Microscopy Research and Technique最新文献

One of the largest subgenera of the genus Lactarius, Lactarius subg. Russularia is abundant in the forests of the Himalayas. This article proposes Lactarius crassostipes sp. nov. and Lactarius flavocorpus sp. nov. under the L. subgenus Russularia. It includes comprehensive macro- and micro-morphological descriptions, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, drawings, and comparisons with related species. The taxa's novelty is validated using phylogenetic analyses based on nrITS. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: SEM and subsequent nrITS-based molecular phylogeny revealed two novel species (L. crassostipes and L. flavocorpus) of the genus Lactarius subg. Russularia. To further characterize the size, form, and ornamentation of these novel species' basidiospores, SEM analysis is an additional tool. In L. crassostipes "crasso" means thick and "stipes" indicates stipe. In contrast to L. flavocorpus, where "flavocorpus" refers to the golden yellow fruiting body, the name alludes to its unique thick stipe. L. crassostipes sp. nov. and L. flavocorpus sp. nov have been collected from the coniferous and broad-leaved forests of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India, respectively. The diagnostic characteristics, habit, habitat, and similarities to related species are given.

Dengue fever poses a global public health threat, with 2.5 billion people at risk of infection each year. Because the Aedes albopictus is the primary vector of dengue, it is closely monitored and handled. The efficiency of Dengue eradication is strongly dependent on understanding a female mosquito's physiological age. This study addresses key entomological issues about the impact of previtellogenic nutrition on egg production mechanisms. Ovarian development included two distinct periods: previtellogenesis and vitellogenesis. Sugar intake during previtellogenesis influences the size of the blood meal. The major parameter influencing the vitellogenesis process is the presence of a hematophagous feeding event following sugar concentration. Upon subjecting female mosquitoes to sucrose, the ovarian follicles entered the third phase of previtellogenesis. Once females feed on blood following sucrose, ovarian development enters the vitellogenesis, and the oocyte cytoplasm reveals that the yolk granules are organized in one or two rows like a crown, increasing oocyte size. Females fed 15% sucrose before a blood meal, have the largest vitellogenic growth, and follicular size, which is seven times greater than those fed water only. Fecundity increased by 78.7% by adding 7% sucrose to the diet. Mitochondria within oocytes increase, most likely due to their transportation from the nurse cells, where the yolk is synthesized. This study describes in detail the histological alterations detected in the ovaries during the previtellogenesis as well as those associated with yolk formation, suggesting that yolk protein deposition in the oocyte is associated with blood meal, independent of sucrose feeding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Adult nutrition during previtellogenesis significantly impacts various biological parameters and the physiological age of adults of Aedes albopictus. Female mosquitoes experienced significant growth in vitellogenic development, vectorial capacity, and follicular size after consuming a diet with 15% sucrose before a blood meal.

This study employed multifractal analysis to investigate the changes in surface morphology of SiO₂ anti-reflective coatings prepared on KDP substrates using the sol-gel method, under various conditions of ultraviolet (UV) irradiance. The coatings were successfully fabricated, and the chemical structure of the SiO₂ sol was comprehensively characterized using Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SSNMR) technology. Under low UV irradiance (4 J/cm²), repeated experiments revealed a crack-induced mechanism of surface fatigue damage. Utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the study discovered the induction effect of initial crack defects in UV-damaged coatings and established a damage model. Furthermore, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to acquire images of the coatings' surface morphology at different damage levels, which were analyzed using the multifractal spectrum f(α). This analysis confirmed the multifractal nature of the coatings both before and after damage. This study identified significant effects of UV irradiation on the width of the multifractal spectrum and Δf, indicating that the SiO₂ anti-reflective coatings exhibit multifractal characteristics under various damage states. The coatings displayed a pattern of decreasing and then increasing singularity spectrum width, height distribution unevenness, and surface roughness with increasing damage. This study demonstrates that multifractal analysis is an effective tool for describing the complexity of the surface morphology of sol-gel-derived anti-reflective coatings for the first time and for validating their multifractal properties across different stages of UV damage. HIGHLIGHTS: Damage dynamic process of KDP crystal sol-gel coating was described by SEM&AFM; The crack propagation mechanism of sol-gel coating under UV radiation is proposed; The damage evolution of sol-gel coating was described by multifractal analysis.

