Low-power Microscope Research Articles

Remineralizing capacity of zinc oxide eugenol sealer following the addition of nanohydroxyapatite-tyrosine amino acid: An in vivo animal study

ObjectiveAlthough several sealers have been developed, the zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealer is still used in many private dental clinics. This study aimed to compare the biocompatibility and remineralizing capacity οf ZOE sealer with the addition of nanohydroxyapatite-tyrosine amino acid. MethodsThis study was conducted on Twenty rabbits. The rabbits were divided into four groups based on the test observation period (3, 7, 21, and 28 days) following surgical implantation. General anesthesia was administered to each rabbit, and a subcutaneous incision of approximately 1±0.5 cm was made along the symphyseal area of the mandible of each rabbit. Four bone cavities were generated in the interdental space of the lower jaw between the central and molar teeth of each rabbit, with one longitudinal subcutaneous incision. The ZOE sealers were mixed according to the manufacturer's guidelines and directly inserted within the cavities generated at the end of each test period. The animals were sacrificed, and bone biopsy was carried out at the site of testing. The biopsy samples were obtained and subjected to histological analysis using a low-power light microscope (Olympus C ⅹ 21, Japan) and immunohistochemistry using Ki67 antibody. ResultsThe collected information was examined by parametric statistical tests using SPSS software version ‘‘22.” One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Duncan’s tests were used to measure the significance among various groups, with statistical significance set, when “P≤0.01”. ConclusionThe 20% mixed endodontic sealer displayed excellent outcomes compared to other experimental groups, as identified by higher new bone formation at every evaluation period.

Tissues response and bone-forming capacity of zinc oxide–eugenol sealer following the addition of nanohydroxyapatite-tyrosine amino acid: An in vivo animal study

Abstract Introduction: The zinc oxide–eugenol (ZOE) sealer is used till now in many private dental clinics although many sealers have been developed. The current study aimed to compare the biocompatibility and remineralizing capacity of ZOE sealer following the addition of nanohydroxyapatite-tyrosine amino acid. Materials and Methods: Twenty rabbits were used in this investigation, and they were divided into four groups based on the test observation period (3, 7, 21, and 28 days) following surgical implantation. General anesthesia was given for each rabbit with a subcutaneous incision of about 1 cm ± 0.5 cm made along the symphyseal area of the mandible of each rabbit. Each rabbit had four bone cavities generated in the interdental space of the lower jaw between the central and molar teeth, with one longitudinal subcutaneous incision. The ZOE sealers were mixed and directly inserted within the cavities as follows: ZOE alone on the central area of the right side of the jaw (Group A), 10% nHAp and Tyrosine mixed ZOE at the molar area (Group B), empty cavity (−ve control) located at the central area of the left side of the jaw (Group C) and 20%/nHAp and Tyrosine mixed ZOE located at the molar area on the left side of the jaw (Group D). Animals were scarified and bone biopsy samples from the tested parts were collected. Histological analysis was performed using a low-power light microscope and immunohistochemistry using runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) antibody. Data were statistically analyzed utilizing the SPSS software. One-way analysis of variance was used and the post hoc test Duncan’s test was utilized to measure the significance among various groups at P ≤ 0.01. Results: The inflammatory process decreased over time for all experimental groups, associated with an increase in granulation tissue formation which was gradually decreasing over time to permit an increase in new blood vessels and new bone formation for all experimental groups that increased with time. Group D displayed the highest levels of new bone formation. Runx2 antibody expression declined progressively, particularly in Group D on 28 days. Conclusion: Superior new bone formation and biocompatible properties were demonstrated by the 20% nHAp and tyrosine mixed ZOE sealer.

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.

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.

