Uniform Appearance Research Articles

Ultrasound-Assisted Determination of Selenium in Organic Rice Using Deep Eutectic Solvents Coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

As the focus on green chemistry intensifies, researchers are progressively looking to incorporate biodegradable and environmentally friendly solvents. Given the prevalent use of inorganic solvents in conventional methods for detecting selenium content, this study utilized a mixture design approach to create four deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The elements of the DESs consisted of six different compounds: guanidine hydrochloride, fructose, glycerol, citric acid, proline, and choline chloride. The synthesized deep eutectic solvents (DESs) exhibited a uniform and transparent appearance. The ideal ratios for each DES were established based on their density and viscosity measurements, leading to the formulations of DES1 (34% guanidine hydrochloride, 21% fructose, 45% water), DES2 (23% guanidine hydrochloride, 32% glycerol, 45% water), DES3 (27.5% citric acid, 27.5% proline, 45% water), and DES4 (30% choline chloride, 25% citric acid, 45% water). The characterization of the deep eutectic solvents (DESs) was performed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the molecular formation of each DES. Following this, the DESs were applied as extraction solvents in a process involving ultrasonic-assisted microextraction (UAE) combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to assess the selenium levels in selenium-rich rice. The results were benchmarked against traditional microwave-assisted acid digestion (TM-AD), revealing selenium recovery rates ranging from 85.5% to 106.7%. These results indicate that UAE is an effective method for extracting selenium from selenium-rich rice, thereby establishing a solid data foundation for the environmentally friendly analysis of selenium content in rice.

P1341 Probing the interaction of probiotic bacterial extracellular vesicles with primary colonic epithelium using an ex-vivo organoid platform

Abstract Background Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEV) are increasingly recognized as a relevant mode of contactless host-microbiota communication. BEV are nanoparticles pinched off from the membrane of multiple bacteria and carry nucleic acid snippets and functional proteins inherited from their parental bacteria. While evidence suggests that BEV act as transmitters to modulate the immune response, only scarce data exist as to whether and how efficiently BEV are internalized by colonic epithelium as the host‘s front line in the gut. This study aims to quantify BEV internalization into primary colonic epithelium and explore structural and physicochemical properties of BEV potentially influencing uptake. Methods BEV were isolated from Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and incubated with either colonoids or colonic epithelial monolayers from C57BL/6 mice. BEV were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP) analysis, as well as lipidomic and proteomic analysis. Uptake of BEV into colonic epithelium was assessed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results BEV of either species displayed a uniform appearance with a lipid bilayer on TEM. NTA showed similar spectra of sizes with a dominant peak around 100 nm whereas with DLS particle size readings were higher and showed a bimodal distribution. The ZP of BEV measured in buffer with physiological salinity did not differ between LR and LP. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometry analysis revealed neither qualitative nor quantitative differences in the composition of long chain fatty acid in BEV membranes. As opposed to LP, LR pellets showed proteomic enrichment of pathways linked to glycerolipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and terpenoid backbone synthesis, being precursor steps of lipoteichoic acid synthesis (LTA). LTA could be detected in BEV of both species, but appeared to more abundant in LR-BEV. A dose-dependent increment in BEV uptake rates was noted in both species, with LR-BEV being more readily internalized by colonic epithelium. Epithelial cells exposed to LR-BEV were characterized by irregular nuclei and partial detachment from the surface whilst cells incubated with LP-BEV appeared morphologically normal. The quantity of viable cells was reduced in colonoids treated with LR-BEV, but not LP-BEV. In the presence of LR-BEV, colonoids were less likely to undergo apoptosis. Conclusion LR- and LP-BEV differ in their ability to enter colonic epithelium and interfere with cellular homeostasis. A variable degree of LTA decoration of BEV membranes might account for differential uptake into the host cell.

