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Real-time flood forecasting is crucial for early flood warnings. It relies on real-time hydrological and meteorological data. Satellite Precipitation Products offer real-time global precipitation estimates and have emerged as a suitable option for rainfall input in flood forecasting models. This study first compared the daily Satellite Precipitation Products of Integrated Multi-Satellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) with observed rainfall data of India Meteorological Department from the year 2001 to 2009 using contingency tests. Rainfall data of IMERG are used to build four Real-time flood forecasting models based on machine learning: feedforward neural network (FFNN), extreme learning machine (ELM), wavelet-based feedforward neural network, and wavelet-based extreme learning machine. The models consider the IMERG gridded data at 1 h resolution as input to predict water level at Hayaghat gauging station of Bagmati River with lead times from 1 h to 10 days. These models have been trained and tested with the observed water level data. The model performance was also evaluated using various statistical criteria. Results showed good correlation between IMERG and observed data with a probability of detection of 85.42%. Overall, wavelet-based models outperformed their singular counterparts. Among the singular models, the FFNN model performed better than ELM with satisfactory predictions up to 5 days of lead time. For a 7 days lead time, only wavelet-based-FFNN performs well, whereas none of the models produced satisfactory results for 10 days lead time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Optimal care for patients with kidney failure reduces the risks of adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular events and death. We evaluated data from the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN‐GKHA) to assess the capacity for quality service delivery for kidney failure care across countries and regions. Method: We explored the quality of kidney failure care delivery and the monitoring of quality indicators from data provided by an international survey of stakeholders from countries affiliated with the ISN from July to September 2022. Results: One hundred and sixty seven countries participated in the survey, representing about 97.4% of the world's population. In countries where haemodialysis (HD) was available, 81% (n = 134) provided standard HD sessions (three times weekly for 3–4 h per session) to patients. Among countries with peritoneal dialysis (PD) services, 61% (n = 101) were able to provide standard PD care (3–4 exchanges per day). In high‐income countries, 98% (n = 62) reported that >75% of centers regularly monitored dialysis water quality for bacteria compared to 28% (n = 5) of low‐income countries (LICs). Capacity to monitor the administration of immunosuppression drugs was generally available in 21% (n = 4) of LICs, compared to 90% (n = 57) of high‐income countries. There was significant variability between and within regions and country income groups in reporting the quality of services utilized for kidney replacement therapies. Conclusion: Quality assurance standards on diagnostic and treatment tools were variable and particularly infrequent in LICs. Standardization of delivered care is essential for improving outcomes for people with kidney failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoencapsulation of essential oils exhibited promising applications in food industries, especially in controlling spoilage due to food-borne microbes. In this study, the enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of nanoencapsulated Cuminum cyminum essential oil (Ne-CEO) against food-borne molds, and aflatoxin B1 contamination was observed in a dose-dependent manner. The GC-MS results represent 14 different volatile organic compounds of (CEO) (94.49%), where cuminaldehyde was found to be the major one. The interaction of the Cuminum cyminum essential oil (CEO) and chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) was confirmed with the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The Ne-CEO exhibited superior antimicrobial effects compared to non-encapsulated CEO and inhibited the growth of selected mold species (0.3–0.5 µL/mL) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) secretion at 0.4 µL/mL. The probable toxicity mechanism results show membrane impairment and cellular homeostasis linked with decreased ergosterol content, increased cation leakage, impairment in antioxidant defenses, carbon metabolism, and transcriptional genes (Ver-1 and Nor-1) functioning of AFB1 biosynthesis. Furthermore, during the six months in-situ trial, Ne-CEO (0.4 µL/mL) remarkably protected the biodeterioration of A. hypogaea seed samples against A. flavus growth and AFB1 contamination, thus enhancing its practical application as a plant-based food preservative to enhance the shelf-life of food commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on the devastating floods along the Kosi River in Bihar in July 2020, which were recorded by Sentinel-1A satellite images. Three flood-affected districts in Saharsa, Supaul, and Madhepura have been selected for this study. Pre- and post-flood images from the Sentinel-1A satellite were