Morphological Studies Research Articles

Morphology studies, optic proprieties, hirschfeld electrostatic potential mapping, docking molecular anti-inflammatory, and dynamic molecular approaches of hybrid phosphate

The above current study intends to identify new prospects for developing viable epilepsy treatments. To attain this purpose, the created P-carboxylammonium di-hydrogen monohydrate called (I). The research reveals the existence of both intermolecular (O–H⋯O) as well as N–H⋯O intramolecular hydrogen bonding in crystal packing patterns. As the fingerprint plots illustrate the different sorts of interactions and the hybrid system's relative abundance of each, However, the molecular docking results clearly demonstrate five typical hydrogen bonds, with the best binding posture of −4.757 kcal/mol for Lys244, Val272, Arg241, and Glu273 proteins when docked with (I) ligand. As a result, we may deduce that if the (I) ligand is a pharmaceutical used to treat epilepsy, it will probably be more potent than the conventional medication. As a result, (I) was simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) and is proposed as a viable therapeutic target for antiepileptic therapy. Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) analysis, highlighted the presence of significant non-covalent interactions (NCI) that contribute to the stability and structural integrity of the compound, emphasizing the importance of these interactions in the context of its potential applications, particularly in drug design and molecular interactions. Finally, the ELF and LOL analyses collectively enhance the understanding of the electronic structure of compound I, revealing critical information about electron distribution, localization, and the nature of interactions within the molecular framework. These insights are essential for predicting the compound's reactivity and potential applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Optimization, Formulation, and Ex vivo Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Transdermal Delivery of Diltiazem Hydrochloride.

Cardiac arrhythmia, is a medical condition that reduces the heart's efficiency in pumping blood, and can be fatal, requires long-term management with conventional drugs, despite their limited efficacy. Diltiazem hydrochloride, chosen as a model drug, has a short biological half-life and extensive metabolism. Administering drug through skin is challenging, particularly due to the penetration via stratum corneum. However, solid lipid nanoparticles as a particulate carrier system can enhance its permeation and bioavailability. The study aimed to develop a matrix type transdermal patch with diltiazem hydrochloride encapsulated in solid lipid nanoparticles Methods: The study used the solvent diffusion technique to prepare SLNs by mixing the drug and solid lipid in an organic phase at 80°C, then slowly adding it to an aqueous phase with continuous stirring for 45 minutes. The resulting nanodispersion was freeze-dried and analyzed for morphological studies, encapsulation efficiency & drug content. A patch was formulated using solvent evaporation technique, incorporating HPMC E50 (2% w/v), propylene glycol, and ethanolic oleic acid (1.5% v/v). SLNs loaded with diltiazem hydrochloride taken equivalent to diltiazem hydrochloride dose in the transdermal patch. The patch was then evaluated for In vitro and skin permeation studies. The result showed a positive correlation between lipid concentration and particle size. Probe sonication and homogenization increased particle size, while stirring speed reduced it. SEM and TEM images confirmed spherical particles with a size of 488.1±4.01nm and an entrapment efficiency of 55.03±1.99%. Drug release studies demonstrated 70.7% drug release from lipid matrix over 24 hrs. The formulated patch with uniform SLN distribution, had a drug content 89.37 ± 0.04% with a surface pH of 6.1 ± 0.53, close to skin pH. The uniformity of content in 3x3 patch estimated to be 14.587 ± 1.404 mg, close to the theoretical content 16.318 ± 1.08 mg, confirmed homogenous distribution of diltiazem hydrochloride SLNs throughout the patch diameter. Cumulative amount released from patch formulation at pH 5.6 and pH 7.4 was 518.1414μg/cm2 and 404.4466 μg/cm2. Synergistic flux enhancement was observed with oleic acid propylene glycol blend. Ex vivo study of the patch showed steady-state flux of 6.9 μg/cm2/hr, permeability coefficient 0.00362 cm/hr, diffusion coefficient 0.000103 cm/hr, cumulative drug permeation (Dmax) 814.885 μg after 24 hrs, and followed a Higuchi-matrix release model. The developed patch possessed improved bioavailability with reduced dosing and enhanced patient compliance.