First Report of Pseudomonas amygdali Causing Leaf Spot on Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in a greenhouse in New York State, U.S.A.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly known as the "Chinese hibiscus", is a widely cultivated shrub with ornamental and medicinal applications (Jadhav et al., 2009). However, it is known to be susceptible to a range of pathogens including bacteria (Chase, 1986). In March 2019, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis plants in production at a greenhouse in New York, but originally from Florida, developed widespread, conspicuous leaf spots and associated chlorosis for a month after arrival. "Hibiscus 35-1" was isolated from a suspension of symptomatic plant tissue pieces soaked in sterile deionized water and streaked on potato dextrose agar (PDA) (González-Tobón et al., 2023), resulting in numerous white bacterial colonies with a uniform appearance. Previously we reported the complete species identification for this bacterial isolate using whole genome sequencing via Oxford Nanopore and Illumina platforms (BioProject: PRJNA765326) as a Pseudomonas amygdali with an ANI ≥ 95% ± 0.5%. (González-Tobón et al., 2023). The hypersensitive response (HR) to P. amygdali 35-1 was first evaluated in three tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and three tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. An overnight culture was washed, resuspended, adjusted to an OD600 of 0.2-0.3, and used to inoculate two leaves per plant via syringe infiltration (Chakravarthy et al., 2017). HR was observed on all leaves at the inoculation site as early as 48hpi for tobacco and 24hpi for tomato. No symptoms were observed for mock inoculations. The pathogenicity of P. amygdali 35-1 in hibiscus was then tested using six 'Social Butterfly' plants in 4.0 in pots inoculated by hand spraying. Inoculum was made from a 72 h culture on solid King's B medium resuspended in sterile deionized water with 2 drops/L of Tween 80 and sprayed at a concentration of 3.6 x 108 bacteria/mL, as determined by dilution plating. Inoculated plants and six matching controls were sealed inside plastic bags and placed in a randomized complete block in a growth chamber at 30 ºC with a 12h photoperiod for 40 days. No changes were observed on any of the control plants but spotting and chlorosis similar to the original symptoms gradually developed on five of the inoculated plants. After 40 days, seven 2-mm tissue squares were excised from the lesion margins or from the asymptomatic tissue of controls, surface-sterilized with 0.75% NaCl, and plated on King's B. No bacteria were recovered from the control plants but white colonies resembling those of the original inoculation were recovered from several diseased tissue pieces. Genomic DNA was extracted from this bacterium using the New England Biolabs Monarch Genomic DNA Extraction Kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed to amplify five genes (16S, cts, gapA, gyrB, and rpoD) typically used for multilocus sequence typing (MLST) (Sarkar & Guttman, 2004). The amplicons were Sanger sequenced and BLAST analyses confirmed 100% match to P. amygdali 35-1 (GenBank: CP084212). To our knowledge, our lab is the first to report P. amygdali causing disease on hibiscus in New York. Similar symptoms on hibiscus plants in Florida were reported in the past as caused by other Pseudomonas species of the P. syringae G group, mainly P. syringae and P. cichorii (Chase, 1986; Gardan et al., 1999: Girard et al., 2021; Jones et al., 1986). Given the lack of consistent reporting on bacterial leaf spot pathogens of hibiscus, as well as the economic importance of this ornamental, further research on the disease is needed.

Uniformity and deformation: A benchmark for multi-fish real-time tracking in the farming

