Light Microscopy Research Articles

Molecular phylogeny, morphology and distribution of Amphitetras antediluviana Ehrenberg from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov

The intriguing large-celled species of Amphitetras antediluviana Ehrenberg was originally described as a fossil species (Ehrenberg, 1840), but later noted in a living state in various regions of the World ocean. Our recent studies revealed that the species has been found for the last decade in significant numbers in many habitats along the coast of the Azov-Black Sea basin. Two strains—the large valves from Laspi Bay, the Black Sea (BL-5_12092019) and the small valves from the Sea of Azov (AZ-12_24122019)—were isolated and analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy along with molecular-genetic investigation. Specimens of the two populations differ in valve sizes and structure, however, their belonging to the same species was confirmed with the help of molecular analysis. Taxonomic positions of the strains of A. antediluviana isolated from two marine waterbodies were clarified. In addition, we provided a detailed morphological diagnosis of the species with a description of the valve ultrastructure and its elements, as well as geographical distribution and taxonomic history.

Prestauroneis dayaensis—a new diatom species (Bacillariophyceae: Stauroneidaceae) from Guangdong Province, China

In this study, we describe a new diatom, Prestauroneis dayaensis sp. nov., found in a coastal river, Danao River, at Daya Bay, Huizhou City, Guangdong Province, China. A detailed morphological description of the new species is provided based on light and scanning electron microscopy. P. dayaensis sp. nov, has an elliptical to lanceolate-elliptical valve outline with distinctive rostrate to subcapitate apices, the raphe straight, and the proximal raphe ends slightly enlarged toward to the same side. Its areolar structure is variable in shape, circular at the central area, linear to elliptic at the ends, and distinct pseudosepta present at both apices. Length 25.5–32.0 μm, width 8.0–11.5 μm. This axial area is narrow and linear. The central area is nearly rectangular, some with one short stria at one side of the valve. Striae are relatively widely spaced and radiate at the center, becoming nearly parallel at both apices. The new species is compared with species from the genus Prestauroneis and Dorofeyukea.

Assessment of podocyte detachment as a pivotal step in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Abstract Background Podocytopenia refers to a decrease in the number of podocytes. When podocytes are injured, they may detach leading to podocytopenia, which represents a critical step in the development of podocytopathy and subsequently deterioration of renal functions. Pathological assessment of podocytopenia plays a crucial role in diagnosing underlying kidney diseases. Aim To assess detached podocytes and evaluate their diagnostic role in the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Materials and methods This is a retrospective study, conducted on 67 archival renal biopsies with the clinical diagnosis of steroid-resistant or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and diagnosed as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and podocytopathy with detached podocytes by electron microscopy (EM). Colloidal iron stain and Desmin immunohistochemical stain were performed. Assessment of the mean percent of stained pixels in relation to the surface tuft area of the glomerulus, i.e., mean percent of stained area (PSA) was done using image analysis system (ImageJ 1.52a) software. Results Podocytopathy with detached podocytes was diagnosed in 35 (52.24%) cases, while FSGS was diagnosed in 32 (47.76%) cases. Regarding detached podocytes, 27 (49.3%) cases showed no detached podocytes by light microscopy (LM), while only 4 (6%) showed severe podocyte detachment. There was a statistically significant difference between control cases and both podocytopathy with detached podocytes and FSGS regarding mean PSA (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Standardized reporting of detached podocyte cells is becoming mandatory as they have a high positive predictive value for the expected EM picture.

Ichthyobodo necator infection as a first record in cultured Dicentrarchus labrax: morphomolecular characterization and infestation patterns in correlation to water quality parameters

Abstract Ichthyobodo necator is a damaging and economically important protozoan parasite; however, its clinical patterns and incidence, correlated to environmental factors, are still poorly understood. This study provides the first report of Ichthyobodo necator infestation among Dicentrarchus labrax. We recorded significant mortalities in the cultured D. labrax of average size (5.92 g weight, and 11.55 cm length) in El-Max Station, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, NIOF, Egypt, during the period extending from early summer to early fall (June to October) 2023. Behavioral and gross lesions of the infested fish were recorded; besides, dead and moribund fish were collected. Wet smears of the skin and gill of the affected fish were examined by compound light microscopy. Moreover, water samples from the affected ponds were collected and examined for their physicochemical parameters. The bodonid biflagellated Ichthyobodo necator (Henneguy) C. Pinto, 1928 was isolated from the skin and gills and identified based on specific morphological characteristics. DNA sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis confirmed identification, with clustering of the current isolates with I. necator isolates from different fish species. The multivariate analysis revealed a positive correlation between the prevalence and infestation intensity of Ichthyobodo, increased temperature levels, decreased dissolved oxygen DO, and also correlated with higher ammonia, and pH values. Additionally, the elevated concentrations of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper in pond water were positively correlated with infestation and mortalities. These water parameter levels promote respiratory distress, accelerated prevalence, and infestation intensities of I. necator, particularly during the infestation peak in August and September. This study bridges the knowledge gap regarding I. necator parasite infestations and their correlation with water quality parameters.

