math_commands Senna martiana (Benth.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby is endemic to Brazil’s dryland Caatinga domain. The species is known as ”canafistula” in folk medicine and its leaves are used as a laxative. Anatomical and histochemical studies of the species’ vegetative organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were conducted to identify features that would support its taxonomic classification as well as provide quality control for its ethnomedicinal use. Dried fragments from both leaflet surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy, and paradermal and transverse sections were used in histochemical tests to confirm the presence of lipids, starch, alkaloids, and nonstructural phenolic compounds. Senna martiana exhibits a striate cuticle on both leaflet surfaces, with straight to curved anticlinal cell walls on the adaxial face and sinuous walls on the abaxial face. The leaflets are amphistomatic, with a variety of stomatal types (paracytic, anisocytic, anomotetracytic, and brachyparacytic). The midrib is plane-convex with a collateral vascular system; the petiole is elliptic with 6–8 vascular bundles; the leaf rachis is ovate with 4–5 vascular bundles. Stems have a siphonostelic ectophloic vascular system. Idioblasts containing crystal sand, prismatic crystals, druses, and starch grains were observed in all vegetative organs. The distinctive combination of leaflet edge contours, leaf rachis and stem structure, and the arrangement and number of vascular bundles provides a set of distinguishing features for Senna martiana that are useful for both taxonomy and quality control of its ethnomedicinal use.

The nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology is a fast-developing field that has the potential to improve treatment regimens. The antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of iron oxide nanoparticles was investigated. This work focuses on the environmentally friendly manufacture of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 2O 3NPs) utilizing a polar extract of the root Azadirachta indica. The size, structural shape, absorption spectrum, and other pertinent characteristics of the produced nanoparticles were evaluated. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks at 231 nm were apparent in the UV-visible spectra, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used for characterization. The antioxidant activity was validated approximately 50% DPPH inhibition, while the antidiabetic effect was approximately 65.26% suppression of α-amylase, surpassing the control’s performance. This biosynthetic approach offers a cost-effective, environmentally benign method with potential applications in various fields.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biomaterial commonly used as a regenerative scaffold in bone, dental, and connective tissue engineering. Fish scales are a valuable source of hydroxyapatite due to their natural composition. In this study, fish scale waste was effectively converted into fish scale powder (FSP), which served as a viable source of hydroxyapatite. Subsequently, fish scale powder (FSP) combined with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) was used to produce dental membranes as monolayers/bilayers. The physical and chemical characterization of the membranes was performed using various techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and mapping analysis. These membranes were loaded with methotrexate (MTX), and the MTX release after 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The data showed that the amount of MTX released increased over time, and the membranes exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 81.47% to 96.43% at 240 minutes. These novel biocompatible and cost-effective membranes have significant potential for various applications in dentistry and related fields, improving the efficiency of the healing process by increasing the amount of drug released over time.

Herein, we adapted a quick, cost-effective, and an environmentally friendly biological method for the synthesis of Ag-NPs using silver nitrate solution as a precursor, and the aqueous leaf extract of Lespedeza juncea (Chinese lespedeza) was exploited to synthesize Ag-NPs. Various physiochemical characterization techniques were used to characterize the nanoparticles. The UV-spectrum revealed a resonance absorption peak at 428 nm, indicating successful synthesis of the nanoparticles. The EDX results indicated the presence of Ag, C, O, and Cl elements in biosynthesized Ag-NPs with elemental composition of 53.93%, 32.34%, 12.49%, and 1.23% respectively. The XRD analysis displayed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles with face-centered cubic lattice. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the involvement of plant-based biological compounds as reducing and capping agents. TEM revealed quasi-spherical Ag-NPs of 50 nm or smaller in size. An insight of its biological activities reveals significant antimicrobial activities against S. aureus (14.1±0.76 mm), P. aeruginosa (11.50± 0.40 mm), E. coli (16± 0.95 mm), and the fungal strains Viz Candida albicans (14±0.80 mm), Aspergillus flavus (16.50±0.50 mm), Aspergellus niger (17± 0.86 mm) and afflicted 75% mortality to C. eligans. Furthermore, the Ag-NPs were found to be potent inhibitors of the enzymes; tyrosinase, urease, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase with IC 50 values of 14.3±0.2 μg/mL, 19.5±1.1 μg/mL, 9.3±1.3 μg/mL and 32.65±1.9 μg/mL respectively. The overall outcome of the study suggests that L. jumcea mediated synthesized Ag-NPs hold the potential to be employed as a promising tool for their antibacterial, antifungal, nematocidal and for variety of enzymes inhibitory activities.

