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The interfacial bonding between the fiber and matrix plays a pivotal role in deciding the mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced composites. Basalt fibers, due to the absence of surface functional groups, do not interact potentially with the matrix and hence it leads to insufficient load-carrying capacity of the composite. Incorporating nanomaterials in the matrix and surface treatment of the reinforced fiber can improve the fiber–matrix interface. However, poor dispersion of nanomaterials and the complexity of surface treatment methods restrict their industrial applications. Coating nanomaterials directly onto the fiber surface has the potential to distribute the nanomaterials uniformly, along with strengthening the interfacial bonding between the fiber and matrix. In this study, graphene oxide was coated on the basalt fabric through electrophoretic deposition (EPD), and was further reinforced into the epoxy matrix. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of graphene oxide-coated basalt fiber using EPD on the mechanical and tribological performance of the composite. For comparison, epoxy/basalt composites and graphene oxide-coated epoxy/basalt composites were also prepared. Results showed that due to the improved fiber–matrix bonding and uniform distribution of graphene oxide, the coated basalt-reinforced composites showed better tensile strength and less wear loss.

Basalt fiber (BF), because of having high strength-to-cost ratio, could be suitable for industrial applications replacing the carbon and glass fibers. However, the lack of surface functionality restricts its potential interfacial interactions with the reinforced matrix. Various surface modification approaches are used to tailor the surface properties of BFs such as coating nanomaterials and attaching chemical moieties. In this study, a successful deposition of graphene on basalt fabric was done using eco-friendly and simple electrophoretic deposition method. The confirmation of attached graphene oxide and graphene was done through the scanning electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectroscopy. Later, the effect of graphene coating on the thermal properties of BF was studied through thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Results show that the graphene was successfully coated on BF, and in the presence of graphene coating, the crystallization of BF delayed from 697 to 716°C because of the formation of a protective layer of graphene. Graphene-coated BF could be used further in fiber-reinforced composites to improve the interfacial interaction between the matrix and fiber.

Context: Dengue disease severity and progression are determined by the host immune response, with both pro‑ and anti‑inflammatory cytokines are key mediators. Aims: To study pro‑ and anti‑inflammatory cytokines across dengue severity and as a biomarker for predicting severe dengue infection. Settings and Design: Hospital‑based cross‑sectional study was conducted on 125 dengue‑positive subjects across the 5‑60 years age group of either gender in 2022. Methods and Materials: Haematological parameters and blood samples were drawn to measure cytokines IL6, IL‑10 and TNF alpha using the ELISA technique. Statistical Analysis: One‑way ANOVA and the Kruskal − Wallis test were used to compare the dependent variables across categories of the dengue spectrum. Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to calculate the predictability of the cytokines as a predictor of severe dengue. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: 34.4% of cases had severe dengue infection with 53.2% of severe cases reported in >40 years of age. Only IL‑6 levels significantly increased (P < 0.01) across the spectrum of dengue infection across age groups >20 years with a consistent and significant fall in platelet levels (P < 0.01). The accuracy of IL‑6 to predict severe dengue was 74.4% and platelet count was 16.2%. Conclusions: Only IL‑6 cytokine levels were significantly increased across the spectrum of dengue infection observed in age >20 years and can significantly predict the probability of severe dengue by 74% (sensitivity 81.4%). A significant decrease in platelet values is consistent with the severity but is not a good predictor for severe dengue infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is considered a common gynecological problem among females of reproductive age group. 70–75% of women report having had candidal vulvovaginitis at some point in their lifetimes and 40–50% suffer recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis. Objectives: This study aims to identify the Candida species involved in VVC and to determine their antifungal susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted on 257 females (18–55 yr) with complaints of abnormal vaginal discharge. For detection of Candida, the swab samples were subjected to Gram stain, 10% KOH mount, and culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Candida species identification was done by subculturing Candida isolates onto CHROMagar, corn meal agar (Himedia), and further confirmation was done by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal testing was done using the disk diffusion method. Results: A total of 257 females with complaints of abnormal discharge were enrolled in this study. Out of 257, C. albicans 37 (58.7%) and 26 (41.3%) isolates were identified as non-albicans Candida. Out of 63 positive cases, a maximum number of study subject belongs to the age group 26–35 years (50.8%). Along with vaginal discharge, itching (65.37%) is the most common complaint. VVC was found to be most predominant in patients with prolonged antibiotic therapy (38.1%), and in pregnant females (15.9%). Conclusion: Understanding the emerging fungal pathogens and their drug susceptibility patterns is essential for the effective management of infections. Drug resistance can lead to treatment failure and highlights the need for alternative treatment options or strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been growing interest in thermal spray techniques using suspension or solution-based coatings. These techniques offer precise control over particle size and microstructure, improving feedstock flowability and allowing for high-quality coating customization. Spray parameters, such as stand-off distance (SOD) and feedstock flow rate, can alter the performance and characteristics of these coatings. Geothermal power plant heat exchangers often face issues like corrosion, scaling, and fouling. The literature suggests that these issues could be mitigated, at least in part, by the use of spray coatings. In this study, TiO2 coatings were applied on a carbon steel substrate using suspension plasma spray (SPS) to enhance the performance of geothermal heat exchanger materials. The impact of SOD (50, 75, and 100 mm) and feedstock flow rate (10, 20, and 30 mL/min) on these coatings was examined through various techniques, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), profilometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and adhesion testing. The results demonstrated that coatings deposited using a 10 mL/min feedstock flow rate were well adhered to the substrate due to the efficient melting of the coating material, but as the SOD and feedstock flow rate increased due to poor thermal and kinetic energy exchange between the torch and feedstock particles, adhesion between the coating and substrate decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]