Smartphone Magnification Attachment: Microscope or Magnifying Glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hergemöller, Timo; Laumann, Daniel

2017-09-01

Today smartphones and tablets do not merely pervade our daily life, but also play a major role in STEM education in general, and in experimental investigations in particular. Enabling teachers and students to make use of these new techniques in physics lessons requires supplying capable and affordable applications. Our article presents the improvement of a low-cost technique turning smartphones into powerful magnifying glasses or microscopes. Adding only a 3D-printed clip attached to the smartphone's camera and inserting a small glass bead in this clip enables smartphones to take pictures with up to 780x magnification (see Fig. 1). In addition, the construction of the smartphone attachments helps to explain and examine the differences between magnifying glasses and microscopes, and shows that the widespread term "smartphone microscope" for this technique is inaccurate from a physics educational perspective.

Preparing soft-bodied arthropods for microscope examination: Aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) require preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare aphid specimens on microscope slides for examination and indentification. Steps ranging from collection, specimen clear...

Preparing soft-bodied arthropods for microscope examination: Whiteflies (Insecta: Hemiptera: Alyrodidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of whiteflies (Hemiptera:Alyrodidae) requires preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare whitefly specimens on microscope slides for examination and identification. Steps ranging from collection, specimen...

Oxygen-isotope, X-ray-diffraction and scanning-electron-microscope examinations of authigenic-layer-silicate minerals from Mississippian and Pennsylvanian sandstones in the Michigan Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zacharias, K.F.; Sibley, D.F.; Westjohn, D.B.; Weaver, T. L.

1993-01-01

Oxygen-isotope compositions of authigenic-layer silicates (<2-micrometer fraction) extracted from Mississippian and Pennsylvanian sandstones in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan were determined. Petrographic and scanning-electron-microscope examinations, and X-ray diffractograms show that chlorite and kaolinite are the most common authigenic-layer silicates in Mississippian sandstones. The range of oxygen-isotope compositions of chlorite and kaolinite are +10.3 to +11.9 and +12.9 to +19.3 pars per thousand (per mil) (relative to Standard Mean Ocean Water), respectively. Kaolinite is the only authigenic-isotopic compositions of kaolinite range from +16.8 to +19.0 per mil.

The comparison of automated urine analyzers with manual microscopic examination for urinalysis automated urine analyzers and manual urinalysis.

PubMed

İnce, Fatma Demet; Ellidağ, Hamit Yaşar; Koseoğlu, Mehmet; Şimşek, Neşe; Yalçın, Hülya; Zengin, Mustafa Osman

2016-08-01

Urinalysis is one of the most commonly performed tests in the clinical laboratory. However, manual microscopic sediment examination is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and lacks standardization in high-volume laboratories. In this study, the concordance of analyses between manual microscopic examination and two different automatic urine sediment analyzers has been evaluated. 209 urine samples were analyzed by the Iris iQ200 ELITE (İris Diagnostics, USA), Dirui FUS-200 (DIRUI Industrial Co., China) automatic urine sediment analyzers and by manual microscopic examination. The degree of concordance (Kappa coefficient) and the rates within the same grading were evaluated. For erythrocytes, leukocytes, epithelial cells, bacteria, crystals and yeasts, the degree of concordance between the two instruments was better than the degree of concordance between the manual microscopic method and the individual devices. There was no concordance between all methods for casts. The results from the automated analyzers for erythrocytes, leukocytes and epithelial cells were similar to the result of microscopic examination. However, in order to avoid any error or uncertainty, some images (particularly: dysmorphic cells, bacteria, yeasts, casts and crystals) have to be analyzed by manual microscopic examination by trained staff. Therefore, the software programs which are used in automatic urine sediment analysers need further development to recognize urinary shaped elements more accurately. Automated systems are important in terms of time saving and standardization.

Agreement between microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples for detection of bactibilia in dogs and cats with hepatobiliary disease.

PubMed

Pashmakova, Medora B; Piccione, Julie; Bishop, Micah A; Nelson, Whitney R; Lawhon, Sara D

2017-05-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the agreement between results of microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples from dogs and cats with hepatobiliary disease for detection of bactibilia. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS 31 dogs and 21 cats with hepatobiliary disease for which subsequent microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples was performed from 2004 through 2014. PROCEDURES Electronic medical records of included dogs and cats were reviewed to extract data regarding diagnosis, antimicrobials administered, and results of microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples. Agreement between these 2 diagnostic tests was assessed by calculation of the Cohen κ value. RESULTS 17 (33%) dogs and cats had bactibilia identified by microscopic examination of bile samples, and 11 (21%) had bactibilia identified via bacterial culture. Agreement between these 2 tests was substantial (percentage agreement [positive and negative results], 85%; κ = 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 0.89) and improved to almost perfect when calculated for only animals that received no antimicrobials within 24 hours prior to sample collection (percentage agreement, 94%; κ = 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.61 to 1.00). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that agreement between microscopic examination and bacterial culture of bile samples for detection of bactibilia is optimized when dogs and cats are not receiving antimicrobials at the time of sample collection. Concurrent bacterial culture and microscopic examination of bile samples are recommended for all cats and dogs evaluated for hepatobiliary disease.

Preparing sternorrhynchous insects (Insecta: Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) for microscope examination: Hoyer’s mounting medium

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of aphids, scale insects, psyllids, and whitefles (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) require preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare sternorrhynchous specimens on microscope slides for examination and identi...

Preparing soft-bodied arthropods for microscope examination: Soft Scales (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coccidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of soft scales (Hemiptera:Coccidae) requires preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare soft scale specimens on microscope slides for examination and identification. Steps ranging from collection, speci...

Preparing soft-bodied arthropods for arthropods for microscope examination: Mealybugs (Insects: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) require preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare mealybug specimens on microscope slides for examination and identification. Steps ranging from collection, spec...

Preparing soft-bodied arthropods for arthropods for microscope examination: Mites (Arachnida: Acari)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of mites (Arachnida: Acari) require preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare mite specimens on microscope slides for examination and identification. Steps ranging from collection, specimen clearing, use...

In vivo confocal microscopic investigation of the cornea after autologous implantation of lenticules obtained through small incision lenticule extraction for treatment of hyperopia.

PubMed

Li, Meiyan; Li, Meng; Sun, Ling; Han, Tian; Ding, Lan; Xiang, Jun; Zhou, Xingtao

2018-01-01

To investigate re-innervation in the implanted lenticule, as well as changes to the cornea, after correcting hyperopia with an autologous implantation of a lenticule obtained through small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). This study retrospectively analysed re-innervation in the implanted lenticule, as well as microscopic morphological changes in the corneal architecture of the recipient cornea in five patients (with myopia in one eye and hyperopia in the contralateral eye) who received SMILE in the myopic eye and femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) combined with lenticule implantation in the contralateral hyperopic eye. Re-innervation in the implanted lenticule, as well as microscopic morphological changes in corneal architecture, were evaluated by in vivo confocal microscopy. One patient was examined at postoperative week six, two were examined at postoperative month two, one was examined at postoperative month nine, and one was examined at postoperative month 12. Partial subbasal nerve fibre regeneration was detected in two patients (Case 4 who was examined at postoperative month nine and Case 5 who was examined at postoperative month 12). Regenerated and branched nerve fibres were detected in the implanted lenticule in Case 5 who was examined at postoperative month 12. Both the anterior and posterior interfaces showed an absence or decrease of keratocytes and the presence of small particles of various brightnesses. Keratocytes in the implanted lenticule presented abnormal morphology in size and shape after surgery in all treated eyes, but showed partial morphological recovery in two patients (Case 4 who was examined at postoperative month nine and Case 5 who was examined at postoperative month 12). These preliminary findings suggest that nerve fibres will regenerate into the implanted lenticule after autologous lenticule implantation. Keratocytes in lenticules demonstrated a gradual return to a normal morphology. © 2017 Optometry Australia.

Preparing soft-bodied arthropods for arthropods for microscope examination: Armored Scales (Insects: Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Proper identification of armored scales (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) requires preparation of the specimen on a microscope slide. This training video provides visual instruction on how to prepare armored scales specimens on microscope slides for examination and identification. Steps ranging from collect...

Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species in humans. Clinical features and diagnostic criteria.

PubMed

Difonzo, E M; Faggi, E

2008-06-01

Malassezia yeasts not only cause the well known pityriasis versicolor and folliculitis, but also play an important role in other skin diseases, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. The presence of Malassezia yeasts may be confirmed by direct microscopic examination and cultures of skin scrapings. In pityriasis versicolor the direct microscopic examination is the rapidest and surest test for confirming the clinical diagnosis. The preparation will show a cluster of globose budding spores with thick or double wall and short hyphae. For detecting Malassezia in the other diseases the cultures is preferable. Culture is useful both for confirming the clinical diagnosis and for epidemiological investigations. The identification of the Malassezia species is not easy. The microscopic observation of the colony direct towards the identification of Malassezia species, but it is not enough to identify the colonies definitely. Several biochemical tests are necessary for a precise identification, such as catalase reaction, growth on media without lipid sources, ability to utilize hydrophilic emulsifiers as sole lipid source, esculin test, tryptophan test.

Adaptive and automatic red blood cell counting method based on microscopic hyperspectral imaging technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xi; Zhou, Mei; Qiu, Song; Sun, Li; Liu, Hongying; Li, Qingli; Wang, Yiting

2017-12-01

Red blood cell counting, as a routine examination, plays an important role in medical diagnoses. Although automated hematology analyzers are widely used, manual microscopic examination by a hematologist or pathologist is still unavoidable, which is time-consuming and error-prone. This paper proposes a full-automatic red blood cell counting method which is based on microscopic hyperspectral imaging of blood smears and combines spatial and spectral information to achieve high precision. The acquired hyperspectral image data of the blood smear in the visible and near-infrared spectral range are firstly preprocessed, and then a quadratic blind linear unmixing algorithm is used to get endmember abundance images. Based on mathematical morphological operation and an adaptive Otsu’s method, a binaryzation process is performed on the abundance images. Finally, the connected component labeling algorithm with magnification-based parameter setting is applied to automatically select the binary images of red blood cell cytoplasm. Experimental results show that the proposed method can perform well and has potential for clinical applications.

A study of cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser--observation of hard tooth structures by laser scanning microscope and examination of the time necessary to remove caries.

PubMed

Shigetani, Yoshimi; Okamoto, Akira; Abu-Bakr, Neamat; Iwaku, Masaaki

2002-03-01

The purpose of this study was to observe and measure the morphological changes that occur in the hard tissue after the application of Er:YAG laser. Another objective was to evaluate and compare the duration of application of both the laser apparatus and a conventional cutting device. In this study, sound and newly extracted carious tissues were used. The morphological changes in hard tooth structures produced by Er:YAG laser irradiation were examined by using a laser scanning microscope. Results showed that appropriate laser irradiation was 100 mJ/pulse for dentin, and 200 mJ/pulse for enamel. Also, the laser scanning microscope images were less damaged than the SEM images due to pretreatment of the specimens. The time taken to remove carious enamel by laser irradiation was slightly longer than the compared rotary cutting device; however, no differences between the two methods were observed in case of carious dentin removal.

A Study on Postmortem Wound Dating by Gross and Histopathological Examination of Abrasions

PubMed Central

Vinay, Javaregowda; Harish, Sathyanarayana; Mangala, Gouri S.R.; Hugar, Basappa S.

2017-01-01

Introduction Abrasions are the most common blunt force injuries. The precise dating of injury is extremely important in forensic medicine practice. As we know, the wound healing occurs in well-orchestrated sequence, consisting of inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. A study of occurrence of such phases will help in understanding the sequence of events in wound healing. In this context, this study of wound dating from gross and microscopic level was taken. Materials and Methods Postmortem study of wound dating by gross and histopathological examination of abrasions was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, in M.S. Ramaiah Medical College. A total of 101 abrasions were correlated to time frame the occurrence of different gross changes and microscopic changes that follow the blunt trauma. Abrasions ranging from 0 hour to a maximum of 45 days were studied. Results The gross changes of abrasions were in correlation with the microscopic changes; however, the role of the comorbid conditions is significant because the results showed variations with respect to healing process. Conclusions This study signifies that, if naked eye examination is studied along with histopathological examination, the reliability and accuracy of dating of wound increase. Whenever accurate determination of age is required, the autopsy surgeon can subject the samples for histopathological examination and correlate before opining the age of injury. PMID:28418938

[Morphofunctional properties of the peripheral blood and bone marrow cells of rats following a flight on board the Kosmos-936 biosatellite].

PubMed

Kozinets, G I; Korol'kov, V I; Britvan, I I; Bykova, I A; Spitsyna, N E

1983-01-01

Morphofunctional properties of peripheral blood cells of Cosmos-936 rats were examined, using morphological, interferometric and electron microscopic techniques. As follows from the morphological data, immediately after recovery the weightless rats showed symptoms of a stress reaction which disappeared by R+3. The centrifuged rats exhibited less expressed symptoms of this sort. The percentage of bone marrow cell distribution was shifted towards enhanced myelopoiesis and diminished erythropoiesis. By the end of the readaptation period the ratio of bone marrow cell composition returned to normal. Interferometric and electron microscopic examinations did not reveal any irreversible changes in the structure and function of cells that may be caused by zero-g.

Sole Dependence on Urine Testing Strips and the Ability to Identify Clinically Significant Disease: Challenging the Current Paradigm for Heme Detection in General Clinical Situations.

PubMed

Rothschild, Bruce

2016-05-01

The ability of health care professionals to provide patient care is potentially compromised when predicated on untested, although longstanding, perspectives. One such example is urinalysis testing, which has been currently simplified to use only urine testing strips for detection of microscopic hematuria. To determine whether urine testing strips are sufficient for identification of clinically significant findings in urinalysis. To determine the presence of microscopic hematuria, I examined a collection of urine specimens that had tested heme negative during the 3-month study period. Of the 342 patients from whom urine specimens were examined during this interval, 50 had microscopic hematuria, despite having tested negative for heme via urine testing strip. Also, 30% were not receiving any medication known to produce microscopic hematuria, and 18% had clinically significant pathology. Diagnosis of significant clinical pathologic manifestations would have been compromised had microscopic examination not been performed on the urine specimens from the cohort individuals. Examination of the novel approach of including microscopic examination of specimens in a specific clinical situation challenges the dominant paradigm of reliance on assaying using urine testing strips only, revealing that the current method is not only unreliable for determining microscopic hematuria but also is less than optimal in general clinical practice. The findings of this study provide evidence of the importance of microscopic evaluation as a routine component of urinalysis. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Coating on Rock Beside a Young Martian Crater

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-03-24

This image from the microscopic imager on NASA Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows details of the coating on a rock called Chocolate Hills, which the rover found and examined at the edge of a young crater called Concepción.

Highest Resolution Image of Dust and Sand Yet Acquired on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] [figure removed for brevity, see original site] [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Click on image for Figure 1Click on image for Figure 2Click on image for Figure 3

This mosaic of four side-by-side microscope images (one a color composite) was acquired by the Optical Microscope, a part of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer (MECA) instrument suite on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander. Taken on the ninth Martian day of the mission, or Sol 9 (June 3, 2008), the image shows a 3 millimeter (0.12 inch) diameter silicone target after it has been exposed to dust kicked up by the landing. It is the highest resolution image of dust and sand ever acquired on Mars. The silicone substrate provides a sticky surface for holding the particles to be examined by the microscope.

Martian Particles on Microscope's Silicone Substrate In figure 1, the particles are on a silcone substrate target 3 millimeters (0.12 inch) in diameter, which provides a sticky surface for holding the particles while the microscope images them. Blow-ups of four of the larger particles are shown in the center. These particles range in size from about 30 microns to 150 microns (from about one one-thousandth of an inch to six one-thousandths of an inch).

Possible Nature of Particles Viewed by Mars Lander's Optical Microscope In figure 2, the color composite on the right was acquired to examine dust that had fallen onto an exposed surface. The translucent particle highlighted at bottom center is of comparable size to white particles in a Martian soil sample (upper pictures) seen two sols earlier inside the scoop of Phoenix's Robotic Arm as imaged by the lander's Robotic Arm Camera. The white particles may be examples of the abundant salts that have been found in the Martian soil by previous missions. Further investigations will be needed to determine the white material's composition and whether translucent particles like the one in this microscopic image are found in Martian soil samples.

Scale of Phoenix Optical Microscope Images This set of pictures in figure 3 gives context for the size of individual images from the Optical Microscope on NASA's Mars Phoenix Lander.

The picture in the upper left was taken on Mars by the Surface Stereo Imager on Phoenix. It shows a portion of the microscope's sample stage exposed to accept a sample. In this case, the sample was of dust kicked up by the spacecraft thrusters during landers. Later samples will include soil delivered by the Robotic Arm.

The other pictures were taken on Earth. They show close-ups of circular substrates on which the microscopic samples rest when the microscope images them. Each circular substrate target is 3 millimeters (about one-tenth of an inch) in diameter. Each image taken by the microscope covers and area 2 millimeters by 1 millimeter (0.08 inch by 0.04 inch), the size of a large grain of sand.

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

[Microscopic comparison of the miniscrew's surface used in orthodontics: before and after use].

PubMed

Sebbar, M; Bourzgui, F; Lazrak, L; Aazzab, B; El Quars, F

2012-11-01

The aim of our work is to study the modifications affecting the surface condition of miniscrews retrieved from patients following an orthodontic treatment and comparing these miniscrews to unused ones. This study involved ten miniscrews placed in seven patients after orthodontic treatment for various indications. These miniscrews of the same manufacturer (Dual Top Anchor System® [Jeil Medical Corporation, Seoul, Korea]) were observed under optical microscope (Leica DM2500M) in order to examine their surface. Four new Miniscrews of different manufacturers, including the manufacturer of Miniscrews trademarks patients (Abso Anchor [Dentos, Daegu, South Korea] Infiniti [DB Orthodontics, Silsden, West Yorkshire, UK], Dual Top(®) [Jeil Medical Corporation, Seoul, Korea], IMTEC(®) [Ardmore, Okla]) were examined under the same microscope to compare with the used miniscrews. The study of the new miniscrews showed an irregular surface with machining and polishing defects, in the form of stripes that could constitute election's point for electrochemical attacks. Compared with the new one, the miniscrew used showed pitting corrosion attacks and cracks, mainly in the machining defects. These attacks were localized over the whole of miniscrews. It is suggested that improving the surface finish can increase the corrosion resistance of these miniscrews. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Micro- and macro-behaviour of fluid flow through rock fractures: an experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhenyu; Nemcik, Jan; Ma, Shuqi

2013-12-01

Microscopic and macroscopic behaviour of fluid flow through rough-walled rock fractures was experimentally investigated. Advanced microfluidic technology was introduced to examine the microscopic viscous and inertial effects of water flow through rock fractures in the vicinity of voids under different flow velocities, while the macroscopic behaviour of fracture flow was investigated by carrying out triaxial flow tests through fractured sandstone under confining stresses ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 MPa. The flow tests show that the microscopic inertial forces increase with the flow velocity with significant effects on the local flow pattern near the voids. With the increase in flow velocity, the deviation of the flow trajectories is reduced but small eddies appear inside the cavities. The results of the macroscopic flow tests show that the linear Darcy flow occurs for mated rock fractures due to small aperture, while a nonlinear deviation of the flow occurs at relatively high Reynolds numbers in non-mated rock fracture (Re > 32). The microscopic experiments suggest that the pressure loss consumed by the eddies inside cavities could contribute to the nonlinear fluid flow behaviour through rock joints. It is found that such nonlinear flow behaviour is best matched with the quadratic-termed Forchheimer equation.

Perforation and bacterial contamination of microscope covers in lumbar spinal decompressive surgery.

PubMed

Osterhoff, Georg; Spirig, José; Klasen, Jürgen; Kuster, Stefan P; Zinkernagel, Annelies S; Sax, Hugo; Min, Kan

2014-01-01

To determine the integrity of microscope covers and bacterial contamination at the end of lumbar spinal decompressive surgery. A prospective study of 25 consecutive lumbar spinal decompressions with the use of a surgical microscope was performed. For detection of perforations, the microscope covers were filled with water at the end of surgery and the presence of water leakage in 3 zones (objective, ocular and control panel) was examined. For detection of bacterial contamination, swabs were taken from the covers at the same locations before and after surgery. Among the 25 covers, 1 (4%) perforation was observed and no association between perforation and bacterial contamination was seen; 3 (4%) of 75 smears from the 25 covers showed post-operative bacterial contamination, i.e. 2 in the ocular zone and 1 in the optical zone, without a cover perforation. The incidence of microscope cover perforation was very low and was not shown to be associated with bacterial contamination. External sources of bacterial contamination seem to outweigh the problem of contamination due to failure of cover integrity. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Perforation and Bacterial Contamination of Microscope Covers in Lumbar Spinal Decompressive Surgery

PubMed Central

Osterhoff, Georg; Spirig, José; Klasen, Jürgen; Kuster, Stefan P.; Zinkernagel, Annelies S.; Sax, Hugo; Min, Kan

2014-01-01

Objective To determine the integrity of microscope covers and bacterial contamination at the end of lumbar spinal decompressive surgery. Materials and Methods A prospective study of 25 consecutive lumbar spinal decompressions with the use of a surgical microscope was performed. For detection of perforations, the microscope covers were filled with water at the end of surgery and the presence of water leakage in 3 zones (objective, ocular and control panel) was examined. For detection of bacterial contamination, swabs were taken from the covers at the same locations before and after surgery. Results Among the 25 covers, 1 (4%) perforation was observed and no association between perforation and bacterial contamination was seen; 3 (4%) of 75 smears from the 25 covers showed post-operative bacterial contamination, i.e. 2 in the ocular zone and 1 in the optical zone, without a cover perforation. Conclusions The incidence of microscope cover perforation was very low and was not shown to be associated with bacterial contamination. External sources of bacterial contamination seem to outweigh the problem of contamination due to failure of cover integrity. PMID:24903448

Comparative Evaluation of Three Methods (Microscopic Examination, Direct Fluorescent Antibody Assay, and Immunochromatographic Method) for the Diagnosis of Giardia intestinalis From Stool Specimens.

PubMed

Karadam, Senem Yaman; Ertuğ, Sema; Ertabaklar, Hatice

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to compare direct microscopic examination, direct fluorescent antibody assay (DFA), and the immunochromatographic method (IK) and identify the best suitable method for the diagnosis of Giardia intestinalis. In this study, 25 stool samples that had been diagnosed as being infected with G. intestinalis using the native-Lugol and/or formol-ethyl acetate concentration method and 25 non-parasite-infected samples (the control group) were examined. After microscopic examination of stools, they were kept at -20°C for examination using DFA and IK. Stool samples were studied using DFA (CeLLabs, Crypto/Giardia-Cel IF) and IK (RIDA QUICK, Cryptosporidium/Giardia Combi Dipstick), as per the manufacturers' instructions. In our study, using the DFA method, parasites were detected in all 25 stool samples in which G. intestinalis was diagnosed by direct microscopic examination. Using the IK method, a particular band indicative of the parasite was detected in 24 samples. No parasites were detected in all 25 samples in the control group. Thus, when direct microscopic examination is taken as reference, the senstivity and specificity of DFA for the diagnosis of G. intestinalis were found to be 100% each, while those of IK were found to be 96% and 100%, respectively.

21 CFR 864.3600 - Microscopes and accessories.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... enlarge images of specimens, preparations, and cultures for medical purposes. Variations of microscopes... light. (3) Inverted stage microscopes, which permit examination of tissue cultures or other biological...

Alport's syndrome with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesion - Pattern to recognize.

PubMed

Alsahli, Afnan A; Alshahwan, Sara I; Alotaibi, Amal O; Alsaad, Khaled O; Aloudah, Nourah; Farooqui, Mahfooz; Al Sayyari, Abdullah A

2018-01-01

The association between Alport's syndrome (AS) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in the same patient is complex and rarely reported. We report a case of a 42-year-old male presenting with proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, elevated serum creatinine and hypertension with unremarkable physical examination apart from obesity. The renal biopsy showed well-established FSGS pattern of injury with mild interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy, while the electron microscopic examination demonstrated glomerular basement membranes (GBM) changes compatible with AS. AS can be complicated by segmental glomerular scarring, which can mimic primary FSGS, while familial FSGS can result from mutations in collagen IV network of the GBM. This overlap can complicate histopathological interpretation of renal biopsy, which should be accompanied by mutational analysis for accurate diagnosis and proper therapeutic intervention.

In vivo microscopic imaging of the bronchial mucosa using an endo-cytoscopy system.

PubMed

Shibuya, Kiyoshi; Fujiwara, Taiki; Yasufuku, Kazuhiro; Alaa, Mohamed; Chiyo, Masako; Nakajima, Takahiro; Hoshino, Hidehisa; Hiroshima, Kenzo; Nakatani, Yukio; Yoshino, Ichiro

2011-05-01

We investigated the capabilities of an endo-cytoscopy system (ECS) that enables microscopic imaging of the tracheobronchial tree during bronchoscopy, including normal bronchial epithelium, dysplastic mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma. The newly developed ECS has a 3.2 mm diameter that can be passed through the 4.2 mm working channel of a mother endoscope for insertion of the ECS. It has a high magnification of 570× on a 17 in. video monitor. Twenty-two patients (7 squamous cell carcinoma, 11 squamous dysplasia and 4 after PDT therapies) were underwent white light, NBI light and AFI bronchoscopy. Both abnormal areas of interest and normal bronchial mucosa were stained with 0.5% methylene blue and examined with ECS at high magnification (570×). Histological examinations using haematoxylin and eosin staining were made of biopsied specimens. Analyzed ECS images were compared with the corresponding histological examinations. In normal bronchial mucosa, ciliated columnar epithelial cells were visible. In bronchial squamous dysplasia, superficial cells with abundant cytoplasm were arranged regularly. In squamous cell carcinoma, large, polymorphic tumor cells showed increased cellular densities with irregular stratified patterns. These ECS images corresponded well with the light-microscopic examination of conventional histology. ECS was useful for the discrimination between normal bronchial epithelial cells and dysplastic cells or malignant cells during bronchoscopy in real time. This novel technology has an excellent potential to provide in vivo diagnosis during bronchoscopic examinations. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pet fur or fake fur? A forensic approach

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background In forensic science there are many types of crime that involve animals. Therefore, the identification of the species has become an essential investigative tool. The exhibits obtained from such offences are very often a challenge for forensic experts. Indeed, most biological materials are traces, hair or tanned fur. With hair samples, a common forensic approach should proceed from morphological and structural microscopic examination to DNA analysis. However, the microscopy of hair requires a lot of experience and a suitable comparative database to be able to recognize with a high degree of accuracy that a sample comes from a particular species and then to determine whether it is a protected one. DNA analysis offers the best opportunity to answer the question, ‘What species is this?’ In our work, we analyzed different samples of fur coming from China used to make hats and collars. Initially, the samples were examined under a microscope, then the mitochondrial DNA was tested for species identification. For this purpose, the genetic markers used were the 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA, while the hypervariable segment I of the control region was analyzed afterwards, to determine whether samples belonged to the same individual. Results Microscopic examination showed that the fibres were of animal origin, although it was difficult to determine with a high degree of confidence which species they belonged to and if they came from a protected species. Therefore, DNA analysis was essential to try to clarify the species of these fur samples. Conclusions Macroscopic and microscopic analysis confirmed the hypothesis regarding the analyzed hair belonging to real animals, although it failed to prove with any kind of certainty which actual family it came from, therefore, the species remains unknown. Sequence data analysis and comparisons with the samples available in GenBank showed that the hair, in most cases, belonged to the Canidae family, and in one case only to Felidae. PMID:24991403

Microscopic Examination of a Leaf & a Lichen to Show Convergent Evolution.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bardell, David

1995-01-01

When students think of evolution, they often think of those genetic changes that occur to make organisms different. This article describes how students can become better informed of convergent evolution, the process by which organisms with dissimilar ancestors come to resemble each other. (ZWH)

Intraoperative assessment of laryngeal pathologies with optical coherence tomography integrated into a surgical microscope.