At the end of 2019, in the city of Wuhan, China, a new highly infectious coronavirus affecting the respiratory tract was announced. It was named SARS-Cov2, causing deaths in the population. In the face of this global health emergency, many medical and protective supplies were quickly depleted, and some others of dubious quality emerged, including face masks for medical and population use. Given this uncertainty, this working group developed a complementary methodology to the wind tunnel, a technique usually used to measure the efficiency of particle passage in certified masks. A gravity-feed airbrush gun operating at a pressure of 60 PSI was used for this purpose. Saline water at a concentration of 20 % NaCl was used as the impact liquid on the face mask, and the deposition time was 1 s, emulating the time of sneezing or coughing. The particles that passed through the face masks were deposited in sample holders for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where a 0.8 X 0.8 cm slide was placed on their surface and the particles covered with an Au film deposited by sputtering. The sizes of the NaCl particles that were allowed to pass through the face masks were evaluated using field-emission SEM (FSEM). It was found that at 0.5 cm between the surface of the face mask and the deposit surface, distance between mask and airbrush nozzle 2.5 cm and 1 s deposits, the particles allowed to pass through the K95 and KN 95 masks were 85% and 88% respectively in the range from 0.2 – 1-0 µm. Based on this methodology, some face masks used daily by the population were evaluated, and the results are shown in this work .

Biofilms are found in diverse environmental settings and are considered to be responsible for various recalcitrant infections. One characteristic feature of biofilms is resistance to antibiotics, which is the leading cause of recurrent infections and treatment failure. Eradicating the biofilms necessitates the need for agents with promising anti-biofilm potentials. In the present study, the secondary metabolites of the fungal endophyte Cephalotheca foveolata (N11) isolated from the woody tissues of the medicinal plant Teucrium stocksianum were investigated for their antibiofilm potential against the test organisms. For evaluating the antibiofilm activities, in-vitro assays including biofilm inhibition and eradication assays were employed. The bioactive metabolites of the N11 strain exhibited the highest biofilm inhibition and eradication potential of 87.62% and 79.22% respectively against S. epidermidis. The results were further validated by light microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscope which revealed considerable distortion of the biofilm architecture by test agents. Besides, the effect of secondary metabolites on biofilms of test strain was also observed using Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of treated biofilms exhibited a significant reduction in the intensities of the peaks indicating the denaturation and conformational changes in biomolecules. Furthermore, the partial purification of antibiofilm metabolites of N11 was carried out using solvent extraction following TLC and silica column with further characterization done using FTIR. These findings highlight the remarkable potential of bioactive secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi associated with Teucrium stocksianum in disrupting the biofilms thus suggesting that these metabolites can be exploited for manufacturing effective agents against biofilm-associated complications.

The present study aimed to describe the anatomical, scanning electron microscopic, and histological features of the ocular eyelids and muscles of the Egyptian agama, Trapelus mutabilis. The eye of the Egyptian agama is characterized by mobile upper and lower eyelids and a small, immobile, nictitating membrane. The upper eyelid appears shorter than the lower one, and the head skin above the upper eyelid extends laterally to form a superior extension. The scales of the eyelids are arranged in the same order and are equipped with micro-ornamentation and sense organs at their tips. In contrast, the histological structure of the upper eyelid is similar to that of the lower eyelid. The external surface of both eyelids is composed of keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of 2-4 cell layers, while cuboidal stratified epithelium lines their internal surface. Both eyelids contain iridophores and melanophores. The immobile nictitating membrane (third eyelid) appears as a small protrusion with a concave surface that connects with the lacrimal gland posteriorly at the anterior canthus of the eye. Its external surface is covered with stratified squamous epithelium, while its internal surface is lined by one or two layers with rounded nuclei attached to the conjunctival epithelium. Video recordings of eye movement in the laboratory revealed that the movement of the eyelid is synchronized with the eyeball movements, allowing all eye movements to be observed. The placement of the eye inside the skull, its protection by two eyelids equipped with hard scales and sensory organs, and the presence of a superior extension of broad scales acting as an umbrella for the eyes, in addition to the presence of two types of pigment cells, enhance eye protection against ultraviolet rays. All these characteristics are well-suited for the remote desert environment in which the agama lives.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Aim/Purpose: This study aims to compare the efficacy of locally applied Titanium-Platelet Rich Fibrin (T-PRF) and Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) in bone defect healing using micro-CT analysis and histopathological examination in rabbit models. Materials and Methods: Eight healthy male New Zealand rabbits, aged 4-6 months, were utilized. Circular bicortical defects (6 mm diameter) were created at three areas in each rabbit. One of the defects was chosen as the control group received saline solution, while T-PRF and L-PRF were applied to the defect sites in separate experimental groups. Bone regeneration was analyzed using high-resolution micro-CT and histological evaluation post-sacrifice. Statistical analysis assessed the significance of observed differences. Results: Micro-CT analysis revealed significant differences among the groups in bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, connectivity, and connectivity density (p<0.05). Both T-PRF and L-PRF groups exhibited superior bone parameters compared to controls, with L-PRF showing higher values. Trabecular separation and bone surface area to bone volume ratio did not differ significantly among the groups (p>0.05). Histological examination indicated advanced healing stages in the L-PRF group, suggesting both T-PRF and L-PRF contribute to bone regeneration, with L-PRF demonstrating better effects. Conclusion: The study concludes that while both T-PRF and L-PRF aid in bone regeneration, L-PRF shows superior efficacy. L-PRF is recommended for bone defect healing due to its better performance in enhancing bone parameters.

