Microscopy Studies Research Articles

Scalable and cost-effective ultra-dispersible graphene oxide blended ultrafiltration mixed matrix membrane: Assessment of mechanical, water flux, and anti-biofouling properties

Graphene oxide-modified pressure-driven membranes are attractive due to their enhanced water flux and mechanical properties. However, the large-scale use of membranes such as ultra-filtration (UF) is hindered due to the challenges in bulk production of graphene oxide at an affordable cost. The present work reports the application of ultra-dispersible graphene oxide (UDGO) synthesized through a single-step scalable approach in fabricating UF membranes. Compared to Hummers' graphene oxide, the UDGO is highly dispersed in solvents and is 8-10 times more cost-effective. Various microscopic and macroscopic studies were performed to study the physicochemical properties of UDGO and UDGO-modified UF membranes. The influence of UDGO content on the membrane efficiency and anti-fouling potential was elucidated. The UDGO-modified UF membranes showed ~18% enhancement in flux and ~64% increment in protein rejection compared to pristine membranes. The modified membranes also showed a ~20% greater flux recovery ratio and ~60% lesser bovine serum albumin adsorption, indicating a better level of anti-fouling potential. The higher biofilm inhibition potential of UDGO with an increase in dead biomass makes it a potential candidate for developing anti-biofouling membranes with enhanced water flux.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals molecular mechanisms of resistance in Chinese cabbage to Plasmodiophora brassicae pathotype 11

Background and aimsClubroot caused by the soilborne obligate parasite Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a devastating disease of Chinese cabbage and other crucifers. The innate diversity and adaptability of this pathogen pose significant challenges to effective control measures. However, the varied response mechanisms exhibited by hosts to pathotype 11 at a molecular level are still unclear.Methods and resultsThis study investigated the resistance response and underlying molecular mechanism of two Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) varieties (JP and 83-1) to P. brassicae pathotype 11 through comparative transcriptome analysis and microscopic study. Results demonstrated that 14 days after inoculation (dai) is a critical time point of the infection process for resistant variety to inhibit the proliferation of P. brassica. Although the highly resistant variety JP did not exhibit a complete immune response to pathotype 11, it demonstrated a significant resistance level against P. brassicae pathotype 11 by restricting its proliferation in the xylem vessels. Microscopic analysis at 21 dai revealed that the resistant cultivar (JP) root structure remained largely unaffected, while the roots of the susceptible cultivar (83-1) exhibited significant tissue distortion and gall formation, underscoring the effectiveness of the resistance mechanisms. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed substantial differences in the number and types of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two cultivars, highlighting the key pathways involved in the resistance response. In the resistant cultivar (JP), a total of 9,433 DEGs were identified, with 4,211 up-regulated and 5,222 down-regulated. In contrast, the susceptible cultivar (83-1) exhibited 6,456 DEGs, with 2,781 up-regulated and 3,675 down-regulated. The resistant cultivar showed a pronounced activation of genes involved in hormone signaling, cell wall, secondary metabolism, redox state, and signaling process. Therefore, our speculation revolves around the potential resistant mechanism of this variety, which inhibits the proliferation of P. brassicae in the roots via secondary metabolites, cell wall, and ROS and also regulates physiological mechanisms mediated by plant hormones such as ABA to adapt to adverse environmental conditions such as water scarcity induced by the pathogen.ConclusionThis study unveils the intricate defense mechanisms potentially activated within Chinese cabbage when confronted with P. brassicae pathotype 11, offering valuable insights for breeding programs and the development of novel strategies for managing clubroot disease in Brassica crops. Furthermore, this study highlights the pivotal role of host-specific molecular defense mechanisms that underlie resistance to P. brassicae pathotype 11.