utilized to generate the flood-inundated map, and pre-flood Landsat-8 datasets were used to generate the land use and land cover maps. Finally, damage assessment was done by superimposing land use and land cover on a flood-inundated map. The results showed that Madhepura was the most affected district with 57.6% of its barren land experiencing inundation. Furthermore, a comparison of cloud cover percentages during the flood was undertaken using the Sentinel-1A, Sentinel-2B, and Landsat-8 datasets. The findings indicate Sentinel-1A has less than 1% cloud cover, making it suitable for flood monitoring. Due to urbanization and industrialization, land use/cover (LULC) varies rapidly, and the effect on the flood plain must be determined. TerrSet's Land Change Modeler uses cellular automata–Markov modeling to project LULC maps for 2030 and their implications for subsequent flooding. The findings indicate that Saharsa will see an increase in the built-up area of 2.7%, Supaul with a gain of 13.4%, and Madhepura will see a growth of 10.3%. The growth of built-up regions in the near future will encourage greater impermeable layers and more discharge. Therefore, land use planners, environmentalists, and lawmakers should consider these LULC changes in water resource planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of thermal history on grain boundary (GB) energy and the grain growth behavior of SrTiO3 at 1425°C. Two thermal profiles were explored: (1) a single‐step sintering at 1425°C for 1 h and (2) a two‐step profile with sintering completed at 1425°C for 1 h with an additional 10 h at 1350°C. Electron backscattered diffraction and atomic force microscopy were utilized to measure the grain size and GB energy distributions, respectively, for the samples before and after grain growth at 1425°C for 10 h. The two‐step profile exhibits fewer abnormal grains and a slower growth rate at 1425°C than the single‐step profile. Additionally, the two‐step sample comprises few high‐energy GBs and a narrow GB energy distribution, which suggests that it had a lower driving force for subsequent grain growth. The thermal profile was able to sufficiently change the growth rate such that the two‐step sample results in a finer grain size than observed for the single‐step sample after 10 h at 1425°C despite being exposed to elevated temperatures for almost twice as long. These results suggest that GB energy engineering through thermal profile modification can be used to control the grain growth rate and abnormal grain growth likelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large osseous defects resulting from trauma, tumor resection, or fracture render the inherent ability of the body to repair inadequate and necessitate the use of bone grafts to facilitate the recovery of both form and function of the bony defect sites. In the United States alone, a large number of bone graft procedures are performed yearly, making it an essential area of investigation and research. Synthetic grafts represent a potential alterative to autografts due to their patient-specific customizability, but currently lack widespread acceptance in the clinical space. Early in their development, non-autologous bone grafts composed of metals such as stainless steel and titanium alloys were favorable due to their biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion, mechanical strength, and durability. However, since their inception, bioceramics have also evolved as viable alternatives. This review aims to present an overview of the fundamental prerequisites for tissue engineering devices using bioceramics as well as to provide a comprehensive account of their historical usage and significant advancements over time. This review includes a summary of commonly used manufacturing techniques and an evaluation of their use as drug carriers and bioactive coatings—for therapeutic ion/drug release, and potential avenues to further enhance hard tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of thermal history on grain boundary (GB) energy and the grain growth behavior of SrTiO3 at 1425°C. Two thermal profiles were explored: (1) a single‐step sintering at 1425°C for 1 h and (2) a two‐step profile with sintering completed at 1425°C for 1 h with an additional 10 h at 1350°C. Electron backscattered diffraction and atomic force microscopy were utilized to measure the grain size and GB energy distributions, respectively, for the samples before and after grain growth at 1425°C for 10 h. The two‐step profile exhibits fewer abnormal grains and a slower growth rate at 1425°C than the single‐step profile. Additionally, the two‐step sample comprises few high‐energy GBs and a narrow GB energy distribution, which suggests that it had a lower driving force for subsequent grain growth. The thermal profile was able to sufficiently change the growth rate such that the two‐step sample results in a finer grain size than observed for the single‐step sample after 10 h at 1425°C despite being exposed to elevated temperatures for almost twice as long. These results suggest that GB energy engineering through thermal profile modification can be used to control the grain growth rate and abnormal grain growth likelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney diseases have become a global epidemic with significant public health impact. