Search Results (2,480)

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has been widely used for gene editing in various species; however, mosaicism remains a significant challenge. This study aimed to improve gene editing efficiency and reduce mosaicism in porcine embryos by exploring double electroporation pre- and post-in vitro fertilization combined with zona pellucida (ZP) removal. We evaluated the effects of these treatments on the development and mutation rates of oocytes/zygotes edited with guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting GGTA1, CMAH, or B4GALNT2 genes. Double electroporation significantly increased the total and biallelic mutation rates in ZP-intact zygotes but not in ZP-free zygotes edited using GGTA1-targeted gRNAs. All blastocysts from ZP-free zygotes exhibited biallelic mutations following double electroporation. For the CMAH gene, all blastocysts exhibited mutations (biallelic mutations ≥ 80%); however, double electroporation and ZP removal did not affect their mutation rates or efficiency. For the B4GALNT2 gene, double electroporation significantly increased total mutation rates in ZP-intact zygotes, whereas all blastocysts from ZP-free zygotes showed biallelic mutation. These findings suggest that double electroporation, particularly with ZP removal, may enhance gene-editing efficiency, reduce mosaicism and improve the success of genetic modifications. Full article

This study evaluates the life cycle assessment (LCA) of Lufenuron 50-EC pesticide adsorption from aqueous solution using oil palm shell (OPS)-derived activated carbon produced through two activation routes: physical and chemical. The assessment covers environmental impacts associated with feedstock collection, transportation, pre-processing, and post-processing stages involved in producing activated carbon for pesticide removal. The cradle-to-grave LCA technique was applied using the ELCD 3.2 Greendelta v2.18 database and processed with OpenLCA v2.4 using CML-IA baseline method to perform the quantitative life cycle impact assessment. The results for treating 1 m³ of contaminated water show that physical activation route (Route 1) generates a higher environmental burden across all evaluated impact categories compared to chemical route (Route 2). Notably, global warming potential (GWP) reached 117.62 kg CO₂ eq for Route 1 compared to 75.86 kg CO₂ eq for Route 2. This represents a 35.5% reduction with the chemical route, suggesting that the high energy demand associated with thermal process in physical activation generates more significant greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, this study helped identify critical performance points and opportunities for improvement in converting the OPS to an activated carbon transformation process and its application in pesticide contamination control. Full article

Thermal overload in internal combustion engines may progressively destabilize lubricant-film integrity and promote severe tribological deterioration within highly stressed contact interfaces. This study investigates the thermo-tribological degradation sequence of a high-mileage gasoline engine subjected to prolonged idle operation under impaired cooling conditions, ultimately resulting in engine seizure. The investigated engine had accumulated 356,724 km, while the lubricant had remained in service for approximately 26,724 km prior to the experiment. The post-failure investigation combined teardown inspection, geometrical camshaft assessment, reverse gravimetric reconstruction, hydraulic tappet surface profiling, XRF surface characterization, laboratory oil analysis, and SEM/EDS evaluation of wear debris. The results demonstrated strongly localized degradation concentrated primarily within the cam–tappet interfaces. Severe non-uniform camshaft wear was accompanied by pronounced hydraulic tappet surface damage and evidence of unstable boundary-lubrication conditions. Laboratory oil analysis revealed elevated wear-metal concentrations, depletion of the alkaline reserve, increased oxidation indicators, and a final Class D oil condition assessment. SEM/EDS characterization identified Fe-bearing wear debris associated with sustained material removal and debris recirculation during the final degradation stage. The combined evidence supports a coupled thermo-tribological degradation mechanism involving lubricant deterioration, boundary-lubrication instability, adhesive wear acceleration, oxidative surface degradation, and debris-assisted surface damage preceding final engine seizure. The present case study provides experimentally documented evidence of lubrication collapse under real-engine thermal runaway conditions and highlights the critical role of lubricant condition in maintaining tribological stability under severe thermal loading. Full article