PubMed

Englhard, Anna S; Betz, Tom; Volgger, Veronika; Lankenau, Eva; Ledderose, Georg J; Stepp, Herbert; Homann, Christian; Betz, Christian S

2017-07-01

Endoscopic examination followed by tissue biopsy is the gold standard in the evaluation of lesions of the upper aerodigestive tract. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between healthy mucosa, dysplasia, and invasive carcinoma. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive technique which acquires high-resolution, cross-sectional images of tissue in vivo. Integrated into a surgical microscope, it allows the intraoperative evaluation of lesions simultaneously with microscopic visualization. In a prospective case series, we evaluated the use of OCT integrated into a surgical microscope during microlaryngoscopy to help differentiating various laryngeal pathologies. 33 patients with laryngeal pathologies were examined with an OCT- microscope (OPMedT iOCT-camera, HS Hi-R 1000G-microscope, Haag-Streit Surgical GmbH, Wedel, Germany) during microlaryngoscopy. The suspected intraoperative diagnoses were compared to the histopathological reports of subsequent tissue biopsies. Hands-free non-contact OCT revealed high-resolution images of the larynx with a varying penetration depth of up to 1.2 mm and an average of 0.6 mm. Picture quality was variable. OCT showed disorders of horizontal tissue layering in dysplasias with a disruption of the basement membrane in carcinomas. When comparing the suspected diagnosis during OCT-supported microlaryngoscopy with histology, 79% of the laryngeal lesions could be correctly identified. Premalignant lesions were difficult to diagnose and falsely classified as carcinoma. OCT integrated into a surgical microscope seems to be a promising adjunct tool to discriminate pathologies of the upper aerodigestive tract intraoperatively. However, picture quality and penetration depth were variable. Although premalignant lesions were difficult to diagnose, the system proved overall helpful for the intraoperative discrimination of benign and malignant tumors. Further studies will be necessary to define its value in the future. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:490-497, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

7 CFR 353.9 - Standards for accreditation of non-government facilities to perform laboratory seed health...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... seed requires a stereo microscope. Visual examination of tissue requires a compound light microscope... equipment; fluorescent microscopes; plate readers; spectrophotometers; and the appropriate assay materials...

7 CFR 353.9 - Standards for accreditation of non-government facilities to perform laboratory seed health...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... seed requires a stereo microscope. Visual examination of tissue requires a compound light microscope... equipment; fluorescent microscopes; plate readers; spectrophotometers; and the appropriate assay materials...

7 CFR 353.9 - Standards for accreditation of non-government facilities to perform laboratory seed health...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... seed requires a stereo microscope. Visual examination of tissue requires a compound light microscope... equipment; fluorescent microscopes; plate readers; spectrophotometers; and the appropriate assay materials...

7 CFR 353.9 - Standards for accreditation of non-government facilities to perform laboratory seed health...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... seed requires a stereo microscope. Visual examination of tissue requires a compound light microscope... equipment; fluorescent microscopes; plate readers; spectrophotometers; and the appropriate assay materials...

Increasing Student Understanding of Microscope Optics by Building and Testing the Limits of Simple, Hand-Made Model Microscopes†

PubMed Central

Drace, Kevin; Couch, Brett; Keeling, Patrick J.

2012-01-01

The ability to effectively use a microscope to observe microorganisms is a crucial skill required for many disciplines within biology, especially general microbiology and cell biology. A basic understanding of the optical properties of light microscopes is required for students to use microscopes effectively, but this subject can also be a challenge to make personally interesting to students. To explore basic optical principles of magnification and resolving power in a more engaging and hands-on fashion, students constructed handmade lenses and microscopes based on Antony van Leeuwenhoek’s design using simple materials—paper, staples, glass, and adhesive putty. Students determined the power of their lenses using a green laser pointer to magnify a copper grid of known size, which also allowed students to examine variables affecting the power and resolution of a lens such as diameter, working distance, and wavelength of light. To assess the effectiveness of the laboratory’s learning objectives, four sections of a general microbiology course were given a brief pre-activity assessment quiz to determine their background knowledge on the subject. One week after the laboratory activity, students were given the same quiz (unannounced) under similar conditions. Students showed significant gains in their understanding of microscope optics. PMID:23653781

Differentiating characteristic microstructural features of cancerous tissues using Mueller matrix microscope.

PubMed

Wang, Ye; He, Honghui; Chang, Jintao; Zeng, Nan; Liu, Shaoxiong; Li, Migao; Ma, Hui

2015-12-01

Polarized light imaging can provide rich microstructural information of samples, and has been applied to the detections of various abnormal tissues. In this paper, we report a polarized light microscope based on Mueller matrix imaging by adding the polarization state generator and analyzer (PSG and PSA) to a commercial transmission optical microscope. The maximum errors for the absolute values of Mueller matrix elements are reduced to 0.01 after calibration. This Mueller matrix microscope has been used to examine human cervical and liver cancerous tissues with fibrosis. Images of the transformed Mueller matrix parameters provide quantitative assessment on the characteristic features of the pathological tissues. Contrast mechanism of the experimental results are backed up by Monte Carlo simulations based on the sphere-cylinder birefringence model, which reveal the relationship between the pathological features in the cancerous tissues at the cellular level and the polarization parameters. Both the experimental and simulated data indicate that the microscopic transformed Mueller matrix parameters can distinguish the breaking down of birefringent normal tissues for cervical cancer, or the formation of birefringent surrounding structures accompanying the inflammatory reaction for liver cancer. With its simple structure, fast measurement and high precision, polarized light microscope based on Mueller matrix shows a good diagnosis application prospect. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Examination of toxicity and collagen linearity after the administration of the protein cross-linker genipin in equine tendon and dermis: a pilot study.

PubMed

Bellefeuille, M; Peters, D F; Nolin, M; Slusarewicz, P; Telgenhoff, D

2017-05-01

Collagen cross-linking is an attractive therapeutic route aimed at supplementing natural collagen stabilisation. In this study the toxicity of the cross-linker genipin (GP) was examined in avascular (tendon) and vascular (dermis) tissue. High doses of GP were injected intratendinously into three yearling horses and evaluated at various time points up to 30 days. A second group of three yearlings were injected into the dermis and evaluated at various time points up to 1 year. Metrics used included lameness, circumferential swelling, ultrasound evaluation, microscopic morphology, collagen production and systemic effect on blood parameters. The tendon injection sites exhibited mild lameness and swelling with no apparent systemic toxicity or stabilisation defects. Treated tendons exhibited increased linear collagen microscopically. Dermal injections showed similar results, with mild swelling at the injection site. Microscopic morphology resulted in a decrease in dermal collagen at 30 days post-injection. Dermis injected at the high dose of 355 mmol/L examined 1 year post-treatment appeared similar to the untreated biopsies; however, there was an increase in mature collagen. GP injection appeared to be well tolerated, with transient lameness and mild circumferential swelling when injected into the tendon and local tissue swelling when injected into the dermis. No systemic hypersensitivities or toxicities were observed. Microscopically, GP resulted in increased linear collagen in tendons at 30 days post-injection and overall increased collagen in dermal tissue when evaluated 1 year post-injection. © 2017 Australian Veterinary Association.

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: clinical manifestations, microscopic findings, and surgical periodontal therapy. A case report.

PubMed

Hakki, S S; Celenligil-Nazliel, H; Karaduman, A; Usubütün, A; Ertoy, D; Ayhan, A; Ruacan, S

2001-04-01

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is an uncommon, acquired, chronic subepidermal bullous disease. This report describes a case of EBA with gingival involvement. A 43-year-old woman with EBA was referred to our clinic for periodontal therapy because of gingival tenderness and bleeding. She has been on cyclosporin A therapy for the last 2 years. Clinical findings were analyzed. Anterior gingivectomy operations were performed in 2 stages. The samples obtained during the surgery were examined using histopathologic, immunohistologic, and electronmicroscopic methods. Long-term effects of the surgical periodontal treatment on gingiva were evaluated both clinically and microscopically. The dentition displayed minimal enamel hypoplasia. Decayed, missing, and filled surfaces score was found to be elevated. Periodontal examination showed generalized diffuse gingival inflammation and gingival enlargement localized mainly to the anterior region. Nikolsky's sign was positive. However, wound healing was uneventful after the operations. Microscopic findings were similar to those obtained from the skin. Twenty-one months after the operations, Nikolsky's sign was negative and no remarkable gingival inflammation was noted. Microscopic examination revealed that the blisters were fewer in number and smaller in size. These results indicate that gingival tissues may also be involved in EBA. Uneventful wound healing after periodontal surgery in this case suggests that periodontal surgery can be performed in patients with EBA. Moreover, both our clinical and histopathologic findings imply that gingivectomy proves useful in maintaining gingival integrity in these patients. Our data may also suggest that the patients with EBA are highly likely to develop dental caries.

A Simplified, Low-Cost Method for Polarized Light Microscopy

PubMed Central

Maude, Richard J.; Buapetch, Wanchana; Silamut, Kamolrat

2009-01-01

Malaria pigment is an intracellular inclusion body that appears in blood and tissue specimens on microscopic examination and can help in establishing the diagnosis of malaria. In simple light microscopy, it can be difficult to discern from cellular background and artifacts. It has long been known that if polarized light microscopy is used, malaria pigment can be much easier to distinguish. However, this technique is rarely used because of the need for a relatively costly polarization microscope. We describe a simple and economical technique to convert any standard light microscope suitable for examination of malaria films into a polarization microscope. PMID:19861611

Morphology of the leather defect light flecks and spots.

PubMed

Nafstad, O; Wisløff, H; Grønstøl, H

2001-01-01

The skin histology and the scanning electron microscope morphology of the hide defect light flecks and spots after tanning were studied in 11 steers infested with biting lice (Damalinia bovis). Nine steers from herds free of lice were used as controls. Skin biopsies from 6 of the animals in the lice infested group showed mild to moderate hyperkeratosis and moderate perivascular to diffuse dermatitis with infiltration of mainly mononuclear cells and some eosinophilic granulocytes. The steers were slaughtered at an age of 18 to 23 months. Light flecks and spots occurred on all examined hides from the infested group after tanning. No examined hides from the control group demonstrated similar damage. Both light microscopic examination of sections of tanned hide with light flecks and spots and scanning electron microscopy of the same defects showed superficial grain loss and craters with a irregular fibre base encircled by smooth and intact grain. The association between louse infestation at an early age and damage of hides following slaughter 6 to 15 months later, suggested that louse infestations lead to a prolonged or lifelong weakening in the dermis. This weakening may cause superficial grain loss during the tanning process.

Morphology of the Leather Defect Light Flecks and Spots

PubMed Central

Nafstad, O; Wisløff, H; Grønstøl, H

2001-01-01

The skin histology and the scanning electron microscope morphology of the hide defect light flecks and spots after tanning were studied in 11 steers infested with biting lice (Damalinia bovis). Nine steers from herds free of lice were used as controls. Skin biopsies from 6 of the animals in the lice infested group showed mild to moderate hyperkeratosis and moderate perivascular to diffuse dermatitis with infiltration of mainly mononuclear cells and some eosinophilic granulocytes. The steers were slaughtered at an age of 18 to 23 months. Light flecks and spots occurred on all examined hides from the infested group after tanning. No examined hides from the control group demonstrated similar damage. Both light microscopic examination of sections of tanned hide with light flecks and spots and scanning electron microscopy of the same defects showed superficial grain loss and craters with a irregular fibre base encircled by smooth and intact grain. The association between louse infestation at an early age and damage of hides following slaughter 6 to 15 months later, suggested that louse infestations lead to a prolonged or lifelong weakening in the dermis. This weakening may cause superficial grain loss during the tanning process. PMID:11455890

The Potential Protective Effects of 2-aminoethyl Diphenylborinate against Inner Ear Acoustic Trauma: Experimental Study Using Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy.

PubMed

Kaymakçı, Mustafa; Acar, Mustafa; Burukoglu, Dilek; Kutlu, Hatice Mehtap; Shojaolsadati, Paria; Cingi, Cemal; Bayar Muluk, Nuray

2015-04-01

In this prospective experimental study, we investigated the preventive effects of 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB) in rats exposed to acoustic trauma (AT). Light microscopic, transmission electron microscopic (TEM), and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examinations were performed. Eighteen healthy Wistar albino rats were divided into the following three groups: groups 1 (control), 2 (AT), and 3 (AT+APB). The rats in groups 2 and 3 were exposed to AT; in group 3 rats, 2-APB at 2 mg/kg was also administered, initially transperitoneally, after 10 min. During the light microscopic, TEM, and SEM examinations, the structures of the cochlear hair cells, stereocilia, and Deiter's cells were normal in the control group. In the AT group, the organ of Corti and proximate structures were damaged according to the light microscopic examination. During the TEM examination, intense cellular damage and stereocilia loss were detected, while during the SEM examination, extensive damage and stereocilia loss were observed. Decreased damage with preserved cochlear structure was detected during the light microscopic examination in the AT+APB group than in the AT group. During the TEM and SEM examinations, although stereocilia loss occurred in the AT+APB group, near-normal cell, cilia, and tectorial membrane structures were also observed in the AT+APB group compared with the AT group. 2-APB may have protective effects against AT damage of the cochlea. The main mechanism underlying this effect is the inhibition of the vasoconstriction of the cochlear spiral modiolar artery, thereby improving cochlear blood flow. We conclude that 2-APB may also be effective if used immediately following AT.

Comparison of the manual, semiautomatic, and automatic selection and leveling of hot spots in whole slide images for Ki-67 quantification in meningiomas.

PubMed

Swiderska, Zaneta; Korzynska, Anna; Markiewicz, Tomasz; Lorent, Malgorzata; Zak, Jakub; Wesolowska, Anna; Roszkowiak, Lukasz; Slodkowska, Janina; Grala, Bartlomiej

2015-01-01

Background. This paper presents the study concerning hot-spot selection in the assessment of whole slide images of tissue sections collected from meningioma patients. The samples were immunohistochemically stained to determine the Ki-67/MIB-1 proliferation index used for prognosis and treatment planning. Objective. The observer performance was examined by comparing results of the proposed method of automatic hot-spot selection in whole slide images, results of traditional scoring under a microscope, and results of a pathologist's manual hot-spot selection. Methods. The results of scoring the Ki-67 index using optical scoring under a microscope, software for Ki-67 index quantification based on hot spots selected by two pathologists (resp., once and three times), and the same software but on hot spots selected by proposed automatic methods were compared using Kendall's tau-b statistics. Results. Results show intra- and interobserver agreement. The agreement between Ki-67 scoring with manual and automatic hot-spot selection is high, while agreement between Ki-67 index scoring results in whole slide images and traditional microscopic examination is lower. Conclusions. The agreement observed for the three scoring methods shows that automation of area selection is an effective tool in supporting physicians and in increasing the reliability of Ki-67 scoring in meningioma.

Comparison of the Manual, Semiautomatic, and Automatic Selection and Leveling of Hot Spots in Whole Slide Images for Ki-67 Quantification in Meningiomas

PubMed Central

Swiderska, Zaneta; Korzynska, Anna; Markiewicz, Tomasz; Lorent, Malgorzata; Zak, Jakub; Wesolowska, Anna; Roszkowiak, Lukasz; Slodkowska, Janina; Grala, Bartlomiej

2015-01-01

Background. This paper presents the study concerning hot-spot selection in the assessment of whole slide images of tissue sections collected from meningioma patients. The samples were immunohistochemically stained to determine the Ki-67/MIB-1 proliferation index used for prognosis and treatment planning. Objective. The observer performance was examined by comparing results of the proposed method of automatic hot-spot selection in whole slide images, results of traditional scoring under a microscope, and results of a pathologist's manual hot-spot selection. Methods. The results of scoring the Ki-67 index using optical scoring under a microscope, software for Ki-67 index quantification based on hot spots selected by two pathologists (resp., once and three times), and the same software but on hot spots selected by proposed automatic methods were compared using Kendall's tau-b statistics. Results. Results show intra- and interobserver agreement. The agreement between Ki-67 scoring with manual and automatic hot-spot selection is high, while agreement between Ki-67 index scoring results in whole slide images and traditional microscopic examination is lower. Conclusions. The agreement observed for the three scoring methods shows that automation of area selection is an effective tool in supporting physicians and in increasing the reliability of Ki-67 scoring in meningioma. PMID:26240787

The effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy on the rat spinal cord.

PubMed

Karatas, A; Dosoglu, M; Zeyrek, T; Kayikci, A; Erol, A; Can, B

2008-09-01

Experimental study. To determine the effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) on the rat spinal cord. Animals were randomly divided into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of five rats each that underwent ESWL (2000 impulses at 15 kV and 2000 impulses at 18 kV, respectively) and group 3 contained five control rats (no shock wave treatment). ESWL-treated and control rats were compared with regard to light and electron microscopic findings of the adjacent spinal cord. Gross neurological outcomes were normal in all groups. Light microscopic examination of group 1 showed extensive extravasation of red blood cells over all the interstitial spaces. Group 2 also had haemorrhagic areas and an irregular organization of axons in the white matter. Transmission electron microscopic examination of group 1 indicated extravasated red blood cells through the endothelium and swollen axoplasm, degenerated mitochondria, destruction of myelin sheaths and a slight increase in the number of lysosomes. Extravasated red blood cells were also seen in group 2. The axoplasmic mitochondria were enlarged, but no sign of mitochondrial degeneration was observed. Lamellar degeneration of myelin sheaths and abundant lysosomes were more predominant in group 2 than in group 1. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy caused not only haemorrhage but also damage to neuronal structures except the nucleus. Our findings showed that higher-energy ESWL caused more myelin degeneration in the spinal cord.

Improved adhesive method for microscopic examination of fungi in culture.

PubMed Central

Rodriguez-Tudela, J L; Aviles, P

1991-01-01

A new method for the examination of molds that involves the use of a device that dispenses a thin layer of a transparent adhesive material over the surface of a coverslip is described. The advantages of this method over previous methods used for the microscopic examination of molds are delineated. Images PMID:1774269

Physics and engineering aspects of cell and tissue imaging systems: microscopic devices and computer assisted diagnosis.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaodong; Ren, Liqiang; Zheng, Bin; Liu, Hong

2013-01-01

The conventional optical microscopes have been used widely in scientific research and in clinical practice. The modern digital microscopic devices combine the power of optical imaging and computerized analysis, archiving and communication techniques. It has a great potential in pathological examinations for improving the efficiency and accuracy of clinical diagnosis. This chapter reviews the basic optical principles of conventional microscopes, fluorescence microscopes and electron microscopes. The recent developments and future clinical applications of advanced digital microscopic imaging methods and computer assisted diagnosis schemes are also discussed.

The cellular distribution of lignans in Tsuga heterophylla wood

Treesearch

R.l. Krahmer; Richard W. Hemingway; W.E. Hillis

1970-01-01

Western hemlock heartwood contains patches of tracheids with large amounts of cellular inclusions. Microscopic and chemical examination of the wood showed several types of deposits containing the lignans matairesinol, hydroxymatairesinol and conidendrin. The deposits, which were often relatively pure individual lignans, frequently assumed different physical forms and...

Pulmonary vascular sclerosis in an albino rat with leukemia.

PubMed

Pace, V; Mahrous, A T; Perentes, E

2000-08-01

The animal investigated was a two years old male control Sprague-Dawley rat which died spontaneously during a carcinogenicity study. Post-mortem examination disclosed hepatic and splenic enlargement. At microscopical examination, massive leucaemic infiltration was observed in many tissues/organs, including bone marrow, spleen, liver and renal blood vessels. A very unusual finding was observed in the lung, consisting of scattered micronodules which replaced most of the lung parenchyma. They contained collagen, displaying a somewhat circular distribution at the periphery of the lesions, fibrin, leukemic cells and fibroblasts. Immunostaining for desmin revealed the presence of smooth muscle fibers within the nodules, while staining for elastic fibers showed clearly that the internal and external elastic membranes were identifiable within the nodules. The diagnosis of pulmonary vascular sclerosis was made on the basis of microscopical and immunohistochemical findings.

Large volume serial section tomography by Xe Plasma FIB dual beam microscopy.

PubMed

Burnett, T L; Kelley, R; Winiarski, B; Contreras, L; Daly, M; Gholinia, A; Burke, M G; Withers, P J

2016-02-01

Ga(+) Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopes (FIB-SEM) have revolutionised the level of microstructural information that can be recovered in 3D by block face serial section tomography (SST), as well as enabling the site-specific removal of smaller regions for subsequent transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination. However, Ga(+) FIB material removal rates limit the volumes and depths that can be probed to dimensions in the tens of microns range. Emerging Xe(+) Plasma Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscope (PFIB-SEM) systems promise faster removal rates. Here we examine the potential of the method for large volume serial section tomography as applied to bainitic steel and WC-Co hard metals. Our studies demonstrate that with careful control of milling parameters precise automated serial sectioning can be achieved with low levels of milling artefacts at removal rates some 60× faster. Volumes that are hundreds of microns in dimension have been collected using fully automated SST routines in feasible timescales (<24h) showing good grain orientation contrast and capturing microstructural features at the tens of nanometres to the tens of microns scale. Accompanying electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) maps show high indexing rates suggesting low levels of surface damage. Further, under high current Ga(+) FIB milling WC-Co is prone to amorphisation of WC surface layers and phase transformation of the Co phase, neither of which have been observed at PFIB currents as high as 60nA at 30kV. Xe(+) PFIB dual beam microscopes promise to radically extend our capability for 3D tomography, 3D EDX, 3D EBSD as well as correlative tomography. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Flooding on Starch Accumulation in Chloroplasts of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) 1

PubMed Central

Wample, Robert L.; Davis, Ronald W.

1983-01-01

Chloroplasts in leaves of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv hybrid 894) whose roots were flooded for 4 days showed an increase in the level of starch in chloroplasts when examined with the electron microscope. Starch determination showed significantly higher levels in leaves of flooded plants. Chloroplast and mitochondrial structure seemed otherwise normal. Images Fig. 1 Fig. 2 PMID:16663176

Observation of microscopic dynamics of phase transition in ferroelectric crystals using fluorescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sedarous, Salah S.

1996-03-01

Despite the large quantity of data on the macroscopic changes in the physical properties of ferroelectric crystals during phase transition, there is a continued need for understanding their microscopic origin. Here we describe a novel method for examining the microscopic dynamics of the ferroelectric phase transition using time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence properties of organic chromophores embedded in the ferroelectric crystals triglycine sulfate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate are altered in response to the structural phase transitions. The lifetime and the fractional intensity decay show large changes around Tc and the order of the phase transition is readily recovered (first or second order). To explain the fluorescence lifetime data we present a novel theoretical model based on the concept of polaritons in these crystals. Deactivation of the excited state chromophore involves the participation of the vibrational modes of the chromophore. These modes are coupled to the polarization dispersion of the matrix and facilitate the coupling of the excited state to the collective modes in the crystal. The net result is the flow of energy from the excited state chromophore to the lattice phonon. The data indicate that changes in fluorescence lifetime can be used to examine directly the collective modes in these crystals. Our work provides important insight into the emergence of macroscopic phase transition behavior out of microscopic fluctuations.

Classification of Streptomyces Spore Surfaces into Five Groups

PubMed Central

Dietz, Alma; Mathews, John

1971-01-01

Streptomyces spores surfaces have been classified into five groups, smooth, warty, spiny, hairy, and rugose, by examination of carbon replicas of spores with the transmission electron microscope and by direct examination of spores with the scanning electron microscope. Images PMID:4928607

Effect of matrix resin on the impact fracture characteristics of graphite-epoxy laminates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hertzberg, P. E.; Smith, B. W.; Miller, A. G.

1982-01-01

The effect of resin chemistry on basic impact energy absorbent mechanisms exibited by graphite-epoxy composites was investigated. Impact fracture modes and microscopic resin deformation characteristics were examined for 26 NASA-impacted graphite epoxy laminates with different resin chemistries. Discrete specimen fracture modes were identified through cross sectional examination after impact, and subsequently compared with measured glass transition temperatures, cure cycles, and residual impact capabilities. Microscopic resin deformation mechanisms and their overall relationship to impact loading conditions, voids, and resin content were also characterized through scanning electron microscopic examination of separated fracture surfaces.

Microstructure of friction stir welded joints of 2017A aluminium alloy sheets.

PubMed

Mroczka, K; Dutkiewicz, J; Pietras, A

2010-03-01

The present study examines a friction stir welded 2017A aluminium alloy. Transmission electron microscope investigations of the weld nugget revealed the average grain size of 5 microm, moderate density of dislocations as well as the presence of nanometric precipitates located mostly in grains interiors. Scanning electron microscope observations of fractures showed the presence of ductile fracture in the region of the weld nugget with brittle precipitates in the lower part. The microhardness analysis performed on the cross-section of the joints showed fairly small changes; however, after the artificial ageing process an increase in hardness was observed. The change of the joint hardness subject to the ageing process indicates partial supersaturation in the material during friction stir welding and higher precipitation hardening of the joint.

Ultrastructure of canine vasoformative tumors.

PubMed

Madewell, B R; Griffey, S M; Munn, R J

1992-01-01

The transmission electron microscope was used to examine 20 spontaneous canine hemangiosarcomas or hemangiopericytomas in order to define their fine ultrastructural features, and to compare those features with descriptions of human counterpart neoplasms. From specimen to specimen the neoplasms examined showed considerable structural heterogeneity but, in composite, appeared similar to the prototype human tumors. These data suggest that the canine hemangiosarcoma and hemangiopericytoma might serve as comparative models for studies of the morphogenesis of vasoformative neoplasms.

Do NiTi instruments show defects before separation? Defects caused by torsional fatigue in hand and rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) instruments which lead to failure during clinical use.

PubMed

Chakka, N V Murali Krishna; Ratnakar, P; Das, Sanjib; Bagchi, Anandamy; Sudhir, Sudhir; Anumula, Lavanya

2012-11-01

Visual and microscopic evaluation of defects caused by torsional fatigue in hand and rotary nickel titanium (NiTi) instruments. Ninety-six NiTi greater taper instruments which were routinely used for root canal treatment only in anterior teeth were selected for the study. The files taken include ProTaper for hand use, ProTaper Rotary files and Endowave rotary files. After every use, the files were observed visually and microscopically (Stereomicroscope at 10×) to evaluate the defects caused by torsional fatigue. Scoring was given according to a new classification formulated which gives an indication of the severity of the defect or damage. Data was statistically analyzed using KruskallWallis and Mann-Whitney U test. Number of files showing defects were more under stereomicroscope than visual examination. But, the difference in the evaluation methods was not statistically significant. The different types of defects observed were bent instrument, straightening/stretching of twist contour and partial reverse twisting. Endowave files showed maximum number of defects followed by ProTaper for hand use and least in ProTaper Rotary. Visible defects due to torsional fatigue do occur in NiTi instruments after clinical use. Both visual and microscopic examinations were efficient in detecting defects caused due to torsional fatigue. This study emphasizes that all files should be observed for any visible defects before and after every instrumentation cycle to minimize the risk of instrument separation and failure of endodontic therapy.

Diagnostic value and cost utility analysis for urine Gram stain and urine microscopic examination as screening tests for urinary tract infection.

PubMed

Wiwanitkit, Viroj; Udomsantisuk, Nibhond; Boonchalermvichian, Chaiyaporn

2005-06-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic properties of urine Gram stain and urine microscopic examination for screening for urinary tract infection (UTI), and to perform an additional cost utility analysis. This descriptive study was performed on 95 urine samples sent for urine culture to the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University. The first part of the study was to determine the diagnostic properties of two screening tests (urine Gram stain and urine microscopic examination). Urine culture was set as the gold standard and the results from both methods were compared to this. The second part of this study was to perform a cost utility analysis. The sensitivity of urine Gram stain was 96.2%, the specificity 93.0%, the positive predictive value 94.3% and the negative predictive value 95.2%. False positives occurred with a frequency of 7.0% and false negatives 3.8%. For the microscopic examination, the sensitivity was 65.4%, specificity 74.4%, positive predictive value 75.6% and negative predictive value 64.0%. False positives occurred with a frequency of 25.6% and false negatives 34.6%. Combining urine Gram stain and urine microscopic examination, the sensitivity was 98.1%, specificity 74.4%, positive predictive value 82.3% and negative predictive value 97.0%. False positives occurred with a frequency of 25.6% and false negatives 1.9%. However, the cost per utility of the combined method was higher than either urine microscopic examination or urine Gram stain alone. Urine Gram stain provided the lowest cost per utility. Economically, urine Gram stain is the proper screening tool for presumptive diagnosis of UTI.

[Effect of jingui shenqi pill on morphology of injured spinal cell apoptosis in rats caused by brachytherapy].

