Successful Restoration Research Articles

Mangrove forests are critical coastal ecosystems distributed across tropical and subtropical intertidal zones, forming a unique interface between land and sea. Although they occupy a relatively small global area, their ecological, socio-economic, and climatic significance is disproportionately large. This review synthesises current understanding of mangrove distribution, ecological roles, drivers of change and conservation strategies, drawing on recent datasets, case studies, and projections. Mangroves stabilise coastlines, reduce erosion, act as nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans, and support coastal livelihoods through fisheries, timber, and cultural practices. They are also among the most carbon-dense ecosystems, with mean carbon stocks exceeding 1,000 Mg C ha-¹, most of which is stored in soils. Their role in blue carbon sequestration and storage elevates them as a priority in climate mitigation strategies. Yet, over the past century, mangroves have faced extensive degradation, particularly in Asia, driven by aquaculture, agricultural expansion, fuelwood harvesting, and urban encroachment. Between 1996 and 2020, global mangrove cover declined by approximately 3.4 %, with losses concentrated in Southeast Asia. Recent evidence, however, indicates stabilisation and localised recovery, attributed to improved policy frameworks, restoration efforts, and recognition of their ecosystem services. Remote sensing datasets such as the Global Mangrove Watch (GMW v3.0) and the High-resolution Global Mangrove Forest map (HGMF 2020) have provided robust quantification of global and regional mangrove dynamics. These datasets reveal stark regional disparities, with Southeast Asia continuing to experience the highest losses, while South America and Oceania remain comparatively stable. Climate change presents an additional existential threat, with nearly 70% of Indo-Pacific mangroves projected to lack the vertical accretion capacity required to keep pace with sea-level rise. Nonetheless, evidence from successful restoration initiatives highlights the resilience of mangroves when hydrological processes are maintained. It concludes by outlining pathways for future research and management that integrate monitoring technologies, ecological engineering, community co-management, and policy frameworks to secure mangroves’ role in climate adaptation and mitigation.

Background: Pericardial tamponade complicates fibrinolytic therapy in <1% of cases. However, recurrent hemopericardium post primary PCI that necessitates emergency cardiac surgery and mechanical circulatory support represents an unprecedented clinical scenario with no prior literature documentation. Case Description: 63-year-old male with established diabetes and peripheral vascular disease presented with acute chest pressure radiating to neck, associated with dyspnea. Initial vitals were stable with electrocardiographic evidence of inferior STEMI. Given the nearest PCI-capable facility exceeding three hours transport time, tenecteplase was administered. This intervention was immediately complicated by clinically significant pericardial effusion requiring emergent pericardiocentesis. During interhospital transfer, the patient experienced ventricular tachycardia with cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation. Following ROSC, emergent catheterization revealed acute right coronary artery occlusion. Primary PCI achieved successful TIMI-3 flow restoration. Concurrent angiography demonstrated severe left main and proximal left anterior descending stenoses. Post-procedural persistent shock prompted immediate echocardiography, revealing recurrent pericardial effusion. Repeat pericardiocentesis with catheter drainage was performed. In the CCU, the patient developed progressive hemodynamic deterioration requiring high-dose vasopressor support. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed recurrent effusion with tamponade without distinct rupture noted. Given refractory bleeding and extensive coronary disease, emergency surgery was undertaken with two-vessel bypass grafting and axillary Impella insertion for hemodynamic support. Surgical exploration revealed no cardiac rupture; however, diffuse pericardial inflammation with active bleeding was observed. Post-operative recovery proceeded favorably with successful mechanical support weaning and discharge to a rehabilitation facility. Discussion: This case represents the first reported instance of recurrent post-fibrinolytic hemopericardium requiring emergency cardiac surgery. While ASSENT-2 documented 0.6% tamponade incidence with tenecteplase, persistent bleeding necessitating surgical intervention remains unreported. Pathophysiology likely involves synergistic effects of fibrinolytic-induced coagulopathy, mandatory dual antiplatelet therapy, and inflammatory pericardial response creating a self-perpetuating bleeding cycle.

