Electron Microscopic Examination Research Articles

Colchicine: A Dual Therapeutic Target for Trichinellosis

PurposeTrichinellosis affects around 11 million people globally. Treatments for this medical condition are limited by adverse effects and resistance, emphasising the importance of effective and safe therapies. Consequentially, we sought to study colchicine’s synergistic effects with atorvastatin or acetazolamide in the treatment of Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis)-infected mice.MethodsSeventy mice were evenly divided into two groups (a and b) of 35 each. During the intestinal phase, group (a) began therapy on the second day post-infection (dpi) and lasted four days. Group (b) had treatment for four weeks during the muscle phase, beginning on the 12th dpi. While the other five infected groups received atorvastatin, colchicine, acetazolamide, a combination of acetazolamide and colchicine, or none, one group of infected mice received no treatment at all as a negative control. The efficacy was assessed by parasite count, histopathology and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsOur data revealed that the combination treatment lowered T. spiralis adult worm and larvae counts in infected animals. Moreover, it restored the normal intestinal and muscular architecture, reduced edema, and alleviated inflammation, as demonstrated by reduced inflammatory infiltrate. Scanning electron microscopic examination of adults and larvae verified our findings.ConclusionAdjuvant treatment with colchicine as an antifibrotic can help treat muscle trichinellosis by reducing the production of fibrous tissue. This might help to enhance treatment results by enabling the admission of larvicidal medications and, as a result, reducing the number of larvae in the muscle, which together form the basis of pathology and can be debilitating for the patient.

Short dentin etching with universal adhesives: effect on bond strength and gingival margin adaptation

BackgroundShort dentin etching, a relatively recent technique, aims to improve resin-dentin bonding by preserving hydroxyapatite crystals within the collagen spaces. This study explores short dentin etching’s potential in mitigating over-etching issues in deep proximal dentin/cementum margins, an aspect not previously investigated. This study evaluates the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and marginal adaptation of two universal adhesives using different etch-and-rinse strategies (15-second and 3-second etching) and self-etch strategies, both immediate and post-thermal cycling and mechanical loading.MethodsEighty-four molars underwent μTBS testing, categorized by the universal adhesive type (Tetric Uni and Prime&Bond Uni) (n = 42) and adhesive strategy (n = 14) with half tested after 24 h and the rest post aging. Forty-two molars received occluso-mesial preparations with proximal margins in dentin/cementum and were restored accordingly. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of epoxy replicas for the restoration/gingival dentin interfaces was conducted after 24 h and aging. Dentin etching patterns were assessed using SEM. A three-way ANOVA evaluated μTBS data, while a two-way ANOVA and paired sample t-test analyzed marginal adaptation data (significance level is α = 0.05).ResultsAdhesive type, strategy, and aging significantly influenced μTBS. After aging, Tetric Uni subgroups displayed higher bond strength compared to Prime&Bond Uni subgroups. Marginal adaptation was unaffected by adhesive type or strategy, although aging reduced bond strength and adaptation for both adhesives.ConclusionsThe etch-and-rinse protocol yielded higher μTBS results for the HEMA-free isopropanol-based adhesive (Prime&Bond Uni). Marginal integrity was similar for both adhesives. The 3-second and 15-second etching times produced consistent results in all tests and for both adhesives.Clinical significanceThe adhesive protocol for bonding universal adhesives to dentin is contingent on the adhesive composition.

Constructing the Well Regenerated Decellularized Adipose Tissue Using External Volume Expansion Device.