PubMed

Xiao, Lu-wei; Shen, Jin-wen; Wu, Cheng-liang

2006-07-01

To study the effect of Jingui Shenqi Pill (JSP) on morphology of spinal cell apoptosis in rats injured by 192Ir irradiation. One hundred and twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups: the model group, the JSP group, the prednisone group and the normal group. Corresponding pharmaceutics were given to rats once a day for 14 days respectively. Then except rats in the normal group, the others received 192Ir interstitial irradiation with the dosage of 22 Gy using back-fixing technology. The injured segments of spinal cord were taken out for HE staining, TUNEL examination and observation with electron microscope 8 hrs, 24 hrs and 4 weeks after irradiation. HE staining examination showed no obvious histological change in rats 8 and 24 hrs after irradiation, but pathological changes, as tissue rarefaction and hemorrhage did found in white matter of spinal cord shown by TUNEL 4 weeks later. Electron microscopic examination and TUNEL staining showed that as compared with the model group, the apoptotic index in the JSP and predinisone treated groups was significantly lower (P < 0.01) 8 hrs after radiation, but it showed insignificant difference between groups at the time points of 24 hrs and 4 weeks after radiation (P > 0.05). JSP could act against apoptosis of gliocyte in spinal cord of rats in early stage after brachytherapy, indicating that JSP possessing a prednisone-like action.

[Pathogen identification of 10 suspected cases of sparganosis mansoni].

PubMed

Zeng, Qing-Ren; He, Mei; Wang, Fang; Zhang, Zu-Ping; Su, Zhan-San; Zhou, Jun; Liu, Bao-An; Lan, Zhi-Hua; Hu, Mian-Juan; Cai, Li-Ting

2012-06-30

To diagnose 10 cases of clinically suspected cases of sparganosis mansoni by pathogen identification. In the period from August 2009 to August 2011, 10 biopsy specimens were obtained from 10 patients of four hospitals to identify the pathogen. Among the 10 cases, 4 cases showed abdominal subcutaneous mass, 3 showed eyelid swelling, 1 displayed brain lesions, 1 showed pulmonary mass, and 1 showed pleural effusion. There was one parasite each from three patients with eyelid swelling, and one patient with abdominal subcutaneous mass, which were observed by naked eye and microscope morphologically and histologically. Specimens from other six cases were examined by microscope after paraffin embedding, sectioning, and HE staining. For further identification, the parasite biopsy tissue specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry with Sparganum mansoni-immunized rabbit serum as the primary antibody. Three intact worms, from three patients with eyelid swelling, showed typical S. mansoni morphological characteristics. One residue parasite from the abdominal subcutaneous mass showed network structures and full of calcareous corpuscles in the body under microscope same as that of S. mansoni. The histological structure in three of the six sections showed typically the body wall with folds, which was dense, thick and deeply eosine stained, part of the tegument outside was covered by micro-hairs. In the worm body there was net-like loose structure and calcareous corpuscles without cavity. The structure of the other three worm sections was atypical. The six worm sections were positive by immunohistochemical detection. The 10 clinically suspected cases are diagnosed as sparganosis mansoni.

Electron microscopic study of the mandibular glands of Kalotermes flavicollis fabr. (isoptera; calotermitidae).

PubMed

Cassier, P; Fain-Maurel, M A; Lebrun, D

1977-08-26

The mandibular glands of Kalotermes were examined in different castes. They show sexual dimorphism in the soldiers and primary reproductives, Moreover, in female soldiers and queens, mandibular gland cells contained numerous crystalline structures of mitochondrial origin. The role of these glands (secretion of saliva or pheromone) is discussed.

Comparison of vacuum and non-vacuum urine tubes for urinary sediment analysis.

PubMed

Topcuoglu, Canan; Sezer, Sevilay; Kosem, Arzu; Ercan, Mujgan; Turhan, Turan

2017-12-01

Urine collection systems with aspiration system for vacuum tubes are becoming increasingly common for urinalysis, especially for microscopic examination of the urine. In this study, we aimed to examine whether vacuum aspiration of the urine sample has any adverse effect on sediment analysis by comparing results from vacuum and non-vacuum urine tubes. The study included totally 213 urine samples obtained from inpatients and outpatients in our hospital. Urine samples were collected to containers with aspiration system for vacuum tubes. Each sample was aliquoted to both vacuum and non-vacuum urine tubes. Urinary sediment analysis was performed using manual microscope. Results were evaluated using chi-square test. Comparison of the sediment analysis results from vacuum and non-vacuum urine tubes showed that results were highly concordant for erythrocyte, leukocyte and epithelial cells (gamma values 1, 0.997, and 0.994, respectively; p < .001). Results were also concordant for urinary casts, crystals and yeast (kappa values 0.815, 0.945 and 1, respectively; p < .001). The results show that in urinary sediment analysis, vacuum aspiration has no adverse effect on the cellular components except on casts.

Examination of Surveyor 3 parts with the scanning electron microscope and electron microprobe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chodos, A. A.; Devaney, J. R.; Evens, K. C.

1972-01-01

Two screws and two washers, several small chips of tubing, and a fiber removed from a third screw were examined with the scanning electron microscope and the electron microprobe. The purpose of the examination was to determine the nature of the material on the surface of these samples and to search for the presence of meteoritic material.

Optimization of Trichomonas vaginalis Diagnosis during Pregnancy at a University Hospital, Argentina.

PubMed

Testardini, Pamela; Vaulet, María Lucía Gallo; Entrocassi, Andrea Carolina; Menghi, Claudia; Eliseht, Martha Cora; Gatta, Claudia; Losada, Mirta; Touzón, María Sol; Corominas, Ana; Vay, Carlos; Tatti, Silvio; Famiglietti, Angela; Fermepin, Marcelo Rodriguez; Perazzi, Beatriz

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate different methods for Trichomonas vaginalis diagnosis during pregnancy in order to prevent maternal and perinatal complications. A total of 386 vaginal exudates from pregnant women were analyzed. T. vaginalis was investigated by 3 types of microscopic examinations direct wet mount with physiologic saline solution, prolonged May-Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) staining, and wet mount with sodium-acetate-formalin (SAF)/methylene blue method. PCR for 18S rRNA gene as well as culture in liquid medium were performed. The sensitivity and specificity of the microscopic examinations were evaluated considering the culture media positivity or the PCR techniques as gold standard. The frequency of T. vaginalis infection was 6.2% by culture and/or PCR, 5.2% by PCR, 4.7% by culture, 3.1% by SAF/methylene blue method and 2.8% by direct wet smear and prolonged MGG staining. The sensitivities were 83.3%, 75.0%, 50.0%, and 45.8% for PCR, culture, SAF/methylene blue method, and direct wet smear-prolonged MGG staining, respectively. The specificity was 100% for all the assessed methods. Microscopic examinations showed low sensitivity, mainly in asymptomatic pregnant patients. It is necessary to improve the detection of T. vaginalis using combined methods providing higher sensitivity, such as culture and PCR, mainly in asymptomatic pregnant patients, in order to prevent maternal and perinatal complications.

Performance evaluation of the Sysmex XN-1000 hematology analyzer in assessment of the white blood cell count differential in pediatric specimens.

PubMed

Becker, P-H; Fenneteau, O; Da Costa, L

2016-02-01

The automated XN-1000 hematology analyzer enables to perform a blood cell count and a leukocyte differential. When abnormal cells were detected, a flag was generated by the analyzer and a manual microscopic examination of the corresponding blood film was performed. We compared the white blood cell differentials provided by the automated hematology analyzer XN-1000 in a pediatric population (n = 765) with those obtained through microscopic examination by cytologists and those obtained using a previous version of this analyzer, the XE-2100. Leukocytes count as well as flags sensitivity and specificity was analyzed. The leukocytes count provided by the analyzer is in good accordance with the differential obtained by manual count in children older than 3 months. The sensitivity for blast detection is 99% and the detection of reactive cells is 63%. The flag specificity remains low (<35%) for blood samples collected from infants between 8 days and 2 years of age, but increases up to 67% thereafter. The results obtained with the XN-1000 analyzer show an improvement in comparison with those obtained with the XE-2100 analyzer. The automated WBC differential provided by the XN-1000 analyzer in the pediatric setting is accurate, but a meticulous microscopic examination of blood smears remains necessary for infants up to 3 months of age to validate the analyzer flags. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The relationship between morphological changes of lens epithelial cells and intraocular lens optic material.

PubMed

Majima, K

1998-01-01

To examine the morphological changes of lens epithelial cells (LECs) occurring directly beneath and at regions contacting various intraocular lens (IOL) optic materials, human LECs were cultured on human anterior lens capsules and were further incubated upon placing above the cells lens optics made of polymethylmethacrylate, silicone, and soft acrylic material. Observations as to the morphological changes of LECs under phase-contrast microscope and scanning electron microscope were performed on the 14th day of incubation. Gatherings of LECs were observed at regions contacting the soft acrylic material under phase-contrast microscope, and gatherings of LECs were observed accurately at the same regions mentioned above under scanning electron microscope. On the other hand, LECs in contact with two other optic materials did not show morphological changes. The results suggest that LECs attached to and proliferated on not only the anterior lens capsules but also the soft acrylic IOL optics. The model used in this study may be useful in studying the relationship between cellular movement of LECs and IOL optic material.

Mailing microscope slides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Many insects feed agriculturally important crops, trees, and ornamental plants and cause millions of dollars of damage annually. Identification for some of these require the preparation of a microscope slide for examination. There are times when a microscope slide may need to be sent away to a speci...

Development of confocal laser microscope system for examination of microscopic characteristics of radiophotoluminescence glass dosemeters.

PubMed

Maki, Daisuke; Ishii, Tetsuya; Sato, Fuminobu; Kato, Yushi; Yamamoto, Takayoshi; Iida, Toshiyuki

2011-03-01

A confocal laser microscope system was developed for the measurement of radiophotoluminescence (RPL) photons emitted from a minute alpha-ray-irradiated area in an RPL glass dosemeter. The system was composed mainly of an inverted-type microscope, an ultraviolet laser, an XY movable stage and photon-counting circuits. The photon-counting circuits were effective in the reduction of the background noise level in the measurement of RPL photons. The performance of this microscope system was examined by the observation of standard RPL glass samples irradiated using (241)Am alpha rays. The spatial resolution of this system was ∼ 3 μm, and with regard to the sensitivity of this system, a hit of more than four to five alpha rays in unit area produced enough amount of RPL photons to construct the image.

A study on rate of infestation to Sarcocystis cysts in supplied raw hamburgers.

PubMed

Nematollahia, Ahmad; Khoshkerdar, Afsaneh; Helan, Javad Ashrafi; Shahbazi, Parisa; Hassanzadeh, Parviz

2015-06-01

This study was carried on for determination of presence of Sarcocystis cysts in raw hamburgers in Tabriz North West of Iran. Ninety-six samples of industrial (70 % meat content) and traditional (30 % meat content) hamburgers (80 samples industrial and 16 samples traditional) were obtained from retail fast food stores. The samples were examined by gross examination, and microscopic examination methods consist impression smear and peptic digestion. Macroscopic cysts did not observed in any of the samples in gross examination. Microscopic study showed that from 96 samples 54 (56.25 %) samples were infected by at least one bradyzoites of Sarcocystis. From 54 infected samples, 45 industrial hamburgers and nine traditional hamburgers samples were infected. Statistical analysis showed that there was not significant differences between industrial and traditional hamburgers in infection to Sarcocystis. Infestation of hamburgers to Sarcocystis in summer was higher than other seasons but this difference was not significant. In Iran, beef meat is used for preparation of 70 % of hamburger and infestation of cattle to sarcocystosis was reported in many investigations in Iran. With regard to the high prevalence of Sarcocystis infection in meat products such as hamburgers in this study, it is strongly recommended to avoid eating raw or under-cooked hamburgers or keep them at freezing temperature for at least 3-5 days.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of synovial sarcoma--a comparative histological-cytological study of 15 cases, including immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cytogenetic examination and DNA-ploidy analysis.

PubMed

Akerman, M; Willén, H; Carlén, B; Mandahl, N; Mertens, F

1996-06-01

A retrospective study of 25 FNAs (11 aspirates from primary tumours and 14 from recurrencies and metastases) from 15 synovial sarcomas was performed. The cytological findings were correlated with the histopathology and the value of immunohistochemical and electron microscopic examination as well as DNA-ploidy and cytogenetic analysis for diagnosis were assessed. A reproducible cellular pattern with a reliable diagnosis of spindle cell sarcoma was possible provided that the aspirates were cell rich. However, a true biphasic pattern indicative of synovial sarcoma was only seen in one of the 25 specimens. Electron microscopic examination of the aspirates was a valuable adjunctive diagnostic method, whereas immunocytochemistry and DNA-ploidy analysis were not. Immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and cytogenetic analysis were all valuable ancillary methods when performed on surgical specimens. Malignant haemangiopericytoma and fibrosarcoma were the most important differential diagnoses in the FNA specimens.

COMPACT NON-CONTACT TOTAL EMISSION DETECTION FOR IN-VIVO MULTI-PHOTON EXCITATION MICROSCOPY

PubMed Central

Glancy, Brian; Karamzadeh, Nader S.; Gandjbakhche, Amir H.; Redford, Glen; Kilborn, Karl; Knutson, Jay R.; Balaban, Robert S.

2014-01-01

Summary We describe a compact, non-contact design for a Total Emission Detection (c-TED) system for intra-vital multi-photon imaging. To conform to a standard upright two-photon microscope design, this system uses a parabolic mirror surrounding a standard microscope objective in concert with an optical path that does not interfere with normal microscope operation. The non-contact design of this device allows for maximal light collection without disrupting the physiology of the specimen being examined. Tests were conducted on exposed tissues in live animals to examine the emission collection enhancement of the c-TED device compared to heavily optimized objective-based emission collection. The best light collection enhancement was seen from murine fat (5×-2× gains as a function of depth), while murine skeletal muscle and rat kidney showed gains of over two and just under two-fold near the surface, respectively. Gains decreased with imaging depth (particularly in the kidney). Zebrafish imaging on a reflective substrate showed close to a two-fold gain throughout the entire volume of an intact embryo (approximately 150 μm deep). Direct measurement of bleaching rates confirmed that the lower laser powers (enabled by greater light collection efficiency) yielded reduced photobleaching in vivo. The potential benefits of increased light collection in terms of speed of imaging and reduced photo-damage, as well as the applicability of this device to other multi-photon imaging methods is discussed. PMID:24251437

Influence of Environmental Changes on Physiology and Development of Polar Vascular Plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giełwanowska, Irena; Pastorczyk, Marta; Kellmann-Sopyła, Wioleta

2011-01-01

Polar vascular plants native to the Arctic and the Antarctic geobotanical zone have been growing and reproducing effectively under difficult environmental conditions, colonizing frozen ground areas formerly covered by ice. Our macroscopic observations and microscopic studies conducted by means of a light microscope (LM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) concerning the anatomical and ultrastructural observations of vegetative and generative tissue in Cerastium arcticum, Colobanthus quitensis, Silene involucrata, plants from Caryophyllaceae and Deschampsia antarctica, Poa annua and Poa arctica, from Poaceae family. In the studies, special attention was paid to plants coming from diversity habitats where stress factors operated with clearly different intensity. In all examinations plants, differences in anatomy were considerable. In Deschampsia antarctica the adaxial epidermis of hairgrass leaves from a humid microhabitat, bulliform cells differentiated. Mesophyll was composed of cells of irregular shapes and resembled aerenchyma. The ultrastructural observations of mesophyll in all plants showed tight adherence of chloroplasts, mitochondria and peroxisomes, surface deformations of these organelles and formation of characteristic outgrowths and pocket concavities filled with cytoplasm with vesicles and organelles by chloroplasts. In reproduction biology of examined Caryophyllaceae and Poaceae plants growing in natural conditions, in the Arctic and in the Antarctic, and in a greenhouse in Olsztyn showed that this plant develops two types of bisexual flowers. Almost all ovules developed and formed seeds with a completely differentiated embryo both under natural conditions in the Arctic and the Antarctic and in a greenhouse in Olsztyn.

Influence of Environmental Changes on Physiology and Development of Polar Vascular Plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giełwanowska, Irena; Pastorczyk, Marta; Kellmann-Sopyła, Wioleta

2011-01-01

Polar vascular plants native to the Arctic and the Antarctic geobotanical zone have been growing and reproducing effectively under difficult environmental conditions, colonizing frozen ground areas formerly covered by ice. Our macroscopic observations and microscopic studies conducted by means of a light microscope (LM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) concerning the anatomical and ultrastructural observations of vegetative and generative tissue in Cerastium arcticum, Colobanthus quitensis, Silene involucrata, plants from Caryophyllaceae and Deschampsia antarctica, Poa annua and Poa arctica, from Poaceae family. In the studies, special attention was paid to plants coming from diversity habitats where stress factors operated with clearly different intensity. In all examinations plants, differences in anatomy were considerable. In Deschampsia antarctica the adaxial epidermis of hairgrass leaves from a humid microhabitat, bulliform cells differentiated. Mesophyll was composed of cells of irregular shapes and resembled aerenchyma. The ultrastructural observations of mesophyll in all plants showed tight adherence of chloroplasts, mitochondria and peroxisomes, surface deformations of these organelles and formation of characteristic outgrowths and pocket concavities filled with cytoplasm with vesicles and organelles by chloroplasts. In reproduction biology of examined Caryophyllaceae and Poaceae plants growing in natural conditions, in the Arctic and in the Antarctic, and in a greenhouse in Olsztyn showed that this plant develops two types of bisexual flowers. Almost all ovules developed and formed seeds with a completely differentiated embryo both under natural conditions in the Arctic and the Antarctic and in a greenhouse in Olsztyn.

A study of structural and mechanical properties of nano-crystalline tungsten nitride film synthesis by plasma focus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussnain, Ali; Singh Rawat, Rajdeep; Ahmad, Riaz; Hussain, Tousif; Umar, Z. A.; Ikhlaq, Uzma; Chen, Zhong; Shen, Lu

2015-02-01

Nano-crystalline tungsten nitride thin films are synthesized on AISI-304 steel at room temperature using Mather-type plasma focus system. The surface properties of the exposed substrate against different deposition shots are examined for crystal structure, surface morphology and mechanical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope and nano-indenter. The XRD results show the growth of WN and WN2 phases and the development of strain/stress in the deposited films by varying the number of deposition shots. Morphology of deposited films shows the significant change in the surface structure with different ion energy doses (number of deposition shots). Due to the effect of different ion energy doses, the strain/stress developed in the deposited film leads to an improvement of hardness of deposited films.

[Tripartite motif-containing protein 34 (TRIM34) colocalized with micronuclei chromosome and hampers its movement to equatorial plate during the metaphase stage of mitosis].

PubMed

Sun, Dakang; An, Xinye; Ji, Bing; Cheng, Yanli; Gao, Honglian; Tian, Mingming

2016-06-01

Objective To examine whether tripartite motif-containing protein 34 (TRIM34) is colocalized with micronuclei and investigate the influence on the movement of micronuclei chromosome in mitosis. Methods The eukaryotic expression vector TRIM34-pEGFP-N3 was constructed, identified and then transfected into HEK293T cells. With 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole 2HCI (DAPI) staining, the colocalization between TRIM34 and micronuclei was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Moreover, MitoTracker(R)Deep Red was used to identify the colocalization between the complex of TRIM34-micronulei and mitochondria under a confocal microscope. Finally, the effect of TRIM34 on the movement of micronuclei chromosome in mitosis was examined. Results DNA sequencing confirmed that the vector TRIM34-pEGFP-N3 was constructed successfully. A fluorescence microscope revealed that TRIM34 could be colocalized with micronuclei in HEK293T cells transfected with TRIM34-pEGFP-N3. In the same manner, a confocal microscope distinctly showed that TRIM34 was colocalized with micronuclei similarly in appearance. However, there was no distinguished colocalization relationship between the complex of TRIM34-micronulei and mitochondria. Interestingly, the micronuclei chromosome conjugated with TRIM34 was hardly transferred to equatorial plate during the metaphase stage of mitosis. Conclusion TRIM34 is colocalized with micronuclei chromosome and hampers its movement to equatorial plate in mitosis.

Bioactivities examination of Cinchona leaves ethanol extracts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Artanti, Nina; Udin, Linar Z.; Hanafi, M.; Jamilah, Kurniasih, Ida Rahmi; Primahana, Gian; Anita, Yulia; Sundowo, Andini; Kandace, Yoice Sri

2017-01-01

Cinchona species especially the barks are commonly known for commercial production of quinine as antimalarial. Although it is also reported for treatment of depurative, whooping cough, influenza and dysentery. In this paper we reported in vitro examination of other bioactivities (antidiabetes, antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxicity) of 70% ethanol extract of Cinchona ledgeriana and C. succirubra leaves as well as qunine, quinidine, and cinchonine the major alkaloids found in Cinchona species. Antidiabetes was conducted using α-glucosidase inhibitory activity assay. Antioxidant was conducted using DPPH free radical scavenging activity assay. In vitro cytotoxic activity was concucted by microscopic observation on growth of breast cancer cell line MCF-7. The results showed that at concentration of 100 µg/ml, C. ledgeriana leaves ethanol extracts showed the best activity as antidiabetes (98% inhibitory of α-glucosidase activity) and antioxidant (92% DPPH free radical scavenging activity), whereas at the same concentration C. succirubra, quinine, quinidine and cinchonine showed very low activities of antidiabetes and antioxidant. Microscopic observation of in vitro cytotoxicity showed that C. ledgeriana also has excellent cytotoxicity to breast cancer cell line MCF-7 which better than quinine, quinidine and cinchonine, whereas C. succirubra showed low cytotoxicity. These results suggest that cinchona species have many potential as the source of drugs discovery and development other than just for malaria treatment. Therefore it is important to conduct further studies and to maintain the available Cinchona plantation in Indonesia.

Commentary: Giuseppe Campani (1635-1715, Rome, Italy): the First Use of a Microscope in Medicine and Surgery.

PubMed

Brogna, Christian; Millesi, Matthias; Fiengo, Leslie; Richardson, Mark; Bhangoo, Ranjeev; Ashkan, Keyoumars; Türe, Ugur

2018-02-01

Giuseppe Campani (1635-1715) was a polymath in Rome, Italy, during the Scientific Revolution in the XVIIth century. In particular, he forged the screw barrel microscope and was manufacturing his own lenses for microscopes and telescopes. He mastered the art of lens grinding. Those lenses have been analyzed with modern methods and turned out to be of extremely good quality, shining light on the fact that Giuseppe Campani mastered the theories of optics. Moreover, in a letter that Giuseppe Campani sent to Pope Innocent XI, he clearly described the use of a microscope for the examination of wounds of legs. This letter dates back to 15 August 1686 and is the first evidence of the use of microscopes to analyze wounds, sores, and anatomic specimens in medical and surgical settings. MG Yasargil previously showed the lithography accompanying this letter and was the first to recognize its great importance. We accessed this original letter in the Vatican Library, and for the first time we have translated it from Latin to English in order to unveil its significance in the context of the Scientific Revolution and the history of medicine and surgery. Copyright © 2017 by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

The color(s) of human hair--forensic hair analysis with SpectraCube.

PubMed

Birngruber, Christoph; Ramsthaler, Frank; Verhoff, Marcel A

2009-03-10

Human hair is among the most common kind of evidence secured at crime scenes. Although DNA analysis through STR-typing is possible in principle, it is not very promising for telogenic hair or single hairs. For the mixed traces frequently found in practice, composed of different hair from an unknown number of individuals, mtDNA sequencing of each individual hair seems to be the only possible, even if technically elaborate, solution. If it were possible to pool all hair belonging to an individual prior to DNA analysis, then this effort could not only be reduced, but the number of hair for an STR-approach could also be increased. Although it is possible to examine hair microscopically, this method must be considered unsuitable for pooling, since the results depend strongly on examiner experience, and the hair cannot always be correctly attributed to an individual. The goal of this study was to develop an objective non-DNA-contaminative pooling method for hair. To this end, the efficacy of spectral imaging as a method of obtaining information--beyond that obtained from a purely microscopic and morphological approach--for the identification of individuals was investigated. Three hairs each from 25 test persons (female: 18; male: 7) were examined with a SpectraCube-System and a light microscope. Six spectra were calculated for each hair, and the hairs from each individual were not only compared to each other, but also to those of the other individuals. From a forensic vantage, the examination showed, in particular, that individuals, whose hair could not be distinguished on the basis of morphology, could also not be accurately distinguished with the SpectraCube. The intra-individual differences were, in part, greater than the inter-individual differences. Altogether, the study shows that a person's hair color, as perceived, is composed of many naturally different, individual colors.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Limiao, E-mail: chenlimiao@csu.edu.cn; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083; Wu, Min

The semiconductor nanostructures decorated with noble metals have attracted increasing attention due to their interesting physical and chemical properties. In this work, urchin-like monoclinic (m-) LaVO{sub 4} microspheres were prepared by a hydrothermal method and used as a template to fabricate Ag nanoparticle-decorated m-LaVO{sub 4} composites. The morphology and structure were characterized by transmission electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray. It was found that Ag nanoparticles with narrow size distribution were uniformly loaded on urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres, and the resulted composite microspheres showed distinct surface plasmon absorption band compared to pure m-LaVO{sub 4}more » microspheres. Photocatalytic activities of as-prepared samples were examined by studying the degradation of methyl orange solutions under visible-light irradiation (> 400 nm). Results clearly showed that urchin-like m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres possess much higher photocatalytic activity than pure m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres and P25. - Highlights: • m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag composites microspheres were fabricated by a hydrothermal method. • m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres show higher photocatalytic activity than m-LaVO{sub 4} microspheres. • m-LaVO{sub 4}/Ag microspheres exhibit a good stability.« less

Identification of Malassezia species isolated from Iranian seborrhoeic dermatitis patients.

PubMed

Hedayati, M T; Hajheydari, Z; Hajjar, F; Ehsani, A; Shokohi, T; Mohammadpour, R

2010-01-01

In recent years, the genus Malassezia has come to be considered important in the etiology of seborrhoeic dermatitis (SED). The aim of present study was identification of Malassezia species on the lesions of Iranian SED patients. 100 patients with SED were enrolled in the study. The patients were evaluated both clinically for the severity of SED and microscopically for the presence of the yeast Malassezia. Diagnosis of Malassezia was made after the yeast Malassezia was microscopically observed on skin scales stained with methylene blue. All samples were also cultivated on Leeming and Notman and Sabouraud's dextrose agar culture media. The agar plates were incubated at 32 degrees C for 2 weeks and evaluated for the existence of growth every day for one week. Identification of isolated yeast was based on morphological and physiological characteristics. From 100 patients with SED, 60% were female. The age range was 12-65 years with median 27.3 years. The highest prevalence of SED was seen in 20-29 years age group. 59% and 41% of patients had local and generalized lesions, respectively. 58% of patients showed lesion on scalp. Microscopic examination of skin scales was positive in 100% of SED lesions. 96% of patients showed more than 1-3 yeasts in each microscopic field whereas only 4% patients showed 1-3 yeasts in whole slide. Totally, 77% of the specimens yielded Malassezia in culture. Malassezia globosa was the most commonly isolated Malassezia species (55.8%). Malassezia globosa had also most frequencies on scalp and face lesions. Malassezia furfur had most frequency on trunk lesions. The results of our study showed high recovery rate of Malassezia species on lesions of patients with SED. So it might be playing a causative role in the etiology of this disease.

Through the High-Tech Looking Glass | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Science begins with observation; scientists have made telescopes to examine things farther away than the eye can see and microscopes to examine things invisible to human vision. Since Robert Hooke in the 17th century used the first microscope to document the existence of living cells, advances in cell biology have been tied to ever more innovative tools for visualizing and analyzing the microscopic world. CCR scientists continue to creatively expand the boundaries of observation to answer longstanding and diverse questions about the inner workings of cells.

Examination of silicon solar cells by means of the Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope (SLAM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vorres, C.; Yuhas, D. E.

1981-01-01

The Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope produces images of internal structure in materials. The acoustic microscope is an imaging system based upon acoustic rather than electromagnetic waves. Variations in the elastic propertis are primarily responsible for structure visualized in acoustic micrographs. The instrument used in these investigations is the SONOMICROSCOPE 100 which can be operated at ultrasonic frequencies of from 30 MHz to 500 MHz. The examination of the silicon solar cells was made at 100 MHz. Data are presented in the form of photomicrographs.

