Glass Slides Research Articles

Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolchildren living along the shore of Lake Hawassa, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSchistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are major public health problems in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to water. In Ethiopia, there is limited data available for monitoring the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing helminth infections. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of S. mansoni and STH infections, as well as factors associated with this prevalence, among schoolchildren and compared the findings with those of earlier studies. We also evaluated the diagnostic agreement between two parasitological methods.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 363 schoolchildren from three rural primary schools located along the shore of Lake Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, southern Ethiopia, was conducted in October and November 2023. The schoolchildren were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using pre-structured questionnaires. A single stool sample was collected from each study participant and processed using direct wet mount (DM) microscopy and the formol-ether concentration technique (FECT) to detect helminth ova.ResultsThe overall prevalence of helminths was 59.8%, with 36.6% of participating children having a single infection and 23.1% having multiple infections. Schistosoma mansoni and STHs were present in 33.9% and 38.8% of children, respectively. The STHs included Ascaris lumbricoides (28.9% of children), Trichuris trichiura (10.7%), hookworms (5.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2.8%). Diagnostic agreement between the DM microscopy method and FECT was substantial [kappa (κ) = 0.710] for the detection of Hymenolepis nana and almost perfect (κ = 0.827) for the dection of A. lumbricoides, but only fair for the detection of other detected helminths. Children at Finchawa primary school had a lower prevalence of S. mansoni infection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.76] than those at St Paul’s Tullo Catholic primary school. STH infections were more common among children who sometimes (vs. always) washed their hands before meals (AOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.01–3.54) and those who regularly played with soil (AOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46).ConclusionsThis study showed a reduction in STH infections from a high prevalence in 2015 to a moderate prevalence at the present time, despite a similar moderate prevalence of S. mansoni infection. Thus, it is crucial to intensify deworming interventions to reduce the burden of helminths in the study area. Additionally, there is a need to enhance the capacity of clinical laboratories to perform FECT in Ethiopian clinical settings where DM is often employed to diagnose helminths.Graphical

Development of an inhalable contrast agent targeting the respiratory tract mucus layer for pulmonary ultrasonic imaging

Impaired mucociliary transport is a distinguishing sign of cystic fibrosis, but current methods of evaluation are invasive or expose young patients to ionizing radiation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging may provide a feasible alternative. We formulated a cationic microbubble ultrasound contrast agent, to optimize adhesion to the respiratory mucus layer when inhaled. Potential toxicity was evaluated in human bronchial epithelial cell (hBEC) cultures following a 24-hour exposure, compared to positive and negative control conditions. In vivo tolerability and pulmonary image enhancement feasibility were evaluated in mice, comparing oropharyngeal administration of contrast agent to saline control. When induced to flow across mucus plated on microscope slides, cationic microbubbles demonstrated greater affinity for target samples than standard microbubbles. Cationic microbubbles elicited no proinflammatory or cytotoxic response in hBECs, nor were any cross-links to the cilia observed. Unlike standard microbubbles, cationic microbubbles mixed into the mucus layer, without epithelial absorption, and were observed to move with the mucus layer by the action of mucociliary transport. When administered to mice, cationic microbubbles enhanced sonographic visualization of the trachea, and were well-tolerated with no adverse effects. This developmental work supports the safety and feasibility of a mucus-targeting contrast agent that may be useful for pulmonary ultrasound applications.

P-type ZnO:N thin films deposited at room temperature on different substrates for p-channel Thin Film Transistor fabrication

A series of ZnO:N thin films were deposited by means of reactive pulsed laser deposition at room temperature on SiO2 glass slides, quartz, Al2O3, polyimide, silicon, and thermally oxidized SiO2. The p-type conductivity was confirmed by Hall effect-Van der Pauw measurements, with electrical parameters varying depending on the substrate deposition as follow: hole concentration between 2.4×1018 - 3.8×1017 cm-3, resistivity between 0.5 - 4 Ωcm, and mobility between 2 - 8 cm2V-1s-1. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed identical binding energy values of the ZnO:N thin films across all substrates; the relative atomic concentrations varied between 49-53.8 at.%, 44-49 at.% and 2-2.4 at.% for zinc, oxygen and nitrogen respectively, due to over-quantification related to zinc particle splashing. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a surface roughness of the films below 2 nm. Several wide and defect-related emissions were found by Cathodoluminescence; but the film deposited on quartz exhibited a unique, intense, and narrow blue band, the deconvolution of which revealed peaks at wavelengths of 430 nm and 461 nm. A growth rate of 14 nm/hour, and an etching rate of 2 nm/sec were found; these parameters were confirmed with the fabrication of smooth-walled ZnO:N thin films microstructures using photolithography. Finally, Thin Film Transistors (TFT) were fabricated. The devices exhibited low, but clear field effect current amplification, with a Ion/Ioff = 10. The feasibility of using room-temperature deposited p-type ZnO:N thin films for p-channel TFT fabrication was demonstrated.

