Characteristic Color Research Articles

Evaluating the Perceptions of Smile Aesthetics among Dental Students at King Abdul-Aziz University: A cross-Sectional Study

Background Individuals seek out cosmetic dentists not so much for improved dental function or overall health but rather to improve the appearance of their teeth and gain more social acceptance. This study aimed to evaluate how dental students at King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU) perceived smiles based on their gender. Methods The study included two hundred students with clinical experience from the College of Dentistry, KAU. The data were collected using a three-part validated questionnaire. The first part included socio-demographic items; the second part included two close-ended questions regarding aesthetic characteristics; and the third part consisted of perception to seventeen photos of digitally manipulated smiles to be assessed using a numeric rating scale (NRS), (1, best; 5, worst). Results The first facial feature to catch the attention of most students was a smile, which was followed by the eyes. Almost 98% of the participants considered the smile one of the most important features of facial aesthetics. According to Faradeni research, men valued their gingival smile characteristic (p=0.013) and teeth color (p=0.001) substantially higher than women. Conversely, females had higher crucial margin discrepancy (p=0.038) and convex occlusal plane (p>0.001) than males. Conclusion When it comes to the gingival smile, teeth color, and the initial facial feature that attracts the eye, women perceive smiles as more aesthetically pleasing than men. Gingival margin discrepancy and convex occlusal plane were more critical in males than females. Understanding smile aesthetics from the perspective of dental students enhances patient care, education, and overall treatment outcomes.

Changes in Carotenoids and Quality Parameters of Sweet Paprika (Capsicum annuum) After an Accelerated Heat Treatment

Paprika, obtained from dried red pepper (C. annuum), is valued for its characteristic colour and flavour. Its carotenoid content, which is important for both sensory and nutritional quality, varies depending on several factors (agronomic conditions and technological treatment with special attention to the drying methods) that influence the colour and antioxidant capacity of the samples. This study investigated the effect of an accelerated thermal treatment (80 °C for 8 h) applied to evaluate the oxidative stability of the carotenoids and the colour of ground paprika depending on its origin (Peru or China). Changes in quality parameters (ASTA index and CIELAB colour), carotenoid content and profile (HPLC-DAD) and lipophilic antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS•+ methods) were evaluated. Untreated Chinese samples had 30% more total carotenoids than Peruvian samples, but this was not reflected in ASTA units, indicating that at least a 50% carotenoid variation is required for significant differences. Treatment resulted in a carotenoid loss of 70% in Peruvian and 30% in Chinese samples, with changes in total carotenoids correlating positively with antioxidant capacity. Both origins had similar carotenoid profiles, with β-carotene being the predominant carotenoid, while distinct contents were observed between the origins. The higher content of esterified carotenoids in Chinese peppers resulted in better thermal stability. The results highlight the necessity for tailored production processes to maintain nutritional integrity and antioxidant capacity.

Application of a Multi-Component Composite Edible Coating for the Preservation of Strawberry Fruit

The rapid perishability of strawberries due to factors such as fungal decay, mechanical damage, and respiration significantly limits their shelf life. In this study, a novel multi-component edible coating composed of bacterial cellulose, chitosan, and gellan gum (BChG) was developed to enhance the postharvest quality and extend the shelf life of strawberries. The coated fruits were evaluated over a 15-day storage period for key parameters such as weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), enzymatic activity, color retention, antioxidant activity, and microbiological analysis. The results demonstrated that coated strawberries exhibited significantly lower weight loss, reduced cellulase activity, and higher retention of TSS and TA compared to uncoated controls. The evaluation of microbial quality indicated that coatings, particularly those with higher concentrations of chitosan, control the growth of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and molds and yeasts (MY), due to the antimicrobial properties of chitosan. This contributed to extending the shelf life of the fruit by preventing spoilage and reducing the risk of toxic compound formation. Additionally, the BChG coatings also preserved the characteristic red color of the fruit and maintained higher antioxidant activity, with BChG-4 being the most effective formulation. The inclusion of chitosan in the coatings was found to play a crucial role in reducing respiration, delaying ripening, and enhancing the fruit’s resistance to oxidative damage. Overall, multi-component coatings, particularly those with higher chitosan concentrations, offer a promising method for extending the shelf life of strawberries, reducing postharvest losses, and preserving fruit quality under ambient storage conditions.

