Fat, oil and grease - induced sewer blockages: Mechanisms, modelling and monitoring strategies.

Fat, oil and grease (FOG) discharged into sewer networks can accumulate and solidify into hardened deposits that commonly known as fatbergs, through saponification, crystallization, and calcium aggregation. These fatbergs contribute significantly to sanitary sewer overflows, posing serious environmental and public health risks. Despite growing interest in this issue, there remains an urgent need for robust, real-time monitoring and predictive technologies to mitigate FOG-induced blockages and their associated economic costs.

Isogenic induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived airway- and alveolus-on-chip models reveal specific innate immune responses.

The development of microphysiological systems for preclinical research is often hindered by the limited availability of reliable cell sources, especially when multiple organs or tissues from a single patient are needed for comparative studies of the host innate immune response. In this study, we develop human airway-on-chip and alveolus-on-chip models using lung progenitor cells derived from isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells. Our results using SARS-CoV-2 and influenza reveal distinct initial innate immune responses in the airway- and alveolus-on-chip models.

The Application of Giemsa Staining in Identifying in Oral Biopsies: A Comparative Study with Immunohistochemistry.

Background: (), a significant pathogen in gastrointestinal diseases, has been implicated in various oral pathologies. Accurate detection of in oral biopsies is crucial for understanding its role in oral diseases.

Materials And Methods: A total of 100 oral biopsy samples were collected from patients presenting with suspected oral lesions.

Vascular microphysiological systems (MPS): biologically relevant and potent models.

Extensive research has focused on the vasculature, aiming to understand its structural characteristics, functions, interactions with surrounding tissues, and the mechanisms underlying vascular-related pathologies. However, advancing our understanding of vascular biology requires more complex and physiologically relevant models that integrate physical, chemical, and biological factors. Traditional dish models cannot replicate three-dimensional (3D) architecture, multi-cell-type interactions, and extracellular environments.

Toxicity of Pentachlorophenol Exposure on Male and Female Investigated Using NMR-Based Metabolomics Approach.

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is one of the most common chlorophenols utilized in numerous industrial processes, including the production of dyes, pesticides, wood preservatives, disinfectants, antiseptics, and medicines because it has fungicidal and bactericidal characteristics. Previous studies on catfish () revealed that PCP acts as a potent endocrine disruptor and also causes behavioral changes in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the toxicological effects of PCP have not been compared between male and female catfish.

3D nanocomposites of β-TCP-HBO-Cu with improved mechanical and biological performances for bone regeneration applications.

Recently, 3-D porous architecture of the composites play a key role in cell proliferation, bone regeneration, and anticancer activities. The osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of β-TCP allow for the complete repair of numerous bone defects. Herein, β-TCP was synthesized by wet chemical precipitation route, and their 3-D porous composites with HBO and Cu nanoparticles were prepared by the solid-state reaction method with improved mechanical and biological performances.

Hospital-Based Surveillance of Respiratory Viruses Among Children Under Five Years of Age with ARI and SARI in Eastern UP, India.

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of death in children under five globally. The seasonal trends and profiles of respiratory viruses vary by region and season. Due to limited information and the population's vulnerability, we conducted the hospital-based surveillance of respiratory viruses in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The Opportunities and Challenges of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosomes in Theranostics and Regenerative Medicine.

Cell-secreted nanovesicles of endosomal origin, called exosomes, are vital for mediating intracellular communication. As local or distal transporters of intracellular cargo, they reflect the unique characteristics of secretory cells and establish cell-specific interactions via characteristic surface proteins and receptors. With the advent of rapid isolation, purification, and identification techniques, exosomes have become an attractive choice for disease diagnosis (exosomal content as biomarkers), cell-free therapy, and tissue regeneration.

Evaluation of Radiopacity of Calcium Silicate-Based and Resin-Based Materials Using Direct Digital Radiography Along With an Aluminium Step Wedge.

