High-power Microscopy Research Articles

Surface Morphology Analysis of Graphene Transfer on SiO2 with BPA Aptasensor Detection using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Bisphenol A or BPA is one of the highest produced chemicals in the world. The production of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin are used to make variety of consumer goods and it is frequently employed BPA as a raw material. BPA is one of the endocrine disruptors which is related to a wide range of adverse health effects that can cause reproductive disorders and many kinds of cancers. In the work, the novelty of electrochemical sensor of BPA was constructed on a raphene modified electrode using graphene transfer method. In this work, High-power microscope and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the production and characterization of the graphene, with two significant mapping graphene at 20% and 80%. The existence of graphene on silicon oxide was analyzed using Raman Spectroscopy while the composition of the materials was analyze using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. In this analysis, both analysis data from Raman and FTIR clearly shown that 80% mapping graphene is the best option which resulting to the high surface coverage. The electrochemical performance of the mapping 80% graphene electrode was examined using Electrochemical Impedance Spectra. The increase in charge transfer resistance (Rct) both before and after the addition of BPA denotes the development of the charge at the electrode surface. The equivalent circuit shows the Rct of graphene increased from 0.4 k Ω to 1.2 k Ω and drastically increased to 300 kΩ when the device was introduced with BPA due to the existence of a negative charge carrier and the repelling contact.

Prevalence and Diversity of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Irish Peatlands

The prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in the Irish peatlands was investigated in five different peatland habitats—raised bog, cutover scrub/woodlands, fens and peat grasslands, which were further sub-categorised into fourteen different sub-habitats. Within the raised bog habitat were healthy bog hummock (HBH), healthy bog lawn (HBL), degraded bog hummock (DBH) and degraded bog lawn (DBL) and the fen habitats were fen peat (FP) and rich fen peat (R-FP). Cutover scrub or woodland habitat included cutover scrub rewetted (C-RW), cutover scrub non-rewetted (C-NRW), woodlands rewetted (W-RW) and woodlands non-rewetted (W-NRW). Grassland included wasted peat (WP), rough grazing (RG-I) and improved fen peat grassland (IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW). Soil samples from peatlands were all collected between July and December 2023 when the temperature ranged from 12 to 20 °C. One half of each sample was used for molecular nematode analysis and the other half for morphological identification of nematodes. For the morphological identification, a specific nematode extraction protocol was optimised for peatland soils, and the extracted nematodes were fixed onto slides to be studied under a high-power light microscope. Subsequently, the other part of the soil was processed to isolate total DNA, from which the 18S rRNA gene was sequenced for the identification of nematode taxa. The extracted DNA was also used for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting analysis to determine banding patterns that could classify different bog habitats based on PPN random primers. Compared to that in the climax habitats (HBH, HBL, DBH, DBL, FP, R-FP), PPN prevalence was recorded as being higher in grasslands (WP, RG-I, IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW) and scrub/woodland ecosystems (C-RW, C-NRW, W-RW, W-NRW). The results indicate that nematode populations are different across the various bog habitats. Emerging and current quarantine PPN belonging to the families Pratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, Anguinidae and Heteroderidae were noted to be above the threshold limits mentioned under EPPO guidelines, in grassland and wooded peatland habitats. Future actions for PPN management may need to be considered, along with the likelihood that these PPN might impact future paludiculture and other crops and trees growing in nearby agricultural lands.