Establishment of a programmatic detection method for Trichomonas vaginalis based on double antibody sandwich ELISA targeting TvCP39 antigen

BackgroundTrichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a common sexually transmitted parasite that colonizes the human urogenital tract. Programmed and precise detection of T. vaginalis is a key step in preventing and treating trichomoniasis. However, the current detection methods of T. vaginalis, including wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification, have some shortcomings. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a programmed, sensitive, and specific method for detecting T. vaginalis. MethodsT. vaginalis cysteine protease 39 (TvCP39) was expressed in segments as TvCP39–1 and TvCP39–2, and the polyclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing rats and rabbits. The concentration of the polyclonal antibodies of anti-rTvCP39–2 and anti-rTvCP39–1 was determined by square matrix titration. The sensitivity and specificity of double antibody sandwich ELISA were analyzed and evaluated by detecting rTvCP39 and T. vaginalis excretory-secretory proteins (TvESPs) diluted in multiple ratios and detecting excretory-secretory proteins of T. vaginalis and other pathogens, respectively. The detection efficiency of wet mount microscopy, nested PCR, and double antibody sandwich ELISA was compared by testing sixty-two clinical samples from vaginal secretions. ResultsThe natural TvCP39 protein could be specifically recognized by anti-rTvCP39–1 and anti-rTvCP39–2 antibodies. The concentrations of anti-rTvCP39–2 and anti-rTvCP39–1 polyclonal antibodies were determined to be 0.58 μg/mL and 0.45 μg/mL, respectively. The results of the sensitivity test showed that the detection limits of rTvCP39 and TvESPs by double antibody sandwich ELISA were 1.76 ng/mL and 107.125 μg/mL, respectively. The specificity test results showed that the double antibody sandwich ELISA had a high specificity for the detection of T. vaginalis and did not cross-react with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus. The positive detection rate of clinical samples by double antibody sandwich ELISA was higher than that by wet mount microscopy, and was the same as nested PCR. The sensitivity of double antibody sandwich ELISA was consistent with that of nested PCR. The coincidence rate between double antibody sandwich ELISA and nested PCR was 100% (Kappa=1, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe double antibody sandwich ELISA detection method for T. vaginalis established in this study had the advantages of high sensitivity and specificity, and did not require the extraction of genomic DNA. This programmatic and simple detection method was suitable for batch testing of clinical samples and exhibited the potential value in the treatment and prevention of trichomoniasis.

Effects of Wedelia Ethanol Extract on Sperm Quality and Blood Cholesterol Levels in Obese Rats

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition contributing to male infertility by increasing oxidative stress, which negatively affects reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and blood cholesterol levels. The Wedelia plant (Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski) is a natural herbaceous plant containing flavonoids and tannins, known for enhancing sperm quality and inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the blood. This study aims to determine the potential of Wedelia in improving sperm quality and regulating blood cholesterol levels. The study used 24 male Wistar rats divided into four groups, consisting of C (no HFF, distilled water only), NC (HFF, distilled water), T1 (HFF and 100 mg/Kg BW Wedelia extract), and T2 (HFF and 200 mg/Kg BW Wedelia extract). HFF was administered from weeks 1 to 3, followed with extract treatments from weeks 3 to 5. On day 36, the rats were euthanized for blood collection using hematocrit into EDTA tubes. The rats were dissected for the epididymis, which was then incised in a 10% PBS to release sperm. Sperm motility and count were observed on glass slides, while sperm viability and morphology were analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin using an Optilab microscope (400x magnification). The observation parameters included sperm morphology, count, motility, viability, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with DMRT post hoc testing (p ≤ 0.05). The results showed that T2 exhibited an increase in sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology in HFF-induced obese rats. T1 and T2 also showed enhanced HDL cholesterol and reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. In conclucions, a Wedelia leaf extract dose of 200 mg/kg BW optimally improves sperm quality and reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Parasitic intestinal infection in students of disabilities centers in Sanaa governorate, Yemen

