Microscopy Images Research Articles

Optimization of e-beam lithography parameters for nanofabrication of sub-50 nm gold nanowires and nanogaps based on a bilayer lift-off process

Electron beam lithography (EBL) stands out as a powerful direct-write tool offering nanometer-scale patterning capability and is especially useful in low-volume R&D prototyping when coupled with pattern transfer approaches like etching or lift-off. Among pattern transfer approaches, lift-off is preferred particularly in research settings, as it is cost-effective and safe and does not require tailored wet/dry etch chemistries, fume hoods, and/or complex dry etch tools; all-in-all offering convenient, ‘undercut-free’ pattern transfer rendering it useful, especially for metallic layers and unique alloys with unknown etchant compatibility or low etch selectivity. Despite the widespread use of the lift-off technique and optical/EBL for micron to even sub-micron scales, existing reports in the literature on nanofabrication of metallic structures with critical dimension in the 10–20 nm regime with lift-off-based EBL patterning are either scattered, incomplete, or vary significantly in terms of experimental conditions, which calls for systematic process optimization. To address this issue, beyond what can be found in a typical photoresist datasheet, this paper reports a comprehensive study to calibrate EBL patterning of sub-50 nm metallic nanostructures including gold nanowires and nanogaps based on a lift-off process using bilayer polymethyl-methacrylate as the resist stack. The governing parameters in EBL, including exposure dose, soft-bake temperature, development time, developer solution, substrate type, and proximity effect are experimentally studied through more than 200 EBL runs, and optimal process conditions are determined by field emission scanning electron microscope imaging of the fabricated nanostructures reaching as small as 11 nm feature size.

Optimizing Skim Milk Yogurt Properties: Combined Impact of Trans-glutaminase and Protein-Glutaminase

The lack of fat in yogurt can lead to alterations in taste and whey separation, reducing consumer acceptance. In this study, the feasibility of enhancing the quality of skim milk yogurt through a combination of transglutaminase (TG) and protein-glutaminase (PG) was investigated. The combination of TG and PG resulted in simultaneous cross-linking and deamidated of casein micelles, with PG deamidation taking priority over TG cross-linking, leading to higher solubility and lower turbidity of milk proteins compared with TG alone. When 0.06 U/mL TG and 0.03 U/mL PG were added, firmness and viscosity indexes significantly increased by 38.26 and 78.59%, respectively as compared with the control. Microscopic images revealed increased cross-linking with casein and filling of cavities by smaller sub-micelles in the combination of TG and PG treatment. Furthermore, the combination of TG and PG resolved issues of rough taste and whey separation, leading to improved overall liking. This study highlights the benefits of using both enzymes in dairy production and has important implication for future research.

Investigating the incremental value of urine sediment reporting in emergency medicine with a Sysmex UN urinalysis system

Abstract Objectives Urinalysis is widely used and is also frequently requested in emergency situations for screening hypovolemia, urinary tract infections, diabetes, ketoacidosis and hematuria. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of reporting urinary sediment in emergency department specimens with the Sysmex UN system. Methods We evaluated urinalyses requested by the emergency department over a three-month period and examined red blood cell count interference, compared leukocyte esterase dipsticks to cytofluorimetric leukocyte count and nitrites to cytofluorimetric bacterial count. We then examined digital microscopy images to identify additional elements of interest or pathology. Results We collected 532 cases, 354 with only chemical and cytofluorimetric analysis and 178 with digital microscopy. Automated erythrocyte counting showed a 7 % error rate, mainly false-positive results. Leukocyte esterase had a sensitivity of 88.22 % and specificity of 88.84 % at the lower limit, while nitrites had a sensitivity of 41.06 % and a specificity of 99.38 %. Pathological elements were detected in 126 samples by digital microscopy: 70 had casts, 36 crystals and seven cells with high pathological value. Conclusions Evaluation of urine sediments by trained specialists can provide potentially important information even in emergency situations, whereby the pre-analytical phase must always be taken into account.