ABSTRACT Objective Investment in salmon habitat restoration often focuses on natal streams, with a goal of improving access for spawning fish and increasing early life survival of juveniles. This work is justified by a large body of research; however, return on investment in natal streams (at least in terms of increased adult abundance) has, so far, been marginally successful at best. The factors that constrain salmon populations may shift in space and time, and accurately tracking these constraints requires monitoring the full spatial and temporal scope of the salmon life cycle. In particular, juvenile salmon emigration through main-stem rivers to the ocean is not well studied and is poorly understood. Low emigration survival can prevent successful upstream habitat restoration from being realized as increased adult recruitment. Methods We present acoustic telemetry studies from two coastal California rivers to estimate seaward emigration survival of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch from their natal streams. We contrast emigration survival with other life stages and with relative restoration investment in main-stem rivers. Results In both watersheds, survival was low and highly variable across years. Main-stem river segments had the lowest survival, and survival was lower for migrants that traveled greater lengths in risky main stems. Main-stem emigration occurred over a very short time span, yet survival was similar to or lower than that of other juvenile freshwater life stages (e.g., oversummer and overwinter survival), which occur over much longer time spans. We also found that later emigrants had lower survival than earlier emigrants in both rivers. A summary of restoration investment in both watersheds indicates that much less planning and restoration implementation is occurring in main-stem rivers than in small natal streams. Conclusions Taken together, our results suggest that juvenile emigration success is likely an important constraint on salmon population recovery. Greater understanding of and greater investment in main-stem rivers are sorely needed.

Introduction and Importance: The reconstruction of large anterior maxillary defects poses a significant challenge due to the complex three-dimensional anatomy and functional demands of the midface. While autogenous bone grafts are the gold standard, vascularized free flaps, particularly the fibula, offer superior outcomes for large defects. This case report highlights the application of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology to enhance the precision and predictability of such reconstructions. Case Presentation: A 22-year-old male presented with a substantial anterior maxillary defect following resection for ameloblastic carcinoma. The reconstruction was performed using a virtual surgical plan to guide the harvest and inset of a vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flap. Pre-bent patient-specific plates and 3D-printed surgical guides were utilized. The procedure was successful, with uneventful healing. Five months post-reconstruction, four dental implants were placed into the fibula graft using a guided surgical protocol, achieving good primary stability. Subsequent prosthetic rehabilitation resulted in the successful restoration of function and aesthetics. Clinical Discussion: This case illustrates that a CAD/CAM-guided approach allows for the precise translation of a virtual plan to the operating room, ensuring optimal graft positioning and contour. The integration of a vascularized fibula flap provided a viable bony foundation for endosseous implants, enabling definitive prosthetic rehabilitation. The digital workflow streamlines the surgical process, reduces intraoperative unpredictability, and facilitates a prosthetic-driven treatment plan from the outset. Conclusions: CAD/CAM-guided vascularized fibula graft reconstruction is a highly effective method for managing complex maxillary defects. The technology enables accurate anatomical restoration and creates ideal conditions for dental implant placement, ultimately leading to successful functional and aesthetic rehabilitation. This approach underscores the critical importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and advanced digital planning in modern maxillofacial reconstruction.

This article presents an analysis of contemporary scientific sources concerning the structure and function of the individual layers of intact skin, the mechanisms involved in its healing following acute injury, and the role of major cell types in this regenerative process. It has been established that the skin not only serves a protective barrier function but also actively participates in neuroimmune and endocrine regulatory processes. Structurally, the skin comprises three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue, each consisting of specialized cell types that contribute to its integrity and function. The healing of an acute skin wound is a complex, multi-stage biological process encompassing four distinct phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. The hemostasis phase, which lasts from a few seconds to several hours, involves primarily platelets and erythrocytes. This is followed by the inflammatory phase, which typically lasts 1 to 3 days and is characterized by the involvement of neutrophils, monocytes, and both circulating and dermal macrophages. The resolution of inflammation transitions into the proliferative phase, which spans approximately 4 to 21 days. This stage is marked by the active participation of endothelial cells, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and pericytes, all of which contribute to tissue regeneration and neovascularization. The final and longest phase is tissue remodeling, which can extend from 21 days up to one year. Key cellular players during this stage include fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, which are crucial for extracellular matrix reorganization and scar formation. It is important to note that each phase of wound healing is regulated and supported by a wide array of biologically active compounds, such as cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines, secreted by the aforementioned cell types. These molecular mediators coordinate cellular responses and facilitate the transition between healing stages. In summary, acute skin wound healing is a highly orchestrated and dynamic process involving the interplay of various cell types and bioactive molecules, each contributing to the successful restoration of skin integrity.