Bowen's disease (BD) is a relatively rare early-stage squamous cell carcinoma in situ, most commonly affecting the middle-aged and elderly, and occurring on the skin or mucous membranes of various parts of the body. Its onset is concealed, the course of the disease is chronic, and some patients have malignant tumors outside the skin; therefore, it is necessary to diagnose and evaluate the disease at an early stage. This study aimed to investigate the application of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the diagnosis of BD. We performed RCM imaging on the lesion site and underwent skin biopsy for histological diagnosis of 92 patients initially diagnosed with BD in clinic. A retrospective analysis of the RCM result as well as the histological examination revealed that after analyzing RCM images, out of 92 biopsy lesions, 61 were diagnosed with BD, of which 54 were consistent with RCM diagnosis. Among the 59 cases diagnosed with BD by RCM, 54 cases were consistent with the histological diagnosis. Afterwards, we analyzed the RCM characteristics in patients with BD verified by biopsy, and compared the RCM images of two different lesions, classic Bowen's disease and pigmented Bowen's disease, and further summarized the key points of BD under RCM. Finally, we focused on the differential characteristics between BD and other skin diseases in RCM. RCM is of great value in the diagnosis of BD. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A retrospective study of RCM and histological diagnosis in patients with clinical diagnosis of BD. Analyze the RCM characteristics of skin lesions verified by biopsy. RCM is of great value in the diagnosis and differentiation of BD.

Herein we described the biofabrication of samarium oxide nanoparticles (HT-Sm₂O₃ NPs) by applying the aqueous fruit extract of Hyphaene thebaica was utilized as an eco-friendly chelating agent. The prepared NPs were subjected to various physicochemical properties and potential in biomedical applications. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed sharp peaks that corroborated with the Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS) card no. 00-042-1464. Crystallite size obtained from Debye-Scherrer approximation and Williamson-Hall (W-H) plot was 28.73 and 69.3 nm, respectively. Optical bandgap was calculated by employing Kubelka-Munk (K-M) function and was found to be ~4.58 eV. Raman shift was observed at 121, 351, 424^-, and 561 cm^-1. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra revealed two major peaks positioned at 360 and 540 nm. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis of HT-Sm₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) showed that they predominantly have spherical to cuboidal shapes. Additionally, the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern presented spotty rings, indicating a high level of crystallinity in these NPs. The potential nanomedicine applications were studied using diverse bioassays using different treatments. The antioxidant activity demonstrated 45.71% ± 1.13% inhibition at 1000 μg/mL. Brine shrimp lethality assay revealed the highest cytotoxicity of 46.67% ± 3.33% at 1000 μg/mL and LC₅₀ value of 1081 μg/mL. HT-Sm₂O₃ NPs exhibited inhibition of angiogenesis (20.41% ± 1.18%) at of 1000 μg/mL. MTT assay results indicated that HT-Sm₂O₃ NPs exhibit inhibitory effects on cell lines. Specifically, these NPs showed an IC₅₀ value of 104.6 μg/mL against 3T3 cells. Against MCF-7 cells, the NPs demonstrated an IC₅₀ value of 413.25 μg/mL. Additionally, in the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the newly synthesized NPs showed an IC₅₀ value of 320 μg/mL. The antidiabetic assessment through α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition assays revealed, an IC₅₀ value of 380 μg/mL for α-glucosidase and 952 μg/mL for α-amylase was calculated. Overall, our study suggested that the Sm₂O₃ NPs possess moderate anticancer, cholinesterase inhibition, and antidiabetic potential, however, needs further assessment. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: In this work, nano-samaria is synthesized using an eco-friendly and green approach. The nanoparticles were characterized using techniques such as Raman, HR-TEM, FTIR, DRS, XRD, and so on, and the applications were studied using multiple in vitro bioassays for Diabetes, Alzheimer, and Cancer. The nano-samaria revealed good potential for potential biomedical applications.

