Restoration Techniques Research Articles (Page 1)

In this study we aimed to uncover the perspectives of male childhood cancer survivors on parenthood, fertility preservation and potential fertility restoration using their own cryopreserved testicular biopsy. We invited all young men eligible for this study, 27 male cancer survivors over the age of sixteen who had undergone a testicular tissue biopsy in the past in Amsterdam, of whom 5 men (18.5% response rate) decided to participate. In semi-structured interviews, we discussed their views on parenthood, testicular cryopreservation and potential fertility restoration, specifically through spermatogonial stem cell transplantation (SSCT). All data were pseudonymized prior to analysis, via open coding using MAXQDA software. We found that all five participants (ages 17-24) had actively thought about family planning and some expressed a very strong wish to experience parenthood, although they were aware of potential fertility issues related to their treatments. However, these participants reported that fertility issues had been minimally discussed at the late effects clinic during check-ups, and they therefore had a limited understanding of the potential and restrictions of fertility restoration techniques such as SSCT. Overall, these participants displayed a high willingness to undertake additional steps to achieve biological parenthood and low levels of concern regarding the safety of SSCT. Autonomy and the opportunity of choice were determining factors in their underlying views. Perspectives and needs of these survivors for whom a testicular biopsy was cryopreserved as a child predominantly revolved around the importance of having autonomy over their fertility choices and being adequately informed to make those choices. Treatments for childhood cancer may lead to infertility. To safeguard fertility of male young cancer patients, a testicular biopsy can be frozen that contain Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSCs), the basis for spermatogenesis. This study focused on SSCT: a new fertility restoration treatment. Through interviews with five male survivors (aged 17-24), we explored their experiences and opinions on fertility preservation and restoration. In general, participants were happy with their parents' decision to freeze a biopsy. The freedom to choose was a key topic for them. They were willing to take required steps to reach parenthood, if desired. They had few concerns about the safety of SSCT, but did have questions about chances of success. Their trust in science and healthcare was strong. However in their experience, fertility was not sufficiently discussed during follow-up care. The results support doctors, (former) childhood cancer patients, and their parents concerning fertility after childhood cancer.

Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of organic pollutants in global mangrove sediments.

On 6 February 2023, two consecutive earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.7 (Mw), struck Kahramanmaras Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. A thorough evaluation of post-seismic damage to underground structures is critically important for ensuring both structural safety and operational serviceability. Focusing on the Erkenek Tunnel, this study provides a systematic investigation to assess the impact of the devastating Kahramanmaras earthquakes on highway tunnels. The tunnel sustained significant damage, primarily concentrated in its inner lining structures, and as a result, its left tube was shut down for service. Based on the in situ observations, geological conditions, initial design documents and construction techniques, a numerical analysis was conducted to model critical tunnel sections and evaluate their structural stability. Considering both static loads and seismic forces, restoration design works, techniques and construction sequences are recommended for the damaged sections of the Erkenek Tunnel. As the earthquake damage sustained by underground structures is a rare case, the methodology and findings of this study regarding post-seismic tunnel inspections and rehabilitation designs shed light on the maintenance works of in-service tunnels in earthquake-prone zones.

Higher ammonia oxidizing activity of comammox cooperates with ammonia-oxidizing bacteria to release N2O in river ecological restoration areas.

Restoration and Enhancement Learning Techniques Supporting Gun Image Recognition

Modern sustainable agriculture depends on hybrid approach of combining ecofriendly farming system and precision tools to combat the challenges of farmers. Agricultural image processing is applicable to various real time challenges in the agriculture field. One such challenge is weed infestation which compete with agricultural crops. To feed the global population, innovative promising practices are required to enhance yield rates and promote sustainable farming methods. Hence this paper critically reviews about quality management of weed control system by image processing techniques. Cultural methods can only reduce the weed infestation but still profitable growth of agricultural crops is a critical factor.The available traditional image processing technologies used in weed management are image segmentation, restoration, spatial and frequency domain techniques and traditional image-processing algorithms . Various precision tools such as Precision Weed Management (PWM), emphasizing cutting-edge technologies such as computer vision, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and autonomous weeding robots were discussed. Thus to implement weed management technologies a smart agricultural field and yield can be focused on precision and sustainability.

