Macroscopic Identification Research Articles

A non-invasive approach to identifying wood species in historical musical instruments

Abstract Identifying the wood species is an important step in the process of studying and preserving historic wooden artefacts. Identification procedures normally applied in cultural heritage contexts are unsuitable for musical instruments, as sampling might alter the aesthetics and functionality of these historically and culturally valuable instruments. Furthermore, macroscopic identification, through the naked eye or a lens, is often inadequate. It is necessary, therefore, to adopt a non-invasive approach, which renders visible the greatest number of anatomical features possible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of identifying the wood of historical artefacts using microscopes with high magnification and reflected light together with polarized light filters. A total of 117 musical instruments from the “Luigi Cherubini” Conservatory's collection, preserved at the “Galleria dell’Accademia” Museum in Florence (Italy) were examined as case study. The collected data here presented demonstrate that many anatomical features of the wood can be observed in situ, thanks to the portability of the instruments, and that identifying can be done indeed (in almost 6000 observations, only 8% gave no results). In cases where identifying was not possible, the problems involved: the presence of very thick coats of clear varnish, which makes it virtually impossible to see the structure of the underlying wood; the presence of a patina that conceals the wooden surface; and poor surface quality of the wood, which can falsify the appearance and size of wood cells.

PROTEOLYTIC FUNGI FROM VIRGIN FOREST

Microbial enzymes have continued to assist diverse reactions as biocatalysts. Soil derived microbes offer a prospective resource for such enzymes. Screening and isolation of proteolytic fungi were carried out from soil sample of a Malaysian virgin forest. Four isolates showed clear zone of protein hydrolysis on skim milk agar representing proteolytic activity. Aspergillus flavus UOA/HCPF 5774 exhibited the highest proteolytic activity with a clear zone diameter of 21 mm followed by Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum both with a clear zone of 16 mm, and Penicillium simplicissimum strain LP42 with a13 mm clear zone. Crude protease activity of 0.230 – 0.277 Units / ml for each fungus was seen after 24 hours incubation. A decline of protease production was observed after 48 hours incubation except for Aspergillus flavus UOA/HCPF 5774 which showed a drop only after 72 hours incubation. The protease producing fungi were partially identified based on their morphological characteristics, macroscopic and microscopic identification. The identification was confirmed by 18S rRNA Sequence Analysis. The four fungi protease producers were Aspergillus niger, Penicillium simplicissimum strain LP42, Aspergillus flavus UOA/HCPF 5774 and Trichoderma harzianum.

Step-by-step protocol to perfuse and dissect the mouse parotid gland and isolation of high-quality RNA from murine and human parotid tissue.

Macroscopic identification and surgical removal of the mouse parotid gland is demanding because of its anatomic location and size. Moreover, the mouse parotid gland contains high concentrations of RNases, making it difficult to isolate high-quality RNA. So far, appropriate methods for optimal perfusion-fixation and dissection of mouse parotid glands, as well as the isolation of high quality RNA from this tissue, are not available. Here we present a simple, optimized, step-by-step surgical method to perfuse and isolate murine parotid glands. We also compared two common RNA extraction methods (RNeasy Mini Kit versus TRIzol) for their yields of high-quality, intact RNA from human and murine parotid gland tissues that were either snap-frozen or immersed in RNAlater stabilization solution. Mouse parotid tissue that was perfused and immersed in RNAlater and human samples immersed in RNAlater exhibited the best RNA quality, independent of the isolation method.

NBI-assisted cystoscopy to improve follow-up of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

400 Background: Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) is a new technique of urethrocystoscopy, in which only a certain bandwidths of illumination (415 (blue) and 540nm (green)) of the spectrum is used to detect urothelial carcinoma. The aim of the investigation was to analyse the potential benefit of NBI in the follow up of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Methods: In the time between August 2013 until August 2014, patients with history of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, who presented for follow-up cystoscopy , were either examined via flexible white light endoscopy [WLE] plus second look WLE (n = 317, controls) or second look NBI-cystoscopy alone (n = 308) in the same session. Results: Rates of recurrences were similiar in both groups (NBI 95 (25%); WLE 85 (26.8%)). NBI after WLE identified more tumours in 21 patients (6.1 vs. 3.81). In 9 patients NBI showed no vascularization in suspicious areas. In the control arm, in 9 cases more tumours (4,67 vs. 3.33) were identified in the second WLE. After macroscopical identification of a recurrence, the time since the last resection was measured (WLE 10,67 months, NBI 16,85 months). Conclusions: While the number of patients with recurrent bladder cancer is not influenced by the use of NBI, the additional use of NBI in the follow-up cystoscopy of patients after transurethral resection of superficial bladder cancer (TUR) leads to an increased number of detected tumors. A part of the additionally detected tumors can be explained by the double examination. In addition NBI appears to provide a hint in individual cases whether a TUR is necessary at all.

