Search Results (604)

Ecosystem restoration represents a promising solution for enhancing ecosystem services and environmental sustainability. However, border regions—characterized by ecological fragility and geopolitical complexity—remain underrepresented in ecosystem service and restoration research. To fill this gap, we coupled spatially explicit models (e.g., InVEST and RUSLE) with scenario analysis to quantify the ecosystem service potential that could be achieved in China’s Tibetan borderlands under two interacting agendas: ecological restoration and border-strengthening policies. Restoration feasibility was evaluated through combining local biophysical constraints, economic viability (via restoration-induced carbon gains vs. opportunity costs), operational practicality, and simulated infrastructure expansion. The results showed that per-unit-area ecosystem services in border counties (particularly Medog, Cona, and Zayu) exceed that of interior Tibet by a factor of two to four. Combining these various constraints, approximately 4–17% of the border zone remains cost-effective for grassland or forest restoration. Under low carbon pricing (US$10 t⁻¹ CO₂), the carbon revenue generated through restoration is insufficient to offset the opportunity cost of agricultural production, constituting a major constraint. Habitat quality, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration increase modestly when induced by restoration, but a pronounced carbon–water trade-off emerges. Planned infrastructure reduces restoration benefits only slightly, whereas raising the carbon price to about US$50 t⁻¹ CO₂ substantially expands such benefits. These findings highlight both the opportunities and limits of ecosystem restoration in border regions and point to carbon pricing as the key policy lever for unlocking cost-effective restoration. Full article

Electromagnetic pneumatic microvalves, widely used in knitting machines, typically operate based on a spring-return mechanism. When the coil is energized, the electromagnetic force overcomes the spring force to attract the armature, opening the valve. Upon de-energization, the armature returns to its original position under the restoring force of the spring, closing the valve. However, most existing electromagnetic microvalves adopt a radially asymmetric magnetic yoke design, which generates additional radial forces during operation, leading to armature misalignment or even sticking. Additionally, the inductance effect of the coil causes a significant delay in the armature release response, making it difficult to meet the knitting machine’s requirements for rapid response and high reliability. To address these issues, this paper proposes an improved electromagnetic microvalve design. First, the magnetic yoke structure is modified to be radially symmetric, eliminating unnecessary radial forces and preventing armature sticking during operation. Second, a permanent magnet assist mechanism is introduced at the armature release end to enhance release speed and reduce delays caused by the inductance effect. The effectiveness of the proposed design is validated through electromagnetic numerical simulations, and a multi-objective genetic algorithm is further employed to optimize the geometric dimensions of the electromagnet. The optimization results indicate that, while maintaining the fundamental power supply principle of conventional designs, the new microvalve structure achieves a pull-in time comparable to traditional designs during engagement but significantly reduces the release response time by approximately 80.2%, effectively preventing armature sticking due to radial forces. The findings of this study provide a feasible and efficient technical solution for the design of electromagnetic microvalves in textile machinery applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral cancer resection often leads to maxillofacial defects and dentition loss, compromising patients’ quality of life. Implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation offers a reliable solution to restore function, though factors such as bone reconstruction, radiotherapy, and timing of implant placement (immediate vs. delayed) may influence outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate long-term implant survival and rehabilitation timelines in oncologic patients, comparing two cohorts (2005–2014 and 2015–2024) to assess the impact of evolving clinical practices. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón (Madrid, Spain), including 304 patients who underwent ablative oral cancer surgery and subsequent implant-based rehabilitation between 2005 and 2024. Data on demographics, oncologic treatment, reconstruction, implant timing, and prosthetic rehabilitation were collected. Outcomes were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and appropriate statistical tests between the 2005–2014 (n = 122) and 2015–2024 (n = 182) cohorts. Results: A total of 2341 Ticare Implants^® were placed, supporting 281 prostheses. Implant placement during primary surgery increased from 41% to 71% (p < 0.001). The median time from surgery to prosthesis significantly decreased from 24 to 15 months (p < 0.001). Five-year implant survival was 95% in the early cohort versus 97% in the later cohort. Implant survival was comparable between irradiated and non-irradiated patients (~94–96%). Fixed prostheses became more frequent (92% vs. 79%, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Implant-supported rehabilitation in oncologic patients is highly feasible and durable, with improved timelines and functional outcomes associated with early implant placement and modern digital planning strategies. Full article