To assess the fracture resistance of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ultratranslucent multilayered zirconia (5Y-YZP) veneers with varying facial thickness. Sixty translucent zirconia veneers were designed and milled using a chairside CAD/CAM system for maxillary central incisors. The butt joint incisal veneer tooth preparations consisted of 1.00 mm incisal reduction, 0.40 mm chamfer margin, and three different facial reductions; 0.50, 0.75, and 1 mm, respectively. The ceramic veneers were cemented to printed resin dies and subjected to thermal cycling. Subsequently, the restorations were loaded with compressive loading force, and fracture occurrences were recorded. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the fractured specimens were captured. The fracture resistance varied among the veneers with different facial thicknesses. Ultratranslucent zirconia veneers with a facial thickness of 1.00 mm exhibited the highest fracture resistance values (742.15 N), followed by those with 0.75 mm facial thickness (673 N). Minimally invasive veneers with 0.50 mm thickness displayed similar fracture resistance as thicker veneers with 0.75 mm. However, veneers with 1.00 mm thickness displayed the highest values. SEM fracture patterns for 0.50 and 0.75 mm display similar and fewer crack lines than 1.00 mm veneers. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Minimally invasive zirconia veneers exhibit similar fracture resistance to thicker veneers.

Skeletal porous lesions such as cribra orbitalia (CO) have long been of interest to bioanthropologists worldwide, mainly due to their high prevalence in osteological material. Previous studies considered CO as an external morphological manifestation, and therefore, research has mainly focused on visible (macroscopic) CO patterns. However, the understanding of CO-induced micro-scale bone changes is still scarce. Therefore, we performed high-resolution micro-computed tomography imaging to investigate three-dimensional CO-induced micro-architectural patterns in non-adults, with a particular focus on the correlation between macroscopic and micro-architectural orbital features. Cortical and trabecular micro-architectural changes in the orbital roof were analyzed in non-adults younger than 15 years, using orbital roof samples with and without macroscopic traces of CO (n = 28). A widely accepted five-grade macroscopic CO scoring system was applied to analyze CO severity. Areas affected with CO (area 1) and areas without macroscopic CO traces (area 2) were analyzed separately. The conducted high-resolution analysis showed that cortical and trabecular micro-architecture varied with CO presence, lesion severity (CO grade), and the analyzed area. Inter-grade comparisons suggested that most of the analyzed micro-architectural parameters were not significantly different between adjacent CO grades. Based on the micro-architectural evaluation of areas 1 and 2, the porous lesions were much more extensive than revealed by gross examination. In addition, micro-architectural differences were particularly pronounced in younger non-adults. In summary, our pilot study suggests that the macroscopic examination of CO reflects only the tip of the iceberg, as the micro-architectural changes seem to be much larger than macroscopically identified. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Cribra orbitalia (CO) represents orbital porous lesions. A high-resolution microscopic assessment of CO-induced changes in non-adults was done by micro-computed tomography. The microarchitecture was affected by CO presence, CO grade, area, and age.

The aim of this study was to compare of four different nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) endodontic files and evaluate in terms of cyclic fatigue resistance and metallurgical properties. Four different type Ni-Ti root canal files Protaper Next X2 (PTN) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), One Curve (OC) #25.06 (Micro Mega, Besancon, France), EndoPlus Flex Plus Gold X2 (EPG) (Turkuaz Dental, Denizli, Turkey), and EndoPlus Flex Plus Blue #25.06 (EPB) (Turkuaz Dental, Denizli, Turkey) files were tested for cyclic fatigue resistance (n = 20). During experiments artificial zirconia block canal was used. The artificial canal designed with curvature 60° and 5-mm radius. The number of cyclic to fracture (NCF) was noted. Fractured length (FL) parts of Ni-Ti files were recorded to assessment of fracture volumetric point. All fractured surfaces of Ni-Ti files were assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm the type of fractures. Descriptive evaluation become accomplished for the fundamental composition of units with the aid of using energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). NCF data were evaluated via Bonferroni test with post hoc multiple comparison method. OC showed the highest NCF values (p < .05). The standardization of the study was confirmed as the FL of files was statistically similar in length (p > .05). SEM analysis confirmed that all scanned samples were fractured due to cyclic fatigue. EDX analysis confirmed that EPB established the poorest Ni content file. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The cyclic fatigue-related failure of One Curve was significantly more resistant than Protaper Next and EndoPlus files. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that One Curve and Protaper Next have round tips Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy showed that all four endodontic instruments mainly have Nickel and Titanium elements.