In the context of smart aquaculture, real-time Multi-fish Tracking (MFT) poses a significant challenge. Existing Multi-Object Tracking (MOT) methods are often designed for objects with specific shapes or regular motion patterns, such as pedestrians or cars. The unique characteristics of fish, including their uniform appearance and deformation during motion, have been largely overlooked in research. To address this gap, we introduce the Uniform and Deformable Multi-fish Tracking (UD-MFT) benchmark. This dataset not only incorporates challenges related to uniform appearance and diverse deformable shapes of fish during motion in daily activities but also encompasses common MOT challenges like occlusion and disappearance. All sequences are sourced from industrialized aquaculture environments, providing a practical and relevant setting. To understand the distinctiveness of UD-MFT, we quantify the degrees of deformation, appearance, and occlusion levels within the dataset and compare them with tracking targets in existing datasets. Furthermore, to facilitate practical applications, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation of state-of-the-art real-time MOT models on UD-MFT, establishing a comparative baseline for accuracy and computational requirements. Additionally, we perform an in-depth analysis of the impact of deformation and appearance similarity on tracking accuracy. Finally, we provide reflections and recommendations concerning potential avenues for future research in this field. The proposed UD-MFT aims to serve as a robust platform for developing algorithms capable of handling fish with multiple motion patterns, thereby contributing to the advancement of intelligent fish farming.

Franchise Sözleşmesinin Kuramsal Çerçevesinin Özel Hukuk Bağlamında İncelenmesi

Firstly, in the franchise agreement, there is no relationship between the parties such as dependent or independent merchant assistance, on the contrary, the parties to the agreement are completely independent of each other. Dec. Secondly, the parties to this agreement do the work they do on their own behalf and accounts. Franchise refers to a system consisting of intellectual or industrial property rights related to trademarks, trade names, store signs, utility models, designs, copyrights, know-how or patents that will be used for the resale of goods or the provision of services to on users. The franchise agreement, on the other hand, includes a number of obligations of the franchisor in which the franchisor grants the franchisor the right to use a franchise for the purpose of marketing certain types of goods or services in exchange for direct or indirect financial contribution, and at least; the use of a common brand or business name and the uniform appearance of facilities or means of transportation; the transfer of know-how by the franchisor to the franchisor; the continuous commercial and technical support of the franchisor by the franchisor during the agreement. In this context, the franchise agreement; it is possible to define the right to sell, distribute or operate a product or service belonging to the franchisor as a concession in a certain region in favor of the franchisee, including the use of intangible assets such as names, brands, signs, know-how, presentation and marketing strategies belonging to it, as well as a bilateral, urgent legal framework agreement that includes the inclusion of the franchisee in the organization and concept established by the franchisor with certain obligations, goals and limitations. Key Words: Franchise, Franchise Agreement, Competition, Private Law

Composition of Sodium Alginate Films Containing Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Aqueous Extract of Turnera subulata Sm and Evaluation of Their Healing Potential In Vivo

ABSTRACTSodium alginate is used in wound care because of its hydrogel‐forming properties and ability to protect the wound. Copper nanoparticles have properties that inhibit the growth of microorganisms and mediate the production of essential biomolecules for the healing process, making them an excellent choice for constructing nanocomposites for wound treatment. This work aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Turnera subulata Sm. and incorporate them into sodium alginate to obtain films with healing potential. The proposed system was characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x‐ray crystallography, and biocompatibility verified by hemolysis test. The UV–vis analysis showed that CuO NPs absorb at 280 and 404 nm. The FTIR spectra revealed stretching and folding modes of the functional groups present in the aqueous extract of T. subulata responsible for the reduction/stabilization of the copper ion, as well as signals at 780 and 618 cm−1 originating from the CuO bond. Size estimation using DLS revealed 564.5 and 394.2 nm. AFM data showed that adding copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) changed alginate roughness, and surface imaging revealed a material with a uniform appearance. The hemolysis test showed hemocompatibility of CuO NPs at all tested concentrations. Histology showed that CuONP‐loaded alginate films accelerated the healing process.