Green synthesis of Agaricus avensis-mediated silver nanoparticles for improved catalytic efficiency of tyrosine hydroxylase towards potential biomedical implications

The present study deals with the bio-fabrication of AgA-AgNPs utilizing edible mushroom Agaricus arvensis as a reductant for improved stability and catalytic efficiency towards L-dopa production. The parameters optimized for achieving maximum tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity were the mushroom biomass (2.5%, w/v), media for extraction (peptone-saline), and temperature (90 ℃). The activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was enhanced by its immobilization on AgNPs. The change in color from light yellow to dark brown confirmed the formation of AgA-AgNPs. In addition, the UV–Vis spectrum showed a surface plasmon resonance band at 260 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated presence of functional groups, which play an important role in production of NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of mycosynthesized AgNPs and showed peaks corresponding to 38.8° (111), 46.5° (200), 64.1° (220), and 77.5o (311). AgA-AgNPs exhibited −9.16 mv zeta potential. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of AgA-AgNPs confirmed particle size between 88.49 ± 3.83 nm. Immobilized TH extracted from A. arvensis showed reusability at optimized temperature (20 ℃) for 3 cycles. A 2.54-fold higher production of L-dopa was examined with AgA-AgNPs. Furthermore, immobilized TH consumed more L-tyrosine i.e. 0.554 ± 0.022 mg/ml as compared to the free enzyme at 90 min of biotransformation. Hence, the immobilization of A. arvensis extracted TH on AgNPs increased its activity as well as its stability and catalytic efficiency. AgA-AgNPs has a potential of dopamine synthesis and can play a significant role in drug delivery or biomedical applications.

Intraspecies interactions of Streptococcus mutans impact biofilm architecture and virulence determinants in childhood dental caries.

Early childhood dental caries (ECC) is the most common chronic disease among children, especially among low socioeconomic populations. Streptococcus mutans is most frequently associated with initiation of ECC. Although many studies report children with multiple S. mutans strains (i.e., genotypes) have greater odds of developing ECC, studies investigating intraspecies interactions in dental caries are lacking. This study investigates the impact of intraspecies interactions on cariogenic and fitness traits of clinical S. mutans isolates using in vitro and in vivo approaches. Association analysis evaluated if presence of multiple S. mutans genotypes within the first year of colonization was associated with caries. Initially, clinical S. mutans isolates from 10 children were evaluated. S. mutans strains (G09 and G18, most prevalent) isolated from one child were used for subsequent analysis. Biofilm analysis was performed for single and mixed cultures to assess cariogenic traits, including biofilm biomass, intra-polysaccharide, pH, and glucan. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and time-lapse imaging were used to evaluate spatial and temporal biofilm dynamics, respectively. A Drosophila model was used to assess colonization in vivo. Results showed the mean biofilm pH was significantly lower in co-cultured biofilms versus monoculture. Doubling of S. mutans biofilms was observed by CLSM and in vivo colonization in Drosophila for co-cultured S. mutans. Individual strains occupied specific domains in co-culture and G09 contributed most to increased co-culture biofilm thickness and colonization in Drosophila. Biofilm formation and acid production displayed distinct signatures in time-lapsed experiments. This study illuminates that intraspecies interactions of S. mutans significantly impacts biofilm acidity, architecture, and colonization.IMPORTANCEThis study sheds light on the complex dynamics of a key contributor to early childhood dental caries (ECC) by exploring intraspecies interactions of different S. mutans strains and their impact on cariogenic traits. Utilizing clinical isolates from children with ECC, the research highlights significant differences in biofilm architecture and acid production in mixed versus single genotype cultures. The findings reveal that co-cultured S. mutans strains exhibit increased cell density and acidity, with individual strains occupying distinct domains. These insights, enhanced by use of time-lapsed confocal laser scanning microscopy and a Drosophila model, offer a deeper understanding of ECC pathogenesis and potential avenues for targeted interventions.