Three-dimensional (3D) spheroid models aim to bridge the gap between traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures and the complex in vivo tissue environment. These models, created by self-clustering cells to mimic a 3D environment with surrounding extracellular framework, provide a valuable research tool. The NSC-34 cell line, generated by fusing mouse spinal cord motor neurons and neuroblastoma cells, is essential for studying neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where abnormal protein accumulation, such as TAR-DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), occurs in affected nerve cells. However, NSC-34 behavior in a 3D context remains underexplored, and this study represents the first attempt to create a 3D model to determine its suitability for studying pathology. We generated NSC-34 spheroids using a nonadhesive hydrogel-based template and characterized them for 6 days. Light microscopy revealed that NSC-34 cells in 3D maintained high viability, a distinct round shape, and forming stable membrane connections. Scanning electron microscopy identified multiple tunnel-like structures, while ultrastructural analysis highlighted nuclear bending and mitochondria alterations. Using inducible GFP-TDP-43-expressing NSC-34 spheroids, we explored whether 3D structure affected TDP-43 expression, localization, and aggregation. Spheroids displayed nuclear GFP-TDP-43 expression, albeit at a reduced level compared with 2D cultures and generated both TDP-35 fragments and TDP-43 aggregates. This study sheds light on the distinctive behavior of NSC-34 in 3D culture, suggesting caution in the use of the 3D model for ALS or TDP-43 pathologies. Yet, it underscores the spheroids' potential for investigating fundamental cellular mechanisms, cell adaptation in a 3D context, future bioreactor applications, and drug penetration studies. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 3D spheroid generation: NSC-34 spheroids, developed using a hydrogel-based template, showed high viability and distinct shapes for 6 days. Structural features: advanced microscopy identified tunnel-like structures and nuclear and mitochondrial changes in the spheroids. Protein dynamics: the study observed how 3D structures impact TDP-43 behavior, with altered expression but similar aggregation patterns to 2D cultures. Research implications: this study reveals the unique behavior of NSC-34 in 3D culture, suggests a careful approach to use this model for ALS or TDP-43 pathologies, and highlights its potential in cellular mechanism research and drug testing applications.

Phagocytosis by macrophages dates back to a long history in science, this present study deals with new approaches that have been analyzed and standardized towards the interesting aspects of primary and secondary macrophages. The distinct morphological differences in primary and secondary phagocytic cells were observed and the phagocytic response of secondary macrophages under the influence of 7-ketocholesterol and lipopolysaccharide was analyzed. The primary peritoneal and secondary IC-21 cells unveiled explicit differences in nuclear numbers shapes and sizes of the granules present within the cytoplasmic region. Further, potent inducers 7KCh and LPS influenced an effective activation of IC-21 macrophages and resulted in ROS generation, irregulated protein expressions of CD86, CD68, and CD206 with enhanced phagocytic responses towards goat, cow, and human RBC targets with significant phagocytic rate and index were observed. Moreover, a remarkable observation of target specificity and aggregations with IC-21 phagocytic macrophages revealed the notion that specific membrane receptors and secretory molecules (lysosomes) are primarily involved in their phagocytic mechanism. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: IC-21 macrophages are peritoneal origin from mice but the primary peritoneal macrophages and cell line show distinct differences. IC-21 macrophages express target-specific phagocytosis. Phagocytosis in IC-21 macrophages is regulated by CD markers (68, 86, and 206).