The depletion of water resources caused by climate change and human activities is a pressing global issue. Lake Ereen is one of the ten natural landmarks of the Gobi-Altai of western Mongolia is included in the list of “important areas for birds” recognized by the international organization Birdlife. However, the construction of the Taishir Hydroelectric Power Station, aimed at supplying electricity to the western provinces of Mongolia, had a detrimental effect on the flow of the Zavkhan River, resulting in a drying-up and pollution of Lake Ereen, which relies on the river as its water source. This study assesses the pollution levels in Ereen Lake and determines the feasibility of its rehabilitation by redirecting the flow of the Zavkhan River. Field studies included the analysis of water quality, sediment contamination, and the composition of flora. The results show that the concentrations of ammonium, chlorine, fluorine, and sulfate in the lake water exceed the permissible levels set by the Mongolian standard. Analyses of elements from sediments revealed elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper, exceeding international sediment quality guidelines and posing risks to biological organisms. Furthermore, several species of diatoms indicative of polluted water were discovered. Lake Ereen is currently in a eutrophic state and, based on a water quality index (WQI) of 49.4, also in a “polluted” state. Mass balance calculations and box model analysis determined the period of pollutant replacement for two restoration options: drying-up and complete removal of contaminated sediments and plants vs. dilution-flushing without direct interventions in the lake. We recommend the latter being the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to rehabilitate Lake Ereen. Full article

Male-factor infertility accounts for approxiamately half of all infertility cases globally, yet therapeutic options remain limited for individuals with no retrievable spermatozoa, such as those with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In recent years, artificial gametogenesis has emerged as a promising avenue for fertility restoration, driven by advances in two complementary strategies: organotypic in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS), which aims to complete spermatogenesis ex vivo using native testicular tissue, and in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), which seeks to generate male gametes de novo from pluripotent or reprogrammed somatic stem cells. To evaluate the current landscape and future potential of these approaches, a narrative, semi-systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus for the period January 2010 to February 2025. Additionally, landmark studies published prior to 2010 that contributed foundational knowledge in spermatogenesis and testicular tissue modeling were reviewed to provide historical context. This narrative review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence from cell biology, tissue engineering, and translational medicine to benchmark IVS and IVG technologies against species-specific developmental milestones, ranging from rodent models to non-human primates and emerging human systems. Key challenges—such as the reconstitution of the blood–testis barrier, stage-specific endocrine signaling, and epigenetic reprogramming—are discussed alongside critical performance metrics of various platforms, including air–liquid interface slice cultures, three-dimensional organoids, microfluidic “testis-on-chip” devices, and stem cell-derived gametogenic protocols. Particular attention is given to clinical applicability in contexts such as NOA, oncofertility preservation in prepubertal patients, genetic syndromes, and reprocutive scenarios involving same-sex or unpartnered individuals. Safety, regulatory, and ethical considerations are critically appraised, and a translational framework is outlined that emphasizes biomimetic scaffold design, multi-omics-guided media optimization, and rigorous genomic and epigenomic quality control. While the generation of functionally mature sperm in vitro remains unachieved, converging progress in animal models and early human systems suggests that clinically revelant IVS and IVG applications are approaching feasibility, offering a paradigm shift in reproductive medicine. Full article

Background: Prosthetic cementation using the biologically oriented preparation technique (BOPT) presents challenges in removing excess cement from the gingival sulcus, due to the absence of a finishing line and the impossibility of using absolute isolation with a rubber dam. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of relative isolation using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape in reducing cement retention during BOPT cementation. Methods: Fifteen 3D-printed resin models were created from an intraoral scan of a patient restored with BOPT in both upper central incisors. Each model included removable gingiva. Splinted polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) provisional crowns were fabricated and cemented with temporary cement. One central incisor was isolated with PTFE (0.1 mm or 0.2 mm), while the contralateral tooth was left unisolated as a control. After debonding, digital scanning and volumetric analysis using root mean square (RMS) deviation were performed to quantify retained cement. Paired t-tests were applied to compare groups. Results: The mean RMS for the PTFE group was 0.1248 ± 0.0519 mm, compared to 0.1973 ± 0.0361 mm in the non-isolated group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between PTFE thicknesses of 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm (p = 0.388). Conclusions: PTFE tape is effective for relative isolation when rubber dam placement is not feasible in BOPT restorations. Further clinical studies are recommended to confirm these findings in vivo. Full article