Characterization of ash in algae and other materials by determination of wet acid indigestible ash and microscopic examination

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Algae are known for high ash content. It is important to properly characterize their ash for value added utilization of algae as food, feed, and feedstock for biofuels. In this study, 12 algae of different sources were measured for proximate composition and mineral profile. Results showed that the r...

An electron-microscope study of alpha to gamma transformation in an iron-nickel alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lobodyuk, V. A.; Khandros, L. G.; Fedas, N. P.

1980-01-01

Procedures used to study the alpha to gamma conversion in thin foils of an iron alloy with 32% nickel concentration and initial martensite conversion temperature of -60 C are described. Photomicrographs show deformation twinning as well as changes in samples after they were heated. Reverse conversion is discussed and results are examined.

Cecal vascular hamartoma causing recurrent colic in an Arabian mare.

PubMed

Nolf, Marie; Maninchedda, Ugo; Belluco, Sara; Lepage, Olivier; Cadoré, Jean-Luc

2014-06-01

A 5-year-old mare was treated for recurrent colic and weight loss by surgical removal of an intraluminal cecal mass. Microscopic examination revealed vascular hamartoma. A 6-month follow-up showed an improvement in the general condition of the mare. Vascular hamartoma should be one of the differential diagnoses for weight loss and colic.

Method for procuring specific populations of viable human prostate cells for research.

PubMed

Fischer, A H; Philips, A; Taysavang, P; McKenney, J K; Amin, M B

2001-04-01

A wider range of research can be conducted on viable tissue samples than on fixed or frozen samples. A major obstacle to studying viable prostate tissue samples is the inability to accurately identify cancer on direct examination of unembedded tissue. We used a dissecting microscope to identify cancer in unfixed prostate tissue samples stained on the cut surface with 0.5% aqueous toluidine blue. We measured the diagnostic accuracy of this technique in 25 consecutive prostatectomies, determined the viability of procured samples, and estimated the effect on final pathologic assessment. Both surfaces of a 3- to 5-mm thick cross-section taken midway between base and apex of the prostate were examined. A 4-mm punch biopsy was directed to one benign and one malignant area when clearly present. The dissecting microscope allowed clearcut recognition of carcinoma in 17 of the 25 cross-sections, and carcinoma was confirmed in all 17 (100%). In 8 of 25 cases, no procurement was attempted because no carcinoma was evident in the one cross-section studied. Twenty of 25 cross-sections were adequate for benign tissue procurement; five of the cross-sections were not suitable for procurement because of the presence of extensive carcinoma or atrophy. Seventeen of the 20 were accurately diagnosed as benign (85%); one showed pseudohyperplastic adenocarcinoma, one showed focal high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and one showed urothelial carcinoma in situ. Prostatic epithelium obtained with the technique remains viable and can be separated from stroma. The dissecting microscope technique appears to facilitate rather than interfere with accurate pathologic assessment: extraprostatic extension or positive margins were correctly identified during tissue procurement in three cases. The procedure takes only about 30 minutes.

Mars Under the Microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This magnified look at the martian soil near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's landing site, Meridiani Planum, shows coarse grains sprinkled over a fine layer of sand. The image was captured by the rover's microscopic imager on the 10th day, or sol, of its mission. Scientists are intrigued by the spherical rocks, which can be formed by a variety of geologic processes, including cooling of molten lava droplets and accretion of concentric layers of material around a particle or 'seed.'

The examined patch of soil is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. The circular grain in the lower left corner is approximately 3 millimeters (.12 inches) across, or about the size of a sunflower seed.

Nanoscale amorphization of GeTe nanowire with conductive atomic force microscope.

PubMed

Kim, JunHo

2014-10-01

We fabricated GeTe nanowires by using Au catalysis mediated vapor-liquid-solid method. The fabricated nanowires were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. For a nanowire with - 150 nm diameter, we performed amorphization experiment with conductive atomic force microscope. We examined the structural change of the nanowire with several bias voltages from 0 V to 10 V. Above bias voltage of 6-7 V, some points of the nanowire showed transition to amorphous phase. The consumed energy for the amorphization was estimated to be 4-5 nJ, which was close to the other result of nanowire tested with a four probe device.

Microscopic investigation of cavitation erosion damage in metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hackworh, J. V.; Adler, W. F.

1974-01-01

The results of research to identify the cavitation erosion damage mechanisms at the microscopic level for three metals (aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium) representing a range of properties and microstructure are presented. The metals were exposed to cavitation generated in distilled water by a 20-kHz ultrasonic facility operating at a vibration amplitude of 2 mils. Representative properties of the metals and experimental details are summarized. Replicas of the eroded surfaces of the specimens obtained periodically during exposure were examined with a transmission electron microscope to follow progression of the erosion damage and identify dominant erosion mechanisms as a function of exposure time. Eroded surfaces of selected specimens were also examined with a scanning electron microscope to assist in the interpretation.

Four-point bend apparatus for in situ micro-Raman stress measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ward, Shawn H.; Mann, Adrian B.

2018-06-01

A device for in situ use with a micro-Raman microscope to determine stress from the Raman peak position was designed and validated. The device is a four-point bend machine with a micro-stepping motor and load cell, allowing for fine movement and accurate readings of the applied force. The machine has a small footprint and easily fits on most optical microscope stages. The results obtained from silicon are in good agreement with published literature values for the linear relationship between stress and peak position for the 520.8 cm‑1 Raman peak. The device was used to examine 4H–SiC and a good linear relationship was found between the 798 cm‑1 Raman peak position and stress, with the proportionality coefficient being close to the theoretical value of 0.0025. The 777 cm‑1 Raman peak also showed a linear dependence on stress, but the dependence was not as strong. The device examines both the tensile and compressive sides of the beam in bending, granting the potential for many materials and crystal orientations to be examined.

Pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and mediastinitis in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) associated with Pseudomonas luteola Infection.

PubMed

Martínez, J; Martorell, J; Abarca, M L; Olvera, A; Ramis, A; Woods, L; Cheville, N; Juan-Sallés, C; Moya, A; Riera, A; Soto, S

2012-01-01

Between 2008 and 2009, three pet ferrets from different sources presented with acute episode of dyspnoea. Cytological examination of pleural exudates revealed severe purulent inflammation with abundant clusters of rod-shaped microorganisms with a clear surrounding halo. Treatment was ineffective and the ferrets died 2-5 days later. Two ferrets were subjected to necropsy examination, which revealed pyothorax, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and multiple white nodules (1-2mm) in the lungs. Microscopical examination showed multifocal necrotizing-pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and lymphadenitis with aggregates of encapsulated microorganisms, some of which were positively stained by periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue. In-situ hybridization for Pneumocystis spp., Ziehl-Neelsen staining and immunohistochemistry for distemper, coronavirus and influenza antigen were negative in all cases. Electron microscopically, the bacteria were 2-3 μm long with a thick electron-lucent capsule. Microbiology from one ferret yielded a pure culture of gram-negative bacteria identified phenotypically as Pseudomonas luteola. This speciation was later confirmed by 16S RNA gene amplification. Copyright © 2011. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Diagnosis and therapeutic management of Dipylidium caninum in dogs: a case report.

PubMed

Saini, Vijesh Kumar; Gupta, Snehil; Kasondra, Arjun; Rakesh, R L; Latchumikanthan, A

2016-12-01

The present study is related to Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs. Three dogs about 1 year of age with the history of scooting behaviour and passing diarrhoeic stool containing white specks were presented before the clinicians. Physical examination of dogs revealed flea infestation and faecal examination revealed the presence of gravid segments, which were confirmed microscopically to be of cestode, D. caninum. Dogs were treated with Praziquantel@5 mg/kg body wt. orally. Dogs showed marked recovery post treatment. On re-examination after a week, faeces were found negative for any parasitic eggs/gravid segments.

Real-time, non-invasive microscopic confirmation of clinical diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy.

PubMed

Ardigò, M; Agozzino, M; Amorosi, B; Moscarella, E; Cota, C; de Abreu, L; Berardesca, E

2014-05-01

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease affecting prevalently the elder. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is a non-invasive technique for real-time imaging of the skin with cellular-level resolution. No previous data has been reported about confocal microscopy of bullous pemphigoid. Aim of this preliminary study is the evaluation of the potential of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for real-time, microscopical confirmation of clinical bullous pemphigoid diagnosis. A total of nine lesions from patients affected by pemphigoid underwent in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy before histological examination. In our preliminary study, confocal microscopy showed high grade of correspondence to histopathology. In particular, presence of sub-epidermal cleft and variable amount of oedema of the upper dermis associated with inflammatory cells infiltration were seen as prevalent confocal features in the bullous lesions considered. Differently, in urticarial lesions, no specific features could be appreciated at confocal analysis beside the presence of signs of spongiosis and perivascular inflammation. Confocal microscopy seems to be useful for in vivo, microscopical confirmation of the clinical suspect of bullous pemphigoid and for biopsy site selection in urticarial lesions to obtain a more significant specimen for histopathological examination. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Three-dimensional fine structure of the organization of microtubules in neurite varicosities by ultra-high voltage electron microscope tomography.

PubMed

Nishida, Tomoki; Yoshimura, Ryoichi; Endo, Yasuhisa

2017-09-01

Neurite varicosities are highly specialized compartments that are involved in neurotransmitter/ neuromodulator release and provide a physiological platform for neural functions. However, it remains unclear how microtubule organization contributes to the form of varicosity. Here, we examine the three-dimensional structure of microtubules in varicosities of a differentiated PC12 neural cell line using ultra-high voltage electron microscope tomography. Three-dimensional imaging showed that a part of the varicosities contained an accumulation of organelles that were separated from parallel microtubule arrays. Further detailed analysis using serial sections and whole-mount tomography revealed microtubules running in a spindle shape of swelling in some other types of varicosities. These electron tomographic results showed that the structural diversity and heterogeneity of microtubule organization supported the form of varicosities, suggesting that a different distribution pattern of microtubules in varicosities is crucial to the regulation of varicosities development.

Cadmium induces histopathological injuries and ultrastructural changes in the liver of freshwater turtle (Chinemys reevesii).

PubMed

Huo, Junfeng; Dong, Aiguo; Wang, Yonghui; Lee, Shaochin; Ma, Cungen; Wang, Lan

2017-11-01

The study investigated the histopathological and ultrastructural lesions of liver of freshwater turtle Chinemys reevesii exposed to Cadmium (Cd). The animals were exposed to 0 mg kg -1 (0.85% normal saline (NS)), 7.5 mg kg -1 , 15 mg kg -1 , 30 mg kg -1 Cd chloride separately by intraperitoneal injection. Liver samples were collected for examination of lesions under light and electronic microscopes. Results showed that liver tissues from Cd -treated animals presented various degrees of histopathological lesions. Liver cells showed swollen, degeneration and necrosis with dose-dependent manner. Under electronic microscope, nucleus, mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum presented various degrees of lesions with dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, Cd has significant toxicity on liver tissue of the freshwater turtle, which occurs in a dose-dependent manner. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphological and mechanical properties of styrene butadiene rubber/nano copper nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harandi, Maryam Hadizadeh; Alimoradi, Fakhrodin; Rowshan, Gholamhussein; Faghihi, Morteza; Keivani, Maryam; Abadyan, Mohamadreza

In this research, rubber based nanocomposites with presence of nanoparticle has been studied. Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)/nanocopper (NC) composites were prepared using two-roll mill method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed proper dispersion of NC in the SBR matrix without substantial agglomeration of nanoparticles. To evaluate the curing properties of nanocomposite samples, swelling and cure rheometric tests were conducted. Moreover, the rheological studies were carried out over a range of shear rates. The effect of NC particles was examined on the thermal behavior of the SBR using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, tensile tests were employed to investigate the capability of nanoparticles to enhance mechanical behavior of the compounds. The results showed enhancement in tensile properties with incorporation of NC to SBR matrix. Moreover, addition of NC increased shear viscosity and curing time of SBR composites.

Morphometric analysis of root canal cleaning after rotary instrumentation with or without laser irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marchesan, Melissa A.; Geurisoli, Danilo M. Z.; Brugnera, Aldo, Jr.; Barbin, Eduardo L.; Pecora, Jesus D.

2002-06-01

The present study examined root canal cleaning, using the optic microscope, after rotary instrumentation with ProFile.04 with or without laser application with different output energies. Cleaning and shaping can be accomplished manually, with ultra-sonic and sub-sonic devices, with rotary instruments and recently, increasing development in laser radiation has shown promising results for disinfection and smear layer removal. In this study, 30 palatal maxillary molar roots were examined using an optic microscope after rotary instrumentation with ProFile .04 with or without Er:YAG laser application (KaVo KeyLaser II, Germany) with different output energies (2940 nm, 15 Hz, 300 pulses, 500 milli-sec duration, 42 J, 140 mJ showed on the display- input, 61 mJ at fiberoptic tip-output and 140 mJ showed on the display-input and 51 mJ at fiberoptic tip-output). Statistical analysis showed no statistical differences between the tested treatments (ANOVA, p>0.05). ANOVA also showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.01) between the root canal thirds, indicating that the middle third had less debris than the apical third. We conclude that: 1) none of the tested treatments led to totally cleaned root canals; 2) all treatments removed debris similarly, 3) the middle third had less debris than the apical third; 4) variation in output energy did not increase cleaning.

Treating onychomycoses of the toenail: clinical efficacy of the sub-millisecond 1,064 nm Nd: YAG laser using a 5 mm spot diameter.

PubMed

Kimura, Utako; Takeuchi, Kaori; Kinoshita, Ayako; Takamori, Kenji; Hiruma, Masataro; Suga, Yasushi

2012-04-01

Onychomycosis is a relatively common fungal infection. Current treatments have limited applicability and low cure rates. Recently introduced laser therapy has shown to be a safe and effective treatment for onychomycosis. In this study, we evaluate a submillisecond Nd:YAG 1,064 nm laser for treating onychomycoses of the tonail. Thirteen subjects (9 female, 4 male) with 37 affected toenails received 1 to 3 treatments 4 and/or 8 weeks apart with a sub-millisecond 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Diagnosis of onychomycosis was confirmed with microscopy. Average follow-up time was 16 weeks post-final treatment. Photos were taken and degree of turbidity was determined using a turbidity scale (ranging from "0 = clear nail" to "10 = completely turbid nail") at each visit. Improvement in turbidity was determined by comparison of turbidity scores at baseline and 16-week follow-up on average. Efficacy was assessed by an overall improvement scale (0 to 4), which combined improvement in turbidity scores and microscopic examination. Overall improvement was classified as "4 = complete clearance" if the turbidity score indicated "0 = clear nail" accompanied by a negative microscopic result. No microscopic examination was performed unless the turbidity score showed "0 = clear nail." Treatments were well tolerated by all subjects and there were no adverse events. Of the 37 toenails treated, 30 (81%) had "moderate" to "complete" clearance average of 16 weeks post-final treatment. Nineteen toenails (51%) were completely clear and all tested negative for fungal infection on direct microscopic analysis. Seven (19%) toenails had significant clearance and four (11%) had moderate clearance. The preliminary results of this study show this treatment modality is safe and effective for the treatment of onychomycosis in the short term. Additional studies are needed to more fully assess the clinical and mycological benefits as well as optimize the treatment protocol and parameters.

Design and analysis of multilayer x ray/XUV microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shealy, David L.

1990-01-01

The design and analysis of a large number of normal incidence multilayer x ray microscopes based on the spherical mirror Schwarzschild configuration is examined. Design equations for the spherical mirror Schwarzschild microscopes are summarized and used to evaluate mirror parameters for microscopes with magnifications ranging from 2 to 50x. Ray tracing and diffraction analyses are carried out for many microscope configurations to determine image resolution as a function of system parameters. The results are summarized in three publication included herein. A preliminary study of advanced reflecting microscope configurations, where aspherics are used in place of the spherical microscope mirror elements, has indicated that the aspherical elements will improve off-axis image resolution and increase the effective field of view.

Root dentine and endodontic instrumentation: cutting edge microscopic imaging

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Cutting of the dental hard tissues is an integral part of restorative dentistry. Cutting of the root dentine is also needed in preparation prior to endodontic treatment, with significant commercial investment for the development of flexible cutting instruments based around nickel titanium (NiTi) alloys. This paper describes the evolution of endodontic cutting instruments, both in materials used, e.g. the transition from stainless steel to NiTi, and the design of the actual instruments themselves and their method of activation—by hand or motor driven. We have been examining tooth-cutting interactions microscopically for over 25 years using a variety of microscopic techniques; in particular, video-rate confocal microscopy. This has given a unique insight into how many of the procedures that we take for granted are achieved in clinical practice, by showing microscopic video images of the cutting as it occurs within the tooth. This technology has now been extended to allow imaging of the endodontic instrument and the root canal wall for the first time. We are able to image dentine distortion and crack propagation during endodontic filing of the root canal space. We are also able to visualize the often claimed, but seldom seen action of contemporary endodontic instruments. PMID:27274802

Root dentine and endodontic instrumentation: cutting edge microscopic imaging.

PubMed

Atmeh, Amre R; Watson, Timothy F

2016-06-06

Cutting of the dental hard tissues is an integral part of restorative dentistry. Cutting of the root dentine is also needed in preparation prior to endodontic treatment, with significant commercial investment for the development of flexible cutting instruments based around nickel titanium (NiTi) alloys. This paper describes the evolution of endodontic cutting instruments, both in materials used, e.g. the transition from stainless steel to NiTi, and the design of the actual instruments themselves and their method of activation-by hand or motor driven. We have been examining tooth-cutting interactions microscopically for over 25 years using a variety of microscopic techniques; in particular, video-rate confocal microscopy. This has given a unique insight into how many of the procedures that we take for granted are achieved in clinical practice, by showing microscopic video images of the cutting as it occurs within the tooth. This technology has now been extended to allow imaging of the endodontic instrument and the root canal wall for the first time. We are able to image dentine distortion and crack propagation during endodontic filing of the root canal space. We are also able to visualize the often claimed, but seldom seen action of contemporary endodontic instruments.

Flow Liner Slot Edge Replication Feasibility Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newman, John A.; Willard, Scott A.; Smith, Stephen W.; Piascik, Robert S.

2006-01-01

Surface replication has been proposed as a method for crack detection in space shuttle main engine flowliner slots. The results of a feasibility study show that examination of surface replicas with a scanning electron microscope can result in the detection of cracks as small as 0.005 inch, and surface flaws as small as 0.001 inch, for the flowliner material.

[Detection of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by PCR in children, less than five years of age with diarrhea, in Maracaibo, Venezuela. A preliminary study].

PubMed

Bracho Mora, Angela; Rivero de Rodríguez, Zulbey; Arraiz, Nailet; Villalobos, Rafael; Urdaneta, Haydee

2013-12-01

To determine the prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica as a producer of diarrhea, a study was conducted in children, less than five years of age, with diarrhea who attended several out patient clinics of the Servicio Aut6nomo Hospital Universitario, Maracaibo, Venezuela. A macroscopic and microscopic examination with physiological saline, lugol and Kinyoun staining were performed to the stool samples obtained. The remainder of the sample was frozen until DNA extraction, and PCR amplification was performed separately for E. histolytica and E. dispar. Microscopic examination showed no trophozoites and/or cysts of Entamoeba histolytica/dispar/moshkovskii, or intestinal coccidians in any of the 50 samples analyzed. Parasites detected were Giardia lamblia (6%), Blastocystis sp. (4%), Pentatrichomonas hominis (2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (2%) and Trichuris trichiura (2%). By PCR, six samples (12%) had DNA of E. dispar and two (4%) had DNA from E. histolytica; no child showed association of both amoebae. The two children who had E. histolytica were one-year-old. E. dispar was detected in younger children. We suggest that the prevalence of E. histolytica in children under five years is really low.

Detection of pathogenic Leptospira from selected environment in Kelantan and Terengganu, Malaysia.

PubMed

Ridzlan, F R; Bahaman, A R; Khairani-Bejo, S; Mutalib, A R

2010-12-01

Leptospirosis is recognized as one of the important zoonotic diseases in the world including Malaysia. A total of 145 soil and water samples were collected from selected National Service Training Centres (NSTC) in Kelantan and Terengganu. The samples were inoculated into modified semisolid Ellinghausen McCullough Johnson Harris (EMJH) medium, incubated at room temperature for 1 month and examined under the dark-field microscope. Positive growth of the leptospiral isolates were then confirmed with 8-Azaguanine Test, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). Fifteen cultures (10.34%) exhibited positive growths which were seen under dark field microscope whilst only 20% (3/15) were confirmed as pathogenic species. based on 8-Azaguanine Test and PCR. Serological identification of the isolates with MAT showed that hebdomadis was the dominant serovar in Terengganu. Pathogenic leptospires can be detected in Malaysian environment and this has the potential to cause an outbreak. Therefore, precautionary steps against leptospirosis should be taken by camp authorities to ensure the safety of trainees.

Microscopic fluorescence spectral analysis of basal cell carcinomas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Qingli; Lui, Harvey; Zloty, David; Cowan, Bryce; Warshawski, Larry; McLean, David I.; Zeng, Haishan

2007-05-01

Background and Objectives. Laser-induced autofluorescence (LIAF) is a promising tool for cancer diagnosis. This method is based on the differences in autofluorescence spectra between normal and cancerous tissues, but the underlined mechanisms are not well understood. The objective of this research is to study the microscopic origins and intrinsic fluorescence properties of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) for better understanding of the mechanism of in vivo fluorescence detection and margin delineation of BCCs on skin patients. A home-made micro- spectrophotometer (MSP) system was used to image the fluorophore distribution and to measure the fluorescence spectra of various microscopic structures and regions on frozen tissue sections. Materials and Methods. BCC tissue samples were obtained from 14 patients undergoing surgical resections. After surgical removal, each tissue sample was immediately embedded in OCT medium and snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue block was then cut into 16-μm thickness sections using a cryostat microtome and placed on microscopic glass slides. The sections for fluorescence study were kept unstained and unfixed, and then analyzed by the MSP system. The adjacent tissue sections were H&E stained for histopathological examination and also served to help identify various microstructures on the adjacent unstained sections. The MSP system has all the functions of a conventional microscope, plus the ability of performing spectral analysis on selected micro-areas of a microscopic sample. For tissue fluorescence analysis, 442nm He-Cd laser light is used to illuminate and excite the unstained tissue sections. A 473-nm long pass filter was inserted behind the microscope objective to block the transmitted laser light while passing longer wavelength fluorescence signal. The fluorescence image of the sample can be viewed through the eyepieces and also recorded by a CCD camera. An optical fiber is mounted onto the image plane of the photograph port of the microscope to collect light from a specific micro area of the sample. The collected light is transmitted via the fiber to a disperserve type CCD spectrometer for spectral analysis. Results. The measurement results showed significant spectral differences between normal and cancerous tissues. For normal tissue regions, the spectral results agreed with our previous findings on autofluorescence of normal skin sections. For the cancerous regions, the epidermis showed very weak fluorescence signal, while the stratum corneum exhibited fluorescence emissions peaking at about 510 nm. In the dermis, the basal cell island and a band of surrounding areas showed very weak fluorescence signal, while distal dermis above and below the basal cell island showed greater fluorescence signal but with different spectral shapes. The very weak autofluorescence from the basal cell island and its surrounding area may be attributed to their degenerative properties that limited the production of collagens. Conclusions. The obtained microscopic results very well explain the in vivo fluorescence properties of BCC lesions in that they have decreased fluorescence intensity compared to the surrounding normal skin. The intrinsic spectra of various microstructures and the microscopic fluorescence images (corresponding fluorophore distribution in tissue) obtained in this study will be used for further theoretical modeling of in vivo fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging of skin cancers.

[Detection of marginal leakage of Class V restorations in vitro by micro-CT].

PubMed

Gu, Lin-juan; Zhao, Xin-yi; Li, Shi-bao

2012-09-01

To evaluate the reliability and superiority of micro-CT in marginal leakage assessment of Class V restorations. Class V preparations with gingival margins in dentin and occlusal in enamel were made in sixteen extracted non-carious human molars and restored with dental bonding agents and composite resin. All teeth were then immersed in 50% ammonia-silver nitrate solution for 12 hours, followed by developing solution for 8 hours. Each restoration was scanned by a micro-CT and silver leakage was measured and three-dimensional image of the silver leakage alone cavity wall were reconstructed. Afterward, all restorations were sectioned and examined for leakage depth using a microscope. The silver leakage depth of each restoration obtained by micro-CT and microscope were compared for equivalency. The silver leakage depths in gingival wall obtained with micro-CT (0.78 mm) and microscope (0.74 mm) showed no significant difference (P > 0.05), while the judgment of leakage depths in occlusal wall in micro-CT image (0.40 mm) was affected by adjacent enamel structure, giving less leakage depths compared to microscope (0.72 mm)(P < 0.01). The three-dimensional shapes of the microleakages displayed clearly by micro-CT alone wall of Class V restorations were multiform and some leakages showed channels on their way to spreading. Micro-CT can detect precisely the silver leakage in the dentin wall of a restoration and display its three-dimensional shape fully. Enamel structure affects the detection of the silver leakage next to it.

Quantification of incisal tooth wear in upper anterior teeth: conventional vs new method using toolmakers microscope and a three-dimensional measuring technique.

PubMed

Al-Omiri, Mahmoud K; Sghaireen, Mohd G; Alzarea, Bader K; Lynch, Edward

2013-12-01

This study aimed to quantify tooth wear in upper anterior teeth using a new CAD-CAM Laser scanning machine, tool maker microscope and conventional tooth wear index. Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females, mean age = 25 ± 4 years) were assessed for incisal tooth wear of upper anterior teeth using Smith and Knight clinical tooth wear index (TWI) on two occasions, the study baseline and 1 year later. Stone dies for each tooth were prepared and scanned using the CAD-CAM Laser Cercon System. Scanned images were printed and examined under a toolmaker microscope to quantify tooth wear and then the dies were directly assessed under the microscope to measure tooth wear. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to analyze the data. TWI scores for incisal edges were 0-3 and were similar at both occasions. Score 4 was not detected. Wear values measured by directly assessing the dies under the toolmaker microscope (range = 113 - 150 μm, mean = 130 ± 20 μm) were significantly more than those measured from Cercon Digital Machine images (range=52-80 μm, mean = 68 ± 23 μm) and both showed significant differences between the two occasions. Wear progression in upper anterior teeth was effectively detected by directly measuring the dies or the images of dies under toolmaker microscope. Measuring the dies of worn dentition directly under tool maker microscope enabled detection of wear progression more accurately than measuring die images obtained with Cercon Digital Machine. Conventional method was the least sensitive for tooth wear quantification and was unable to identify wear progression in most cases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zoonotic intestinal parasites in Papio anubis (baboon) and Cercopithecus aethiops (vervet) from four localities in Ethiopia.

PubMed

Legesse, Mengistu; Erko, Berhanu

2004-05-01

A total of 59 faecal samples from ranging Papio anubis (baboons) and another 41 from Cercopithecus aethiops (vervet) from the Rift Valley areas of Ethiopia were microscopically examined to determine the prevalence and species of major gastro-intestinal parasites of zoonotic importance. Faecal smears were prepared from fresh faecal samples, stained using modified Ziehl-Neelsen method and microscopically examined. About 3 gm of the dropping was also preserved separately in clean and properly labelled containers containing 10% formalin. The specimens were microscopically examined after formalin-ether concentration for ova, larvae, cysts and oocyst of intestinal parasites. The results of microscopic examination of faecal samples of baboons demonstrated the presence of Trichuris sp. (27.1%), Strongyloides sp. (37.3%), Trichostrongylus sp. (8.5%), Oesophagostomum sp. (10.2%), Schistosoma mansoni (20.3%), Entamoeba coli (83.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.9%), Blastocystis hominis (3.3%), Cyclospora sp. (13.3%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (11.9%). Likewise, the results of microscopic examination of faecal samples of vervets demonstrated the presence of Trichuris sp. (36.6%), Oesophagostomum sp. (4.9%), E. coli (61.0%), E. histolytica/dispar (24.4%), B. hominis (34.2%), Cyclospora sp. (22.0%) and Cryptosporidium sp. (29.3%). The presence of parasitic protozoa and helminths in baboons and vervets in the study areas is a high risk to human welfare because these non-human primates use the same water sources as humans and range freely in human habitats. An implication of such parasitic infection for the control programme is discussed.