Impact of BrainLab VectorVision Infrared-Based Neuronavigation on Surgical Outcomes in Intracranial Meningioma Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND The BrainLab VectorVision neuronavigation system is an image-guided, frameless localization system used intraoperatively, which includes a computer workstation for viewing and analyzing operative microscopic images. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the use of the BrainLab VectorVision infrared-based neuronavigation imaging system in 80 patients with intracranial meningioma removed surgically between 2013 and 2023. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were retrospectively collected from 36 patients with convexity meningioma and 44 patients with parasagittal meningioma between 2013 and 2023. The surgical operation of 40 of these patients was performed with the help of neuronavigation, while the other 40 were performed without neuronavigation. Demographic data, preoperative and postoperative radiologic images, craniotomy measurements, surgical complications, and operative times of patients with and without neuronavigation were analyzed. RESULTS Using neuronavigation significantly increased surgery duration (P=0.023). In 6 patients without the use of neuronavigation, the craniotomy had to be enlarged and this resulted in superior sagittal sinus (SSS) damage (P=0.77, P=0.107). Patients for whom neuronavigation was used did not experience any sinus damage and did not require craniotomy enlargement. Postoperative epidural hematoma (EH) developed in 9 patients without navigation, whereas it developed in only 1 patient with navigation (P=0.104). Residual tumors were less common in patients using navigation (P=0.237). CONCLUSIONS The use of neuronavigation allows the incision and craniotomy to be reduced in size. Intraoperatively, it allows the surgeon to master the boundaries of the tumor and surrounding vascular structures, reducing the risk of complications. These results suggest that neuronavigation systems are an effective ancillary in meningioma surgery.

Isolation methods and characterization of primary rat neurovascular cells

BackgroundThere is significant interest in isolating cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for use in in vitro screening of therapeutics and analyzing cell specific roles in neurovascular pathology. Primary brain cells play an advantageous role in BBB models; however, isolation procedures often do not produce cells at high enough yields for experiments. In addition, although numerous reports provide primary cell isolation methods, the field is lacking in documentation and detail of expected morphological changes that occur throughout culturing and there are minimal troubleshooting resources. Here, we present simplified, robust, and reproducible methodology for isolating astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells, and demonstrate several morphological benchmarks for each cell type throughout the process and culture timeframe. We also analyze common considerations for developing neurovascular cell isolation procedures and recommend solutions for troubleshooting.ResultsThe presented methodology isolated astrocytes, pericytes, and endothelial cells and enabled cell attachment, maturation, and cell viability. We characterized milestones in cell maturation over 12 days in culture, a common timeline for applications of these cell types in BBB models. Phase contrast microscopy was used to show initial cell plating, attachment, and daily growth of isolated cells. Confocal microscopy images were analyzed to determine the identity of cell types and changes to cell morphology. Nuclear staining was also used to show the viability and proliferation of glial cells at four time points. Astrocyte branches became numerous and complex with increased culture time. Microglia, oligodendrocytes, and neurons were present in mixed glial cultures for 12 days, though the percentage of microglia and neurons expectedly decreased after passaging, with microglia demonstrating a less branched morphology.ConclusionsNeurovascular cells can be isolated through our optimized protocols that minimize cell loss and encourage the adhesion and proliferation of isolated cells. By identifying timepoints of viable glia and neurons within an astrocyte-dominant mixed culture, these cells can be used to evaluate drug targeting, uptake studies, and response to pathological stimulus in the neurovascular unit.

Utilization of convolutional neural networks to analyze microscopic images for high-throughput screening of mesenchymal stem cells.

This work investigated the high-throughput classification performance of microscopic images of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using a hyperspectral imaging-based separable convolutional neural network (CNN) (H-SCNN) model. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were cultured, and microscopic images were acquired using a fully automated microscope. Flow cytometry (FCT) was employed for functional classification. Subsequently, the H-SCNN model was established. The hyperspectral microscopic (HSM) images were created, and the spatial-spectral combined distance (SSCD) was employed to derive the spatial-spectral neighbors (SSNs) for each pixel in the training set to determine the optimal parameters. Then, a separable CNN (SCNN) was adopted instead of the classic convolutional layer. Additionally, cultured cells were seeded into 96-well plates, and high-functioning hBMSCs were screened using both manual visual inspection (MV group) and the H-SCNN model (H-SCNN group), with each group consisting of 96 samples. FCT served as the benchmark to compare the area under the curve (AUC), F1 score, accuracy (Acc), sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) between the manual and model groups. The best classification Acc was 0.862 when using window size of 9 and 12 SSNs. The classification Acc of the SCNN model, ResNet model, and VGGNet model gradually increased with the increase in sample size, reaching 89.56 ± 3.09, 80.61 ± 2.83, and 80.06 ± 3.01%, respectively at the sample size of 100. The corresponding training time for the SCNN model was significantly shorter at 21.32 ± 1.09 min compared to ResNet (36.09 ± 3.11 min) and VGGNet models (34.73 ± 3.72 min) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the classification AUC, F1 score, Acc, Sen, Spe, PPV, and NPV were all higher in the H-SCNN group, with significantly less time required (P < 0.05). Microscopic images based on the H-SCNN model proved to be effective for the classification assessment of hBMSCs, demonstrating excellent performance in classification Acc and efficiency, enabling its potential to be a powerful tool in future MSCs research.

