Glass Slides Research Articles

Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections in the Badi indigenous communities of Western Nepal

Despite years of a national deworming campaign, the incidence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remains relatively high among certain ethnic groups, with lifestyle factors distinct from those of the general population. Despite existing studies on the prevalence of IPIs, there is limited research exploring the contextual associated factors within the Badi Indigenous community. Our objective in this study was to assess the prevalence of IPIs in the indigenous Badi community of Gurbhakot Municipality, Surkhet, Nepal, considering socioeconomic, lifestyle, and behavioral factors. A total of 205 stool samples were obtained from individuals aged 18–70 years through purposive sampling and preserved in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. A structured questionnaire was administered to the selected participants. Three diagnostic methods were used: direct wet mount, saturated salt flotation, and formal ether sedimentation. The study revealed an overall parasite prevalence of 27% (n = 55) in the indigenous Badi communities. Protozoan infections were found in 19% (n = 39) of the studied community, whereas helminthic infections were present in only 7.8% (n = 16). The highest prevalence was observed for Giardia lamblia at 16.1% (n = 33), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides at 5.9% (n = 12), Entamoeba histolytica at 2.9% (n = 6), and both Enterobius vermicularis and Hymenolepis nana at 1% (n = 2). The female population had a higher exposure to E. histolytica (5.8%, n = 6) than did the male population (0%, n = 0). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increased odds of IPIs among participants involved in agriculture [aOR: 5.37, 95% CI: (2.31 to 12.47)], those who kept free-ranging pigs and poultry [aOR: 5.22, 95% CI: (1.87 to 14.53)], those who did not use soap before eating [aOR: 9.96, 95% CI: (2.11 to 46.99)], and those who consumed raw or undercooked meat [aOR: 2.76, 95% CI: (1.08 to 7.05)] compared with others. Therefore, health education, particularly regarding hygiene practices and lifestyle changes, is crucial for reducing the burden of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) in indigenous Badi communities.

Investigation of the Occurrence of Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites along the Karmanasa River Bank in Lalitpur, Nepal.

Increasing urbanization has particularly affected rivers and their outer edges in cities, including Kathmandu Valley, which encompasses Lalitpur, the nation's third-largest city. This study aims to conduct a parasitological survey to investigate the occurrence of zoonotic intestinal protozoa and helminths along the Karmanasa River bank in central Nepal. Faecal samples from openly defaecating animals were collected via non-invasive techniques, and coproscopy was carried out using direct wet mount, concentration and acid-fast staining methods to ensure reliable findings. The findings showed that all the faecal samples were positive for intestinal parasites as follows: buffaloes (15/15), cats (5/5), cattle (30/30), chickens (7/7), dogs (15/15), goats (15/15), pigs (20/20) and rats (12/12). A total of 28 intestinal parasites were reported, out of which 21 species possess zoonotic potentialities, and each host was reported to harbour at least one zoonotic parasite. Entamoeba sp., Cryptosporidium sp., hookworm, Trichuris sp., Trichostrongylus and Balantidium coli were among the predominant zoonotic parasites. The use of the landscape for livestock grazing and the presence of free-ranging animals could have all added to the zoonotic risks. Moreover, the excretion of a moderate to large number of zoonotic parasite eggs in the faecal samples indicates a transmission risk. The study detected 21 species of intestinal zoonotic parasites circulating along the landscape in the study area, indicating a higher risk of cross-transmission. Therefore, strategic treatment of livestock and free-ranging animals and periodic public health awareness programs for the local inhabitants are highly recommended.

A simple and efficient method for palynological sample preparation

AbstractThe extraction of organic microfossils is a process that requires techniques based on the elimination of the mineral components of the rock (mainly silicates and carbonates) and the subsequent concentration of the microfossils. These techniques are very diverse and have in common the dissolution of the rock (maceration) with hydrofluoric acid and concentrated hydrochloric acid to extract the organic matter, which is potentially made up of dispersed organic matter and organic walled microfossils. In this process, there are at least two fundamental objectives. First, that the process respects the fidelity of the organic microfossil record (diversity and preservation). Second, effective elimination of dispersed organic matter, obtaining the maximum concentration of microfossils and microscopic slides with a homogeneous dispersion that allows optimal observing conditions. The method described in this paper is based on a filtration process of the organic matter resulting from the maceration process, employing polyester filters and a vacuum inversion system. In the standard vacuum process, the dispersed organic matter clogs the pores of the filter. The vacuum inversion injects filtered water that unclogs the pores of the filter vessel. The alternation between normal and reverse vacuum results in the progressive elimination of the dispersed organic matter and the concentration of the organic microfossils in a rapid and non-aggressive process.

