Image Pro Research Articles

Quality of moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios based on correlation analysis of thermogravimetric properties, cellulose content, and microscopic characteristics of non-secretory trichomes

The quality of moxa is a key factor affecting the efficacy of moxibustion. Traditional moxa grades are evaluated by the leaf-to-moxa ratio, but there is a lack of support from scientific data. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Image Pro Plus, Van Soest method, and stimultaneous thermal analysis(TGA/DSC) were used to characterize the scientific implication of the combustion differences between moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios(processed by crusher). The results showed that the median lengths from non-secretory trichomes(NSTs) of natural NSTs and moxa with leaf-to-moxa ratios of 3∶1, 5∶1, 10∶1, and 15∶1 were 542.46, 303.24, 291.18, 220.69, and 170.61 μm, respectively. The cellulose content of moxa increased significantly(P<0.05) with the increase in leaf-to-moxa ratio and the combustion parameters(T_i, t_i, D_i, C,-R_p,-R_v, S, D_b, and J_(total)) all showed an increasing trend. The correlation results showed that the burning properties of moxa(T_i,-R_v, t_i, and J_2) were significantly and positively correlated with cellulose content. NSTs with a length of 1-200 μm were significantly and positively correlated with J_2. NSTs with a length of 200-600 μm were significantly and positively correlated with J_1, T_(peak2), T_(peak1), and-R_v, and negatively correlated with J_(total), T_b, and t_b. As the leaf-to-moxa ratio increases, the NSTs in the moxa become shorter and the cellulose content increases, which is more conducive to ignition performance, heat release, and a milder, longer-lasting burn. The "NSTs-cellulose-TGA/DSC" quantitative evaluation method scientifically reveals the scientific connotation of the combustion of moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios and provides a scientific basis for the establishment of quality evaluation methods for moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios.

Dynamics of training and acute exercise-induced shifts in muscular glucose transporter (GLUT) 4, 8, and 12 expression in locomotion versus posture muscles in healthy horses.

Important changes in glucose transporter (GLUT) expression should be expected if the glucose influx plays a pivotal role in fuelling or connecting metabolic pathways that are upregulated in response to exercise. The aim was to assess GLUT4, 8, and 12 dynamics in response to training and acute exercise. Methods: Sixteen untrained Standardbred mares (3-4year) performed an incremental SET at the start and end of 8weeks harness training. M. pectoralis (PM) and M. vastus lateralis (VL) muscle biopsies were taken before and after each SET, allowing for comparing rest and acute samples in untrained (UT) and trained (T) condition using Western Blot for GLUT quantification and Image Pro v.10 for Blot analysis. Data were normalized against GAPDH. Basal GLUT-levels of PM versus VL were analysed with the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. The effect of acute exercise or training was assessed using the Friedman test with a post hoc Dunn's. Results: Basal GLUT4 and GLUT12 protein expression were significantly higher in the VL compared to the PM (PGLUT4 = 0.031 and PGLUT12 = 0.002). Training had no effect on basal GLUT4 expression, neither in the VL (p > 0.9999), nor the PM (p > 0.9999). However, acute exercise in trained condition significantly decreased GLUT4 expression in the VL (p = 0.0148). Neither training nor acute exercise significantly changed total GLUT8 protein expression. Training significantly decreased total GLUT12 protein expression in rest biopsies, only visible in the VL (p = 0.0359). This decrease was even more prominent in the VL after acute exercise in trained condition (PVL = 0.0025). Conclusion: The important changes seen in GLUT12 expression downregulation, both in response to training and acute exercise in the horse, the downregulation of GLUT4 expression after acute exercise in trained condition and the lack of differential shifts in GLUT8 expression in any of the studied conditions, questions the importance of glucose as substrate to fuel training and exercise in healthy horses. These findings encourage to further explore alternative fuels for their involvement in equine muscular energetics.

Experimental study on pore structure characteristics and thermal conductivity of fibers reinforced foamed concrete.