Background: Intestinal parasite infections remain prevalent in low-income countries, especially among children, due to poor drinking water quality and insufficient personal and environmental cleanliness. This study sought to diagnose, prevent, and manage intestinal parasites in individuals with special needs in Sanaa Governorate. Method: We collected stool samples from 232 students, aged 1 to 18, of which 143 were male and 89 were female. We collected data using a validated standard questionnaire. We processed and analyzed fecal samples using a wet mount preparation, adhering to the standing concentration technique. Results: We found an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 83.6%. E. histolytica (76.7%), G. lamblia (8.6%), A. lumbricoides (0.4%), H. nana (6.5%), S. mansoni (0.4%), Ent. vermicularis (6.5%), and S. stercoralis (2.2%). Conclusions: In children, E. histolytica was the most common intestinal parasite infection. There are few methods of transmission and protection for students with special needs.

A novel multiple marker microarray analyzer and methodology to predict major obstetric syndromes using surface markers of circulating extracellular vesicles from maternal plasma.

Placental-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-organelles that facilitate intercellular communication between the feto-placental unit and the mother. We evaluated a novel Multiple Microarray analyzer for identifying surface markers on plasma EVs that predict preterm delivery and preeclampsia compared to term delivery controls. In this prospective exploratory cohort study pregnant women between 24 and 40 gestational weeks with preterm delivery (n = 16), preeclampsia (n = 19), and matched term delivery controls (n = 15) were recruited from Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. Plasma samples were tested using a multiple microarray analyzer. Glass slides with 17 antibodies against EV surface receptors - were incubated with raw plasma samples, detected by biotinylated secondary antibodies specific to EVs or placental EVs (PEVs), and labeled with cyanine 5-streptavidin. PBS and whole human IgG served as controls. The fluorescent signal ratio to negative controls was log 2 transformed and analyzed for sensitivity and specificity using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROC). Best pair ratios of general EVs/PEVs were used for univariate analysis, and top pairs were combined for multivariate analysis. Results were validated by comparison with EVs purified using standard procedures. Heatmaps differentiated surface profiles of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and term delivery receptors on total EVs and PEVs. Similar results were obtained with enriched EVs and EVs from raw plasma. Univariate analyses identified markers predicting preterm delivery and preeclampsia over term delivery controls with AUC >0.6 and sensitivity >50% at 80% specificity. Combining the best markers in a multivariate model, preeclampsia prediction over term delivery had an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.72-1.0) with 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity, marked by inflammation (TNF RII), relaxation (placenta protein 13 (PP13)), and immune-modulation (LFA1) receptors. Preterm delivery prediction over term delivery had an AUC of 0.97 (0.94-1.0), 84% sensitivity, and 90% specificity, marked by cell adhesion (ICAM), immune suppression, and general EV markers (CD81, CD82, and Alix). Preeclampsia prediction over preterm delivery had an AUC of 0.91 (0.79-0.99) with 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity with markers for complement activation (C1q) and autoimmunity markers. The new, robust EV Multi-Array analyzer and methodology offer a simple, fast diagnostic tool that reveals novel surface markers for major obstetric syndromes.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors among patients with HIV/AIDS at the anti-retroviral treatment clinic of Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections remain very common, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of immune-compromised patients, such as HIV/AIDS patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and associated factors in people living with HIV/AIDS at an ART clinic in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital, southwest Ethiopia.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted from July to September 2021. A total of 191 adult people living with HIV/AIDS participated in this study. Data on socio-demographic, clinical, and other risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and processed using a direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Nelson staining techniques. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25 software.ResultsAmong 67 adult individuals living with HIV/AIDS, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 35.1%. Specifically, 31.5% (45/143) of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 45.8% (22/48) of ART-naïve patients were infected. The distribution of intestinal parasites was as follows: protozoa were found in 14.7% of ART-treated patients and 22.9% of ART-naïve patients; helminths in 15.4% of ART-treated patients and 16.7% of ART-naïve patients; and opportunistic parasites in 1.4% of ART-treated patients and 6.25% of ART-naïve patients. Significant associations with a higher prevalence of intestinal parasites were observed for a CD4 count &amp;lt;200 cells/mm3 (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.77; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01–13.15; p = 0.04), consumption of unwashed raw vegetables (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.23–8.86; p = 0.02), and residing in rural areas (AOR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27–4.32; p = 0.01).ConclusionThe findings indicate that a significant proportion of adults living with HIV/AIDS are affected by intestinal parasites, with a notably higher prevalence among ART-naïve patients compared to those on ART. Factors such as a low CD4 count, consumption of unwashed raw vegetables, and rural residence are associated with increased risk of intestinal parasite infections. These results underscore the importance of improving hygiene practices and access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, to reduce the burden of parasitic infections among individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Line-dropped gelatin multi-element calibration standards in LA-ICP-MS: a statistically verifying comparison with cryosectioned homogenized lung and liver as matrix-matched calibration standards and as corresponding reference materials.