Acid fruits such as hog plum and pequi are used as coloring agents in popular culture. An experimental study was carried out with the objective of investigating colorants extracted from fruit peels to color animal tissues, defining the best concentration for pequi extract at 25% and brisket at 20%. If you select and thin your heart, lung, liver and kidney tissues according to your group, Group 1: control; Group 2: ciruela de cerdo extract; Group 3: pequi extract. Groups 2 and 3 formed three subgroups according to the concentration tests. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the fabrics was carried out. The results demonstrated that extracts of brisket and pequi, in hydroalcoholic concentrations of 70%, were capable of generating color and allowing visualization of the tissue architecture, with a yellow tone, especially in the bristle girdle, tinting the cytoplasm of the tissue

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has significantly advanced morphological studies, particularly in the investigation of fish scale structures. This technique has unveiled intricate architectural details that are crucial for fish identification and classification. In this study, macro- and microscopic analyses were employed to examine the scale morphology of Schizothorax plagiostomus, a vulnerable cyprinid fish from Kashmir, focusing on two body regions (key scales, which were taken from the region below dorsal fin and above lateral line; lateral line scales which were taken from the lateral line). The general scale type observed in Schizothorax plagiostomus was cycloid. Two types of shapes viz., polygonal and cordate were reported in this species. The rostral margin of the scales displayed round and waved forms. The scales exhibited a small and round focus which was antero-centrally positioned. The scales featured narrow or wide grooves (radii) categorized into three types: primary, secondary, and tertiary, present across all four scale fields (anterior, posterior, nuand lateral), forming a tetra-sectioned type. Circuli, arranged in circular patterns around focus were present which were densely placed in anterior and lateral field and widely spaced in posterior field. Notably, lepidonts on the circuli and chromatophores on the posterior margin were absent in this species. These scale characteristics and their morphologies offer a valuable tool for the identification, classification, and phylogenetic analysis of various freshwater fish species and genera.

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 are accompanied by malignant tumors outside the skin, so it is necessary to diagnose and evaluate the disease in its early stage. This study aims to investigate the application of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in diagnosing Bowen’s disease. We performed RCM imaging on the lesion site of 113 patients initially diagnosed with Bowen’s disease in clinic, of which 92 patients underwent skin biopsy for histological diagnosis. A retrospective analysis of the RCM result as well as the histological examination revealed that after analyzing RCM images, 69 out of 113 patients were diagnosed with Bowen’s disease; out of 92 biopsy lesions, 61 were Bowen’s disease, of which 54 were consistent with RCM diagnosis. Among 59 cases diagnosed with Bowen’s disease by RCM, 54 cases were consistent with histological diagnosis. Afterwards, we analyzed the RCM characteristics in patients with Bowen’s disease verified by biopsy, and compared the RCM images of two different lesions, Classic Bowen’s Disease (CBD) and Pigmented Bowen’s Disease (PBD), and further summarized the key points of Bowen’s disease under RCM. Finally, we focused on the differential characteristics between Bowen’s disease and other skin diseases under RCM. It is found that RCM is of great value in diagnosing Bowen’s disease.