Comparative Analysis on Aluminium Interdigitated Electrode Surface: Influence of Ionic Strength and Electrolytes Changes

The field of generating surface thin films in sensing applications is emerging, and the incorporation of thin film technology into sensor development for enhanced sensing is becoming increasingly significant in various industries such as healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety. However, in order to achieve higher specificity in biosensing, advances in nanomaterial biofunctionalization are crucial. This research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of nanobiosensors with surface modification using two different sensing materials: zinc oxide and gold nanorod nanocomposites. The aim of this study was to enhance the sensing capabilities of nanobiosensors by incorporating surface modification with different sensing materials. The fabrication of nanobiosensors involved using silicon as the base material and conventional photolithography to fabricate aluminium interdigitated electrodes with three different structures and gap sizes. AutoCAD software was utilized to create three different photo masks with varying gap sizes. Physical characterization of the fabricated ALIDEs was conducted using atomic force microscope, high power microscope, scanning electron microscope, and 3D-profilormeter. The electrical characterization of the ALIDEs was performed using a Keithley 6487 picoammeter. I-V measurements were conducted on bare ALIDEs as well as surface modified ALIDEs with zinc oxide and gold nanorod. I-V measurements were also performed for pH scouting. The I-V measurements on bare ALIDEs revealed that ALIDEs modified with gold nanorod conducted the least current compared to ALIDEs modified with zinc oxide. Furthermore, the ALIDEs modified with gold nanorod were found to be stable under various electrolytes environments after undergoing pH scouting.

Analysis on Silica and Graphene Nanomaterials Obtained From Rice Straw for Antimicrobial Potential

This study focuses on the encapsulation of silica and graphene nanoparticles and their potential applications. The encapsulation enhances the properties and effectiveness of these nanoparticles, with silica providing stability and graphene contributing to high surface area and electrical conductivity. Characterization of silica-graphene nanoparticles was conducted using various techniques including High Power Microscope (HPM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and 3D Nano Profiler. The antimicrobial activity of silica, graphene, and silica-graphene nanoparticles was evaluated using a disc diffusion assay against E. coli and B. subtilis at varying concentrations. Results showed significant antimicrobial activity, with the inhibition zone being directly proportional to the concentration. Silica-graphene nanoparticles demonstrated higher efficacy against E. coli compared to B. subtilis, attributed to differences in cell wall structure. Statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed significant differences in antimicrobial activity among the tested components.

Aluminium Interdigitated Electrode with 5.0 μm Gap for Electrolytic Scooting

The goal of the research project is to design, fabricate, and characterize an extremely sensitive biosensor for use in healthcare. Using AutoCAD software, a novel IDE pattern with a 5 μm finger gap was created. Conventional photolithography and regular CMOS technology were used in the fabrication process. A 3D nano profiler, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-power microscopy (HPM), and low-power microscopy (LPM) were used to physically characterize the manufactured IDE. Chemical testing was done using several pH buffer solutions, and electrical validation was performed using I-V measurements. The Al IDE was produced, with a tolerance of 0.1 μm between the fabricated IDEs and the design mask. Electrical measurements verified the flawless fabrication of the IDE, and the device's repeatability was validated by the outcomes of comparable IDE samples. For each pH buffer solution, a modest additional volume of 2 μl was used to quantitatively detect slight current fluctuations in the microampere range. Through pH calibration for advanced applications in the realm of chemical sensors using an amperometric method, this research study has verified the chemical behavior of the IDE.

Advancing COVID-19 Detection: High-Performance RNA Biosensing via Electrical Interactions

This research paper investigated the detection of COVID-19 using an Aluminum Interdigitated Electrode (Al-IDE) sensor based on electrical conductivity. The silanization process involved the functionalization step, employing (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), while the immobilization process was facilitated by the RNA Probe specific to COVID-19. To verify its specificity in detection, the functionalized biosensor was tested against single-base mismatches, non-complementary sequences, and complementary sequences. The physical characteristics of the Al-IDE biosensor were examined using both low-power microscopy (LPM) and high-power microscopy (HPM). Additionally, the morphological properties of the biosensor were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). To assess its diagnostic potential, the biosensor's sensitivity was evaluated by exposing it to a range of complementary targets, spanning from 1 femtomolar (fM) to 1 micromolar (μM). The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the biosensor were meticulously analyzed at each stage of functionalization bare Al-IDE, silanization, immobilization, and hybridization. This I-V characterization was carried out using a picoammeter voltage source (Keithley 2450), Kickstart software, and a probe station. The results confirmed the biosensor's capability to effectively detect COVID-19 targets within the nanoampere concentration range, demonstrating its success in detecting specific COVID-19 targets at the nanoampere level.