EP300‐interacting inhibitor of differentiation 3 is required for spermatogenesis in mice

AbstractBackgroundMammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex process of cell proliferation, meiosis, and differentiation. A series of genes are expressed in an orderly and precise manner to ensure spermatogenesis, with chromatin undergoing intricate changes throughout. EP300‐interacting inhibitor of differentiation 3 (Eid3) is a testis‐enriched gene, but its role in male reproduction remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the role of EID3 in male spermatogenesis and explore the potential underlying mechanism.Materials and MethodsWe generated Eid3 knockout mouse model using the CRISPR‐Cas9 system. We measured the expression of EID3 in mouse tissues and testicular cell populations by qRT‐PCR and western blot. Histological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining, together with computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), were performed to evaluate the effect of EID3 on spermatogenesis in mice. Light and ultrastructural microscopy were used to evaluate the morphology and structure of the Eid3−/− spermatozoa. We used western blot and immunofluorescence to further analyze the function of EID3 in spermiogenesis.ResultsEid3−/− mouse showed a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, and morphology. Loss of EID3 impaired the normal meiotic process and induced apoptosis of abnormally developing spermatocytes, ultimately resulting in the decrease of sperm cell number. Additionally, EID3 deficiency led to a decrease in histone acetylation levels in spermatids, impaired histone‐to‐protamine transition and chromatin condensation process, and ultimately resulted in abnormal sperm morphology.Discussion and ConclusionsThis study confirms for the first time that EID3 is crucial for meiosis and chromatin condensation during spermatogenesis, and EID3 deficiency leads to a significant decrease in sperm parameters. Given the high expression paradigm of Eid3 in human testis, EID3 likely plays a role in human reproduction. Future research could provide a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

Collagen crosslinking-induced corneal morphological changes: a three-dimensional light sheet Microscopy-based evaluation.

Stiffness-related eye diseases such as keratoconus require comprehensive visualization of the complex morphological matrix changes. The aim of this study was to use three-dimensional (3D) light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to analyze unlabeled corneal tissue samples, qualitatively visualizing changes in corneal stiffness. Isolated porcine corneal tissue samples were treated with either NaCl or 0.1% glutaraldehyde (GTA) prior to clearing with benzyl alcohol/benzyl benzoate (BABB) and subsequently scanned with LSFM. After analysis of the LSFM data sets, the samples were embedded in paraffin to validate the results by conventional planar microscopy. In the unlabeled corneal tissue samples the 2D/3D morphology of the entire tissue volume was identified by specific autofluorescence signals. An enhancement of collagen crosslinking was induced by applying GTA to the corneal tissue. Subsequent LSFM scans showed specific morphological changes due to altered autofluorescence signals of the corneal stroma, which were confirmed by conventional histology. Therefore, LSFM analysis of corneal tissue samples allowed label-free 3D autofluorescence assessment of the corneal morphology in its anatomical context. It provides the technical basis for the examination of the pathologically altered cornea and facilitates ophthalmologic examinations of corneal diseases based on the altered tissue stiffness.

The therapeutic efficacy of adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles versus infliximab in a dextran sodium sulfate induced ulcerative colitis rat model

ABSTRACT Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation that is becoming of increasing incidence worldwide and has insufficient treatment. Therefore, finding effective therapies remains a priority. A dextran sodium sulfate colitis model was established to elucidate colonic layers alterations and compare adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived microvesicles (MSC-MVs) versus infliximab (IFX) efficacy through biochemical, light, and electron microscope studies. Fifty-four rats were allocated to 4 groups: Control (Con), UC, UC+IFX, and UC+MSC-MVs groups. End body weights (BW) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were recorded. Colitis severity was estimated by disease activity index (DAI). Colonic specimens were processed to evaluate the histological structure, collagen content, surface mucous and goblet cells, CD44, TNF-α, and GFAP immune expression. Morphometric and statistical analyses were performed. The UC group revealed congested, stenosed colons, a significant decline in end BW, and a significant increase in serum MDA and DAI. Furthermore, disturbed histoarchitecture, inflammatory infiltration, depletion of surface mucous and goblet cells, increased collagen, and TNF-α expression and decreased GFAP expression were observed. Alterations were partially attenuated by IFX therapy, whereas MSC-MVs significantly improved all parameters. In conclusion, MSC-MVs were a superior therapeutic option, via attenuating oxidative stress and inflammatory infiltration, in addition to restoring intestinal epithelial integrity and mucosal barrier.