The pore structure characteristics and thermal conductivity of foamed concrete (FC) reinforced with glass fibers (GF), polyvinyl alcohol fibers (PVAF) and polypropylene fibers (PPF) were investigated experimentally in this article. Firstly, GF, PVAF or PPF with different mass fractions (0%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) were added to the Portland cement, fly ash and plant protein foaming agent to prepare the FC. Then, SEM tests, dry density tests, porosity tests, and thermal conductivity tests were carried out on FRFC. Later, the adhesion of GF, PVAF and FFF with different mass fractions to the cementitious base was investigated by SEM images of FRFC. The pore size distribution, shape factor and porosity of FRFC were analyzed using Photoshop software and Image Pro Plus (IPP) software. Finally, the effects of different mass fractions and lengths of three types of fibers on the thermal conductivity of FRFC were discussed. The results indicated that proper fiber mass fraction can play a role of refining small pores and separating large pores, improving the structural compactness, reducing the pore collapse phenomenon and optimizing the pore structure of FRFC. The three types of fibers can promote the optimization of cellular roundness and increase the proportion of pores with diameters below 400 μm. The FC with larger porosity had smaller dry density. As the fiber mass fraction increased, the thermal conductivity performed a phenomenon of first decrease and then increase. The three types of fibers with 1% mass fraction achieved relatively low thermal conductivity. Compared with the FC without fibers, the thermal conductivities of GF reinforced FC, PVAF reinforced FC and PPF reinforced FC with 1% mass fraction were decreased by 20.73%, 18.23% and 7.00%, respectively.

Decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: A cross-sectional study.

Many epigenetic studies had found the decrease of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in various tumor tissues. However, limited information is available for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC). The present study aimd to investigate whether the decrease also existed in tumor tissues of HBV-related HCC and, if possible, to disclose its mechanism. We used immunohistochemistry and Image Pro Plus 6.0 Image Analysis Software to quantify the expression of 5-hmC, 5-methylcytosine, 10-eleven translocation (TET), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in pathological sections of tumor tissues and its para cancerous tissues of 40 HBV-related HCC patients. Our results showed that 5-hmC was decreased while 5-methylcytosine was increased in tumor tissues. We also detected TET1 and IDH2 were decreased in the tumor tissues and the decrease were positively correlated with the 5-hmC. The results suggested that the deficiency of 5-hmC was an epigenetic characteristic of HBV-related HCC and was mainly caused by the decrease of TET1 and IDH2.

Region specific reduction of neurogranin immunostaining in the hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease brains

AbstractBackgroundNeurogranin (Ng) is a post‐synaptic protein involved in formation of long‐term potentials, and thus plays an important role in learning and memory. The concentration of Ng is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and CSF Ng is considered to be a biomarker for synaptic dysfunction in AD. The expression of Ng protein in the human brain and its association with AD pathology, however, are less well studied.MethodUsing immunohistochemical detection methods we investigated the protein expression of Ng, beta‐amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated paired helical filament tau (phospho‐tau; ptau) in the post‐mortem hippocampus from 12 AD patients and 12 cognitively unaffected controls (NC). We compared the number of positively stained cells (Ng, ptau) or plaques (Aβ) in the hippocampal sub‐regions (dentate gyrus, Cornu Ammonis (CA) fields 1‐3) from the 2 groups. Donor samples with intermediate AD (i.e., Braak stage III‐IV) or NC (Braak 0‐I/II) were analyzed using Image Pro Premier automated image analysis software (version 10.01). The data were normalized to the number of cells or clusters/mm2 and analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA. Using a test of circularity (Cir = (4*A)/Pi*MaxFeret2), we further investigated morphological differences in the Ng positive neurons by measuring the Ng expression in the apical dendrite of pyramidal neurons.ResultThere was a 40% reduction of Ng immunopositive neurons in AD compared to NC in the CA3(N = 24;p = 0.0003) and in the CA1(N = 24;p = 0.014) hippocampal sub‐regions. Ng positive cells did not change significantly in AD compared to NC in the other hippocampal regions. Additionally, we showed that CA1 region, Ng was localized mainly in the neuronal cell soma of AD donors, while its expression extended into the apical dendrites of NC donors (N = 24;p = 0.006). In AD, Ng immunostaining negatively correlated with ptau immunopositive neurofibrillary tangles (r = ‐0.70;p = 0.04)ConclusionSelective loss of Ng immunostaining in certain subregions of the hippocampus suggests that synaptic damage in AD maybe a region‐specific event. The mechanism underlying such regional synaptic damage and the changes in Ng expression will be key in understanding the selective vulnerability of brain regions to AD.