Phase retrieval from integrated intensity of auto-convolution

Ultra-fast optical pulses are the most ephemeral sensing paradigm ever devised, examining events over incredibly brief timescales with broadband illumination. A consequence of sensing at timescales lower than a picosecond is that pulse characterization cannot be done with traditional analog-to-digital samplers and must be ascertained from integrating intensity sensors. Techniques for pulse characterization have been constructed using combinations of time-invariant and time-variant filter responses to create non-linear but invertible intensity datasets (Walmsley & Dorrer, 2009). In this paper, we develop a novel high-order phase retrieval technique to perform pulse characterization from a single-pixel integrating sensor measuring integrated intensity of auto-convolution (IIAC). We examine gradient descent’s ability to recover signals as a function of signal dimension and measurement count, and we demonstrate the effective use of iterative hard tensor thresholding as an initializer. Finally, we demonstrate IIAC recovery in a laboratory setting to recover the time profile of a complex laser pulse. We assert that the IIAC recovery solution demonstrated here simultaneously provides the optics community with a pulse characterization technique that scales to low-power microscopy systems and provides the optimization community with a physically motivated high-order phase retrieval problem enhanced by low-rank tensor processing.

The effect of trace rare earth on grain size and properties of copper coating

Copper coating was fabricated by the forging process. The quasi-static properties of the coating were simulated by low power microscope, metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, bench Brinell hardness, and thermal simulation tester. The effects of rare earth on the as-cast grains, recrystallized grains, mechanical properties, and dynamic properties of the copper dome were studied. The experimental results show that the as-cast grains and recrystallized grains can be refined obviously by adding rare earth, and the mechanical properties can be improved in different amplitude. The samples with rare earth addition are more sensitive to strain rate and have higher yield strength at higher strain rate.

Comparison of the Use of Traditional Solvents and Nanosecond 213 nm Nd:YAG Laser in Thinning Naturally Aged Varnish on a Contemporary Oil Easel Painting

The removal of aged varnish on artistic paintings is a delicate intervention and the use of UV laser for this purpose is of special relevance. In particular, the use of nanosecond-pulsed lasers operating at 213 nm has been noted to produce good results in mock-up samples, but it has not been tested in real artworks. In this paper, we report on the application of this procedure for the first time on a contemporary oil easel painting with naturally aged varnish. The obtained results were compared with those achieved using traditional solvents, specifically a mixture of ligroin:acetone. Additionally, hot water was used to remove surface dirt. The performance of the different cleaning procedures was assessed with a range of techniques, including low-power microscopy, UV lamp illumination, laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Of the tested treatments, the best performance is obtained by nanosecond laser irradiation at 213 nm using an adequate laser fluence (typically 0.14 J/cm2) that allows controlled and efficient removal of the outermost aged varnish layer without affecting the underlying non-aged varnish and paint layers.

High-speed multi-objective Fourier ptychographic microscopy.

The ability of a microscope to rapidly acquire wide-field, high-resolution images is limited by both the optical performance of the microscope objective and the bandwidth of the detector. The use of multiple detectors can increase electronic-acquisition bandwidth, but the use of multiple parallel objectives is problematic since phase coherence is required across the multiple apertures. We report a new synthetic-aperture microscopy technique based on Fourier ptychography, where both the illumination and image-space numerical apertures are synthesized, using a spherical array of low-power microscope objectives that focus images onto mutually incoherent detectors. Phase coherence across apertures is achieved by capturing diffracted fields during angular illumination and using ptychographic reconstruction to synthesize wide-field, high-resolution, amplitude and phase images. Compared to conventional Fourier ptychography, the use of multiple objectives reduces image acquisition times by increasing the area for sampling the diffracted field. We demonstrate the proposed scaleable architecture with a nine-objective microscope that generates an 89-megapixel, 1.1 µm resolution image nine-times faster than can be achieved with a single-objective Fourier-ptychographic microscope. New calibration procedures and reconstruction algorithms enable the use of low-cost 3D-printed components for longitudinal biological sample imaging. Our technique offers a route to high-speed, gigapixel microscopy, for example, imaging the dynamics of large numbers of cells at scales ranging from sub-micron to centimetre, with an enhanced possibility to capture rare phenomena.

The expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor in thin endometrial tissue and their significance

Objective This study aims to investigate the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) in thin endometrium. Methods Patients who received treatment in our hospital between January 2018 and September 2020 were enrolled. Endometrial thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasound; in patients with a midluteal phase endometrial thickness of <7 mm, a sample of endometrial tissue was obtained using a hysteroscope, and the MMP-9, ER, and PR expressions were detected using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the number of endometrial glands was calculated in a complete field of view under a low-power (100×) microscope, and the serum estrogen and progesterone levels were determined. Following hormone therapy, the midluteal phase endometrial thickness was measured again using transvaginal ultrasound, and the patients were divided into two groups: the thin endometrium group and the normal endometrium group (n = 50, each). Patients in the thin endometrium group had an endometrial thickness of <7 mm, while patients in the normal endometrium group had an endometrial thickness of 7–10 mm. Results The number of endometrial glands as well as the ER and MMP-9 expressions were lower in the thin endometrium group than in the normal endometrium group; the differences were statistically significant (p < .05). The receiver operator characteristic curve revealed that ER and MMP-9 had a high prediction accuracy in patients with refractory thin endometrium, while the number of endometrial glands was moderately predictive. Conclusion Compared with other patients with thin endometrium, patients with refractory thin endometrium had a reduced the number of endometrial glands and significantly lower ER and MMP-9 expressions.

Pilot Malacology Surveys for the Intermediate Hosts of Schistosomiasis in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas of the Moyen-Ogooué Province, Gabon.

The objective of this pilot malacological survey was to identify the snail intermediate hosts for Schistosoma haematobium in endemic rural and semi-urban areas of Gabon. Snails were collected, morphologically identified, and tested for infection by cercarial shedding. Released cercariae were morphologically identified using low-power light microscopy. A total of six species of snails were collected throughout the study area, with Bulinus truncatus, B. forskalii, and Potadoma spp. being the most predominant species collected. Only the Bulinus species were tested for infection by cercarial shedding, of which only B. truncatus shed cercariae. Some B. truncatus shed mammalian schistosome cercariae, while others shed Gymnocephalus cercariae. Our results indicate that B. truncatus appears to be a potential intermediate host of schistosomiasis in Gabon, where cases of S. haematobium, S. guineensis, and S. intercalatum infection are reported. However, it will be important to further understand the species diversity and transmission dynamics of schistosomes.

Design and Fabrication of Multichannel PDMS Microfluidic

Microfluidic delivers miniaturized fluidic networks for processing liquids in the microliter range. In the recent years, lab-on-chip (LOC) is become a main tool for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic especially in the medical field. In this paper, we presented a design and fabrication on multi disease analysis using single chip via delivery of fluid with the multiple transducers is the pathway of multi-channel microfluidic based LOC’s. 3 in 1 nano biosensor kit was attached with the microfluidic to produce nano-biolab-on-chip (NBLOC). The multi channels microfluidic chip was designed including the micro channels, one inlet, three outlet and sensor contact area. The microfluidic chip was designed to include multiplex detection for pathogen that consists of multiple channels of simultaneous results. The LOC system was designed using Design Spark Mechanical software and PDMS was used as a medium of the microfluidic. The microfluidic mold and PDMS microfluidic morphological properties have been characterized by using low power microscope (LPM), high power microscope (HPM) and surface profiler. The LOC system physical was experimental by dropping food coloring through the inlet and collecting at the sensor contact area outlet.

Low-Power Two-Color Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy for Live Cell Imaging.

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is a typical laser-scanning super-resolution imaging technology, the emergence of which has opened a new research window for studying the dynamic processes of live biological samples on a nanometer scale. According to the characteristics of STED, a high depletion power is required to obtain a high resolution. However, a high laser power can induce severe phototoxicity and photobleaching, which limits the applications for live cell imaging, especially in two-color STED super-resolution imaging. Therefore, we developed a low-power two-color STED super-resolution microscope with a single supercontinuum white-light laser. Using this system, we achieved low-power two-color super-resolution imaging based on digital enhancement technology. Lateral resolutions of 109 and 78 nm were obtained for mitochondria and microtubules in live cells, respectively, with 0.8 mW depletion power. These results highlight the great potential of the novel digitally enhanced two-color STED microscopy for long-term dynamic imaging of live cells.