Optimizing tissue adherence on glass slides using polyurethane glue: a new slide preparation method

ABSTRACT The application of Clear Gorilla Glue® household adhesive to microscope slides has been found to enhance the mounting and retention of traditionally difficult tissue types, notably bone and tooth specimens. Improvement in end results were observed across H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization.

Water Recovery of brine water treatment from a small-scale desalination system in Nakhon Ratchasima

This study aims to recover water from treating brine water of a small-scale desalination using a solar still. The design focuses on keeping temperatures inside at conditions suitable for water evaporation from the brine water basin. Water vapor rises and condenses into water droplets on the transparent glass cover, moving down the slope into a channel and collecting outside. The solar still is 1.0 m x 1.0 m x 0.5 m (width x depth x height) with a 25-degree slope for a transparent glass cover on top. This slope allows the water droplet to move down without reentering into the brine water basin below. The brine water was placed on top of the carbonized rice hull. The black residues can absorb heat energy by being a dark color, locally available, environmentally friendly, and stable. The test results during rainy and early winter months showed that the prototype solar still produced the average recovery water of 150 mL/day/set, with the hourly temperatures inside the chamber ranging from 30 to 70.1 Celsius. The highest inside temperature occurred at 2 PM, with an average of 70.1 Celsius. A correlation was observed between temperature and the amount of distilled water. Water recovery from the prototype ranged from 1,090 to 1,256 mL/day. Low recovery occurred in the rainy months. Estimation of water recovery rates in Nakhon Ratchasima ranged from 45 to 55 mL/m2/day. The solar still provides an alternative to recover water and mitigate the direct impact of brine water discharge from the small-scale desalination in Nakhon Ratchasima from possible effect of salinity water discharge. The method is economical, less burdensome to the caretaker, and low budget. The recovery water is freshwater; thus, it can be reused and has no long-term impact. The use of solar still is an auxiliary device that can be used with small-scale desalination in areas with saline water.

Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolchildren living along the shore of Lake Hawassa, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundSchistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are major public health problems in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to water. In Ethiopia, there is limited data available for monitoring the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing helminth infections. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of S. mansoni and STH infections, as well as factors associated with this prevalence, among schoolchildren and compared the findings with those of earlier studies. We also evaluated the diagnostic agreement between two parasitological methods.MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 363 schoolchildren from three rural primary schools located along the shore of Lake Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, southern Ethiopia, was conducted in October and November 2023. The schoolchildren were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using pre-structured questionnaires. A single stool sample was collected from each study participant and processed using direct wet mount (DM) microscopy and the formol-ether concentration technique (FECT) to detect helminth ova.ResultsThe overall prevalence of helminths was 59.8%, with 36.6% of participating children having a single infection and 23.1% having multiple infections. Schistosoma mansoni and STHs were present in 33.9% and 38.8% of children, respectively. The STHs included Ascaris lumbricoides (28.9% of children), Trichuris trichiura (10.7%), hookworms (5.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2.8%). Diagnostic agreement between the DM microscopy method and FECT was substantial [kappa (κ) = 0.710] for the detection of Hymenolepis nana and almost perfect (κ = 0.827) for the dection of A. lumbricoides, but only fair for the detection of other detected helminths. Children at Finchawa primary school had a lower prevalence of S. mansoni infection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.76] than those at St Paul’s Tullo Catholic primary school. STH infections were more common among children who sometimes (vs. always) washed their hands before meals (AOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.01–3.54) and those who regularly played with soil (AOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46).ConclusionsThis study showed a reduction in STH infections from a high prevalence in 2015 to a moderate prevalence at the present time, despite a similar moderate prevalence of S. mansoni infection. Thus, it is crucial to intensify deworming interventions to reduce the burden of helminths in the study area. Additionally, there is a need to enhance the capacity of clinical laboratories to perform FECT in Ethiopian clinical settings where DM is often employed to diagnose helminths.Graphical