Abstract For many wildlife species, reintroduction is necessary to re‐establish populations in areas of their historical range where they have been extirpated, but reintroduction efforts are often expensive, time‐consuming, and unsuccessful. A more complete understanding of the factors affecting restoration success is important for responsible stewardship and optimizing outcomes. Fishers ( Pekania pennanti ) are a commonly reintroduced carnivore in North America, but differences in predator and prey assemblages among release sites may contribute to variation in the success rates of such efforts. We examined how predator and prey occurrence and relative abundance influenced survival rates in reintroduced fisher populations in the southern and northern Cascade Mountains, Washington, USA. We compared survival rates from telemetry data between the 2 areas and used independent detections of prey and predators at 190 remote camera stations to assess how sympatric species related to near‐term (1–2 years post‐release) fisher survival. We released 81 fishers, of mixed age and sex (majority ≤2 years old), into the South Cascades between December 2015 and January 2020 and released 89 fishers into the North Cascades between December 2018 and February 2020. Using radio‐telemetry data, we estimated 365‐day post‐release survival as 0.65 (95% CI = 0.54–0.79) in the South Cascades and 0.31 (0.21–0.48) in the North Cascades. The relative abundance of important fisher prey species was significantly higher in the South than in the North; notably, snowshoe hares ( Lepus americanus ) were detected at a rate of 5.11 (±0.86 SE)/100 trap nights in the South versus 1.13 (±0.25)/100 trap nights in the North. Relative abundance of potential fisher predators did not differ significantly between study areas. Our findings are consistent with the survival of reintroduced fishers being affected by differences in prey assemblages across release sites, though other differences between the sites may also play a role in fisher survival. Future reintroduction efforts may benefit from preliminary assessment of prey abundance prior to release site selection.

The polymerization of dual-cure resin cements is critical for the long-term success of all-ceramic restorations is of interest. In this in vitro study, sixty ceramic discs were fabricated from lithium disilicate, zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate, monolithic zirconia, feldspathic porcelain and polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (n=12/group). Dual-cure resin cement was light-cured through each disc and the degree of conversion; Vickers microhardness and bond strength were measured using FTIR, microhardness testing and a universal testing machine. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among groups (p<0.001), with lithium disilicate showing the highest values and monolithic zirconia the lowest. Thus, we show that the type of ceramic system significantly influences resin cement polymerization, emphasizing lithium disilicate as the most favorable and monolithic zirconia as the least.

The article discusses the results of a geographical analysis of the flora of mountain forest communities in the State Natural Complex Reserve "Kamyshanova Polyana", located at different stages of the restorative succession. The collection of herbarium material was carried out by the traditional route method. In the course of the work, records of observations of ecological, altitudinal phytocoenotic features of the species were kept. A geographical analysis of the flora of mountain forest communities, including 175 species of vascular plants, was carried out. In the study, we used the system of geographical elements and groups of linking species of the Caucasian flora of based on the concept of phytochorions. Twenty-two geographical elements were identified. The leading geographical elements in terms of the number of species are: Caucasian – 32 species; Euro-Siberian – 24 species; Western-Palearctic – 23 species; Caucasian-European – 22 species; Palearctic – 16 species. The following geo-elements are represented by 1 species: Caucasian-Euxine, Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, European-Mediterranean, Turano-Caucasian. The analysis shows that among the geographical elements in the studied flora, the vast majority in the flora of mountain forest communities are boreal geo-elements. Of these, 18.2 % are species of the Caucasian element, 13.7 % are Euro-Siberian. No adventive species were found in the flora of the anthropogenically disturbed mountain forest phytocenoses of the "Kamyshanova Polyana" Reserve.