New paleoradiological investigations of ancient human remains from North West Lombardy archaeological excavations.

Since its birth in 1895, radiology has been used to study ancient mummies. The purpose of this article is to present paleoradiological investigations conducted on several medieval human remains in Varese province. Anthropological (generic identification) and paleopathological analyses were carried out with the support of diagnostic imaging (X-ray and CT scans). Human remains were discovered during excavations of medieval archaeological sites in northwest Lombardy. Classical physical anthropological methods were used for the macroscopic identification of the human remains. X-ray and CT scans were performed on the same scanner (16-layer Hitachi Eclos 16 X-ray equipment). Results Radiological analysis permitted investigating (1) the sex, (2) age of death, (3) type of trauma, (4) therapeutic interventions and (5) osteomas in ancient human remains. In particular, X-ray and CT examinations showed dimorphic facial traits on the mummified skull, and the same radiological approaches allowed determining the age at death from a mummified lower limb. CT analyses allow investigating different types of traumatic lesions in skulls and postcranial skeleton portions and reconstructing the gait and functional outcomes of a fractured femur. Moreover, one case of possible Gardner’s syndrome (GS) was postulated from observing multiple osteomas in an ancient skull. Among the medical tests available to the clinician, radiology is the most appropriate first-line procedure for a diagnostic approach to ancient human remains because it can be performed without causing any significant damage to the specimen.

Studies on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis

The macroscopic characteristics, tissue, caterpillar body wall and powder of Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis in different batch numbers were observed and researched by the macroscopic and microscopic identification methods. The result shows that the morphology, size, abdominal annulations of caterpillar, etc. of 0. xuefengensis are the macroscopic identification characteristics, the caterpillar body surface mycelium, body wall sculpture and crochets on abdominal legs are the microscopic identification characteristics. These characters are stable and regular discriminant features, which are proved to be the identification basis of O. xuefengensis. In addition, The characters such as crochets on abdominal legs arrange in two parallel ellipse rings, the inner crochets are long strip, and the external toes are unciform, are specific.

Research on quality standards of Euonymus fortunei

To establish quality standards of Euonymus fortunei, and supply scientific evidence for the quality control of Euonymus fortunei. Empirical and microscopic identification methods were adopted to observe morphological and histological characters. The contents of water, total ash, acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extractive were analysed according to the methods of Chinese Pharmaco- poeia (2010). Dulcitol and reference herbs were used to identify materia medica of Euonymus fortunei by TLC method. The total flavonol glycosides contents were analysed by HPLC method, using quercetin and kaempferol as reference substances. Quercetin and kaempferol were separated on a C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) with methanol-0.1% formic acid(51:49) as the mobile phase and detected at 366 nm. The flavonoid aglycones content was then multiplied by a conversion coefficient, and the result was the total flavonol glycosides content. The macroscopical identification, microscopic features and TLC methods were proper. The average contents of water, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, alcohol-soluble extractive and total flavonol glycosides were 8.76%, 6.48%, 0.31%, 17.48% and 0.211% , respectively. The quality standards established on the basis of the research results were suitable for the quality evaluation of Euonymus fortunei.