The development of the bone system of young Bestuzhev breed and its crossbreeds with simmentals

Relevance. As a result of morphological studies, materials were obtained characterizing the effect of genotype and castration of young cattle and the development of the bone system in the postnatal period of ontogenesis.Methodology. For the purpose of conducting the experiment, groups of experimental young animals were selected:Results. The influence of the genotype and castration of young cattle on the absolute weight and length of individual parts and the entire skeleton of gobies and castrated gobies of the Bestuzhev breed and its first-generation crossbreeds with simmentals was established. The advantage of crossbred bulls of the ½ Bestuzhevskaya × ½ simmental group II in terms of the absolute weight of both the axial and peripheral skeleton over purebred and crossbred bulls and castrated bulls of the Bestuzhevskaya breed, crossbred castrated bulls has been established. For the entire mass of the carcass skeleton, this superiority was, respectively, 12 g (2.4%), 6616 g (14.7%) and 5553 (12.0%). Similar intergroup differences were found in the length of individual parts and the entire skeleton of the carcass.

Effect of pulsed light on enzyme inactivation, colour, firmness, surface morphology, and bioactive compounds in fresh and dried whole red chilies (Capsicum annuum var. longum)

The effect of pulsed light on enzymatic activity and biochemical stability of red chillies was investigated. Balancing and reducing the aw and moisture content to 0.6 aw and 0.35 aw is crucial to attain biochemical stability. Upon drying at 60 °C/5 h + 40 °C/2 h and 70 °C/11 h + 55 °C/4 h + 40 °C/2 h the enzymes inactivated to more than 30 %, respectively. Hence, to completely inactivate the enzymes, a technology has been introduced i.e., pulsed light treatment (PLT), which employed 0.53–2.59 J·cm−2. The stability of red chillies was evaluated based on the quality attributes such as enzyme activity, total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, capsiacinoids, and carotenoids. After treatment at fluence of 2.59 J·cm−2, there was >90 % inactivation of PPO and POD. Based on kinetic modelling, it is showed PLT better preserved the colour, texture, morphology, and bioactive compounds in 0.6 and 0.35 aw than 0.85 aw red chillies. Morphological studies determined the changes in red chillies after PLT. FTIR and GCMS analysis revealed the structural and compositional changes occurring after PLT. Therefore, drying combined with PL can be a potential alternative method to blanching along with maximizing the availability of bioactives.

Gray relational analysis for parametric optimization of micro-EDM of thermo-mechanically processed AA7075 and AA7075/SiC/Gr composite

The AA7075 alloy and AA7075/SiC/Gr hybrid composite prepared by the stir-casting method have been further thermo-mechanically processed through unidirectional hot rolling and hot cross-rolling routes to eliminate casting defects like voids, blow holes etc. Three initial sample temperatures, that is, 350℃, 400℃, and 450℃, have been considered for the hot cross-rolling. The Al alloy and its hybrid composite prepared at different rolling temperatures are studied to investigate their micro-machining behavior through micro-electric discharge machining (µ-EDM). The micro-holes are made on the rolled samples along the rolling direction of the final rolling pass using a tool with twist drill bit geometry. Further, multi-objective optimization of the µ-EDM process parameters considering the response parameters viz. material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR) has been carried out using the gray relational analysis (GRA) technique. The µ-EDM parameters chosen to optimize in this study are voltage, pulse on time, and tool rotation. The obtained GRA results are further analyzed through normality and equal variance tests. The R-squared values of 95.02% and 95.53% for AA7075 alloy and hybrid composite, respectively, indicate that the data fit well with the statistical model. In material removal, the different electrical and thermal characteristics of the Al matrix and the reinforcements possibly generate sparks with a different characteristic that ultimately affects the MRR of the composite. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphological study confirmed the presence of globules and voids on the machined surface. The formation of globules and voids is more significant in the AA7075 alloy than in the composite.