Preparation and Characterisations of Acrylic Epoxy/Polyethylene Glycol/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Antibacterial Coating Applications

This study addresses the urgent need for antibacterial coatings amid escalating concerns about pathogen contamination on various surfaces, particularly in healthcare settings and public spaces where infection control is critical. The development of durable and effective antibacterial coatings could significantly reduce harmful bacteria transmission and improve overall hygiene standards. Graphene oxide (GO) had exceptional antibacterial properties against a wide spectrum of bacteria. Here, the researchers explored the composite of GO with acrylic epoxy (AE) through the use of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to become AE/PEG/GO tertiary nanocomposites in enhancing GO’s antibacterial efficacy. The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterise AE/PEG/GO nanocomposites and then investigate their antibacterial abilities against escherichia coli (E. coli) and staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The GO was prepared using the modified Hummers method, which was mechanically stirred with AE and PEG to produce the AE/PEG/GO nanocomposites. This was followed by characterisations of the nanocomposites via ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nanocomposites were then tested against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone (DIZ). The results showed that the absorption peak of GO was obtained at a wavelength of 236 nm. The diffraction pattern of the AE/PEG/GO nanocomposites showed amorphous structure with a small and wide peak at 2 around 23°. The IR spectrum of the AE/PEG/GO nanocomposites indicated the presence of –OH, –CH3, –CH2, C=O, C–H, C–O and C=C functional groups. The surface morphology showed well-distributed nanocomposite coating onto glass slides with some micro islands. The nanocomposites exhibited promising antibacterial performance revealing higher efficacy against S. aureus compared to E. coli. This was shown by the performance of AE/PEG/GO coating in inhibiting S. aureus bacteria with 1.55 mm larger DIZ compared to the positive control. However, the AE/PEG/GO coating exhibited smaller DIZ than the positive control with a difference of 3.68 mm in inhibiting E. coli bacteria. This study unveiled a simple and straightforward approach in producing nanocomposites for antibacterial coatings shedding light on their potential applications in safeguarding surfaces against bacterial contamination.

Effect of preparations containing humic substances and pure humic acids on colony growth and spore germination of entomopathogenic fungi from the Beauveria genus

The experiment examined the effect of commercially available preparations containing humic substances in comparison with pure humic acids on the growth and germination of spores of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) of the genus Beauveria in vitro. AmiAGRA, HumiAGRA, AlgoHUM (recommended field dose) and pure humic acids extracted from peat, brown coal and mushroom substrate were added to Sabouraud's culture substrate. Observation of the growth of colonies of the tested species of EPF was carried out every 5 days until day 20, measuring their diameter (mm). In the second stage of the experiment, the culture medium with the addition of preparations and pure humic acids was applied in a thin layer to the surface of glass slides and 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution with spores was introduced. Observation was carried out after 24 and 48 hours, and the results obtained were expressed as percentages of the control. The conducted research showed that on the 20th day of culture (on average), preparations containing humic substances had a stimulating effect, while pure acids slightly limited the growth of colonies of the tested isolates. The growth of the colony of the fungus B. basianna was most strongly stimulated by AmiAGRA, and B. brongniartii by HumiAGRA. The share of germinated spores of the tested isolates after 48 hours of contact with the substrate was higher than after 24 hours. It was found that more spores germinated on substrates with the addition of preparations containing humic substances than on pure humic acids.