How to correctly identify herbal materials in market: A case study based on DNA barcodes

Background: Traditional methods for identifying herbal medicines have many shortcomings. In this study, we aim to test discriminating ability of DNA barcodes and explore feasible method on evaluating identification results.Materials and Methods: Materials of whole-plant medicines were sampled from herbal market. 111 samples were used for DNA sequencing of ITS2 and trnH-psbA regions. Assembled sequences were searched against reference database using the BLAST method. Comprehensive evaluation based on pharmacognostic investigation, macroscopic identification and identification of DNA barcodes were performed for authentication of the herbal materials.Results: As a result, ITS2 had better identifying power than trnH-psbA in species-specific level (55.86% & 45.95%), as well as worse success rate of DNA sequencing (74.58% & 94.59%). In total, 89.19% individuals could be identified in genus level at least.Conclusion: It was revealed that DNA barcoding was useful tool in identifying herbal materials. Both ITS2 and trnH-psbA should be incorporated into the standard regions of DNA barcodes for identifying herbal materials.Keywords: DNA barcodes, herbal materials, ITS2, trnH-psbA, identification

Inverse problems in the mechanical characterization of elastic arteries

Abstract

Metabolite profiling of tissues of Acorus calamus and Acorus tatarinowii rhizomes by using LMD, UHPLC-QTOF MS, and GC-MS.

Acorus calamus and its related species are of significant importance to the food and fragrance industries due to their varied applications. They are also a cause of critical concern due to their toxic β-asarone content. Several toxicity cases have occurred due to high β-asarone compositions in food products. Hence, limits for their use are strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the European Union, and legislations of different countries. The identification of species with a lower β-asarone content is of great significance. In this report, the metabolite profiles and essential oil content of A.calamus and Acorus tatarinowii rhizomes were analysed and compared using UHPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS techniques. The metabolite profiles were similar; however, β-asarone content was higher in A.calamus rhizomes. The developed methods can be applied for microscopic and macroscopic identification, and quality control of food products containing β-asarone.

Macrofungi in Some Forests of Telangana State, India

The fruiting bodies of macrofungi were collected from some forests, fences, waste fields, timber depots of Telangana state during rainy season. This is an attempt to give a broad picture of diversity of macrofungi belonging to the class Basidiomycetes in some forest areas of Telangana region. A total number of 50 fruiting bodies were collected and cultured and among them only ten were identified based on their macroscopic features and molecular identification since they showed good lignolytic activity.

HOW TO CORRECTLY IDENTIFY HERBAL MATERIALS IN MARKET? A CASE STUDY BASED ON DNA BARCODES

Background: Traditional methods for identifying herbal medicines have many shortcomings. In this study, we aim to test discriminating ability of DNA barcodes and explore feasible method on evaluating identification results. 
 Materials and Methods: Materials of whole-plant medicines were sampled from herbal market. 111 samples were used for DNA sequencing of ITS2 and trnH-psbA regions. Assembled sequences were searched against reference database using the BLAST method. Comprehensive evaluation based on pharmacognostic investigation, macroscopic identification and identification of DNA barcodes were performed for authentication of the herbal materials. 
 Results: As a result, ITS2 had better identifying power than trnH-psbA in species-specific level (55.86% & 45.95%), as well as worse success rate of DNA sequencing (74.58% & 94.59%). In total, 89.19% individuals could be identified in genus level at least. 
 Conclusion: It was revealed that DNA barcoding was useful tool in identifying herbal materials. Both ITS2 and trnH-psbA should be incorporated into the standard regions of DNA barcodes for identifying herbal materials.

Macroscopic And Microscopic Approaches For Identification Of Fungi From Plant Soil Of Cameron Highlands

There were seven cultures of fungi isolated from vegetable soil in Cameroon Highlands. In this research project, two techniques have been used for the identification purpose, which are macroscopic and microscopic morphology approaches to identify the genus of the fungus. Macroscopic identification based on the characteristic of the fungus grown on the PDA plate and the microscopic identification was based on the spore and hyphae using lactophenol blue dye. Four genus that have been successfully identified using this approach are Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Gliocladium.

