Leymus chinensis is a perennial rhizomatous clone plant. It exhibits strong rhizomatous tillering and clonal growth through asexual reproduction. The root system is interdependent with aboveground growth and root growth can regulate aboveground growth and photosynthesis. Melatonin has been shown to regulate root growth and promote photosynthesis. However, it remains unclear whether melatonin affects aboveground growth and photosynthesis by regulating rhizome growth. To address this gap, we studied nine Leymus chinensis from different geographical locations, all grown under the same conditions. We selected two materials with strong (LC19) and weak (LC2) rhizome growth abilities from nine materials and treated them with exogenous melatonin. We found there were significant positive correlations between stem length, plant height, leaf number and rhizome traits. Additionally, rhizome traits showed significant positive correlations with photosynthetic indices and chlorophyll content. Specifically, for LC2, treatment with 200 μmol/L melatonin significantly increased root length, the number of extravaginal ramets and rhizome clonal growth rate by 88.72%, 43.75% and 43.70%, respectively, resulting in significant increases in aboveground traits. Similarly, for LC19, 200 μmol/L melatonin treatment led to significant increases of 74.66%, 23.02%, 62.71% and 62.72% in four traits, respectively, along with aboveground trait improvements. Furthermore, around 300 μmol/L melatonin treatment promoted photosynthetic efficiency in LC2, while around 100 μmol/L melatonin treatment had the same effect in LC19. In conclusion, our study highlights the relationship between rhizome growth ability, aboveground growth and photosynthesis in Leymus chinensis. Additionally, it suggests that exogenous melatonin can enhance aboveground growth and photosynthesis by regulating rhizome growth. Full article

In Central Europe, grasslands for dairy production are typically characterised by monocultures with high input rates of artificial fertilisers. However, it was suggested that biodiversity could reduce the need for anthropogenic inputs in functionally diversified grassland mixes while maintaining or enhancing yields and fodder quality. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed five consecutively diversified grassland mixes consisting of ryegrass, legumes, a non-leguminous forb, and additional grass species for intensive fodder production, and tested them under regular agricultural conditions in a three-year experiment on sandy soil, marshland, and bog soil at one-hectare per mix and site. All mixtures produced similar high-quality forage in terms of utilisable crude protein content and net energy lactation rate, even under challenging climatic conditions. However, a high abundance of Dactylis glomerata can decrease these values, although factors such as seasonality and rainfall affect them to a greater degree. The seasonal composition changes between the functional groups, such as strong spring growth of grasses and strong summer growth of legumes, show complementarity rather than competition between the groups, resulting in consistent biomass production during the growth period. The results were consistent over the three soil types and provide the basis for further adaptation of mixes and breeding. Full article

This article discusses a method for forming black silicon using plasma etching at a sample temperature range from −20 °C to +20 °C in a mixture of oxygen and sulfur hexafluoride. The surface morphology of the resulting structures, the autocorrelation function of surface features, and reflectivity were studied depending on the process parameters—the composition of the plasma mixture, temperature and other discharge parameters (radical concentrations). The relationship between these parameters and the concentrations of oxygen and fluorine radicals in plasma is shown. A novel approach has been studied to reduce the reflectance using conformal bilayer dielectric coatings deposited by atomic layer deposition. The reflectivity of the resulting black silicon was studied in a wide spectral range from 400 to 900 nm. As a result of the research, technologies for creating black silicon on silicon wafers with a diameter of 200 mm have been proposed, and the structure formation process takes no more than 5 min. The resulting structures are an example of the self-formation of nanostructures due to anisotropic etching in a gas discharge plasma. This material has high mechanical, chemical and thermal stability and can be used as an antireflective coating, in structures requiring a developed surface—photovoltaics, supercapacitors, catalysts, and antibacterial surfaces. Full article