Tailor-made curdlan based nanofibrous dressings enable diabetic wound healing

The development and application of novel polysaccharides that can improve diabetic wound healing is crucial. Dressings containing curdlan have the potential to promote healing in diabetic wounds, but the underlying mechanism remain unclear. In addition, the functional modifications that could further enhance the activity of curdlan in promoting diabetic wound healing have not been explored. Herein, we investigated the capabilities of curdlan (CU) and its four derivatives i.e., sulfated curdlan (SC), amino-curdlan (AC) carboxymethyl curdlan (CMC) and CMC/ZnO nanocomposites for diabetic wound healing. Pristine CU and its derivatives were blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to fabricate electrospun nanofiber dressings (ENDs) with uniform appearances. The PVA/CU, PVA/CMC and PVA/CMC-ZnO ENDs were more compatible with keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and macrophages than that of PVA/AC ENDs. Notably, PVA/CMC ENDs and PVA/CMC-ZnO ENDs exhibited superior wound healing efficiencies than other ENDs. Among various dressings, PVA/CU, PVA/SC, PVA/CMC ENDs effectively reduced M1 macrophages and facilitated M2 phenotype at early stage of diabetic wound healing. Collectively, the PVA/CMC ENDs demonstrated greater therapeutic potential against diabetic wounds compared to other modified scaffolds via regulating macrophage polarization.

White Cement Concrete as an Element Sustainable Construction

The effect of materials on local air temperature is a rapid expansion of research. Basic research in this area is directed to color and the composition of materials and their ability to reflect or absorb (and emit) solar radiation. The color and composition of materials greatly affect the temperature Materials exposed to solar radiation. The thermal energy from the absorbed solar radiation will They eventually enter the surrounding atmosphere, causing local heating. Smog levels It has also been associated with high temperature. Thus, as urban temperature It increases, as does the potential for smog and pollution. One of the discounted items, among other things, the above-mentioned negative effects on the environment are white Cement. White cement concrete is very popular with architects thanks to it Pure and uniform appearance. The paper presents the properties of white cement, white Concrete and the benefits of its use as a component of sustainable construction practice. The main research significance is producing white concrete mix by using sustainable white material made from natural material and compare it with normal concrete the results that this study conclude was: White concrete made from white material with cubic compressive strength (35.), cylindrical compressive strength (277 MPa) at 28 days of curing and density (2274 kg/m3) it can be used in the structure's construction. Otherwise, the cubic compressive strength of the normal concrete was (29.2 MPa) cylindrical compressive strength (25 MPa) at 28 days of curing and density ( 2474 kg/m3). Splitting Tensile Strength was 3.57 for Wc and 3.64 for Nc at age of curing 28 days, percentage decrease in the tensile strength for white concrete by 3% to the normal concrete as a reference mix due to the density of the mix. Flexural Tensile Strength (Modulus of Rupture )74 for white concrete and 5.1 for normal concrete. there were an decrease by 7% compared to reference mix.

Ultrasonography for non-invasive sex identification and reproductive assessment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

Sex identification and the selection of monosex male tilapia are crucial for tilapia aquaculture. In this study, we evaluated the application of ultrasonography as an alternative procedure for sex identification and reproductive assessment in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Ultrasonography was performed on 23 fish weighing 232-1,281 g to capture longitudinal and transverse images of the ovaries and testes. Female tilapia were identified by the presence of numerous small egg granules and gray or light gray ovarian tissue and male tilapia by the homogeneous echogenicity and uniform gray tubular appearance of the testes. These distinct echogenic patterns allowed for accurate differentiation between the female and male fish. Ultrasonography achieved a 95% accuracy in sex identification, with minimal stress to the fish during the procedure, compared to manual sex sorting, which demonstrated an accuracy of 87%. Furthermore, the method facilitated the assessment of the reproductive status of the fish, including the maturation stages and fecundity potential. The use of ultrasonography offers significant advantages over traditional methods, such as animal welfare enhancements and improved breeding program efficiency. Our findings support the integration of ultrasonography into aquaculture practices and will promote sustainable and humane fish farming while optimizing reproductive management and productivity.