Calibrations in LA-ICP-MS are typically very time-consuming and complex, as they need to be matched to the samples being measured and sectioned on a microtome. Alternatively, gelatin can be in droplet form or as a section, which is a more recent development. In this study, we report on investigations where hot multi-element gelatin solutions are placed in a linear fashion on microscopic slides to conduct comparative statistical observations between doped tissue homogenates from the liver and lung. The tissue homogenates served as both samples (complete ablation) and calibration standards (partial ablation) for verification purposes. We explored the effects of different laser fluences (0.50-1.50J/cm2), gelatin contents (0.3-20.0%) and section thicknesses (10-30µm). To do this, we evaluated the samples by calculating median and mean values over the entire section with and without removal of elementary spikes (de-spiking). A reduction in distribution was achieved with averaging. The data was normalized using 13C as an internal standard. In these experiments and under these measurement conditions, it was observed that the selected laser fluences, gelatin contents, and section thicknesses did not visibly affect the results, making them comparable. Each sample could be assessed with each gelatin calibration, allowing for determination of expected reference values. Despite interruptions in the measurement operation, due to the high number of measurements, where samples and calibrations could not be analyzed in one measurement run, no negative effects of stopping and starting the LA-ICP-MS were observed.

Determination of threshold values of parameters of electronic irradiation of glass leading to electrostatic discharges

Experimental data are presented on the minimum values of energies and flux densities of electrons, the impact of which on the cover glasses of solar batteries and reflecting elements of thermoradiators of artificial Earth satellites leads to electrostatic discharges. It has been established that the addition of protons to the composition of the particle flux acting on the studied samples can suppress the development of discharges. For a qualitative interpretation of the results obtained, a mathematical model is proposed.

A STUDY ON WOMEN ATTENDING GYNAECOLOGY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT UNDERGOING PAP SMEAR EXAMINATION AND FOLLOW-UP OF ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR USING COLPOSCOPY

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2018, an estimated 570,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 311,000 women died from the disease. It is the most common genital cancer among women in India. Pap smear is very useful in detecting abnormal cells and colposcopy locates the abnormal lesion when pap smear is abnormal. The objective of the study is to evaluate the women coming to the Gynaecology Outpatient Department undergoing pap smear and follow-up of abnormal smear using colposcopy. 103 women in the age group of 26-75(50.29+2.56) years who attended the gynecology outpatient department (GOPD)at a tertiary care teaching hospital in central Kerala with various clinical symptoms were screened by pap smear testing over two weeks. The smear was obtained using an Ayre spatula and it was spread over a glass slide which was placed in 95% ethyl alcohol in a coplin Jar. It was then sent to the department of pathology for cytopathological examination followed up using colposcopy and biopsy was done in the cases with abnormal colposcopy. Among these women,46.6 percentage have a normal pap smear 47.6% have an abnormal smear, and 5. 8 % have an atrophic smear. Among abnormal smear 4.8% are ASCUS, 1.9% LSIL, 0.97% SCC, 0.97% high-grade adenocarcinoma, and 37.86% inflammatory smears. As per International guidelines, women with abnormal pap smear tests should undergo colposcopy and those with abnormal colposcopy findings should undergo biopsy. Awareness about cancer should be increased and women should be motivated to undergo screening.