Covalent organic framework-assisted solar energy storage in long-lived organic radicals for enzyme-free colorimetric detection of xanthine

Xanthine monitoring is meaningful for both human health and food industrial, but rapid, cost-saving and natural enzyme-free detection of xanthine is still a big challenge. Herein, a new covalent organic framework (FPPy-TSC COF) with unique photoelectric properties is developed for rapid, enzyme-free and sensitive colorimetric detection of xanthine in complex real samples. In the presence of xanthine, FPPy-TSC COF interacts with xanthine through hydrogen bonds, and the electrons generated by FPPy-TSC COF under light irradiation can be transferred to xanthine with the result of storing solar energy in the form of long-lived organic radicals. Then the electrons stored in xanthine gradually reduce dissolved oxygen to oxygen radicals under dark conditions, which subsequently catalyze the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxidized products (oxTMB). Based on the characteristic absorption and color changes, xanthine can be detected under dark condition by naked eyes, spectrometry and smartphone with the detection limit low to 3.23μM (3σ/K). Moreover, xanthine contents in serum and pork samples can be accurately detected with the recoveries ranging from 95.28 to 107.34%. This work not only proposes a novel enzyme-free detection system for xanthine, but also broadens the sensing application of COF nanozymes under dark condition.

The biofilm produced by Cryptococcus neoformans protects the fungus from the antifungal and anti-melanin effects of cyclosporine

Understanding Cryptococcus neoformans pathogenesis requires a detailed analysis of the various virulence factors that contribute to its ability to cause disease. Cyclosporine, calcineurin inhibitor, impairs C. neoformans production of a polysaccharide capsule and secretion of urease, which are critical for cryptococcal pathogenesis. Two particularly important virulence factors are the production of cell wall melanin and formation of biofilm. In this study, we investigated cyclosporine's effects on melanin production and biofilm formation in C. neoformans. Initially, we examined melanin production in planktonic cells treated with cyclosporine using an L-DOPA containing melanin-inducing medium. Visual inspection and optical microscopy revealed a notable reduction in the characteristic dark coloration of cultures treated with cyclosporine, which indicate decreased melanin production in daughter cells compared to mother cells. Spectrophotometric analysis also demonstrated a significantly altered ultraviolet–visible (UV/vis) absorption spectra in cyclosporine-treated yeast cells, indicative of structural changes in melanin. Additionally, cyclosporine-treated cells exhibited reduced conductance (P-value < 0.0001), suggesting altered cellular ionic properties. The impact of cyclosporine on biofilm formation and mature biofilm disruption was also assessed. Despite cyclosporine's efficacy in modifying virulence factors during planktonic growth, cyclosporine did not inhibit biofilm formation or melanization under biofilm growth conditions, nor did it disrupt mature biofilms in terms of biomass or metabolic activity. However, there was a significant reduction in extracellular matrix production in cyclosporine-treated non-melanized biofilms. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between cyclosporine and C. neoformans, highlighting its differential effects on melanization and biofilm dynamics, which provides new insights into the shortcomings of cyclosporin for combatting cryptococcosis and informs pathways for future therapeutic strategies against cryptococcosis.

The Profile of Phenolic Compounds Identified in Pitaya Fruits, Health Effects, and Food Applications: An Integrative Review.