The purpose of the work is to assess the successional dynamics of plant communities that form in a technogenically disturbed area after restoration work and beyond. The aim of the work is to form high-altitude ecosystems that best match the composition, structure and functions of the destroyed one and preserve the landscape–forming species, the golden rhododendron (Rhododendron aureum Georgi). This species plays a significant role in the formation of the biodiversity of the subgolic communities of the Stanovoi Highlands. In 2019 and 2020, an experiment was launched to restore mountain-tundra ecosystems in a disturbed area in the subgolic belt of the Udokan range. The site was disrupted as a result of construction work carried out by Udokan Copper LLC. The technological stage of reclamation with the application of a soil and vegetation layer was carried out on an experimental site with an area of 3 hectares, and then moss-lichen curtains were transferred with the participation of Rhododendron aureum. Four permanent sites were established to assess the succession dynamics and study the microgroups of plant communities. Species of vascular plants, mosses, and soil lichens were carefully identified in each fragment. The overall projective coverage and abundance of the species were noted, and the appearance and growth of the first tree species were recorded. The species biodiversity of the areas on the site after restoration work exceeds the initial areas by more than 6,8 times, and the projective coverage by 5,3 times. Based on the study of the characteristics of the species composition of the vegetation cover and the nature of its placement, the authors conclude that restoration technologies make it possible to restore the main components of the ecosystem – vegetation, soil – in a short time, eliminate the longest stage of restoration succession – the pioneer stage and accelerate the passage of the second – herbaceous and third - stages of small-leaved trees and shrubs and preserve the Rhododendron aureum. At the moment, the formation of a community in the study area has not been completed.

Abstract The establishment and recovery of biogenic habitats in marine and terrestrial environments often relies on the co‐occurrence of periods of suitable environmental conditions and propagule availability (e.g. seeds, larvae). However, despite the importance of these ‘windows of opportunity’ for species colonization, the temporal and spatial variability of these periods across environmental gradients remains poorly understood. Eastern Australian estuaries transit between periods of floods and droughts, which strongly affect their salinity regimes. Here, we investigated how variations in salinity and temperature influenced the occurrence of windows of opportunity for settlement and survival of the reef‐building oyster Saccostrea glomerata across an estuarine salinity gradient in eastern Australia. Oyster settlement probabilities were calculated using empirical data from a 2‐year settlement study performed at 3 estuarine sites along a salinity gradient. Time series of salinity and temperature from 2010 to 2024 were analysed for windows of opportunity for oyster settlement, defined as periods in which the probability of oyster settlement was equal to or higher than 0.25. Oyster habitat cover was measured at seven intertidal sites along the estuarine salinity gradient to assess how differential settlement patterns and ‘windows of opportunity’ shape oyster habitat formation. We found that in eastern Australia, the windows of opportunity for oyster settlement occurred during the warmer months and were more frequent and of longer duration at downstream (seaward) portions of estuaries, where salinity is higher due to greater oceanic influence. We also found that, although oysters can settle and survive at upstream locations, oyster habitat cover decreased from downstream to upstream locations along the estuarine salinity gradient, reflecting fewer and shorter windows of opportunity for settlement. Synthesis and applications . Temporal fluctuations in salinity and temperature are critical in determining when and where oyster settlement will occur within estuarine salinity gradients. Consequently, to maximize the chances of ecological restoration success, oyster reef restoration projects should focus on not only prioritizing areas for restoration that have higher likelihoods of species establishment, but also timing restoration activities to occur during periods of suitable environmental conditions.