Surfactant-enhanced soil washing is a promising strategy for the remediation of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) contaminated sites. In this study, we constructed a comprehensive evaluation framework integrating efficient parameter optimization, effluent recovery and ecological restoration assessment. Among the 14 evaluated washing agents, the non-ionic surfactant Triton X-100 exhibited superior solubilization capacity for highly hydrophobic OCPs. Under an optimal dosage of 2.0%, Triton X-100 achieved near-complete extraction of γ-chlordane and over 75% removal of mirex in both moderately and severely contaminated soils. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) demonstrated exceptional selective adsorption performance, significantly outperforming activated carbon fiber (ACF). The optimal PAC dosages (20 g/L) could extract over 90% of OCPs from the soil washing effluents, facilitating potential washing agent recycling. Furthermore, community-level physiological profiling (BIOLOG-AWCD) revealed distinct ecological trajectories post-washing. While nitrogen and phosphorus (N/P) bio-stimulation successfully restored and even surpassed the microbial diversity in moderately contaminated soils, it only partially alleviated the ecological vulnerability in severely contaminated soils (Simpson index < 0.45). These findings underscore that while surfactant-enhanced soil washing combined with selective adsorption constitutes a powerful physicochemical remediation cycle, restoring heavily degraded microhabitats necessitates an integrated approach coupling bio-stimulation with phytoremediation. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of complex, customisable components from metals, composites and polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA); however, the process commonly produces poor surface finishes and inherent defects. Centrifugal disc finishing (CDF) is an established mass finishing technique in conventional manufacturing but remains insufficiently characterised for additively manufactured polymers. This exploratory study investigates the influence of CDF on fused deposition modelling (FDM)-fabricated PLA components with varying geometrical features, focusing on three-dimensional surface parameters including average areal surface roughness, skewness and kurtosis. Samples were processed up to 720 min with analysis at predetermined intervals to capture transient and steady-state-like behaviour. Surface characterisation was conducted using non-contact optical interferometry to obtain quantitative roughness data and three-dimensional topographical maps, supported by digital optical microscopy and gravimetric analysis to quantify material removal rates. Analysis of the experimental data indicated apparent relationships between processing time, geometry and surface response. Results indicate that material removal behaviour and roughness evolution may be geometry-dependent. Flat and convex surfaces appeared to follow expected transient-like and steady-state-like behaviour, whereas restricted geometries and intricate features exhibited distinct responses with characteristic transition times. Surface roughness reductions ranged from 36% to 89% depending on geometry. These findings provide preliminary quantitative insight into geometry-specific mass finishing behaviour, supporting improved process understanding and informing future optimisation of post-processing strategies for additively manufactured polymer components. Full article

Cyber-physical systems (CPSs) based on the Internet of Things (IoT) form the backbone of modern smart infrastructures, including smart cities, healthcare monitoring, industrial automation, and intelligent transportation. However, connecting many resource-limited IoT devices makes them more vulnerable to cyber threats, particularly quantum attacks. This review comprehensively examines quantum-secure communication (QSC) frameworks for IoT-enabled CPS, focusing on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms, and hybrid quantum–classical security models suitable for constrained devices. A PRISMA-guided search of the Scopus and Google Scholar database was conducted in January 2026 using three keyword groups related to hybrid security, artificial intelligence, and cyber-physical systems. Based on the evaluation, 6008 publications have been identified between 2001 and 2026. The first-round screening was performed for 4948 articles, after excluding duplicates. During the screening stage, 348 articles were selected for abstract scrutiny, 115 records were excluded due to no direct focus on CPS/IoT applications, 52 studies were excluded because these papers relied on traditional security models, 25 studies were excluded due to insufficient relevance to the review objectives, and 15 additional non-English studies were removed. Following the screening stage, 141 studies were selected for full-text eligibility. Out of those, 86 studies were removed due to a lack of specific evaluation metrics or not being published in a peer-reviewed venue. Furthermore, the publications are classified as QKD-based secure CPS and QSC for industrial IoT, AI-Assisted Secure Communication for CPS Networks, and hybrid PQC-QKD models for CPS/IoT devices. This article investigates recent advancements in secure data transmission, verified protocols, and AI-driven anomaly detection customized to CPS/IoT environments. In addition, operational hurdles, interaction with open innovations, real-time deployment, and secure edge-cloud integration are highlighted. By analyzing recent developments and identifying research gaps, this review provides a structured roadmap for designing secure, scalable, and quantum-safe IoT-based CPS frameworks capable of withstanding next-generation cyber threats. This systematic review was performed and reported according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Full article