Phase-shifting interference microscope with extendable field of measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shyh-Tsong; Hsu, Wei-Feng; Wang, Ming-Shiang

2018-04-01

An innovative phase-shifting interference microscope aimed at extending the field of measurement is proposed in this paper. The microscope comprises a light source module, a phase modulation module, and an interferometric module, which reconstructs the micro-structure contours of samples using the five-step phase-shifting algorithm. This paper discusses the measurement theory and outlines the configuration, experimental setup, and experimental results obtained using the proposed interference microscope. The results confirm the efficacy of the microscope, achieving a standard deviation of 2.4 nm from a step height of 86.2 nm in multiple examinations.

Through the High-Tech Looking Glass | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Science begins with observation; scientists have made telescopes to examine things farther away than the eye can see and microscopes to examine things invisible to human vision. Since Robert Hooke in the 17th century used the first microscope to document the existence of living cells, advances in cell biology have been tied to ever more innovative tools for visualizing and

Determination of the sequence of intersecting lines using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope.

PubMed

Kim, Jiye; Kim, MinJung; An, JinWook; Kim, Yunje

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to verify that the combination of focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) could be applied to determine the sequence of line crossings. The samples were transferred into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. EDX was able to explore the chemical components and the corresponding elemental distribution in the intersection. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using gel pens and red sealing ink with highest success rate (100% correctness). These observations show that the FIB/SEM was the appropriate instrument for an overall examination of document. © 2016 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Study on voids of epoxy matrix composites sandwich structure parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Simin; Wen, Youyi; Yu, Wenjun; Liu, Hong; Yue, Cheng; Bao, Jing

2017-03-01

Void is the most common tiny defect of composite materials. Porosity is closely related to composite structure property. The voids forming behaviour in the composites sandwich structural parts with the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin skins was researched by adjusting the manufacturing process parameters. The composites laminate with different porosities were prepared with the different process parameter. The ultrasonic non-destructive measurement method for the porosity was developed and verified through microscopic examination. The analysis results show that compaction pressure during the manufacturing process had influence on the porosity in the laminate area. Increasing the compaction pressure and compaction time will reduce the porosity of the laminates. The bond-line between honeycomb core and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin skins were also analyzed through microscopic examination. The mechanical properties of sandwich structure composites were studied. The optimization process parameters and porosity ultrasonic measurement method for composites sandwich structure have been applied to the production of the composite parts.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Caused by Fusarium proliferatum in an Agranulocytosis Patient and a Review of Published Reports.

PubMed

Su, Huilin; Zhang, Qiangqiang; Li, Li; Zhao, Ying; Zhu, Junhao; Zhu, Min

2016-02-01

Infections caused by Fusarium species are increasing in frequency among immunocompromised hosts, but urinary tract infection (UTI) due to Fusarium proliferatum has not been reported in the literature so far. We describe a case of UTI caused by F. proliferatum in a 47-year-old man who was diagnosed with rectal cancer and metastasis. He underwent radical resection of rectal carcinoma and local resection of hepatic metastases. After the first adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient presented the obvious high fever, severely diarrhea and progressive decline of the white blood cell count. The direct microscopic examination of fungi in urine was positive, and the fungal cultures showed white, cotton-like colony. After the DNA sequencing, it was identified as F. proliferatum. We gave the patient itraconazole and other antibiotics to fight the infection. A month later, the temperature dropped to normal and the results of the direct microscopic examination and culture of fungi in urine turn negative. The itraconazole is effective against F. proliferatum.

Mesoscopic model of actin-based propulsion.

PubMed

Zhu, Jie; Mogilner, Alex

2012-01-01

Two theoretical models dominate current understanding of actin-based propulsion: microscopic polymerization ratchet model predicts that growing and writhing actin filaments generate forces and movements, while macroscopic elastic propulsion model suggests that deformation and stress of growing actin gel are responsible for the propulsion. We examine both experimentally and computationally the 2D movement of ellipsoidal beads propelled by actin tails and show that neither of the two models can explain the observed bistability of the orientation of the beads. To explain the data, we develop a 2D hybrid mesoscopic model by reconciling these two models such that individual actin filaments undergoing nucleation, elongation, attachment, detachment and capping are embedded into the boundary of a node-spring viscoelastic network representing the macroscopic actin gel. Stochastic simulations of this 'in silico' actin network show that the combined effects of the macroscopic elastic deformation and microscopic ratchets can explain the observed bistable orientation of the actin-propelled ellipsoidal beads. To test the theory further, we analyze observed distribution of the curvatures of the trajectories and show that the hybrid model's predictions fit the data. Finally, we demonstrate that the model can explain both concave-up and concave-down force-velocity relations for growing actin networks depending on the characteristic time scale and network recoil. To summarize, we propose that both microscopic polymerization ratchets and macroscopic stresses of the deformable actin network are responsible for the force and movement generation.

Wakata performs microscopic analysis of the NanoRacks Module-38 Petri Dishes

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-01-13

ISS038-E-029082 (12 Jan. 2014) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, Expedition 38 flight engineer, performs microscopic analysis of the NanoRacks Module-38 Petri Dishes, using Celestron Reflective Microscope, in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station. These Module-38 experiments are designed by students as part of a competition sponsored by the International Space School Educational Trust (ISSET). This experiment examines three-dimensional growth of slime mold in petri dishes utilizing the NanoRacks Microscopes Facility.

Further delineation of the odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia syndrome.

PubMed

Mégarbané, Hala; Haddad, May; Delague, Valérie; Renoux, Julien; Boehm, Nelly; Mégarbané, André

2004-08-30

We report on three boys, two brothers and their maternal cousin, presenting with dry hair, pilar keratosis, severe hypodontia, smooth tongue, onychodysplasia, and keratoderma and hyperhidrosis of palms and soles. Histology of the skin showed orthokeratotic, hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, and mild acanthosis in the epidermis. Scanning electron microscopic examination of the hair showed longitudinal depressions in some hair. These features are close to a rare entity: the odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia but with some differing features. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Comparison of 3 MeV C + ion-irradiation effects between the nuclear graphites made of pitch and petroleum cokes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Se-Hwan; Kim, Gen-Chan

2008-10-01

Three million electron volt C + irradiation effects on the microstructure (crystallinity, crystal size), mechanical properties (hardness, Young's modulus) and oxidation of IG-110 (petroleum coke) and IG-430 (pitch coke) nuclear graphites were compared based on the materials characteristics (degree of graphitization (DOG), density, porosity, type of coke, Mrozowski cracks) of the grades and the ion-irradiation conditions. The specimens were irradiated up to ˜19 dpa at room temperature. Differences in the as-received microstructure were examined by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The ion-induced changes in the microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation characteristics were examined by the Raman spectroscopy, microhardness and Young's modulus measurements, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results of the as-received microstructure condition show that the DOG of the grades appeared the same at 0.837. The size of Mrozowski cracks appeared larger in the IG-110 of the higher open and total porosity than the IG-430. After an irradiation, the changes in the crystallinity and the crystallite size, both estimated by the Raman spectrum parameters, appeared large for the IG-430 and the IG-110, respectively. The hardness had increased after an irradiation, but, the hardness increasing behaviors were reversed at around 14 dpa. Thus, the IG-430 showed a higher increase before 14 dpa, but the IG-110 showed a higher increase after 14 dpa. No-clear differences in the increase of the Young's modulus were observed between the grades mainly due to a scattering in the measurements results. The IG-110 showed a higher oxidation rate than the IG-430 both before and after an irradiation. Besides the density and porosity, a possible contribution of the well-developed Mrozowski cracks in the IG-110 was noted for the observation. All the comparisons show that, even when the differences between the grades are not large, the results of the oxidation and hardness test show a higher irradiation sensitivity for the IG-110. The similar irradiation sensitivities between the grades were attributed to the same degree of graphitization (DOG) of the grades.

Integrating Microscopic Analysis into Existing Quality Assurance Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frühberger, Peter; Stephan, Thomas; Beyerer, Jürgen

When technical goods, like mainboards and other electronic components, are produced, quality assurance (QA) is very important. To achieve this goal, different optical microscopes can be used to analyze a variety of specimen to gain comprehensive information by combining the acquired sensor data. In many industrial processes, cameras are used to examine these technical goods. Those cameras can analyze complete boards at once and offer a high level of accuracy when used for completeness checks. When small defects, e.g. soldered points, need to be examined in detail, those wide area cameras are limited. Microscopes with large magnification need to be used to analyze those critical areas. But microscopes alone cannot fulfill this task within a limited time schedule, because microscopic analysis of complete motherboards of a certain size is time demanding. Microscopes are limited concerning their depth of field and depth of focus, which is why additional components like XY moving tables need to be used to examine the complete surface. Yet today's industrial production quality standards require a 100 % control of the soldered components within a given time schedule. This level of quality, while keeping inspection time low, can only be achieved when combining multiple inspection devices in an optimized manner. This paper presents results and methods of combining industrial cameras with microscopy instrumenting a classificatory based approach intending to keep already deployed QA processes in place but extending them with the purpose of increasing the quality level of the produced technical goods while maintaining high throughput.

Automated detection of analyzable metaphase chromosome cells depicted on scanned digital microscopic images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Yuchen; Wang, Xingwei; Chen, Xiaodong; Li, Yuhua; Liu, Hong; Li, Shibo; Zheng, Bin

2010-02-01

Visually searching for analyzable metaphase chromosome cells under microscopes is quite time-consuming and difficult. To improve detection efficiency, consistency, and diagnostic accuracy, an automated microscopic image scanning system was developed and tested to directly acquire digital images with sufficient spatial resolution for clinical diagnosis. A computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme was also developed and integrated into the image scanning system to search for and detect the regions of interest (ROI) that contain analyzable metaphase chromosome cells in the large volume of scanned images acquired from one specimen. Thus, the cytogeneticists only need to observe and interpret the limited number of ROIs. In this study, the high-resolution microscopic image scanning and CAD performance was investigated and evaluated using nine sets of images scanned from either bone marrow (three) or blood (six) specimens for diagnosis of leukemia. The automated CAD-selection results were compared with the visual selection. In the experiment, the cytogeneticists first visually searched for the analyzable metaphase chromosome cells from specimens under microscopes. The specimens were also automated scanned and followed by applying the CAD scheme to detect and save ROIs containing analyzable cells while deleting the others. The automated selected ROIs were then examined by a panel of three cytogeneticists. From the scanned images, CAD selected more analyzable cells than initially visual examinations of the cytogeneticists in both blood and bone marrow specimens. In general, CAD had higher performance in analyzing blood specimens. Even in three bone marrow specimens, CAD selected 50, 22, 9 ROIs, respectively. Except matching with the initially visual selection of 9, 7, and 5 analyzable cells in these three specimens, the cytogeneticists also selected 41, 15 and 4 new analyzable cells, which were missed in initially visual searching. This experiment showed the feasibility of applying this CAD-guided high-resolution microscopic image scanning system to prescreen and select ROIs that may contain analyzable metaphase chromosome cells. The success and the further improvement of this automated scanning system may have great impact on the future clinical practice in genetic laboratories to detect and diagnose diseases.

Condensed-Phase Processes during Solid Propellant Combustion. Part 2: Chemical and Microscopic Examination of Conductively Quenched Samples of RDX, XM39, JA2, M30, and HMX-Binder Compositions

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

combustion of most of the propellants, with the possible exception of JA2; scanning electron microcope examination shows the existence of a liquid layer but... compounds are similar (Fifer et Sl. 1985; Hoffsommer, Glover, and Elban 1985), the relative Intensities In Table 2 should provide rough, order-of...top of the liquid layer. In addition, the HPLC chromatograms contained a number of very weak, unknown peaks apparently corresponding to compounds

[Microscopic study of powders of hallucinogenic mushrooms--Psilocybe sp].

PubMed

Schäfer, A T

2000-01-01

The paper presents simple methods for microscopic examination and basic microchemical testing for the identification of suspect mushroom powders. The microscopic features of the most commonly cultivated and trafficked hallucinogenic genus Psilocybin are described and may serve for the decision whether any suspect material consists of such mushroom powder (and is therefore to be subjected to further analysis) or not.

Identification of a forensic case using microscopy and forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS): a case study of small Indian civet (Viverricula indica).

PubMed

Sahajpal, Vivek; Goyal, S P

2010-06-01

The exhibits obtained in wildlife offence cases quite often present a challenging situation for the forensic expert. The selection of proper approach for analysis is vital for a successful analysis. A generalised forensic analysis approach should proceed from the use of non-destructive techniques (morphological and microscopic examination) to partially destructive and finally destructive techniques (DNA analysis). The findings of non-destructive techniques may sometime be inconclusive but they definitely help in steering further forensic analysis in a proper direction. We describe a recent case where a very small dried skin piece (<0.05 mg) with just one small trimmed guard hair (0.4 cm) on it was received for species identification. The single guard hair was examined microscopically to get an indication of the type of species. We also describe the extraction procedure with a lower amount of sample, using an automated extraction method (Qiagen Biorobot EZ1) and PCR amplification of three mitochondrial genes (16s rRNA, 12s rRNA and cytochrome b) for species identification. Microscopic examination of the single hair indicated a viverrid species but the initial DNA analysis with 16s rRNA (through NCBI BLAST) showed the highest homology (93%) with a hyaenid species (Hyaena hyaena). However, further DNA analysis based on 12s rRNA and cytochrome b gene proved that the species was indeed a viverrid i.e. Viverricula indica (small Indian civet). The highest homology shown with a Hyaenid species by the 16s rRNA sequence from the case sample was due to lack of a 16s rRNA sequence for Viverricula indica in the NCBI data base. The case highlights the importance of morphological and microscopic examinations in wildlife offence cases. With respect to DNA extraction technology we found that automatic extraction method of Biorobot EZ1 (Qiagen) is quite useful with less amount of sample (much below recommended amount). Copyright 2009 Forensic Science Society. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Salpingitis due to Entamoeba histolytica.

PubMed

Calore, E E; Calore, N M P; Cavaliere, M J

2002-04-01

We describe the pathology of a unique case of Fallopian tube amebiasis, associated with hydrosalpinx, in a 21-year-old woman. She complained of lower abdominal pain, had a foul-smelling green vaginal discharge and fever during one week. There was a discrete increase in body temperature and a painful abdominal palpation at the lower right side, with signs of local peritoneal irritation. Pathological examination showed a marked dilatation of the fallopian tube and hydrosalpinx. Microscopic examination showed a poorly formed granuloma composed of large macrophages with many Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites inside the fallopian tube. Even though it is a rare disease the correct diagnosis of female genital tract amebiasis is of great importance for the indication of proper therapy.

Clinical and pathological aspects of microscopic thymoma with myasthenia gravis and review of published reports.

PubMed

Fukuhara, Mitsuro; Higuchi, Mitsunori; Owada, Yuki; Inoue, Takuya; Watanabe, Yuzuru; Yamaura, Takumi; Muto, Satoshi; Hasegawa, Takeo; Suzuki, Hiroyuki

2017-06-01

Microscopic thymomas, defined as epithelial proliferations smaller than 1 mm in diameter, characteristically occur in patients with myasthenia gravis without macroscopic thymic epithelial tumors. However, some clinical and pathological aspects of this entity are still unclear. This retrospective study includes five consecutive patients who had undergone extended thymectomy for myasthenia gravis at our institution from April 2007 to March 2016 and in whom microscopic thymomas were diagnosed by histopathological examination of the resected specimens. During the same period, we performed 32 extended transsternal thymothymectomies/thymectomies in patients with myasthenia gravis, including the above five cases. We here review 18 cases of microscopic thymoma, including our five cases and 13 previously reported cases. The incidence of previously undiagnosed microscopic thymoma in patients undergoing thymectomy for myasthenia gravis in our institution is 15.2%. Serum preoperative anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (anti-AchR Ab) titers were abnormally high in all of our five cases h (74.4±53.3 nmol/L) and decreased significantly after surgery (11.7±13.5 nmol/L, P=0.037). We divided our cases into the following three groups: microscopic thymoma group (Group M), thymoma group (Group T) and non-thymic tumor group (Group N). The mean preoperative anti-AchR Ab titers of these groups were 74.4, 26.5, and 368 nmol/L, respectively. All these values decreased postoperatively. The mean anti-AchR Ab titer was significantly higher in Group M than in Group T (P=0.034). All five cases in Group M were found by post-operative pathological examination to have multifocal type A thymomas. Microscopic thymomas tend to be multifocal type A thymomas. Anti-AchR Ab titers decreased significantly in all groups. It is very important to both perform complete extended thymectomies in patients with myasthenia gravis and pathological examination of thin slices of thymic tissue to maximize detection of microscopic thymomas.

van Leeuwenhoek microscopes-where are they now?

PubMed

Robertson, Lesley A

2015-05-01

When Antonie van Leeuwenhoek died, he left over 500 simple microscopes, aalkijkers (an adaption of his microscope to allow the examination of blood circulation in the tails of small eels) and lenses, yet now there are only 10 microscopes with a claim to being authentic, one possible aalkijker and six lenses. He made microscopes with more than one lens, and possibly three forms of the aalkijker. This paper attempts to establish exactly what he left and trace the fate of some of the others using the earliest possible documents and publications. © FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A versatile atomic force microscope integrated with a scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Kreith, J; Strunz, T; Fantner, E J; Fantner, G E; Cordill, M J

2017-05-01

A versatile atomic force microscope (AFM), which can be installed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), is introduced. The flexible design of the instrument enables correlated analysis for different experimental configurations, such as AFM imaging directly after nanoindentation in vacuum. In order to demonstrate the capabilities of the specially designed AFM installed inside a SEM, slip steps emanating around nanoindents in single crystalline brass were examined. This example showcases how the combination of AFM and SEM imaging can be utilized for quantitative dislocation analysis through the measurement of the slip step heights without the hindrance of oxide formation. Finally, an in situ nanoindentation technique is introduced, illustrating the use of AFM imaging during indentation experiments to examine plastic deformation occurring under the indenter tip. The mechanical indentation data are correlated to the SEM and AFM images to estimate the number of dislocations emitted to the surface.

An investigation of nitride precipitates in archaeological iron artefacts from Poland.

PubMed

Kedzierski, Z; Stepiński, J; Zielińska-Lipiec, A

2010-03-01

The paper describes the investigations of nitride precipitates in a spearhead and a sword found in the territory of Poland, in cremation graveyards of the Przeworsk Culture, dated to the Roman Period. Three different techniques of the examination of nitride precipitates were employed: optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer) and transmission electron microscope. Two types of precipitates have been observed, and their plate-like shape was demonstrated. The large precipitate has been confirmed to be gamma'-Fe(4)N, whereas the small one has been identified as alpha''-Fe(16)N(2). The origin of nitride precipitates in archaeological iron artefacts from Poland is probably a result of the manufacturing process or cremation as part of burial rites. An examination of available iron artefacts indicates that nitride precipitates (have only limited effect on mechanical properties) influence the hardness of metal only to a very limited degree.

Point-of-care mobile digital microscopy and deep learning for the detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium.

PubMed

Holmström, Oscar; Linder, Nina; Ngasala, Billy; Mårtensson, Andreas; Linder, Ewert; Lundin, Mikael; Moilanen, Hannu; Suutala, Antti; Diwan, Vinod; Lundin, Johan

2017-06-01

Microscopy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases. As resource limited, rural areas often lack laboratory equipment and trained personnel, new diagnostic techniques are needed. Low-cost, point-of-care imaging devices show potential in the diagnosis of these diseases. Novel, digital image analysis algorithms can be utilized to automate sample analysis. Evaluation of the imaging performance of a miniature digital microscopy scanner for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium, and training of a deep learning-based image analysis algorithm for automated detection of soil-transmitted helminths in the captured images. A total of 13 iodine-stained stool samples containing Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm eggs and 4 urine samples containing Schistosoma haematobium were digitized using a reference whole slide-scanner and the mobile microscopy scanner. Parasites in the images were identified by visual examination and by analysis with a deep learning-based image analysis algorithm in the stool samples. Results were compared between the digital and visual analysis of the images showing helminth eggs. Parasite identification by visual analysis of digital slides captured with the mobile microscope was feasible for all analyzed parasites. Although the spatial resolution of the reference slide-scanner is higher, the resolution of the mobile microscope is sufficient for reliable identification and classification of all parasites studied. Digital image analysis of stool sample images captured with the mobile microscope showed high sensitivity for detection of all helminths studied (range of sensitivity = 83.3-100%) in the test set (n = 217) of manually labeled helminth eggs. In this proof-of-concept study, the imaging performance of a mobile, digital microscope was sufficient for visual detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium. Furthermore, we show that deep learning-based image analysis can be utilized for the automated detection and classification of helminths in the captured images.

Point-of-care mobile digital microscopy and deep learning for the detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium

PubMed Central

Holmström, Oscar; Linder, Nina; Ngasala, Billy; Mårtensson, Andreas; Linder, Ewert; Lundin, Mikael; Moilanen, Hannu; Suutala, Antti; Diwan, Vinod; Lundin, Johan

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Background: Microscopy remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of neglected tropical diseases. As resource limited, rural areas often lack laboratory equipment and trained personnel, new diagnostic techniques are needed. Low-cost, point-of-care imaging devices show potential in the diagnosis of these diseases. Novel, digital image analysis algorithms can be utilized to automate sample analysis. Objective: Evaluation of the imaging performance of a miniature digital microscopy scanner for the diagnosis of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium, and training of a deep learning-based image analysis algorithm for automated detection of soil-transmitted helminths in the captured images. Methods: A total of 13 iodine-stained stool samples containing Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm eggs and 4 urine samples containing Schistosoma haematobium were digitized using a reference whole slide-scanner and the mobile microscopy scanner. Parasites in the images were identified by visual examination and by analysis with a deep learning-based image analysis algorithm in the stool samples. Results were compared between the digital and visual analysis of the images showing helminth eggs. Results: Parasite identification by visual analysis of digital slides captured with the mobile microscope was feasible for all analyzed parasites. Although the spatial resolution of the reference slide-scanner is higher, the resolution of the mobile microscope is sufficient for reliable identification and classification of all parasites studied. Digital image analysis of stool sample images captured with the mobile microscope showed high sensitivity for detection of all helminths studied (range of sensitivity = 83.3–100%) in the test set (n = 217) of manually labeled helminth eggs. Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept study, the imaging performance of a mobile, digital microscope was sufficient for visual detection of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma haematobium. Furthermore, we show that deep learning-based image analysis can be utilized for the automated detection and classification of helminths in the captured images. PMID:28838305

ETIOLOGY OF YELLOW FEVER : VII. DEMONSTRATION OF LEPTOSPIRA ICTEROIDES IN THE BLOOD, TISSUES, AND URINE OF YELLOW FEVER PATIENTS AND OF ANIMALS EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH THE ORGANISM.

PubMed

Noguchi, H

1919-08-01

Examinations of fresh blood from yellow fever patients by means of the dark-field microscope, made in more than twenty-seven cases, revealed in three cases the presence of Leptospira icteroides. In no instance was a large number of organisms found, a long search being required before one was encountered. The injection of the blood into guinea pigs from two of the three positive cases induced in the animals a fatal infection, while the blood from the third positive case failed to infect the guinea pigs fatally. Careful but by no means exhaustive dark-field searches for the leptospira with fresh specimens of blood from the remaining cases of yellow fever ended without positive findings, although four of the specimens, when injected into guinea pigs, caused a fatal leptospira infection. Stained blood film preparations from the corresponding cases were also examined, but the percentage showing the leptospira in the blood was no greater than that found by examination in the fresh state with the dark-field microscope. In fact, owing to the defective stains that were available at the time of the investigation a great many slides did not take the proper coloration with Giemsa's or Wright's stain and could not be relied upon. Regarding the presence of Leptospira icteroides in various organs both dark-field and stained films were examined. In only one instance so far a few organisms were detected in the emulsion of liver taken shortly after death from a case dying on the 4th day of yellow fever. This part of the work will be reported later upon completion. Examinations of the urine from different cases of yellow fever were made both by dark-field microscope and by inoculation into guinea pigs. The results were totally negative in thirteen cases, including many convalescents, but in one case one of the guinea pigs inoculated with 10 cc. of the urine came down on the 15th day with suggestive symptoms (suspicion of jaundice, and some hemorrhagic and parenchymatous lesions of the lungs and kidneys). This specimen showed no leptospira by dark-field examination. In experimental infection of guinea pigs with Leptospira icteroides the blood became infective in many instances 48 hours after inoculation, and was always infective after 72 hours. The liver and kidney become infective simultaneously with the blood. Detection of the organism by means of the dark-field microscope has seldom been accomplished before the 5th day. The organisms are most abundant on the 6th to the 7th day, but become fewer or completely disappear before death. In the meanwhile the number of organisms increases in the liver and kidney, from which they disappear as the jaundice and other symptoms become aggravated. When death occurs these organs seem to have lost most of the leptospira) and positive transfer by means of them is less certain. At the later stage of the disease the blood is often free from the organisms and ceases to be infective. Positive transmission with blood obtained from moribund animals is not impossible, however, even when no leptospira can be detected under the dark-field microscope.

Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Theileria (Babesia) Equi Infection in Equids of Kurdistan Province, Iran.

PubMed

Habibi, Gholamreza; Esmaeilnia, Kasra; Hablolvarid, Mohammad Hasan; Afshari, Asghar; Zamen, Mohsen; Bozorgi, Soghra

2016-01-01

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is the cause of persistent tick-borne infection with no symptoms, but the most important problem of EP is due to the persistent carrier state. Carrier animals to Babesia (Theileria) equi (Laveran 1901) and B. caballi (Nuttall, 1910) infestation could be identified by extremely sensitive PCR-based method. The purpose of this study was to identify the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis based on molecular and microscopic assays in equids from Kurdistan Province, Iran. Thirty one horse and mule blood samples were used with history of living in Kurdistan Province of Iran. The blood specimens were utilized for T. equi and B. caballi DNA identification by PCR and Giemsa stained smears for microscopic observation. The results clearly showed the presence of B. (Theileria) equi DNA in 30 of 31 blood samples (96.77%), but the microscopic examination revealed the 3 of 31 positive Babesia like organisms in the red blood cells (9.67%). The obtained results demonstrated the presence of hidden B. (Theileria) equi infection in horses with previous habitance in Kurdistan Province of Iran. The carrier animals became a main source of infection and can transmit the disease. Therefore, hidden infection might be considered as a health threatening and limiting factor in animals used in therapeutic antisera research and production centers.

Histology confirms that macroscopic evaluation of ovaries is a valid method for the assessment of the reproductive status in wild boar.

PubMed

Gethöffer, Friederike; Pfarrer, Christiane; Siebert, Ursula

2018-06-01

Research on reproduction and fertility is an essential fundament of management strategies in European wild boar. Concerning the examination of the reproductive tract, methods still lack conformity and comparability. So far the reproductive status of female wild boar has been assessed by ovarian macroscopic examination. In order to find out if this is a valid method, 21 ovaries of 8-34 months old animals covering (early) follicular phase and cyclic inactivity were evaluated microscopically. Number and dimension of follicles as well as the occurrence of atretic follicles were compared and related to age, weight, ovary weight and size of ovary. For this study, 21 ovaries of the right side of each animal were weighed and measured. The diameter of the functional bodies was measured and functional bodies were counted. Size of ovary was calculated by length*width*height (cm 3 ). Macroscopically, follicles were classified into four categories by diameter: F1 (0.2-0.3 cm), F2 (0.4-0.5 cm), F3 (0.6-0.8 cm) and F4 (0.9-1.3 cm). Microscopically, antral follicles of every 10th slice per section of each ovary were counted and classified into three categories by diameter: F0 (≥2 mm), FS (1-2 mm) and FXS (≤1 mm). In follicles with a diameter greater than 2 mm (F0), length and width were measured from the beginning of theca interna. Results showed that age and weight of wild boars were highly correlated (cor = 0.845, p < 0.001). Wild boar of higher age and weight showed higher ovary weight, but this was not significant (p = 0.135 (age), p = 0.329 (weight)). Although the number of macroscopically seen follicles differed widely by animal, microscopically only one ovary showed only small tertiary follicles. Animals with bigger follicles showed a significantly (p = 0.006) smaller number of small and smallest tertiary follicles. The number of tertiary follicles (F0) was not significantly influenced by age or carcass weight (p = 0.460, 0.159). Older and heavier animals showed significantly less FX and FXS (p < 0.001). Comparison of the follicular composition of young wild boar ovaries with domestic pig research allows the conclusion that assessment of cyclic activity and near puberty is possible. However, due to the fact that puberty is a long term biological progress, defining the time of sexual maturity will always be an estimate. Nevertheless, microscopic examination confirmed the macroscopic findings, including follicular dimensions and developmental stage allowing the conclusion that macroscopic evaluation of ovarian functional bodies in wild boar is an easy and reliable way to assess reproductive performance. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Computed Tomography Perfusion, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Histopathological Findings After Laparoscopic Renal Cryoablation: An In Vivo Pig Model.