Breeding Maize Hybrids with Improved Drought Tolerance Using Genetic Transformation

Drought is considered the main agricultural menace, limiting the successful realization of land potential, and thereby reducing crop productivity worldwide. Therefore, breeding maize hybrids with improved drought tolerance via genetic manipulation is necessary. Herein, the multiple bud clumps of elite inbred maize lines, DH4866, Qi319, Y478 and DH9938, widely used in China, were transformed with the Escherichia coli betA gene encoding choline dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.99.1), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of glycine betaine from choline, using Agrobacterium to generate betA transgenic lines. After 3–4 consecutive generations of self-pollination in these transgenic plants, progenies with a uniform appearance, excellent drought tolerance, and useful agricultural traits were obtained. We evaluated the drought tolerance of T4 progenies derived from these transgenic plants in the field under reduced irrigation. We found that a few lines exhibited much higher drought tolerance than the non-transformed control plants. Transgenic plants accumulated higher levels of glycine betaine and were relatively more tolerant to drought stress than the controls at both the germination and early seedling stages. The grain yield of the transgenic plants was significantly higher than that of the control plants after drought treatment. Drought-tolerant inbred lines were mated and crossed to create hybrids, and the drought tolerance of these transgenic hybrids was found to be enhanced under field conditions compared with those of the non-transgenic (control) plants and two other commercial hybrids in China. High yield and drought tolerance were achieved concurrently. These transgenic inbred lines and hybrids were useful in marginal and submarginal lands in semiarid and arid regions. The betA transgene can improve the viability of crops grown in soils with sufficient or insufficient water.

Phenotypic Characterization of B-Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Human Peripheral Blood: A Cost-Effective Seven-Color One-Tube Protocol.

B cells are crucial components of the immune system, responsible for producing specific antibodies in response to infections and vaccines. Despite their uniform appearance, B cells display diverse surface molecules and functional properties, which are not yet fully understood. Apart from antibody production, B cells also play roles in antigen presentation and cytokine secretion, essential for initiating T-cell immune responses. Their significance as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets has led to increased research focus. However, the lack of standardized protocols for B-cell identification and the variability in defining B-lymphocyte subpopulations pose some challenges. This paper proposes a B-cell identification panel throughout the evaluation of previous cytometry panels and nomenclature heterogeneity for B-cell subpopulations. Major subpopulations recognized in human peripheral blood include transitional, naive, switched memory, unswitched memory, double negative, and plasmablasts, characterized based on their functional and phenotypic features. We present a standardized flow cytometry protocol utilizing surface phenotypic markers (CD3, CD19, IgD, CD27, CD38, and CD24) to differentiate and analyze B-cell subpopulations. This practical and cost-effective panel can be used in various research and laboratory settings. The challenges of standardizing names and markers for classifying B-lymphocyte subpopulations are discussed, along with protocols utilizing multiple markers and gating strategies, allied with the importance of considering viability markers. In summary, this standardized protocol and panel provide a comprehensive approach to identifying B-cell subpopulations to enhance the reproducibility and comparability of B-cell subpopulation studies.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed value chain: implications for a sustainable seed supply in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This research aimed to assess the production performance of faba beans, quantify the yield gap, and measure the adoption levels of improved varieties to map the actors and identify the major constraints of the faba bean seed value chain. The paper was based on primary data collected from a random sample of 168 farmers. The adoption rate of improved faba bean seed at the household level in the study area was 23%. It was low, primarily due to a lack of access to improved seeds (59.5%) and a lack of knowledge about the availability of improved varieties (23%). Improved seed users had a 13% higher average yield than non-users and received an 11% premium market price for better seed quality, uniform appearance, and larger beans. Furthermore, the econometric analysis revealed that family size and extension contact significantly influence farmers' use of improved seed. Adoption was positively and significantly associated with extension contact at the p < .001 level and inversely correlated with family size (p < .05), thereby indicating that larger families were less likely to adopt. Farmers' saved seed was their most important source of planting material. The formal seed industry only supplies about 2.2% of the total faba bean seed. Hence, farmer-to-farmer seed exchange, own-saved seed, community-based seed production, scaling activities, seed producer and marketing cooperatives, and farmer-to-farmer seed exchange were the main sources of faba bean seed. The main limitations to faba bean production were disease, limited availability of improved seeds, frost, and damage caused by pests. The study recommends promoting improved varieties, improving access to extension services, strengthening and improving the informal seed system, and linking and integrating all the actors in the chain. The institutional linkage and intensive communication among all the stakeholders are also important for technology scaling up and farmers’ easy access to improved seeds.