Lignin is an abundant aromatic biopolymer generated as a major by-product in lignocellulosic biorefineries, and its efficient valorization is essential for improving process sustainability and economic viability. Among current upgrading strategies, the conversion of lignin into lignin-derived biochar (LDB) has emerged as a promising route because of its high carbon yield, scalable production, and tunable physicochemical properties. This review examines the relationships between lignin structure, thermochemical conversion pathways, and the resulting properties of LDB materials within biorefinery systems. The influence of different technical lignins and conversion routes, including pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, is critically discussed together with post-functionalization strategies. Particular attention is devoted to emerging applications in contaminant adsorption and controlled release systems for agrochemicals. The adsorption mechanisms governing pharmaceuticals, pesticides, microplastics, and PFAS removal are analyzed, while the dual role of LDB as both adsorbent and delivery platform is highlighted. Current limitations include lignin heterogeneity, lack of standardized evaluation protocols, and insufficient validation under realistic environmental conditions. Overall, LDB represents a versatile and scalable platform for lignin valorization and sustainable material design within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article

Water is an indispensable resource for the survival of all living organisms on Earth. However, many coastal villages continue to face challenges in accessing potable water, particularly during extended droughts. This comprehensive study evaluates the implementation and performance of a solar desalination system that employs photovoltaic (PV) panels and a parabolic solar concentrator to meet clean water demand in a drought-prone area of Indonesia. The system harnesses both solar-generated electricity and thermal energy to power an advanced desalination apparatus, effectively converting seawater into safe drinking water. Over a rigorous 4-month testing period, the device maintained an average steam outlet temperature of 105.9 °C, enabling a direct single-stage evaporation and condensation desalination process. Under optimal sunlight conditions, the system produced 1500 mL of purified water every 30 min, resulting in a total daily output of approximately 12 L (1500 mL × 8 cycles over 4 h). Laboratory analysis revealed a decrease in pH from 8.0 in raw seawater to 6.8 in treated water after post-treatment pH adjustment, meeting established safety standards for human consumption. Electrical conductivity measurements fell from 40–50 mS/cm to 480–500 µS/cm, confirming substantial salt removal. These results demonstrate the system’s capacity to generate potable water using sustainable energy sources and support circular economy principles by repurposing renewable resources for water desalination in water-scarce environments. Full article

In small ruminants, up to 40% of fertilized ova are lost during early gestation due to inadequate progesterone. This study evaluated post-transfer progestogen supplementation in goats. A total of 207 thawed embryos were transferred into 111 recipients assigned to progestogen-supplemented (n = 37) or non-progestogen-supplemented (n = 74) groups. Pregnancy and embryo survival did not differ between treatments (p > 0.05). However, fetal and neonatal survival were significantly lower in supplemented goats (29%) compared with non-supplemented goats (100%; p < 0.05). Infectious causes were excluded. Possible mechanisms postulated in fetal losses comprise a sharp decline in progesterone after sponge removal or increased oxytocin and prostaglandin due to vaginal mechanical stimulation, inducing luteolysis. In conclusion, intravaginal progestogen supplementation is not recommended for recipient goats in embryo transfer programs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Contemporary minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) for benign prostatic hyperplasia carry retreatment rates up to 32%, with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) increasingly used as salvage therapy. Prior reviews focused on salvage HoLEP (sHoLEP) following transurethral resection; however, technical challenges specific to the post-MIST field remain uncharacterised. We aimed to characterise technical barriers during sHoLEP following contemporary MISTs, with secondary evaluation of efficacy, safety and feasibility. Methods: Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD420261321711), five databases were searched from inception to February 2026. Studies reporting sHoLEP outcomes in adults with prior MIST were included. Qualitative findings were synthesised thematically; quantitative outcomes reported by three or more studies underwent random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using methodological index for non-randomized studies methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) and certainty of evidence using grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). Results: Ten studies (354 sHoLEP, 3618 primary HoLEP (pHoLEP) patients) were included. Technical difficulty was MIST-type dependent: thermoablative procedures and prostatic artery embolisation preserved the enucleation plane, while prostatic urethral lift (PUL) introduced morcellation-specific challenges including blade jamming and staged procedures. Meta-analysis revealed no difference in operative time or tissue weight, but reduced enucleation efficiency (weighted mean difference; WMD −0.11 g/min, p = 0.027) and peak urinary flow improvement (WMD −3.0 mL/s, p < 0.001). Both findings were sensitive to analysis, losing significance on restriction to predominantly MIST cohorts, and the enucleation efficiency result additionally lost significance on removal of the most heavily weighted study (p = 0.94). Complication rates were equivalent (odds ratio (OR) 0.92, p = 0.787). Conclusions: sHoLEP is safe and efficacious following contemporary MIST. Surgeons should anticipate MIST-specific challenges, particularly morcellation difficulties after PUL requiring tailored instrumentation. Prospective MIST-specific studies are needed. Full article

