This case series explores four distinct instances of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), a rare but serious condition characterized by the encapsulation of abdominal viscera, commonly referred to as abdominal cocoon. EPS is associated with severe complications, including bowel obstruction and sepsis, which can significantly impact patient outcomes. The first case involves a 41-year-old male patient who had undergone a liver transplant and ultimately succumbed to extensively drug-resistant (XDR) sepsis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPolymer composites are known for its light weight and specific mechanical characteristics. This study examines sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-treated coir fiber, an agro-leftover, stuffed in a polyester matrix with termite frass powder, a bio-leftover for possible use in light-weight structural applications. Composite samples were made using compression molding and NaOH-treated coir fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composite (TCRHPC) with 40 wt% treated coir fiber and 1, 2, 3, and 4 wt% termite frass powder.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Understanding how trees develop their root systems is crucial for the comprehension of how wildland and urban forest ecosystems plastically respond to disturbances such as harvest, fire, and climate change. The interplay between the endogenously determined root traits and the response to environmental stimuli results in tree adaptations to biotic and abiotic factors, influencing stability, carbon allocation, and nutrient uptake. Combining the three-dimensional structure of the root system, with root morphological trait information promotes a robust understanding of root function and adaptation plasticity.
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