An Aggregation-Induced Emission Optical Highlighter for the Studies of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Lipid Droplet Content Dynamics

An Aggregation-Induced Emission Optical Highlighter for the Studies of Endoplasmic Reticulum-Lipid Droplet Content Dynamics

Mesonephric-like Differentiation of Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma: Clinicopathological and Molecular Characteristics Distinct from Those of Uterine Mesonephric-like Adenocarcinoma.

When diagnosing endometrial carcinoma cases, we encountered histological features that strikingly resembled uterine mesonephric-like adenocarcinoma (MLA), but the differential diagnosis remained challenging after performing immunostaining. Considering the aggressive biological behavior and poor prognosis of uterine MLA, we believe that the accurate recognition of mesonephric-like differentiation (MLD) is important in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. We aimed to investigate the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of such cases and compared them with those of uterine MLAs. Five patients diagnosed with endometrioid carcinoma (EC) with MLD were included in this study. Histological evaluation, immunostaining, and targeted sequencing were performed. All five tumors showed typical morphological features of MLA, including densely aggregated tubular structures, deep basophilia under low-power magnification microscopy, eosinophilic intraluminal secretions, and diverse growth patterns. Immunostaining revealed moderate-to-strong nuclear immunoreactivity for estrogen and progesterone receptors in more than 50% tumor cells. The staining intensities and proportions of PAX2 and GATA3 were variable. None of the tumors harbored KRAS mutations. Considering the prognostic implications, ancillary tests, including immunostaining and targeted sequencing, should be performed to accurately differentiate between endometrial EC-MLD and uterine MLA.

Comparative analysis of six common foraminiferal species of the genera &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cassidulina&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Paracassidulina&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Islandiella&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; from the Arctic–North Atlantic domain

Abstract. Morphologically similar benthic foraminiferal taxa can be difficult to separate. Aside from causing issues in taxonomy, incorrect identifications complicate our understanding of species-specific ecological preferences and result in flawed palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and geochemical results. Over the years, a number of studies have grouped together several key Arctic–North Atlantic species in various combinations, despite their distinct environmental preferences and/or stratigraphical differences, causing great confusion in the literature. These species include Cassidulina laevigata, Cassidulina neoteretis, Cassidulina teretis, Paracassidulina neocarinata, Islandiella helenae, and Islandiella norcrossi. Here, we provide for the first time a detailed comparison of these taxa. We present a compilation of the original species descriptions, along with clear, illustrated guidelines on how to separate these taxa to circumvent taxonomic confusion. We acknowledge that some features cannot easily be seen with a standard low-powered microscope, especially if specimens are not well preserved. In those cases, we recommend the following actions: (i) always strive to make a precise identification and at least differentiate between the three genera; (ii) where C. neoteretis and C. teretis cannot be separated, and where the stratigraphical context does not make the species identification obvious, specimens belonging to these taxa should be reported as C. teretis/C. neoteretis; and (iii) where specimens in a sample cannot be confidently assigned to a specific species of Islandiella or Cassidulina, specimens should be grouped as Islandiella spp. or Cassidulina spp., followed by naming the most dominant species in brackets. The improved identification of Cassidulina, Paracassidulina, and Islandiella specimens will ensure development of a better understanding of the ecological affinities of these key Arctic–North Atlantic taxa, consequently resulting in more accurate palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and geochemical data.

X-ray Dark-Field Imaging (XDFI)-a Promising Tool for 3D Virtual Histopathology.