Identification of Essential Features in Developing a Novel Femoral Stem Reflecting Anatomical Features of East Asian Population: A Morphological Study.

Background: Recent advancements in hip arthroplasty aim to enhance the stability, longevity, and functionality of femoral implants. However, the distal fitting of femoral stems, often caused by metaphyseal-diaphyseal mismatch, remains a significant issue, particularly in patients with Dorr type A femora. Such mismatches can result in suboptimal implant performance, leading to potential complications. This study focuses on evaluating the anatomical compatibility of five representative single-tapered wedge mid-short stems with the mediolateral (ML) anatomy of the proximal femur in an East Asian population, where these mismatches are often more pronounced. Methods: A total of 742 patients from two hospitals, all of whom underwent unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty, were included in the study. The contralateral proximal femur was confirmed to have normal anatomy in each patient. Hip anteroposterior radiographs were used for measurements, which were standardized in conjunction with CT images. Key anatomical parameters were measured, including proximal and distal medial-lateral canal dimensions, vertical offset, and medial offset. Five femoral stem designs-Tri-lock®, Taperloc®, Anthology®, Accolade II®, and Fit®-were evaluated. R programming was employed for a detailed fit analysis to match stem sizes with patient anatomy, categorizing the fit as proximal, simultaneous proximal-distal, or distal engagement. Results: Among the femoral stems analyzed, the Fit® stem demonstrated the closest alignment with the regression line for ML widths in the study population (slope = 0.69; population ML slope = 0.38). This was followed by Accolade II®, which had a slope of 0.83. In terms of offset options, the Accolade II® offered the largest offset coverage, making it particularly suitable for this population. The fit analysis revealed that the Fit® stem had the highest suitable fit rate (90.56%), followed by Accolade II® (73.04%). Taperloc®, Anthology®, and Tri-lock® had similar fit rates of approximately 59%. Overall, optimal results were obtained for 92.05% of the population in the automated fitting trial, regardless of the product type. Conclusions: When designing modern cementless femoral stems intended for press-fit fixation, it is crucial to account for the anatomical variations specific to the target population. In this study, Fit® and Accolade II® femoral components demonstrated superior compatibility with the femoral anatomy of the East Asian population, particularly in those with a higher incidence of Dorr type A femora. These stems, characterized by slimmer distal dimensions and high-offset options, appear to minimize metaphyseal-diaphyseal mismatch and associated complications.

Hematologic Cancer after Gene Therapy for Cerebral Adrenoleukodystrophy

BackgroundGene therapy with elivaldogene autotemcel (eli-cel) consisting of autologous CD34+ cells transduced with lentiviral vector containing ABCD1 complementary DNA (Lenti-D) has shown efficacy in clinical studies for the treatment of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy. However, the risk of oncogenesis with eli-cel is unclear.MethodsWe performed integration-site analysis, genetic studies, flow cytometry, and morphologic studies in peripheral-blood and bone marrow samples from patients who received eli-cel therapy in two completed phase 2–3 studies (ALD-102 and ALD-104) and an ongoing follow-up study (LTF-304) involving the patients in both ALD-102 and ALD-104.ResultsHematologic cancer developed in 7 of 67 patients after the receipt of eli-cel (1 of 32 patients in the ALD-102 study and 6 of 35 patients in the ALD-104 study): myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with unilineage dysplasia in 2 patients at 14 and 26 months; MDS with excess blasts in 3 patients at 28, 42, and 92 months; MDS in 1 patient at 36 months; and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 1 patient at 57 months. In the 6 patients with available data, predominant clones contained lentiviral vector insertions at multiple loci, including at either MECOM–EVI1 (MDS and EVI1 complex protein EVI1 [ecotropic virus integration site 1], in 5 patients) or PRDM16 (positive regulatory domain zinc finger protein 16, in 1 patient). Several patients had cytopenias, and most had vector insertions in multiple genes within the same clone; 6 of the 7 patients also had somatic mutations (KRAS, NRAS, WT1, CDKN2A or CDKN2B, or RUNX1), and 1 of the 7 patients had monosomy 7. Of the 5 patients with MDS with excess blasts or MDS with unilineage dysplasia who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT), 4 patients remain free of MDS without recurrence of symptoms of cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy, and 1 patient died from presumed graft-versus-host disease 20 months after HSCT (49 months after receiving eli-cel). The patient with AML is alive and had full donor chimerism after HSCT; the patient with the most recent case of MDS is alive and awaiting HSCT.ConclusionsHematologic cancer developed in a subgroup of patients who were treated with eli-cel; the cases are associated with clonal vector insertions within oncogenes and clonal evolution with acquisition of somatic genetic defects. (Funded by Bluebird Bio; ALD-102, ALD-104, and LTF-304 ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01896102, NCT03852498, and NCT02698579, respectively.)