Detection of Dopamine Using Hybrid Materials Based on NiO/ZnO for Electrochemical Sensor Applications

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is classified as a catecholamine. It is also one of the main metabolites produced by some tumor types (such as paragangliomas and neoblastomas). As such, determining and monitoring the level of dopamine is of the utmost importance, ideally using analytical techniques that are sensitive, simple, and low in cost. Due to this, we have developed a non-enzymatic dopamine sensor that is highly sensitive, selective, and rapidly detects the presence of dopamine in the body. A hybrid material fabricated with NiO and ZnO, based on date fruit extract, was synthesized by hydrothermal methods and using NiO as a precursor material. This paper discusses the role of date fruit extracts in improving NiO’s catalytic performance with reference to ZnO and the role that they play in this process. An X-ray powder diffraction study, a scanning electron microscope study, and a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study were performed in order to investigate the structure of the samples. It was found that, in the composite NiO/ZnO, NiO exhibited a cubic phase and ZnO exhibited a hexagonal phase, both of which exhibited well-oriented aggregated cluster shapes in the composite. A hybrid material containing NiO and ZnO has been found to be highly electro-catalytically active in the advanced oxidation of dopamine in a phosphate buffer solution at a pH of 7.3. It has been found that this can be accomplished without the use of enzymes, and the range of oxidation used here was between 0.01 mM and 4 mM. The detection limit of non-enzymatic sensors is estimated to be 0.036 μM. Several properties of the non-enzymatic sensor presented here have been demonstrated, including its repeatability, selectivity, and reproducibility. A test was conducted on Sample 2 for the detection of banana peel and wheat grass, and the results were highly encouraging and indicated that biomass waste may be useful for the manufacture of medicines to treat chronic diseases. It is thought that date fruit extracts would prove to be valuable resources for the development of next-generation electrode materials for use in clinical settings, for energy conversion, and for energy storage.

High performance Mg–Li dual metal-ion batteries based on highly pseudocapacitive hierarchical TiO2-B nanosheet assembled spheres cathodes

Although Mg-Li dual metal-ion batteries are proposed as a superior system that unite safety of Mg-batteries and performance of Li-ion based systems, its practical implantation is limited due to the lack of reliable high-performance cathodes. Herein, we report a high-performance Mg-Li dual metal-ion battery system based on highly pseudocapacitive hierarchical TiO2-B nanosheet assembled spheres (NS) cathode. This 2D cathode displayed exceptional pseudocapacitance (a maximum of 93%) specific capacity (303 mAh g-1at 25 mA g-1), rate performance (210 mAh g-1at 1 A g-1), consistent cycling (retain ∼100% capacity for 3000 cycles at 1 A g-1), Coulombic efficiency (nearly 100%) and fast-charging (∼12.1 min). These properties are remarkably dominant to the existing Mg-Li dual metal-ion battery cathodes. Spectroscopic and microscopic mechanistic studies confirmed negligible structural changes during charge-discharge cycles of the TiO2-B nanosheet assembled spheres electrodes. Exceptional electrochemical properties of the 2D electrode is ascribed to remarkable pseudocapacitive Mg-Li dual metal-ion diffusion via the numerous nanointerfaces of TiO2-B caused by its hierarchical microstrucrure. Large surface area, nanosheet morphology, mesoporous structure and ultrathin nature also acted as secondary factors facilitating improved electrode-electrolyte contact. Demonstrated approach of pseudocapacitive type Mg-Li dual metal-ion intercalation through hierarchical nanointerfaces may be further utilized for the designing of numerous top-notch electrode materials for futuristic Mg-Li dual metal-ion batteries.

Quercetin: An anthelmintic potential against zoonotic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta (Rudolphi, 1819).

Quercetin, a vital flavonoid found in many medicinal plants, has shown anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-aging, anti-tumour, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-protozoal activity. However, very little is known of its anthelmintic activity; there is no literature against tapeworm infection so far. The present study was performed to expose its cestocidal role by using the zoonotic tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta as a parasite model. The parasite was exposed to different concentrations of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/mL Quercetin prepared in RPMI 1640, with 1% Tween 20. Another set of parasites was treated with a standard dose of Praziquantel (0.001 mg/ml), and another set of parasites was kept as control. All experiments were maintained at 37°C ± 1°C in the incubator. Quercetin activity was assessed through viability test, and time of motility was observed through paralysis. After the experiment, worms were processed for light and electron microscopic analysis to observe the post-treatment effect on their tegument. Dose-dependent efficacy was observed in all the treatments. Time of paralysis and time of mortality for 20 mg/mL Quercetin dose was 1.40±0.03h and 2.35±0.03h, respectively, which is at par with the drug Praziquantel. Histological study showed constrictions in the tegument, while extensive damage in suckers and neck region with deformed and shrunken proglottids, sloughed-off microtriches and undistinguished nucleus with loss of envelope architecture were observed in treated parasites under electron microscopic studies, which indicates the negative activity of Quercetin on the parasite thus suggesting its cestocidal activity.