Background Radiopacity is a critical property for root canal sealers as it allows for the assessment of the material's placement and quality within the root canal system on radiographic images. The study aimed to evaluate the radiopacity of calcium silicate-based and resin-based materials using direct digital radiography, employing an aluminium step wedge according to American National Standards Institute/International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/ISO) standard protocols for testing the radiopacity of root canal sealers. This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of these materials in meeting the required standards for clinical use.

Interplay between superconducting fluctuations and weak localization in disordered TiN thin films.

The interplay between superconducting fluctuations (SFs) and weak localization (WL) has been probed by temperature dependent resistance [()] and magnetoresistance (MR) measurements in two-dimensional disordered superconducting TiN thin films. Within a narrow range of temperature above transition temperature (), the coexistence of SF-mediated positive MR and WL-led negative MR in different ranges of magnetic fields and a crossover from positive MR to negative MR with an increase in temperature are reported herein. The crossover temperature coincides with a characteristic temperature () at which a resistance peak appears in the zero-field ().

Charge Trapping and Emission during Bias Temperature Stressing of Schottky Gate GaN-on-Silicon HEMT Structures Targeting RF/mm Wave Power Amplifiers.

For operation as power amplifiers in RF applications, high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures are subjected to a range of bias conditions, applied at both the gate and drain terminals, as the device is biased from the OFF- to ON-state conditions. The stability of the device threshold voltage (V) condition is imperative from a circuit-design perspective and is the focus of this study, where stresses in both the ON and OFF states are explored. We see rapid positive threshold voltage increases under negative bias stress and subsequent recovery (i.

Preclinical evaluation of dalbergin loaded PLGA-galactose-modified nanoparticles against hepatocellular carcinoma via inhibition of the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Prior research has shown the effectiveness of dalbergin (DL), dalbergin nanoformulation (DLF), and dalbergin-loaded PLGA-galactose-modified nanoparticles (DLMF) in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The present investigation constructs upon our previous research and delves into the molecular mechanisms contributing to the anticancer effects of DLF and DLMF. This study examined the anti-cancer effects of DL, DLF, and DLMF by diethyl nitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC model in albino Wistar rats.

Novel carbamodithioate regulates cellular hypoxia through chemical activation of prolyl hydroxylase-2 for breast cancer chemoprevention.

Inhibition of prolylhydroxylase-2 (PHD-2) in both normoxic and hypoxic cells is a critical component of solid tumours. The present study aimed to identify small molecules with PHD-2 activation potential. Virtually screening 4342 chemical compounds for structural similarity to R59949 and docking with PHD-2.

Elucidating the impact of sanitary waste on the formation of fat, oil and grease deposits in sewer systems.

The accumulation of fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits in sanitary sewer systems is a significant cause of sewer overflows, mainly due to their tendency to adhere to pipe walls. The aim of this study is to (i) develop laboratory-prepared FOG deposits using a mixture of iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) metal ions, fatty acids, saccharides and cooked oils, in addition to various sanitary waste materials such as paper towels, wipes and pads and (ii) examine the characteristics of these FOG deposits. The goals of this study were to (i) gain a deeper understanding of the impact of sanitary waste on the formation of FOG deposits and (ii) discuss the detailed physiochemical properties of these FOG deposits.

Granularity mediated multiple reentrances with negative magnetoresistance in disordered TiN thin films.

Granular superconductors are the common examples of experimentally accessible model systems which can be used to explore various fascinating quantum phenomena that are fundamentally important and technologically relevant. One such phenomenon is the occurrence of reentrant resistive states in granular superconductors. Here, we report the observation of multiple reentrant resistive states for a disordered TiN thin film in its temperature and magnetic field dependent resistance measurements, R(T) and R(B), respectively.

NMR based Serum metabolomics revealed metabolic signatures associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage in brain stroke.

Brain stroke (BS, also known as a cerebrovascular accident), represents a serious global health crisis. It has been a leading cause of permanent disability and unfortunately, frequent fatalities due to lack of timely medical intervention. While progress has been made in prevention and management, the complexities and consequences of stroke continue to pose significant challenges, especially, its impact on patient's quality of life and independence.