Sensitivity and Specificity of Slit-Lamp Demodex Infestation Detection in Patients With Blepharitis

Purpose: To determine whether the sensitivity and specificity of detecting Demodex infestation using slit-lamp examination are comparable with those of light microscopy. Methods: We evaluated 22 eyelids of 22 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of blepharitis that suggested Demodex infestation. Two lashes with cylindrical dandruff were epilated from each lid and mounted on a glass slide. A coverslip was mounted on each slide, then placed on a strip of white paper, and examined on a slit lamp with a 90D lens attached. Number of mites per lash were documented. The slides were then examined under a light microscope. The same procedure was followed with a control group. Results were evaluated per lash and per patient. Results: Twenty-two patients were included, 11 were men, with an average age of 54.8 years. A total of 176 epilated lashes were examined. Mean total Demodex count per lash was 0.9 ± 1.3 mites by slit-lamp examination and 1.22 ± 1.73 by light microscopy. Corresponding values per patient were 7.3 ± 4.4 and 9.7 ± 7.18. Correlation between Demodex counts by slit lamp and light microscopy was mildly positive and statistically significant per patient (8 lashes, r= 0.69, P < 0.001). Analysis of positive/negative results yielded 43.2% with a positive result for slit lamp and 51.7% for light microscopy. The sensitivity of the slit-lamp examination for the presence of Demodex per patient was 96.6%, with a specificity of 90.9%; the positive predictive value was 91.6%, and the negative predictive value was 95.2%. Conclusions: Demodex infestation in patients with blepharitis and cylindrical dandruff can be confirmed using a slit lamp. This technique demonstrates diagnostic performance that is noninferior to that of light microscopy.

Development of an inhalable contrast agent targeting the respiratory tract mucus layer for pulmonary ultrasonic imaging

Impaired mucociliary transport is a distinguishing sign of cystic fibrosis, but current methods of evaluation are invasive or expose young patients to ionizing radiation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging may provide a feasible alternative. We formulated a cationic microbubble ultrasound contrast agent, to optimize adhesion to the respiratory mucus layer when inhaled. Potential toxicity was evaluated in human bronchial epithelial cell (hBEC) cultures following a 24-hour exposure, compared to positive and negative control conditions. In vivo tolerability and pulmonary image enhancement feasibility were evaluated in mice, comparing oropharyngeal administration of contrast agent to saline control. When induced to flow across mucus plated on microscope slides, cationic microbubbles demonstrated greater affinity for target samples than standard microbubbles. Cationic microbubbles elicited no proinflammatory or cytotoxic response in hBECs, nor were any cross-links to the cilia observed. Unlike standard microbubbles, cationic microbubbles mixed into the mucus layer, without epithelial absorption, and were observed to move with the mucus layer by the action of mucociliary transport. When administered to mice, cationic microbubbles enhanced sonographic visualization of the trachea, and were well-tolerated with no adverse effects. This developmental work supports the safety and feasibility of a mucus-targeting contrast agent that may be useful for pulmonary ultrasound applications.

P-type ZnO:N thin films deposited at room temperature on different substrates for p-channel Thin Film Transistor fabrication

A series of ZnO:N thin films were deposited by means of reactive pulsed laser deposition at room temperature on SiO2 glass slides, quartz, Al2O3, polyimide, silicon, and thermally oxidized SiO2. The p-type conductivity was confirmed by Hall effect-Van der Pauw measurements, with electrical parameters varying depending on the substrate deposition as follow: hole concentration between 2.4×1018 - 3.8×1017 cm-3, resistivity between 0.5 - 4 Ωcm, and mobility between 2 - 8 cm2V-1s-1. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed identical binding energy values of the ZnO:N thin films across all substrates; the relative atomic concentrations varied between 49-53.8 at.%, 44-49 at.% and 2-2.4 at.% for zinc, oxygen and nitrogen respectively, due to over-quantification related to zinc particle splashing. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a surface roughness of the films below 2 nm. Several wide and defect-related emissions were found by Cathodoluminescence; but the film deposited on quartz exhibited a unique, intense, and narrow blue band, the deconvolution of which revealed peaks at wavelengths of 430 nm and 461 nm. A growth rate of 14 nm/hour, and an etching rate of 2 nm/sec were found; these parameters were confirmed with the fabrication of smooth-walled ZnO:N thin films microstructures using photolithography. Finally, Thin Film Transistors (TFT) were fabricated. The devices exhibited low, but clear field effect current amplification, with a Ion/Ioff = 10. The feasibility of using room-temperature deposited p-type ZnO:N thin films for p-channel TFT fabrication was demonstrated.