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate cortical excitability in a polarity-specific manner, yet identical protocols often produce inconsistent outcomes across sessions or individuals. This narrative review proposes that much of this variability arises from the brain’s intrinsic temporal landscape. Integrating evidence from chronobiology, sleep research, and non-invasive brain stimulation, we argue that tDCS produces reliable, polarity-specific after-effects only within a circadian–homeostatic “window of efficacy”. On the circadian (Process C) axis, intrinsic alertness, membrane depolarisation, and glutamatergic gain rise in the late biological morning and early evening, whereas pre-dawn phases are marked by reduced excitability and heightened inhibition. On the homeostatic (Process S) axis, consolidated sleep renormalises synaptic weights, widening the capacity for further potentiation, whereas prolonged wakefulness saturates plasticity and can even reverse the usual anodal/cathodal polarity rules. Human stimulation studies mirror this two-process fingerprint: sleep deprivation abolishes anodal long-term-potentiation-like effects and converts cathodal inhibition into facilitation, while stimulating at each participant’s chronotype-aligned (phase-aligned) peak time amplifies and prolongs after-effects even under equal sleep pressure. From these observations we derive practical recommendations: (i) schedule excitatory tDCS after restorative sleep and near the individual wake-maintenance zone; (ii) avoid sessions at high sleep pressure or circadian troughs; (iii) log melatonin phase, chronotype, recent sleep and, where feasible, core temperature; and (iv) consider mild pre-heating or time-restricted feeding as physiological primers. By viewing Borbély’s two-process model and allied metabolic clocks as adjustable knobs for plasticity engineering, this review provides a conceptual scaffold for personalised, time-sensitive tDCS protocols that could improve reproducibility in research and therapeutic gain in the clinic. Full article

Background: The amylin receptor is a receptor for the peptide hormone amylin, and its activation is known to reduce body weight. The amylin receptor functions as a heterodimer complex that consists of the calcitonin receptor for peptide hormone calcitonin and an accessary protein. Although the structural information of amylin receptors is currently available, receptor–ligand binding studies that support the peptide binding mode for amylin receptors remain incomplete. Methods: Here, we introduced mutagenesis to the amylin receptor 1 extracellular domain and examined mutational effects on peptide binding affinity. We focused on several residues mainly from the peptide-binding pocket (D97, D101, E123, N124, and N135 of the calcitonin receptor). Two well-known peptide ligands for amylin receptors were used for this study: a salmon calcitonin fragment and an antagonist amylin analog AC413 fragment with Y25P mutation. Results: Among the introduced mutations, D101A and N135A mutations abolished peptide ligand binding, suggesting that these residues are critical for peptide interaction. The N124A mutation also significantly decreased the peptide binding affinity by more than 8-fold. Intriguingly, the N124D mutation restored the decreased affinity of the salmon calcitonin fragment, while it failed to restore the decreased affinity of the AC413 fragment. Structural analyses suggested that there was a potential role of salmon calcitonin serine 29 in the interaction with aspartate of the N124D mutation. Conclusions: This study validates the critical residues of the amylin receptor 1 extracellular domain for the interaction with C-terminal fragments of peptide ligands. This study also suggests that modulating receptor–ligand interaction is feasible by the modification of receptor amino acids near an interacting peptide ligand. Full article

A water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) was rescued following a vehicle collision and presented with suspected hip injury. Radiographic examination confirmed coxofemoral luxation, and a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) was performed to restore functional mobility. Postoperatively, the water deer underwent intensive rehabilitation, including controlled movement and physical therapy, to enhance limb function. Following successful recovery, the water deer was equipped with a GPS collar and released into its natural habitat. GPS tracking data were collected to evaluate the water deer’s post-release adaptation and movement patterns. The Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) method was used to determine the home range, showing an overall home range (MCP 95%) of 8.03 km² and a core habitat (MCP 50%) of 6.967 km². These results indicate a successful post-surgery outcome, with the water deer demonstrating mobility comparable to healthy individuals. This case demonstrates the clinical feasibility of an FHO in managing hip luxation in water deer and underscores the critical role of post-release monitoring in evaluating functional rehabilitation success in wildlife medicine. This study underscores the importance of integrating surgical intervention, structured rehabilitation, and post-release monitoring to ensure the successful reintroduction of injured wildlife. GPS tracking provides valuable insights into long-term adaptation and mobility, contributing to evidence-based conservation medicine. Full article