PubMed

Nielsen, Tommy Kjærgaard; Østraat, Øyvind; Graumann, Ole; Pedersen, Bodil Ginnerup; Andersen, Gratien; Høyer, Søren; Borre, Michael

2017-08-01

The present study investigates how computed tomography perfusion scans and magnetic resonance imaging correlates with the histopathological alterations in renal tissue after cryoablation. A total of 15 pigs were subjected to laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation on both kidneys. After intervention, each animal was randomized to a postoperative follow-up period of 1, 2, or 4 weeks, after which computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed. Immediately after imaging, open bilateral nephrectomy was performed allowing for histopathological examination of the cryolesions. On computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging examinations, rim enhancement was observed in the transition zone of the cryolesion 1week after laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation. This rim enhancement was found to subside after 2 and 4 weeks of follow-up, which was consistent with the microscopic examinations revealing of fibrotic scar tissue formation in the peripheral zone of the cryolesion. On T2 magnetic resonance imaging sequences, a thin hypointense rim surrounded the cryolesion, separating it from the adjacent renal parenchyma. Microscopic examinations revealed hemorrhage and later hemosiderin located in the peripheral zone. No nodular or diffuse contrast enhancement was found in the central zone of the cryolesions at any follow-up stage on neither computed tomography perfusion nor magnetic resonance imaging. On microscopic examinations, the central zone was found to consist of coagulative necrosis 1 week after laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation, which was partially replaced by fibrotic scar tissue 4 weeks following laparoscopic-assisted cryoablation. Both computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging found the renal collecting system to be involved at all 3 stages of follow-up, but on microscopic examination, the urothelium was found to be intact in all cases. In conclusion, cryoablation effectively destroyed renal parenchyma, leaving the urothelium intact. Both computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging reflect the microscopic findings but with some differences, especially regarding the peripheral zone. Magnetic resonance imaging seems an attractive modality for early postoperative follow-up.

Characterisation of debris from laser and mechanical cutting of bone.

PubMed

Rachmanis, Nikolaos; McGuinness, Garrett B; McGeough, Joseph A

2014-07-01

Laser cutting of bones has been proposed as a technology in orthopaedic surgery. In this short study, the laser-bone interaction was examined using a pulsed erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser and compared to a conventional cutting technique. Microscopic analysis revealed the nature of waste debris and showed higher proportions of finer particles for conventional sagittal sawing compared to laser cutting. © IMechE 2014.

Newly described features resulting from high-magnification dermoscopy of tinea capitis.

PubMed

Lacarrubba, Francesco; Verzì, Anna Elisa; Micali, Giuseppe

2015-03-01

Recent studies have reported "comma hairs" as a typical dermoscopic feature of tinea capitis observed at low magnification (×10). The aim of this study was to evaluate the dermoscopic aspects of tinea capitis at high magnification (×150) and its diagnostic role. Five children (2 boys and 3 girls; aged 4-10 years) with multiple scaly patches of alopecia underwent scalp dermoscopy, direct microscopic examinations, and mycological cultures of skin scrapings. Using low magnification (×30), typical comma hairs, "Morse code-like" hairs, and "zigzag" hairs were observed. When using high magnification (×150), additional features were horizontal white bands that appear as empty bands that are likely related to localized areas of fungal infection. These horizontal white bands are usually multiple and may cause the hair to bend and break. We also identified a new dermoscopic feature consisting of translucent, easily deformable hairs that look weakened and transparent and show unusual bends; they are likely the result of a massive fungal invasion involving the whole hair shaft. Direct microscopic examination showed fungal infection and results of mycological culture were positive for Microsporum canis in all cases. The identification of new findings using higher-magnification dermoscopy may enhance the diagnosis of tinea capitis and be of help to better understand some pathogenetic mechanisms.

Research directed toward improved echelles for the ultraviolet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

Research was undertaken to demonstrate that improved efficiencies for low frequency gratings are obtainable with the careful application of present technology. The motivation for the study was the desire to be assured that the grating-efficiency design goals for potential Space Telescope spectrographs can be achieved. The work was organized to compare gratings made with changes in the three specific parameters: the ruling tool profile, the coating material, and the lubricants used during the ruling process. A series of coatings and test gratings were fabricated and were examined for surface smoothness with a Nomarski Differential Interference Microscope and an electron microscope. Photomicrographs were obtained to show the difference in smoothness of the various coatings and rulings. Efficiency measurements were made for those test rulings that showed good groove characteristics: smoothness, proper ruling depth, and absence of defects. The intuitive feeling that higher grating efficiency should be correlated with the degree of smoothness of both the coating and the grating is supported by the results.

Size-dependent extravasation and interstitial localization of polyethyleneglycol liposomes in solid tumor-bearing mice.

PubMed

Ishida, O; Maruyama, K; Sasaki, K; Iwatsuru, M

1999-11-10

We have examined the size dependence of extravasation and interstitial localization of polyethyleneglycol-coated liposomes (PEG-liposomes) in the solid tumor tissue by means of electron microscopic observation. Liposomes composed of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine derivative of polyethyleneglycol (PEG) were prepared in various size ranges. PEG-liposomes with an average diameter of 100-200 nm showed the most prolonged circulation time and the greatest tumor accumulation in all the solid tumors employed in this experiment. Although large PEG-liposomes with a diameter of 400 nm showed a short circulation time in normal mice, the results in splenectomized mice indicated that they do have an intrinsic prolonged circulation character in vivo. However, large PEG-liposomes could not extravasate into solid tumor tissue. These results indicate that the size of liposomes is critical for extravasation. The electron microscopic observations revealed the almost exclusive engulfment of extravasated liposomes by tumor-associated macrophages; very few were taken up by tumor cells.

Spectroscopic investigation of herpes simplex viruses infected cells and their response to antiviral therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erukhimovitch, Vitaly; Talyshinsky, Marina; Souprun, Yelena; Huleihel, Mahmoud

2006-07-01

In the present study, we used microscopic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the antiviral activity of known antiviral agents against herpes viruses. The antiviral activity of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) (which is an active compound of propolis) against herpes simplex type 1 and 2 was examined in cell culture. The advantage of microscopic FTIR spectroscopy over conventional FTIR spectroscopy is that it facilitates inspection of restricted regions of cell culture or tissue. Our results showed significant spectral differences at early stages of infection between infected and non-infected cells, and between infected cells treated with the used antiviral agent and those not treated. In infected cells, there was a considerable increase in phosphate levels. Our results show that treatment with used antiviral agent considerably abolish the spectral changes induced by the viral infection. In addition, it is possible to track by FTIR microscopy method the deferential effect of various doses of the drug.

The Microscope against Cell Theory: Cancer Research in Nineteenth-Century Parisian Anatomical Pathology

PubMed Central

Loison, Laurent

2016-01-01

This paper examines the reception of cell theory in the field of French anatomical pathology. This reception is studied under the lens of the concept of the cancer cell, which was developed in Paris in the 1840s. In the medical field, cell theory was quickly accessible, understood, and discussed. In the wake of research by Hermann Lebert, the cancer cell concept was supported by a wealth of high-quality microscopic observations. The concept was constructed in opposition to cell theory, which appears retrospectively paradoxical and surprising. Indeed, the biological atomism inherent in cell theory, according to which the cell is the elementary unit of all organs of living bodies, appeared at the time incompatible with the possible existence of pathological cells without equivalent in healthy tissues. Thus, the postulate of atomism was used as an argument by Parisian clinicians who denied the value of the cancer cell. This study shows that at least in the field of anatomical pathology, cell theory did not directly result from the use of the microscope but was actually hindered by it. PMID:26787747

Correlation between inflammatory infiltrate and epithelial lining in 214 cases of periapical cysts.

PubMed

Alcantara, Bárbara Albertini Roquim; Carli, Marina Lara de; Beijo, Luiz Alberto; Pereira, Alessandro Antônio Costa; Hanemann, João Adolfo Costa

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of periapical cysts, identify their clinical and microscopic features and correlate their microscopic features with the inflammatory infiltrate present in the lesion site. A total of 214 cases were collected over a 10-year period. Clinical data, including gender, age, race, symptoms and location of the lesion, were recorded. Two independent examiners with no prior knowledge of the patients' clinical data conducted the microscopic evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's or chi-square tests at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that periapical cysts were more prevalent in white women, with a mean age of 35 years, and in the anterosuperior region. The majority of the lesions were lined by atrophic cystic epithelium, which was associated with moderate inflammatory infiltrate in the cystic capsule (p < 0.01), with a diffuse localization pattern (p = 0.03) and absence of neutrophils (p = 0.01). Our findings suggest that periapical cysts lined by atrophic epithelium are related to the presence of moderate mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate.

Extracellular vesicles of calcifying turkey leg tendon characterized by immunocytochemistry and high voltage electron microscopic tomography and 3-D graphic image reconstruction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landis, W. J.; Hodgens, K. J.; McKee, M. D.; Nanci, A.; Song, M. J.; Kiyonaga, S.; Arena, J.; McEwen, B.

1992-01-01

To gain insight into the structure and possible function of extracellular vesicles in certain calcifying vertebrate tissues, normally mineralizing leg tendons from the domestic turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, have been studied in two separate investigations, one concerning the electron microscopic immunolocalization of the 66 kDa phosphoprotein, osteopontin, and the other detailing the organization and distribution of mineral crystals associated with the vesicles as determined by high voltage microscopic tomography and 3-D graphic image reconstruction. Immunolabeling shows that osteopontin is related to extracellular vesicles of the tendon in the sense that its initial presence appears coincident with the development of mineral associated with the vesicle loci. By high voltage electron microscopy and 3-D imaging techniques, mineral crystals are found to consist of small irregularly shaped particles somewhat randomly oriented throughout individual vesicles sites. Their appearance is different from that found for the mineral observed within calcifying tendon collagen, and their 3-D disposition is not regularly ordered. Possible spatial and temporal relationships of vesicles, osteopontin, mineral, and collagen are being examined further by these approaches.

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies of Helleborus niger L Root.

PubMed

Kumar, V Kishor; Lalitha, K G

2017-01-01

Helleborus niger L (Ranunculaceae) is used Ayurvedic and Unani systems and other herbal medicine systems. The roots of H. niger have a good medicinal value. To conduct a pharmacognostical and phytochemical study of H. niger . The pharmacognostical studies on roots including parameters such as taxonomical, macroscopic, microscopic characters, physico-chemical, ultra-violet analysis and phytochemical studies are established. Macroscopically, the roots are brownish-black in colour, cylindrical in shape, feeble odour, slightly acrid taste with irregularly branched. Microscopically the root showed the presence of epidermis, air-chambers, fissure periderm, periderm, inner cortex, pith, phloem, xylem, vessels and xylem vessels. Microscopic examination of the powder showed the presence of parenchyma cells, parenchyma mass, periderm, cell inclusion, laticifer, lateral wall pith, perforation, xylem bundle and xylem elements. Ultra-violet and ordinary light analyses with different reagents were conducted to identify the drug in powder form. Physico-chemical evaluation established, Ash values - Total, acid insoluble, water soluble and sulphated ash values were 7.3%, 4.1%, 3.7% and 5.2%, respectively. Extractive values - Alcohol soluble, water soluble and ether soluble extractive values were 22.8%, 7.4% and 5.6%, respectively. Loss on drying was 3.3%. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrate, glycoside, saponins, flavonoid, phytosterols, tannins and phenolic compounds. The results of the study can serve as a valuable resource of pharmacognostic and phytochemical information. This will serve as appropriate, standards for discovery of this plant material in future investigations and applications and also contribute towards establishing pharmacopoeial standards.

Comparative susceptibility of Atlantic salmon, lake trout and rainbow trout to Myxobolus cerebralis in controlled laboratory exposures

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blazer, V.S.; Densmore, Christine L.; Schill, W.B.; Cartwright, Deborah D.; Page, S.J.

2004-01-01

The susceptibility of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar to Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease, was compared in controlled laboratory exposures. A total of 450 (225 for each dose) fry for each species were exposed to a low (200 spores per fish) or high (2000 spores per fish) dose of the infective triactinomyxon. At 22 wk post-exposure, 60 fish from each group, as well as controls for each species, were examined for clinical signs (whirling behavior, blacktail, deformed heads and skeletal deformities), microscopic lesions, and presence of spores. Rainbow trout were highly susceptible to infection, with 100% being positive for spores and with microscopic pathological changes in both exposure groups. Rainbow trout were the only species to show whirling behavior and blacktail. Atlantic salmon were less susceptible, with only 44 and 61% being positive for spores, respectively, in the low and high dose groups, while 68 and 75%, respectively, had microscopic pathology associated with cartilage damage. Rainbow trout heads contained mean spore concentrations of 2.2 (low dose) or 4.0 (high dose) ?? 106 spores g tissue-1. The means for positive Atlantic salmon (not including zero values) were 1.7 (low) and 7.4 (high) ?? 104 spores g tissue-1. Lake trout showed no clinical signs of infection, were negative for spores in both groups and showed no histopathological signs of M. cerebralis infection.

Comparative susceptibility of Atlantic salmon, lake trout and rainbow trout to Myxobolus cerebralis in controlled laboratory exposures.

PubMed

Blazer, V S; Densmore, C L; Schill, W B; Cartwright, D D; Page, S J

2004-01-28

The susceptibility of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and Atlantic salmon Salmo salar to Myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of whirling disease, was compared in controlled laboratory exposures. A total of 450 (225 for each dose) fry for each species were exposed to a low (200 spores per fish) or high (2000 spores per fish) dose of the infective triactinomyxon. At 22 wk post-exposure, 60 fish from each group, as well as controls for each species, were examined for clinical signs (whirling behavior, blacktail, deformed heads and skeletal deformities), microscopic lesions, and presence of spores. Rainbow trout were highly susceptible to infection, with 100% being positive for spores and with microscopic pathological changes in both exposure groups. Rainbow trout were the only species to show whirling behavior and blacktail. Atlantic salmon were less susceptible, with only 44 and 61% being positive for spores, respectively, in the low and high dose groups, while 68 and 75%, respectively, had microscopic pathology associated with cartilage damage. Rainbow trout heads contained mean spore concentrations of 2.2 (low dose) or 4.0 (high dose) x 10(6) spores g tissue(-1). The means for positive Atlantic salmon (not including zero values) were 1.7 (low) and 7.4 (high) x 10(4) spores g tissue(-1). Lake trout showed no clinical signs of infection, were negative for spores in both groups and showed no histopathological signs of M. cerebralis infection.

Macroscopic and microscopic variation in recovered magnesium phosphate materials: implications for phosphorus removal processes and product re-use.

PubMed

Massey, Michael S; Ippolito, James A; Davis, Jessica G; Sheffield, Ron E

2010-02-01

Phosphorus (P) recovery and re-use will become increasingly important for water quality protection and sustainable nutrient cycling as environmental regulations become stricter and global P reserves decline. The objective of this study was to examine and characterize several magnesium phosphates recovered from actual wastewater under field conditions. Three types of particles were examined including crystalline magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate (struvite) recovered from dairy wastewater, crystalline magnesium ammonium phosphate hydrate (dittmarite) recovered from a food processing facility, and a heterogeneous product also recovered from dairy wastewater. The particles were analyzed using "wet" chemical techniques, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The struvite crystals had regular and consistent shape, size, and structure, and SEM-EDS analysis clearly showed the struvite crystals as a surface precipitate on calcium phosphate seed material. In contrast, the dittmarite crystals showed no evidence of seed material, and were not regular in size or shape. The XRD analysis identified no crystalline magnesium phosphates in the heterogeneous product and indicated the presence of sand particles. However, magnesium phosphate precipitates on calcium phosphate seed material were observed in this product under SEM-EDS examination. These substantial variations in the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of magnesium phosphates recovered under field conditions could affect their potential for beneficial re-use and underscore the need to develop recovery processes that result in a uniform, consistent product.

Renal lymph nodes for tumor staging: appraisal of 871 nephrectomies with examination of hilar fat.

PubMed

Mehta, Vikas; Mudaliar, Kumaran; Ghai, Ritu; Quek, Marcus L; Milner, John; Flanigan, Robert C; Picken, Maria M

2013-11-01

Despite decades of research, the role of lymphadenectomy in the management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still not clearly defined. Before the implementation of targeted therapies, lymph node metastases were considered to be a portent of markedly decreased survival, regardless of the tumor stage. However, the role of lymphadenectomy and the relative benefit of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in the context of modern adjunctive therapies have not been conclusively addressed in the clinical literature. The current pathologic literature does not offer clear recommendations with regard to the minimum number of lymph nodes that should be examined in order to accurately stage the pN in renal cell carcinoma. Although gross examination of the hilar fat to assess the nodal status is performed routinely, it has not yet been determined whether this approach is adequate. To evaluate the status of lymph nodes and their rate of identification in the pathologic examination of nephrectomy specimens in adult renal malignancies. We reviewed the operative and pathology reports of 871 patients with renal malignancies treated by nephrectomy. All tumors were classified according to the seventh edition of the Tumor-Nodes-Metastasis classification. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Nx, no lymph nodes recovered; N0, negative; and N1, with positive lymph nodes. Grossly visible lymph nodes were submitted separately; as per grossing protocol, hilar fatty tissue was submitted for microscopic examination. We evaluated the factors that affected the number of lymph nodes identified and the variables that allowed the prediction of nodal involvement. Lymph nodes were recovered in 333 of 871 patients (38%): hilar in 125 patients, nonhilar in 137 patients, and hilar and nonhilar in 71 patients. Patients with positive lymph nodes (n = 87) were younger, had larger primary tumors, and had lymph nodes of average size, as well as a higher pT stage, nuclear grade, and rate of metastases. Metastases were seen only in grossly identified lymph nodes (65% hilar, 16% nonhilar); all microscopic nodes were negative. Even with the microscopic examination of fat, hilar lymph nodes were recovered in only 22.5% of patients. A nonhilar route of node metastasis was suspected in 40 patients. Only grossly identifiable lymph nodes, both hilar and nonhilar, were positive for metastases. Although microscopic examination of the hilar fat increased the number of lymph nodes recovered, the identification rate of these nodes was low (22.5%), and such microscopic nodes were invariably negative. Hence, microscopic examination of the hilar fat may be unnecessary.

Comparison of Fluorescence Microscopy and Different Growth Media Culture Methods for Acanthamoeba Keratitis Diagnosis.

PubMed

Peretz, Avi; Geffen, Yuval; Socea, Soergiu D; Pastukh, Nina; Graffi, Shmuel

2015-08-01

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a potentially blinding infection of the cornea, is caused by a free-living protozoan. Culture and microscopic examination of corneal scraping tissue material is the conventional method for identifying Acanthamoeba. In this article, we compared several methods for AK diagnosis of 32 patients: microscopic examination using fluorescent dye, specific culture on growth media-non-nutrient agar (NNA), culture on liquid growth media-peptone yeast glucose (PYG), and TYI-S-33. AK was found in 14 patients. Thirteen of the specimens were found AK positive by fluorescence microscopic examination, 11 specimens were found AK positive on PYG growth media, and 9 specimens were found AK positive on TYI-S-33 growth media. Only five specimens were found AK positive on NNA growth media. Therefore, we recommend using fluorescence microscopy technique and culture method, especially PYG liquid media. © The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Muscular dystrophy in a dog resembling human becker muscular dystrophy.

PubMed

Baroncelli, A B; Abellonio, F; Pagano, T B; Esposito, I; Peirone, B; Papparella, S; Paciello, O

2014-05-01

A 3-year-old, male Labrador retriever dog was presented with clinical signs of progressive exercise intolerance, bilateral elbow extension, rigidity of the forelimbs, hindlimb flexion and kyphosis. Microscopical examination of muscle tissue showed marked variability in myofibre size, replacement of muscle with mature adipose tissue and degeneration/regeneration of muscle fibres, consistent with muscular dystrophy. Immunohistochemical examination for dystrophin showed markedly reduced labelling with monoclonal antibodies specific for the rod domain and the carboxy-terminal of dystrophin, while expression of β-sarcoglycan, γ-sarcoglycan and β-dystroglycan was normal. Immunoblotting revealed a truncated dystrophin protein of approximately 135 kDa. These findings supported a diagnosis of congenital canine muscular dystrophy resembling Becker muscular dystrophy in man. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Familial erythrokeratodermia variabilis with pustular lesions: a new variant?

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Huo, Wei; Gao, Xing-Hua; Ma, Lei; Xiu, Yuhong; Zheng, Song; Hong, Yuziao; Chen, Hong-Duo

2010-05-01

We report here a Chinese family with erythrokeratodermia variabilis which had 30 affected members. The patients had characteristic clinical features of stationary and migratory lesions. Some of the patients had adult onset of the disease. Five out of 30 patients noted episodes of pustule-like lesions during their disease course. Histological examination of the proband showed granular cell vacuolation and upper-epidermal neutrophil aggregates. Mitochondria vacuolation was noted in keratinocytes by electron microscopic examination. No GJB3 and GJB4 pathogenic mutation was detected. These unusual presentations suggested a new phenotypic and genetic correlation in this Chinese pedigree of erythrokeratodermia variabilis.

The microscopes of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.

PubMed

van Zuylen, J

1981-03-01

The seventeenth-century Dutch microscopist, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, was the first man to make a protracted study of microscopical objects, and, unlike his contemporary Robert Hooke, he viewed by transmitted light. Leeuwenhoek made over 500 of his own, curious, simple microscopes, but now only nine are known to exist. The exact nature of the lenses Leeuwenhoek made, has for long been a puzzle. The existing microscopes have now been examined in detail, and their optical characteristics measured and tabulated. It is proposed that the lens of highest magnification, x 266, was made using a special blown bubble technique.

Specimen Holder for Analytical Electron Microscopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clanton, U. S.; Isaacs, A. M.; Mackinnon, I.

1985-01-01

Reduces spectral contamination by spurious X-ray. Specimen holder made of compressed carbon, securely retains standard electron microscope grid (disk) 3 mm in diameter and absorbs backscattered electrons that otherwise generate spurious X-rays. Since holder inexpensive, dedicated to single specimen when numerous samples examined.

Environmental Integrity of Coating/Metal Interface

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-01

occurred. For this explanation to be correct, microblisters would be optically detectable using a microscope with Nomarsky contrast or by examining the...polymer surface with an interferometric microscope. Both of these techniques have been tried, but neither of them was able to detect any surface

Systemic microsporidiosis in inland bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

PubMed

Jacobson, E R; Green, D E; Undeen, A H; Cranfield, M; Vaughn, K L

1998-09-01

One laboratory-hatched and -reared inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) (No. 1) and two privately owned inland bearded dragons (Nos. 2 and 3) died, showing nonspecific signs of illness. Light microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections from lizard No. 1 revealed severe hepatic necrosis with clusters of light basophilic intracytoplasmic microorganisms packing and distending hepatocytes and free in areas of necrosis. Similar microorganisms were within cytoplasmic vacuoles in distended renal epithelial cells, pulmonary epithelial cells, gastric mucosal epithelial cells, enterocytes, and capillary endothelial cells and ventricular ependymal cells in the brain. In lizard Nos. 2 and 3, microorganisms of similar appearance were in macrophages in granulomatous inflammation in the colon, adrenal glands, and ovaries. The microorganism was gram positive and acid fast and had a small polar granule that stained using the periodic acid-Schiff reaction. Electron microscopic examination of deparaffinized liver of lizard No. 1 revealed merogonic and sporogonic stages of a protozoan compatible with members of the phylum Microspora. This report provides the first description of microsporidiosis in bearded dragons and is only the second report of this infection in a lizard.

Study of the thermal degradation mechanism of a composite propellant. [using electron microscopes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, W. G.

1975-01-01

The current experimental program was designed to systematically investigate the role of the oxidizer in the thermal degradation process of composite propellants. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the failure sites in thermally degraded propellant samples. The formulation variables tested were oxidizer purity, oxidizer particle size, and oxidizer to binder bonding agent. The binder, a saturated hydrocarbon, was kept constant throughout the experiments. The oxidizers were: AP, chlorate-doped AP, arsenate-doped AP, and phosphate-doped AP. The oxidizer particle size distribution was 60% of the large fraction and 40% of the small fraction. The bonding agent, when present, was used at the 0.15% level. The data showed that both the oxidizer purity and particle size had an important affect on the thermal degradation process. The affect of the oxidizer particle size was more noticeable at the higher temperature and stress levels. An examination of the failure site, by SEM, of propellants subject to these latter conditions indicated that the fracturing of the large oxidizer particles led to the propellant cracking.

Examination of Scanning Electron Microscope and Computed Tomography Images of PICA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lawson, John W.; Stackpoole, Margaret M.; Shklover, Valery

2010-01-01

Micrographs of PICA (Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator) taken using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and 3D images taken with a Computed Tomography (CT) system are examined. PICA is a carbon fiber based composite (Fiberform ) with a phenolic polymer matrix. The micrographs are taken at different surface depths and at different magnifications in a sample after arc jet testing and show different levels of oxidative removal of the charred matrix (Figs 1 though 13). CT scans, courtesy of Xradia, Inc. of Concord CA, were captured for samples of virgin PICA, charred PICA and raw Fiberform (Fig. 14). We use these images to calculate the thermal conductivity (TC) of these materials using correlation function (CF) methods. CF methods give a mathematical description of how one material is embedded in another and is thus ideally suited for modeling composites like PICA. We will evaluate how the TC of the materials changes as a function of surface depth. This work is in collaboration with ETH-Zurich, which has expertise in high temperature materials and TC modeling (including CF methods).

Quantification of tooth wear: conventional vs new method using toolmakers microscope and a three-dimensional measuring technique.

PubMed

Al-Omiri, Mahmoud K; Harb, Rousan; Abu Hammad, Osama A; Lamey, Philip-John; Lynch, Edward; Clifford, Thomas J

2010-07-01

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of a new CAD-CAM Laser scanning machine in detection of incisal tooth wear through a 6-month period and to compare the accuracy of using this new machine against measuring tooth wear using tool maker microscope and conventional tooth wear index. Twenty participants (11 males and 9 females, mean age=22.7 years, SD=2.0) were assessed for incisal tooth wear of lower anterior teeth using Smith and Knight clinical tooth wear index (TWI) on two occasions, the study baseline and 6 months later. Stone dies for each tooth were prepared and scanned using the CAD-CAM Laser Cercon System (Cercon Smart Ceramics, DeguDent, Germany). Scanned images were printed and examined under a toolmaker microscope (Stedall-Dowding Machine Tool Company, Optique et Mecanique de Precision, Marcel Aubert SA, Switzerland) to quantify tooth wear and then the dies were directly assessed under the microscope to measure tooth wear. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test was used to analyse the data. TWI scores for incisal edges were 0, 1, and 2 and were similar at both occasions. Scores 3 and 4 were not detected. Wear values measured by directly assessing the dies under the tool maker microscope (range=517-656microm, mean=582microm, and SD=50) were significantly more than those measured from the Cercon digital machine images (range=132-193microm, mean =165microm, and SD=27) and both showed significant differences between the two occasions. Measuring images obtained with Cercon digital machine under tool maker microscope allowed detection of wear progression over the 6-month period. However, measuring the dies of worn dentition directly under the tool maker microscope enabled detection of wear progression more accurately. Conventional method was the least sensitive for tooth wear quantification and was unable to identify wear progression in most cases. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A relic of the Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratories in Khartoum (1903-34).

PubMed

Adeel, Ahmed Awad

2016-01-01

This article explores the origins of an old brass monocular microscope in the Central Laboratory in Khartoum, which used to be the Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratory in Khartoum (1903-1934). Examination of the microscope and review of published literature gave clues to the historical background of this microscope. Identical microscopes were first manufactured by R and J Beck in 1898, and continued to be advertised in 1899. The microscope was probably among the instruments provided by Wellcome for the initial establishment of the laboratories in 1902-1903. The article includes a brief review of the development of light microscopy. The need for preservation and proper restoration of old relics of the Wellcome laboratories in Khartoum is emphasized.