Clearing-enabled light sheet microscopy as a novel method for three-dimensional mapping of the sensory innervation of the mouse knee.

A major barrier that hampers our understanding of the precise anatomic distribution of pain sensing nerves in and around the joint is the limited view obtained from traditional two dimensional (D) histological approaches. Therefore, our objective was to develop a workflow that allows examination of the innervation of the intact mouse knee joint in 3D by employing clearing-enabled light sheet microscopy. We first surveyed existing clearing protocols (SUMIC, PEGASOS, and DISCO) to determine their ability to clear the whole mouse knee joint, and discovered that a DISCO protocol provided the optimal transparency for light sheet microscopy imaging. We then modified the DISCO protocol to enhance binding and penetration of antibodies used for labeling nerves. Using the pan-neuronal PGP9.5 antibody, our protocol allowed 3D visualization of innervation in and around the mouse knee joint. We then implemented the workflow in mice intra-articularly injected with nerve growth factor (NGF) to determine whether changes in the nerve density can be observed. Both 3D and 2D analytical approaches of the light sheet microscopy images demonstrated quantifiable changes in midjoint nerve density following 4 weeks of NGF injection in the medial but not in the lateral joint compartment. We provide, for the first time, a comprehensive workflow that allows detailed and quantifiable examination of mouse knee joint innervation in 3D.

Streptozotocin-induced morphological changes in rat lungs

ABSTRACT Streptozotocin (STZ) is a commonly used compound for the induction of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in animal models, but its effects on non-pancreatic tissues like the lungs are not well understood. This study aimed to examine the histopathological impact of STZ on the lungs using male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into two groups: a control group on a normal diet and an STZ-treated group receiving a high-fat diet and 10% sucrose water for 8 weeks, followed by an STZ injection (30 mg/kg body weight). All rats were terminated 9 days after STZ administration, and lung samples were collected for light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Light microscopy revealed thickening of alveolar septa, narrowing of alveoli, and inflammatory infiltrates in the STZ group. TEM showed mitochondrial damage in type 2 pneumocytes, including membrane fragmentation, cristae loss, and formation of mitochondrial-derived vesicles. Confocal microscopy revealed significantly higher expression of myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, and citrullinated histone 3 in the STZ group compared to controls. These findings suggest that STZ induces considerable lung damage, emphasizing the need to consider lung toxicity in studies involving STZ.

Supernatant of plant-associated bacteria potency against biofilms formed by foodborne pathogen and food spoilage bacteria.

Food products are often contaminated by pathogens and spoilage bacteria. Most of them can form biofilms, a community of cells embedded in protective extracellular matrix layers resistant to harsh conditions, including antibiotics. Therefore, alternative antibiofilm agents are required to overcome biofilm formation. This study aims to determine and quantify the antibiofilm activity of supernatants from plant-associated bacteria against biofilms of foodborne pathogen and food spoilage bacterium, namely Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis. Plant-associated bacteria (PAB) have shown promising antibiofilm activities against biofilm-forming pathogens in previous studies. Thirteen PAB isolated from Ternate, Indonesia were used in this study. Supernatants of PAB were subjected to antimicrobial activity and quorum quenching detection, both using the well diffusion method. Four supernatants inhibited the growth of B. subtilis, but none affected the growth of B. cereus. Eight supernatants were able to disrupt the quorum sensing system of an indicator bacterium, wild-type Chromobacterium violaceum. Biofilm inhibition and destruction were quantified using 96-well microplates. The highest biofilm inhibition and destruction activities of PAB supernatants against each of B. cereus and B. subtilis biofilms were > 76%, and were later confirmed by light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) was conducted and revealed that the selected PAB supernatants were non-toxic. The 16S rRNA gene of PAB were sequenced and they showed similarities to Bacillus, Priestia, and Chryseobacterium. Compounds in the supernatants were determined by GC-MS which revealed contents of fatty acids, ethyl esters, and diketopiperazines. Therefore, PAB supernatants have potential as antibiofilm agents against biofilm formed by Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis.