This study presents a methodology for developing and validating digital models of tooth-inlay systems, aiming to trace the complete workflow from clinical procedures to simulation by involving dental professionals—dentists for manual cavity preparation and dental technicians for restoration modelling—while integrating micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging with finite element analysis (FEA). The proposed workflow includes (1) the acquisition of high-resolution 3D micro-CT scans of a non-restored tooth, (2) image segmentation and reconstruction to create anatomically accurate digital twins and mesh generation, (3) the selection of proper resin and the 3D printing of four typodonts, (4) the manual preparation of cavities on the typodonts, (5) the acquisition of high-resolution 3D micro-CT scans of the typodonts, (6) mesh generation, digital inlay and onlay modelling and material property assignment, and (7) nonlinear FEA simulations under representative masticatory loading. The approach enables the visualisation of stress and deformation patterns, with preliminary results indicating stress concentrations at the tooth-restoration interface integrating different cavity alternatives and restorations on the same tooth. Quantitative outputs include von Mises stress, strain energy density, and displacement distribution. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using image-based, tooth-specific digital twins for biomechanical modelling in dentistry. The developed framework lays the groundwork for future investigations into the optimisation of restoration design and material selection in clinical applications. Full article

Conventional trenchless pipeline rehabilitation technologies are primarily designed for circular pipelines, with limited applicability to box culvert structures. Even when adapted, these methods often lead to significant reductions in the effective cross-sectional area and fail to enhance the structural load-bearing capacity due to geometric incompatibilities. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel construction approach that employs prefabricated high-strength thin concrete segment liners for the reinforcement of underground box culverts. The feasibility of this method was validated through full-scale (1:1) experimental construction in a purpose-built test culvert, demonstrating rapid and efficient installation. A static stacking load test was subsequently conducted on the reinforced upper section of the culvert. Results indicate that the proposed reinforcement method effectively restores structural integrity and satisfies load-bearing and serviceability requirements, even after removal of the original roof slab. Additionally, a finite element analysis was performed to simulate the stacking load test conditions. The simulation revealed that variations in the mechanical properties of the grout between the existing structure and the new lining had minimal impact on the internal force distribution and deformation behavior of the prefabricated segments. The top segment consistently exhibited semi-rigid fixation behavior. This study offers a promising strategy for the rehabilitation of urban underground box culverts, achieving structural performance recovery while minimizing traffic disruption and enhancing construction efficiency. Full article

Background/Objectives: Renal transplantation (RT) represents the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD), offering improved quality of life and restored fertility in women post-transplant. While post-transplant pregnancies are possible, they can lead to complications including pre-eclampsia, graft dysfunction, and other adverse outcomes. This study evaluates existing literature to assess pregnancy’s impact on kidney transplantation outcomes, specifically long-term graft function and survival. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of English-language literature from January 2000 to September 2023 across multiple databases, following PRISMA guidelines. We established inclusion criteria focusing on graft function and adverse events. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction, and we assessed risk of bias using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: From 4917 articles, we included 26 studies encompassing 1202 pregnancies in 902 kidney transplant recipients. Mean maternal age was 30.8 years, with an average interval of 52 months between transplant and pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy hypertension occurred in 54.2% of cases, and pre-eclampsia developed in 25.7%. The live birth rate reached 70.5%, while miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death rates were 11.3%, 2.7%, and 2.5%, respectively. We noticed graft dysfunction during pregnancy in 20.2% of cases. Though kidney function often deteriorated temporarily, most patients recovered post-delivery. Discussion: Post-transplant pregnancies remain viable but high-risk, with elevated rates of obstetric complications. Our findings highlight the need for standardized data collection and reporting to better understand and manage pregnancy’s impact on graft outcomes. Conclusions: With appropriate management, pregnancy in kidney transplant recipients is feasible, though it carries elevated risks of obstetric complications. We recommend further multicenter studies with standardized data collection to improve understanding and outcomes. Full article