Purpose To investigate whether there is a difference in olfactory functions among individuals who use different voice restoration methods after total laryngectomy. Method The study group for this research comprised individuals who had undergone total laryngectomy and aged 44 to 75 years; 10 participants using oesophageal speech, 10 participants using tracheoesophageal speech, and 10 participants using electrolarynx were included. The control group comprised 10 individuals with normal olfactory function of similar age and gender to the individuals in the study group. The participants’ olfactory functions were evaluated using the Sniffin Sticks Extended Test. European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire – H&N-35 was used as a subjective scale. Result All laryngectomised patients exhibited olfactory impairment, with 73.3% diagnosed with anosmia and 26.7% with hyposmia. Regarding Sniffin Sticks Test combined scores; the mean values of voice prosthesis users, electrolarynx and oesophageal speech group were 8.4, 10.1 and 21.6 respectively, while in the control group it was 38.2. In terms of Sniffin Sticks Test composite scores, the oesophageal speech group had significantly higher scores than the voice prosthesis and electrolarynx groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion While all laryngectomised patients showed olfactory dysfunction, those using oesophageal speech – a somewhat overlooked rehabilitation method – exhibited statistically significant preservation of olfactory function compared to other voice restoration techniques. These findings suggest that oesophageal speech may offer distinct advantages for maintaining post-laryngectomy olfactory capacity, warranting further consideration in clinical practise.

Alpine wetlands play a vital role in water storage, ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, material recycling, climate change mitigation, and environmental purification. At present, these high-elevation and high-latitude ecosystems are facing dual threats from the combined impacts of climate change and human activities. This perspective reveals that climate-related factors such as phenological changes and plant migrations, as well as human activities like agricultural reclamation, have significantly damaged these ecosystems. To address alpine wetland degradation, multiple strategies are proposed through integrated approaches. First, exploring the synergistic application of multiple restoration techniques, including ditch-filling, terrain-leveling, invasive species removal, and vegetation restoration. Second, establishing long-term ecological monitoring frameworks, including extreme climate and water level monitoring, vegetation and soil survey, among others. Third, sustained investments in scientific research and active public awareness and stakeholder engagement. Through these comprehensive efforts, integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern restoration techniques, we can jointly safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystem services, mitigate the degradation of alpine wetlands and preserve these high-value ecological systems for future generations.

Seagrass ecosystems are vital for maintaining marine ecological balance, supporting the blue carbon cycle, offering habitat for marine organisms, and safeguarding coastal areas against erosion. Nevertheless, seagrass ecosystems worldwide are declining substantially due to human activities and climate change. This trend is also evident in Indonesia, where approximately 7% of seagrass coverage is lost annually. This research examines existing literature on seagrass restoration by focusing on three key approaches: spatial assessment of suitable habitats, advancements in physical restoration techniques, and the creation of predictive models for evaluating restoration outcomes. The goal is to offer comprehensive insights into the challenges and prospects for improving management and establishing more effective and sustainable restoration strategies in coastal environments. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) combined with bibliometric analysis was conducted on 177 publications from the Scopus database spanning 2019 to 2024 to identify research trends, technological advancements, and existing challenges in seagrass restoration. The research emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to seagrass restoration, incorporating spatial analysis, developing flexible restoration techniques, and implementing predictive modeling and statistical assessments to enhance long-term planning and monitoring efforts. The case study in Jepara demonstrates the effectiveness of participatory approaches at the local scale, despite limitations in technology and long-term monitoring. Integrating spatial and digital technologies, strengthening local capacity, international collaboration, and multidisciplinary integration are key to improving the effectiveness and sustainability of seagrass restoration, while strengthening its contribution to coastal resilience and climate change mitigation.