Visualisation of the thoracic duct after popliteal lymph node injection in the pig: comparison of radiographic and thoracoscopic techniques

Radiographic contrast studies have been recommended to identify the thoracic duct (TD) and its branches before and after surgery for total occlusion. The macroscopic identification of the TD and its branches during surgery usually involves injection of methylene blue (MB). Radiographic contrast and methylene blue can be injected into different anatomical structures (lymph node, lymph vessel, s.c.). The purpose of this study was to compare two different techniques (radiographic and thoracoscopic) for visualisation of the TD after intrapopliteal lymph node injection in the pig. Six piglets from the same litter (two males and four females), two months of age were used. Iohexol at 245 mg/ml was injected into the left popliteal lymph node (LN) under general anaesthesia; hindlimb, abdominal, and thoracic radiographs were taken. A 0.25% methylene blue solution was injected into the right popliteal lymph node and the thoracic duct colouration was assessed thoracoscopically. The thoracic duct was visualised radiographically in one out of six pigs after iohexol injection and thoracoscopically in five out of six pigs after methylene blue injection. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.040). Popliteal LN lymphangiography using iohexol at 245 mg/ml in piglets should not be the recommended method for TD visualisation. Intrapopliteal injection of a 0.25% solution of methylene blue is recommended as a method of TD visualisation prior to thoracic duct ligation.  

Experimental sourcing of Edwards Plateau chert using LA-ICP-MS

Sourcing artifacts is a key method for addressing anthropological issues of mobility and interaction. Although chert was one the most common toolstones used in prehistory, sourcing chert artifacts remains problematic. In this study an approach for sourcing chert is introduced that links a specific sampling protocol, Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), and multivariate statistical analysis. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through a controlled experiment examining intersource and intrasource variability at four different scales of analysis. The statistical analysis at four spatial scales allows determination of the spatial resolution of the chemical matching procedure outlined here. In this experiment geologic chert samples from the Edwards Plateau of Texas of known provenience are chemically evaluated allowing comparison of their expected origin against their known origin. This experiment used Edwards Plateau chert as it is a high quality material and was a major lithic source across the Southern High Plains and was often transported great distances. Macroscopic identification of Edwards Plateau chert can be problematic and at its best is unable to effectively discern from where within the 120,000 km2 of the region cherts originated. An understanding of the geological formation processes of chert provides a useful framework for addressing this issue. This study shows that through an effective methodology Edwards Plateau chert can be sourced to a finer spatial scale than previous studies.

Total submission of pelvic lymphadenectomy tissues removed during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer increases lymph node yield and detection of micrometastases

The detection of lymph node metastases has prognostic and therapeutic implications for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Macroscopic identification of pelvic lymph nodes in surgical lymphadenectomy specimens can be difficult, with a potential for incomplete submission of lymph nodes for microscopic examination. This study was undertaken to determine whether complete sampling of lymphadenectomy specimens would improve the detection of metastatic disease in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. We examined 109 pelvic lymphadenectomies accompanying radical prostatectomy specimens to assess the benefit of complete submission of the lymph node packets to detect extra lymph nodes and metastatic disease. We found that blocking the residual tissue, after all palpable lymph nodes had been identified, increased the mean number of lymph nodes from 3.8 to 10.8, with an average of 0.84 macroscopically undetectable nodes being recovered per block submitted. Metastatic prostate cancer was identified in eight cases, one of which had cancer in an impalpable lymph node only. Submission of all pelvic lymphadenectomy tissue for histological examination improves the yield of lymph nodes and the detection of metastatic prostate cancer.

Relationship between syndeformational partial melting and crustal-scale magmatism and tectonism across the Wet Mountains, central Colorado

In the Wet Mountains of central Colorado, we document evidence for increasing metamorphic grade and associated higher amounts of partial melting along a transect from northwest to southeast. Field observations of structural orientation and style, qualitative assessment of strain intensity, analysis of metamorphic mineral assemblages, and macroscopic identification of leucosomes and migmatites are complemented by the use of melt microstructures to carefully document the presence and locations of former partial melt and to identify melt-producing reactions. In the northwest Wet Mountains, migmatitic foliation is moderately well developed, and partial melting occurred via granite wet melting and muscovite-dehydration melting, with rare melt pseudomorphs remaining. At Dawson Mountain in the central part of the range, inferred former melt channels are preserved along grain and subgrain boundaries, deformation appears more intense, and anatexis occurred through biotite-dehydration melting. Farthest to the south, the highest intensity of strain is inferred, with very closely spaced foliations, abundant dynamic recrystallization, and local mylonitization occurring in rocks of granitic composition, and partial melting occurring via granite wet melting. Metapelitic rocks experienced biotite-dehydration melting and contain garnet with Mn-rich rims and Mn-poor cores mantled by plagioclase, decussate biotite, and quartz, textures indicating back-reaction between melt and garnet. These textures indicate there was abundant melt within these highest-grade rocks and extensive melt-rock interaction. Throughout the Wet Mountains, deformation is concentrated in areas where melt-producing reactions occurred, and melt appears to be localized along deformation-related features, suggesting a correlation between partial melting and deformation. The northern Wet Mountains contain few plutons, whereas the central and southern portions of the Wet Mountains contain more pervasive dikes and sills and may contain more former melt as a result of both higher metamorphic grade and widespread thermal insulation. The Wet Mountains represent an exhumed section of formerly molten middle crust located at the transition between upper and lower crust and provide insight into processes ongoing at depth in modern orogenic belts. The microstructures indicative of former partial melt, textures associated with melt-rock interaction, and melting reactions we have identified in the Wet Mountains will greatly facilitate the recognition of other such exhumed sections.