Bisphenol A [2,2-bis(4hydroxyphenyl) propane, BPA], one of the endocrine disruptors, is of great concern due to its widespread use throughout the world. Several studies have shown that BPA has toxic effects when ingested, making contact with this substance a risk factor for the development of diseases in various organs, including the intestine and associated lymphoid tissue. Therefore, the objective of this work was to study the morphology of Peyer’s patches in young rats supplemented with selenium and exposed to BPA. The study was approved by the UFPI Animal Use Ethics Committee, with protocol number 583/19. 28 male Wistar rats ( Rattus novergicus albinus) were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control (CT), BPA, Se and BPA+Se. The pups were weaned on the 21st day and, from the 22nd postnatal day, the animals in the BPA group received daily doses of 5 mg/kg of BPA diluted in 0.3 ml of corn oil, administered orally. The Se group received 10 μg/kg of Se, the BPA+Se group received 5 mg/kg of BPA and 10 μg/kg of Se and the CT group did not receive any substance but was subjected to the oral gavage process. After 4 weeks of exposure, the puppies were anesthetized and euthanized for intestinal collection and subsequent histological, immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis. Our results showed that BPA caused damage to the epithelial layer of Peyer’s patches, there was a structural disarray in the architecture of the follicular region of the BPA and BPA+Se groups, zones of inflammation with the presence of vacuoles in the tissue. A reduction in Ki-67 expression in Peyer’s patches was also observed in the BPA group, as well as a significant reduction in the number of defense cells in the group. Animals exposed to BPA, but supplemented with Se, showed no damage to the epithelial layer and there was no reduction in Ki-67 expression. BPA, when ingested above the safe level, altered Peyer’s patches tissue, and reduced cell proliferation. Additionally, BPA reduced the immune cell population in Peyer’s patches. Se was able to reverse the observed damage, suggesting antioxidant potential.

Lindenia tetraphylla (Van der Linden, 1825) eggs exhibit an egg structure that is very rare in other Gomphidae species. They have a well-developed surface reticulation structure. The anterior pole of the egg has a small, rounded micropylar area consisting of 7 orifices arranged radially around a central area. The posterior pole has a sessile, truncated cone that carries 55-65 coiled filaments. This study provides a detailed analysis of the ultrastructure of L. tetraphylla eggs using scanning electron microscopy, and the functional and taxonomic significance of the eggshell are discussed.

The palynology and distribution of the trichomes, on the aerial parts and anatomy of Plectranthus scutellarioides from Udalguri district of Assam were studied in order to understand the significance of these features in systematics. The present work on Plectranthus scutellarioides thus provides an empirical basis for the identification of the species. Micromorphological features such as epidermal cell, stomata and trichomes were also studied under both light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The main types of trichomes - peltate, glandular and non-glandular were observed in leaves. Different features of pollen were observed and recorded. Photographs and Micrographs were also provided. All the observations were done under Light microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The research provides the first detailed descriptions of floral micromorphological and palynological characteristics for Plectranthus scutellarioides, contributing to the empirical identification of the species. The findings offer valuable insights into the structure, size, and shape of stomata, as well as trichome diversity and pollen characteristics

The domestic duck is classified as a specialist filter-feeder bird living in the water. These birds also use grazing and pecking as terrestrial feeding methods. The tongues of domestic ducks, similar to those of other Anseriformes, exhibit numerous types and shapes of mechanical papillae that serve a number of purposes when collecting food. Purpose: The current study attempts to describe the morphological characteristics of the tongue as well as the mechanical papillae’s development. In addition, the study aims to determine whether the papillae observed post-hatching exhibit similar morphology to those found in adult avian species, as well as to investigate the readiness of the tongue to fulfill its feeding function following hatching. The comprehensive examination of lingual mucosa is examined about the structural modifications necessary for this variety of feeding activities. Methods: In this study, the tongues of nine young and adult females were used. Results: The tongue had three distinct parts: the apex, which had a lingual nail on its ventral surface; the body, which exhibits numerous small and large conical papillae on its lateral sides and a lingual prominence in the caudal region; and the root, which is covered with numerous conical papillae of varying sizes. Conical, filiform, and hair-like mechanical papillae, the three types of food filtration apparatus, are present in both stages. The intra-oral transfer involves several structures, including the median groove, lingual combs, and the rostral border of the lingual prominence. The rostral border of the lingual prominence is characterized by distinct rows of conical papillae. The histological analysis demonstrated the presence of both keratinized and non-keratinized epithelium on different tongue regions. The lingual salivary glands in the rostral and caudal lingual salivary glands exhibit a pronounced periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive reaction. Additionally, the yellow adipose tissue and sensory receptors, namely the Grandry and Herbst corpuscles, which collectively form the bill-tongue organ that monitors the movement of food. Research highlights, these results conclude the presence of microstructural species-specific alterations in specific tongue areas of domestic ducks’ lingual mucosa. These modifications are formed by the filtering mechanism and terrestrial feeding mechanisms such as grazing or pecking. Following hatching, the tongue of the domestic duck undergoes significant development, primarily in preparation for grazing activities. The anatomical and histological structure of the young tongue exhibited similarities to that of the adult domestic duck while also displaying certain variations that could potentially be attributed to the bird’s habitat and mode of feeding.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) allows a precise identification of the surface of the structures. When associated with the cryofracture technique, it allows a more detailed analysis, since the samples have their internal structures exposed. Thus, the protocol and results of SEM associated with cryofracture in Astyanax lacustris ovaries are presented here in order to characterize the external and internal structure of the oocytes. A. lacustris ovaries were collected, prefixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, fixed in osmium tetroxide (2% OsO 4) at 4 ºC and kept overnight in phosphate-buffered saline. The samples were washed, immersed in DMSO at different concentrations, followed by their fracture in 50% DMSO cooled by liquid N 2 and then immersed in 50% DMSO until returning to room temperature. The fractured samples were taken for maceration in 1% osmium, in a shaker for 15 hours. Afterwards, the samples were post-fixed in 2% OsO 4 for 2 hours at 4 ºC, dehydrated in an increasing ethanol series and taken to the critical point apparatus Balzers CPD-030 using liquid CO 2. This was followed by the assembly of the blocks and the metallization of the sample with gold ions, with the analyzes carried out in a Scanning Electron Microscope Jeol JSM-7401F 5V. It was found that the cryofracture technique provided images with greater internal detail of the oocytes. Some specific characteristics of fish oogenesis could only be observed using this new technique, with emphasis on the oocyte envelope, the micropyle and the zona pellucida, as well as the connective membrane associated with the ovarian structures.