Successful endodontic management depends on knowledge of the anatomy, appropriate modification in the treatment protocol and utilization of a computer-aided design system for final restoration. The residual structure of teeth with endodontic treatment must be preserved and is crucial to long-term survival. The objective of this case report is to describe the clinical treatment steps for endodontic management with PIAR (Posterior Indirect Adhesive Restoration) as the final restoration treatment on the first right mandibular molar using CAD-CAM procedures. PIAR is very common nowadays in definitive restoration after root canal treatment procedure.[1] Modern tooth restoration techniques that rely on adhesion are replacing traditional techniques that depend on mechanical retention.[2] The use of indirect bonded restoration is very frequent in case of extended coronal destruction of a posterior tooth. The primary objective of treating compromised posterior teeth is minimal invasiveness by adhesion, which has led to a total shift in operator strategies toward minimally invasive bonded restorations. Preservation of healthy tissue, which is the main benefit of their restorations, since adhesive restorations do not need extra tooth preparation to achieve resistance and retention form.[2,3] The tooth structures to be evaluated include dentin, marginal ridge, pulp chamber and remaining cusp. To improve the strength, the cusp should be covered when required. The main causes of technical failure include leakage margins, excessive wear, and loss of retention.[4] Modern restorative dentistry is showing a lot of interest in minimally invasive dentistry due to the advancement and development of adhesive bonding procedures. Maintaining the integrity of tooth structure is essential to the durability of teeth and restorations.[5,6] Following endodontic therapy, restorative procedures are performed while considering biomechanical and functional aspects such as canine guidance, group function, occlusion type, overjet, overbite, parafunction presence or absence, cavity dimension, occlusal surface, and remaining wall thickness.[7] The following goals are needed when choosing the best restoration: preventing the infiltration of microorganisms into the root canal system; restoring the tooth's form, stability, and appropriate points of contact with adjacent teeth; restoring function; shielding the remaining tooth structure from additional (carious and non carious) hard tissue loss and fracture; maintaining the health of the marginal periodontal tissues; and maintaining optimal aesthetics.[8] Adhesion of the restorative material to the tooth is facilitated by appropriate bonding methods, which also improve marginal adaptation, prevent microleakage, and make the prepared tooth and the replacement itself more fracture resistant.[9,10] The interface to the tooth and the interface to the restorative material are two quite different interfaces to take into account. A dual bond-a micromechanical interlocking and a real chemical bond-should be provided by the optimal bonding process to different kinds of indirect restoration.[9]

This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of soil microbial communities during ecological restoration on degraded mountain slopes, specifically comparing the impacts of two common strategies: aggregate spray-seeding and planted forest establishment, against undisturbed natural slopes, and assessing key drivers of microbial recovery. Soil microbial community composition (bacteria and fungi), diversity, and co-occurrence network structure were analyzed seven years after restoration initiation. Both restoration approaches facilitated microbial community recovery, with restored slope compositions converging towards natural slope baselines. Fungal communities exhibited greater OTU diversity than bacteria, attributed to engineered substrates and rapid vegetation stabilization from spray-seeding. Crucially, restoration successfully increased microbial network complexity. Spray-seeding specifically achieved network stability comparable to natural ecosystems. Significant environmental relationships were identified: soil water content (SWC) showed negative correlations with fungal richness and composition, while below-ground biomass (BGB) positively correlated with bacterial composition. Restoration effectively promotes soil microbial community recovery towards natural ecosystem states, albeit with distinct dynamics for bacteria and fungi. Fungal communities are particularly responsive to restoration techniques like spray-seeding. Soil properties (SWC) and plant development (BGB) are pivotal drivers shaping microbial assemblage during restoration.

Priodiversity LIFE: Protecting biodiversity through restoration Matti Koivula from the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) discusses the advancement of forest restoration techniques in Northern European forests and explains how the Priodiversity LIFE project will enhance this knowledge base, address biodiversity loss, and contribute to EU restoration goals. Priodiversity LIFE is a large-scale, multidisciplinary restoration project in Finland, targeting forests, wetlands, peatlands, and cultural habitats. With a budget of around €50 million, it stands out among restoration efforts. Coordinated by the Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland, the project involves several administrative and research bodies, including the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), which oversees long-term monitoring over 10–30 years post-restoration.