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is set to become the fifth largest cause of death by 2040, with major impacts on low-resource countries. This review is based on a recent report of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) which uncovered gaps in key vehicles of kidney care delivery assessed using World Health Organization building blocks for health systems (financing, services delivery, workforce, access to essential medicines, health information systems and leadership/governance). High-income countries had more centres for kidney replacement therapies (KRT), higher KRT access, higher allocation of public funds to KRT, larger workforces, more health information systems, and higher government recognition of CKD and KRT as health priorities than low-income nations. Evidence identified from the current ISN-GKHA initiative should serve as template for generating and advancing policies and partnerships to address the global burden of kidney disease. The results provide opportunities for kidney health policymakers, nephrology leaders and organizations to initiate consultations to identify strategies for improving care delivery and access in equitable, resource-sensitive manners. Policies to increase use of public funding for kidney care, lower the cost of KRT and increase workforces should be a high priority in low-resource nations, while strategies that expand access to kidney care and maintain current status of care should be prioritized in high-income countries. In all countries, the perspectives of people with CKD should be exhaustively explored to identify core kidney care priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midline incision for extra-corporeal anastomosis is common with traditional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Incisional hernias develop in up to 20% of these patients within a year adding considerable morbidity and healthcare costs. Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) improves technical ease of intra-corporeal anastomosis, preventing midline extraction but its benefit over laparoscopy remains debated. We aimed to determine if robotic assisted surgery and Pfannenstiel extraction decreased the rate of radiologically detected incisional hernias compared to standard laparoscopy with extra-corporeal anastomosis. The secondary outcomes aimed to evaluate incidence of port site hernias in 8 mm robotic ports for which routine closure is not followed. Our single centre retrospective cohort study included patients who had minimally invasive right hemicolectomy and had cross-sectional imaging at least 1-year later. Patient demographics, body mass index, history of smoking or previous surgery was recorded. At imaging, evidence of new extraction site or port site–site hernia, contents and clinical impact was noted. A total of 100 patients (50 robotic and 50 laparoscopic) were included. Baseline characteristics appeared equally distributed. 16% (8 patients) who had laparoscopic surgery developed midline extraction site hernias which was significantly higher to RAS group (0 patients). 3 patients developed hernias at the site of robotic ports and this was more commonly at the right iliac fossa port. RAS, by simplifying intra-corporeal anastomosis has potential to eliminate incisional hernias, particularly when Pfannenstiel extraction is used. The potential for 8 mm robotic ports to develop clinically significant hernias cannot be ignored and meticulous closure can prevent patient harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review focuses on advancements in polymer science as it relates to three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) printing technologies, with a specific emphasis on applications in the biomedical field. While acknowledging the breadth of 3D and 4D printing applications, this paper concentrates on the use of polymers in creating biomedical devices and the challenges associated with their implementation. It explores integrative modeling and experimental insights driving innovations in these fields, focusing on sustainable manufacturing with biodegradable polymers, a comparative analysis of 3D and 4D printing techniques, and applications in biomedical devices. Additionally, the review examines the materials used in both 3D and 4D printing, offering a detailed comparison of their properties and applications. By highlighting the transformative potential of these technologies in various industrial and medical applications, the paper underscores the importance of continued research and development. The scope of this review also includes an overview of future research directions to address current challenges, enhance material capabilities, and explore practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of unsaturated soil through numerical modeling requires the prior information on soil properties including Soil Water Characteristic (SWC) equation. Acquiring these data for different soil texture classes is laborious and time-consuming. Consequently, there is a need for predefined dataset numerical modeling of unsaturated zone in different soil texture classes. In this study, 32 soil samples were collected from different locations, and soil physical properties like particle size distribution, particle