Assessment of physicochemical properties of suspended sediment in Yangtze river estuary

ABSTRACT The physicochemical properties of suspended sediment affect the adsorption of heavy metals. Based on scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and Image Pro Plus, we detected the physicochemical properties of suspended sediment in Yangtze Estuary. The following results were observed: (1) The graphical diameter (GD), roundness (RO) and fractal dimension (FD) of suspended sediment all presented normal distribution. According to Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test, the RO of suspended sediment of the ShiDongkou station at sewage outlet was 1.31, which was significantly higher than that of other points. (2) According to the K-S test, there was no significant difference in elements among various points in the Yangtze River Estuary. (3) Compared to the chemical properties of suspended sediment, its physical characteristics had a greater impact on heavy metal absorption. The physical characteristics had the least impact on the Cu adsorption, while the chemical properties had the least impact on the Cr absorption. This study deepens the understanding of suspended sediment in the Yangtze Estuary and provides comprehensive data for the numerical simulation of suspended sediment dynamics.

Developing a sclerochronology network in the Adriatic Sea: Growth synchrony among populations of Callista chione

Callista chone samples were live collected at three localities in the Adriatic Sea: Gulf of Venice, Italy, Pag Bay and Pašman Channel, Croatia. Acetate peel replicas were prepared and the Image Pro Primer program was used to measure increment widths in samples that had clear boundaries. Visual cross-dating of the images was performed using list-year method and validated using COFECHA, while the R package dplR was used to construct the chronologies. The age of analysed shells ranged from 15 to 46 years (N = 32; 29,9 ± 8,8 years) at the Gulf of Venice, from 14 to 41 years (N = 63; 26,0 ± 5,1 years) at Pag Bay, and from 14 to 41 years (N = 33; 26,8 ± 4,8 years) at the Pašman Channel. Final statistically robust standard master chronologies spanned from 1986 to 2018 (Gulf of Venice), from 1994 to 2019 (Pag Bay) and from 1994 to 2015 (Pašman Channel). Statistically significant correlation was obtained only between the Gulf of Venice and Pag Bay residual master chronologies (1994–2018; r = 0.607; p <0.001). Although there are some coincidences between all three localities, suggesting a common signal among populations, the growth chronology in the Pašman Channel recorded a very different signal potentially linked to differing oceanographic influences. The Pašman Channel locality is more affected by the inflow of warmer and saline waters coming from the south than the two other sites which are located in geographically and hydrographically isolated Adriatic areas. No correlation was found between any shell master chronologies and surface seawater temperature. Also, no correlations between the shell C.chione master chronologies and parameters describing the Adriatic-Ionian Bimodal Oscillating System (BiOS) were observed. Correlation maps indicate different relationships between shell master chronology and chlorophyll a concentration in the region. Significant correlations were mostly limited to March and April and showed spatial variations.

The response of fetal sheep cardiomyocytes to intralipid infusion

Introduction: The developing heart undergoes changes in metabolic substrates parallel with perinatal developmental stages. The preferred substrates for fetal hearts are carbohydrates, which transitions to a preference for fatty acids postnatally. The underdevelopment of lipid metabolism mechanisms in preterm infants cause imbalances or dysfunction in uptake, cellular processing, and storage of fatty acids; and increase the risks for long term cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. It is unknown whether the heart can process fatty acids before birth, and how it affects cardiomyocyte growth. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Intralipid infusion on fetal sheep cardiac myocyte growth. We hypothesized that the size of cardiomyocytes would remain unchanged, however we expected an increase in maturity. Methods: Intralipid 20® was infused into instrumented fetal sheep (IL, 0.4 ml/kg/hr for 8 days, n=4F/7M); the contralateral twin received saline at a comparable rate (CON, n=7F/4M). Hearts were collected at 133 days gestational age (dGA; term is 147 dGA), and enzymatically dissociated, then myocytes fixed in paraformaldehyde. The length and width were measured in 100 myocytes using a wet mount, under calibrated light microscopy (40x, Zeiss Axiophot), and analyzed with Image Pro 6.3. Nucleation was determined in 500 cells; percentage binucleation is a surrogate measure of maturation. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Groups were compared by t-test. Results: Body weight (IL, 4.2 ± 0.6 vs. CON, 4.1 ± 0.6kg) and heart weight (IL, 29.9 ± 4.1 vs. CON, 27.2 ± 4.6g) were not different between the lipid and control fetuses. Interim results indicate no differences in length or diameter in cardiomyocytes of the left and right ventricle (IL, N=3-7; CON, N=7-9). We found no differences in cardiomyocyte length in the septum, but Intralipid (N=10) increased the diameter of mononucleated (+12%, P=0.016) and binucleated (+11%, P=0.012) myocytes (vs. CON, N=7). In the septum, Intralipid treatment increased binucleation (P&lt;0.02; 69.2 ± 8.0% vs 60.8 ± 9.7%). In the RV, increased binucleation was only a tendency (P&lt;0.06; 70.7 ± 6.4% vs 60.8 ± 9.9%; IL n=6). Binucleation was unaffected in the LV (67.1 ± 9.9%). Summary/Conclusion: The increase in diameter of fetal cardiomyocytes in the septum could reflect different regional regulation of growth to the infused intralipid. Interestingly, parallels could be made between the septal hypertrophy described in offspring from diabetic mothers. This study is funded by NIH R01HL146997 and R01HL142483. KI is funded by a NIH supplement to R01HL142483. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Comparison of attachment process of particles to air and oily bubbles in flotation

