Microscopy Research and Technique最新文献

Three different crystal morphologies of α-Fe₂O₃, including uniform hexagonal, square, and rhombic shapes, were prepared according to the aqueous-thermal reaction. The hexagonal-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ was enclosed by the 104 plane, while the square and rhombic structures were enclosed by the 110 plane. Two absorption peaks at 455 and 532 cm^-1 were found for the perpendicular (⊥) modes, and one absorption peak at 650 cm^-1 appeared for the parallel (||) mode for hexagon-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ during analysis by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. However, the peaks of square- and rhombic-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ for perpendicular (⊥) mode blueshifted, and the former two peaks merged together forming a broad band at approximately 480 cm^-1. For Raman spectra determination, the peaks arose from the Brillouin zone center, and two additional peaks were observed at 660 and 1320 cm^-1, belonging to 1 longitudinal optical (1LO) and 2 longitudinal optical (2LO) modes. All three materials exhibited higher intensities when excited at a wavelength of 633 cm^-1. Furthermore, in the polarization state, the centers of all peak positions slightly shifted for hexagon-shaped α-Fe₂O₃, but all peak positions for square-shaped and rhombic-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ exhibited a significant blueshift. The structure of hexagon-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ was relatively tolerant regarding the polarization properties of vibration modes; however, the symmetry of crystal square-shaped and rhombic-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ changed, subsequently revealing different optical properties. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The hexagon-shaped, square-shaped, and rhombic-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ enclosed by different planes were synthesized. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer peaks of α-Fe₂O₃ depended on their hexagon, square and rhombic shapes. Compared with hexagon-shaped α-Fe₂O₃, the Raman peaks for square and rhombi ones significantly shifted. The hexagon-shaped α-Fe₂O₃ is relatively tolerant regarding the polarization properties.

Microplastic (MP) contamination has become a serious environmental concern that affects terrestrial environments, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. The current study assesses the presence, abundance, and morphology of MPs present in the surface water of Rohtak district, Haryana, India, which is rapidly undergoing industrialization. While the morphological studies of MPs were conducted through stereo microscopy and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), the elemental composition of polymers was analyzed through attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR). The results revealed that the surface water was significantly contaminated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Moreover, the abundance of MPs was found to be 16-28 particles/L with an average value of 23 particles/L. Most of the MPs had fibrous morphology with the specifics being, fibers (43.9%), fragments (23.7%), films (17%), and pellets (15.4%). The MPs exhibited a size range of 0.61-4.87 mm, with an average size measured at 2.03 ± 0.04 mm. Also, the MP pollution load index values for the surface water bodies were found to be below 10, indicating a low risk category. Though currently designated as "low risk," it is important that mitigation strategies be brought over at this juncture to further prevent the deterioration of quality of water. Thus, this study not only intends to bring forth the impact of human activities, industrial waste, open waste dumping, and inadequate municipal waste management practices on increasing MP concentration but also highlights the sustainable alternatives and strategies to address this emerging pollutant in urban water systems. For further prevention, the implementation of stringent regulations and on-site plastic waste segregation is a critical component in preventing the disposal of plastic waste in surface water bodies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The abundance of MPs was found to be 16-28 particles/L, with an average value of 23 particles/L. The surface water bodies in Rohtak district fall into the hazard categories of low risk with values less than 10. The overall MP concentration in water, across all five areas, based on color was in order: white/transparent (39.1%), black (15%), gray (9.1%), green (8.7%), blue (7.8%), red (7.8%), orange (6.3%), and yellow (6.1%). The dominant polymers were polyethylene (PE) (42%) and polypropylene (41%) as determined by FTIR spectroscopy.