This integrative review aimed to identify the phenolic compounds present in pitayas (dragon fruit). We employed a comprehensive search strategy, encompassing full-text articles published between 2013 and 2023 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish from databases indexed in ScienceDirect, Capes Periodics, Scielo, and PubMed. The study's selection was guided by the question, "What are the main phenolic compounds found in pitaya fruits?". After screening 601 papers, 57 met the inclusion criteria. The identified phytochemicals have been associated with a range of health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties. Additionally, they exhibit promising applications in the management of cancer, diabetes, and obesity. These 57 studies encompassed various genera, including Hylocereus, Selenicereus, and Stenocereus. Notably, Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus polyrhizus emerged as the most extensively characterized species regarding polyphenol content. Analysis revealed that flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and rutin, were the predominant phenolic class within the pulp and peel of these fruits. Additionally, hydroxycinnamic and benzoic acid derivatives, especially chlorogenic acid, caffeic, protocatechuic, synaptic, and ellagic acid, were frequently reported. Furthermore, betalains, specifically betacyanins, were identified, contributing to the characteristic purplish-red color of the pitaya peel and pulp. These betalains hold significant potential as natural colorants in the food industry. Therefore, the different pitayas have promising sources for the extraction of pigments for incorporation in the food industry. We recommend further studies investigate their potential as nutraceuticals.

Changes in the sugars and volatile compounds profiles associated with anthocyanin accumulation in oranges: Blood vs. blond varieties, and slightly pigmented vs. intensely pigmented blood fruit

The blood oranges accumulate anthocyanins in their peel and pulp, which give them their characteristic red colour. To investigate whether there is a specific volatile compounds profile for blood oranges, we compared the volatile composition of the blood varieties ‘Moro’, ‘Tarocco Rosso’ and ‘Sanguinelli’ to that of the blond ones ‘Cadenera’, ‘Salustina’ and ‘Hamlim’ using a non-targeted approach based on HS–SPME–GC–MS. Moreover, fruits from each blood orange variety were divided into slightly and intensely pigmented fruits, and individual sugars and anthocyanins were determined by liquid chromatography to investigate whether their profiles depend on the degree of pulp pigmentation. A total of 101 volatile compounds were identified in this study. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, including all compounds, revealed that blood oranges have no unique volatiles profile that makes them more similar to one another than to the blond varieties. For blood orange varieties, our results corroborated that greater anthocyanin accumulation in the most intensely pigmented fruit is associated with higher sugar content (an increase of 0.8–2.3 % depending on the variety). Moreover, we reported for the first time that anthocyanin accumulation is also associated with changes in the volatiles profile. A Multifactor Analysis including data on volatiles, sugars and anthocyanin showed that sucrose is the sugar more strongly linked to anthocyanin accumulation. A group of volatile compounds, mainly esters (ethyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butanoate and ethyl-2-butenoate) along with ethanol, are present at increased levels, sometimes even doubling in the most intensely pigmented samples compared to the slightly pigmented ones. These results open the door to further investigate the possible metabolic link between sugars and anthocyanins accumulation and changes in volatile compounds.

Metabolomics reveals a differential attitude in phytochemical profile of black tea (Camellia Sinensis Var. assamica) during processing

Black tea's quality and flavor are largely influenced by its processing stages, which affect its volatile and non-volatile phytochemicals. This study aimed to optimized black tea manufacturing by investigating withering time, fermentation time, and temperature's impact on sensory quality. Using a U*15 (157) uniform design, optimal conditions were determined: 14 h of withering, 5.6 h of fermentation, and a 34 °C temperature. A verification experiment analyzed the volatile and non-volatile profiles. HPLC, GC–MS, and LC-MS revealed dynamic changes in phytochemicals. Among 157 VOCs and 2642 metabolites, 19 VOCs (VIP > 1.5) were crucial for aroma, while 50 (VIP > 1.5, p < 0.01) characteristic metabolites were identified. During processing, fragrant volatile compounds like linalool oxides, geraniol, benzeneacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, methyl salicylate, and linalyl acetate increased, contributing to rose and honey like aromas. These changes were crucial in developing the characteristic flavor and color of black tea. Twenty-four new compounds formed, while 80 grassy odor volatiles decreased. Non-volatile metabolites changed notably, with decreased catechins and increased gallic acid. Theaflavin compounds rose initially but declined later. This study outlines metabolite changes in Yunkang 10 black tea, crucial for flavor enhancement and quality control.

A missense mutation in the tyrosinase gene explains acromelanism in domesticated canaries.