This study investigates the degradation and mineralization of sulfamethazine (SMT) by an electrochemically assisted Fe³⁺/persulfate (electro/Fe³⁺/PDS) process. Experiments were conducted in a single-compartment electrochemical cell equipped with a carbon felt anode and a stainless steel cathode under constant current conditions. Compared with PDS alone and Fe³⁺/PDS, the combined electro/Fe³⁺/PDS system exhibited a strong synergistic effect, achieving up to 89.4% SMT removal within 90 min at a current intensity of 1.6 A. The enhanced performance was attributed to electrochemical Fe²⁺ regeneration enabling continuous activation of persulfate and generation of sulfate radicals (SO₄^•−). Operational parameters significantly influenced process efficiency. Increasing current intensity accelerated SMT degradation but reduced mineralization efficiency due to parasitic reactions. Under optimized conditions (I = 3 A and [Fe³⁺] = 1 mM), SMT degradation reached 96.83% after 60 min, while the mineralization yield attained 72.05%. Excess iron promoted radical scavenging. Similarly, a PDS concentration of 5 mM was sufficient, with higher dosages leading to self-scavenging effects. Kinetic analysis followed a pseudo first order model, with apparent rate constants decreasing at higher SMT concentrations due to radical competition. Biodegradability assays revealed a substantial increase in the BOD₅/COD ratio from initially low values to 0.34 after 300 min of pretreatment, indicating improved suitability for biological post-treatment. Overall, the electro/Fe³⁺/PDS process represents an efficient pre-oxidation strategy for the removal of refractory antibiotics from aqueous media. Full article

High-temperature temporary sealing operations require liquid plug materials that can be placed as low-viscosity precursors, converted into mechanically stable networks under reservoir temperature, and subsequently removed after service. Existing epoxy-based sealing systems generally provide high post-curing strength, but the coordination among pumpability, thermally triggered curing, and post-service degradability remains insufficiently addressed. In this work, an epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)-modified epoxy–anhydride liquid plug was designed to regulate these sequential stages within a single material system. The precursor formulation, rheological transition, curing kinetics, mechanical response, network structure, and degradation behavior were evaluated using viscosity monitoring, curing-time tests, DSC, compression testing, DMA, gel fraction and swelling measurements, FTIR, and high-temperature degradation experiments. The optimized precursor exhibited an initial viscosity of 65.4 ± 2.1 mPa·s, remaining below the pumpability threshold of 100 mPa·s before curing. Its curing time was adjustable within 1–10 h at 120–140 °C through temperature and initiator regulation. ESO incorporation produced a non-monotonic mechanical response, with the optimized network reaching a compressive strength of 112.5 ± 3.5 MPa and an elastic modulus of 142.50 ± 5.26 MPa. FTIR and thermal–mechanical analyses supported the formation of an ester-rich epoxy–anhydride network containing both rigid epoxy-derived segments and ESO-derived flexible chains. In the post-service stage, degradation was strongly temperature dependent, with the characteristic unsealing time decreasing from 84 h at 120 °C to 24 h at 130 °C and 18 h at 140 °C. The combined results define a coupled curing–degradation window in which pumpable placement, thermal network formation, load-bearing sealing, and controlled unsealing are temporally separated but structurally connected. Full article

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is considered the most conservative and preserving procedure for removing cutaneous tumors. The major disadvantage of MMS is that tumor involvement in tissue may be underestimated. This may lead to large excisions necessitating complex reconstruction with profound effects on cosmetic results. Some patients refuse complex reconstruction and demand simple closure of post-MMS skin defects. This retrospective cohort study describes our technique of serial Mohs excisions of large non-melanoma skin cancers for patients refusing flaps or skin graft reconstructions. A total of 51 patients who underwent MMS according to the described technique February 2020–May 2021 were included. The mean age was 76.5 (range 63–94) years and 55% were male. More than half of the lesions were on the nose. Mean lesion sizes were 14.25–55 mm depending on location. Most cases required two surgeries and only one needed a third surgery. Postsurgical defects were repaired using primary closure in 90% of cases. Mean follow-up was 31 months (range 6–48) with no evidence of local recurrence. In conclusion, this approach of serial excisions with MMS can be performed safely and achieve better cosmetic outcomes for patients presenting with large skin tumors of the face or other functionally important areas. Full article