External volume expansion (EVE) devices has been demonstrated to enhance the survival of fat grafts. Decellularized adipose tissue (DAT) serves as a promising scaffold for adipose regeneration; however, the effectiveness of adipose regeneration in DAT remains limited, and the underlying mechanisms of its regeneration require further investigation. This study explores the potential of EVE technology to enhance DAT-mediated adipogenesis by facilitating cellular recruitment and establishing a microenvironment conducive to adipose tissue regeneration. DAT was injected into the dorsal area of rats, followed by daily treatment with an EVE suction device for 10 hours per day over 14 days. Control groups underwent transplantation without suction. After the treatment period, tissue samples were collected and analyzed. This included volume measurement, H&E staining, immunofluorescence staining for CD34, CD90, CD68, CD31, and perilipin, electron microscopy for microscopic analysis, and ELISA analysis for IL1, TNFα, CCL2, and CXCL12. Fourteen days post-transplantation, the volume of DAT significantly increased in the EVE group compared to the control group. Histological H&E staining revealed a higher peripheral region in the EVE group. Electron microscopy examination showed that EVE suction led to increased porosity in the DAT material, with a greater number of cells adhering to the material. Immunofluorescence staining for CD34/CD90 adipose-derived stem cells also showed a significant increase in the EVE group. The presence of CD68-positive macrophages increased after EVE suction. Evaluation of vascularization using CD31 staining showed a higher level of vascularization in the EVE group compared to the control group. ELISA analysis of IL-1, TNF-α, CCL2, and CXCL12 levels demonstrated that the EVE group effectively increased the levels of adipogenic factors within the DAT. EVE enhances DAT-mediated adipogenesis by promoting stem cell recruitment, macrophage activation, and adipogenesis-related cytokine expression, ultimately improving the regeneration of functional adipose tissue. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Morphological and Anatomical Deformities of Hirudo verbana, Carena 1820 (Annelida, Hirudinea) After Feeding: Light and Electron Microscopic Analysis.

Leeches are widely used as model organisms in scientific studies and medical treatments. Medical leeches are hematophagous parasites that usually feed on the blood of their hosts. Some leeches show deformities, usually after feeding. This causes both medical and economic losses as it reduces the effectiveness of leeches in cultivation and medical treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of morphological deformations after feeding in Hirudo verbana, Carena 1820 (Annelida, Hirudinea), an important species in medical leech treatments. For this purpose, both histopathological and scanning electron microscopy examinations of starved and fed leeches were performed. The causes of deformities in medical leeches were found to be due to overfeeding, which caused cracks on the intestinal surface and therefore deterioration of the tissues. It is also thought that the immunological agents in the fed blood destroyed the medical leech tissue in these regions. In addition, it was determined that the cellular structure of the shaped blood elements stored in the cavity after feeding was preserved for a long time (months) without deterioration. It is certain that revealing the mechanism by which this occurs will inspire the preservation of blood for a long time in blood transfusion.

A Comparative Study on Kidney Morphology of Anatolian Ground Squirrels, Rabbits, and Rats

ABSTRACTIn this study, the kidneys of ground squirrels (hibernated and nonhibernated), rabbits, and rats were examined macro and microanatomically. Kidney morphology was investigated by stereo microscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Triple and immunohistochemical staining were performed for light microscopic examinations. Cold crushing and takilon injection into the renal arteries were performed for scanning electron microscopic examinations. The course and branching of intrarenal capillaries and morphologic features from glomeruli to foramina papillaria were demonstrated. The location, position, shape, weight, and size of the kidneys of the three species studied were determined. Relative medullary thickness (RMT) and kidney index (Ki) values were calculated from the measurements. Based on the RMT values of the three species, it was concluded that they are mammals belonging to the semiarid and humid habitat category. The number of nephrons with long segments was high in the kidneys of all three species. Structural findings suggested that the rat may produce more concentrated urine than the ground squirrel, and the ground squirrel may produce more concentrated urine than the rabbit. The mean diameter of the renal corpuscles was 112.5 μm in the hibernated ground squirrel, 137.6 μm in the nonhibernated ground squirrel, 138.1 μm in the rabbit, and 137.8 μm in the rat. In hibernated ground squirrels, a narrowing of the cavum glomeruli and a decrease in renal corpuscle diameters were found. In contrast to ground squirrel and rat kidneys, rabbit kidneys showed the presence of species‐specific subcapsular glomeruli. Immunohistochemistry (antinestin antibody) staining and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the structure of podocytes in detail. Species‐specific area cribrosa configurations were detected in the renal papillae of the kidneys we examined. With this study, new renal morphological findings were obtained in ground squirrels, rabbits, and rats.

Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Geopolymer Incorporated with Copper Slag Activated by Phosphoric Acid

Abstract In this study, fly ash (FA), a kind of aluminosilicate precursor, is activated by phosphoric aid (H3PO4) to produce a silico-aluminophosphate geopolymer. This study aims to assess the viability of substituting M-sand with varying proportions, ranging from 0 % to 100 %, of copper slag in geopolymer mortar. The alkaline-activated geopolymer mortar was produced by using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate. The phosphoric acid-activated geopolymer (PGP) samples were produced by changing parameters such as the liquid/solids (L/S) ratio, curing temperature, and molarity of H3PO4. The L/S ratios examined were 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0, whereas the molarities of H3PO4 employed were 8 M, 10 M, and 12 M. An assessment was conducted on the compressive strength, scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis of PGP. The findings indicated a positive correlation between the compressive strength and the molarity, whereas a negative correlation was observed between the compressive strength and the L/S ratio. The highest compressive strength obtained was 41.1 MPa, which occurred when the optimum concentration of H3PO4 was 10 M. The formation of the P-O-Si-O-Al-O polymeric structure contributed to the strength of the phosphoric acid-based FA geopolymer. The SEM images demonstrated that the geopolymer samples containing 100 % copper slag and a L/S ratio of 0.9 exhibited a compact and uniform microstructure, resulting in enhanced strength characteristics.

Green synthesis of Au-Pt bimetallic nanoparticels using Croton caudatus Geisel leaf extract and their biological studies

Metal nanoparticles have a lot of interesting characteristics, and the field of medicinal applications may benefit significantly from them. In this investigation, gold-platinum (Au-Pt) bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized employing leaf extract from Croton Caudatus Geisel. Utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and powder X-ray diffraction, the size of the synthesized nanoparticles was found to be between 12 and 33 nm. Using Debye Scherrer equation, particle size of the synthesized nanoparticle is determined and also consistent with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The materials tend to be rectangular-shaped. This is a single-step, green protocol that does not employ any capping or reducing agents. The bio-active compounds in leaf extract act as reducing/capping/stabilizing agents and also fabricated with surface of the nanoparticles. Since green synthesis is an easy, stable, quick, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process, it opens up new possibilities for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis generally involves mixing two different aqueous metal solutions with a natural reducing agent, like a plant extract. It has been proposed that plant phytochemicals with reducing or antioxidant properties reducemetal ions into metal nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy were all utilized to completely characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. It has been found that biological studies exploring in vitro antibacterial, in vitro antifungal, and anti-cancerous activity showed significant implications. In accordance with study results, the synthesized nanomaterialshad a strong cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cell lines, with an MTT assay IC50 value of 37.17 μg/ml/24 h.

Residence time and ultrastructural effects of a new formulation of multiple‐action tear substitute: Preliminary results at scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination

Aims/Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate with SEM the residence time and ultrastructural effects on the ocular surface cells in patients suffering from dry eye disease (DED) treated with a multiple‐acting tear substitute based on 0.15% cross‐linked HA, cationic liposomes and 3% trehalose (Trimix®, Offhealth SpA, Firenze, Italy).Methods: We examined 10 eyes of 10 patients with previous clininal diagnosis of DED (Schirmer test 1 < 10 mm, TBUT < 10 s, OSDI > 13). Exclusion criteria: topical or systemic therapies in the previous 30 days; allergic conjunctivitis; infections and other ocular surface diseases in the last 3 months; previous herpetic keratitis; corneal opacities and ulcers; pregnancy and breastfeeding, age < 18 years.All patients were treated for 30 days BID with Trimix®. At the baseline (T0) and 1h (T1), 6h (T2) and 12h (T3) after the end of the treatment, a cytological sampling of the bulbar conjunctiva with an impression procedure was performed. The cytological smear was examined with SEM for the evaluation of the microvilli, using a preset scale (Del Prete, 2017), and of the persistence of Trimix®, preliminarily identified by SEM on a slide. The results were compared with a control group (CTR) of 10 patients with the same grades of inflammation of DED group, treated with BID balanced salt solution.Results: At T0 6 DED patients presented mild/moderate inflammation (grade 1‐2 of microvillar alteration); 4 medium/severe inflammation, with grade 3‐4 on the microvillar evaluation. At T1 8/10 eyes (80%) showed a complete restoration of the microvillar surface (p < 0.001), 2/10 (20%) an improvement at stage 1 (p < 0.001). The persistence of the Trimix® molecules was detected at T1 and T2 in all cases; in 9 of them (90%) Trimix® partially enveloped the microvilli at T3. No significant microvillar changes were found in CTR group (p > 0.05). The tear substitute resulted well tolerated as no patient reported any significant side effects.Conclusions: Microvilli express the vitality of epithelial cells. Their significant improvement or complete recovery after treatment with Trimix® indicates strong trophic and protective properties of the product, that could continue even 12 hours after the instillation, as confirmed by the high residence time. This could suggest a high effectiveness even when administered twice daily.

