IN GANSU, CHINA

Purpose of the study is to explore the application of digital technology in the preservation and restoration of ancient urban landscapes and heritage sites, with a specific focus on the Ancient City of Shandan in Gansu, China. Methodology. A review of relevant literature on digital preservation, the historical context of the ancient city of Shandan and the implementation of digital technologies such as 3D scanning, modelling and virtual reality. The methodology covers the detailed process of scanning and modelling key sites within Shandan, as well as assessing the outcomes of these digital preservation efforts through public VR experiences and educational applications. Results. The historical significance of the ancient city of Shandan and its strategic importance along the ancient Silk Road is highlighted. The use of digital technology has enabled the accurate preservation and reconstruction of key architectural elements and the cityscape. High-resolution aerial photography and photogrammetry were used to create detailed 3D models of the site, facilitating virtual tours, educational programs, and potential digital restoration of damaged structures. Pilot public VR experiences demonstrated the effectiveness of these models in enhancing public understanding and appreciation of Shandan's cultural heritage. Scientific novelty lies in bringing the innovative application of digital technology to the conservation and restoration of the ancient city of Shandan. High-resolution data acquisition methods such as drone aerial photography and laser scanning were combined with advanced 3D modelling techniques to generate accurate and detailed digital images of the site. A comprehensive digital conservation approach is provided by accurately capturing the historical and architectural features of the ancient city of Shandan, including texture mapping to restore original materials and colours. Practical significance of this study lies in its demonstration of how digital technologies, such as 3D scanning, modeling, and virtual reality, can be effectively used to preserve and restore ancient urban landscapes. It provides a model for protecting cultural heritage and offers innovative methods to enhance public education and engagement with historical sites.

WITHDRAWN: Serial section microscopy image inpainting guided by axial optical flow

Volume electron microscopy (vEM) is becoming a prominent technique in three-dimensional (3D) cellular visualization. vEM collects a series of two-dimensional (2D) images and reconstructs ultra-structures at the nanometer scale by rational axial interpolation between neighboring sections. However, section damage inevitably occurs in the sample preparation and imaging process, suffering from manual operational errors or occasional mechanical failures. The damaged regions present blurry and contaminated structure information, even local blank holes. Despite significant progress in single-image inpainting, it is still a great challenge to recover missing biological structures, that satisfy 3D structural continuity among sections. In this paper, we propose an optical flow-based serial section inpainting architecture to effectively combine the 3D structure information from neighboring sections and 2D image features from surrounding regions. We design a two-stage reference generation strategy to predict a rational and detailed intermediate state image from coarse to fine. Then, a GAN-based inpainting network is adopted to integrate all reference information and guide the restoration of missing structures, while ensuring consistent distribution of pixel values across the 2D image. Extensive experimental results well demonstrate the superiority of our method over existing inpainting tools. Our code is available at https://github.com/chengyr1999/FlowInpaint/.

Digital Workflow for Rehabilitation of Severely Discolored Teeth Due to Red Staining from Endodontic Material.

The aim of this short communication is to present a technique to rehabilitate severely discolored teeth with computer-aided designed and computer-aided manufactured (CAD-CAM) zirconia crowns. After confirming the absence of periapical lesions and sufficient crown structure, any caries or fractured restorations can be removed and replaced by an interim composite restoration. A shoulder subgingival preparation is performed and scanned with an intraoral scanner to design a CAD-CAM zirconia crown using a monolithic zirconia material. This crown is highly polished using a specific polishing kit, but not glazed. This technique is suggested to be useful in cases of dark discolored teeth due to staining endodontic materials such as resorcinol-formaldehyde resin.

Ablation Study of Diffusion Model with Transformer Backbone for Low-count PET Denoising.

Diffusion models (DM) built from a hierarchy of denoising autoencoders have achieved remarkable progress in image generation, and are increasingly influential in the field of image restoration (IR) tasks. In the meantime, its backbone of autoencoders also evolved from UNet to vision transformer, e.g. Restormer. Therefore, it is important to disentangle the contribution of backbone networks and the additional generative learning scheme. Notably, DM shows varied performance across IR tasks, and the performance of recent advanced transformer-based DM on PET denoising is under-explored. In this study, we further raise an intuitive question, "{if we have a sufficiently powerful backbone, whether DM can be a general add-on generative learning scheme to further boost PET denoising}". Specifically, we investigate one of the best-in-class IR models, i.e., DiffIR, which is a latent DM based on the Restormer backbone. We provide a qualitative and quantitative comparison with UNet, SR3 (UNet+pixel DM), and Restormer, on the 25% low dose 18F-FDG whole-body PET denoising task, aiming to identify the best practices. We trained and tested on 93 and 12 subjects, and each subject has 644 slices. It appears that Restormer outperforms UNet in terms of PSNR and MSE. However, additional latent DM over Restormer does not contribute to better MSE, SSIM, or PSNR in our task, which is even inferior to the conventional UNet. In addition, SR3 with pixel space DM is not stable to synthesize satisfactory results. The results are consistent with the natural image super-resolution tasks, which also suffer from limited spatial information. A possible reason would be the denoising iteration at latent feature space cannot well support detailed structure and texture restoration. This issue is more crucial in the IR tasks taking inputs with limited details, e.g., SR and PET denoising.