Cost-Effective Fabrication of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Application

Microfluidics fabrication pertains to the construction of small-scale devices and systems that manipulate and control small volumes of fluids. This process involves precise engineering and manufacturing procedures aimed at designing and producing these devices, which find applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and chemical analysis. The present study showcases an inexpensive approach to fabricate microfluidics channels using PDMS biopolymer and soft lithography technique to achieve laminar fluid flow. Initially, a robust and adhesive mold was created by fabricating a master template using several layers of SU-8 5 and SU-8 2015 negative photoresists. Subsequently, PDMS microfluidics channels were replicated and sealed onto a glass substrate through plasma bonding treatment. High-power microscopy images and profilometer analyses demonstrated successful fabrication with minimal deviation from the initial designs and the fabricated devices (less than 0.07 mm, less than 0.6°). Both the SU-8 master template and PDMS replicate displayed average microchannel height values and surface roughness of 100 μm and 0.26 μm or lower, respectively. Additionally, the fluid test confirmed laminar flow without any leakage post plasma oxidation, indicating the completion of an efficient and cost-effective fabrication process.

Clinicopathological Characteristics of 11 Cases with Spiradenoma: A Rare Adnexal Tumor

Objective: To explore the clinicopathological characteristics of spiradenoma (SA), and make exact diagnosis and differential diagnosis of this disease. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 11 patients with spiradenoma in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and combined with the review of literatures. Results: Among the 11 patients with spiroadenomas, 6 cases were male and 5 were female; the age ranged from 19 to 70 years old, with an average age of 41 years; Spiradenomas are more common in the trunk and limbs. At low-power microscope, the tumor mass with capsule in the dermis. Under a high-power microscope, the tumor is usually composed of two types of cells, which are the marginal small basaloid cells with dark staining and central larger cells with a pale and acidophilic nucleus. Other morphological structures included 2 cases of cystic solid and cylindroma respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed that epithelial and myoepithelial differentiation. Conclusion: Spiradenoma often occurs subcutaneously and requires histopathological diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis. Its biological behavior is benign and its prognosis is good. But malignant transformation should be considered in some case with long course or relapses. SA is rare in clinical and is prone to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. This study summarizes the clinilcopathological characteristics of SA, providing reference for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Experimental Demonstration of High-Sensitivity Nano capacitors via Advanced Nanofabrication Techniques for Nano Electronic Implementations

Nano gap capacitors have recently received significant interest as a key component in a wide range of implementations including photonics, Nanoelectronics, and sensing applications. Many exploratory research projects are being conducted to investigate the electrical characteristics of these nano capacitors. One essential issue that this paper addresses is the need for highly sensitive nano gap capacitors which can be adopted for ultra-low power sensing implementations. In this paper, gold is utilized as the electrode material owing to its superb chemical stability, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility. The fabrication process is started by designing the mask namely nano gap pad electrodes using AutoCAD software. Subsequently, the designs are finally transferred and fabricated onto a chrome glass surface. In this work, after a combination of conventional photolithography and size reduction approach used to fabricate the device, conventional photolithography is applied to transfer the nano gap pattern onto the gold surface. In order to achieve the desired dimension of the nano gap, a size reduction technique is employed. Describe the most important thing in 2-3 sentences only). Visual inspection using a High Power Microscope (HPM), 3D nano profiler, X-Ray diffractions (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) have been employed to observe and validate the fabricated structures. Results show that a 2.5 nano Ampere is measured as the applied voltage increases to 10 mV. This firmly demonstrates the ultra-low power consumption, several Pico watts, of these nano gap capacitors. Further, our findings show that the fabricated 4nm gap structure can achieve an approximately 300 nano farad capacitor at low frequencies, which is advantageous for adoption in highly sensitive biosensors.