Sepsis is a potentially fatal disease that arises from an infection and is characterized by an uncontrolled immune system reaction. Global healthcare systems bear a heavy financial burden from treating sepsis. This study aimed to provide information on the effective properties of silver nanoparticles derived from pomegranate peel extract (P-AgNP) against sepsis-induced hepatic injury. P-AgNPs were spherical with a diameter of ~19 nm. The animals were placed into four groups, each with seven rats. Group 1 functioned as the control group, receiving only saline for 7 days. Group 2 received only P-AgNPs at a dose of 20 mg/kg. To induce sepsis, groups 3 and 4 were given an intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/mL cecal slurry. Sixty min later, group 4 was given 20 mg/kg of P-AgNPs daily for 7 days. The concentrations of reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase in liver homogenate were measured to determine the oxidative status. In addition, enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were measured. Furthermore, we investigated the histological changes, immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor-κB, and mRNA levels of IL1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Bax, BCl2, and Casp-3. P-AgNPs functioned as regulators in a sepsis model, successfully controlling altered gene expression. Following treatment, P-AgNPs improved tion and oxidative state, indicating a role in sepsis management. Based on our findings, we conclude that P-AgNPs have antioxidant activity and may be useful in preventing sepsis-induced liver inflammation, oxidative damage, and apoptosis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pomegranate peel-derived silver nanoparticles (P-AgNPs) enhanced liver function and oxidative state in rats with sepsis-induced hepatic damage. P-AgNPs reduced oxidative stress and liver inflammation via regulating inflammatory and apoptotic gene expression. P-AgNPs enhanced liver enzyme activities, histological structure, and immunohistochemistry expression of nuclear factor-κB.

The genus Pulicaria Gaertn. belongs to the tribe Inuleae Cass. and it is represented by six species P. arabica (L.) Cass., P. armena Boiss. & Kotschy ex Boiss., P. dysenterica (L.) Gaertn., P. odora (L.) Rchb., P. sicula (L.) Moris, and P. vulgaris Gaertn. in Turkiye. P. armena is endemic to the country. In this study, fruit macro-micromorphological characteristics of six Pulicaria species from Turkiye were demonstrated using stereo-microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The colors of the achenes range from light-brown to brown. The shapes are obovate to elliptic in outline. The pappus is persistent in all studied species, with two rows of pappus hairs except in P. sicula. Its pappus composed of one row of capillary bristles. Others have the outer row developing into a small crown and the inner row consisting of capillary bristles. All taxa have glandular trichomes, except for P. arabica. An identification key is also provided to differentiate between Pulicaria species. Fruit features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Achene macro-micromorphology of Pulicaria species was studied via LM and SEM. A diagnostic key based on achene features was created for Pulicaria species. Achene features provide a useful tool for differentiating the examined species.

This study aims to find out how the crystallinity quality, surface morphology, and mechanical performances change with the substitution of yttrium (Y) for bismuth (Bi) impurity within molar ratios of 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.12 in the Bi_2.0-xY_xSr_2.0Ca_1.1Cu_2.0O_y (Bi-2212) cuprates to reveal the dependence of micro surface topology on the substitution mechanism and achieve a strong relation between the impurity ions and crystallization mechanism. The materials are prepared by ceramic method. It is found that all the experimental findings improve remarkably with increasing yttrium impurity molar ratio of x = 0.01. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicate that the optimum Y ions strengthen the formation of flaky adjacent stacked layers due to the changes of thermal expansion, vibration amplitude of atoms, heat capacitance, reaction kinetics, activation energy, nucleation temperature, thermodynamic stability, and intermolecular forces. Besides, new engineering novel compound produced by optimum Y ions presents the best crystallinity quality, uniform surface view, greatest coupling interaction between grains, largest particle size distributions/orientations, and densest/smoothest surface morphology. Hardness measurement results totally support the surface morphology view. Moreover, mechanical design properties and durability of the tetragonal phase improve significantly with increasing replacement level of x = 0.01 due to the induction of new surface residual compressive stress areas, slip systems, and chemical bonding between the foreign and host atoms. Besides, the same sample exhibits the maximum strength and minimum sensitivity to loads depending on reduction of stored internal strain energy and degree of granularity. Consequently, cracks tend to propagate predominantly within the transcrystalline regions. Furthermore, each material investigated exhibits the characteristic behavior of the indentation size effect. In summary, the optimum Y-doped Bi-2212 sample paves the way for the expanded use of engineering ceramics across various applications based on the enhanced service life. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The presence of the optimum yttrium impurity significantly decreases the E_a value. As the Y/Bi replacement increases up to the molar substitution level of x = 0.01, the mechanical design properties and durability of the tetragonal phase enhance significantly.