The Mediterranean region is increasingly confronted with intersecting environmental, agricultural, and socio-economic challenges, including biowaste accumulation, soil degradation, and high dependency on imported fossil fuels. Biomethane, a renewable substitute for natural gas, offers a strategic solution that aligns with the region’s need for sustainable energy transition and circular resource management. This review examines the current state of biomethane production in the Mediterranean area, with a focus on anaerobic digestion (AD) technologies, feedstock availability, policy drivers, and integration into the circular bioeconomy (CBE) framework. Emphasis is placed on the valorisation of regionally abundant feedstocks such as olive pomace, citrus peel, grape marc, cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) residues, livestock manure, and the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW). The multifunctionality of AD—producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich digestate—is highlighted for its dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and restoring soil health, especially in areas threatened by desertification such as Sicily (Italy), Spain, Malta, and Greece. The review also explores emerging innovations in biogas upgrading, nutrient recovery, and digital monitoring, along with the role of Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III) and national biomethane strategies in scaling up deployment. Case studies and decentralised implementation models underscore the socio-technical feasibility of biomethane systems across rural and insular territories. Despite significant potential, barriers such as feedstock variability, infrastructural gaps, and policy fragmentation remain. The paper concludes with a roadmap for research and policy to advance biomethane as a pillar of Mediterranean climate resilience, energy autonomy and sustainable agriculture within a circular bioeconomy paradigm. Full article

Wildfires are becoming an increasingly severe threat to European forests, driven by climate change, land use changes, and socio-economic factors. Integrated solutions for wildfire prevention, early detection, emergency management, and ecological restoration are urgently needed to enhance forest resilience. The Horizon 2020 SILVANUS project developed a comprehensive multi-sectoral platform combining technological innovation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable forest management strategies. This report analyses the Slovak Republic’s participation in SILVANUS, applying a seven-criterion fit–gap framework (governance, legal, interoperability, staff capacity, ecological suitability, financial feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance) to evaluate the platform’s alignment with national conditions. Notable contributions include stakeholder-supported functional requirements for wildfire prevention, climate-sensitive forest models for long-term adaptation planning, IoT- and UAV-based early fire detection technologies, and decision support systems (DSS) for emergency response and forest-restoration activities. The Slovak pilot sites, particularly in the Podpoľanie region, served as important testbeds for the validation of these tools under real-world conditions. All SILVANUS modules scored ≥12/14 in the fit–gap assessment; early deployment reduced high-risk fuel polygons by 23%, increased stand-level structural diversity by 12%, and raised the national Sustainable Forest Management index by four points. Integrating SILVANUS outcomes into national forestry practices would enable better wildfire risk assessment, improved resilience planning, and more effective public engagement in wildfire management. Opportunities for adoption include capacity-building initiatives, technological deployments in fire-prone areas, and the incorporation of DSS outputs into strategic forest planning. Potential challenges, such as technological investment costs, inter-agency coordination, and public acceptance, are also discussed. Overall, the Slovak Republic’s engagement with SILVANUS demonstrates the value of participatory, technology-driven approaches to sustainable wildfire management and offers a replicable model for other European regions facing similar challenges. Full article

Enhancing the seismic resilience of urban water distribution networks (WDNs) requires the improvement of both earthquake resistance and rapid recovery capabilities within the system. This paper proposes a multi-objective method to enhance the seismic resilience of the WDNs, focusing on system restoration capabilities while comprehensively considering the hydraulic recovery index, maintenance time, and maintenance cost. The method utilizes a random simulation approach to generate various damage scenarios for the WDN, considering pipe leakage, pipe bursts, and variations in node flow resulting from changes in water pressure. It characterizes the functions of the WDN through hydraulic service satisfaction and quantifies system resilience using a performance response function. Additionally, it determines the optimal dispatch strategy for emergency repair teams and the optimal emergency repair sequence for earthquake-damaged networks using a genetic algorithm. Furthermore, a comprehensive computational platform has been developed to systematically analyze and optimize seismic resilience strategies for WDNs. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated through an example involving the WDN in Xi’an City. The results indicate that the single-objective seismic resilience improvement method based on the hydraulic recovery index is the most effective for enhancing the seismic resilience of the WDN. In contrast, the multi-objective method proposed in this article reduces repair time by 17.9% and repair costs by 3.4%, while only resulting in a 0.2% decrease in the seismic resilience of the WDN. This method demonstrates the most favorable comprehensive restoration effect, and the success of our method in achieving a symmetrically balanced restoration outcome demonstrates its value. The proposed methodology and software can provide both theoretical frameworks and technical support for urban WDN administrators. Full article