Acromelanism is a form of albinism observed in several vertebrate species. In mammals, acromelanism is known to be caused by mutations in the tyrosinase gene (TYR) that induce a temperature-sensitive behavior of melanin synthesis, resulting in a characteristic hair color gradient. In birds, several phenotypes consistent with acromelanism have been reported, but their genetic basis remains unknown. This study aimed to identify the genetic basis of an acromelanistic phenotype in domesticated canaries known as pearl and test whether it is caused by the same molecular mechanism described for mammals. To do this, we compared the genomes of pearl and non-pearl canaries and searched for potentially causative genetic mutations. Our results suggest that the pearl phenotype is caused by a mutation in the TYR gene encoding a TYR-P45H missense substitution. Our findings further suggest that reports of acromelanism in other bird species might be explained by TYR mutations.

The identification and analysis of meristematic mutations within the apple tree that developed the RubyMac sport mutation

BackgroundUnderstanding the molecular basis of sport mutations in fruit trees has the potential to accelerate generation of improved cultivars.ResultsFor this, we analyzed the genome of the apple tree that developed the RubyMac phenotype through a sport mutation that led to the characteristic fruit coloring of this variety. Overall, we found 46 somatic mutations that distinguished the mutant and wild-type branches of the tree. In addition, we found 54 somatic gene conversions (i.e., loss-of-heterozygosity mutations) that also distinguished the two parts of the tree. Approximately 20% of the mutations were specific to individual cell lineages, suggesting that they originated from the corresponding meristematic layers. Interestingly, the de novo mutations were enriched for GC = > AT transitions while the gene conversions showed the opposite bias for AT = > GC transitions, suggesting that GC-biased gene conversions have the potential to counteract the AT-bias of de novo mutations. By comparing the gene expression patterns in fruit skins from mutant and wild-type branches, we found 56 differentially expressed genes including 18 involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. While none of the differently expressed genes harbored a somatic mutation, we found that some of them in regions of the genome that were recently associated with natural variation in fruit coloration.ConclusionOur analysis revealed insights in the characteristics of somatic change, which not only included de novo mutations but also gene conversions. Some of these somatic changes displayed strong candidate mutations for the change in fruit coloration in RubyMac.

Метано- и сульфидогенез в озерах полуострова Абрау (Краснодарский край)

The geographical position, tectonic and geological-hydrogeological structure of the basin of the Malyy Liman and Abrau lakes, their landscape features as natural monuments of regional importance located on the territory of the Abrau peninsula of the Krasnodar Territory are described. Using the example of the aquatic landscapes of the Malyy Liman and Abrau lakes and the river of the same name, water and bottom sediments were studied. Hydrochemical parameters, the content of methane and sulfide sulfur in bottom sediments and methane in water as components of aquatic landscapes were studied. The results of the determination of sulfides, as well as the characteristic odor and color of bottom sediments, indicate the presence of free H2S and hydrotroilite (FeS ∙ nH2O) in them. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of hollow spheres in the bottom sediments, which indicates their possible gas saturation. Microinclusions of biogenic pyrite (FeS2), which was formed on fragments of plant and organism residues, were found under an electron microscope. In aerobic-anaerobic conditions of the upper layer of bottom sediments of lakes, pyrite formation occurs both directly through a one-stage process of pyritization of reactive iron, but also through a multi-stage process of pyrite formation from iron monosulfide. It has been established that lakes are exposed to anthropogenic influences, which can increase many times during the holiday season. This leads to their eutrophication and increased meanogenesis, which in turn contributes to the activation of methane emissions into the atmosphere. Specific methane fluxes from the water surface of the Malyy Liman and Abrau lakes have been determined.