Thermo‐Enviro‐Economic Study of Solar Concentrated Hexagonal Covered Tubular Still Using Interrupted and Tilted Receiver

ABSTRACTSolar energy is still commonly used to produce clean drinking water due to its simple construction, low maintenance, and ecofriendliness. This work aims to experimentally investigate the yield upgrade and the thermal performance of a novel concentrated single‐axis tracking trough tubular solar still (TSS). This tubular still is identified by three baffles that generate four interrupted sections in the U‐receiver, which is inserted with copper mesh and fitted in a hexagonal‐shaped glass cover. Two identical TSS models were side‐by‐side outdoor tested in Baghdad‐Iraq 33.3° N and 43.3° E from January to March 2024. The first is inserted with black copper mesh (Model I), and the other has no insertion (Model ll). The effect of the inserted copper mesh (60, 120, and 180 g) and the receivers' tilt angle (5°, 10°, and 15°) on the still performance are involved. The still thermal performance is analyzed per heat transfer coefficients, energy, and exergy efficiencies. The results revealed that the accumulated daily yield is enhanced for Model I by 78.9%–194.8% while the thermal efficiency is enhanced by 68.3%–206.4% when it is tilted at 15° with the insertion of 60–180 g copper mesh, respectively, compared with Model II. It is concluded that an effective improvement in the solar still yield is obtained by using copper mesh.

An introduction to anatomical pathology.

Our experience in the Australian context is that medical students and clinicians receive minimal exposure to anatomical pathology throughout the course of their training. In this paper, we bring this topic to light by describing the process of converting an intact specimen into glass slides for microscopic analysis. We also explain how a pathological report is composed, along with brief discussions about ancillary tests, such as immunohistochemistry, special stains, and molecular testing. Our main goal is to familiarize clinicians with anatomical pathology in order to improve communication between clinicians and pathologists, as well as improve the quality of testing and patient care.

An Optimized Protocol for Multiple Immunohistochemical Staining of Fragile Tissue Samples.

Owing to the high occurrence of tissue detachment during the sample preparation process, the application of multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) technology is limited in the field of fragile tissue samples, such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. To optimize a method for preparing sections for mIHC on fragile tissue samples, taking the human anterior cruciate ligament as an example, paraffin-embedded continuous sections with a thickness of 4 μm were divided into two groups: baking groups underwent routine section processing, and after being mounted on glass slides, they were baked at 65°C for 4 h, 8 h, or 24 h; ultraviolet (UV) photosensitive cross-linking groups used adhesive-coated slides for mounting and were directly subjected to UV light-induced cross-linking, with the cross-linking time set at 0 s, 20 s, 40 s, 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, 4 min, and 5 min, respectively. After deparaffinization and rehydration, we simulated the microwave step, which was most likely to cause tissue detachment during the mIHC experimental procedure, and then, the sections were stained with eosin. Finally, using the optimal cross-linking time selected from the UV cross-linking groups, mIHC staining of tendon and bone tissues was performed. After deparaffinization and rehydration, both groups were able to maintain the integrity of the tissue structure, except for the slides from the UV-sensitive cross-linking 0 s group, which showed complete tissue detachment. Following the seventh microwave treatment, the baking groups presented significant tissue detachment. The UV cross-linking groups were affected by the cross-linking time, and severe tissue detachment occurred with cross-linking times of 20 s, 40 s, and 5 min, whereas the tissues cross-linked for 1 min, 2 min, 3 min, and 4 min all maintained complete tissue morphology and structure. Finally, after 2 min of cross-linking, the results of spectral imaging revealed that the tissue morphology and structure were intact. During the process of mIHC staining, photocrosslinking with UV irradiation for 1-4 min effectively preserves the integrity of the tissue morphological structure.