Construction of visible-light-induced Fe2O3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for the enhanced degradation of organic dyes: Optimization of operative parameters

This research aims to develop the highly promising Fe2O3/g-C3N4 photocatalyst through hydrothermal techniques to cope with the elevated amounts of bromophenol blue (BPB) dye in wastewater. The morphological studies were carried out by SEM analysis, while the crystallinity, structural behavior, and oxidation states of the prepared materials were determined by XRD, FTIR, and XPS analysis. The hydrodynamic size, surface area, and magnetic characteristics of the constructed materials were assessed through DLS, BET, and VSM analysis. The effectivity of the synthesized Fe2O3 and Fe2O3/g-C3N4-30 photocatalysts was appraised by the abatement of BPB under visible light radiation for 48 min. The results have shown an excellent degradation efficacy of Fe2O3/g-C3N4-30 photocatalyst with 98.39 % of BPB removal and a rate constant of 0.0757 min−1, which was much higher than Fe2O3 photocatalyst with 79.64 % of removal and a rate constant of 0.0335 min−1 under optimum conditions. The enhancement in degradation efficiency of the Fe2O3/g-C3N4-30 was due to the large surface area of Fe2O3/g-C3N4-30 (106.94 m2/g) as a result of g-C3N4 inclusion in the material, while the pure Fe2O3 unveiled a surface area of 89.67 m2/g. The impact of different reaction parameters on BPB degradation was also investigated, while the contribution of free radicals was corroborated through radical trapping experiments. The Fe2O3/g-C3N4-30 exhibited tremendous stability for repeated applications, with a loss of 8.03 % in efficiency after five consecutive experiments because of its easy magnetic separation. The experimental results have shown that synthesized Fe2O3/g-C3N4-30 photocatalysts could be used for the effective degradation of BPB from wastewater.

Structural and morphological studies of g-C3N4-functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposite for sunlight-responsive photocatalytic activity

Photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants has been proven to be one of the greatest economical and efficient techniques to address environmental pollution problems. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/g-C3N4 (GCN) nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized by a hydrothermal process aided by ultrasound to produce active photocatalysts. The effective synthesis of GCN, MWCNTs, and MWCNTs/GCN NCs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The fabrication of GCN nanosheets (NSs), the nanotubular structure of MWCNTs, and a network of neuron-like structures for MWCNTs/GCN NCs were all revealed by structural and morphological characterization. The elemental mapping of NCs containing the suitable quantity of MWCNTs revealed a uniform distribution of the sample's component elements. When the optical properties of the fabricated nanomaterials were examined by employing UV–visible spectroscopy, the results revealed a blue shift (a shift of maximum absorption to the UV region), which suggests that the addition of MWCNTs increased the band-gap energy. The behaviour of e––h+ pair recombination was revealed by measuring the charge carrier movement and trapping efficiency using photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Crystal violet (CV) dye was photocatalytically degraded using prepared NCs in the presence of sunlight, and the synergistic effects of GCN and MWCNTs were examined. With a degradation efficiency of 99.32 %, MWCNTs/GCN NCs demonstrated the best sunlight-irradiated photocatalytic activity for CV degradation. The degradation of CV was discovered to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. Throughout five consecutive studies, the NCs demonstrated the highest levels of catalytic efficiency and recyclability, with 5 % reduced degrading activities. The trapping tests showed that the primary reactive species involved in the breakdown of CV were the •O2– and •OH radicals.