Melissopalynological study of Melipona (Eomelipona) torrida Friese, 1916: a native stingless bee from southern Brazil

Few data are on bee–plant interactions for the Melipona torrida bee in southern Brazil. This is a native bee vulnerable to extinction that pollinates native plants and produces honey that is especially appreciated by local populations. Aiming to evaluate the floral sources visited by Melipona torrida bee in southern Brazil a palynology investigation on honeys of this bee were carried out. Honeys were extracted each month from March 2020 to November 2021 of hives from two locations of Rio Grande do Sul (Cachoeirinha and Canoas). The 34 samples were analysed with a light microscope. In the honey samples of the Melipona torrida bee were identified 39 pollen types, principally tree plants. Melipona torrida bee visited frequently the plants of Myrcia type, Eucalyptus sp., Schinus terebenthifolia, Mimosa bimucronata, Parapiptadenia rigida, Morus nigra and Solanum sisymbrifolium. The pollen diagram show differences in pollen percentages throughout the year and CONISS grouped the samples in five groups (MT-1–MT-5). Richness of pollen types of samples was low in the months of winter and March and high in the honeys of months of Spring and Summer. The honeys were monofloral and heterofloral, and native plants were more visited than exotic species. The 33 pollen types from honey of Melipona torrida bee from southern Brazil can help in the knowledge of the bee–plant interaction of this native bee and propose appropriate plant management around the hives.

The possible link between venison poisoning and Sarcocystis spp. infection in Lithuania: a case report.

There have been report of possible food poisoning in Lithuania following the consumption of raw steaks from a roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Two people experienced symptoms of abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and nausea. The parasitological examination of the roe deer revealed macrocysts of Sarcocystis sp. to the naked eye. Microscopic sarcocysts of Sarcocystis spp. were detected in different muscles, and a high sarcocyst load was observed in the roe deer muscles by a light microscope. Based on molecular results, S. capreolicanis, S. gracilis, S. linearis, S. oviformis, and S. silva were identified in meat samples of the roe deer. This is the first report of a possible link between venison poisoning and Sarcocystis spp. infection in Lithuania.

Biodiversity and Hemolytic Toxicity of the Genus Heterocapsa (Dinophyceae) in the Beibu Gulf, China

The dinoflagellate genus Heterocapsa includes several widely distributed and potentially toxic species associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), particularly affecting the Western Pacific Ocean. To reveal the biodiversity of Heterocapsa in Beibu Gulf, six strains were morphologically characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy, while large subunit rDNA (LSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis through maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences. Two strains (BGERL169, BGERL170) were identified as Heterocapsa philippinensis ribotype I, three (BGERL171-BGERL173) as a new Heterocapsa philippinensis ribotype II, and one strain (BGERL174) as Heterocapsa pseudotriquetra. Cells of H. philippinensis were ovoid to spherical, yellowish-brown, with reticulate chloroplasts, and had a sausage-shaped nucleus positioned longitudinally along the dorsal side of the cell, and the theca was arranged in Po, cp, X, 5′, 3a, 7″, 6c, 5s, 5‴, 2⁗. Additionally, BGERL169 and BGERL171 showed no hemolytic toxicity in rabbit erythrocyte lysis assays. To the best of our knowledge, this research provides the first morphological and phylogenetic analysis of H. philippinensis, including the identification of a new ribotype, as well as the discovery of H. pseudotriquetra in Chinese waters. The findings contribute to the understanding of Heterocapsa species biogeography and toxicity in Chinese waters, offering valuable data for future HAB monitoring in Beibu Gulf.

Proximal aperture in Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch (Orchidaceae) pollen: a rare germination site for angiosperms.

The pollen dispersal unit of the epidendroid species, Cephalanthera longifolia, is a soft pollinium consisting of loosely connected tetrads that are agglutinated by elastoviscin. With scanning electron microscopy, the reticulate exine is visible on the outer pollen grains of outer tetrads of a pollinium. The pollen grains are mostly arranged in planar-tetragonal tetrads or decussate tetrads and easily disintegrate into monads. Contrary to the inaperturate pollen in members of subfamily Epidendroideae known so far, C. longifolia exhibits ulcerate pollen. When pollen grains are attached in tetrads within a pollinium the apertures are obscured, as they are located on the proximal side of the pollen grains. The ulcus can only be observed when tetrads disintegrate, freeing the monads and exposing the proximal side of pollen grains for investigation by light and scanning electron microscopy. Proximal aperture configurations are rare among angiosperms and currently known only from few other species of flowering plants. This is the first report of an ulcerate proximal aperture within Orchidaceae.