X-ray dark-field imaging (XDFI) utilizing a thin silicon crystal under Laue case enables visualizing three-dimensional (3D) morphological alterations of human tissue. XDFI uses refraction-contrast derived from phase shift rather than absorption as the main X-ray image contrast source to render 2D and 3D images of tissue specimens in unprecedented detail. The unique features of XDFI are its extremely high sensitivity (approximately 1000:1 compared to absorption for soft tissues under X-ray energy of around 20keV, theoretically) and excellent resolution (8.5μm) without requiring contrast medium or staining. Thus, XDFI-computed tomography can generate 3D virtual histological images equivalent to those of stained histological sections pathologists observe under low-power light microscopy as far as organs and tissues selected as samples in preliminary studies. This paper reviews the fundamental principles and the potential of XDFI, describes two optical setups for XDFI with examples, illustrates features of XDFI that are salient for histopathology, and presents XDFI examples of refraction-contrast images of atherosclerotic plaques, musculoskeletal tissue, neuronal tissue, and breast cancer specimens. Availability of this X-ray imaging in routine histopathological evaluations of tissue specimens would help guide clinical decision making by highlighting suspicious areas in unstained, thick sections for further sampling and analysis using conventional histopathological techniques. XDFI is a promising tool for 3D virtual histopathology.

Design 5.0 µm Gap Aluminium Interdigitated Electrode for Sensitive pH Detection

The aim of the research study to design high sensitive biosensor for medical applications. IDE pattern was designed using AutoCAD software with 5 µm ginger gap. The fabrication process was done using a conventional photolithography process and standard CMOS process. The fabricated electrode was physically characterized using a low power microscope (LPM) and a high power microscope (HPM). The electrically validated through I-V measurements and chemically tested with different pH buffer solutions. Al IDE was well fabricated with 0.1 µm tolerance between the design mask and fabricated IDEs. Electrical measurements confirmed that IDE was well fabricated without any shortage and results of similar IDE samples were confirmed that the repeatability of the device. The extremely small current variations in nano ampere range were quantitatively detected using an extra small volume of 2 µl for different pH buffer solutions. It is confirmed that IDEs are sensitive in both alkali and hydroxyl ions medium.

Tissue Coagulation in Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty - An Experimental Study.

BackgroundLaser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a new technique for treatment of hemorrhoids. The exact extent of coagulation is not visible at the time of the procedure. There currently is no experimental or clinical data on the subject.ObjectiveTo evaluate the length of coagulation defect according to power and activation time of 1470nm diode laser on the perianal tissue model.MethodsFresh anorectal tissue of twenty-four pigs was used to produce 54 experimental samples. Each sample was randomly assigned to the laser power of 6, 8 and 10 W and 1, 2 or 3-second pulses. The procedure was performed using Biolitec Ceralas © diode laser with 1.85 mm optical fiber. The fiber was inserted in a manner, similar to intrahemorrhoidal laser application. Samples were evaluated using low-power and high-power light microscopy by a single pathologist. The length of tissue injury was measured on high-magnification microscopy.ResultsThe longest tissue injury (mean 3.93 mm) was caused by the longest laser exposure time (3 sec) with no significant difference between laser power used.Conclusions8 W 3-second application of the 1470nm diode laser results in coagulation area approximately 4 mm, and further coagulation should be initiated approximately 5 mm from the first one.

Aluminium Interdigitated Electrode Based Biosensor for Specific ssDNA Target Listeria Detection

Nowadays interdigitated electrode (IDE) based sensor have stimulated increasing interest in the application of biosensor filed. A large number of finger electrodes as comb structure gain high sensitivity through electrical measurements. In this paper, we have investigated Listeria bacteria detection through the electrical based IDE. Listeria monocytogenes is a food borne pathogen-based bacterium that can cause dangerous disease to human, some infection may result in death. The AutoCAD software was used to design the chrome mask of IDE sensor and the fabrication process was done using conventional photolithography method. The fabricated Al IDE morphologically analyzed using a low power microscope (LPM), a high-power microscope (HPM) and 3D profiler. Functionalization step of the Al IDE, silanization process was done using (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), immobilization process was done using carboxylic probe Listeria and Tween-20 as a blocking agent for nonspecific binding on the non-immobilized area of the biosensor surface. The biosensor was validated with complementary, non-complementary and single base mismatch ssDNA targets. Different concentration of complementary ssDNA target from 1 fM to 1 µM was done for the sensitivity detection.