In restored tropical forests, a better understanding of biomass and carbon estimation methods is needed—especially biomass assessment, allometric equation choice, and the influence of local conditions. Understanding these factors is critical given forests' role in sequestering and storing atmospheric carbon. We conducted a systematic review on the state of the art in estimating plant biomass and carbon storage in restored forests within the Atlantic Forest. We examined the biomass measurement methods, the factors influencing biomass productivity, and estimated the time required for restored forests to attain biomass levels observed in conserved forests. For each study, we investigated: (1) how biomass stocks were assessed; (2) the allometric equations used for estimation; (3) and the restoration techniques applied alongside the biotic and abiotic conditions at each site. We also examined whether local climatic conditions, forest age, and the number of planted species influenced biomass accumulation. Despite the limited number of studies assessing carbon stocks in restored Atlantic Forests, publications have increased recently. However, the equations used to estimate carbon stocks were mainly adjusted to young forests (5–17 years). Moreover, studies lack a standardized protocol for converting biomass into carbon, and few assessing root biomass. We found that age is the key factor explaining biomass accumulation. Finally, our projections indicate forests over 25 years of restoration likely exhibit plant biomass similar to conserved forests. Still, different protocols and equations for estimating plant biomass accumulation may lead to under‐ or overestimates compared to the projections presented here.

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis of Hall technique and traditional performed metal crown (PMC) restoration technique, and to follow up the occlusal changes before and after treatment with Hall technique, providing references for the promotion of Hall technique. Methods: Children who visited the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from May 2021 to December 2022 were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were followed up at three time points: 1, 2 and 3 months after operation. The observation results were divided into three outcomes: success (crown in place, no symptoms of pulpitis or periapical periodontitis, no obvious abnormality in occlusion, no need for further treatment), partial failure (crown falling off or crown broken, tooth defect can be repaired, reversible pulpitis) and complete failure (irreversible pulpitis or periapical periodontitis, crown falling off and tooth defect irreparable), and statistical analysis was made. At the same time, the Hall technique group was followed up at five time points as before operation, immediately after operation, 2 weeks after operation, 4 weeks after operation and 8 weeks after operation respectively, in which the occlusion was analyzed by Dental Prescale Ⅱ system. The vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO), overbite and coverage, and canine relationship were recorded and compared. Three-dimensional finite element method was used to model and analyze the stress of the teeth treated with traditional PMC treatment and Hall technique, and the differences between them were compared. Results: Finally, 21 children were included in the Hall technique group, including 12 boys and 9 girls, with age of (5.0±1.4) years. Meanwhile, 22 children including 15 boys and 7 girls were in the traditional PMC group, with age of (5.1±1.3) years. There were 0 cases of complete failure and 0 cases of partial failure both in the Hall technique group and in the traditional PMC group within 1 month. There were 0 cases of complete failure and 1 case of partial failure in the Hall technique group, while 0 cases of complete failure and 0 cases of partial failure in the traditional PMC group within 2 months after operation. Hall technique group failed completely in 1 case and partially in 1 case, while the traditional pre-crown group failed completely in 0 cases and partially in 0 cases 3 months after operation. There was no significant difference in the incidence of primary index/complete failure and secondary index/partial failure between Hall technique group and traditional PMC group (all P>0.05). The occlusal area and occlusal force of children treated with Hall technique decreased immediately after operation compared with those before operation, but gradually recovered to the preoperative level at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after operation. To elaborate, the occlusal area decreased significantly from (14.79±3.55) mm2 before operation to (10.15±3.17) mm2 immediately after operation (P=0.001), and recovered to (15.58±3.39) mm2 at 8 weeks after operation (P>0.05 compared with pre-operation). The occlusal force decreased significantly from (436.94±109.59) N before operation to (292.70±96.05) N immediately after operation (P=0.001), and recovered to (441.86±104.31) N at 8 weeks after operation (P>0.05 compared with pre-operation). Overbite decreased significantly from (2.54±1.05) mm before operation to (1.80±0.94) mm immediately after operation (P=0.044) and then recovered to (2.35±1.02) mm (P>0.05 compared with pre-operation). The coverage changed from (2.41±0.66) mm before operation to (2.27±0.61) mm immediately after operation (P>0.05) and then recovered to (2.48±0.62) mm (P>0.05 compared with pre-operation). The canine relationship was (3.12±0.54) mm before operation, and decreased significantly immediately after operation (2.17±0.89) mm (P=0.001), and recovered to (3.05±0.61) mm after 8 weeks (P>0.05 compared with pre-operation). In the three-dimensional finite element analysis, the maximum stress of all parts of the affected tooth increased immediately after Hall technique treatment, but with occlusal adjustment, the maximum stress of all parts of the affected tooth decreased, which was similar to that of the traditional metal pre-crown group. The vertical load and oblique load of pre-crown decreased from 180.11 and 496.16 MPa to 108.05 and 297.69 MPa, respectively. The vertical load and oblique load of enamel decreased from 94.83 and 255.94 MPa to 57.21 and 156.44 MPa, respectively. The vertical load and oblique load of dentin decreased from 55.19 and 124.77 MPa to 33.19 and 74.59 MPa, respectively. Conclusions: During the experimental observation period, there is no obvious difference between Hall technique and traditional PMC treatment technology in terms of post-treatment occlusion and clinical prognosis, which supports clinical application.