ABSTRACT The focus of ecological restoration has shifted to social–ecological elements. Although assessing the social–ecological effects of ecological restoration is essential for improving best practices in regional ecological protection, there are still few comprehensive analyses in the typical regions of Southern China yet. Southern Jiangxi (i.e., Ganzhou City), China, was once a region with extensive soil erosion in the early 1980s. Although several ecological programs have been implemented over the last 40 years, the social–ecological effects of ecological remediation are not fully understood. Using spatiotemporal data and statistical methods, this study aims to analyze the social–ecological changes resulting from long‐term ecological remediation in southern Jiangxi, China. The mean tree canopy (TC) cover in Ganzhou City exhibited a significant upward trend from 1982 to 2016. Xingguo County exhibited the lowest mean TC but also the fastest TC growth during the period. The soil erosion rate decreased in most counties of Ganzhou City over recent decades. The sediment discharge at the Hanlinqiao gauging station on the Ping River exhibited a significant downward trend between 1957 and 2014, and the decrease in the sediment load after 1987 can be attributed to soil conservation practices implemented in Xingguo County since 1983. Crop production levels, economic development levels, and resident income increased in the rural areas of Ganzhou City over the past 40 years. In conclusion, southern Jiangxi has emerged as a successful ecological restoration region in China, with significant social–ecological benefits achieved since the early 1980s. The results provide scientific support for decision‐making by relevant departments to manage natural resources in Southern China.

Abstract Ecosystem restoration benefits biodiversity but restoration outcomes can vary widely. In forestry‐drained boreal peatlands, the limited success in restoration may arise from inadequate restoration of hydrological characteristics, most importantly water‐table (WT) level. We study (1) if the restoration effect on vascular plant and moss species communities is explained by WT level of restored sites, and (2) whether species groups predictions can be improved by using information on WT and nitrogen (N) levels. We use data on species communities, WT level and porewater quality before restoration and 2, 5 and 10 years after restoration from 24 restored and 16 pristine boreal peatland sites in Finland. Ten years after hydrological restoration, 70% of the variation in the restoration effect for species communities was explained by the median mid‐summer WT level of 2–5 years after restoration, peatland type and their interaction. Species group predictions were not consistently improved by WT or N levels. Synthesis and applications . The mid‐term (2–5 years after restoration) WT level can be used to assess whether hydrological restoration has been successful. A minimum mid‐summer WT level should be at least −25 cm from the peatland surface. A sufficient WT level is more likely to be gained in rich peatland types than in poor peatland types, and even with adequate WT level, poor sites have lower probability of positive restoration effects. Hence, rich site types could be prioritized in restoration planning.

Corals at very early life stages face high mortality bottlenecks, limiting natural stock-recruitment and the success of restoration and aquaculture strategies reliant on sexual reproduction. Nutrient availability and quality, particularly lipids, are critical for larval survival, dispersal, and settlement, yet the specific lipids influencing early-stage fitness remain unclear. Since measuring lipid depletion in non-surviving larvae is impractical, we developed a targeted supplementation approach to identify nutrients that enhance larval fitness. Supplementing Acropora spathulata larvae with nanoparticle-encapsulated triacylglycerols and sterols significantly improved swimming distance and speed, indicating enhanced dispersal potential. Supplementation with sterols, which are essential for cell structure and metamorphosis, also increased settlement rates. Furthermore, juveniles developed from larvae fed with sterols and omega-3-rich fish oils demonstrated superior performance under controlled and thermal stress conditions during the first six months, while those supplemented with Calanus oil also enhanced survival under elevated temperatures. Lipid profiling revealed key sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and fatty acids likely responsible for the improved fitness of fed larvae. Our approach highlights the critical role of lipid composition and availability during coral early life stages and demonstrates the potential of targeted nutritional supplementation to address nutrient deficiencies, enhance coral resilience, and support restoration and aquaculture efforts.