Multimodal Image Fusion Workflow Incorporating MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry and Microscopy for the Study of Small Pharmaceutical Compounds.

Multimodal imaging analyses of dosed tissue samples can provide more comprehensive insights into the effects of a therapeutically active compound on a target tissue compared to single-modal imaging. For example, simultaneous spatial mapping of pharmaceutical compounds and endogenous macromolecule receptors is difficult to achieve in a single imaging experiment. Herein, we present a multimodal workflow combining imaging mass spectrometry with immunohistochemistry (IHC) fluorescence imaging and brightfield microscopy imaging. Imaging mass spectrometry enables direct mapping of pharmaceutical compounds and metabolites, IHC fluorescence imaging can visualize large proteins, and brightfield microscopy imaging provides tissue morphology information. Single-cell resolution images are generally difficult to acquire using imaging mass spectrometry but are readily acquired with IHC fluorescence and brightfield microscopy imaging. Spatial sharpening of mass spectrometry images would thus allow for higher fidelity coregistration with other higher-resolution microscopy images. Imaging mass spectrometry spatial resolution can be predicted to a finer value via a computational image fusion workflow, which models the relationship between the intensity values in the mass spectrometry image and the features of a high-spatial resolution microscopy image. As a proof of concept, our multimodal workflow was applied to brain tissue extracted from a Sprague-Dawley rat dosed with a kratom alkaloid, corynantheidine. Four candidate mathematical models, including linear regression, partial least-squares regression, random forest regression, and two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2-D CNN), were tested. The random forest and 2-D CNN models most accurately predicted the intensity values at each pixel as well as the overall patterns of the mass spectrometry images, while also providing the best spatial resolution enhancements. Herein, image fusion enabled predicted mass spectrometry images of corynantheidine, GABA, and glutamine to approximately 2.5 μm spatial resolutions, a significant improvement compared to the original images acquired at 25 μm spatial resolution. The predicted mass spectrometry images were then coregistered with an H&E image and IHC fluorescence image of the μ-opioid receptor to assess colocalization of corynantheidine with brain cells. Our study also provides insights into the different evaluation parameters to consider when utilizing image fusion for biological applications.

A generalized deep neural network approach for improving resolution of fluorescence microscopy images

Deep learning is capable of greatly promoting the progress of super-resolution imaging technology in terms of imaging and reconstruction speed, imaging resolution, and imaging flux. This paper proposes a deep neural network based on a generative adversarial network (GAN). The generator employs a U-Net-based network, which integrates DenseNet for the downsampling component. The proposed method has excellent properties, for example, the network model is trained with several different datasets of biological structures; the trained model can improve the imaging resolution of different microscopy imaging modalities such as confocal imaging and wide-field imaging; and the model demonstrates a generalized ability to improve the resolution of different biological structures even out of the datasets. In addition, experimental results showed that the method improved the resolution of caveolin-coated pits (CCPs) structures from 264[Formula: see text]nm to 138[Formula: see text]nm, a 1.91-fold increase, and nearly doubled the resolution of DNA molecules imaged while being transported through microfluidic channels.

Reconstruction and identification of the native PLP synthase complex from Methanosarcina acetivorans lysate.