Novel KMT2B gene mutation in MUC4 positive low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma

BackgroundLow-grade Fibromyxoid Sarcoma(LGFM)is a rare fibrosarcoma, which mainly occurs in young people and is mostly seen in the trunk and limbs. The tumor is usually FUS-CREB3L2 fusion caused by t(7;16)(q32-34;p11)chromosome translocation, and rarely FUS-CREB3L1 and EWSR1-CREB3L1 fusion. MUC4 diffuse strong positive can be used as a specific index of LGFM. LGFM is similar to Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma(SEF) and may have the same origin.Case presentationWe report a case of LGFM in the chest wall. A female who is 59 years old. In 2016, CT showed dense nodule shadow and focal thickening of the left pleura, the patient underwent surgery, Pathological report that low to moderate malignant fibrosarcoma(fibromyxoid type). The CT re-examination in 2021 showed that the tumors on the left chest wall were significantly larger than before. Pathological examination showed the disease is composed of alternating collagen like and mucinous areas. Under high-power microscope, the tumor cells are consistent in shape, spindle or short spindle, and the tumor cells are arranged in bundles. In local areas, the density of tumor cells is significantly increased, mixed with collagen fibers, and small focal SEF appear. The result of immunohistochemistry showed that SMA, Desmin, CD34, STAT6, S100, SOX10, HMB45 and Melan A were negative, EMA was weakly positive, MUC4 was diffuse and strongly positive, and Ki67 index was low (3%).ConclusionSequencing results showed that MET, EGFR, KMT2B and RET gene were mutated in LGFM, and KMT2B gene had cancer promoting effect, but there was no literature report in LGFM, which may be of certain significance for the diagnosis and treatment of LGFM.

The use of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for in situ microbial detection in complex mineral substrates.

The utility of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for identifying bacteria in complex mineral matrices was investigated. Baseline signals from unlabelled Bacillus subtilis and Euglena gracilis, and Bacillus subtilis labelled with SYTO 9 were obtained using two-photon excitation at 730, 750 and 800nm, identifying characteristic lifetimes of photosynthetic pigments, unpigmented cellular autofluorescence, and SYTO 9. Labelled and unlabelled B. subtilis were seeded onto marble and gypsum samples containing endolithic photosynthetic cyanobacteria and the ability to distinguish cells from mineral autofluorescence and nonspecific dye staining was examined in parallel with ordinary multichannel confocal imaging. It was found that FLIM enabled discrimination of SYTO 9 labelled cells from background, but that the lifetime of SYTO 9 was shorter in cells on minerals than in pure culture under our conditions. Photosynthetic microorganisms were easily observed using both FLIM and confocal. Unlabelled, nonpigmented bacteria showed weak signals that were difficult to distinguish from background when minerals were present, though cellular autofluorescence consistent with NAD(P)H could be seen in pure cultures, and phasor analysis permitted detection on rocks. Gypsum and marble samples showed similar autofluorescence profiles, with little autofluorescence in the yellow-to-red range. Lifetime or time-gated imaging may prove a useful tool for environmental microbiology. LAY DESCRIPTION: The standard method of bacterial enumeration is to label the cells with a fluorescent dye and count them under high-power fluorescence microscopy. However, this can be difficult when the cells are embedded in soil and rock due to fluorescence from the surrounding minerals and dye binding to ambiguous features of the substrate. The use of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) can disambiguate these signals and allow for improved detection of bacteria in environmental samples.