EXPLOITING ECO-FRIENDLY NATURAL DYES FROM PLANT SOURCES: EXTRACTION AND DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

Natural pigments extracted from plant sources offer eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. In this study, pigment samples were obtained through aqueous extraction from beetroot (S1), red cabbage (S2), and turmeric (S3). Their physicochemical properties and potential applications were thoroughly evaluated. The research problem addressed in this study is the need to overcome the limitations of natural dyes, such a slower color fastness, reduced reproducibility, and limited color range, in order to promote their wider adoption in various industries as sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. The pigment extracts were assessed for their suitability in textile dyeing, paper pH indicators, food coloring, ink production, and natural stamp pad formulations. Cotton and wool fabrics were dyed by adding traditional mordants, and the pigment-treated textiles exhibited distinctive color changes and varying levels of color fastness. The pigment samples demonstrated the ability to act as effective acid-base indicators, displaying characteristic color transitions in response to varying pH levels. When used as natural food colorants, the extracts imparted attractive hues to rice and cream without altering their flavor profiles. The feasibility of incorporating these plant-derived pigments in ink manufacturing and stamp pad production was also explored. Beetroot pigment exhibited superior color retention and fastness properties, while red cabbage and turmeric extracts displayed effectiveness in selected applications. The findings of this comprehensive study highlight the viability of these plant sources as natural substitutes for synthetic colorants in diverse fields. The observed performance characteristics and the eco-friendly nature of the pigments underscore their potential to serve as sustainable alternatives in various industries.

Why does distilled liquor (Baijiu) have a yellowish color: A comprehensive analysis

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying Baijiu production is a shared aspiration among academic groups specializing in the field of Baijiu research. This study comprehensively examined the mechanisms underlying the yellowish coloration of Baijiu through a synergistic application of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and physical methodologies. Aging of Baijiu in earthenware pots involves the infiltration of mineral ions such as iron, aluminum, and calcium; however, these ions are detected at extremely low concentrations and are therefore not linked to the development of Baijiu's yellowish color. Instead, the yellowish coloration is attributed to the diverse colorants generated during the high-temperature fermentation of small-molecule sugars derived from the saccharification of grain materials. Although these colorants exist in minimal quantities and exhibit spectral absorption peaks ranging from 300 to 450 nm, their overlapping spectra collectively contribute to the light-absorbing properties of Baijiu across a broad wavelength range, ultimately accounting for its characteristic yellowish color.

A 9 Month Hubble Space Telescope Near-UV Survey of M87. II. A Strongly Enhanced Nova Rate near the Jet of M87

The 135 classical novae that we have discovered in M87 with two Hubble Space Telescope imaging surveys appear to be strongly concentrated along that galaxy’s jet. Detailed simulations show that the likelihood that this distribution occurred by chance is of order 0.3%. The novae near the jet display outburst characteristics (peak luminosities, colors, and decline rates) that are indistinguishable from novae far from the jet. We explore whether the remarkable nova distribution could be caused by the jet’s irradiation of the hydrogen-rich donors in M87's cataclysmic binaries. This explanation, and others extant in the literature that rely on increased binary mass transfer rates, fail by orders of magnitude in explaining the enhanced nova rate near the jet. An alternate explanation is the presence of a genuine surplus of nova binary systems near the jet, perhaps due to jet-induced star formation. This explanation fails to explain the lack of nova enhancement along M87's counterjet. The enhanced rate of novae along M87's jet is now firmly established, and unexplained.

In Silico Analysis of the Molecular Interaction between Anthocyanase, Peroxidase and Polyphenol Oxidase with Anthocyanins Found in Cranberries.

Anthocyanins are bioactive compounds responsible for various physiological processes in plants and provide characteristic colors to fruits and flowers. Their biosynthetic pathway is well understood; however, the enzymatic degradation mechanism is less explored. Anthocyanase (β-glucosidase (BGL)), peroxidase (POD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) are enzymes involved in degrading anthocyanins in plants such as petunias, eggplants, and Sicilian oranges. The aim of this work was to investigate the physicochemical interactions between these enzymes and the identified anthocyanins (via UPLC-MS/MS) in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) through molecular docking to identify the residues likely involved in anthocyanin degradation. Three-dimensional models were constructed using the AlphaFold2 server based on consensus sequences specific to each enzyme. The models with the highest confidence scores (pLDDT) were selected, with BGL, POD, and PPO achieving scores of 87.6, 94.8, and 84.1, respectively. These models were then refined using molecular dynamics for 100 ns. Additionally, UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified various flavonoids in cranberries, including cyanidin, delphinidin, procyanidin B2 and B4, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin, providing important experimental data to support the study. Molecular docking simulations revealed the most stable interactions between anthocyanase and the anthocyanins cyanidin 3-arabinoside and cyanidin 3-glucoside, with a favorable ΔG of interaction between -9.3 and -9.2 kcal/mol. This study contributes to proposing a degradation mechanism and seeking inhibitors to prevent fruit discoloration.