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) emerged over the years as a promising approach in the management of chronic pain. Despite the fact that the efficacy of micron-size PEA formulations appears to be time-dependent, the optimal timing has not yet been elucidated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the possible advantage of an extended treatment in the relief of chronic pain. The literature search was conducted consulting scientific databases, to identify clinical trials in which micron-size PEA was administered for at least 60 days, and pain assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Nine studies matched the required criteria, for a total of 742 patients involved. The meta-analysis showed a statistically and clinically significant pain intensity reduction after 60 days of micron-size PEA supplementation, compared to 30 days (1.36 points, p < 0.01). The secondary analysis revealed a weighted NRS/VAS score decrease of 2.08 points within the first month of treatment. These two obtained scores corresponded to a 35.1% pain intensity reduction within the first month, followed by a further 35.4% during the second month. Overall, these results confirm the clinically relevant and time-depended pain-relieving effect of micron-size PEA and therefore the advantage of an extended treatment, especially in patient with incomplete pain management. Full article

This study analysed the greater Seoul area (GSA) in terms of naturalness, a representative indicator of natural scenic beauty, and created an assessment map, shifting from a traditional urban development perspective to a landscape perspective. It also developed a “normalised naturalness index” by combining the results of the expert metric score with the Hemeroby index, which was used as a naturalness assessment representative item. Then, it interpreted the naturalness status of the GSA landscape characteristics. As a result, the landscape of the GSA demonstrates the following five characteristics: First, the central business districts in the capital city of Seoul are densely developed areas with a very high degree of human intervention. Second, the satellite cities built to solve Seoul’s housing and logistics problems are rated as “a little less, but still heavily humanised” as a landscape characteristic. These areas are becoming increasingly humanised. Also, it is worth noting that the third characteristic, regarding moderate landscape areas, has a distinctly different meaning for areas outside of the city boundary, as well as those within the city boundary. Although these areas are in the same statistical category, they have two different meanings: one is the area where the average values converged on “moderate” by virtue of urban forests near the city centre, and the other is the area outside of Seoul that has a Hemeroby value of 0.5–0.6, which refers to open spaces such as agricultural lands, wetlands, or coastal areas. Fourth, suburban forests are reserved with legal restrictions to curb excessive urban sprawl, as well as parts of the demilitarised zone along the border areas of North and South Koreas. The last landscape characteristic is illustrated in the scenic area of the eastern woodlands. The normalised landscape naturalness index developed through this study provides an overall understanding of the environmental state of the GSA. Future research may build on the results of this study to refine methods for assessing public perceptions of naturalness. Full article

Winery wastewater (WW) is a high-volume biowaste and, in the context of Marlborough and New Zealand wineries, there is a growing recognition of the need to improve current WW disposal systems to mitigate negative environmental impacts. The application of WW to land is a low-cost method of disposal, that could significantly reduce the environmental risk associated with WW directly entering surface and groundwater bodies. This study analysed elemental concentrations in WW and soils from three Marlborough vineyards across their annual vintage to determine the loading rates of nutrients into WW and the subsequent accumulation effects of WW irrigation on receiving soils. The findings showed loading rates of approximately 1.8 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ of sodium within WW and a significant increase in soil sodium concentration and pH, attributed to sodium-based cleaning products. A loading rate of approximately 4 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ of total organic carbon was also identified within WW, however, significant losses in soil carbon, nitrogen, magnesium and calcium concentrations were identified. Focusing efforts to retain key nutrients from WW within soils could provide benefits to New Zealand’s wine industry, facilitating increased biomass production in irrigation plots, thereby increasing biodiversity and potentially generating incentives for vineyard owners to contribute to increasing biomass carbon stocks and offset agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

Achieving a homogeneous and uniform powder bed surface as well as a defined, uniform layer thickness is crucial for achieving reproducible component properties that meet requirements when powder bed fusion of metals with a laser beam. The existing recoating processes cause wear of the recoater blade due to protruded, melted obstacles, which affects the powder bed surface quality locally. Impairments to the powder bed surface quality have a negative effect on the resulting component properties such as surface quality and relative density. This can lead either to scrapped components or to additional work steps such as surface reworking. In this work, an electric smoother is presented with which a wear-free and contactless smoothing of the powder bed can be realized. The achievable powder bed surface quality was analyzed using optical profilometry. It was found that the electric smoother can compensate for impairments in the powder bed surface and achieve a reproducible surface quality of the powder bed regardless of the initial extent of the impairments. Consequently, the electric smoother offers a promising opportunity to reduce the scrap rate in PBF-LB/M and to increase component quality. Full article