Many protein-protein interactions behave differently in biochemically purified forms as compared to their in vivo states. As such, determining native protein structures may elucidate structural states previously unknown for even well-characterized proteins. Here we apply the bottom-up structural proteomics method, cryoID , toward a model methanogenic archaeon. While they are keystone organisms in the global carbon cycle and active members of the human microbiome, there is a general lack of characterization of methanogen enzyme structure and function. Through the cryoID approach, we successfully reconstructed and identified the native Methanosarcina acetivorans pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) synthase (PdxS) complex directly from cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) images of fractionated cellular lysate. We found that the native PdxS complex exists as a homo-dodecamer of PdxS subunits, and the previously proposed supracomplex containing both the synthase (PdxS) and glutaminase (PdxT) was not observed in cellular lysate. Our structure shows that the native PdxS monomer fashions a single 8α/8β TIM-barrel domain, surrounded by seven additional helices to mediate solvent and interface contacts. A density is present at the active site in the cryoEM map and is interpreted as ribose 5-phosphate. In addition to being the first reconstruction of the PdxS enzyme from a heterogeneous cellular sample, our results reveal a departure from previously published archaeal PdxS crystal structures, lacking the 37 amino acid insertion present in these prior cases. This study demonstrates the potential of applying the cryoID workflow to capture native structural states at atomic resolution for archaeal systems, for which traditional biochemical sample preparation is nontrivial.

Methanol electrooxidation performance of nickel-modified polyaniline thin films for direct methanol fuel cells

A metal–organic composite thin film composed of polyaniline (PANI) and Ni was prepared and characterized for methanol electrooxidation reaction. First, PANI thin films were electrodeposited on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass support in an aqueous acidic solution. Subsequently, the polymer film was modified with Ni particles (FTO/PANI-Ni) by chronoamperometric (CA) technique. The composite film was characterized by structural, morphological and electrocatalytic analyses. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed the crystallization of Ni according to the cubic structure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the Ni nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed on the PANI surface. The electrocatalytic performance of the FTO/PANI-Ni composite electrode for the methanol electrooxidation reaction was investigated in 0.5 M KOH solution containing methanol using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronoamperometry (CA) techniques. The effects of temperature and methanol concentration on the methanol electrooxidation performance were also studied. The modified composite catalyst exhibited an electrochemically active surface area of 0.5235 cm2. The presence of Ni nanoparticles on the polymer surface promoted the adsorption of methanol molecules and facilitated the oxidation process, leading to higher current densities and better overall performance. The maximum current density was 14 mA cm-2 and the electrode maintain 68 % of its initial activity even after 200 cycles, indicating that the FTO/PANI-Ni electrode exhibited good stability. The high methanol oxidation performance of the composite electrode was associated with large real surface area, a possible synergistic effect between the polymer moleucles and Ni particles as well as high intrinsic activity of Ni for this process.

Hydrothermal synthesis of carbon dots incorporated in magnetite iron oxide nanoparticles for potential targeted brain cancer therapy: In-Vitro study

Surface modification of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) using carbon dots (CDs) is a promising approach in biomedical applications due to excellent biocompatibility. Herein, the CDs were incorporated in the Fe3O4 NPs to observe the performance of CDs-Fe3O4 NPs for targeted brain cancer therapy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the morphology of Fe3O4 NPs is rough and agglomerated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) diffraction pattern exhibits that the CDs are successfully incorporated in Fe3O4 NPs. Furthermore, magnetic properties evaluated using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) exhibited significant magnetization (51.362 emu/g) attributed to the greater occupancy of Fe+2 ions in the crystal lattice. XRD pattern confirmed the formation of NPs. Furthermore, functional groups of the NPs were validated through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The measurement of zeta potential affirmed the stability of the as-prepared Fe3O4 NPs, CDs, and CDs-Fe3O4 NPs, indicating a value of −7.64 mV, −0.5754 mV and −3.881 mV, respectively. Fe3O4 NPs exhibited a surface area of 58.6 m2/g as determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The anticancer activity of the synthesized CDs-Fe3O4 NPs demonstrated inhibition against MG-U87 cells. Therefore, the synthesized CDs-Fe3O4 NPs hold potential for application in brain cancer therapy. In addition, CDs-Fe3O4 NPs exhibited exceptional biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity against osteoblast cells, establishing them as a safe biomaterial for biomedical applications.