density, bulk density, porosity, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were determined. Six different soil texture classes have been found in this study and average properties were computed for each soil texture class. SWC curves were developed for all soil samples using pressure plate apparatus. Based on average SWC curves, optimal parameters of four different SWC equations (Brooks and Corey, Campbell, Van Genuchten, and Fredlund and Xing models) were determined using non-linear regression with the Trust Region Optimization algorithm with R2 and RMSE values ranging from 0.9650 to 0.9983 and from 0.0018 to 0.0219 cm3/cm3, respectively. All the four SWC models were compared using Taylor diagrams, which show that Fredlund and Xing models are the best models among the four. Further, the performance of developed SWC equations was compared with the moisture content of UNSODA datasets and results were satisfactory as RMSE ranges from 0.0381 to 0.1265 cm3/cm3. Thus, this study provides a reliable SWC equation for different soils in Bihar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ethnic diversity of India provides a unique opportunity to study the history of the origin of mutations of genetic disorders. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 27B (SCA27B), a recently identified dominantly inherited cerebellar disorder is caused by GAA-repeat expansions in intron 1 of Fibroblast Growth Factor 14 (FGF14). Predominantly reported in the European population, we aimed to screen this mutation and study the founder haplotype of SCA27B in Indian ataxia patients. Methods: We have undertaken screening of GAA repeats in a large Indian cohort of ~ 1400 uncharacterised ataxia patients and kindreds and long-read sequencing-based GAA repeat length assessment. High throughput genotyping-based haplotype analysis was also performed. We utilized ~ 1000 Indian genomes to study the GAA at-risk expansion alleles. Findings: We report a high frequency of 1.83% (n = 23) of SCA27B in the uncharacterized Indian ataxia cohort. We observed several biallelic GAA expansion mutations (n = 5) with younger disease onset. We observed a risk haplotype (AATCCGTGG) flanking the FGF14-GAA locus over a 74 kb region in linkage disequilibrium. We further studied the frequency of this risk haplotype across diverse geographical population groups. The highest prevalence of the risk haplotype was observed in the European population (29.9%) followed by Indians (21.5%). The observed risk haplotype has existed through ~ 1100 generations (~ 22,000 years), assuming a correlated genealogy. Interpretation: This study provides valuable insights into SCA27B and its Upper Paleolithic origin in the Indian subcontinent. The high occurrence of biallelic expansion is probably relevant to the endogamous nature of the Indian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomimetics is the science of imitating nature's designs and processes to create innovative solutions for various fields, including dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction. In these areas, biomimetics involves drawing inspiration from living organisms/systems to develop new materials, techniques, and devices that closely resemble natural tissue structures and enhance functionality. This field has successfully demonstrated its potential to revolutionize craniofacial procedures, significantly improving patient outcomes. In dentistry, biomimetics offers exciting possibilities for the advancement of new dental materials, restorative techniques, and regenerative potential. By analyzing the structure/composition of natural teeth and the surrounding tissues, researchers have developed restorative materials that mimic the properties of teeth, as well as regenerative techniques that might assist in repairing enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, periodontal ligament, and bone. In craniofacial reconstruction, biomimetics plays a vital role in developing innovative solutions for facial trauma, congenital defects, and various conditions affecting the maxillofacial region. By studying the intricate composition and mechanical properties of the skull and facial bones, clinicians and engineers have been able to replicate natural structures leveraging computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3D printing. This has allowed for the creation of patient-specific scaffolds, implants, and prostheses that accurately fit a patient's anatomy. This review highlights the current evidence on the application of biomimetics in the fields of dentistry and craniofacial reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone tissue regeneration is a rapidly evolving field aimed at the development of biocompatible materials and devices, such as scaffolds, to treat diseased and damaged osseous tissue. Functional scaffolds maintain structural integrity and provide mechanical support at the defect site during the healing process, while simultaneously enabling or improving regeneration through amplified cellular cues between the scaffold and native tissues. Ample research on functionalization has been conducted to improve scaffold–host tissue interaction, including fabrication techniques, biomaterial selection, scaffold surface modifications, integration of bioactive molecular