Mycotoxins are potent fungal toxins that frequently contaminate agricultural crops and foods. Mycotoxin exposure is frequently reported in humans, and children are known to be particularly at risk of exceeding safe levels of exposure. Urinary biomonitoring is used to assess overall dietary exposure to multiple mycotoxins. This study aims to quantify multi-mycotoxin exposure in UK children and to identify major food groups contributing to exposure. Four repeat urine samples were collected from 29 children (13 boys and 16 girls, aged 2.4–6.8 years), and food diaries were recorded to assess their exposure to eleven mycotoxins. Urine samples (n = 114) were hydrolysed with β-glucuronidase, enriched through immunoaffinity columns and analysed by LC-MS/MS for deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T-2/HT-2 toxins, zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins. Food diaries were analysed using WinDiet software, and the daily intake of high-risk foods for mycotoxin contamination summarised. The most prevalent mycotoxins found in urine samples were DON (95.6% of all samples), OTA (88.6%), HT-2 toxin (53.5%), ZEN (48.2%) and NIV (26.3%). Intake of total cereal-based foods was strongly positively associated with urinary levels of DON and T-2/HT-2 and oat intake with urinary T-2/HT-2. Average daily mycotoxin excretion ranged from 12.10 µg/d (DON) to 0.03 µg/d (OTA), and co-exposure to three or more mycotoxins was found in 66% of samples. Comparing mycotoxin intake estimates to tolerable daily intakes (TDI) demonstrates frequent TDI exceedances (DON 34.2% of all samples, T-2/HT-2 14.9%, NIV 4.4% and ZEN 5.2%). OTA was frequently detected at low levels. When mean daily OTA intake was compared to the reference value for non-neoplastic lesions, the resulting Margin of Exposure (MoE) of 65 was narrow, indicating a health concern. In conclusion, this study demonstrates frequent exposure of UK children to multiple mycotoxins at levels high enough to pose a health concern if exposure is continuous. Full article

African horse sickness is a devastating viral disease of equids. It is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides with mortalities reaching over 90% in naïve horses. It is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and is seasonally endemic in many parts of southern Africa. However, outbreaks in Europe and Asia have occurred that caused significant economic issues. There are attenuated vaccines available for control of the virus but concerns regarding the safety and efficacy means that alternatives are sought. One promising alternative is the use of virus-like particles in vaccine preparations, which have the potential to be safer and more efficacious as vaccines against African horse sickness. These particles are best made in a complex, eukaryotic system, but due to technical challenges, this may cause significant economic strain on the developing countries most affected by the disease. Therefore, this review also summarises the success so far, and potential, of recombinant protein expression in plants to reduce the economic strain of production. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (tAVNS) in healthy horses and its effect on heart rate variability (HRV). The study comprised three phases: the selection of mares, their acclimatization to the tAVNS, and the stimulation phase. Stimulation was performed with two electrodes positioned on the right pinna. The settings were 0.5 mA, 250 μs, and 25 Hz for pulse amplitude, pulse width, and pulse frequency, respectively. HRV was analysed before (B1), during (T), and after (B2) the tAVNS. From the 44 mares initially included, only 7 completed the three phases. In these mares, the heart rate (HR) was significantly lower, and frequency domain parameters showed an increased parasympathetic tone in B2 compared with B1. However, in 3/7 mares, the HR was significantly higher during T compared with B1 and B2, compatible with a decreased parasympathetic tone, while in 4/7 mares, the HR was significantly lower and the parasympathetic nervous system index was significantly higher during T and B2 compared with B1. The tAVNS is an economical and easy procedure to perform and has the potential to stimulate vagal activity; however, it was poorly tolerated in the mares included in this study. Full article

Predicting the willingness of people to engage in passive surveillance is crucial to the success of community-based efforts to manage invasive species and conserve native biodiversity. We draw on the marketing concept of involvement, which reflects the personal importance of an issue or behaviour, to understand and measure the motivation of members of the public to engage in passive surveillance. The usefulness of this concept was tested by analysing the responses of householders to surveys about their willingness to engage in passive surveillance for a purely environmental pest, Red-eared Slider Turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), and their willingness to engage in passive surveillance for an economic and environmental pest, Argentine Ants (Linepithema humile), in New Zealand. We found that involvement influenced intentions, attitudes and surveillance behaviour for both invasive pests. We discussed the implications of these findings for (i) choosing between a surveillance strategy based on recruiting and training highly motivated members of the public and a strategy based on passive surveillance by any member of the public; (ii) growing the potential for passive surveillance by either increasing involvement with preventing the spread of a pest or increasing involvement with surveillance activities themselves; and (iii) determining the importance of convenient reporting mechanisms in promoting consistent reporting. Full article