Abstract Background Over the past few centuries, human impacts on river ecosystems have resulted in significant physical and ecological degradation of aquatic ecosystems. While the implementation of restoration measures has led to morphological improvements in rivers, positive biological responses, especially for benthic macroinvertebrates, are often limited. Alongside morphological degradation, recovery of invertebrate diversity is constrained by other factors acting at larger spatial scales, such as chemical pollution. Yet the extent to which chemical pollution limits the recovery of aquatic communities in restored river sections remains poorly studied. The application of current water quality monitoring methods may lead to inaccurate predictions of the effects of such stressors on river ecosystems. Therefore, effect-based methods (EBMs) are proposed as a complementary screening tool for the integrative assessment of river status. Results In this study, we provided a comprehensive assessment of the effects of local restoration measures by integrating ecological metrics, ecotoxicological tools, and chemical analyses. Although restoration measures were found to have a positive effect on habitat quality, no recovery of good ecological status in restored sections was found. The main pressure acting as a limiting factor for the improvement of benthic macroinvertebrate communities was found to be the prevailing chemical pollution. The effect of restoration age on benthic invertebrate communities and, for the first time, on ecotoxicological effects in response to hydromorphological river restoration showed no effect on ecological metrics or toxicity parameters. Conclusion In summary, the success of restoration needs to be assessed using a more integrative and multi-dimensional approach to identify limiting factors and to differentiate cases where restoration measures have not yet had time to take effect from cases where additional interventions may be required. The present results underscore the necessity for restoration initiatives to address not only individual stressors, such as morphological degradation, but also to incorporate comprehensive ecotoxicological monitoring to identify and mitigate any adverse effects that may compromise their effectiveness.

The long-term success of implant-supported restorations depends on achieving both esthetic and biologic stability through proper management of the transmucosal space. This article introduces a novel concept for comprehensive surgical, restorative, and laboratory interpretation of the subgingival implant complex by dividing it into two functional compartments: the Biological Room (BR) and the Restorative Room (RR). The BR, located immediately coronal from the bone-to-implant contact, is responsible for peri-implant tissue integration which serves as a biologic barrier. This biologic barrier is achieved by the connective tissue and apical peri-implant epithelium which is populated by hemidesmosomal attachments. It must be managed using biocompatible materials (eg, titanium or zirconia) with specific surface properties (roughness 0.1-0.2 microns) to promote stable mucointegration. A minimum height of 2.0 mm is recommended for optimal hemidesmosomal function. The RR, located coronal to the BR, supports soft tissue architecture and esthetics and extends up to 3.0 mm. The prosthetic component in the RR is shaped to accommodate restorative needs and optimize the esthetic interface. Materials used here must balance esthetics, cleanability, and biocompatibility with highly polished surfaces to minimize plaque accumulation. This biologically driven framework enables clinicians and dental technicians to provide implant restorations that respect both esthetic and biologic principles, while promoting long-term peri-implant tissue health and clinical success. Previously, these concepts were described separately, but the Biological Room and Restorative Room concept serves as a guideline for all team members to achieve a desirable implant therapy.

AIM: Insufficient awareness among clinicians regarding the performance of light-curing devices may lead to inadequate polymerization, which can ultimately compromise the long-term success of dental restorations. This study aimed to examine the radiant power of different light-curing unit (LCU) brands by using three types of radiometers in terms of clinic and LCU types, age, tip diameter, and LCU tip condition in the Aseer region. METHODS: LCUs were assembled from selected dental centers. LCU brands and data, including clinical dental age (<1, 1–3, and ˃3 years), nozzle state (intact, damaged, and presence of debris), and tip diameters (6–7, 8–9, and 10 mm), were recorded. The radiant power was categorized into ≤1000, 1000–1200, and >1200 mW/cm2, which were labeled as adequate, sufficient, and adequate and sufficient, respectively, and recorded with three brands of digital radiometers (Woodpecker, Ivoclar, and Rogen). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and t-test were performed to determine the difference between and within groups, with a significance value of <0.05. RESULTS: Among 132 LCUs surveyed and assessed, a significant difference in the radiant power of LCUs was observed between governmental and private dental clinics, particularly with the Ivoclar radiometer (p < 0.050). No significant differences in radiant power values were detected between the radiometers and the assessed LCUs' nozzle. Older LCUs demonstrated higher radiant power in the ≤1000 mW/cm2 category when measured with the Ivoclar radiometer. Differences in radiant power were noted on the basis of tip diameter and the presence of remaining bond and composite materials (p < 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: The assessed LCU brands recorded marginally sufficient radiant power values in governmental and private dental clinics. The Rogin radiometer consistently demonstrated increased radiant power values across LCU brands and intact tip conditions. Differences in radiant power were noted in terms of tip diameter and the remaining bond and composite materials.