Dissimilar joining of aluminum alloy and low-alloy carbon steel by resistance spot welding

In this work, the resistance spot welding (RSW) process was performed to join aluminum alloy and low-alloy carbon steel plates. The macro characteristics including nugget diameters and indentation rates, microstructure and tensile-shear strength of RSW joints were investigated. The results showed that the nugget of the RSW joints comprises a ‘bowl’ shape nugget on the aluminum side and an elliptical shape nugget on the steel side. Also, the intermetallic compound (IMC) layers containing Fe4Al13 and Fe2Al5 were formed around the aluminum/steel interface with the steel side having a tongue-shape and the aluminum side having a needle-shape. According to metallurgical evaluation and temperature distribution of RSW joints analyzed by the finite element method, the nugget on the aluminum side contained the dendritic grains and equiaxed dendritic grains. The nugget on the steel side consisted of a large amount of bainite and a small amount of coarse lath martensite. The nugget diameters and the indentations rates of RSW joints increased when increasing either welding current or welding time, and decreased when increasing the electrode pressure. The maximum values of nugget diameter and indentation rate of RSW joints were 9.076 mm and 4.144% when using the welding current of 16 kA, welding time of 450 ms and electrode force of 3 kN. In tensile-shear tests, the RSW joints showed a shear-off fracture mode. When increasing the welding current, welding time or electrode force, the tensile-shear strength of RSW joints increased first, and then reached a maximum, and finally decreased. The welding current of 16 kA, the welding time of 300 ms, and the electrode pressure of 3 kN were considered as the optimal welding parameters in the present study which resulted in the maximum tensile-shear strength of 2.24 kN. In addition, the IMC layers of the RSW joints exhibited a uniform and continuous appearance with a thickness of approximately 1.9 μm, and the IMC layer in the central area was thicker than that in the edge area.

Evaluation of Native Festuca Taxa for Sustainable Application in Urban Environments: Their Characteristics, Ornamental Value, and Germination in Different Growing Media

This research is part of a Hungarian Research OTKA project that examines the vegetation of sandy grasslands along the Danube. During this study, Festuca wagneri and Festuca tomanii were identified as potentially suitable grass species for urban planting and turf establishment based on preliminary research. Our aim was to determine the germination success of seeds from aesthetically selected individuals and to identify the growing media on which they germinate most effectively. From the collected Festuca individuals, we analyzed 30 specimens of each taxon under garden conditions and selected the individuals for germination. The Festuca tomanii individuals were uniform, so we selected only 5 individuals. The Festuca wagneri individuals were categorized into three groups: leaves and inflorescence densely upright, inflorescence shoots spread out, and low ’dwarf’ form (compact and dense but short in stature). It was assumed that Festuca species seeds would germinate better in sandy soils. To test our hypothesis, seeds from ten Festuca wagneri and five Festuca tomanii individuals, selected based on aesthetic criteria, were sown in six different substrates: a sand–peat mixture, sand, coconut fiber, peat, coconut fiber–sand mixture, and native sandy soil (Calcaric Arenosol). Contrary to our expectations, the growth and germination rates of seeds sown in peat and coconut fiber substrates were higher than those in native sandy soil. These results suggest that Festuca seeds germinate better on substrates resembling dead plant debris with a peat-like structure or on the surface of live mosses rather than on bare sand. Among the examined individuals, the seeds from the spreading Festuca wagneri group exhibited the highest germination rate, making this group particularly suitable for urban environments. Additionally, one of the upright Festuca wagneri individuals showed the highest leaf average length and should also be considered for urban planting. In contrast, despite their uniform appearance, the Festuca tomanii individuals did not demonstrate similar germination trends. In fact, the seeds from two clumps did not germinate at all, indicating that further research is necessary.