Women of Color faculty continue to experience many challenges in their careers, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. As such, more research is needed that considers structural issues inhibiting their success. Using structuration theory and critical race feminism as a conceptual framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 faculty and administrators in STEM departments at higher education institutions to investigate their perceptions of structural impediments impacting early-career Women of Color STEM faculty careers. Our findings revealed the need to establish policies that are clear, documented, and transparent. Additionally, incremental approaches to tenure and promotion evaluations should be reconsidered, especially when this approach may position Women of Color faculty to appear as if they are underperforming, when the opposite may be true. Furthermore, as higher education institutions endeavor to diversify the professoriate, this study is significant in enabling institutions and STEM departments to be aware of systemic issues confronting them to make significant inroads in retaining and advancing Women of Color faculty in these disciplines. Full article

We analyzed and compared variations in the urinary metabolome, as well as postnatal clinical outcomes among preterm infants, based on the timing of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) administration in response to preterm labor onset in their mothers. This was a prospective observational study held in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, Padova University Hospital (Italy). A urine sample was obtained from each patient within 24 h of birth; Mass Spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics analysis was then conducted. We searched for any significant disparities in the metabolomic profile of preterm newborns subjected to antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) treatment at varying timings; their correlation with clinical outcomes were also evaluated. The group receiving ACS within the optimal time window (1–7 days before delivery) exhibited elevated levels of cysteine, N-acetylglutamine, propionyl carnitine and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid, coupled with a decrease in pipecolic acid. Clinically, this group demonstrated a reduced need for invasive ventilation (p = 0.04). In conclusion, metabolomics analysis identified several metabolites that discriminated preterm infants whose mothers received ACS within the recommended time window. Elevated levels of cysteine and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid, metabolites characterized by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were observed in these infants. This metabolic profile correlated with improved respiratory outcomes, as evidenced by a reduced necessity for invasive ventilation at birth. Full article

Students experience both positive and negative emotions during lessons. However, little research has been conducted into students’ perspectives on how they deal with these emotions. For this reason, the current study aimed to investigate how students perceive, deal with, and interact in emotional classroom situations, using a mixed-methods approach. In Study 1, 28 primary school children in the fourth grade drew pictures of achievement-emotion situations and were subsequently interviewed. In a three-step analysis process, students’ drawings and interviews were analysed using open coding and content analysis. In Study 2, 635 students from 38 primary and secondary schools in northern Germany reported (via the DECCS questionnaire) their appraisals, achievement emotions, emotion regulation behaviour, and desired teacher support regarding two case vignettes: one involving a learning situation and the other a performance situation. The results of Study 1 reveal that peers play a crucial role in how students deal with positive emotions in class. The structural equation model of Study 2 shows that almost all pathways between emotion regulation behaviour (maladaptive as well as adaptive) and students’ desired teacher behaviour in the form of praise and support are significant. The results of both studies indicate that social support (i.e., peer interactions and teacher support) is crucial in how students deal with both positive and negative achievement emotions in class. Full article

Seaweed is a fast-growing biomass source that is currently studied as feedstock for sustainable industrial production in a wide variety of markets. Being composed mostly of polysaccharides, macroalgae can be integrated in biorefineries for obtaining bioproducts via fermentation. Kappaphycus alvarezii has been introduced experimentally to Brazil’s south coastline in 1995 and is now cultivated on a large scale to keep up with the high carrageenan demand in various industrial sectors. In this review article, an introduction is given on renewable biomass and environmental issues, focusing especially on third-generation biomass and its promising features and use advantages. Later on, the processing of K. alvarezii for the use of its saccharide portion for fermentative processes is approached. The current state of research conducted alongside challenges and hurdles in K. alvarezii hydrolysate fermentation processes provides insight into future studies needed to make new fermentation processes viable. Next, some fermentation products are discussed, and the metabolism of galactose in microorganisms is also presented to bring to light other possible fermentation products that are not yet, but can be, obtained from K. alvarezii. Finally, a simple and comprehensive scheme for K. alvarezii fermentation biorefinery is presented to demonstrate a generic example for a possible configuration for obtaining valuable bio-products. In the literature, production of ethanol and lactic acid were already reported from K. alvarezii. This review aims to help envision new industrial processes that can be developed for this most valuable macroalga. Full article