Evaluating the In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) Against the Adult Stages of Fasciola hepatica.

Fascioliasis represents one of the most significant parasitic and foodborne zoonotic diseases in the world. Resistance to currently deployed human and veterinary flukicides is a growing health problem. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have developed enormous importance in nanomedicine. The current study aims to evaluate the flukicide activity of ZnO-NPs on the adult stages of Fasciola hepatica, in vitro assay. Mature flukes of F. hepatica were collected from the biliary tracts of cattle liver from the main slaughterhouses in Aswan Governorate, Egypt. The co-precipitation process was utilized to create ZnO-NPs. The adult active flukes of F. hepatica (n=6) were transferred in Petri dishes (triplicates) containing different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0.5, 0.10 and 0.12mg/mL), with simultaneous maintenance of control in only PBS. The treated and control groups of flukes were maintained inside an incubator at 37°C±1°C. Mortality and paralysis of the flukes were observed. The adult flukes were picked up for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination from the control medium, and those exposed to the highest effective concentration of ZnO-NPs. ZnO-NPs showed dose-dependent flukicide efficacy against the adult flukes. At 0.12mg/mL concentration of ZnO-NPs, the mortality of flukes was attained early in 4.05±0.033h. The photomicrographs obtained by SEM of the flukes revealed that ZnO-NPs (0.12mg/mL) had a potent effect on the integument surface and genital system of F. hepatica. Most of the tegument was damaged with complete erosion and loss of the spines and papillae. Furthermore, a severe rupture in the genital system causes the uterus to burst and releases eggs through the genital pore. Hence, it could be concluded that ZnO-NPs performed effective anthelmintic activity against the adult stages of F. hepatica, in vitro. The results of the present study recommend the use of ZnO-NPs as new preparations with anthelmintic activity.

The B2O3/SiO2 ratio and dwelling time dependent crystallization behavior, phase formation, microstructural features, and thermal behavior of SrO-CaO-Al2O3-ZnO-B2O3-SiO2-TiO2 glass system

In the present study, the SrO-CaO-ZnO-Al2O3-B2O3-SiO2-TiO2 - based glass system is studied to investigate the effect of B2O3/SiO2 ratio and heat treatment dwell time on crystallization, phase development, and microstructural features in monolithic glass. The density of glasses increases with the increase in B2O3/SiO2 ratio as B2O3 has a higher molar mass than SiO2. The XRD patterns revealed that an increase in B2O3/SiO2 ratio facilitates the crystallization as evident in the case of glass of largest B2O3/SiO2 ratio (? 0.4) at 10 h dwelling at 850?C. However, at higher dwell time i.e. 20 and 30h, all glass specimens transformed to glass-ceramic, indicating a vital role of heat treatment time on crystallization. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed that with the increase in the B2O3/SiO2 ratio, the anisotropic growth of crystals increases which is prominent for the glass having B2O3/SiO2 ratio (? 0.4). In addition, the corresponding temperature for various thermal events like sintering, softening, half-sphere, and melting is evaluated as a function of temperature at varying heating rates with the help of a heating stage microscope. The increase in heating rate, enhance the temperature for sintering, softening, and melting due the delayed arrival of required thermal energy as recorded in the heating stage microscope system.

Aprepitant ameliorates vancomycin-induced kidney injury: Role of GPX4/system Xc- and oxidative damage.

Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is used in cases of drug-resistant bacterial infections, but unfortunately is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). We here explore the protective potential of aprepitant against vancomycin-induced AKI. Vancomycin (500mg/kg/i.p) was given to rats for seven days and aprepitant (20mg/kg/p.o) was administered one day before and for seven days concomitant with vancomycin. At the end of the experiment, kidney function, oxidative stress, autophagy and ferroptosis markers were assessed. We show that aprepitant reduced kidney/body weight ratio, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. It improved renal structure and enhanced the antioxidant machinery as indicated by elevated catalase activity and GSH levels and reduced renal MDA. Aprepitant managed to inhibit ferroptosis by decreasing system Xc- and GPX4 renal levels. As a result, levels of autophagic markers ATG3, LC3A and LC3B were attenuated. These results were confirmed by electron microscopy examination of cellular structures. In addition, aprepitant increased p62 protein expression. Moreover, aprepitant decreased the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 levels. Our results suggest a new repurposed role for aprepitant in protecting against AKI. This protective effect relies on its antioxidant effect and the influence of inhibiting ferroptosis which resulted in downregulation of autophagy and apoptosis.

Engineered Polystyrene‐Zirconium Dioxide Nanocomposite With Enhanced Optical Properties

ABSTRACTThe demand for transparent polymers with high‐refractive indices (RIs) is increasing due to their versatility; however, low RIs also hold significance. Engineering the RI of polymer nanocomposites is crucial which benefits industry and research. The study investigates the influence of ZrO2 nanoparticles on the optical and surface properties of the polystyrene matrix. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirms that transparency is maintained with a light transmittance of 90 even with a ZrO2 loading of 16 wt%, while ellipsometry shows a steady increase in the RI due to the incorporation of nanoparticles. The RI of composites exceeds that of pure polystyrene (RI: 1.3–1.7) and utilizes the RI of ZrO2 (> 2.00) without altering the sample thickness. The microscopic image shows uniform distribution of particles up to 8 wt%, with slight agglomeration at higher contents. Scanning electron microscopy examination shows that the ZrO2 nanoparticles (20–150 nm) form loose agglomerated structures, while atomic force microscopy examination shows aggregate formation at 16 wt%. The addition of ZrO2 increases the surface roughness and water contact angle up to 4 wt%, which is related to the concentration of the nanofiller and the minimal interaction between ZrO2 and water. The results demonstrate the potential of ZrO2‐loaded nanocomposites for applications requiring high RIs and optical transparency.

Design and Optimization of W-Mo-V High-Speed Steel Roll Material and Its Heat-Treatment-Process Parameters Based on Numerical Simulation

W-Mo-V high-speed steel (HSS) is a high-alloy high-carbon steel with a high content of carbon, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium components. This type of high-speed steel has excellent red hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. In this study, the alloying element ratios were adjusted based on commercial HSS powders. The resulting chemical composition (wt.%) is C 1.9%, W 5.5%, Mo 5.0%, V 5.5%, Cr 4.5%, Si 0.7%, Mn 0.55%, Nb 0.5%, B 0.2%, N 0.06%, and the rest is Fe. This design is distinguished by the inclusion of a high content of molybdenum, vanadium, and trace boron in high-speed steel. When compared to traditional tungsten-based high-speed steel rolls, the addition of these three types of elements effectively improves the wear resistance and red hardness of high-speed steel, thereby increasing the service life of high-speed steel mill-roll covers. JMatPro (version 7.0) simulation software was used to create the composition of W-Mo-V HSS. The phase composition diagrams at various temperatures were examined, as well as the contents of distinct phases within the organization at various temperatures. The influence of austenite content on the martensitic transformation temperature at different temperatures was estimated. The heat treatment parameters for W-Mo-V HSS were optimized. By studying the phase equilibrium of W-Mo-V high-speed steel at different temperatures and drawing CCT diagrams, the starting temperature for the transformation of pearlite to austenite (Ac1 = 796.91 °C) and the ending temperature for the complete dissolution of secondary carbides into austenite (Accm = 819.49 °C) during heating was determined. The changes in carbide content and grain size of W-Mo-V high-speed steel at different tempering temperatures were calculated using JMatPro software. Combined with analysis of Ac1 and Accm temperature points, it was found that the optimal annealing temperatures were 817–827 °C, quenching temperatures were 1150–1160 °C, and tempering temperatures were 550–610 °C. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination of the samples obtained with the aforementioned heat treatment parameters revealed that the martensitic substrate and vanadium carbide grains were finely and evenly scattered, consistent with the simulation results. This suggests that the simulation is a useful reference for guiding actual production.