Evaluation of indirect transfer mechanisms of semen under varying test conditions

There is limited data available on the subject of indirect transfer of non-visible body fluids, particularly semen, and often forensic science practitioner experience alone must be used to guide expectations. It can be difficult to assess the likelihood of proposed transfer scenarios without knowledge of how different variables can affect a transfer. The following work carried out by the Association of Forensic Service Providers UK and Ireland Body Fluid Forum explores how the features of transferred semen change with differences in the primary and secondary surface (porous and non– porous), different contact types (passive, pressure and pressure+) and with wet and dry primary stains. It was concluded that the primary surface type and whether the stain was wet or dry when contact occurred had the most significant effect on the transfer of semen, with wet transfers and transfers from the tested non-porous surface producing significantly more, and larger, visible stains under white light, stains with stronger fluorescence as viewed using Crime-lite® ML2, stains with stronger and faster acid phosphatase reactions and greater numbers of spermatozoa viewed using high power microscopy, compared to dry transfers and transfers from the tested porous surface. Pressure with movement transfers resulted in significantly more visible stains under white light and greater numbers of spermatozoa viewed using high power microscopy compared to passive transfers, however this only occurred when transfers were from a porous primary surface. The secondary surface type was not found to have a significant effect on the numbers of spermatozoa viewed using high power microscopy.

Understanding Mold Wear Mechanisms and Optimizing Performance through Nico Coating: An In-Depth Analysis

This research investigates the wear mechanism of molds and examines the worn areas using high power microscopes and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). In addition, EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) techniques are used to compare the worn areas with the normal areas. The results indicate that the wear mechanism of the molds is similar to adhesive wear. To address the issue of die wear, the application of Nico coating to the copper substrate surface is investigated. Two sample preparation methods, namely DC power supply and dual pulse power supply, are employed. SEM analysis shows that the sample group prepared using the dual pulse power supply has a relatively dense surface coating. The samples with a 60:40 weight ratio of Nico exhibit the highest average hardness and thickness, with minimal dispersion as indicated by the low standard deviation. The samples also show minimal roughness. Repeat tests under the same conditions confirm that the coating surface remains dense and uniform with a hardness of 467.628 hv, a thickness of 43.0665 μm and a roughness of 4.331 nm. The nanoindenter test results show that the coating has improved wear resistance (−28.7 nm) compared to the original mold (−142.4 nm), an increase of 80%.

Fibres in the nasal cavity: A pilot study of the recovery, background, and transfer in smothering scenarios

In cases where the suspected cause of death is smothering, fibre traces recovered from the nasal cavity are hypothesised to refute or support this proposition. In order to carry out such evaluations, an efficient recovery method must first be established. This pilot study tested five different recovery methods on 3D printed models of nasal cavities. Among which, the use of the transparent AccuTrans® polyvinyl Siloxane casts demonstrated the best recovery efficiency with a median of 90% of deposited fibres recovered. The efficacy of this method was then verified on cadavers. Apart from a reliable recovery method, an understanding of the background population of fibres in nasal cavities, as well as the mechanisms of the transfer from the purported smothering textile to the nasal cavity is essential to evaluate the findings in these cases of suspected smothering. Samplings of the nasal cavities of 20 cadavers were thus carried out to gather data on the background population of fibres. Results showed that nasal cavities are not void of fibres, but the quantities are expected to be low, with a mean of 3.8 fibres per cavity recovered. Information on generic fibre class, colour, and length of these background fibres were also obtained with the use of low and high-power microscopy. The frequencies found in this population of fibres closely align with data from other population studies where black cotton was the most common. Finally, transfer experiments using the 3D printed models fitted with a respiratory pump to simulate breathing were carried out, along with testing on live volunteers in-vivo. The results demonstrated a verifiable transfer of fibres into the nasal cavity in smothering scenarios. Textiles of various shedding capacities were used in these tests and the findings suggest an influence of this variable on the quantities of fibres transferred.