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent carbon dots obtained from citrus x sinensis by an eco-friendly method

The synthesis and characterization of fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) obtained by an environmentally friendly method through carbonization, fragmentation and centrifugation of orange peel (citrus x sinensis) are reported. By thermogravimetry, 4 degradation regions associated with hemicellulose, lignin and organic matter were found. The SEM micrograph shows a rough surface morphology with flakes and granulation due to the carbonization process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows a hexagonal crystalline structure associated with graphitic carbon, which was confirmed by Raman scatterings, Raman spectroscopy that presented two main vibrational bands, D and G, associated with active defects in the graphitic carbon crystalline structure. The Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph showed CDs of size 33.65 ± 0.68n, and with High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM) an interplanar distance of 0.213 nm in the direction of the crystal planes (100) of graphitic carbon was obtained, which were confirmed by XRD and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the relative atomic composition and identified the strongest photoelectron transitions of carbon, sp2 (286 eV) and sp3 (285 eV), in graphitic carbon. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy of the CDs obtained from fragmentation graphitic carbon showed a band at 205 nm associated with CC bonds π-π* of CC and n-π*, as well as two bands at 276 and 328 nm associated with bond transitions. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum showed bands associated with CHs bonds as well as CC, CN bonds of the CDs. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed three emission bands at 2.43, 2.54 and 2.87 eV. The CDs showed the emission of the characteristic blue colour.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using green tea aqueous leaf extract and their biological and chemotherapeutic activity

Green tea leaf extract-mediated silver nanoparticles (GT-AgNPs) were synthesized and characterized for their biological and chemotherapeutic activity. The synthesis process involved the reduction of silver ions by green tea leaf extract (GTLE), resulting in the formation of GT-AgNPs. Characterization techniques including UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and zeta potential analysis were employed to study the physicochemical properties of GT-AgNPs. The GT-AgNPs exhibited a characteristic color change and a noticeable shift in the surface plasma resonance (SPR) absorption peak at 458 nm, confirming their successful formation of nanoparticles. XRD analysis indicated a cubic structure with a crystallite size of 9 ± 1 nm. Both SEM and TEM images revealed that the spherical shape and size of the synthesized nanoparticles. The SEM analysis confirmed that the average grain size of GT-AgNPs is 20.27 ± 1 nm, while the TEM analysis determined the average particle size of 9 ± 0.025. GT-AgNPs have a negative zeta potential of -19.7 mV indicating a hydrodynamic diameter of 140.90 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 25.8 %. XPS confirmed the oxidation state of Ag0/+1 in GT-AgNPs. The energy band gap (Eg) value of GT-AgNPs is 3.38 eV, indicating semiconducting properties, while fluorescence activity was observed at 506.17 nm. CT-DNA and BSA protein binding studies demonstrated the formation of CT-DNA-GT-AgNPs and BSA-GT-AgNPs complexes with binding constants of 1.366×1010 M−1 and 6.77×109 M−1, respectively. GT-AgNPs exhibited exceptional anti-oxidant activity by effectively scavenging stable 2, 2ʹ - diphenyl-1-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radicals. Cytotoxicity assays using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) demonstrate moderate activity against KB3 and AGS cancer cells while showing no detectable cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells. This indicates a safe therapeutic window for human eukaryotic cells.

Quantitative assessment of morphological changes in lipid droplets and lipid-mito interactions with aging in brown adipose.