Objectives: The configuration of the aortic arch, particularly a Gothic arch shape, in individuals with corrected coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has been associated with a decreased systolic wave amplitude across the arch, which could potentially impair renal perfusion and elevate the risk of arterial hypertension. This study aims to explore the relationship between the morphological characteristics of the aortic arch and their impact on renal perfusion in patients with CoA. Methods: Seventy-one subjects with corrected CoA underwent continuous 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, computed tomography to assess the aortic arch, and renal perfusion scanning. Subjects were stratified into three groups based on the height-to-width (H/W) ratio of their aortic arch: Group 1 with a H/W ratio of <0.65, Group 2 with a H/W ratio between 0.65 and 0.85, and Group 3 with a H/W ratio of >0.85. Results: Groups 1 and 2 (53,78% and 62.63%) presented with a higher hypertension prevalence of elevated blood pressure than Group 3 (38.89%). Notable variations were observed among the subjects in the time to peak perfusion (Tmax) in the left kidney across the groups. Group 1 showed a median T_max at 0.27, Group 2 at 0.13, and Group 3 at −0.38 (p-value = 0.079). The differences in T_max for the right kidney followed a similar trend but were not statistically significant (Group 1 at 0.61, Group 2 at 0.22, and Group 3 at 0.11; p-value = 0.229). Conclusions: This study suggests that variations in the aortic arch morphology might not significantly influence renal perfusion in CoA patients. This indicates the potential adaptability of the renal blood flow, which appears to compensate for reduced perfusion, thus minimizing adverse effects on the kidney function. This adaptability suggests an inherent physiological resilience, emphasizing the need for further targeted research to understand the specific interactions and impacts on treatment strategies for CoA. Full article

Few studies have investigated sustainable management in the semiconductor industry. Consequently, this study analyzed the characteristics of companies excelling in sustainable management in the semiconductor industry using chief executive officer messages. It compared high- and low-performing groups to identify leading sustainable firms. Centrality analysis was conducted to extract keywords, which were mapped to the sustainability criteria to conduct network analysis. The results showed that the high-performing group emphasized sustainable development across the semiconductor industry ecosystem, while the low-performing group focused on internal sustainability aspects. This underscores the need for effective sustainable development in the semiconductor industry that extends beyond individual company efforts and embraces industry solidarity. Thus, this study presents a methodology that can be applied to similar studies in industries beyond semiconductors. Full article

The subgenual organ complex of stick insects has a unique neuroanatomical organisation with two elaborate chordotonal organs, the subgenual organ and the distal organ. These organs are present in all leg pairs and are already developed in newly hatched stick insects. The present study analyses for the first time the morphology of sensory organs in the subgenual organ complex for a membrane connecting the two sensory organs in newly hatched insects (Sipyloidea chlorotica (Audinet-Serville 1838)). The stick insect legs were analysed following hatching by axonal tracing and light microscopy. The subgenual organ complex in first juvenile instars shows the sensory organs and a thin membrane connecting the sensory organs resembling the morphology of adult animals. Rarely was this membrane not detected, where it is assumed as not developed during embryogenesis. The connection appears to influence the shape of the subgenual organ, with one end extending towards the distal organ as under tension. These findings are discussed for the following functional implications: (1) the physiological responses of the subgenual organ complex to mechanical stimuli after hatching, (2) the influence of the membrane on the displacement of the sensory organs, and (3) the connection between the subgenual organ and distal organ as a possible functional coupling. Full article