Purpose: Blurred images caused by camera motion, poor lighting, or inaccurate focus are common challenges in digital imaging. These issues not only affect visual aesthetics but also risk the loss of critical information, particularly in forensic analysis, medical diagnostics, and historical documentation. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of three image restoration methods—Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Non-Local Means (NLM), and Lucy-Richardson—through a systematic literature review approach. Design/methodology/approach: This research adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed articles from IEEE Xplore and other reputable sources. Each method is evaluated based on key restoration criteria, including detail preservation, noise handling, and computational complexity. Findings/result: CNNs demonstrate superior performance in restoring semantic and complex structural details due to their deep learning capabilities, although they require large datasets and longer training times. NLM is effective in reducing noise and preserving texture details but is computationally intensive. The Lucy-Richardson algorithm, as a classical deconvolution method, is relatively simple and does not require training data, yet it heavily depends on accurate point spread function (PSF) estimation and is susceptible to noise amplification. The analysis indicates that a hybrid approach combining these methods can significantly enhance image restoration quality. Originality/value/state of the art: This study offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of three widely used restoration techniques and highlights the potential of hybrid systems. By integrating the strengths of CNN, NLM, and Lucy-Richardson, a more adaptive and optimal restoration strategy can be developed to address diverse types of image degradation.

Abstract IntroductionSeagrass restoration has historically been difficult and expensive. Recently, there has been interest in co‐restoring seagrasses with Hard clams (Mercenaria spp.) to improve seagrass restoration through nutrient enrichment and water filtration.ObjectivesTo examine the effects of clam co‐restoration and transplantation techniques on seagrass (Halodule wrightii) growth, two experiments were conducted in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), Florida, from May through November 2023. One experiment compared transplantation techniques (non‐anchored, staples, burlap mats, and jute mats) with and without juvenile clams, while another experiment investigated the effects of juvenile versus adult clams to determine size effects of clams on planting success.MethodsTreatments were monitored for seagrass cover, shoot count, and canopy height. Clam measurements and seagrass nutrients were measured to determine differences driven by treatments.ResultsJuvenile clams in both experiments died weeks after deployment, possibly from predation and transplantation stress. In the transplantation experiment, clam presence had no significant effect on seagrasses due to mortality. Plots planted with burlap had higher cover versus all other techniques (p ≤ 0.0133) and higher shoots versus all techniques except jute (p ≤ 0.0048). The clam maturity experiment found that no clam and adult clam plots had higher cover (p ≤ 0.0462) and shoots (p ≤ 0.0358) versus juvenile clams.ConclusionWhile no relationship between clams and seagrass growth was found due to clam mortality (and possibly algae bloom‐related stress for adult clams), the study determined burlap as the optimal restoration technique of the methods tested in the IRL.

Comparative assessment of transplantation methods and donor sources for the restoration of Posidonia oceanica meadows.

Biologically safe restoration of heavy metal-contaminated soils through plant-microbe synergy.

Dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, often accompanied by palmar lip fractures, are commonly seen in hand trauma. Management of these fractures requires restoring joint congruity and stability while allowing for early mobilisation. This case report discusses the successful use of a hemi-hamate autograft for reconstruction of the base of the middle phalanx in a young male patient with a severe dorsal PIP joint fracture-dislocation. The results demonstrate a promising technique for joint restoration with minimal functional impairment and excellent postoperative outcomes.

Response of soil properties to mechanical restoration techniques applied in shrub-encroached wet prairies of the Florida panhandle