Extracellular vesicles released by LPS-stimulated spinal organotypic slices spread neuroinflammation into naïve slices through connexin43 hemichannel opening and astrocyte aberrant calcium dynamics

IntroductionNeuroinflammation is a hallmark of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, shared by all pathological processes which primarily impact on neurons, including Central Nervous System (CNS) injuries. In reactive CNS, activated glia releases extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanosized membranous particles known to play a key role in intercellular communication. EVs mediate neuroinflammatory responses and might exacerbate tissue deterioration, ultimately influencing neurodegenerative disease progression.MethodsWe treated spinal cord organotypic slices with LPS, a ligand extensively used to induce sEVs release, to mimic mild inflammatory conditions. We combine atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoparticle tracking (NTA) and western blot (WB) analysis to validate the isolation and characterisation of sEVs. We further use immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy with live calcium imaging by GCaMP6f reporter to compare glial reactivity to treatments with sEVs when isolated from resting and LPS treated organ slices.ResultsIn our study, we focus on CNS released small EVs (sEVs) and their impact on the biology of inflammatory environment. We address sEVs local signalling within the CNS tissue, in particular their involvement in inflammation spreading mechanism(s). sEVs are harvested from mouse organotypic spinal cord cultures, an in vitro model which features 3D complexity and retains spinal cord resident cells. By confocal microscopy and live calcium imaging we monitor glial responses in naïve spinal slices when exposed to sEVs isolated from resting and LPS treated organ slices.DiscussionWe show that sEVs, only when released during LPS neuroinflammation, recruit naïve astrocytes in the neuroinflammation cycle and we propose that such recruitment be mediated by EVs hemichannel (HC) permeability.

Prediction of the dynamic pressure drop of filter media loaded with water mists based on the deposited droplet mass distributions and pore network model

Predicting the pressure drop of a filter is necessary, especially regarding the jump in the dynamic pressure drop of a filter without pre-filters when clogged by rain or fog droplets. However, the efficient prediction method for the pressure drop in cylinder filters loading with water mists in the pore network faces limitations due to the high requirements for microscopic images of materials and the need to consider for the increasing holding droplet capacity of filters. In this study, a systematic method that takes into account the distributions of the deposited droplet mass within the water-absorbed filter medium layers in the pore network model (PNM) was developed. The pore geometry and distributions were determined from 2D microstructure images, and the dynamic deposited droplet mass and water-absorbing capacity of fibers were combined with the changing saturation to optimize the PNM for calculating the dynamic pressure drop of the filter media. Specifically, the empirical equation of the self-defined equivalent single fiber filtration efficiency (ESFFE) describes the relationship between the changing single fiber filtration efficiency and the deposited droplet mass. The optimized PNM is suitable for predicting the behavior of bibulous wood cellulose fiber filter media. The dynamic pressure drop shows a slight increase before surging, following the typical “channel and jump” model. Although the calculations deviate slightly from the experimental results with 25 % deviations, this systematic method effectively predict the jump in pressure drop of the tested filter medium. Therefore, this systematic method for predicting pressure drop of filters holds promise in anticipating unsafe pressure drop jumps in filters installed in coastal areas.

The Effect of Red Dragon Fruit Juice (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) on Liver Histopathological Images in Wistar Rats Exposed to Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke contains toxic components, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, carbon dioxide, and tar, which can trigger the formation of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) and reduce antioxidant reserves, which impact oxidative stress and are known to cause damage to liver cell membranes. Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a fruit that is rich in antioxidants that inhibit ROS and prevent damage to liver cells by cigarette smoke. This study aims to assess the effect of administering red dragon fruit juice on liver microscopic images in Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. It was an experimental study with a post-test-only control group design. Thirty-five male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) were randomized into five groups. Four groups were exposed to cigarette smoke (K-, P1, P2, and P3), and the fifth group was used as a control (K). All the P-groups were given red dragon fruit juice 2 g/2.5 ml, 4 g/2.5 ml, and 8 g/2.5 ml, respectively, for twenty-eight days. On the 29th day, the livers of Wistar rats were taken for preparation and microscopic observation. The research data were analyzed using the Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney post hoc tests to determine group differences. The average liver cell damage in K, K-, P1, P2, and P3 were 1.23, 2.51, 1.57, 1.51, and 1.43, respectively. There was a significant difference in damage between the K- group and the P1 (p = 0.002), P2 (p = 0.004), and P3 (p = 0.002) groups. The administration of red dragon fruit juice can protect the liver cells of rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

An Algorithm for Modeling Thermoplastic Spherulite Growth Using Crystallization Kinetics