Morchella is highly prized for its distinct and delicious taste, making it one of the most sought-after and valuable macrofungi. Despite Pakistan exporting morels to various European countries, Morchella's diversity in this South Asian country has not been cataloged using multilocus DNA sequence data. Realizing the need for their scientific identity, various collections were commissioned, including those from the low and high altitudinal zones of the Charsadda, Swat, and Poonch districts of Pakistan during autumn of 2015 through 2019. Specimens were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and portions of the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1), second largest subunit (RPB2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1) loci. Multigene molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed the autumnal collections were Morchella galilaea Masaphy & Clowez. The species was previously documented in the United States, China, Israel, and Turkey. A detailed taxonomic description, light and scanning electron microscopy, and multigene molecular phylogenetic analyses of the species are reported here for the first time from Pakistan. The study underscores the necessity for further surveys of unexplored areas of Pakistan and systematics of Morchella to augment species diversity and their geographic distribution. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Specimens of Morchella were collected from low and high altitudinal zones in Pakistan during the autumn. Specimens were assessed using multigene (ITS, RPB1, RPB2, and TEF1) molecular phylogenetic analyses for the first time in Pakistan. The specimens were identified as Morchella galilaea based on multigene molecular phylogenetic analysis. Updated taxonomic descriptions of macro- and microanatomical characters were provided for clarity and precision. Hitherto-unreported shapes of paraphyses and acroparaphyses are observed and thoroughly reported. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of an ascospore is provided.

As a result of their unique and novel properties, nanocomposites have found applications in a wide variety of fields. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the ability to synthesize nanoparticles consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) and graphene oxide (GO) via sol-gel techniques. An x-ray diffractometer (XRD) as well as a UV-visible spectrometer were used to determine the crystalline and optical characteristics of the prepared samples. A hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure was observed in both pure ZnO nanoparticles and those that contain GO based on XRD results. It was estimated that the average crystallite size is based on the broadening of x-ray lines. In comparison with pure ZnO, the antimicrobial properties were enhanced when GO was incorporated with ZnO. In addition, experiments on the absorption edge indicated the presence of a red shift as a result of the incorporation of GO. When GO is incorporated in quantitative amounts, the bandgap value of pure ZnO decreased. FTIR spectra exhibit a band of absorption at 486 cm^-1, which confirms Zn-O stretching in both samples. SEM images reveal a random pattern of structural features on the surface of the prepared samples. According to the EDX spectrum, pure GO nanoparticles and those doped with ZnO contain 61%-64% zinc and 32%-34% oxygen, respectively. When annealed at a higher temperature, ZnO NPs produced more H₂ with a narrower bandgap than before annealing. In addition, methyl blue (MB) was used as an example of an organic compound in order to investigate the potential photocatalytic properties of nanoparticles with ZnO doped GO. In addition to DPPH assays, ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO doped GO nanoparticles were tested for their ability to scavenge free radicals. Comparing ZnO doped GO NPs with pure ZnO, these nanoparticles showed increased antioxidant activity. Based on the increased zone of inhibition observed for pure ZnO and ZnO doped GO (5, 10, 50, and 100 mg/mL), the antibacterial activity of pure ZnO and ZnO doped GO is concentration dependent. A detailed discussion of the results of the study demonstrated that ZnO doped GO and pure ZnO are toxic in different ways depending on how long they survive in degreased Zebrafish embryos and how fast they decompose. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The scope of the manuscript was under the results of the study confirmed that both nanoparticles exhibited concentration dependent antioxidative activity. Determined that 89% of methyl orange dye can be degraded photocatalytically. ZnO nanoparticles were found to be 74.86% antioxidant at a concentration of 50 g/mL in the present study. At a concentration of 50 g/mL, ZnO doped GO NPs showed 79.1% antioxidant activity. Photocatalytic degradation mechanism scheme is implicit in the photoexcited charge carrier transportation path is observed for all the samples. Survival rate of zebrafish embryos was shown to decrease with increasing concentrations of ZnO and zinc oxide plus GO nanoparticles.