To analyze images in various fields of science and technology, it is often necessary to count observed objects and determine their parameters. This can be quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. This article presents DLgram, a universal, user-friendly cloud service that is developed for this purpose. It is based on deep learning technologies and does not require programming skills. The user labels several objects in the image and uploads it to the cloud where the neural network is trained to recognize the objects being studied. The user receives recognition results which, if necessary, can be corrected, errors removed, or missing objects added. In addition, it is possible to carry out mathematical processing of the data obtained to get information about the sizes, areas, and coordinates of the observed objects. The article describes the service features and discusses examples of its application. The DLgram service allows to reduce significantly the time spent on quantitative image analysis, reduce subjective factor influence, and increase the accuracy of analysis.

In the study, the achene macro and micro morphological characters of the genus Artemisia distributed in Turkey have been researched with the target to know systematically important carpological structures for the examined species. Color, shape and dimension of achene have macro-morphologically shown variations. The examined achenes are separated into 4 shapes; fusiform-oblong, oblong, oblong-ovate and ovate. Oblong-ovate is the most common type. However, oblong is typical form for A. abrotanum. Achene dimensions range from 0.62 mm to 2.48 mm in length, from 0.30 mm to 1.21 mm in width. As A. santonicum subsp. patens is of the largest achenes , A. annua and A. verloitorum have the smallest achenes. Also, carpopodium diameter vary between 0.10 mm and 0.19 mm. The largest carpopodium diameter is found in taxa A. fragrans and A. taurica var. vanensis , while the narrowest one is A. alpina species. Achene surfaces of the examined taxa are micro-morphologically assessed, and the substantial differences are noticeably detected on behalf of the surface structures for instance, surface ornamentation, anticlinal and periclinal cell walls, epidermal cells and presence of secondary structures of the achenes. Surface ornamentation is separated into 10 types: irregularly sulcate, regularly sulcate, ruminate, sulcate-scalariform, rugose, favulariate, slightly sulcate, alveolate, tuberculate and reticulate. The most common types are irregularly sulcate (in 7 taxa) and regularly sulcate (in 7 taxa), while ruminate (in A. abrotanum), rugose (in A. chamaemelifolia), favulariate (in A. arborescens), alveolate (in A. santonicum subsp. patens), tuberculate (in A. taurica var. vanensis) and reticulate (in A. bashkalensis) ornamentation types are found as taxon-specific. A percentage comparison of the elements in the achene pericarp of the studied taxa have performed with SEM-EDS. Accordingly, pericarps in taxa include C, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, Si, Na and S elements. The most common seen element is C, which ranges from 77.4 (in A. austriaca) to 96.2 (in A. absinthium). Na element is observed only in A. santonicum subspecies and A. arborescens species. On the other hand, S element is found in low amounts only in A. alpina species. In the taxonomy of the genus Artemisia, the achene morphological characters are very significant characteristics that disclose inter-specific relations among the examined taxa. Moreover, a dichotomous key is offered for the identification of the studied taxa based on achene characters.