The attachment between particles and bubbles is a very important basic unit for mineral flotation. In the present study, methylation processing for glass spheres with trimethylchlorosilane was used to prepare particles with different surface hydrophobicity, and a visualization setup was assembled based on high-speed camera technology to investigate the dynamic attachment process of particles onto air/oily bubbles. More importantly, the difference in the attachment process between particles and air/oily bubbles was successfully quantified with the software Image Pro Plus 6.0. It was found that the wetting film ruptured at about 36 ms during the attachment between the hydrophobic glass sphere M2 and air bubbles, while it occurred at about 28 ms during the attachment between M2 and oily bubbles. Moreover, the formed three-phase contact line between hydrophobic particles and oily bubbles was larger than that between hydrophobic particles and air bubbles, suggesting a more stable attachment of the former. In contrast, no successful attachment of the hydrophilic glass sphere M0 onto air or oily bubbles was observed. These findings strongly demonstrated that oily bubbles had both strong collecting power and excellent selectivity for hydrophobic particles in flotation. This study improved the understanding of the difference between oily-bubble and conventional flotations.

4 Identifying the immunoglobulin G transporter in equine tissues: A look at the neonatal Fc receptor

The importance of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is well established regarding its contribution to maintaining health status. However, the mechanism for controlling IgG movement through tissues is less known. The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has been identified as the receptor responsible for bidirectional transport of IgG across cells, maintenance of IgG levels in serum, and assisting with antigen presentation. Unfortunately, little is known about the FcRn in livestock. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide critical fundamental information regarding the location of the FcRn in equine tissues, focusing on those with key health importance. It was our hypothesis that FcRn abundance would be highest in respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) tissues. Tissues were collected from 6 horses of mixed breed, age (3–22yr), and sex (male n = 4; female n = 2) immediately following euthanasia for various chronic health conditions at North Dakota State University (n = 2) or Texas A&M University (n = 4). Sampling locations and procedures were standardized across universities to minimize variation. Tissue locations included the respiratory tract, GI tract, other visceral organs, the cornea, and the synovial membrane of the stifle and carpal joints. Tissues collected were fixed in 10% NBF before embedding in paraffin and cross sectioning at 5μm. Tissue cross sections were mounted on glass slides, stained for the FcRn, and counterstained with DAPI. Areas of interest were captured using the tiling module of Zeiss ZEN software and the Plan-Apochromat 20x/0.8 NA lens. Images were analyzed using Image Pro software with data represented as relative fluorescence (RF) within areas of interest to represent FcRn abundance. Data were analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SAS.Relative fluorescence differed between tissue types (P < 0.01). The highest RF was seen in joint synovium and the respiratory tract. Moderate RF was seen in GI tissues and the lowest RF was seen in other visceral organs. These data lay the foundation for all future studies regarding the FcRn and IgG and their role in disease prevention and treatment.