A relic of the Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratories in Khartoum (1903–34)

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

This article explores the origins of an old brass monocular microscope in the Central Laboratory in Khartoum, which used to be the Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratory in Khartoum (1903–1934). Examination of the microscope and review of published literature gave clues to the historical background of this microscope. Identical microscopes were first manufactured by R and J Beck in 1898, and continued to be advertised in 1899. The microscope was probably among the instruments provided by Wellcome for the initial establishment of the laboratories in 1902–1903. The article includes a brief review of the development of light microscopy. The need for preservation and proper restoration of old relics of the Wellcome laboratories in Khartoum is emphasized. PMID:27651557

Involvement of granulysin-producing T cells in the development of superficial microbial folliculitis.

PubMed

Oono, T; Morizane, S; Yamasaki, O; Shirafuji, Y; Huh, W-K; Akiyama, H; Iwatsuki, K

2004-05-01

Granulysin is a recently identified antimicrobial protein expressed on cytotoxic T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and NKT cells. It has been shown that granulysin contributes to the defence mechanisms against mycobacterial infection. Superficial microbial folliculitis is a common skin disease. In a previous report, we showed that, as a first line of defence, alpha-defensin, a human neutrophil peptide, and beta-defensin (human beta-defensin-2) were expressed in infiltrating neutrophils and in lesional epidermal keratinocytes, respectively, in superficial folliculitis. As we also observed many infiltrating lymphocytes in lesional dermis, we hypothesized that infiltrating lymphocytes may possess antimicrobial substances, such as granulysin, and play a role in the defence mechanism as a second line of defence. Seven specimens of superficial microbial folliculitis diagnosed clinically and histologically were examined by means of immunohistochemistry. To identify the phenotype of cells expressing granulysin, confocal laser microscopic examination was performed. A dense lymphoid cell infiltrate was observed in pustules, in the perivascular regions. A large number of these lymphoid cells were positive for granulysin. Phenotypically, cells consisted of CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and UCHL-1+ T cells. CD20+ cells and CD56+ cells were not observed. Microscopic examination with a confocal laser showed that the lymphocytes producing granulysin were CD3+ and CD4+ T cells but not CD8+ T cells. We showed that many granulysin-bearing T cells infiltrated affected follicles and perilesional dermis in superficial microbial folliculitis. However, few granulysin-positive lymphoid cells were observed in sterile pustular lesions. Our observations indicated that adaptive immunity such as granulysin, a lymphocyte-produced antimicrobial protein, may play an important role in the cutaneous defence mechanism.

Oral paracoccidioidomycosis or squamous cell carcinoma?

PubMed

Kaminagakura, Estela; Graner, Edgard; de Almeida, Oslei Paes; Di Hipolito Júnior, Osvaldo; Lopes, Marcio Ajudarte

2004-01-01

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a deep, systemic, and progressive mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Oral lesions normally are multiples with a mulberry-like appearance. This article reviews an unusual case involving a chronic, solitary, and ulcerated lesion whose clinical aspects were similar to squamous cell carcinoma. Viewed microscopically, the lesion showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and non-necrotizing granulomas. The patient was treated with systemic ketoconazole. Over the next 11 years, follow-up examinations were performed but no recurrence was observed.

Concomitant production of xylanases and cellulases from Trichoderma longibrachiatum MDU-6 selected for the deinking of paper waste.

PubMed

Chutani, Preeti; Sharma, Krishna Kant

2016-05-01

Sixty fungal cultures were isolated from agricultural soil, industrial soil, forest canopy soil having decomposed leaf litter and compost samples collected from different regions of India. Fifteen fungal cultures were selected qualitatively for the production of xylanase and cellulases and were identified employing ITS, NS and MNS primers. The enzyme cocktail consisting of 3811 IU g(-1) of xylanase and 9.9 IU g(-1) of cellulase from Trichoderma longibrachiatum MDU-6 was selected quantitatively for the deinking of diverse paper wastes. The enzyme production increased two fold when produced at tray level in comparison with flasks. The enzyme cocktail was effective in the deinking of old newspaper samples with significant removal of chromophores, phenolics and hydrophobic compounds and less sugar loss. While in case of examination papers and laser printed papers, ink removal was not very significant. Moreover, the sugar loss was significantly high in case of examination papers. The deinking results were further confirmed with FTIR analysis. Deinked newspaper pulp sample shows brightness of 52%, which was 9.6% high than its control sample. The ERIC value for deinked newspaper pulp was found to be 655.9 ppm. Thereafter, the deinked newspaper pulp was examined under light microscope after differential staining with safranin and malachite green and also examined under scanning and transmission electron microscope, which revealed fibrillation and perforation.

The microscopic world: A demonstration of electron microscopy for younger students

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horton, Linda L.

1992-01-01

The purpose is to excite students about the importance of scientific investigation and demonstrate why they should look at things in greater detail, extending beyond superficial examination. The topics covered include: microscopy, scanning electron microscopes, high magnification, and the scientific method.

Using the Blue Gourami in Ethological and Embryological Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thompson, Theresa; Pollak, Edward I.

1981-01-01

Lists advantages in the use of the blue gourami in laboratory experiments on reproduction and embryogenesis. Materials and procedures for maintaining and spawning blue gouramis are provided. Also includes details on microscopic examination of developing embryos and histological techniques for microscope slide preparation. (CS)

Three-dimensional Architecture of Hair-bundle Linkages Revealed by Electron-microscopic Tomography

PubMed Central

Auer, Manfred; Koster, Abrahram J.; Ziese, Ulrike; Bajaj, Chandrajit; Volkmann, Niels; Wang, Da Neng

2008-01-01

The senses of hearing and balance rest upon mechanoelectrical transduction by the hair bundles of hair cells in the inner ear. Located at the apical cellular surface, each hair bundle comprises several tens of stereocilia and a single kinocilium that are interconnected by extracellular proteinaceous links. Using electron-microscopic tomography of bullfrog saccular sensory epithelia, we examined the three-dimensional structures of basal links, kinociliary links, and tip links. We observed significant differences in the appearances and dimensions of these three structures and found two distinct populations of tip links suggestive of the involvement of different proteins, splice variants, or protein–protein interactions. We noted auxiliary links connecting the upper portions of tip links to the taller stereocilia. Tip links and auxiliary links show a tendency to adopt a globular conformation when disconnected from the membrane surface. PMID:18421501

Effects of micro-structure on aerodynamics of Coccinella septempunctata elytra (ladybird) in forward flight as assessed via electron microscopy.

PubMed

Xiang, Jinwu; Liu, Kai; Li, Daochun; Du, Jianxun

2017-11-01

The effects of micro-structure on aerodynamics of Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) elytra in forward flight were investigated. The micro-structure was examined by a scanning electron microscope and a digital microscope. Based on the experimental results, five elytron models were constructed to separately investigate the effects of the camber and the local corrugation in both leading edge and trailing edge on aerodynamics. Computational fluid dynamic simulations of five elytron models were conducted by solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the Reynolds number of 245. The results show that camber and the local corrugation in the leading edge play significant roles in improving the aerodynamic performance, while the local corrugation in the trailing edge has little effect on aerodynamics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparative study of image contrast in scanning electron microscope and helium ion microscope.

PubMed

O'Connell, R; Chen, Y; Zhang, H; Zhou, Y; Fox, D; Maguire, P; Wang, J J; Rodenburg, C

2017-12-01

Images of Ga + -implanted amorphous silicon layers in a 110 n-type silicon substrate have been collected by a range of detectors in a scanning electron microscope and a helium ion microscope. The effects of the implantation dose and imaging parameters (beam energy, dwell time, etc.) on the image contrast were investigated. We demonstrate a similar relationship for both the helium ion microscope Everhart-Thornley and scanning electron microscope Inlens detectors between the contrast of the images and the Ga + density and imaging parameters. These results also show that dynamic charging effects have a significant impact on the quantification of the helium ion microscope and scanning electron microscope contrast. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

Generic Features of Tertiary Chromatin Structure as Detected in Natural Chromosomes

PubMed Central

Müller, Waltraud G.; Rieder, Dietmar; Kreth, Gregor; Cremer, Christoph; Trajanoski, Zlatko; McNally, James G.

2004-01-01

Knowledge of tertiary chromatin structure in mammalian interphase chromosomes is largely derived from artificial tandem arrays. In these model systems, light microscope images reveal fibers or beaded fibers after high-density targeting of transactivators to insertional domains spanning several megabases. These images of fibers have lent support to chromonema fiber models of tertiary structure. To assess the relevance of these studies to natural mammalian chromatin, we identified two different ∼400-kb regions on human chromosomes 6 and 22 and then examined light microscope images of interphase tertiary chromatin structure when the regions were transcriptionally active and inactive. When transcriptionally active, these natural chromosomal regions elongated, yielding images characterized by a series of adjacent puncta or “beads”, referred to hereafter as beaded images. These elongated structures required transcription for their maintenance. Thus, despite marked differences in the density and the mode of transactivation, the natural and artificial systems showed similarities, suggesting that beaded images are generic features of transcriptionally active tertiary chromatin. We show here, however, that these images do not necessarily favor chromonema fiber models but can also be explained by a radial-loop model or even a simple nucleosome affinity, random-chain model. Thus, light microscope images of tertiary structure cannot distinguish among competing models, although they do impose key constraints: chromatin must be clustered to yield beaded images and then packaged within each cluster to enable decondensation into adjacent clusters. PMID:15485905

Squared ligament of the elbow: anatomy and contribution to forearm stability.

PubMed

Otayek, Salma; Tayeb, Abd-el-Kader Ait; Assabah, Bouchra; Viard, Brice; Dayan, Romain; Lazure, Thierry; Soubeyrand, Marc

2016-03-01

The present study describes the macroscopic and microscopic features of the squared ligament of the elbow (SLE). In addition, the SLE biomechanical behavior and contribution to the forearm stability were also examined. Ten forearms from freshly frozen cadavers were used for this work. Each forearm was mounted in an experimental frame for quantification of longitudinal and transverse stability. Macroscopic features and biomechanical behavior were analyzed on dynamic videos obtained during forearm rotation. Then, the SLE was harvested from the 10 forearms for microscopic analysis on histological slices stained with hematoxylin-eosin-saffron. Two main SLE configurations were identified. One in which the SLE had three distinct bundles (anterior, middle, posterior) and another in which it was homogeneous. The anterior part of the SLE had a mean length of 11.2 mm (±2.4 mm) and a mean width of 1.2 mm (±0.2 mm) while the posterior part had a mean length of 9.9 mm (±2.2 mm) and a mean width of 1 mm (±0.2 mm). Microscopic examination showed that the SLE is composed of a thin layer of arranged collagen fibers. During forearm rotation, the SLE progressively tightens upon pronation and supination by wrapping around the radial neck. Tightening of the SLE during forearm rotation provides transverse and longitudinal stability to the forearm, mainly in maximal pronation and supination. The SLE is a true ligament and provides forearm stability when it is stretched in pronation and supination.

A remote operating slit lamp microscope system. Development and its utility in ophthalmologic examinations.

PubMed

Tanabe, N; Go, K; Sakurada, Y; Imasawa, M; Mabuchi, F; Chiba, T; Abe, K; Kashiwagi, K

2011-01-01

To develop a remote-operating slit lamp microscope system (the remote slit lamp) as the core for highly specialized ophthalmology diagnoses, and to compare the utility of this system with the conventional slit lamp microscope system (the conventional slit lamp) in making a diagnosis. The remote slit lamp system was developed. Three factors were evaluated in comparison to the conventional slit lamp. The ability to acquire skills was investigated using a task loading system among specialists and residents in ophthalmology. Participants repeated a task up to ten times and the time required for each task was analyzed. The consistency of the two systems in making a diagnosis was investigated using eyes of patients with ocular diseases as well as healthy volunteers. The remote slit lamp is composed of a patient's unit and ophthalmologist's unit connected by high-speed internet. The two units share images acquired by the slit lamp in addition to the images and voices of patients and ophthalmologists. Both ophthalmology specialists and residents could minimize the completion times after several trials. The remote slit lamp took more time than the conventional slit lamp. Both systems showed a high consistency in evaluations among eyes with healthy eyes or those with ocular diseases. The remote slit lamp has a similar diagnostic ability, but required more examination time in comparison to the conventional slit lamp. The currently developed remote slit lamp has the potential to be employed for tele-medicine purposes in the field of ophthalmology.

Comparison of urine analysis using manual and sedimentation methods.

PubMed

Kurup, R; Leich, M

2012-06-01

Microscopic examination of urine sediment is an essential part in the evaluation of renal and urinary tract diseases. Traditionally, urine sediments are assessed by microscopic examination of centrifuged urine. However the current method used by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Medical Laboratory involves uncentrifuged urine. To encourage high level of care, the results provided to the physician must be accurate and reliable for proper diagnosis. The aim of this study is to determine whether the centrifuge method is more clinically significant than the uncentrifuged method. In this study, a comparison between the results obtained from centrifuged and uncentrifuged methods were performed. A total of 167 urine samples were randomly collected and analysed during the period April-May 2010 at the Medical Laboratory, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The urine samples were first analysed microscopically by the uncentrifuged, and then by the centrifuged method. The results obtained from both methods were recorded in a log book. These results were then entered into a database created in Microsoft Excel, and analysed for differences and similarities using this application. Analysis was further done in SPSS software to compare the results using Pearson ' correlation. When compared using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis, both methods showed a good correlation between urinary sediments with the exception of white bloods cells. The centrifuged method had a slightly higher identification rate for all of the parameters. There is substantial agreement between the centrifuged and uncentrifuged methods. However the uncentrifuged method provides for a rapid turnaround time.

Standardization of blood smears prepared in transparent acetate: an alternative method for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria.

PubMed

Mello, Marcia B C; Luz, Francisco C; Leal-Santos, Fabio A; Alves, Eduardo R; Gasquez, Thamires M; Fontes, Cor J F

2014-06-17

Due to students' initial inexperience, slides are frequently broken and blood smears are damaged in microscopy training, leading to the need for their constant replacement. To minimize this problem a method of preparing blood smears on transparent acetate sheets was developed with the goal of implementing appropriate and more readily available teaching resources for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria. Acetate sheets derived from polyester were used to standardize the preparation and staining of thin and thick blood smears on transparent acetate sheets. Thick and thin blood smears were also prepared using the conventional method on glass slides. The staining was conducted using Giemsa staining for the thick and thin smears. Microscopic examination (1,000x) of the thin and thick blood smears prepared on transparent acetate produced high-quality images for both the parasites and the blood cells. The smears showed up on a clear background and with minimal dye precipitation. It was possible to clearly identify the main morphological characteristics of Plasmodium, neutrophils and platelets. After 12 months of storage, there was no change in image quality or evidence of fungal colonization. Preparation of thin and thick blood smears in transparent acetate for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria does not compromise the morphological and staining characteristics of the parasites or blood cells. It is reasonable to predict the applicability of transparent acetate in relevant situations such as the training of qualified professionals for the microscopic diagnosis of malaria and the preparation of positive specimens for competency assessment (quality control) of professionals and services involved in the diagnosis of malaria.

Detection of marginal leakage of Class V restorations in vitro by micro-computed tomography.

PubMed

Zhao, X Y; Li, S B; Gu, L J; Li, Y

2014-01-01

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of micro-computed tomography (CT) in marginal leakage detection of Class V restorations. Standardized Class V preparations with cervical margins in dentin and occlusal margins in enamel were made in 20 extracted human molars and restored with dental bonding agents and resin composite. All teeth were then immersed in 50% ammoniacal silver nitrate solution for 12 hours, followed by a developing solution for eight hours. Each restoration was scanned by micro-CT, the depth of marginal silver leakage in the central scanning section was measured, and the three-dimensional images of the silver leakage around each restoration were reconstructed. Afterward, all restorations were cut through the center and examined for leakage depth using a microscope. The silver leakage depth of each restoration obtained by the micro-CT and the microscope were compared for equivalency. The silver leakage depth in cervical walls observed by micro-CT and microscope showed no significant difference; however, in certain cases the judgment of leakage depth in the occlusal wall in micro-CT image was affected by adjacent enamel structure, providing less leakage depth than was observed with the microscope (p<0.01). Micro-CT displayed the three-dimensional image of the leakage around the Class V restorations with clear borders only in the dentin region. It can be concluded that micro-CT can detect nondestructively the leakage around a resin composite restoration in two and three dimensions, with accuracy comparable to that of the conventional microscope method in the dentin region but with inferior accuracy in the enamel region.

How Sensitive Are Transdermal Transport Predictions by Microscopic Stratum Corneum Models to Geometric and Transport Parameter Input?

PubMed

Wen, Jessica; Koo, Soh Myoung; Lape, Nancy

2018-02-01

While predictive models of transdermal transport have the potential to reduce human and animal testing, microscopic stratum corneum (SC) model output is highly dependent on idealized SC geometry, transport pathway (transcellular vs. intercellular), and penetrant transport parameters (e.g., compound diffusivity in lipids). Most microscopic models are limited to a simple rectangular brick-and-mortar SC geometry and do not account for variability across delivery sites, hydration levels, and populations. In addition, these models rely on transport parameters obtained from pure theory, parameter fitting to match in vivo experiments, and time-intensive diffusion experiments for each compound. In this work, we develop a microscopic finite element model that allows us to probe model sensitivity to variations in geometry, transport pathway, and hydration level. Given the dearth of experimentally-validated transport data and the wide range in theoretically-predicted transport parameters, we examine the model's response to a variety of transport parameters reported in the literature. Results show that model predictions are strongly dependent on all aforementioned variations, resulting in order-of-magnitude differences in lag times and permeabilities for distinct structure, hydration, and parameter combinations. This work demonstrates that universally predictive models cannot fully succeed without employing experimentally verified transport parameters and individualized SC structures. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Theileria (Babesia) Equi Infection in Equids of Kurdistan Province, Iran

PubMed Central

HABIBI, Gholamreza; ESMAEILNIA, Kasra; HABLOLVARID, Mohammad Hasan; AFSHARI, Asghar; ZAMEN, Mohsen; BOZORGI, Soghra

2016-01-01

Background: Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is the cause of persistent tick-borne infection with no symptoms, but the most important problem of EP is due to the persistent carrier state. Carrier animals to Babesia (Theileria) equi (Laveran 1901) and B. caballi (Nuttall, 1910) infestation could be identified by extremely sensitive PCR-based method. The purpose of this study was to identify the causative agents of equine piroplasmosis based on molecular and microscopic assays in equids from Kurdistan Province, Iran. Methods: Thirty one horse and mule blood samples were used with history of living in Kurdistan Province of Iran. The blood specimens were utilized for T. equi and B. caballi DNA identification by PCR and Giemsa stained smears for microscopic observation. Results: The results clearly showed the presence of B. (Theileria) equi DNA in 30 of 31 blood samples (96.77%), but the microscopic examination revealed the 3 of 31 positive Babesia like organisms in the red blood cells (9.67%). Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrated the presence of hidden B. (Theileria) equi infection in horses with previous habitance in Kurdistan Province of Iran. The carrier animals became a main source of infection and can transmit the disease. Therefore, hidden infection might be considered as a health threatening and limiting factor in animals used in therapeutic antisera research and production centers. PMID:27095973

Preparation and characterization of magnetic core-shell iron oxide@glycyrrhizic acid nanoparticles in ethanol-water mixed solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saeedi, Mostafa; Vahidi, Omid

2018-06-01

In this research, we used the co-precipitation method to synthesize glycyrrhizic acid coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The aim of this study is to investigate how different amounts of glycyrrhizic acid affect the structural, biological, magnetic, and hyperthermic characteristics of the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles. The synthesis was conducted under different glycyrrhizic acid concentrations in water with the presence of ethanol to generate coated nanoparticles with different amounts of coating agent. The characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were examined by several devices including X-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, field-emission scanning electron microscope, vibrating sample magnetometer, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and thermal gravimetric analyzer. The cytotoxicity of synthesized nanoparticles was examined by MTT assay using L929 fibroblast cell line. The results indicated the enhanced biocompatibility of the coated iron oxide nanoparticles due to the presence of glycyrrhizic acid. The comparison of the coated samples shows that the samples with higher amounts of coating agent were more biocompatible. The possibility of using the synthesized magnetic nanoparticles for medical hyperthermia was examined by performing hyperthermia process on a nanofluid made up of the nanoparticles dispersed in water using a high-frequency alternating magnetic field generator and the results confirm the effectiveness of the synthesized nanoparticles in the elevation of the solutions temperature.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This electron microscope image shows extremely tiny tubular structures that are possible microscopic fossils of bacteria-like organisms that may have lived on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00285

Mars Life? - Microscopic Egg-shaped Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This electron microscope image shows egg-shaped structures, some of which may be possible microscopic fossils of Martian origin as discussed by NASA research published in the Aug. 16, 1996. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00286

Microscopes for NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2007-01-01

One part of the Microscopy, Electrochemistry, and Conductivity Analyzer instrument for NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander is a pair of telescopes with a special wheel (on the right in this photograph) for presenting samples to be inspected with the microscopes. A horizontally mounted optical microscope (on the left in this photograph) and an atomic force microscope will examine soil particles and possibly ice particles.

The shapes and the size distributions of soil particles may tell scientists about environmental conditions the material has experienced. Tumbling rounds the edges. Repeated wetting and freezing causes cracking. Clay minerals formed during long exposure to water have distinctive, platy particles shapes.

Thermal treatment, grain boundary composition and intergranular attack resistance of Alloy 690

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, A.J.; Stratton, R.P.

1992-12-31

Commercial Alloy 690 PWR steam generator tubes and experimentally produced alloys with varying amounts of carbon, aluminium and titanium have been examined. After simulated mill annealing and thermal treatment, the microstructure and corrosion behaviour in corrosion tests have been investigated. Stress corrosion resistance of selected alloy 690 tubes and experimental alloys has been examined with environments based on pure water, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide + sodium sulphate solutions. Effects of aluminium content and the thermal treatments on the susceptibility to intergranular attack have been examined, although they appear not to be very significant to the amounts of IGA. Samplesmore » used in thermal treatments have been further examined with a dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope to show compositional changes at grain boundaries.« less

External bone marrow cytological examination quality assurance (EQAhem)--summary after 6 years in Poland.

PubMed

Lewandowski, Krzysztof; Kurpierz, Katarzyna; Sledzinska, Anna

2015-10-01

Bone marrow macroscopic examination remains one of the most difficult and subjective laboratory assessments in hematology. Only a few external quality assurance programs in the field are present worldwide. We have developed an external quality assurance program EQAhem that allows assessment of the whole process of bone marrow examination. The program participants assess blood and bone marrow smears from the patient, identify selected cells from photographs provided to them, and interpret the microscopic results. In this article, the results of the EQAhem program in Poland from 6 years are summarized. During this time, 62 labs were assessed in total, and positive results were achieved by 89.25 % labs, taking into account all tests. Correct responses with respect to the percentage of cell count were provided by ca. 77.5 % labs. Slightly worse results were obtained when megakaryocyte count and cell identification from photographs were tested. The worst results were obtained in case of dysplasia assessment and clinical interpretation of microscopic examination (54.1 and 58.6 % correct responses, respectively). EQAhem delivers precise information about the quality of bone marrow examinations performed in Poland and has a substantial educational value. We believe that after 6 years, EQAhem has significantly improved the quality of bone marrow microscopic examinations performed in Poland.

[Biomimetic nanohydroxyapatite/gelatin composite material preparation and in vitro study].

PubMed

Li, Siriguleng; Hu, Xiaowen

2014-09-01

To prepare nHA/gelatin porous scaffold and to evaluate its physical and chemical properties and biocompatibility. We used nano-powders of HA and gelatin to prepare 3D porous composite scaffold by freeze-drying technique, and used scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and universal testing machine to characterize the composite material. Osteoblasts were primarily cultured, and the third-passage osteoblasts were co-cultured with the composite material. The cell adhesion and morphology were examined under scanning electron microscope. The cell viability analysis was performed by MTT assay, and the alkaline phosphatase activity was measured with alkaline phosphatase kit. Scanning electron microscope showed that the scaffold possessed a 3-dimensional interconnected homogenous porous structure with pore sizes ranging from 150 to 400 μm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the composite material had a strong chemical bond between the inorganic phase and organic phase. The scaffold presented the compressive strength of (3.28 ± 0.51) MPa and porosities of (80.6 ± 4.1)%. Composite materials showed features of had good biocompatibility. Mouse osteoblasts were well adhered and spread on the materials. The grade of the cell toxicity ranged from I to II. On the 5th and 7th day the proliferative rate of osteoblasts on scaffolds in the composite materials was significantly higher than that in the control group. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was obviously higher than that in the control group on Day 1 and 3. Nano-hydroxyapatite and gelatin in certain proportions and under certain conditions can be prepared into a composite biomimetic porous scaffolds with high porosity and three-dimensional structure using freeze-drying method. The scaffold shows good biocompatibility with mouse osteoblasts and may be a novel scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Soft tissue sarcomas in the African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris): microscopic and immunohistologic study of three cases.

PubMed

Ramos-Vara, J A

2001-09-01

Three soft tissue tumors from 2 female hedgehogs were examined microscopically and immunohistochemically. Two tumors involved haired skin and the third one was vaginal. Microscopically, the cutaneous tumors had features of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), whereas the vaginal tumor was classified only as a spindle cell sarcoma. Immunohistochemically, all 3 tumors were strongly positive for vimentin and strongly to moderately positive for CD10 and neuron-specific enolase but did not stain with antibody to S100 protein, an antigen typically present in human MPNST The cutaneous tumor from hedgehog no. 1 was examined ultrastructurally and the neoplastic cells resembled fibroblasts. Hedgehog no. 1 was euthanized at the time of the biopsy. The outcome of the other hedgehog was unknown.

Comparison of biochemical and microscopic methods for quantification of mycorrhizal fungi in soil and roots

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are well-known plant symbionts which provide enhanced phosphorus uptake as well as other benefits to their host plants. Quantification of mycorrhizal biomass and root colonization has traditionally been performed by root staining and microscopic examination methods...

Microscopic Examination of Gallbladder Stones Improves Rate of Detection of Clonorchis sinensis Infection

PubMed Central

Ma, Rui-hong; Luo, Xiao-bing; Zheng, Pei-ming; Luo, Zhen-liang; Yang, Liu-qing

2013-01-01

To improve the rate of detection of Clonorchis sinensis infection, we compared different specimens from patients with cholecystolithiasis. Feces, gallbladder bile, and gallbladder stones collected from 179 consecutive patients with cholecystolithiasis underwent microscopic examination, and according to the results, 30 egg-positive and 30 egg-negative fecal, gallbladder bile, and gallbladder stone specimens, respectively, underwent real-time fluorescent PCR. The detection rates of eggs in feces, bile, and gallbladder stones were 30.7%, 44.7%, and 69.8%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). The PCR results confirmed that the eggs in the specimens were C. sinensis eggs. Eggs in the feces were “fresh” and in the gallbladder stones were “old.” Microscopic examination of gallbladder stones may improve the detection rates of C. sinensis infection, which is important for developing individualized treatments to prevent the recurrence of gallbladder stones and to prevent the occurrence of severe liver damage and cholangiocarcinoma. PMID:23698535

Intermittent Haemoptysis due to an Aortobronchial Fistula in a Warmblood Mare.

PubMed

Versnaeyen, H; Saey, V; Vermeiren, D; Chiers, K; Ducatelle, R

2016-01-01

A 7-year-old warmblood mare showed sudden onset of mild intermittent haemoptysis. Clinical examination revealed no significant abnormalities. Haematological examination showed mild anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and neutrophilia. Coagulation tests were normal. Endoscopic examination revealed unilateral pulmonary haemorrhage with blood clots in the bronchi and trachea. Treatment with antibiotics was started and the horse was given stable rest. Two weeks later, the horse was found dead with blood and frothy sputum leaking from the nostrils. Post-mortem examination revealed a large thoracic aortic aneurysm communicating with a pseudoaneurysm that had formed a fistula into a right bronchial branch. Microscopical examination of the aneurysm showed extensive medial fibrosis with prominent degeneration, fragmentation and mineralization of the elastic fibres and deposition of mucoid material in the tunica media. The pseudoaneurysm was lined by collagen bundles admixed with fibroblasts and a small amount of adipose tissue. Aortobronchial fistula is a rare condition in man that is usually associated with primary aortic pathology, most often aneurysms. To the authors' knowledge this is the first case of a fatal aortobronchial fistula in a horse or any other animal species. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymethylmethacrylate dermal fillers: evaluation of the systemic toxicity in rats.