Ophiolite Association in the Rhodope Massif as indicator of the paleogeographical setting

All ophiolite associations mark epochs of active tectonic movements, which lead to significant petrological processes and modification of the relief of the Earth’s crust. Here we present a geological-petrographical characterization of one ophiolitic associations composed of: a) serpentinites; b) amphibolites-metamorphosed volcanic rocks and tuffs; c) metagabbros and metagabbrodiabases, placed among the Proterozoic metamorphic complex in the Rhodope Massif of Bulgaria on the Balkan Peninsula, South-Eastern Europе. The goal is to clarify the paleogeographical and geological setting during its creation. The methods of lithostratigraphic profiling and correlations on the database of geological field mapping were used, supplemented by microscopic, geochemical and isotopic studies of numerous rock samples. The summarized results confirm a certain stratigraphic level of the Ophiolite Association among the metamorphic complex and a complicated and protracted heterogenetic development, which is typical for the ophiolite associations created in eras of closing oceans, opposite movement of tectonic plates, subduction-obduction environment with appearance of autochthonous Neoproterozoic magmatism. Obducted fragments of serpentinites mark an old erosional continental surface, subsequently covered by transgressively deposited pelitic-carbonate sediments. The general conclusion of our study confirms the concept that the metamorphic complex of the Rhodope Massif represents a unified stratigraphic system consisting of two petrographic groups of different ages, with which we oppose the idea of a trust construction, launched by a group of geologists.

Scanning capillary microscopy in studies of the substantia nigra of the human brain

Scanning capillary microscopy in studies of the substantia nigra of the human brain

Zerumbone Induces Apoptosis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer via Biomolecular Alterations: A Microscopic andSpectroscopic Study.

Zerumbone is a sesquiterpene phytochemical with cytotoxic activity against cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zerumbone on cell viability by WST-1 test, apoptosis by TUNEL, lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde, MDA, and 4-hydroxynonenal, HNE) by using assay kits, and biomolecular changes by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy in A549 cells. After zerumbone (0-100 μM) incubation for 24, 48, and 72 h, the number of TUNEL-positive cells was found to be higher in zerumbone-treated cells than in controls, in consistent with cell morphology results. MDA levels increased significantly, although HNE levels increased non-significantly in zerumbone-treated cells. Spectral analyses revealed that the zerumbone-treated groups had higher levels of total saturated and unsaturated lipids as well as comparatively shorter-chain lipids. On the contrary, reduced RNA/DNA ratio, total nucleic acid, and protein content were found in zerumbone-treated groups. Consequently, zerumbone-induced apoptosis was accompanied by increased aldehyde products during lipid peroxidation as well as biomolecular alterations.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis-a fifty year experience of Warsaw Center of bullous diseases.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare subepidermal blistering disorder characterized by the presence of linear IgA deposits at the basement membrane zone (BMZ) by direct immunofluorescence (DIF). This entity was first described by Chorzelski and Jablonska from Warsaw Center of Bullous Diseases, Poland. The disease affects children and adults, whereby they differ in terms of clinical picture and course. Among polish patients with LABD mucous membrane involvement was exceptional, although, we reported a case presenting severe scarring of esophagus and conjunctivae with circulating IgG and IgA antibodies to LAD-1 antigen. Severe mucosal involvement was also observed in IgA-epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). Immunologically, LABD is characterized by circulating IgA antibodies directed to several epitopes of antigen BP180: LAD-1, 97kD, NC16A. Other BMZ antigens, like BP230, laminin 332, type VII collagen or p200 may be affected. We as a first published a case of anti-p200kD pemphigoid mediated by IgA. Our immunoelectron microscopic studies showed that the epitopes recognized by LABD sera are ultrastructurally localized in the lamina lucida. The antigenic heterogeneity, low titer of IgA antibodies and the lack of commercially available tests for some antigens (LAD-1, p200kD) makes the diagnosis challenging in many cases. It is under debate whether these cases are the subtypes of LABD or they represent a separate entities (IgA-p200 pemphigoid, IgA-MMP or IgA-EBA). Since, they differ in terms of clinical course, mucosal involvement, coexisting disorders, response to the treatment and prognosis, their differentiation is mandatory. In the literature there are many cases with undetectable circulating IgA antibodies in whom LABD was recognized based on DIF only. To avoid misdiagnosis, more sophisticated methods should be used, like direct immunoeletron microscopy (IEM), which is a time-consuming technique. The alternative for IEM may be: a) analysis of the BMZ serration pattern, b) immunofluorescence mapping of blister, c) direct salt split (patient's) skin, d) fluorescence overlay antigen mapping by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The two latter methods were established by the authors years ago and they allowed precise diagnosis (i.e., differentiation LABD from IgA-EBA), initiation of proper therapy and assessment of prognosis in many cases mediated by IgA.