TRPV1 Receptor Identification in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Evaluation of the Effects Produced by Ocimum basilicum Super Critical Fluid Extract

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) has been investigated in humans and mammals; in recent years, some researchers have focused on this receptor in fishes. The present study aimed to identify TRPV1 receptors in cultures of RT-gill W1 cells and in the organs of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), in addition to evaluating the possible modulation induced by super critical fluid extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum), named F1-BEO. In vitro evaluation consisted of cell cultures and immunocytochemistry assays. During in vivo experimental sessions, eighty trout were divided into five groups that received a fish diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3% w/w F1-BEO. Forty trout were euthanized after 15 and 30 days; organs were collected and processed according to the immunohistochemistry technique. Receptor expression was quantitatively measured using Image Pro Plus software. TRPV1 was identified in RT-gill W1 cells and in all organs, with a higher positivity in the muscle layers of the stomach, intestine and kidneys. F1-BEO induced an increased expression of TRPV1 in the stomach while a lower expression was appreciated in the bowel. No morphological alterations have been highlighted in the liver or kidneys. Further investigation will be necessary to evaluate the functionality of this receptor in rainbow trout.

Slag refining at various viscosity conditions for SiC inclusion removal during Si scraps recycling

SiC inclusions in cast Si ingots are a key problem for Si quality and in the recycling of top-cut Si scraps. In this paper, SiC separation and Si recovery in the CaO–SiO2–MgO slag refining process were studied by varying temperature, slag/Si–SiC mass ratio, slag composition, and holding time. When the viscosity of the mixed system viscosity was 0.1575 Pa s, it was the best condition for the migration of SiC inclusions from Si to slag, and the removal ratio of SiC is 91.6%. The results indicated that low-viscosity slag and a long holding time are conducive to the migration of SiC. Further Image Pro software analysis showed that increasing the MgO content to 30mol% is beneficial to promote the migration of SiC. It is also found that the system viscosity effected the size of SiC in the slag phase. This work improves the removal of key inclusion SiC, reducing the cost of Si recovery.

An In Vitro Study Of The Effects Of Final Irrigation Protocols On A New Bioceramic Sealer

Aim &amp; Objective: The objective of this in vitro research was to assess how final irrigation techniques affected the apical micro leakageof a bioceramic sealer.Materials and Methods: To standardise the canal length, sixty single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth that had been removed were obtained and decoronated. The working length of the root canals was established after accessing them. NiTi rotary files were used to prepare the root canals. Based on the final watering strategy, samples were randomly split into three groups, totaling 20 N.Group1. 5 ml of 17% EDTA for 1min followed by 5ml of 5%NaOCl, 5ml Distilled water. Group2. 5ml of Q MIX 2 in 1, 5ml Distilledwater. Group3. 5ml of 2% CHLORHEXIDINE, 5ml Distilled water. Using a single-cone approach and a novel bioceramic sealant, the canals were obturated. To enable the sealer to fully set, all roots were put in 100% humidity and incubated at 37 oC for 24 hours. After the root surfaces had dried, two coats of nail polish had been applied, with the exception of the 2mm at the tip, which had been submerged in 1% methelyne blue for 72 hours. After that, the samples were longitudinally sectioned, and dye penetration was examined using a stereomicroscope (10xmagnification). Using the Image Pro Express 6 software, the maximum apical dye penetration leakage was determined. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc analysis were used to statistically analyse the data.Results: Of all the experimental groups, Group 1 had the least percentage of apical leakage. Between each group, there were significant variations in the degree of apical micro leakage (P 0.001).Conclusion: Within the constraints of this investigation, it was shown that when Bioroot RCS was used as the sealer, final irrigation with 17% EDTA followed by 5% sodium hypochlorite demonstrated the least degree of apical leakage.

Study on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Basalt Fiber Reactive Powder Concrete

In order to promote the wide application of reactive powder concrete (RPC) in practical engineering. In this paper, RPC was prepared using conventional and economical natural river sand instead of quartz sand and economical and environmentally friendly basalt fiber (BF) instead of steel fiber, and the macroscopic properties of basalt fiber reactive powder concrete (BFRPC) with different fiber content, such as flowability, failure mode, compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were studied, and the strength calculation formula of BFRPC was established based on the mechanical property results. The microscopic morphology and structure of BFRPC were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Image Pro Plus (IPP) image processing software. The results show that BF has a small effect on the compressive strength of RPC, while it has a significant increase on the splitting tensile strength. When BF content is at 2 kg/m3, the 28-day compressive strength reaches 95.2 MPa and splitting tensile strength reaches 7.78 MPa. Compared with the RPC with BF of 0 kg/m3, the BFRPC shows an improvement in its 28-day compressive strength by 25.70% and an increase in its splitting tensile strength by 83.92%. According to the microscopic analysis, reasonable fiber content can optimize the internal microstructure of BFRPC, but excessive BF content will produce agglomeration and overlap, resulting in strength loss. Based on the gray correlation analysis method, it was concluded that the particle area ratio and pore fraction dimension were the most correlated with the mechanical properties of BFRPC. In addition, the feasibility and applicability of the BFRPC strength calculation formula were summarized. This research results of this paper provides a valuable reference for the further research and promotion of BFRPC.