An Exploratory Study of the Surface Integrity of Various FRP Composites in Face Milling Operation

The use of glass, carbon and hybrid /glass/carbon epoxy polymer composites is widely used in the automotive, manufacturing and aerospace sectors. Milling is a secondary production process in which the final shape of the product is produced with the desired shape and high dimensional accuracy. The objective of this study is to enhance our knowledge of the machinability properties of composite materials in the secondary manufacturing industry. In this research study, performing face milling operations with different tools on bidirectional (BD) glass, unidirectional (UD) glass, carbon/epoxy, and glass/carbon/epoxy (hybrid epoxy) polymer composites. This experimental work derives conclusions that contribute to the improvement of the milling process for better surface quality. Taguchi’s L16 Design of Experiments (DOE) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) are used to determine the effect of tool type, speed of spindle, rate of feed, cut depth on surface roughness and delamination factor. And it was concluded that glass/carbon hybrid epoxy polymer laminates showed improved surface quality when milled with a Poly Crystalline Diamond (PCD) tool at parametric combinations of rate of feed is 300 mm/min, speed of spindle is 1000 rpm, and cutting depth is 0.5 mm. In addition, the experimental results of the scanning electron microscope examination were also verified. And found excellent machined surface quality and least damage with the above optimal process parameter combinations.

The Role of Scanning Electron Microscopy in the Evaluation of Conjunctival Microvilli as an Early Biomarker of Ocular Surface Health: A Literature Review.

Microvilli are bristle-like protuberances of the plasma membrane, which express the vitality of mucous and epithelial cells; their alteration indicates a condition of cellular suffering in a predictive sense, making it possible to establish how much an inflammatory state or toxic conditions affect cellular functionality. In this article, the authors evaluate the applications of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination to impression cytology (IC) of the bulbar conjunctiva for the assessment of microvillar alteration as an early ultrastructural indicator of ocular surface health. This method offers several advantages, starting with its simplicity: it involves the non-invasive application of a strip of bibulous paper to the bulbar or tarsal conjunctiva. Unlike conjunctival or corneal biopsies, which are surgical procedures, this technique is far less invasive and more comfortable for the patient. It also provides a more clinically relevant in vivo assessment compared to studies on cultured cell lines, which are mostly limited to scientific research and may not accurately reflect real-world conditions. This makes it an effective, repeatable, and patient-friendly option for detecting early pathological alterations of the ocular surface. It also represents a useful tool for evaluating the efficacy of topical drugs and the toxic effects of external factors and ophthalmic or systemic diseases. Finally, it allows for obtaining accessory information relating to goblet cells, the presence of inflammatory infiltrate, or any pathogens.

Male and female genital structures of Bangasternus planifrons (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhinocyllini) from Turkey: A scanning electron microscope study

AbstractBangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832) specimens collected from Ankara‐Bala were studied. The paper presents a scanning electron microscopic examination of ultrastructural features of aedeagus and spermatheca of Bangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhinocyllini) from Türkiye for the first time. The fact that Bangasternus is a genus with three species in Türkiye makes the study more important. Accordingly, detailed investigation of aedeagus and spermatheca is very important to obtain new diagnostic characteristics in Bangasternus. The parts which include systematic characters such as spermatheca, genital spicule, sternite eight and coxite figures were drawn in detail and these characters were discussed on species, genera and tribus levels. While significant differences were observed among the species in genital spicula, coxite, stylus and spermateca, a difference that would reveal a genus discrimination character by evaluating these structures could not be obtained according to the available findings. Photos in stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope are also given in the text.