Cірководень: механізм токсичної дії, клінічні прояви гострого отруєння, патогістологічні ознаки та стратегія лікування

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a highly toxic gas. Among this group of poisonous substances – causes of death – it is second only to carbon monoxide. The mechanism of its toxicity has not been sufficiently studied and there is currently no specific antidote therapy. This gas is a high-priority chemical threat in industry, as well as a potential terrorist weapon of mass destruction, especially in wartime. Aim. Based on literary data and own researches, to summarize the current concepts of its toxicity mechanisms, clinical manifestations, treatment strategies and pathohistological signs of acute hydrogen sulphide poisoning. Materials and Мethods. Open sources of public information and scientific literature on the research topic were analysed. An analytical review of the publications of scientific online libraries PubMed, Medline, Elsevier was carried out. A retrospective analysis of the medical documentation of two cases with acute poisoning with H2S in combination with other toxic gases was carried out. The first case of acute poisoning with H2S and other sewage gases is in a patient who died in the conditions of a medical institution in the Kyiv region, who fell ill after a 15-minute stay in a household sewage septic tank. In the victim, the data of sectional and microscopic studies of lung tissue were also studied. The second case of acute H2S poisoning in combination with other gases of putrefaction is represented by three victims hospitalized at the clinic of the Research Centre of Preventive Toxicology, Food and Chemical Safety named after L.I. Medved, Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine after cleaning a deep tank with the remains of rotten sauerkraut. One of the victims died after 6 hours. The methods of system comparative and content analysis were applied. Results. Modern ideas about the mechanism of the toxic effect of H2S indicate that it is a rapidly metabolizing systemic toxicant that affects mitochondria, is the basis for the formation of tissue hypoxia, activation of oxidative stress, inflammatory reactions, and apoptosis. Under the acute effects of H2S, the main target organs are the nervous, bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Until now, there are no specific antidotes for the treatment of H2S poisoning, so it includes oxygen, symptomatic and supportive therapy. New therapeutic agents – potential antidotes are at the stage of preclinical research, most of which are aimed at binding H2S. There is an urgent need for the development of new therapeutic agents – absorbents (scavengers) of H2S for the prevention and treatment of poisoning, reducing morbidity and mortality. Keywords: hydrogen sulphide, toxicity, acute poisoning, treatment, pathohistological signs.

Mineralogy and ore formation conditions of the Naily gold deposit (South Urals)

The paper examines mineralogy of noble metals and ore formation conditions at the Naily gold deposit (South Urals), which is hosted in pyrite-bearing talc-carbonate, chlorite-quartz-carbonate and quartz-carbonate metasomatites after serpentinites and rocks of a gabbrodiorite-plagiogranite complex. Based on microscopic and electron microscopic studies of polished sections and heavy concentrates, it is established that native gold and Au tellurides are the major Au minerals of veins, metasomatites after intermediate and felsic intrusive rocks and foliated serpentinites. Native gold occurs as: 1) inclusions in pyrite and rarely in chalcopyrite, 2) free particles associated with non-metallic minerals, which probably fll interstitions, 3) interstitial forms in pyrite aggregates often together with chalcopyrite, galena and sphalerite, and veinlets in hessite, 4) fne inclusions in tetradymite and 5) inclusions in limonite. Tellurides of noble metals include calaverite, petzite, hessite and an unidentifed Ag and Pb sulfotelluride. Silver is also incorporated in acanthite and Hg-Ag-Sb-As, Pb-Bi-Ag and Cu-Ag-Pb-Bi sulfosalts. The Ag content of free native gold is 10–16 wt. % increasing to 20–24 wt. % in native gold in pyrite and in assemblage with hessite. Altaite, coloradoite and Ni and Pd tellurides are found in assemblages similar to noble metal mineralization. The formation temperature of chlorite from ore-bearing metasomatites is 339–392 °C. Fluid inclusions in quartz, calcite and albite are homogenized at a temperature range of 162–377 °C. The eutectic temperature (–23.5 °C) is typical of NaCl-KCl-H2O system. The ice melting temperature varies from –0.5 to –3.7 °C corresponding to salinity of 0.9– 6.0 wt. % NaCl-equiv.