Analysis of fracture state and fatigue life of high modulus carbon fiber wrapped composite barrel

High-modulus Carbon Fiber-reinforced Polymer composites are widely used in critical industries due to their exceptional mechanical properties. However, the fatigue and fracture of high modulus carbon fiber materials are currently poorly studied. For this purpose, the NOL ring fatigue tensile testing is referenced and improved to investigate the performance and service life of high-modulus carbon fiber wound barrels. NOL ring specimens, made of M40 carbon fiber material, are subjected to quasi-static tensile and fatigue tests. The fracture state and characteristics of high modulus materials during fatigue are analyzed. Two-parameter Weibull distribution function is used to analysis statistically the fatigue life results of composite samples. Then, the life curve is drawn for different stress amplitudes. Additionally, the fiber fracture surface is observed under a high-power microscope. The fiber fracture model under brittle fracture is established. The results indicate that the fracture characteristics and mechanisms of high-modulus materials differ from those of high-strength materials, necessitating different fatigue life assessment methods. The fatigue failure of high modulus fibers exhibits brittle fracture similar to quasi-static loss, with flat fracture surfaces and minimal cumulative damage. The failure mechanism is accompanied by brittle fractures with a small amount of fiber pulled out.

Cystic tumor ablation with different concentrations of lauromacrogol solution in an animal model.

Lauromacrogol, as a sclerosing agent, can induce aseptic inflammation and fibrous tissue proliferation to achieve sclerotherapy. Lauromacrogol is widely used not only for vascular sclerotherapy but also for the treatment of different cystic tumors. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cystic tumor ablation with different concentrations of lauromacrogol solution in a rat endometriosis model, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of this model in simulating pancreatic cystic neoplasm. An endometriotic cyst model was established in 50 mature female Sprague-Dawley rats. After 4 weeks, successfully modeled cysts were randomly divided into four groups: group A, in which cyst were injected with normal saline; and groups B to D, in which cyst were injected with 1%, 2%, and 3% lauromacrogol solution, respectively. The rats were then fed for 4 more weeks. The abdominal cavity was opened to observe the morphology of the cyst and the degree of damage to surrounding organs. If the ablation procedure failed, the whole cyst was collected; if the ablation procedure was successful, residual scar tissue was collected. The ratio of ablated epithelial cells to the epithelial layer and the intactness of the lamina propria were observed by low- and high-power microscopy. After ablation, the cysts in normal saline group showed a maintained hemispherical structure, whereas those in three different concentrations of lauromacrogol solution groups showed a flat scar. The effective rate of each group was statistically different. Pairwise comparison of corrected significance levels using the Bonferroni method showed statistically a significant difference between normal saline group and 1% lauromacrogol solution group, 2% lauromacrogol solution group and 3% lauromacrogol solution group. According to the morphology and pathology of rat endometriotic cysts after ablation, it can be preliminarily concluded that ablation with 1%, 2%, or 3% lauromacrogol solution is an effective and safe therapeutic option. Rat endometriotic cyst model can simulate pancreatic cystic neoplasms to a certain extent.

Robotics in Microsurgery and Supermicrosurgery.

Microsurgery has changed the ability to perform highly precise and technical surgeries through the utilization of high-powered microscopes and specialized instruments to manipulate and repair anatomical structures as small as a few millimeters. Since the first human trials of robotic-assisted microsurgery in 2006, the expansion of microsurgery to supermicrosurgery (luminal diameter less than 1 mm) has enabled successful repair of previously inaccessible structures. Surgical robotic systems can offer two distinct operative advantages: (1) minimal access surgery-by entering body cavities through ports, flap harvest can be redesigned to affect a minimally invasive approach for flaps such as the rectus abdominis muscle, the latissimus flap, and the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap; and (2) precision-by eliminating physiologic tremor, improving ergonomics, increasing accessibility to difficult spaces, and providing motion scaling, precision is significantly enhanced. Robotic-assisted microsurgery is a promising application of robotics for the plastic surgeon and has played an important role in flap harvest, head and neck reconstruction, nerve reconstruction, gender-affirming surgery, and lymphatic reconstruction-all the while minimizing surgical morbidity. This article aims to review the history, technology, and application of microsurgery and supermicrosurgery in plastic surgery.