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a systemic plant disease caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)’ and transmitted by Diaphorina citri. D. citri acquires the CLas bacteria in the nymph stage and transmits it in the adult stage, indicating that molting from the nymph to adult stages is crucial for HLB transmission. However, the available D. citri reference genomes are incomplete, and gene function studies have been limited to date. In the current research, PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and Illumina sequencing were performed to investigate the transcriptome of D. citri nymphs and adults. In total, 10,641 full-length, non-redundant transcripts (FLNRTs), 594 alternative splicing (AS) events, 4522 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 1086 long-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 281 transcription factors (TFs), and 4459 APA sites were identified. Furthermore, 3746 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between nymphs and adults were identified, among which 30 DEGs involved in the Hippo signaling pathway were found. Reverse transcription–quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) further validated the expression levels of 12 DEGs and showed a positive correlation with transcriptome data. Finally, the spatiotemporal expression pattern of genes involved in the Hippo signaling pathway exhibited high expression in the D. citri testis, ovary, and egg. Silencing of the D. citri transcriptional co-activator (DcYki) gene significantly increased D. citri mortality and decreased the cumulative molting. Our results provide useful information and a reliable data resource for gene function research of D. citri. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mental health and substance use disorders (MHDs and SUDs) affect cardiac allograft and VAD recipients and impact their quality of life and compliance. Limited research currently exists on MHDs and SUDs in this population. Methods: This study compares the incidence of MHDs and SUDs in the transplant list, VAD, and post-transplant patients with that in heart failure patients. Study cohorts were derived from the TriNetX database using ICD-10 codes. Differences in incidence were examined using the log-rank test. Adults with MHDs and SUDs before the window of time were excluded. All comparisons were made between propensity-matched cohorts. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Transplant waitlist patients showed a significant increase in the incidence of anxiety, depression, panic, adjustment, mood, alcohol use, and eating disorders. Post-transplant patients showed a significant increase in depression and opioid use. VAD patients showed a significant increase in depression and a decrease in panic disorder and anxiety. These results allow for further investigations on prevention and coping strategies. Conclusions: The deterioration of mental health can significantly impact medication compliance, survival, and quality of life. Opioid use for pain management in the early postoperative period should be further investigated to assess its impact on long-term substance use and addiction. Full article

Inspired by the vast potential of microalgae in the bioeconomy and the numerous applications and benefits associated with their cultivation, a multitude of pilot- and industrial-scale microalgae production systems have been developed in recent years. Both open and closed cultivation systems have been successfully utilized, with closed photo-bioreactors (PBRs) emerging as the most versatile option for various applications and products, enabling the implementation of advanced optimization strategies. Therefore, this short review provides a comprehensive overview of the different PBR configurations and their recent applications, primarily in large-scale but also in pilot- and laboratory-scale microalgae cultivation. A detailed discussion of the advantages, limitations, specific applications and recent advancements of each type of PBR is presented to aid researchers, engineers and industry stakeholders in selecting the most suitable PBR design for their specific goals and constraints. Moreover, this review highlights the major challenges impeding the full commercialization of microalgal products and forecasts future trends in the microalgae-based industry. The diverse potential applications of microalgae in various sectors, including biofuels, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and environmental remediation, underscore the versatility and significance of the relevant cultivation technologies. By offering valuable insights into the future commercial scale and trends of microalgal biotechnology, this work sheds light on the challenges and opportunities facing this burgeoning industry. Full article

Gel treatment is an economical and efficient method of controlling excessive water production. The gelation of in situ gels is prone to being affected by the dilution of formation water, chromatographic during the transportation process, and thus controlling the gelation time and penetration depth is a challenging task. Therefore, a novel gel system termed preformed particle gels (PPGs) has been developed to overcome the drawbacks of in situ gels. PPGs are superabsorbent polymer gels which can swell but not dissolve in brines. Typically, PPGs are a granular gels formed based on the crosslinking of polyacrylamide, characterized by controllable particle size and strength. This work summarizes the application scenarios of PPGs and elucidates their plugging mechanisms. Additionally, several newly developed PPG systems such as high-temperature-resistant PPGs, re-crosslinkable PPGs, and delayed-swelling PPGs are also covered. This research indicates that PPGs can selectively block the formation of fractures or high-permeability channels. The performance of the novel modified PPGs was superior to in situ gels in harsh environments. Lastly, we outlined recommended improvements for the novel PPGs and suggested future research directions. Full article