Surfactants can compete with microplastics for surfaces using adhesives as substrates for microplastic sequestration

Experimental efforts supplemented by modeling gauged whether common additives found in soaps and laundry detergents interfered with polyacrylate adhesive-based capture of microplastics. On the experimental front, poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEHA) samples were evaluated using gravimetric analysis, probe tack, and functional assessments of adhesive-coated glass slides immersed into DI water solutions containing both microparticles and additives (solvents, softeners, and non-ionic surfactants). Nylon-6 spheres and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics were chosen for adsorption using a count-based method by ImageJ imaging analysis. Molecular dynamics computations simulated 2-ethyl-hexylacrylate (2-EHA) adhesive and microplastic interactions in the presence of water, citrate, glycerol and tergitol detergent additives. The experimental work showed that fewer microplastics were collected when tergitol was added and was in line with lower experimental Work of Adhesion (WoAaq) results for nylon and PETE (94.5% and 54.5% reductions respectively). Computational results also confirmed lower adhesion in the presence of tergitol. The experiments also showed that the adhesive swelled while equilibrating in additive solutions. Models suggested that tergitol most negatively impacted particle binding through a competitive “blocking” of the adhesive substrate while the other additives were less conclusive about potential interferences based on competitive binding.

Susceptibility of pruning wounds of apple trees to Diplodia mutila, D. seriata, Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Neofusicoccum arbuti infections and conidia release of Botryosphaeriaceae spp. in the Maule Region, Chile.

Studies on susceptibility of the age of the pruning wound and effect of pruning time on infection by Botryosphaeriaceae in apple trees is scarce. This work aimed to determine the susceptibility of different ages of pruning wound (1, 15, 30 or 45 days after pruning) and the effect of pruning time during early (June) and late pruning (August) in apples cvs. Fuji and Gala on the infection of Diplodia mutila, D. seriata, Neofusicoccum arbuti and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Additionally, seasonal conidial release of Botryosphaeriaceae spp. was monitored using Vaseline-coated glass slides in two orchard cv. Fuji and Gala during two consecutive growing seasons (2020-2021) in Maule region, Central Chile. The analysis of the variance of each pruning wound age showed significant interaction between the factors, Botryosphaeria isolate × apple cultivar (P= 0.0001). The isolates of N. arbuti and D. seriata were significantly more aggressive than the other isolates of Botryosphaeria, with mean values of 45.2 mm (one day of age) to 7.9 mm (45 days of age) and 31.0 mm (one day of age) to 6.6 mm (45 days of age), respectively. Independently of the Botryosphaeriaceae species, the pruning wound susceptibility considerably decreased as the age of the pruning wound increased, where fresh pruning wounds (1 and 15 days) are more susceptible than older pruning wounds (30 and 45 days). Our results indicated significant (P < 0.0001) interaction between Botryosphaeria isolates and pruning time for both cultivars. Necrotic lesions varied among the Botryosphaeriaceae species, where lesion length was significantly greater in the isolates of N. arbuti, D. mutila, and D. seriata inoculated in early pruning than inoculations conducted in late pruning. This study demonstrated a strong relationship between conidial release and rainfall, where 70.3% and 86.3% of the total conidia of Botryosphaeriaceae spp. were released during rainfall periods between June and August (winter). This work suggests that a delay in pruning times may be justified to reduce the risk of Botryosphaeria canker and dieback in apple trees in Maule region, Chile, considering rain-free days.

Microscopic and molecular detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in outpatients seeking medical care in Upper Egypt.

Trichomoniasis remains one of the most significant sexually transmitted disease (STDs) for public health. The disease is caused by parasitic protozoa, Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), which is often underestimated in tropical medicine. Despite its public health importance, the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of trichomoniasis in Egypt remains poorly understood, particularly in the southern part of the country (Upper Egypt). This study targeted exploring the genetic variability of T. vaginalis infections in Egyptian women living in Upper Egypt using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). This cross-sectional study included 150 female patients, who visited the gynaecology and obstetrics outpatient clinics at Sohag General Hospital between 2019 and 2022, exhibiting symptoms of trichomoniasis. Vaginal washout samples were collected from each patient and analyzed using three diagnostic techniques: direct wet mount microscopy, culture on TYM Diamond's medium, and PCR amplification and Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) targeting the actin gene, which was applied to all 16 samples that tested positive in culture. The PCR-RFLP results were then visualized through agarose gels electrophoresis to detect DNA fragments. Out of 150 vaginal washout samples, 12 cases (8%) tested positive for T. vaginalis trophozoites via direct wet mount microscopy, while 16 samples (10.6%) were positive in culture. Additionally, PCR-RFLP analysis of the 16 culture-positive samples revealed that 13 samples were confirmed positive using this molecular method. The amplified products were digested with the restriction enzyme Hind II, yielding three DNA fragments of 60, 213, and 827 bp, which were then detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Digestion with RsaI produced five fragments measuring 87, 103/106, 236, and 568 bp, while MseI digestion resulted in three distinct fragments of 204, 315, and 581 bp. This study provides robust baseline data on the prevalence and microscopic characteristics of T. vaginalis in Upper Egypt, while also presenting, for the first time, molecular detection and genotyping and revealed that genotype E is the only prevalent genotype in the region.