Transvaginal sonographic appearance of Surgicel®: A case series report

BackgroundSurgicel® (oxidized regenerated cellulose) is widely used for hemostasis in gynecological surgery. Although intended to be absorbed within weeks, it can persist and be visualized on transvaginal ultrasound, potentially mimicking ovarian pathologies. The purpose of this study was to describe the appearance of Surgicel® on post-ovarian cystectomy and provide guidance on differentiating it from other conditions. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed postoperative transvaginal sonographic examinations of 6 patients after laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy in which Surgicel® was used for hemostasis. Ultrasonographic evaluations were performed as part of routine postoperative assessment without any specific timing protocol. Sonographic examinations were performed up to 335 days after surgery. Images were reviewed for echogenicity, vascularization (color doppler) and acoustic properties. Surgical reports confirmed the use of Surgicel®in each patient. ResultsSurgicel® displayed varying ultrasonographic characteristics, lacking a uniform appearance. In all cases, it appeared as a hyperechoic, avascular lesion, sometimes with posterior acoustic shadowing and occasionally accompanied by a cystic component. In one patient, serial scans revealed a gradual reduction in size and changes in sonographic features over time. ConclusionSurgicel® can present with diverse ultrasound features. However, a hyperechoic avascular lesion is a key potential sign for distinguishing it from other conditions. Awareness of these sonographic appearances is essential to avoid misdiagnosis, highlighting the importance of collaboration between sonographers and surgeons to prevent unnecessary interventions.

Morphological diversification with emphasis on the structural and homology patterns of male genitalia in genus Limnebius (Leach 1815; Hydraenidae: Coleoptera)

Abstract Limnebius exhibits uniform external appearance but variable male genitalia: from differently curved rod shapes in the subgenus Bilimneus to up to seven longitudinally separated folds or appendages in Limnebius s.s.. Among nonsexual traits, two subgenera diverge only in the wing. The aedeagal complexity in Limnebius s.s. is associated with the secondary sexual structures on the abdomen and metatibia; larger body size, which forms two clusters; and male-biased sexual dimorphism. To cluster the subdivisions with phylogenetically unresolved relationships, we examined the coincidence of the traits in both sexes, based on the premise of the independent and monophyletic origin of histologically unsimilar elements. The folds and additional appendages on the median lobe, abdominal paired rows of setae, and protuberances show that the L. parvulus and L. nitidus groups have maximum aedeagal complexity in the L. parvulus and L. nitiduloides subgroups, respectively. The L. parvulus group exhibits a gradual increase in the number of elements of the aedeagi. The histology of connections of the parameres and additional appendages to the median lobe, along with that of the flagellum opening, reveal the subgroups’ relationship in the L. nitidus group, as well as a decrease in the complexity of the male genitalia in their recent branches.

The polychromatism of postmortem cerebrospinal fluid.

Based on the assumption that postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is contaminated depending on the chosen sampling technique in the forensic setting resulting in bloody or at least hemolytic CSF samples, we systematically documented a total of 183 postmortem CSF samples. These samples were all assessed for their quality and color, regardless of the cause of death or the postmortem interval. The investigations were carried out through subjective assessment of color and turbidity, as well as objective measurements of the optical density (OD) of the CSF supernatants after centrifugation of each sample, with standardized photographic documentation. The observations revealed that in 28 cases the CSF was absolutely (crystal-) clear and transparent. Most of our samples showed color changes ranging from xanthrochromic to rose. Intensive staining of the supernatants was only found in a small proportion of the examined collective. We found that postmortem CSF has no uniform appearance but rather a diverse range of color spectra, and the color, as well as the OD of the CSF, correlates significantly with the postmortem interval (p < 0.001) when sampled using the proposed standard procedure.