Electron transporting bilayers for perovskite solar cells: Spray coating deposition of c-TiO2/m-SnO2-quantum dots

Herein we present a comparative study among different spray-coated nanometric mesoporous electron transporting layers (ETLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSC), namely m-TiO2, m-SnO2 and m-SnO2 quantum dots (m-SnO2QDs). The solutions used for deposition were prepared from commercial pastes and colloidal suspensions for m-TiO2 and m-SnO2. For m-SnO2QDs in-house QDs solutions were prepared. The formamidinium-methylamonium-potassium (FAMA@10 K) has been used as light absorber material in the fabricated PSCs. The structural, compositional and morphological studies, correlated with the photovoltaic performance of PSCs, indicate that the m-SnO2 QDs layer is the best candidate among the three investigated mesoporous ETLs. Compared with the suspensions used for the other two ETLs, the in-house prepared SnO2 QDs solution presents smaller agglomerates of nanoparticles and results in the formation of a thinner, more uniform and compact mesoporous ETL. The FAMA@10 K perovskite deposited on m-SnO2 QDs ETL presents a lower roughness, better uniformity and a higher amount of PbI2. Our work unveils that the SnO2 QDs solution can be easily produced in laboratory and when is deposited as mesoporous scaffold in a PSC with FAMA@10 K perovskite, the power conversion efficiency increases up to 14.90 %, being with up to 27 % larger than in the PSCs with m-TiO2 and m-SnO2 ETLs prepared from commercial solutions. By modeling the J-V dynamic hysteresis with more than 90 % match between the calculated and experimental J-V data, for all three types of mesoporous ETLs, the relevant parameters that explain the hysteresis magnitude and account for ionic-induced recombination processes in PSCs were determined.

An integrative taxonomic study of the genus Lethocolea (Marchantiophyta: Acrobolbaceae)

Background and aims – Lethocolea (Acrobolbaceae) is a small liverwort genus of seven species distributed in temperate regions of the Southern Hemisphere and on tropical mountains. The taxonomic history of the genus has been chaotic, the species were described under many different names and have been distinguished mainly based on geography. Here, we undertook a taxonomic revision of the genus based on a reassessment of morphological characters and a molecular analysis. Material and methods – Type material and additional collections from 17 herbaria were examined in the morphological study. Sequences of the rps4 chloroplast region and maximum likelihood analyses were used to reconstruct the phylogeny. Key results and conclusions – Two fully supported clades were resolved within Lethocolea lending support to the recognition of two subgenera, subgen. Lethocolea and subgen. Symphyomitra. Lethocolea congesta from Africa, and L. glossophylla and L. radicosa from America exhibited considerable morphological overlap and were not distinguishable based on rps4 sequences. The latter two species are reduced into synonymy with L. congesta, whose range spans across Africa, the Neotropics and southern South America. In Australasia, where only one species, L. pansa, is recognized, two morphotypes were found. The first one, with a smooth cuticle, wingless gemmae, and leaf cells without trigones, is identical to the type of L. pansa and occurs in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the species is newly reported from South Africa. The second morphotype has a papillose cuticle, winged gemmae, and leaf cells with distinct trigones, and is assigned to L. javanica, which ranges across Australasia and furthermore occurs in Java and India. The recognition of these two species is supported by molecular analysis. Altogether, we recognize four species within Lethocolea, which are thoroughly described, illustrated, and keyed. We present 12 new lectotypifications.