The physical characteristics of brown adipose tissue (BAT) are defined by the presence of multilocular lipid droplets (LDs) within the brown adipocytes and a high abundance of iron-containing mitochondria, which give it its characteristic color. Normal mitochondrial function is, in part, regulated by organelle-to-organelle contacts. For example, the contact sites that mediate mitochondria-LD interactions are thought to have various physiological roles, such as the synthesis and metabolism of lipids. Aging is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, and previous studies show that there are changes in mitochondrial structure and the proteins that modulate organelle contact sites. However, how mitochondria-LD interactions change with aging has yet to be fully clarified. Therefore, we sought to define age-related changes in LD morphology and mitochondria-lipid interactions in BAT. We examined the three-dimensional morphology of mitochondria and LDs in young (3-month) and aged (2-year) murine BAT using serial block face-scanning electron microscopy and the Amira program for segmentation, analysis, and quantification. Our analyses showed reductions in LD volume, area, and perimeter in aged samples in comparison to young samples. Additionally, we observed changes in LD appearance and type in aged samples compared to young samples. Notably, we found differences in mitochondrial interactions with LDs, which could implicate that these contacts may be important for energetics in aging. Upon further investigation, we also found changes in mitochondrial and cristae structure for the mitochondria interacting with LDs. Overall, these data define the nature of LD morphology and organelle-organelle contacts during aging and provide insight into LD contact site changes that interconnect biogerontology with mitochondrial function, metabolism, and bioactivity in aged BAT.

Molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from burns.

Burns are a problem that affects millions of individuals around the world. This research aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from patients with burns. Identifying the genetic variations of three local strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from burns. Swab samples were collected from eighty sources (burns). Using sterile swabs containing media collected from patients treated at Baqubah Teaching Hospital between July 2022 and the end of September 2022, these samples were then cultured on blood agar and brain heart infusion agar. A total of twenty-four hours were spent incubating the cultured samples in an aerobic environment at 37°C. During this time, isolated growing colonies showed characteristic growth, color, and hemolysis, while suspicious colonies were cultured for further identification. Our results indicated the presence of several polymorphisms that were distributed in the investigated samples. However, almost all observed variations were concentrated only in the S2 isolates. The construction of phylogenetic trees confirmed this notion by positioning these S2-based amplicons to distinct categories within Staph. aureus organisms. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree offered additional tools for the guaranteed identity of the samples that were analyzed. Consequently, the utilization of the PCR-sequencing approach in three DNA samples belonging to these local bacterial isolates has resulted in the confirmation of the identity of this strain. However, particular emphasis should be placed on S2 isolate as it has special variants that differ from its mates, in terms of its metabolic as well as phylogenetic consequences. Therefore, S2 isolates may represent a new strain that requires a whole genome sequencing strategy to validate its identity within Staph. aureus organisms. S.aureus resistance was 100% (Augmentin and Tetracycline), and 90% (Azithromycin and Trimethoprim), while Cefotaxime and Chloramphenicol recorded (75%, and 85%) respectively.

Appearance and prevalence of float glass inclusions with a diameter smaller than 500 µm, focused on the identification of nickel sulphide

In most float glass productions, quality control systems will remove glass inclusions with diameters above 500 µm, since smaller inclusions are usually not visible to the human eye. Yet, they can still become relevant in glass construction, one example being nickel sulphide which can cause spontaneous fracture of thermally prestressed glass. This research presents statistical data on the prevalence of inclusions in the size range with a diameter between 50 and 500 µm, obtained from thorough scans of commercial float glass, showing that the inclusion size distribution follows an exponential curve. Also, many of the found inclusions are investigated by ultra-high-resolution optical microscopy down to resolutions close to the wavelength of visible light, the physical limit of such inspection, while still in the intact glass. Images taken under different lighting conditions and with different types of microscope cameras help in the identification and differentiation of inclusion types. Photoelastic stress measurements and laser interferometry also non-destructively show mechanical stress and deformation inside the glass around inclusions. Due to the risks emerging from this inclusion type, a special focus of the presented work is on the identification of nickel sulphide and its precursors which can be identified by its characteristic surface structure and colour as well as its shape.