Renal Disease in Nepal, Under Microscope: One Year Study

Introduction: Renal disease is a significant health problem in Nepal that is creating an increasing health and economic burden. Renal disease usually does not cause symptoms until reaching an advanced stage. Correct diagnosis of renal biopsy requires correlation of clinical, biochemical, and serological parameters and histopathological examination by light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and sometimes electron microscopic examination. The present study was conducted to study the histopathological patterns of all renal biopsy specimens in Nepal with the help of information obtained from Light microscopy and Immunofluorescence examination. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional (Prospective study) undertaken at the Pathology Department at Pratham Pathology Laboratory, Lazimpat for 1year duration (January 1ST - December 31ST 2022), all renal biopsy specimens of patients with different glomerular diseases were enrolled. The final diagnosis was made by a pathologist correlating with the histopathological along with immunofluorescence and other clinical and laboratory findings. Results: A total of 195 patient renal biopsy specimens between ages (1-80 years) were enrolled. The majority of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years (23.60%). The study showed slight female predominance with a male-to-female ratio of 1: 1.34. The most common renal disease was Lupus Nephritis with a frequency of 64 with a predominance of Lupus Type IV with a frequency of 34 (17.45. Among all, 21 cases were of Chronic Glomerulonephritis and the most common leading cause for it was IgA Nephropathy with a frequency of 8 (38.10%). Conclusions: The most commonly diagnosed renal disease under a microscope was Lupus Nephritis with a frequency of 34 (17.45%). The leading primary glomerular disease for Chronic glomerulonephritis was IgA Nephropathy with a frequency of 8 (38.10%).

Potency of Face Mask-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Parangtritis Beach, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

During the COVID-19 epidemic, improperly discarded face masks turned out to be a severe source of environmental contamination that threatened lives. Bacteria are a crucial degrading agent for face masks. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize potential face mask-degrading bacteria from discarded face masks at Parangtritis Beach in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia. Mineral Salt Media (MSM) containing face mask (black duckbill, blue surgical and white KF94) was used to select bacterial growth ability. The process of face mask degradation was also assisted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. Eight bacterial strains, designated AP1 through AP8, were obtained using an enrichment screening technique. AP1-AP3, AP4-AP5, and AP6-AP8 were identified phenotypically as Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp. respectively. Bacillus sp. (AP1) displayed the highest growth (OD600 0.78) on all test conditions among the eight isolates. Moreover, this strain could be grown on MSM-face mask media with a pH range of 5 - 9; temperature 5 – 50°C, and NaCl concentration of 2.5 - 7.5%. The SEM study revealed morphological alterations in the face masks inner, middle and outer layers after interaction with Bacillus sp. This research proved that Bacillus strains could be viable candidates for face mask biodegradation.

Developing Innovative Nano-Engineered Lightweight Foamed Concrete Incorporating Iron Oxide (II, III) with Enhanced Mechanical and Transport Properties

Recently, scientists have focused substantial attention on the incorporation of nanoscale components in cement-based materials. Iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered significant attention in nanoparticle research. This paper portrays preliminary discoveries of an investigation assessing the characteristics of foamed concrete (FC) with the presence of IONPs. A comprehensive assessment of characteristics was conducted, including its workability, axial compressive strength, bending strength, tensile strength, apparent porosity and water absorption capacity. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope examination was performed and evaluated. The results indicate a significant enhancement in the FC strength characteristics, with 28-day compressive, tensile, and bending strengths improving by up to 70, 76 and 52 %, respectively, with the inclusion of 3 % IONPs. Nonetheless, adding IONPs beyond 3 % did not yield significant improvements in mechanical properties. With a rise in IONPs from 1 to 5 %, the FC exhibited significant improvements in apparent porosity and water absorption. The decreasing pore size in FC containing IONPs was found to be the cause of the anomalies. A significant alteration in the arrangement of pore dimensions was noted in FC mixtures when the amounts of IONPs were modified. Results from this investigation emphasise the prospective benefits associated with integrating IONPs into FC, that could boost its entire characteristics.

Favourable Outcome in a Case of Fibrillary Glomerulonephritis: Case Report and Brief Review of Literature

Fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) is a rare pseudoamyloid glomerulopathy characterized by an extracellular deposit of DNAJB9 positive fibrils. Diagnosis of FGN is challenging, since there is no clinical specificity, and pathologically there are others glomerulopathies with organized deposits. Diagnosis of FGN is even more problematic in developing countries, where the necessary diagnostic tools aren’t available. Diagnosis of FGN requires DNAJB9 immunostaining or electron microscopy examination. Until today, there is no standard therapeutic regimen for FGN. The prognosis is still unclear and it is unpredictable. More than half of cases progress to the end-stage kidney disease. We report, in this paper, a case of FGN diagnosed in Moroccan woman. She was treated by steroids and rituximab induction therapy. She didn’t receive rituximab maintenance therapy due to a sustained CD19 depletion. We suspect here an association with an immunodeficiency condition. The clinical course was favourable. Nephrologists and pathologists, especially in developing countries, should be aware about this entity.