Na2SO4-assisted shift in the nucleation mechanism of copper-electrocrystallization from an acidic bath

In this study, the effect of sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) on the nucleation mechanism of copper films during electrodeposition was investigated. Voltammetric and chronoamperometric studies were employed to analyze the kinetics of electrochemical nucleation. Phase analysis of the nucleated copper was performed via X-ray diffraction, while morphological and topographical studies were conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to further validate the electrochemical findings. The deposits obtained in the presence of Na2SO4 were finer and more closely packed compared to those formed without Na2SO4. Additionally, the roughness of the deposits varied between the two conditions, with films formed in the presence of Na2SO4 being slightly smoother. The results indicate that the addition of Na2SO4 changed the nucleation mechanism from charge transfer controlled to mass transfer controlled.

Three species of the Cladonia pyxidata-chlorophaea complex new to Latvia

The study of the Cladonia pyxidata-chlorophaea complex in Latvia is based on the revision of 276 specimens from the two largest lichen herbarium collections in Latvia. Nine species belonging to the Cladonia pyxidata-chlorophaea complex were determined using TLC and morphological studies – C. chlorophaea, C. cryptochlorophaea, C. fimbriata, C. grayi, C. humilis, C. merochlorophaea, C. novochlorophaea, C. pocillum and C. pyxidata. Of these, three species are reported as new to Latvia – C. cryptochlorophaea, C. merochlorophaea, and C. novochlorophaea. Information regarding the morphology, secondary chemistry, ecology, and localities of the newly reported species is provided.

NEK10 kinase ablation affects mitochondrial morphology, function and protein phosphorylation status

BackgroundNEK10, a serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase belonging to the NEK (NIMA-related kinases) family, has been associated with diverse cellular processes. However, no specific target pathways have been identified. Our previous work knocking down NEK10 in HeLa cells suggested a functional association with mitochondria, as we observed altered mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mtDNA integrity, and reactive oxygen species levels.MethodsTo better understand this association, we studied human HAP1 cells fully knockout for NEK10 and confirmed that NEK10 has an important role in mitochondrial homeostasis.We performed the study of mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial mass, and mtDNA analysis. Additionally, we showed proteome and phosphoproteome data of crude mitochondrial fraction of Parental and NEK10 KO cells using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).ResultsIn the absence of NEK10 several mitochondrial functions were disturbed. Moreover, proteome and phosphoproteome analyses of mitochondrial fractions showed that NEK10 alters the threonine phosphorylation status of several mitochondrial/endoplasmic reticulum components, including HSP60, NDUFB4, and TOM20. These changes impacted the steady-state levels of a larger group of proteins, preferentially involving respiratory complexes and autophagy pathways.ConclusionWe concluded that NEK10 plays a key role in mitochondrial function, possibly by modulating the phosphorylation status of mitochondrial proteins.

A Morphological Study of HLA-DR-Immunopositive Cells in Multiple Sclerosis Lesions and Their Implications for Pathogenesis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by white matter demyelinating plaques, which can be classified as active, chronic active, or chronic inactive based on the extent of demyelination, cellularity, and inflammation. Microglia and macrophages play a central role in these processes. This study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of HLA-DR-immunopositive cells in these plaques to improve our understanding of the roles of these cells in MS plaques. Methods: This study is a retrospective post-mortem histopathological study. We analyzed 90 plaques from 6 MS cases. Of the plaques studied, 77 were grouped into three categories: 28 active, 34 chronic active, and 15 chronic inactive. Additionally, five vacuolated white matter lesions, two axonal degeneration lesions, and six lesions with mixed histological features were included. Six control cases were also examined to assess HLA-DR-immunopositive cell expression across various age groups. The cells were classified based on their morphology into two types: round cells without processes (macrophages) and cells with varying processes and shapes (ramified microglia). Results: Both macrophages and ramified microglia were present in all lesion types, with a focus on identifying the predominant cell type. Of the 28 active plaques, macrophages were the primary cell type in 25 plaques, while ramified microglia predominated in 3. In the center of 49 chronic plaques, scattered ramified microglia were observed in 46, with three plaques showing a predominance of macrophages. Among the 34 chronic active lesions, ramified microglia were the main cell type in the periphery of 32 plaques, with the remaining two predominantly exhibiting macrophages. Conclusions: The predominance of macrophages in active lesions and the presence of scattered ramified microglia in the center of chronic plaques are consistent with the phagocytic role of macrophages. Meanwhile, the prevalence of ramified microglia at the periphery of chronic active lesions suggests a potential protective function in maintaining lesion stability.