BackgroundPharmacological cardioversion (PCV) is one of the therapeutic options within rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF). Data on clinical determinants influencing its effectiveness and safety in real-world settings remain limited.MethodsThis study is a sub-analysis of the multicenter Cardioversion with Intravenous Antazoline in Atrial Fibrillation II (CANT II) registry. The registry retrospectively included consecutive patients with recent-onset AF undergoing urgent PCV in six Polish centers between 2019 and 2020. We analyzed 931 patients stratified according to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score: Group I (0–1 points; n = 194), Group II (2–4 points; n = 580), and Group III (≥5 points; n = 157). The primary endpoint was successful restoration of sinus rhythm within 12 h, and the secondary endpoint was a composite of adverse events (death, syncope, bradycardia, hypotension).ResultsThe median age was 69 years, 48% were men, and the median CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was 3. Antazoline was used in 59% of patients, amiodarone in 53%, and propafenone in 19%. Sinus rhythm was restored in 69%, 70%, and 64% of patients in Groups I, II, and III, respectively (p = 0.45). The overall adverse event rate was low (2.1%) and did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.16). Antazoline was most effective in Group I, while propafenone showed higher efficacy in Group II.ConclusionsIn this retrospective sub-analysis of the CANT II registry, success of pharmacological cardioversion of AF is not associated with number of comorbidities as assessed by the CHA2DS2VASc score. PCV remains a feasible and generally safe option in emergency and cardiology department practice.

Diffusion-based generative models have achieved remarkable success in image restoration by learning to iteratively refine noisy data toward clean signals. Inspired by this progress, recent efforts have begun exploring their potential in 3D domains. However, applying diffusion models to point cloud denoising introduces several challenges. Unlike images, clean and noisy point clouds are characterized by structured displacements. As a result, it is unsuitable to establish a transform mapping in the forward phase by diffusing Gaussian noise, as this approach disregards the inherent geometric relationship between the point sets. Furthermore, the stochastic nature of Gaussian noise introduces additional complexity, complicating geometric reasoning and hindering surface recovery during the reverse denoising process. In this paper, we introduce a deterministic noise-free diffusion framework that formulates point cloud denoising as a two-phase residual diffusion process. In the forward phase, directional residuals are injected into clean surfaces to construct a degradation trajectory that encodes both local displacements and their global evolution. In the reverse phase, a U-Net-based network iteratively estimates and removes these residuals, effectively retracing the degradation path backward to recover the underlying surface. By decomposing the denoising task into directional residual computation and sequential refinement, our method enables faithful surface recovery while mitigating common artifacts such as over-smoothing and under-smoothing. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance in both quantitative metrics and visual quality. Our source code is available at https://github.com/huangzygiti/DPCD.

This prognostic study aims to develop a machine learning (ML) survival model for estimating the longevity (success and survival rate) of restorations in endodontically treated teeth (ETT). Data were consolidated from four controlled clinical trials conducted in the Netherlands and Brazil, involving 424 patients and 618 restorations with up to 17 years of follow-up. The evaluated predictive models included Gradient Boosting Survival, Random Survival Forests and Survival Support Vector Machine. The dataset was split into 70% for training and 30% for testing. Hyperparameter tuning was optimised via 10-fold cross-validation with 50 iterations using hyperopt. Performance was assessed through the time-dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC), concordance index (C-index), inverse probability of censoring weights (IPCW C-index) and time-dependent Brier score. The Gradient Boosting Survival model achieved the highest AUC mean (0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81-0.78), C-index (0.80), IPCW C-index (0.78) and Brier score (0.06) for survival rate predictions, maintaining predictive stability over time. For success rate, the Random Survival Forest model outperformed others (AUC = 0.73, 95% CI [0.70-0.75]), C-index (0.66), IPCW C-index (0.64) and Brier score (0.14). SHAP analysis identified patient age and tooth type as having the highest variable importance for survival, while the dentist's experience was critical for success outcomes. Fairness analysis revealed performance disparities across sexes and countries in the models. The models demonstrated high predictive performance, mainly in survival rate prediction. ML models show promise for developing a robust, data-driven framework to evaluate success and survival outcomes in ETT.

Impact of implant abutment connection designs and cyclic loading on screw stability in dental implants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.