Establishment of a programmatic detection method for Trichomonas vaginalis based on double antibody sandwich ELISA targeting TvCP39 antigen

BackgroundTrichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a common sexually transmitted parasite that colonizes the human urogenital tract. Programmed and precise detection of T. vaginalis is a key step in preventing and treating trichomoniasis. However, the current detection methods of T. vaginalis, including wet mount microscopy, culture, nested PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification, and recombinant enzyme polymerase amplification, have some shortcomings. Therefore, it is urgent to establish a programmed, sensitive, and specific method for detecting T. vaginalis. MethodsT. vaginalis cysteine protease 39 (TvCP39) was expressed in segments as TvCP39–1 and TvCP39–2, and the polyclonal antibodies were prepared by immunizing rats and rabbits. The concentration of the polyclonal antibodies of anti-rTvCP39–2 and anti-rTvCP39–1 was determined by square matrix titration. The sensitivity and specificity of double antibody sandwich ELISA were analyzed and evaluated by detecting rTvCP39 and T. vaginalis excretory-secretory proteins (TvESPs) diluted in multiple ratios and detecting excretory-secretory proteins of T. vaginalis and other pathogens, respectively. The detection efficiency of wet mount microscopy, nested PCR, and double antibody sandwich ELISA was compared by testing sixty-two clinical samples from vaginal secretions. ResultsThe natural TvCP39 protein could be specifically recognized by anti-rTvCP39–1 and anti-rTvCP39–2 antibodies. The concentrations of anti-rTvCP39–2 and anti-rTvCP39–1 polyclonal antibodies were determined to be 0.58 μg/mL and 0.45 μg/mL, respectively. The results of the sensitivity test showed that the detection limits of rTvCP39 and TvESPs by double antibody sandwich ELISA were 1.76 ng/mL and 107.125 μg/mL, respectively. The specificity test results showed that the double antibody sandwich ELISA had a high specificity for the detection of T. vaginalis and did not cross-react with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus. The positive detection rate of clinical samples by double antibody sandwich ELISA was higher than that by wet mount microscopy, and was the same as nested PCR. The sensitivity of double antibody sandwich ELISA was consistent with that of nested PCR. The coincidence rate between double antibody sandwich ELISA and nested PCR was 100% (Kappa=1, P < 0.001). ConclusionThe double antibody sandwich ELISA detection method for T. vaginalis established in this study had the advantages of high sensitivity and specificity, and did not require the extraction of genomic DNA. This programmatic and simple detection method was suitable for batch testing of clinical samples and exhibited the potential value in the treatment and prevention of trichomoniasis.

Effects of Wedelia Ethanol Extract on Sperm Quality and Blood Cholesterol Levels in Obese Rats

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition contributing to male infertility by increasing oxidative stress, which negatively affects reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and blood cholesterol levels. The Wedelia plant (Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski) is a natural herbaceous plant containing flavonoids and tannins, known for enhancing sperm quality and inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the blood. This study aims to determine the potential of Wedelia in improving sperm quality and regulating blood cholesterol levels. The study used 24 male Wistar rats divided into four groups, consisting of C (no HFF, distilled water only), NC (HFF, distilled water), T1 (HFF and 100 mg/Kg BW Wedelia extract), and T2 (HFF and 200 mg/Kg BW Wedelia extract). HFF was administered from weeks 1 to 3, followed with extract treatments from weeks 3 to 5. On day 36, the rats were euthanized for blood collection using hematocrit into EDTA tubes. The rats were dissected for the epididymis, which was then incised in a 10% PBS to release sperm. Sperm motility and count were observed on glass slides, while sperm viability and morphology were analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin using an Optilab microscope (400x magnification). The observation parameters included sperm morphology, count, motility, viability, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with DMRT post hoc testing (p ≤ 0.05). The results showed that T2 exhibited an increase in sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology in HFF-induced obese rats. T1 and T2 also showed enhanced HDL cholesterol and reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. In conclucions, a Wedelia leaf extract dose of 200 mg/kg BW optimally improves sperm quality and reduces total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Parasitic intestinal infection in students of disabilities centers in Sanaa governorate, Yemen