DNA but not always morphology help to recognise monophyletic genera within 'Cercyon' terrestrial water scavenger beetles: a case study of Asiacyon gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae).

DNA-based studies have revealed that the terrestrial water scavenger beetle genus Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae: Megasternini) is polyphyletic, grouping similarly looking but unrelated species that were not assigned to other genera due to the absence of unusual morphological characters. In this study, we analyse the morphology, DNA data and species diversity of one of the Asian clades of 'Cercyon ' to test whether a natural, phylogeny-based generic classification can be established. We add DNA data (five nuclear and three mitochondrial fragments) for additional species and specimens of the clade to test its monophyly and reveal phylogenetic relationships among species. We perform a detailed morphological study of all species, including SEM micrographs, to reveal synapomorphies of the DNA-based clades. We demonstrate that the lineage, described here as Asiacyon Mai, Jia, Ryndevich & Fikáček, gen. nov., is strongly supported by DNA data, has limited distribution (eastern Asia), and its species share similar biology (inhabiting fresh or decaying plant tissues), though it can be only diagnosed by a combination of plesiomorphic characters. A detailed treatment is provided for the Chinese species, including species diagnoses, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, (re)descriptions and a key to species. A total of 14 Chinese species are recognised, of which 11 are described as new: Asiacyon pax sp. nov. (Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hunan), A. pseudincretus sp. nov. (Anhui, Jiangxi, Taiwan, Zhejiang), A. vicincretus sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi), A. zhengyucheni sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. huilanae sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. cornipenis sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. belousovi sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. liangchengi sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. paraequalis sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. pengzhongi sp. nov. (Hunan) and A. xiuzhenae sp. nov. (Hainan, Yunnan). Three Chinese species previously classified in Cercyon are transferred to Asiacyon : A. incretus (d'Orchymont, 1941), comb. nov., A. primoricus (Ryndevich & Prokin, 2017), comb. nov. (newly recorded from China) and A. indicus (d'Orchymont, 1926), comb. nov. (newly recorded from China and Laos). Additionally, seven Asian species previously classified in Cercyon are transferred to Asiacyon based on their external morphology, but not studied in detail: A. aequalis (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov., A. conjiciens (Walker, 1858), comb. nov., A. dilutus (Régimbart, 1903), comb. nov., A. placidus (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov., A. pseudodilutus (Satô, 1979), comb. nov., A. retius (Ryndevich & Prokin, 2017), comb. nov., and A. rubicundus (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov. In total, the genus now comprises 21 named species and several undescribed species from India, Myanmar and Indonesia. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E3C949A0-34E4-46EF-BA6A-2CD048D583B2.

Structural and functional features of the endometrium in chronic endometritis and implantation failure in IVF cycles