Prototype optical microscopes, built to pursue developments in advanced imaging techniques, need specific opto-mechanical constructions: preferably with high flexibility in the elements' arrangement, easy access to the optical paths, straightforward integration with external optical subsystems-light sources and detectors-as well as good mechanical stability. Typically they are either built around an adapted commercial microscope body or as a home-brewed setups, based on standard opto-mechanical elements, and neither solution delivers the desired characteristics. We developed a series of versatile microscope design for prototype optical microscopes in various configurations that use folding mirror(s) to maintain the optical paths horizontal throughout most of the setup. All prototypes use many standard opto-mechanics in the excitation and detection paths, which simplifies the construction and maintenance of the microscopes. The proposed opto-mechanical arrangement proved to be useful in building an upright as well as inverted microscopes, in particular Raman microscopes in various configurations. Horizontal arrangement simplified greatly the optical alignment and enabled for fast modifications in the setup-both key advantages at the prototyping stage. Last but not least, the laser safety of the optical system increased. The versatile microscope platform, based around the idea of the horizontal beam arrangement, can easily be adopted to many microscope configurations and to a variety of components that potential users might want to incorporate into them. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: We design, fabricate, and test a compact, versatile opto-mechanics for prototyping optical microscopes in various configurations. Horizontal layout along most of the optical paths provides excellent access to the light beams, allows for using standard components and increases the laser safety.

The aim of this study was to examine the dimensions and surface morphology of pollen grains of some sweet and sour cherry genotypes through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as an additional alternative identification tool. In vitro pollen germination and pollen tube length as indicators of their viability were determined as well. Observations were carried on 10 sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and 7 sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) genotypes. All genotypes had prolate, tricolpate pollen grains, and striate exine ornamentation, with more parallel longitudinal ridges. Significant differences among genotypes within species and between species were found for most pollen grain characteristics and exine ornamentation. In both sweet and sour cherry the largest variability was recorded for colpus length (CV = 15.0% and 12.9%, respectively). For sweet cherry genotypes, in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube length ranged between 1.4% to 51.5% and 360.4 to 669.3 μm respectively, while for sour cherries they ranged from 15.5% to 37.0% and 96.3 to 960.2 μm, respectively. The results of the correlation analysis showed that in vitro pollen germination correlated positively with pollen length/pollen width (L/W) ratio (r = .640) and furrow width (r = .588), and negatively with the number of ridges (r = -.517), while pollen tube length was not significantly correlated with any of the studied characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that pollen length, pollen width, L/W ratio, colpus length, mesocolpium width, and ridge width are relevant tools to discriminate among the studied genotypes. The measurements made on pollen grains did not reveal individually big differences, but when all features were considered together, the pollen of each genotype exhibited a unique pattern. The distribution on the scatter plot showed considerable variation among sweet and sour cherry genotypes based on pollen morphological characteristics, which led to their distribution into two separate groups. This demonstrates the ability to distinguish cherry species based on pollen morphological characteristics determined by SEM. To improve discriminative ability for genotypes within species combination between pollen ultrastructural analysis, morphological and molecular markers is desirable, in subsequent work. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Significant differences in pollen characteristics between sweet and sour cherry. Significance of pollen morphology in taxonomic differentiation. Significance of SEM studies for the taxonomic identification.

One of the most popular fruits worldwide is the banana. Accurate identification and categorization of banana diseases is essential for maintaining global fruits security and stakeholder profitability. Four different types of banana leaves exist Healthy, Cordana, Sigatoka, and Pestalotiopsis. These types can be analyzed using four types of vision: RGB, night vision, infrared vision, and thermal vision. This paper presents an intelligent deep augmented learning model composed of VGG19 and passive aggressive classifier (PAC) to classify the four diseases types of bananas under each type of vision. Each vision consisted of 1600 images with a size of (224 × 224). The training-testing approach was used to evaluate the performance of the hybrid model on Kaggle dataset, which was justified by various methods and metrics. The proposed model achieved a remarkable mean accuracy rate of 99.16% for RGB vision, 98.02% for night vision, 96.05% for infrared vision, and 96.10% for thermal vision for training and testing data. Microscopy employed in this research as a validation tool. The microscopic examination of leaves confirmed the presence and extent of the disease, providing ground truth data to validate and refine the proposed model. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The model can be helpful for internet of things -based drones to identify the large scale of banana leaf-disease detection using drones for images acquisition. Proposed an intelligent deep augmented learning model composed of VGG19 and passive aggressive classifier (PAC) to classify the four diseases types of bananas under each type of vision. The model detected banana leaf disease with a 99.16% accuracy rate for RGB vision, 98.02% accuracy rate for night vision, 96.05% accuracy rate for infrared vision, and 96.10% accuracy rate for thermal vision The model will provide a facility for early disease detection which minimizes crop loss, enhances crop quality, timely decision making, cost saving, risk mitigation, technology adoption, and helps in increasing the yield.