Anatomical Studies on the Morphology and Topography of Cavity Lymphnodes in Pigs

The lymphatic system, supported by the lymphatic vessels, is a vascular network in higher vertebrates, having essential roles, such as regulating tissue pressure, monitoring the immune system and absorbing fats from the diet. The lymphatic vessels constitute an unidirectional system that transports fluids and proteins, taking them from the interstitial space and returning them to the bloodstream. Objectives: The objectives pursued in this study are the following: to identify the topography of the main cavity lymph nodes and the morphological and topographic variants that may occur; to identify the main interspecific histological characteristics of vessels and lymph nodes in pigs. Materials and methods: The study was carried out on 20 animals weighing 25-30 kg, aged about 3.5 months, of both sexes. They came from private breeders. Ultrasonographic investigations were also performed on half of them. The macro- and microscopic anatomical studies as well as the ultrasonographic investigations were performed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest. For macroscopic and topographic analysis, lymph nodes in both the thoracic and abdominal cavities were examined "in situ". Results. Caudal mediastinal lymph nodes were always fewer in number (between one and three). They were associated with the esophagus, immediately behind the tracheobronchial and ventral lymph nodes of the aorta. The afferents originated from the pericardium, the caudal part of the mediastinum and the corresponding part of the esophagus. The efferents connected to the tracheobronchial lymph nodes or could also approach some thoraco-aortic lymph nodes. The lumbo-aortic lymph nodes were located on the lateral surfaces of the aorta, starting from the diaphragmatic orifice to the origin of the deep iliac circumflex artery. The iliac lymphocenters were represented by large lymph nodes that formed a bundle at the origin of the celiac artery. Colic lymph nodes were located along the path of the right colonic artery. Splenic lymph nodes were placed on the path of the homonymous vessels. Their topography was between the aorta and the hilum of the spleen. In this sector there could be 2-4 lymph nodes, but there were others (2-5) located along the upper quarter of the spleen. The jejunal lymph nodes formed a double chain in the middle of the jejuno-ileum meso, about 30 cm long. The caudal mesenteric lymph nodes were reduced, located dorsally by the descending colon on the path of the caudal mesenteric artery. Conclusions. In the case of mediastinal lymph nodes, the anterior ones are present, but their topography differs significantly from individual to individual. The most important groups of visceral lymph nodes are jejunal and colic. The most important parietal lymphocenter is the ileosacral one. In it, we were able to describe for the first time some individual variants, namely: lateral iliac lymph nodes dominant in volume compared to the medial ones, the absence in some cases (10%) of anorectal lymph nodes in some specimens, in which, however, a compensation was observed by the development of a chain of small units on the path of the median sacral artery.

Morphological evidence for a new species of the Genus Cosmocercoides Wilkie, 1930 (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) from Iranian toads (Bufotes surdus).