Crystallization kinetics were used to develop a spherulite growth model, which can determine local crystalline distributions through an optimization algorithm. Kinetics were used to simulate spherulite homogeneous nucleation, growth, and heterogeneous nucleation in a domain discretized into voxels. From this, an overall crystallinity was found, and an algorithm was used to find crystallinities of individual spherulites based on volume. Then, local crystallinities within the spherulites were found based on distance relative to the nucleus. Results show validation of this model to differential scanning calorimetry data for polyether ether ketone at different cooldown rates, and to experimental microscopic images of spherulite morphologies. Application of this model to various cooldown rates and the effect on crystalline distributions are also shown. This model serves as a tool for predicting the resulting semi-crystalline microstructures of polymers for different manufacturing methods. These can then be directly converted into a multiscale thermomechanical model.

Fusarium kamalianum, a new species of Fusarium from India from ornamental Chamaedorea seifrizii

A novel species, Fusarium kamalianum, belonging to the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), is established to accommodate a fungal pathogen that was isolated from infected Chamaedorea seifrizii (Bamboo palm). The identification of this pathogenic strain was determined based on the cultural features, asexual-morphs, and phylogenetic analysis based on translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1α), RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2), internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), 28S large subunit (LSU), and β-tubulin (tub2) sequence data. The detailed taxonomic descriptions, cultural, microscopic images, and phylogenetic trees are presented for the introduced taxon. The sequencing data of this isolate exhibited substantial distinctness from the previously discovered species of Fusarium and created a unique distinct clade. This is the first study that reports infection in Chamaedorea seifrizii plants caused by Fusarium species.

MetaHDR: single shot high-dynamic range imaging and sensing using a multifunctional metasurface

We present MetaHDR, which is a single-shot high-dynamic range (HDR) imaging and sensing system using a multifunctional metasurface. The metasurface is capable of splitting an incident beam into multiple focusing beams with different amounts of power, simultaneously forming multiple low dynamic range (LDR) images with distinct irradiance on a photosensor. Then, the LDR images are jointly processed using a gradient-based HDR fusion algorithm, which is shown to be effective in attenuating the residual light artifacts incurred by the metasurface and the lens flare. MetaHDR achieves single-shot HDR photography and videography that increases the dynamic range by at least 50 dB compared to the original dynamic range of the photosensor. It can also perform single-shot HDR sensing, including reflectance calibration and surface curvature estimation of reflective materials. MetaHDR’s demonstrated functionalities could be broadly applied in surveillance and security, microscopic imaging, advanced manufacturing, etc.

Cyclodextrin inclusion complex and amorphous solid dispersions as formulation approaches for enhancement of curcumin’s solubility and nasal epithelial membrane permeation

BackgroundCurcumin is a compound that occurs in the rhizomes of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) and has shown potential for the treatment of illnesses including certain neurodegenerative diseases. The bioavailability of curcumin is hindered by its extremely poor aqueous solubility.ResultsThis study aimed to apply formulation strategies such as inclusion complex formation with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), as well as amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formation with poly(vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP VA64) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) to increase curcumin’s solubility and thereby its nasal epithelial membrane permeation. The curcumin formulations were evaluated by means of DSC, TGA, FT-IR, XRPD, microscopic imaging, aqueous solubility and membrane permeation across nasal respiratory and olfactory epithelial membranes. The solubility of curcumin was substantially increased by the formulations from 8.4 µg/ml for the curcumin raw material to 79.0 µg/ml for the HPβCD inclusion complex, 256.4 µg/ml for the HPMC ASD and 314.9 µg/ml for the PVP VA64 ASD. The HPMC ASD only slightly changed the membrane permeation of curcumin, while the PVP VA64 ASD decreased the membrane permeation of curcumin. The HPβCD inclusion complex enhanced the nasal epithelial membrane permeation of curcumin statistically significantly across the olfactory epithelial tissue and extensively across the respiratory epithelial tissue.ConclusionComplexation of curcumin with HPβCD enhanced the solubility of curcumin and thereby also increased its permeation across excised nasal respiratory and olfactory epithelial tissue. This indicated high potential of the curcumin-HPβCD complex for nose-to-brain delivery of curcumin for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases by means of intranasal administration.Graphical abstract