Evaluation of the effects of Ankaferd haemostat application on bone regeneration in rats with calvarial defects: histochemical, immunohistochemical and scintigraphic study.

Bone wax, a haemostatic agent, is widely used in craniospinal surgical procedures for a long time, in spite of controversial results regarding its negative influence upon bone regeneration. In this experimental study, the effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS), as an alternative haemostatic agent, were evaluated through histochemical, immunohistochemical and scintigraphic studies. The total of 30 adult female Wistar albino rats was randomly divided into three groups: intact control group (n = 10), bone wax group (n = 10), and ABS group (n = 10). Surgically, a 3.0 mm hole in diameter was drilled on the right side of calvarium of the rats using a Class Mini Grinder set in all three groups, as described previously. At the end of 8 weeks, bone healing and connective tissue alterations surrounding drilled calvarial defect areas of the rats were determined via haematoxylin and eosin and the Mallory's trichrome staining and anti-bone sialoprotein immunohistochemistry. Image Pro Express 4.5 programme was used for histomorphometric calculation of new bone and fibrotic tissue areas. All statistical analyses were made with SPSS 25.0 and analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) followed by Bonferroni post hoc test was performed, p < 0.001 was considered as significance level. Histomorphometrically, it was found that he had the largest hole diameter and the least fibrotic scar area in the bone-wax group. In the bone wax group, it was observed that the material closed the hole and there was only a fibrotic scar tissue in the area between the bone tissue at the edge of the hole and bone wax, and a fibrotic tissue was formed in the bone wax area. During the histological procedure, this bone-wax material was poured and the sections were seen as a gap in this area. In the ABS haemostat group, the smallest hole diameter and the least fibrotic scar tissue were observed. Fibrotic scar tissue close to each other was found in the ABS haemostat and bone wax groups. Histological analysis of samples also showed a statistical significance for fibrotic connective tissue area between groups (p < 0.05). Scintigraphically, osteoblastic activity related to blood flow in the animal taken from the group with application of ABS haemostat was more pronounced compared to the other two groups. In our study, it has been concluded that the ABS yields affirmative effects on the bone healing, while bone wax leads to negative impact on the bone regeneration. Scintigraphic, histochemical and immunohistochemical data support the affirmative impact of the ABS haemostat application upon the bone regeneration apart from the quick stop of haemorrhage.

The influence of functional pinealectomy and exogenous melatonin application on healing of a burr hole in adult rat calvaria: a histological and immunohistochemical study.

Even today, repair of the cranial defects still represents a significant challenge in neurosurgery and various options have been used for their reconstruction to date. However, there are very few studies investigating the effects of exogenous administration of melatonin (MEL) as an agent that promotes bone regeneration. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of functional pinealectomy (Px) and exogenous MEL administration on the bone repair properties and surrounding connective tissue alterations in a rat calvaria model. The total of 30 adult female Wistar-Albino rats was randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): control group (CO; 12 h light/12 h dark exposure), functional Px group (24 h light exposure, light-induced functional Px), and Px+MEL group (light-induced Px + MEL, 20 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks). Critical-sized burr-hole defects (diameter: 3.0 mm) were surgically created by a single operator in the calvarium of all rats, using an electric drill. Animals in Px+MEL group received MEL 20 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. At the end of the study, bone healing and connective tissue alterations surrounding drilled defect area in the rat calvaria were determined in haematoxylin-eosin-stained and Mallory Azan slices applied in anti-bone sialoprotein. Image Pro Express 4.5 programme was used for histomorphometric calculation of areas of new bone and fibrotic tissue. Normality control was performed by Shapiro-Wilk test. Variance homogeneities were examined by Shapiro-Wilk and Levene tests; Tukey HSD test was used as a post hoc method since there was no homogeneity problem. All hypothesis tests were performed at the 0.05 significance level. Histological analysis showed that the bone repair process in the Px+MEL group was similar to that of the CO group, whereas the functional Px group showed a delay. Histomorphometrically, it was found that the Px group had the largest hole diameter and the most fibrotic scar area, although no binary statistical significance was found between the CO and Px+MEL groups (p = 0.910). In terms of vascularisation, it was observed that the most vascular structure was found in the Px+MEL group among the scar tissue and ossification areas, while the vascularisation was the least in the Px group (p < 0.001). Our findings revealed that bone repair process was impaired in functional Px group, but exogenous MEL replacement was able to restore this response. Thus, it is concluded that utilisation of MEL may improve the bone repair in calvarial defects.