Experimental investigations on simple and modified concatenated stepped solar still units for the extraction of clean water: A comparative study

In this experimental research work, a parallel comparison of a modified concatenated stepped solar still (MCSSS) unit was done with a simple concatenated stepped solar still (SCSSS) unit for the extraction of clean water, considering thermo-enviro-economic aspects. Each stepped solar still in these experimental units had 0.25 m2 heat absorbing area. The MCSSS unit was equipped with internal reflectors, external reflector and glass cover cooling arrangement. The experimental units were feed with a pre-optimized tap water flow rate of 50 ml/min for the extraction of clean water. The comparison revealed that the MCSSS unit produced 3.43 L/day of distillate which was 18.72 % higher than that of SCSSS unit. In the MCSSS unit, the convective and evaporative heat transfer coefficients were found to be 15.29 % and 11.50 % higher, respectively. The energy and exergy efficiencies of MCSSS unit were 41.58 % and 14.52 % which were found to be respectively 19.93 % and 25.93 % higher than that of SCSSS unit. The MCSSS unit had lower energy payback time and earned higher carbon credits as compared to SCSSS unit. The economic payback period of MCSSS unit was evaluated to be lower than SCSSS unit by 1.297 months.

Whole Slide Imaging, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning in Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology: Current Status and Future Directions

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is becoming increasingly mainstream. Leveraging digital technologies, such as AI and deep learning, impacts researchers, clinicians, and industry due to promising performance and clinical potential. Digital pathology is now a proven technology, enabling generation of high-resolution digital images from glass slides (whole slide images; WSI). WSIs facilitates AI-based image analysis to aid pathologists in diagnostic tasks, improve workflow efficiency, and address workforce shortages. Example applications include tumor segmentation, disease classification, detection, quantitation and grading, rare object identification, and outcome prediction. While advancements have occurred, integration of WSI-AI into clinical laboratories faces challenges, including concerns regarding evidence quality, regulatory adaptations, clinical evaluation, and safety considerations. In pediatric and developmental histopathology, adoption of AI could improve diagnostic efficiency, automate routine tasks, and address specific diagnostic challenges unique to the specialty, such as standardizing placental pathology and developmental autopsy findings, as well as mitigating staffing shortages in the subspeciality. Additionally, AI-based tools have potential to mitigate medicolegal implications by enhancing reproducibility and objectivity in diagnostic evaluations. An overview of recent developments and challenges in applying AI to pediatric and developmental pathology, focusing on machine learning methods applied to WSIs of pediatric pathology specimens is presented.

Dyadobacter helix sp. nov. and Dyadobacter linearis sp. nov., from drinking water.

The purpose of this study is to better characterize and complete the classification of two bacterial strains, CECT 9275T and CECT 9623T, isolated from drinking water systems and affiliated to the genus Dyadobacter by partial 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison. Hence, we report here the phenotypic, genomic and phylogenetic characterization performed on these strains. Both strains grow on R2A agar forming mucous, bright yellow colonies, developing at 26 °C in 48 h. They produce flexirubin and are oxidase and catalase positive, mesophilic and non-halophilic. The cells of strain CECT 9275T are curved rods mainly associated in pairs, forming nearly closed rings or resembling the shape of the number three, to long spirals resembling a corkscrew. Its draft genome has an estimated size of 7.23 Mbp (G+C content 45.4%). Strain CECT 9623T appeared on wet mounts as straight rods, mostly in pairs, sometimes forming long filaments (up to 20 µm). Its draft genome is shorter, with an estimated size of 6.45 Mbp (G+C content is 46.1%). Overall genome relatedness indexes clearly define them as separate organisms, so based on all the data collected, we propose the species Dyadobacter helix sp. nov. with type strain AB1T (=CECT 9275T=LMG 32341T) and Dyadobacter linearis sp. nov. with type strain AB67T (=CECT 9623T=LMG 32342T).