additives, and post-processing modifications. Each of these methods plays a crucial role in enabling scaffolds to not only support but actively participate in the healing and regeneration process in bone and joint surgery. This review provides a state-of-the-art, comprehensive overview of the functionalization of scaffold-based strategies used in tissue engineering, specifically for bone regeneration. Critical issues and obstacles are highlighted, applications and advances are described, and future directions are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofiber encapsulation represents a groundbreaking approach in the realm of biopharmaceutical delivery, leveraging the versatility of electrospinning technology to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and stability of bioactive agents. This review explores the fundamental principles and advantages of electrospun nanofibers, which provide a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, tunable porosity and the ability to incorporate a wide range of biopharmaceuticals, including proteins, peptides, nucleotides and small molecules. The encapsulation process facilitates controlled release profiles, improving drug bioavailability and minimizing side effects. Furthermore, the unique structural properties of nanofibers enable targeted delivery, enhancing drug localization at disease sites while reducing systemic exposure. We discuss recent advancements in material selection, process optimization, and formulation strategies that contribute to the development of nanofiber-based delivery systems. Challenges such as scalability, regulatory considerations and the reproducibility of electrospinning processes are also addressed. This review underscores the potential of nanofiber encapsulation to revolutionize biopharmaceutical delivery systems, paving the way for novel therapeutic modalities and improved patient outcomes. Future research directions emphasize the integration of smart materials and advanced characterization techniques to further enhance the performance of electrospun nanofiber platforms in the biopharmaceutical landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections present significant clinical challenges due to their diverse types and the increasing incidence of drug-resistant strains. Traditional antifungal treatments often encounter issues with penetration, efficacy and patient compliance. The study involves a comprehensive review of the structure and mechanism of transfersomes, their advantages over conventional and other nano carriers, and the integration of herbal extracts. Key aspects include improved skin penetration, enhanced bioavailability of herbal actives, and targeted delivery to infected areas. Transfersomes demonstrate significant benefits in antifungal therapy, including higher efficacy, faster symptom relief, reduced side effects and improved patient compliance. The enhanced penetration and stability of transfersomes facilitate a more effective delivery of herbal actives, making them a superior choice for topical treatments. The study also identifies areas for future research, such as optimizing formulation processes and exploring combination therapies to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Transfersomes represent a transformative advancement in the field of topical drug delivery. Their integration with herbal medicines offers a promising approach to addressing fungal infections more effectively. Future research should focus on clinical validation and further refinement of transfersome-based formulations to fully realize their potential in enhancing the management of fungal infections and other dermatological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal pre-treatment using Pleurotus ostreatus (PO) was carried out on individual and combinations of agro-waste wheat straw (WS), rice straw (RS), and pearl millet straw (PMS) with the addition of biochar (5%,7.5% and 10%) to reduce the pre-treatment duration. Further remaining substrate known as spent mushroom substrate (SMS) was used in anaerobic digestor (AD) for estimation enhanced biomethane yield. Equal ratios of RS + WS, WS + PMS, PMS + RS, and RS + PMS + WS and biochar addition were taken for enhancing pre-treatment, PO growth and AD process. The extent of pre-treatment was recorded with the maximum lignin removal of 40.4% for RS + PMS + WS as compared to untreated counterparts and 0.5%, 2.2%, and 3.3% times more lignin removal from individual PMS, RS, and WS respectively. Addition of biochar to the substrates reduced the total pre-treatment duration by days as compared to the non-biochar substrates. Biological efficiency (BE) used for the analysis of mushroom growth varied from 51–92%. Further, the average bio-methane yield was 187 ml/gVS for SMS of PMS + WS + RS with 10% biochar indicating an increment of 83.33% from untreated SMS of PMS + WS + RS. This, higher biomethane yield was 9.35%, 22.22% and 57.14% times higher than individual SMS of PMS, RS, and WS respectively. The current study shows that biochar not only enhances the bio-methane yield but also reduces the biological pre-treatment duration and removes the dependency on one lignocellulosic biomass for energy (bio-methane) and food (mushroom) production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]