There is little data on infections of the genus Cosmocercoides Wilkie, 1930 in toad populations in Iran. Hence, the present study aims to report the first morphological description of the new genus Cosmocercoides Wilkie, 1930 (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) in Iranian toads (Bufotes surdus). During the helminthological survey from October 2023 to December 2023, 10 specimens of Bufotes surdus were collected. They were transferred to the parasitological laboratory of Ardakan University, where they were euthanized and necropsied, and parasites were isolated from the toad's large intestine. Nematodes were washed in physiological saline and then fixed and stored in 80% ethanol until studied. Moreover, for light microscopic studies, nematodes were washed in lactophenol, and the morphological and morphometric parameters of male and female nematodes, including total length, esophagus, spicule, and eggs, were evaluated. The results showed that the total length of male worms was 2.83 (2.45-3.17) mm on average, and the length of the esophagus was 632.67 (631.50-634) µm. Additionally, the spicule of the male nematode was 381 (354-426) µm on average, and the eggs of female worms were 72 (59-85) × 47 (42-53) µm on average. The morphometric parameters indicate the biological differences of worms in this region compared to other countries and indicate local biodiversity. In conclusion, the morphological and morphometric parameters evidence reported in the present study supports identifying a new species within the genus Cosmocercoides, based on specimens collected from Bufotes surdus.

Restoration effect of chemically modified microRNA-143-3p on acute myocardial infarction in animal models

We investigated whether miR143#12, a synthesized chemically modified miR-143-3p derivative, exerts therapeutic effects on acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sprague–Dawley rats and Japanese white rabbits underwent 30 min of coronary occlusion followed by 2 weeks of reperfusion. The rat AMI model was intravenously administered with control miRNA (9 μg/kg), 3 μg/kg or 9 μg/kg of miR143#12 1 h after reperfusion, while the rabbit AMI model was intravenously administered with control miRNA (9 μg/kg) or 9 μg/kg of miR143#12. In the rat and rabbit AMI models, 9 μg/kg of miR143#12 significantly reduced infarct sizes and significantly improved cardiac function including LVEF and LVFS at 2 weeks. The tissue miR143 levels in infarct areas significantly decreased after AMI in both models. Electron microscopic study and immunohistochemistry suggested that miR143#12 suppressed autophagic cell death caused by AMI and induced neoangiogenesis in the infarct border. In cultured rat H9c2 cells, miR143#12 significantly inhibited H2O2-induced autophagic cell death by decreasing ROS levels and increased viable cell numbers more than the control by silencing COX-1, -2, and ATG7. Replacement treatment with miR143#12 in the infarct areas, where the expression levels of miR143 were significantly decreased, has a beneficial effect on AMI by silencing COX-1 and -2.

Novel aryl (dithioglycosyl)methane derivatives as anti-proliferative agents.

In a quest of developing carbohydrate derived anti-cancer agents, novel carbohydrate dithioacetal derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential as anti-proliferative agents against breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) as well as non-cancerous kidney epithelial cell line (NKE). Total 18 compounds have been screened and 3 compounds showed promising anti-proliferative activities against cancer cells with low cytotoxicity to the normal cells using MTT assay. The mode of action of the best active compound has been proposed based on several microscopic studies. A molecular docking study also confirmed the proposed mechanism for the anti-proliferative properties.

Effects of Silicon Concentration and Synthesis Duration on Lignin Structure: A Spectroscopic and Microscopic Study.

Silicon (Si) is a highly abundant mineral in Earth's crust. It plays a vital role in plant growth, providing mechanical support, enhancing grain yield, facilitating mineral nutrition, and aiding stress response mechanisms. The intricate relationship between silicification and lignin chemistry significantly impacts cell wall structure. Yet, the precise influence of Si on lignin synthesis remains elusive. This study investigated the interaction between Si and lignin model compounds during invitro synthesis. Employing spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, we delineated how Si concentrations modulate lignin polymerization dynamics, particularly affecting molecular conformation and aggregation behavior over time. Fluctuations in the polymer structure are directly related to both the synthesis time and the concentration of silica. Our results demonstrate that lower Si concentrations promote the aggregation of lignin oligomers into larger particles, while higher concentrations increase the possibility of oligomer repulsion, thus preventing particle growth. These findings elucidate the intricate interplay between Si and lignin, which is crucial for understanding plant cell wall structure and stress resilience. Moreover, the results provide insights for developing lignin-silica materials with increasing applications in industry and medicine.