Clinical metabolomics by NMR revealed serum metabolic signatures for differentiating sarcoidosis from tuberculosis.

Background: Pulmonary sarcoidosis (SAR) and tuberculosis (TB) are two granulomatous lung-diseases and often pose a diagnostic challenge to a treating physicians.

Objective: The present study aims to explore the diagnostic potential of NMR based serum metabolomics approach to differentiate SAR from TB.

Materials And Method: The blood samples were obtained from three study groups: SAR (N = 35), TB (N = 28) and healthy normal subjects (NC, N = 56) and their serum metabolic profiles were measured using 1D H CPMG (Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill) NMR spectra recorded at 800 MHz NMR spectrometer.

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured graphene-doped selenium.

In this work, we explore various properties of elemental selenium glass (g-Se) by doping with graphene through the facile melt-quench technique. The structural information of the synthesized sample was found by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The analyses confirm that the graphene-doped g-Se behaves like a glass-ceramic material.

ECM Mimicking Biodegradable Nanofibrous Scaffold Enriched with Curcumin/ZnO to Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing via Multifunctional Bioactivity.

Introduction: Foot ulceration is one of the most severe and debilitating complications of diabetes, which leads to the cause of non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation in 15-24% of affected individuals. The healing of diabetic foot (DF) is a significant therapeutic problem due to complications from the multifactorial healing process. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffold loaded with various wound dressing materials has excellent wound healing properties due to its multifunctional action.

Selective-Area Epitaxy of InGaAsP Buffer Multilayer for In-Plane InAs Nanowire Integration.

In order to use III-V compound semiconductors as active channel materials in advanced electronic and quantum devices, it is important to achieve a good epitaxial growth on silicon substrates. As a first step toward this, we report on the selective-area growth of GaP/InGaP/InP/InAsP buffer layer nanotemplates on GaP substrates which are closely lattice-matched to silicon, suitable for the integration of in-plane InAs nanowires. Scanning electron microscopy reveals a perfect surface selectivity and uniform layer growth inside 150 and 200 nm large SiO mask openings.

Monolithic Integration of Nano-Ridge Engineered InGaP/GaAs HBTs on 300 mm Si Substrate.

Nano-ridge engineering (NRE) is a novel method to monolithically integrate III-V devices on a 300 mm Si platform. In this work, NRE is applied to InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs), enabling hybrid III-V/CMOS technology for RF applications. The NRE HBT stacks were grown by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy on 300 mm Si (001) wafers with a double trench-patterned oxide template, in an industrial deposition chamber.

A robust nitridation technique for fabrication of disordered superconducting TiN thin films featuring phase slip events.

Disorder induced phase slip (PS) events appearing in the current voltage characteristics (IVCs) are reported for two-dimensional TiN thin films produced by a robust substrate mediated nitridation technique. Here, high temperature annealing of Ti/SiN based metal/substrate assembly is the key to produce majority phase TiN accompanied by TiSi & elemental Si as minority phases. The method itself introduces different level of disorder intrinsically by tuning the amount of the non-superconducting minority phases that are controlled by annealing temperature (T) and the film thickness.

Image fusion using hybrid methods in multimodality medical images.

An image fusion based on multimodal medical images renders a considerable enhancement in the quality of fused images. An effective image fusion technique produces output images by preserving all the viable and prominent information gathered from the source images without any introduction of flaws or unnecessary distortions. This review paper intends to bring out the process of image fusion, its utilization in the medical domain, merits, and demerits and reviews the perspective of multimodal medical image fusion.

Substrate mediated nitridation of niobium into superconducting NbN thin films for phase slip study.

Here we report a novel nitridation technique for transforming niobium into hexagonal NbN which appears to be superconducting below 1K. The nitridation is achieved by high temperature annealing of Nb films grown on SiN/Si (100) substrate under high vacuum. The structural characterization directs the formation of a majority NbN phase while the morphology shows granular nature of the films.