Background/Objectives: Halitosis in geriatric patients is multifactorial, but the joint contribution of prosthetic rehabilitation type and polypharmacy after routine dental procedures has rarely been quantified. We investigated how prosthesis type, polypharmacy, and salivary function were associated with volatile sulfur compound (VSC) burden and self-perceived halitosis in elderly dental patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 88 patients aged ≥65 years, four weeks after completing routine dental procedures. Participants were stratified into three groups: complete denture wearers (n = 30), partial removable denture wearers (n = 28), and fixed prostheses/implants (n = 30). We measured unstimulated salivary flow rate (uSFR), tongue coating index (TCI), denture biofilm index, total VSCs (Halimeter^®), organoleptic score (0–5), and self-perceived halitosis. Polypharmacy, comorbidities, and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) were recorded. Analyses included one- and two-way ANOVA, Spearman correlations, theory-informed multivariable linear and logistic regression, exploratory mediation analysis, and ROC curves. Results: Forty-two participants (47.7%) reported halitosis. Mean VSC differed across groups (complete dentures 278.2 ± 38.6 ppb; partial 211.2 ± 46.3 ppb; fixed 164.4 ± 43.9 ppb; ANOVA p < 0.001). uSFR correlated inversely with VSC (ρ = −0.61, p < 0.001) and TCI correlated positively (ρ = 0.56, p < 0.001). A significant prosthesis × polypharmacy interaction was observed (F = 3.74, p = 0.029, η²_p = 0.082): polypharmacy was associated with higher VSC most clearly among partial and fixed prostheses wearers, whereas complete denture wearers showed high VSC levels regardless of polypharmacy status. Exploratory mediation findings were consistent with partial indirect association, with 45.9% of the polypharmacy–VSC association statistically explained by reduced uSFR; however, the cross-sectional design precludes causal or temporal interpretation. The full multivariable model showed apparent discrimination for self-perceived halitosis (AUC = 0.92), while the simplified four-item chairside composite model showed AUC = 0.89; neither estimate was optimism-corrected or externally validated. Conclusions: In elderly post-procedure patients, complete denture wearing, polypharmacy, and salivary hypofunction were independently and jointly associated with higher halitosis burden. Reduced salivary flow was consistent with a partial indirect statistical pathway in the polypharmacy–VSC association, supporting hydration counseling and meticulous prosthesis hygiene as low-cost geriatric interventions. Sensitivity analyses excluding implant-supported restorations, participants with MMSE scores of 24–26, and expanded mediation models including TCI and biofilm/plaque did not materially change the main inference. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Spontaneous renal forniceal rupture is an uncommon complication of obstructive uropathy and is classically associated with ureteric calculi rather than distal urinary retention. Bilateral retention-related rupture appears to be exceptionally rare and may be diagnostically challenging when renal function begins to improve after bladder decompression; Case Presentation: An 82-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer treated five years earlier with external beam radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy presented with acute abdominal pain radiating to both flanks and inability to void. Bedside ultrasonography showed urinary retention and bilateral hydronephrosis, and a 16-Fr Foley catheter drained 900 mL of urine. Admission evaluation showed severe acute kidney injury, microscopic hematuria, minimal leukocyturia, and elevated inflammatory markers. Post-obstructive diuresis developed after bladder decompression. CT urography with excretory-phase imaging on hospital day 3 demonstrated severe bilateral hydroureteronephrosis with bilateral renal forniceal rupture and associated urinomas, including a larger left-sided collection extending toward the psoas compartment. Bilateral percutaneous nephrostomies were placed on hospital day 4 for upper-tract diversion. Immediate nephrostography showed no active contrast extravasation. At one-month follow-up, combined CT and nephrostographic assessment confirmed complete resolution of the bilateral urinomas without persistent leak, and the nephrostomy tubes were removed; Conclusions: This case suggests that urinary retention in an older man with prior prostate radiotherapy may reflect radiation-associated outlet pathology and/or impaired detrusor function rather than simple prostate enlargement. Delayed-phase CT urography was essential for diagnosis, and active bilateral diversion was justified by bilateral rupture, acute kidney injury, and the extent of urinary extravasation. The report expands the limited PubMed-indexed literature on retention-related upper urinary tract rupture and supports cautious follow-up aimed at defining the underlying mechanism of retention. Full article