New Insight into Liu Kang’s Village Scene (1931): A Non-Invasive Investigation by Technical Imaging

This study examines the intriguing peculiarities of the surface paint layer found in the painting Village scene (1931) by renowned Singapore artist Liu Kang (1911–2004). The incorporation of non-invasive visible light (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) photography techniques, combined with high-power digital microscopy, revealed unusual features on the surface paint layer. Flattened impastos, clusters of incrusted foreign paint unrelated to the existing paint scheme, and fragments of paper with printed traditional Chinese characters were identified on the painting’s surface. The results of the analyses cross-referenced with the archival photographs enabled the consideration of the specified features of the paint layer as unintentional damage caused by the artist due to inadequate storage and transportation conditions—paradoxically, in his attempt to protect the painting. As these damaged areas pose potential display and conservation problems, three conservation strategies were proposed based on ethical guidelines formulated by various governing bodies for the conservation profession. This study demonstrates that there is no universal conservation solution that can satisfy conflicting aesthetic and ethical opinions. The damage to the paint layer affects the visual properties of the artwork but also provides evidence of its complex history. In light of the above, there may be valid arguments both for returning the painting to its original state and for preserving its current condition. Therefore, good practice would require balanced judgments from conservators and curators, considering Village scene in the broader context of Liu Kang’s early painting practice and the existing archival information about the artist.

A controlled evaluation of filter paper use during staining of sputum smears for tuberculosis microscopy.

Background: Some sputum smear microscopy protocols recommend placing filter paper over sputum smears during staining for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) . We found no published evidence assessing whether this is beneficial. We aimed to evaluate the effect of filter paper on sputum smear microscopy results. Methods: Sputum samples were collected from 30 patients with confirmed pulmonary TB and 4 healthy control participants. From each sputum sample, six smears (204 smears in total) were prepared for staining with Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN), auramine or viability staining with fluorescein diacetate (FDA). Half of the slides subjected to each staining protocol were randomly selected to have Whatman grade 3 filter paper placed over the dried smears prior to stain application and removed prior to stain washing. The counts of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and precipitates per 100 high-power microscopy fields of view, and the proportion of smear that appeared to have been washed away were recorded. Statistical analysis used a linear regression model adjusted by staining technique with a random effects term to correct for between-sample variability. Results: The inclusion of filter paper in the staining protocol significantly decreased microscopy positivity independent of staining with ZN, auramine or FDA (p=0.01). Consistent with this finding, there were lower smear grades in slides stained using filter paper versus without (p=0.04), and filter paper use reduced AFB counts by 0.28 logarithms (95% confidence intervals, CI=0.018, 0.54, p=0.04) independent of staining technique. In all analyses, auramine was consistently more sensitive with higher AFB counts versus ZN (p=0.001), whereas FDA had lower sensitivity and lower AFB counts (p<0.0001). Filter paper use was not associated with the presence of any precipitate (p=0.5) or the probability of any smear washing away (p=0.6) during the staining process. Conclusions: Filter paper reduced the sensitivity of AFB microscopy and had no detectable beneficial effects so is not recommended.

Study on wound healing effect of low-carbon topical dressings with new green packaging

In order to verify the effect of the new green and low-carbon hydrogel dressing on promoting wound healing, this project applied a sodium alginate hydrogel dressing product containing Escherichia coli and taro toxin analgesic polypeptide (The specific ingredients of the dressing) to skin wounds in common rats. Effects of the hydrogel dressing on promoting skin wound healing was evaluated by observing the occurrence and frequency of behavioral changes in rats, observing wwhistological sections under a high-power microscope, changes in serum cytokine indicators, and Image J analysis of collagen fiber reconstruction ratios in tissue sections. Through comprehensive evaluation, it can be found that hydrogel dressing has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infection effects on rat wound surface, and acts on promoting wound healing, promoting the formation of new blood vessels in the damaged skin tissue area, promoting the growth of granulation tissue, and promoting the reconstruction of collagen fibers in wound tissue.