Effect of morphology characteristics on the polishing resistance of coarse aggregates on asphalt pavement

Skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement is an important factor affecting the traffic safety. The long-term skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement depends on abrasion and polish resistance of aggregates. However, the mechanical properties and surface morphological characteristics of aggregates not only affect the road bearing capacity, but also impact the long-term abrasion and polish resistance of asphalt pavement. In this study, the mechanical properties of limestone, basalt, granite and 88 # calcined bauxite were investigated. The macro morphology characteristic parameters (MACP) of coarse aggregates were obtained by Image Pro Plus (IPP) software analysis with strong applicability, and the distribution models and characteristics were further analyzed. In order to present quantitatively the dynamic change process of the macro and micro morphology characteristics of coarse aggregates with the polished stone value (PSV) during the polishing process, a long-term polishing test was carried out on the coarse aggregates. The MACP and micro morphology characteristic parameters (MICP) of coarse aggregates were obtained by the IPP analysis and three-dimensional laser microscope. The grey relation entropy analysis method was used to analyze the correlation degree between morphological characteristic parameters and PSV. The results show that the contents of corundum and mullite in 88 # calcined bauxite are 85.2% and 14.8% severally. Corundum and mullite have the highest Mohs hardness, 9 and 6 respectively. The IPP analysis is suitable for quickly obtaining the MACP of coarse aggregates, and the MACP distribution of four kinds of coarse aggregates satisfies well normal distribution. In addition, in the process of PSV attenuation, the grey entropy correlation coefficients between PSV and fractal dimension, Rq are the highest, 0.9037 and 0.8882 respectively. The fractal dimension of MACP and Rq of MICP are selected as the main various indexes. Meanwhile, the average correlation coefficients of fractal dimension, Rq and PSV are 0.9589 and 0.9809 separately. Therefore, the fractal dimension and Rq are proposed to evaluate the long-term polishing resistance performance of coarse aggregates, and to provide useful references for the long-term skid resistance modeling of durable asphalt pavement.

Immunofluorescent and Immunohistochemical (Colorimetric) Characterization of B‐DNA, Z‐DNA and G4‐Quadruplex DNA in Human Tissues Demonstrating the Spatial Genomic Organization of Different DNA Structures: Genomesorganizomics

Spatial genomic organization, relative to DNA and RNA structures, has not been examined. DNA can adopt a variety of different shapes (helical conformations), i.e., canonical right‐handed double‐stranded (ds‐) B‐DNA, alternative left‐handed ds‐Z‐DNA and multi‐stranded G4‐quadruplex DNA. Each of these DNAs has a unique structure and plays a different role in cells. The structure of the nucleus is complex, and has a major role in gene expression. For the first time, our group has demonstrated the spatial genomic distribution of three totally different DNAs concurrently in HeLa cells, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections, and frozen sections. This was achieved by means of anti‐B‐DNA, anti‐Z‐DNA and anti‐G4 quadruplex DNA antibodies, via immunofluorescence (IF), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (colorimetric). No one is investigating the relationship between spatial genomic organization and structures of different nucleic acids. All three types of DNA exist in the human genome and perform diverse cellular genomic functions. Tissues were processed in 10% NBF, and staining protocols were done both manually and by autostainer. Antigen retrieval enhanced all DNA‐based immunostaining procedures. IF was performed using Alexa Fluor conjugated secondary antibodies [i.e., Alexa Fluor 405 (blue), Alexa Fluor 488 (green) and Alexa Fluor 555 (red)], and wheat germ agglutinin conjugated with Alexa Fluor 647 (white) (counterstain). IHC protocols (i.e., enzyme: HRP or AP) were accomplished by using enzymes conjugated to secondary antibodies, and color developed by chromogens [i.e., B‐DNA (Blue) AP Substrate, Z‐DNA (Red/Magenta) AP Substrate, and G4‐quadruplex DNA (Brown), DAB Peroxidase (HRP) Substrate]. Negative and positive controls, isotype controls, and blocking background were performed in triplicate. The order of primary antibodies (and substrates: IHC) is critical for obtaining accurate data. Images were obtained by confocal and light microscopes (i.e., 200x, 600x). Advanced computer‐based image analysis (e.g., HALO, Image Pro Plus) allowed for qualitative and quantitative characterization of immunostained DNAs. The largest percentage of DNA was in the form of B‐DNA, followed by the other two remaining structures of DNA. The novel method signifies a new subfield of structural and functional genomics, which we have named Spatial Genomic Organization of DNA Structures, i.e., Genomesorganizomics. It will aid spatial transcriptomics in the analysis of gene expression and provide information on transcriptional activity based upon the conformation of DNA in genes and telomeres. An in‐depth comparative analysis between IF and IHC will yield information about specific advantages and disadvantages of these immuno‐based tissue staining systems (e.g., sensitivity, dynamic range, easier multiplexing, photobleaching, better target colocalization). This genomics approach is both sensitive and reliable, and will allow for the characterization of nuclear genomic architecture. Future projects are examining both DNA and RNA structures of four or more nucleic acids.