Preparation of SiO2-IR3535 mosquito repellent nanocapsules and its performance study

The exploration of functional textiles signifies an inexorable path in the future advancement of the textile industry. In this study, sol-gel method was employed to encapsulate IR3535, a mosquito repellent substance, into silica nanocapsules, resulting in the production of silica-ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (SiO2-IR3535) mosquito repellent nanocapsules with effective mosquito repellency. By manipulating factors such as surfactant dosage, ammonia dosage, wall-to-core ratio, alcohol-to-water ratio, rotational speed, reaction time, and reaction temperature, during the preparation process, the particle size was cpntrolled and optimal conditions for subsequent spining processes was obtained. The prepared SiO2-IR3535 mosquito-repellent nanocapsules exhibited uniform appearance and morphology with consistent size distribution (average particle size: 342 nm). In addition, these nanocapsules exhibited enhanced heat resistance and an oil loading rate of about 13 % as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopic simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), and elemental analyses, and kinetic modeling was performed to fit the release profiles of these capsules. Additionally, SiO2-IR3535 nanocapsules were added into polypropylene fiber by melt spinning method, the prepared polypropylene fiber has been uniformly dispersed both internally and externally within the fiber, thereby it can provide a sustained mosquito-repellent effect to the polypropylene fiber with SiO2-IR3535 nanocapsules.

Active packaging technology: cassava starch/orange essential oil for antimicrobial food packaging

New technologies for active food packaging that can protect and interact with the food, increasing its shelf life are currently being developed. Essential oils are active compounds that, in addition to providing antibacterial protection, can improve the functional and mechanical properties of films. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of orange (Citrus sinensis L.) essential oil (AEN) on the physical and antimicrobial properties of active films produced from cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch and alginate (AY/AG) using the plate diffusion technique. The films were formulated with different concentrations of AEN (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 %). Elongation at break (EB), water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content, solubility and Luminosity (L*) decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) with the addition of AEN, on the other hand, tensile strength (TS), b* value (tendency towards yellow) and opacity increased. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a smooth, uniform appearance and continuous dispersion between cassava starch, alginate. The results obtained indicated that the incorporation of AEN presented an inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Therefore, the films obtained have a high potential to be used in the development of antimicrobial packaging for food applications

Enhanced healing of burn wounds by multifunctional alginate-chitosan hydrogel enclosing silymarin and zinc ‎oxide ‎nanoparticles

Multifunctional wound dressings have been applied for burn injuries to avoid complications and promote tissue regeneration. In the present study, we fabricated a natural alginate-chitosan hydrogel comprising silymarin and green-synthesized zinc ‎oxide ‎nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Then, the physicochemical attributes of ZnO NPs and loaded hydrogels were analyzed. Afterward, wound healing efficacy was evaluated in a rat model of full-thickness dermal burn wounds. The findings indicated that ZnO NPs were synthesized via reduction with phytochemicals from Elettaria cardamomum seeds extract. The microscopic images exhibited fairly spherical ZnO NPs (35-45nm), and elemental analysis verified the relevant composition. The hydrogel, containing silymarin and biosynthesized ZnO NPs, displayed a uniform appearance, smooth surfaces, and a porous structure. Moreover, infrared spectroscopy ‎identified functional groups, confirming the successful loading without adverse interactions. The obtained hydrogel exhibited great water absorption, high porosity, sustainable degradation for several days, and enhanced antioxidant capability of the combined loaded component. In vivo studies revealed faster and superior wound healing, achieving nearly complete closure by day 21. Histopathology confirmed improved cell growth, tissue regeneration, collagen deposition, and neovascularization. It is believed that this multifunctional hydrogel-based wound dressing can be applied for effective burn wound treatment.