Background: Intestinal parasite infections remain prevalent in low-income countries, especially among children, due to poor drinking water quality and insufficient personal and environmental cleanliness. This study sought to diagnose, prevent, and manage intestinal parasites in individuals with special needs in Sanaa Governorate. Method: We collected stool samples from 232 students, aged 1 to 18, of which 143 were male and 89 were female. We collected data using a validated standard questionnaire. We processed and analyzed fecal samples using a wet mount preparation, adhering to the standing concentration technique. Results: We found an overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection of 83.6%. E. histolytica (76.7%), G. lamblia (8.6%), A. lumbricoides (0.4%), H. nana (6.5%), S. mansoni (0.4%), Ent. vermicularis (6.5%), and S. stercoralis (2.2%). Conclusions: In children, E. histolytica was the most common intestinal parasite infection. There are few methods of transmission and protection for students with special needs.

A novel multiple marker microarray analyzer and methodology to predict major obstetric syndromes using surface markers of circulating extracellular vesicles from maternal plasma.

Placental-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-organelles that facilitate intercellular communication between the feto-placental unit and the mother. We evaluated a novel Multiple Microarray analyzer for identifying surface markers on plasma EVs that predict preterm delivery and preeclampsia compared to term delivery controls. In this prospective exploratory cohort study pregnant women between 24 and 40 gestational weeks with preterm delivery (n = 16), preeclampsia (n = 19), and matched term delivery controls (n = 15) were recruited from Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel. Plasma samples were tested using a multiple microarray analyzer. Glass slides with 17 antibodies against EV surface receptors - were incubated with raw plasma samples, detected by biotinylated secondary antibodies specific to EVs or placental EVs (PEVs), and labeled with cyanine 5-streptavidin. PBS and whole human IgG served as controls. The fluorescent signal ratio to negative controls was log 2 transformed and analyzed for sensitivity and specificity using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROC). Best pair ratios of general EVs/PEVs were used for univariate analysis, and top pairs were combined for multivariate analysis. Results were validated by comparison with EVs purified using standard procedures. Heatmaps differentiated surface profiles of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and term delivery receptors on total EVs and PEVs. Similar results were obtained with enriched EVs and EVs from raw plasma. Univariate analyses identified markers predicting preterm delivery and preeclampsia over term delivery controls with AUC >0.6 and sensitivity >50% at 80% specificity. Combining the best markers in a multivariate model, preeclampsia prediction over term delivery had an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.72-1.0) with 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity, marked by inflammation (TNF RII), relaxation (placenta protein 13 (PP13)), and immune-modulation (LFA1) receptors. Preterm delivery prediction over term delivery had an AUC of 0.97 (0.94-1.0), 84% sensitivity, and 90% specificity, marked by cell adhesion (ICAM), immune suppression, and general EV markers (CD81, CD82, and Alix). Preeclampsia prediction over preterm delivery had an AUC of 0.91 (0.79-0.99) with 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity with markers for complement activation (C1q) and autoimmunity markers. The new, robust EV Multi-Array analyzer and methodology offer a simple, fast diagnostic tool that reveals novel surface markers for major obstetric syndromes.

Line-dropped gelatin multi-element calibration standards in LA-ICP-MS: a statistically verifying comparison with cryosectioned homogenized lung and liver as matrix-matched calibration standards and as corresponding reference materials.

Calibrations in LA-ICP-MS are typically very time-consuming and complex, as they need to be matched to the samples being measured and sectioned on a microtome. Alternatively, gelatin can be in droplet form or as a section, which is a more recent development. In this study, we report on investigations where hot multi-element gelatin solutions are placed in a linear fashion on microscopic slides to conduct comparative statistical observations between doped tissue homogenates from the liver and lung. The tissue homogenates served as both samples (complete ablation) and calibration standards (partial ablation) for verification purposes. We explored the effects of different laser fluences (0.50-1.50J/cm2), gelatin contents (0.3-20.0%) and section thicknesses (10-30µm). To do this, we evaluated the samples by calculating median and mean values over the entire section with and without removal of elementary spikes (de-spiking). A reduction in distribution was achieved with averaging. The data was normalized using 13C as an internal standard. In these experiments and under these measurement conditions, it was observed that the selected laser fluences, gelatin contents, and section thicknesses did not visibly affect the results, making them comparable. Each sample could be assessed with each gelatin calibration, allowing for determination of expected reference values. Despite interruptions in the measurement operation, due to the high number of measurements, where samples and calibrations could not be analyzed in one measurement run, no negative effects of stopping and starting the LA-ICP-MS were observed.