Nanocomposite Pattern-Mediated Magnetic Interactions for Localized Deposition of Nanomaterials

We present a method to create, align, and locate magnetic wires throughout and on the surface of patterned polymer matrices, following the magnetophoretic transport and self-assembly of ferromagnetic nanoparticles under a static magnetic field during laser photopolymerization of monomer/nanoparticle casted solutions. The resulting films have the ability to attract and immobilize small quantities of magnetic nanomaterials locally on the ferromagnetic wires, as proved by a detailed topography study. Magnetic studies on the films before and after the spontaneous deposition, demonstrate that the deposited nanomaterials alter significantly the magnetic character of the system, making thus possible their macroscopic identification. This offers the possibility to realize sensing devices based on hybrid materials with magnetic properties.

ISOLATION IPG3-1 AND IPG3-3, ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI FROM DELIMA (PUNICA GRANATUM LINN.) TWIGS AND IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF THEIR ANTI MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

IPG3 - 1,2,3,4,5 were endophytic fungi isolated from Delima twigs via direct seed inoculation on Potato Dextrose Agar ( PD A) . Macroscopic identification of the isolates showed clearly that IPG3 - 3 and 4 have radial wrinkles in the c entre with black spots while IPG3 - 5 has flower shape in the middle. The microscopic observation on the other hand, showed that IPG3 - 1 and 3 has branched se p tate while IPG3 - 4 has unbranched septate. Furthermore, IPG3 - 2 and 5 were branched but septateless. Overall, these endophytes showed no spore formation. Secondary metabolites of IPG3 - 1 and IPG3 - 3 endophytic fungi isolates demonstrated stronger inhibition zone percentage against C andida albicans and than towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia co li when campare to their respectively positive control amphotericin B and Chloramphenicol. Key word : endophytic fungi, Delima ( Punica granatum Linn.), inhibition zone, antimicrobe activity.

Evaluation of Surgical Margins in Basal Cell Carcinoma by Surgical Specialty

BackgroundComplete surgical excision is the most common treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and this intervention is often performed by surgeons who are not dermatologists (e.g., plastic surgeons, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists). ObjectivesTo determine positive margin rates in BCCs removed by surgeons from different specialties and to identify clinical and pathologic factors that might explain potential differences between specialties. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the pathology reports of all BCCs diagnosed at Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron between January 2009 and March 2001. The statistical methods included a descriptive analysis of clinical and pathologic variables, standard statistical analyses, and multivariate logistic regression. ResultsWe included 921 BCCs from 750 patients; 549 of the tumors had been excised by a dermatologist. The overall positive margin rate was 12.6%, but the rate for tumors removed by dermatologists was significantly lower than that for those removed by other specialists (6.7% vs 21.5%). There was a 3.8-fold increased relative risk of positive margins following excision by a surgeon who was not a dermatologist, independently of patient age, tumor site, maximum diameter of the resected specimen, and histologic subtype. ConclusionsAccurate macroscopic identification of tumor margins, which are often difficult to see, and familiarity with the natural history of BCC are key factors in the successful surgical treatment of BCCs. The higher rate of tumor-free margins achieved by dermatologists in this study is probably mainly due to their greater experience in these 2 areas.