Evaluation of podocytopathy in patients with no abnormality detected by light microscopy

ABSTRACT When podocytes are injured, they may detach leading to podocytopenia, which represents a critical step in the development of podocytopathy. . This study aimed to study the diagnostic role of colloidal iron stain in assessment of podoctyopathy. This is a retrospective study, conducted on 50 archival renal biopsies with the clinical diagnosis of steroid resistant or dependent nephrotic syndrome and with no abnormality detected by light microscopy (LM). Colloidal iron special stain was used to delineate the sialomucin coat of podocytes. Desmin immunohistochemical stain for assessment of podocyte injury was also applied. Electron microscopic (EM) examination was performed. Assessment of the mean percent of colloidal iron and desmin stained pixels in relation to the surface glomerular tuft area; i.e. mean percent of stained area (PSA) was done using image analysis software. Minimal change disease (MCD) was observed in 38/50 (76%) cases. Podocytopathy with detached podocytes was observed in 12/50 (24%) cases. Mean PSA in cases diagnosed as MCD was 19.17 ± 2.42 and was 18.95 ± 3.18 in cases diagnosed as podocytopathy with detached podocytes, while in control cases, mean PSA was 23.61 ± 2.18 which showed statistically significant difference between (p value = ≤0.001). Colloidal iron stain is an easy routine-friendly method for assessment of podocytopathy.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL RESEARCH OF COMMON MYRTLE LEAVES (MYRTUS COMMUNIS L.)

This paper presents the results of morphological-anatomical study of common myrtle leaves diagnostically significant features (Myrtus communis L.) harvested in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden (Republic of Crimea, Russia). Microscopic analysis of common myrtle leaf petioles was carried out and diagnostic features of dominant biologically active сompounds and tissues luminescence of this plant species leaf petioles were revealed. Morphology and anatomy of common myrtle leaves petioles, luminescence of their tissues were analyzed and summarized and additional diagnostic features of this plant object were revealed. Morphological and anatomical study of common myrtle leaves (Myrtus communis L.) was carried out in accordance with the OFS "Leaves" and "Technique of microscopic and microchemical study of medicinal plant raw materials and medicinal plant preparations" GF RF XIV edition using light microscopy in transmitted and polarized light, as well as luminescence microscopy, which has not been previously studied for this plant. The results of the study concluded that when comparing the luminescence of whole essential oils of myrtle, impure eucalyptus and their components provides a luminescence diagnosis due to the difference in luminescence color; 1,8-cineole is not a diagnostic element in morphological and anatomical luminescence for common myrtle due to the lack of obvious luminescence; euvimal-1 can be used as a diagnostic and luminescence as it has specific luminescence in the form of pink color; the peculiarity of pigmentation of the epithelium of the schizogenic receptacle of the leaf of common myrtle was revealed and the characteristic of its luminescence is species specific for myrtle and can be used as a diagnostic feature in contrast to the impurity raw material of eucalyptus. The results obtained during the study can be further used in the development of the section of the draft pharmacopoeial article “Microscopic features” and other regulatory documentation for a new type of medicinal plant raw material - “Myrtle leaves”, as well as in fundamental botany in the study of species of the family Myrtaceae.

Secretory pedicels? Development, morphology, and histochemistry of articulated pedicels in Neotropical Malveae (Malvaceae).

In the Malveae tribe (Malvaceae), the axis supporting the flower has a joint at the upper third. This axis can be considered as an articulated pedicel, peduncle, peduncle-pedicel, or anthopodium. Such disparity in terminology reveals a duality in interpretation since this structure is classified as part of the inflorescence or part of the flower. In an effort to reach a consensus, this study aims to evaluate axes supporting the flowers of species from the Malveae tribe through ontogenetic, morphological, and histochemical analyses, using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Ontogenetic analyses indicated that the axis supporting the flower is an articulated pedicel, which is divided into proximal and distal parts owing to the presence of the constriction (joint). Simultaneously, the articulated pedicel arises from the floral meristem, along with the establishment of the calyx and androecium. As development progresses, we observed frequent abscissions of the floral bud, along with the distal portion of the pedicel, at the joint. After this, the remaining proximal portion of the pedicel becomes secretory, as an extrafloral nectary, often foraged by ants of the genus Wasmannia. Thus, this ontogenetic analysis of the articulated pedicel helps in understanding its functionality and morphological variability, highlighting the importance of standardized terminology since it would lead to conceptual clarity in different studies. Additionally, this study, for the first time, reveals the presence of extrafloral nectaries on articulated pedicels in Malveae, a previously undocumented feature in Malveae and Malvaceae.