Determination of threshold values of parameters of electronic irradiation of glass leading to electrostatic discharges

Experimental data are presented on the minimum values of energies and flux densities of electrons, the impact of which on the cover glasses of solar batteries and reflecting elements of thermoradiators of artificial Earth satellites leads to electrostatic discharges. It has been established that the addition of protons to the composition of the particle flux acting on the studied samples can suppress the development of discharges. For a qualitative interpretation of the results obtained, a mathematical model is proposed.

A STUDY ON WOMEN ATTENDING GYNAECOLOGY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT UNDERGOING PAP SMEAR EXAMINATION AND FOLLOW-UP OF ABNORMAL PAP SMEAR USING COLPOSCOPY

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In 2018, an estimated 570,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and about 311,000 women died from the disease. It is the most common genital cancer among women in India. Pap smear is very useful in detecting abnormal cells and colposcopy locates the abnormal lesion when pap smear is abnormal. The objective of the study is to evaluate the women coming to the Gynaecology Outpatient Department undergoing pap smear and follow-up of abnormal smear using colposcopy. 103 women in the age group of 26-75(50.29+2.56) years who attended the gynecology outpatient department (GOPD)at a tertiary care teaching hospital in central Kerala with various clinical symptoms were screened by pap smear testing over two weeks. The smear was obtained using an Ayre spatula and it was spread over a glass slide which was placed in 95% ethyl alcohol in a coplin Jar. It was then sent to the department of pathology for cytopathological examination followed up using colposcopy and biopsy was done in the cases with abnormal colposcopy. Among these women,46.6 percentage have a normal pap smear 47.6% have an abnormal smear, and 5. 8 % have an atrophic smear. Among abnormal smear 4.8% are ASCUS, 1.9% LSIL, 0.97% SCC, 0.97% high-grade adenocarcinoma, and 37.86% inflammatory smears. As per International guidelines, women with abnormal pap smear tests should undergo colposcopy and those with abnormal colposcopy findings should undergo biopsy. Awareness about cancer should be increased and women should be motivated to undergo screening.

Thermo‐Enviro‐Economic Study of Solar Concentrated Hexagonal Covered Tubular Still Using Interrupted and Tilted Receiver

ABSTRACTSolar energy is still commonly used to produce clean drinking water due to its simple construction, low maintenance, and ecofriendliness. This work aims to experimentally investigate the yield upgrade and the thermal performance of a novel concentrated single‐axis tracking trough tubular solar still (TSS). This tubular still is identified by three baffles that generate four interrupted sections in the U‐receiver, which is inserted with copper mesh and fitted in a hexagonal‐shaped glass cover. Two identical TSS models were side‐by‐side outdoor tested in Baghdad‐Iraq 33.3° N and 43.3° E from January to March 2024. The first is inserted with black copper mesh (Model I), and the other has no insertion (Model ll). The effect of the inserted copper mesh (60, 120, and 180 g) and the receivers' tilt angle (5°, 10°, and 15°) on the still performance are involved. The still thermal performance is analyzed per heat transfer coefficients, energy, and exergy efficiencies. The results revealed that the accumulated daily yield is enhanced for Model I by 78.9%–194.8% while the thermal efficiency is enhanced by 68.3%–206.4% when it is tilted at 15° with the insertion of 60–180 g copper mesh, respectively, compared with Model II. It is concluded that an effective improvement in the solar still yield is obtained by using copper mesh.

An introduction to anatomical pathology.

Our experience in the Australian context is that medical students and clinicians receive minimal exposure to anatomical pathology throughout the course of their training. In this paper, we bring this topic to light by describing the process of converting an intact specimen into glass slides for microscopic analysis. We also explain how a pathological report is composed, along with brief discussions about ancillary tests, such as immunohistochemistry, special stains, and molecular testing. Our main goal is to familiarize clinicians with anatomical pathology in order to improve communication between clinicians and pathologists, as well as improve the quality of testing and patient care.