Microscopic study on the low-energy quadrupole states in Ni isotopes

The main goal of this paper is to investigate the properties of the low-energy quadrupole strength in Ni isotopes, especially for the evolution of the pygmy quadrupole states with increasing neutron number. And the effect of shell evolution on the pygmy resonance is also discussed in detail. The Skyrme Hartree-Fock+Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (HF+BCS) theory and the selfconsistent quasiparticle random phase approximation (RPA) method are employed on top of three effective Skyrme interactions named SGII, SLy5 and SKM<sup>*</sup>. In the calculations, a density-dependent zero-range type force are adopted for the pairing correlations. The properties of the first 2<sup>+</sup> state in Ni isotopes are studied firstly. As Fig. (a) shown, a good description on the experimental excited energies of the first 2<sup>+</sup> states are achieved, the SGII and SLy5 can give a good description on the reduced electric transition probabilities for <sup>58-68</sup>Ni. It is found that the energies of the first 2<sup>+</sup> state for <sup>68</sup>Ni and <sup>78</sup>Ni are obviously high than others, which reflects the obvious shell effect. In addition to the first 2<sup>+</sup> states, pygmy quadrupole states between 3 to 5 MeV with relative large electric transition probabilities are evidently found for <sup>70-76</sup>Ni in the isoscalar quadruple strength distribution [see Fig. (b)]. With the increasing of neutron number, the pygmy quadrupole states have decreasing energies but hold gradually increasing strengths, and it is more sensitive to the changes in the shell structure. This is due to the fact that the gradually filling of the neutron level 1<i>g</i><sub>9/2</sub> has an very important impact on the pygmy quadrupole states of <sup>70-76</sup>Ni, and switch from proton-dominated excitations to neutron-dominated ones. Since the pygmy quadrupole states for <sup>70-76</sup>Ni are sensitive to the proton and neutron shell gaps, which can provide information on the shell evolution in neutron-rich nuclei.

Optical microscopic study of the stress induced corrosion of brass and aluminium in dilute electrolyte, and the inhibition effect of Cedrus Atantica and Ocimum Basilicum

Optical microscopic analysis of the stress induced (85% calculated stress) corrosion of brass in 1M ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4] + 1M copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) solution, and aluminium in 0.5M, 1M and 2M sulfuric (H2SO4) solution at 10% and 20% addition of Cedrus Atlantica and Ocimum basilicum Linn. essential oil extracts were documented. The optical images obtained showed the effect of both extracts on the alloys. Optical images of aluminium in the presence of Cedrus Atlantica showed increased susceptibility of the alloy to localized and general corrosion compared to Ocimum basilicum Linn which enhanced the corrosion resistance of aluminium. Cedrus Atlantica increased the susceptibility of alpha brass to corrosion compared to the solution without it. In the absence of Cedrus Atlantica, general surface deterioration was observed without any localized corrosion. However, at 10% Cedrus Atlantica concentration superficial crack was observed. The crack further increased to visible intergranular crack (fracture) at 20% Cedrus Atlantica concentration. Ocimum basilicum Linn performed effectively at 10% concentration, sustaining the corrosion resistance of brass in 1M (NH4)2SO4 + 1M CuSO4 solution. At 20% Ocimum basilicum Linn concentration superficial cracking appeared.

Drawn to Biology

Biology and art have been linked throughout history. Early scientists, such as Leonardo de Vinci and John James Audubon, used sketches and painting to document their findings. Even early hominids left evidence of their world through cave art. Histology, the microscopic study of tissues and cells, relies on defining shape and spatial relationships between landmarks within cells and tissues. When looking at a microscopic slide a scientist focuses on form, structure, and complex relationships, while an artist focuses on patterns, colors, and intricate designs. To a biologist, a slide of stained cartilage displays as a tissue with small groups of cells, but to an artist it may resemble islands in a blue ocean. Learning how to use artistic details in combination with scientific concepts can help students better characterize and recognize tissues. Our project brings together two populations of college students to investigate the use of drawing as a learning tool. Senior biology majors received instruction on how to draw, paint, and recognize shape, form, and color from senior-level art students. Our approach provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with each other and with community members through the production of an interactive display for the University of Louisiana Monroe’s (ULM) Museum of Natural History. Through metacognitive student responses, we propose that the inclusion of art peer instruction increases student performance.

Green synthesis of biocompatible silver nanoparticles using Trillium govanianum rhizome extract: comprehensive biological evaluation and in silico analysis

Green synthesized Trillium govanianum rhizome-mediated nanoparticles, characterized by spectroscopic and electron microscopic studies, exhibited potential activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and DNA damage protection.