Effect of sodium butyrate on glucose and lipid metabolism, insulin expression and apoptosis of β-cells in obese pregnant rats

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Purpose: To study the influence of sodium butyrate on the metabolism of lipid and glucose, insulin expression and apoptosis of β-cells in obese pregnant rats.&#x0D; Methods: Three groups of one hundred and twenty 4-week-old female C5BL/6J mice were used: control, high-fat diet and sodium butyrate groups. Insulin, triglycerides and total cholesterol were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin levels, as well as area and quality of islet β-cells were assessed using Image Pro Plus software. The number of DAPI-positive islet cells, positive expression of bcl-2 in each islet cell, and apoptosis of islet β-cells in each group were determined.&#x0D; Results: The expression levels of insulin in high-fat diet group and butyrate group were significantly reduced, relative to control, but insulin expression level in Na butyrate group increased, relative to high- fat diet mice (p &lt; 0.01). The area and quality of islet β-cells in high-fat diet and sodium butyrate groups were markedly higher in sodium butyrate group than in high-fat diet group (p &lt; 0.01). The bcl-2 expression in islet β-cells rose in mice given high-fat diet, relative to control and sodium butyrate groups (p &lt; 0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion: Sodium butyrate facilitates glucose and lipid metabolism, but increases insulin expression, and effectively inhibits apoptosis of islet β-cells in obese pregnant mice. Thus, sodium butyrate may be useful in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders due to diabetes mellitus (DM).&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Reproducibility of fingerprint microfeatures

BackgroundPoroscopy, as a means of personal identification, is largely unexplored. The present study aims at assessing the reproducibility of fingerprint microfeatures namely, pore area, inter-distance, and angle, in fingerprints obtained on two surfaces namely, glass and sticky side of adhesive tape, for a period of ten consecutive days. As far as the authors are aware, no prior research has attempted to evaluate pore parameters on sticky side of adhesive tape.MethodsPlain-inked fingerprints of the left thumb, right thumb, and right index finger were collected on two surfaces namely, glass and sticky side of adhesive tape (using two methods) for ten consecutive days. Photomicrographs were captured and four pores, lying on the same ridge and having clear well-defined margins, were selected from the central region of each print. These specific sweat pores were used to measure the pore area, inter-distance, and angle using Image Pro® Software. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 16. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out using “area,” “length,” and “angle” as the dependent variables.ResultsResults obtained depict pore area, inter-distance, and angle to be significant (p<0.001), on all 10 days for both the surfaces. In terms of quality, better pore details were depicted by fingerprints obtained on the sticky side of adhesive tape (using procedure (iii), wherein the sticky side of adhesive tape was pressed against the inked thumb of the participant). Furthermore, the pore area was found to be non-reproducible while the pore inter-distance and angle were found to be reliable and reproducible in nature.ConclusionsCrime scene fingerprints should be first matched with specimen fingerprints on the basis of ridge characteristics. However, on occasions when sufficient number of ridge characteristics are not available for comparison, sweat pores should be employed. This study highlights the reproducibility and reliability of pore inter-distance and angle and encourages their use in fingerprint matching.