BACKGROUND: Implantation failure of the endometrium in women with chronic endometritis remains a subject of discussion, despite certain progress in the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. It has been proven that chronic endometritis is a predictor of endometrial dysfunction, which contributes to the disruption of the morphogenesis of the endometrium necessary for its implantation capacity. Implantation disorders associated with chronic endometritis are related to pathology of the receptor profile and vascular bed, as well as dysregulation of proliferative and apoptotic mechanisms. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, endothelial marker and apoptosis-inducing factor in the endometrium of patients with chronic endometritis and ineffective embryo transfer in IVF protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 50 patients with ineffective embryo transfers in IVF protocols and 25 women in the control group with positive reproductive outcomes. All patients underwent a comprehensive morphological study of the endometrium including histological examination, immunohistochemical study with assessment of the receptor profile [estrogen (ERα) and progesterone (PR) receptor expression], chronic endometritis (CD8+, CD4+, CD20+, CD138+), apoptosis [antibodies to apoptosis-inducing factor (anti-AIF [E20])], and angiogenesis (CD34+), with microscopic, morphometric and statistical methods used as well. RESULTS: Endometrial implantation failure is associated with a history of urogenital infection, benign cervical diseases, high incidence of endometrial pathology and reproductive loss. It is characterized by the presence of follicle-like mononuclear infiltrates in the endometrium, fibroplastic changes in the stromal component, vascular sclerosis, abnormal increase in the pro-inflammatory cell count, multifocal decrease in estrogen (ERα) and progesterone (PR) receptor expression, as well as activation of pathological neoangiogenesis and apoptosis in the stroma. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic endometritis leads to disruption of the structural and functional characteristics of the endometrium, stimulates pathological neoangiogenesis and dysregulates proliferative and apoptotic mechanisms, which forms a vicious circle of endometrial implantation failure and inefficiency of embryo transfer in IVF protocols.

Combination of Renal Cell Carcinoma and Organizing Pneumonia

Solitary pulmonary nodule is a difficult case for differential diagnosis. The list of pathological processes manifested by pulmonary nodule is quite large, including organizing pneumonia, which has non-specific CT picture. A correct diagnosis requires comparing the radiation examination data with anamnesis, the results of invasive and morphological studies. The presented clinical case shows the difficulties of diagnosing a combination of pulmonary nodule and extensive renal mass.

Discovery of a new gall-inducing species, Aciurinaluminaria (Insecta, Diptera, Tephritidae) via multi-trait integrative taxonomy.

Integrative taxonomic practices that combine multiple lines of evidence for species delimitation greatly improve our understanding of intra- and inter-species variation and biodiversity. However, extended phenotypes remain underutilized despite their potential as a species-specific set of extracorporeal morphological and life history traits. Primarily relying on variations in wing patterns has caused taxonomic confusion in the genus Aciurina, which are gall-inducing flies on Asteraceae plants in western North America. However, species display distinct gall morphologies that can be crucial for species identification. Here we investigate a unique gall morphotype in New Mexico and Colorado that was previously described as a variant of that induced by Aciurinabigeloviae (Cockerell, 1890). Our analysis has discovered several consistent features that distinguish it from galls of A.bigeloviae. A comprehensive description of Aciurinaluminaria Baine, sp. nov. and its gall is provided through integrative taxonomic study of gall morphology, host plant ecology, wing morphometrics, and reduced-representation genome sequencing.

Three-Dimensional Morphological Study of MnTe-like Structures by Assessment of Tortuosity Tensor Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

This paper focuses on a morphological study of the MnTe-like structures, carried out by the evaluation of the tortuosity tensor and other related parameters using a computational fluid dynamics approach recently developed by our research group. The present work focuses on all possible crystals—existing or not developed yet—having the same structure as that of the manganese telluride. This analysis provides new information not present yet in the open literature. The motivation behind this study lies in the importance of this type of structure in physics and material science. In particular, the structures investigated are anisotropic and bi-disperse, with two independent geometrical parameters controlling the structure shape: the ratio of the particle diameters (r1) and the normalised inter-particle distance (r2). Exploiting this fact, several different structures of the same family are created, changing these two parameters independently, also allowing inter-penetration of particles to enlarge the study’s applicability. The results are primarily obtained in terms of the tortuosity tensor, needed to catch and quantify the anisotropy of the structures. Then, other morphological parameters, such as connectivity, principal diffusion directions, and anisotropy factors, are evaluated, obtaining in this way a novel morphological characterisation of the structure. It is found that high values of tortuosity are observed at lower and higher values of {r1, r2}, which means that there exists a minimum value between them. Additionally, the anisotropy factor is found to be higher at lower values of {r1, r2} and lower at higher ones. This is in accordance with the fact that, as the inter-particle distance and the ratio between particle diameters increase, the structure enlarges, which implies a lower influence of the particle distribution and, thus, a gradually more isotropic structure.