Biofilm Inhibition Activity of Fennel Honey, Fennel Essential Oil and Their Combination

The eradication of bacterial biofilms remains a persistent challenge in medicine, particularly because an increasing number of biofilms exhibit resistance to conventional antibiotics. This underscores the importance of searching for novel compounds that present antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity. Various types of honey and essential oil were proven to be effective against a number of biofilm-forming bacterial strains. The current study demonstrated the effectiveness of the relatively unexplored fennel honey (FH), fennel essential oil (FEO), and their combination against biofilm-forming bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with a series of in vitro experiments. The authenticity of FH and FEO was checked with light microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using the microdilution method, and antibiofilm activity was assessed with crystal violet assay. Structural changes in bacterial cells and biofilms, induced by the treatments, were monitored with scanning electron microscopy. FEO and FH inhibited the biofilm formation of each bacterial strain, with FEO being more effective compared to FH. Their combination was the most effective, with inhibitory rates ranging between 87 and 92%, depending on the bacterial strain. The most sensitive bacterium was E. coli, while P. aeruginosa was the most resistant. These results provide justification for the combined use of honey and essential oil to suppress bacterial biofilms and can serve as a starting point to develop an effective surface disinfectant with natural ingredients.

Achieving High Piezoelectric Performance Across Multidomains Design in K(Ta,Nb)O3-Based Lead-free Single Crystals.

In light of environmental issues, the lead-free ferroelectric single crystal K(Ta1-xNbx)O3 (KTN) has attracted considerable interest due to its excellent piezoelectric properties. This research focus on improving the piezoelectric performance of KTN by engineering domains through polarization in the [011]c direction. The full-matrix parameters of KTN crystals after polarization along the [011] direction were determined. The finding reveal that KTN polarized in the nonspontaneous polarization direction [011]c exhibits higher piezoelectric constants (d33 = 156 pC/N, d15 = 155 pC/N) and dielectric constants (ε33T ∼ 2337). Additionally, tensor matrix transformation techniques were utilized to analyze the directional dependence of the piezoelectric (d33*), dielectric (ε33T*), elastic (s33E*) constants, and electromechanical coupling coefficient (k33*). The results indicate that these constants reach their maximum values along the polarized [011]c direction. A comparison of the experimental polarization values in the [011]c direction with those calculated for a single-domain state, demonstrates that ferroelectric domains in KTN crystals contribute significantly to the piezoelectric properties. Finally, polarized light microscopy was used to conduct a detailed analysis of the domain structure in KTN single crystals, revealing various orientations and sizes of domain walls. This research offers strategies for optimizing piezoelectric performance.

Evaluation of Propolis, Aloe Vera Gel, Noni, Pomegranate Juice Natural Storage Medium for Management of Avulsed Teeth

ABSTRACT Objectives: To ascertain the effectiveness of propolis, aloe vera gel, noni, and pomegranate juice natural storage solution in preserving the vitality of avulsed teeth PDL cells. Materials and Methods: Forty recently extracted human premolars that were recommended for orthodontic purposes were used in the current investigation. Each of the four storage medium groups (N = 10)—Group A: propolis, Group B: pomegranate juice, Group C: aloe vera, and Group D: noni—was assigned to them at random. The teeth were immersed in one of the three experimental media for forty minutes after being dried for twenty-five minutes at room temperature. Each tooth’s root surface was treated with an enzymatic solution containing 1 mL of Collagenase Type II and Dispase Type I in phosphate buffer saline following drying and soaking. Following the application of 0.4% Trypan blue labeling, the cells were counted using a hemocytometer under a 10x light microscope magnification. The obtained data was statistically analyzed. Results: The samples placed in propolis indicated the maximum number of viable PDL cells subsequently pomegranate juice, aloe vera gel, and noni. There was considerable disparity in the amount of viable PDL cells among the groups. Conclusion: The current research findings suggest that propolis, pomegranate juice, aloe vera gel, and non-natural media can be employed to preserve the viability of PDL cells in avulsed teeth.