PubMed

Medeiros, C C G; Borghetti, R L; Nicoletti, N; da Silva, V D; Cherubini, K; Salum, F G; de Figueiredo, M A Z

2014-01-01

This study evaluated local and systemic reactions after an intravascular injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) at two concentrations in a murine model. Thirty rats were divided equally into three groups: 2% PMMA, 30% PMMA, and a control group (normal saline only injection). The filler was injected into the ranine vein. The rats were sedated at 7 and 90 days and a clinical evaluation performed. After euthanasia, the right lung, liver, and right kidney were removed, weighed, and microscopically analyzed. The submandibular lymph nodes and tongue were removed and examined microscopically. Serum was subjected to liver and kidney function tests. No groups showed clinical alterations. Microspheres were not observed at any distant organ. Two samples from the 2% PMMA group showed a local inflammatory response at day 7 and another two samples from the 30% PMMA group at day 90. The group injected with 30% PMMA presented higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.047) after 90 days when compared with the other groups. The data obtained in this study demonstrate that intravascular injections of PMMA fillers show potential health risks such as chronic inflammation at the implantation site. Copyright © 2013 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scanning Electron Microscope Examination of Cotton Linters and Wood Pulp Fibers before and after Nitration and Gun Propellant Manufacture

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-01

both types of cellulose , the cell walls are still intact with the microfibrils showing little damage. The cellulose microfibrils consist of long chains...25 2. Model of Cellulose Microfibril ... S............. .............. .26 3. Model of Plant Cell Wall Bonding of Microfibril Bundles...molecules protrude above and below the plane of the cellulose ribbon.J’ (See Figures 2 and 3,) Bundles of these cellulose ribbons are called microfibrils

Enhancement of neutrophil autophagy by an IVIG preparation against multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as drug-sensitive strains.

PubMed

Itoh, Hiroshi; Matsuo, Hidemasa; Kitamura, Naoko; Yamamoto, Sho; Higuchi, Takeshi; Takematsu, Hiromu; Kamikubo, Yasuhiko; Kondo, Tadakazu; Yamashita, Kouhei; Sasada, Masataka; Takaori-Kondo, Akifumi; Adachi, Souichi

2015-07-01

Autophagy occurs in human neutrophils after the phagocytosis of multidrug-resistant bacteria and drug-sensitive strains, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study detected autophagy by immunoblot analysis of LC3B conversion, by confocal scanning microscopic examination of LC3B aggregate formation and by transmission electron microscopic examination of bacteria-containing autophagosomes. Patients with severe bacterial infections are often treated with IVIG alongside antimicrobial agents. Here, we showed that IVIG induced neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis of multidrug-resistant strains. Compared with untreated neutrophils, neutrophils exposed to IVIG showed increased levels of bacterial cell killing, phagocytosis, O(2)(-) release, MPO release, and NET formation. IVIG also increased autophagy in these cells. Inhibiting the late phase of autophagy (fusion of lysosomes with autophagosomes) with bafilomycin A1-reduced, neutrophil-mediated bactericidal activity. These findings indicate that autophagy plays a critical role in the bactericidal activity mediated by human neutrophils. Furthermore, the autophagosomes within the neutrophils contained bacteria only and their organelles only, or both bacteria and their organelles, a previously undocumented observation. Taken together, these results suggest that the contents of neutrophil autophagosomes may be derived from specific autophagic systems, which provide the neutrophil with an advantage. Thus, IVIG promotes the neutrophil-mediated killing of multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as drug-sensitive strains. © Society for Leukocyte Biology.

Enhancement of neutrophil autophagy by an IVIG preparation against multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as drug-sensitive strains

PubMed Central

Itoh, Hiroshi; Matsuo, Hidemasa; Kitamura, Naoko; Yamamoto, Sho; Higuchi, Takeshi; Takematsu, Hiromu; Kamikubo, Yasuhiko; Kondo, Tadakazu; Yamashita, Kouhei; Sasada, Masataka; Takaori-Kondo, Akifumi; Adachi, Souichi

2015-01-01

Autophagy occurs in human neutrophils after the phagocytosis of multidrug-resistant bacteria and drug-sensitive strains, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study detected autophagy by immunoblot analysis of LC3B conversion, by confocal scanning microscopic examination of LC3B aggregate formation and by transmission electron microscopic examination of bacteria-containing autophagosomes. Patients with severe bacterial infections are often treated with IVIG alongside antimicrobial agents. Here, we showed that IVIG induced neutrophil-mediated phagocytosis of multidrug-resistant strains. Compared with untreated neutrophils, neutrophils exposed to IVIG showed increased levels of bacterial cell killing, phagocytosis, O2− release, MPO release, and NET formation. IVIG also increased autophagy in these cells. Inhibiting the late phase of autophagy (fusion of lysosomes with autophagosomes) with bafilomycin A1-reduced, neutrophil-mediated bactericidal activity. These findings indicate that autophagy plays a critical role in the bactericidal activity mediated by human neutrophils. Furthermore, the autophagosomes within the neutrophils contained bacteria only and their organelles only, or both bacteria and their organelles, a previously undocumented observation. Taken together, these results suggest that the contents of neutrophil autophagosomes may be derived from specific autophagic systems, which provide the neutrophil with an advantage. Thus, IVIG promotes the neutrophil-mediated killing of multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as drug-sensitive strains. PMID:25908735

Histopathology of human superficial herpes simplex keratitis.

PubMed Central

Maudgal, P. C.; Missotten, L.

1978-01-01

In vivo corneal replicas were made in 20 cases of patients with superficial dendritic ulcers of the cornea. Histopathological study of the replicas and superficial epithelial cells showed that the dendrites are composed of rounded epithelial cells and variable sized syncytia containing bizarre shaped nuclei. Pseudopodia-like processes containing DNA and some RNA extend from the syncytia into the surrounding epithelial cells, which on coming into contact with these processes become rounded and liquefied to give rise to another syncytium. The epithelial cells adjacent to the dendrite and elongated and usually orientated parallel to the long axis of the lesion. Surrounding the terminal bulbs, they are disposed in an arcuate fashion. These cells show C-mitotic lesions, intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, and polykaryocyte formation. Microscopic examination of the corneal replicas shows the intranuclear lesions and rounding of cells up to about 2 mm away from the dendritic ulcers. These areas appear normal on clinical examination. Images PMID:629910

The Microscope against Cell Theory: Cancer Research in Nineteenth-Century Parisian Anatomical Pathology.

PubMed

Loison, Laurent

2016-07-01

This paper examines the reception of cell theory in the field of French anatomical pathology. This reception is studied under the lens of the concept of the cancer cell, which was developed in Paris in the 1840s. In the medical field, cell theory was quickly accessible, understood, and discussed. In the wake of research by Hermann Lebert, the cancer cell concept was supported by a wealth of high-quality microscopic observations. The concept was constructed in opposition to cell theory, which appears retrospectively paradoxical and surprising. Indeed, the biological atomism inherent in cell theory, according to which the cell is the elementary unit of all organs of living bodies, appeared at the time incompatible with the possible existence of pathological cells without equivalent in healthy tissues. Thus, the postulate of atomism was used as an argument by Parisian clinicians who denied the value of the cancer cell. This study shows that at least in the field of anatomical pathology, cell theory did not directly result from the use of the microscope but was actually hindered by it. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Lattice relations and solidification of the complex regular eutectic (Cr,Fe)-(Cr,Fe)23C6

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Hsuan-Han; Hsieh, Chih-Chun; Lin, Chi-Ming; Wu, Weite

2017-05-01

The eutectic (Cr,Fe)-(Cr,Fe)23C6 showed a triaxial fishbone structure and could be categorized as a "complex regular structure". In this study, the lattice relations of the fishbone (Cr,Fe)23C6 were examined and the solidification process was observed using a transmission electron microscope and a confocal laser scanning microscope. For one of the three fish bones in a eutectic cell, parallel (Cr,Fe)23C6 lamellas at one side of the spine had the same lattice direction, as did those in the (Cr,Fe) phase. The lattices of neighboring (Cr,Fe)23C6 and (Cr,Fe) phases were not coherent. Lamellar (Cr,Fe)23C6 on opposite sides of a spine had different lattice directions, and their lattice boundary was in the spine. By using the confocal laser scanning microscope, the solidification of lamellar eutectic structure could be observed. At the low cooling rate of 5 o C·min-1, parallel lamellas would grow thick blocks instead of thin plates. To obtain a thin lamellar eutectic structure, the cooling rate should be higher, like the rate in welding.

Penny for Your Reference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

15 April 2004 This close-up image of a penny shows the degree to which the microscopic imager on the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit can zoom in on a target. The penny is seen exactly as it would be on Mars if it were placed under the microscopic imager. This picture was taken by the imager during testing at JPL.

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Spirit's Microscopic Vision Demonstrated

This close-up image of a penny shows the power of the microscopic imager onboard the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit to see fine details. The picture was taken by the imager during testing at JPL.

Profiling cellular bioenergetics, glutathione levels, and caspase activities in stomach biopsies of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms

PubMed Central

Alfazari, Ali S; Al-Dabbagh, Bayan; Al-Dhaheri, Wafa; Taha, Mazen S; Chebli, Ahmad A; Fontagnier, Eva M; Koutoubi, Zaher; Kochiyi, Jose; Karam, Sherif M; Souid, Abdul-Kader

2015-01-01

AIM: To measure biochemical parameters in stomach biopsies and test their suitability as diagnostic biomarkers for gastritis and precancerous lesions. METHODS: Biopsies were obtained from the stomachs of two groups of patients (n = 40) undergoing fiber-optic endoscopy due to upper gastrointestinal symptoms. In the first group (n = 17), only the corpus region was examined. Biopsies were processed for microscopic examination and measurement of mitochondrial O2 consumption (cellular respiration), cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), glutathione (GSH), and caspase activity. In the second group of patients (n = 23), both corpus and antral regions were studied. Some biopsies were processed for microscopic examination, while the others were used for measurements of cellular respiration and GSH level. RESULTS: Microscopic examinations of gastric corpus biopsies from 17 patients revealed normal mucosae in 8 patients, superficial gastritis in 7 patients, and chronic atrophic gastritis in 1 patient. In patients with normal histology, the rate (mean ± SD) of cellular respiration was 0.17 ± 0.02 μmol/L O2 min-1 mg-1, ATP content was 487 ± 493 pmol/mg, and GSH was 469 ± 98 pmol/mg. Caspase activity was detected in 3 out of 8 specimens. The values of ATP and caspase activity were highly variable. The presence of superficial gastritis had insignificant effects on the measured biomarkers. In the patient with atrophic gastritis, cellular respiration was high and ATP was relatively low, suggesting uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. In the second cohort of patients, the examined biopsies showed either normal or superficial gastritis. The rate of cellular respiration (O2. μmol/L min-1 mg-1) was slightly higher in the corpus than the antrum (0.18 ± 0.05 vs 0.15 ± 0.04, P = 0.019). The value of GSH was about the same in both tissues (310 ± 135 vs 322 ± 155, P = 0.692). CONCLUSION: The corpus mucosa was metabolically more active than the antrum tissue. The data in this study will help in understanding the pathophysiology of gastric mucosa. PMID:25593494

Influence of radiofrequency surgery on architecture of the palatine tonsils.

PubMed

Plzak, Jan; Macokova, Pavla; Zabrodsky, Michal; Kastner, Jan; Lastuvka, Petr; Astl, Jaromir

2014-01-01

Radiofrequency surgery is a widely used modern technique for submucosal volume reduction of the tonsils. So far there is very limited information on morphologic changes in the human tonsils after radiofrequency surgery. We performed histopathological study of tonsillectomy specimens after previous bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT). A total of 83 patients underwent bipolar RFITT for hypertrophy of palatine tonsils. Tonsil volume reduction was measured by 3D ultrasonography. Five patients subsequently underwent tonsillectomy. Profound histopathological examination was performed to determine the effect of RFITT on tonsillar architecture. All tonsillectomy specimens showed the intact epithelium, intact germinal centers, normal vascularization, and no evidence of increased fibrosis. No microscopic morphological changes in tonsillectomy specimens after bipolar RFITT were observed. RFITT is an effective submucosal volume reduction procedure for treatment of hypertrophic palatine tonsils with no destructive effect on microscopic tonsillar architecture and hence most probably no functional adverse effect.

Laryngeal teflonoma identified by Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy after forensic autopsy: an interesting tool for foreign material identification in forensic cases.

PubMed

Duband, Sébastien; Govin, Alexandre; Dumollard, Jean-Marc; Forest, Fabien; Basset, Thierry; Péoc'h, Michel

2012-01-10

Forensic pathologists are sometimes confronted with microscopic foreign bodies mixed in with soft tissues surrounding wounds and which are thus difficult to identify. This identification, however, could be primordial in investigating a crime and in determining the weapon used. A case of a fatal respiratory distress syndrome due to conjoining suicidal drug intoxication and laryngeal obstruction by a voluminous foreign body giant cell granuloma is presented. The classical histological examination showed exogenous particles in the vocal cord tumor with birefringent qualities. Their analysis with Fourier-Transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry coupled with infrared microscope allows the determination of their chemical nature as polytetrafluoroethylene and to the diagnosis of teflonoma. This case report put the emphasis on the forensic interest of the FTIR imaging. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microscopic Structural Changes in Paddy Straw Pretreated with Trichoderma reesei MTCC 164 and Coriolus versicolor MTCC 138.

PubMed

Phutela, Urmila Gupta; Sahni, Nidhi

2013-06-01

The present study reports the pretreatment of paddy straw by Trichoderma reesei MTCC 164 and Coriolus versicolor MTCC 138 to observe the changes in chemical composition and its correlation with change of surface structure, morphology and porosity of paddy straw. Compared with untreated straw, cellulose decreased by 15.9 and 19.3 % in T. reesei MTCC 164 and C. versicolor MTCC 138 pretreated paddy straw respectively. Lignin content increased by 41.4 % in T. reesei pretreated paddy straw whereas decreased by 19.1 % in C. versicolor pretreated straw. The microscopic structural changes were examined by scanning electron microscopy under reasonable conditions. Results showed that digestibility of paddy straw are increased by treating paddy straw with both the cultures. Both surface area and pore size of treated straw were increased partially due to solubilization of silica components.

[Krukenberg ovary tumor pathological clinical study of 56 cases in the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (National Cancer Institute)].

PubMed

Sánchez Lihón, Juvenal

2009-01-01

We report 56 cases of ovary Krukenberg tumor at Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades NeoplAsicas en relation to microscopic diagnosis, primary origin and clinicopathologic correlation. The patients ranged from 18 to 84 years. The most frecuent primary tumor was stomach 33 (58.9%) cases. Abdominal swelling and pain usually accounted for the clinical presentation. Ascitis, abnormal vaginal bleeding. 21 patients had frozen section.11(52.3%) cases the primary carcinoma was found during an operation for the ovary tumor and the most frecuent was stomach 9/21. 35 cases the tumor was bilateral the largest dimension was 30 x 20 cm microscopic examination showed variety of patterns.the survival data, follow up and prognosis is bad. It is important the correct diagnosis of Krukenberg tumor. We recommended frozen section. The prognosis is very poor.

Mesosomes are a definite event in antibiotic-treated Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923.

PubMed

Santhana Raj, L; Hing, H L; Baharudin, Omar; Teh Hamidah, Z; Aida Suhana, R; Nor Asiha, C P; Vimala, B; Paramsarvaran, S; Sumarni, G; Hanjeet, K

2007-06-01

Mesosomes of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 treated with antibiotics were examined morphologically under the electron microscope. The Transmission Electron Microscope Rapid Method was used to eliminate the artifacts due to sample processing. Mesosomes were seen in all the antibiotic treated bacteria and not in the control group. The main factor that contributes to the formation of mesosomes in the bacteria was the mode of action of the antibiotics. The continuous cytoplasmic membrane with infolding (mesosomes) as in the S. aureus ATCC 25923 is therefore confirmed as a definite pattern of membrane organization in gram positive bacteria assaulted by amikacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin and oxacillin antibiotics. Our preliminary results show oxacillin and vancomycin treated bacteria seemed to have deeper and more mesosomes than those treated with amikacin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. Further research is needed to ascertain whether the deep invagination and the number of mesosomes formed is associated with the types of antibiotic used.

High resolution imaging of latent fingerprints by localized corrosion on brass surfaces.

PubMed

Goddard, Alex J; Hillman, A Robert; Bond, John W

2010-01-01

The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is capable of imaging fingerprint ridges on polished brass substrates at an unprecedented level of detail. While exposure to elevated humidity at ambient or slightly raised temperatures does not change the image appreciably, subsequent brief heating in a flame results in complete loss of the sweat deposit and the appearance of pits and trenches. Localized elemental analysis (using EDAX, coupled with SEM imaging) shows the presence of the constituents of salt in the initial deposits. Together with water and atmospheric oxygen--and with thermal enhancement--these are capable of driving a surface corrosion process. This process is sufficiently localized that it has the potential to generate a durable negative topographical image of the fingerprint. AFM examination of surface regions between ridges revealed small deposits (probably microscopic "spatter" of sweat components or transferred particulates) that may ultimately limit the level of ridge detail analysis.

Smartphone confocal microscopy for imaging cellular structures in human skin in vivo.

PubMed

Freeman, Esther E; Semeere, Aggrey; Osman, Hany; Peterson, Gary; Rajadhyaksha, Milind; González, Salvador; Martin, Jeffery N; Anderson, R Rox; Tearney, Guillermo J; Kang, Dongkyun

2018-04-01

We report development of a low-cost smartphone confocal microscope and its first demonstration of in vivo human skin imaging. The smartphone confocal microscope uses a slit aperture and diffraction grating to conduct two-dimensional confocal imaging without using any beam scanning devices. Lateral and axial resolutions of the smartphone confocal microscope were measured as 2 and 5 µm, respectively. In vivo confocal images of human skin revealed characteristic cellular structures, including spinous and basal keratinocytes and papillary dermis. Results suggest that the smartphone confocal microscope has a potential to examine cellular details in vivo and may help disease diagnosis in resource-poor settings, where conducting standard histopathologic analysis is challenging.

Smartphone confocal microscopy for imaging cellular structures in human skin in vivo

PubMed Central

Freeman, Esther E.; Semeere, Aggrey; Osman, Hany; Peterson, Gary; Rajadhyaksha, Milind; González, Salvador; Martin, Jeffery N.; Anderson, R. Rox; Tearney, Guillermo J.; Kang, Dongkyun

2018-01-01

We report development of a low-cost smartphone confocal microscope and its first demonstration of in vivo human skin imaging. The smartphone confocal microscope uses a slit aperture and diffraction grating to conduct two-dimensional confocal imaging without using any beam scanning devices. Lateral and axial resolutions of the smartphone confocal microscope were measured as 2 and 5 µm, respectively. In vivo confocal images of human skin revealed characteristic cellular structures, including spinous and basal keratinocytes and papillary dermis. Results suggest that the smartphone confocal microscope has a potential to examine cellular details in vivo and may help disease diagnosis in resource-poor settings, where conducting standard histopathologic analysis is challenging. PMID:29675328

Microscopic Study of Rocks and Minerals in Introductory Geology Courses.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Singh, Raman J.

1983-01-01

Suggests that introductory geology students, who are mostly nonmajors, would benefit if more laboratory time and the necessary microscopic examination were allowed as part of work on rocks/minerals. Indicates that students need to be taught value/necessity of paying attention to details while gathering data or making observations to make…

How about a Log for Lunch?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Susan; Bonner, Sheveeta C.

2008-01-01

Many students do not have the manual dexterity to keep up with a fast-moving paramecium on a microscope slide. The lowly termite, however, provides an easily observable microscopic endo-ecosystem in an environment not usually considered by middle school teachers. In the activity described here, students examine the gut fauna of a termite in what…

Solar-cell defect analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gauthier, M. K.; Miller, E. L.; Shumka, A.

1980-01-01

Laser-Scanning System pinpoints imperfections in solar cells. Entire solar panels containing large numbers of cells can be scanned. Although technique is similar to use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) to locate microscopic imperfections, it differs in that large areas may be examined, including entire solar panels, and it is not necessary to remove cover glass or encapsulants.

Examination of cotton fibers and common contaminants using an infrared microscope and a focal-plane array detector

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The chemical imaging of cotton fibers and common contaminants in fibers is presented. Chemical imaging was performed with an infrared microscope equipped with a Focal-Plane Array (FPA) detector. Infrared spectroscopy can provide us with information on the structure and quality of cotton fibers. In a...

An ocular cysticercosis case: Caused by Asian genotype of Taenia solium.

PubMed

Sharma, M; Beke, N; Khurana, S; Bhatti, H S; Sehgal, R; Malla, N

2015-01-01

An ocular cysticercosis case of a 42-year-old male, who presented with anterior uveitis is being reported. Microscopical examination of the cyst revealed presence of only one hooklet suggestive of T. solium cysticercus. Mitochondrial DNA analysis confirmed it to be T. solium cysticercus of Asian genotype. This is the first report on molecular typing of cysticercus isolate from ocular cysticercosis patient in India. The study suggests that the molecular analysis of cox1 gene may be a useful diagnostic tool in cases where microscopic examination is not confirmatory.

Very low risk of light-induced retinal damage during Boston keratoprosthesis surgery: a rabbit study.

PubMed

Salvador-Culla, Borja; Behlau, Irmgard; Sayegh, Rony R; Stacy, Rebecca C; Dohlman, Claes H; Delori, François

2014-02-01

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of light damage to the retina by a surgical microscope during implantation of a Boston Keratoprosthesis (B-KPro) in rabbits. The retinal irradiance from a Zeiss OPMI Lumera S7 operating microscope was measured at the working distance (16.5 cm). Light transmittance through an isolated B-KPro was measured. A B-KPro was implanted into 1 eye of 12 rabbits with the optic covered during the procedure. The operated eyes were then continuously exposed to a fixed light intensity under the microscope for 1 hour. Fluorescein angiography was carried out on days 2 and 9 postsurgery, after which the animals were euthanized. Further, we compared the potential of these retinal exposures to well-accepted light safety guidelines applicable to humans. Light transmittance of B-KPro revealed a blockage of short wavelengths (<390 nm) and of long wavelengths (1660-1750 nm) of light. In addition, the surgical microscope filtered a part of the blue, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths. Neither fluorescein angiography nor a histological examination showed any morphological retinal changes in our rabbits. Moreover, the retinal exposures were well below the safety limits. Modern surgical microscopes have filters incorporated in them that block the most damaging wavelengths of light. The B-KPro is made of 100% poly(methyl methacrylate), which makes it in itself a blocker of short wavelengths of light. No damage could be demonstrated in the animal study, and the retinal exposures were well below the safety limits. Together, these results suggest that light exposures during B-KPro surgery present a low risk of photochemical damage to the retina.

Total fixation of cricoarytenoid joint of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto thyroiditis.

PubMed

Stojanović, Stevan P; Zivić, Ljubica; Stojanović, Jasmina; Belić, Branislav

2010-01-01

The incidence of cricoarytenoid joint fixation in case of rheumatoid arthritis is 17 to 33%. In later stages of rheumatoid arthritis, a gradual fixation of cricoarytenoid joint develops and both halves of the larynx become less movable which calls for endotracheal intubation; while total fixation of this joint demands surgical tracheotomy. Hashimoto thyroiditis can display symptoms which are difficult to distinguish from the ones present in total fixation of cricoarytenoid joint caused by rheumatoid arthritis. A 60-year-old woman in terminal stage of rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto thyroiditis, diagnosed after clinical and other examinations. She was treated for strident breathing with surgical tracheotomy. The microscopic examination of the larynx with the use of laryngoscopic pincers suggested the immovability of the right and very limited movability of the left arytenoid cartilage. A computerized endovideostroboscopy showed only passive vertical vibrating movements of the right vocal cord and irregular vibrations of the left vocal cord. Total fixation of the cricoarytenoid joint can be caused by many pathological processes, but so far references have shown no case of rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto thyroiditis. In differential diagnostics, one of many examinations is the microscopic examination of the larynx, but it is very important to determine the movability of the arytenoid cartilage with the use of appropriate instruments in total endotracheal anaesthesia while the patient is fully relaxed. Movements in cricoarytenoid joints in patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis and the same conditions are preserved.

[An autopsy case of neonatal lactic acidosis].

PubMed

Giordano, G; Corradi, D; D'Adda, T; Melissari, M

2001-02-01

Defects in mitochondrial enzymes, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase, cause hereditary disorders which lead to modifications in cellular pH due to the accumulation of pyruvate and lactic acid. Mitochondrial diseases include severe neonatal diseases and less severe forms of adult diseases. We report the case of lactic acidosis in a newborn girl who was delivered at 36 weeks of gestation and who died 3 months after birth. Her family history revealed a relative with tetraparesis and mental retardation. Her clinical findings, such as tonic-clonic convulsions and accumulation of pyruvate and lactic acid in blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid, were refractory to treatment and developed soon after birth. Ultrasound scans of the brain some days before death revealed cerebral atrophy with ventricular dilatation and thinning of the corpus callosum and septum pellucidum. The clinical diagnosis of metabolic lactic acidosis was confirmed by macroscopic, microscopic and ultrastructural findings seen at autopsy. On macroscopic examination, the heart was hypertrophic, and the brain was atrophic with ventricular dilatation and thinning of corpus callosum. Small cystic lesions were present in the basal ganglia. On microscopic examination, the latter were characterized by loss of neurons, gliosis and capillary proliferation. Ultrastructural examination of the heart and skeletal muscle showed lysis of myofibrils, mitochondrial pleomorphism and hyperplasia, and crystalline inclusion in mitochondria and in the matrix compartment. In reporting this case, we emphasize the importance of accurate postmortem examination and clinical data for the diagnosis of metabolic lactic acidosis.

Molecular survey and microscopic examination of Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) in lacertid lizards from the western Mediterranean.

PubMed

Maia, João P M C; Perera, Ana; Harris, D James

2012-12-01

The genus Hepatozoon Miller, 1908 (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina) is composed of intracellular haemogregarine parasites that are widely distributed among all tetrapod groups. The present study combines microscopic and molecular data on haemogregarine parasites from lizards in the western Mediterranean. We screened tissue samples and examined blood smears for the presence of species of Hepatozoon from four lizards, namely Algyroides marchi Valverde, endemic to Southeast Spain, Podarcis bocagei Seoane from Spain and Portugal, P hispanica Steindachner from Spain, and P lilfordi Günther from Cabrera, Balearic Islands (Spain). Our results show that prevalence and intensity of Hepatozoon parasites vary between and within lizard species from different regions. Algyroides marchi and P bocagei from Spain had the lowest values, whereas P hispanica had the highest. Phylogeny based on 18S rRNA gene sequences indicates that most of the new Hepatozoon sequences are part of a clade exclusive from North African and Iberian lizards, except for a single P bocagei isolate that is found related to another clade including isolates from other reptile host species and rodents. Interestingly, isolates from Algyroides form a distinct monophyletic subgroup, which could be a signal of strict host-specificity within this host genus.

A case of generalized argyria after ingestion of colloidal silver solution.

PubMed

Kim, Yangho; Suh, Ho Seok; Cha, Hee Jeong; Kim, Suk Hwan; Jeong, Kyoung Sook; Kim, Dong Hoon

2009-03-01

A 58-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to progressive skin darkening, which began 5 months previously. The patient had strikingly diffuse blue-gray discoloration of the skin, most prominent in sun-exposed areas, especially her face and hands. The oral mucosa, tongue, gums, eye conjunctiva, ears, nail beds, and trunk were also involved. Bluish-gray discoloration of all nails was aggravated by cold weather. She had ingested 1 L of colloidal silver solution daily for approximately 16 months as a traditional remedy. Her serum silver concentration was 381 ng/ml which was a very high (reference level: <15 ng/ml). Light microscopic examination of a punch biopsy specimen from her nose revealed fine, minute, round, and brown-black granules deposited in the basement membrane of hair follicular epithelium. Scanning electron microscopic examination showed electron-dense granules deposited in the intercellular space of sweat glands. Energy disperse X-ray spectrometry analysis demonstrated peaks for silver and sulfur in the dense black deposits. The ingestion of colloidal silver appears to be an increasing practice among patients using alternative health practices. All silver-containing products including colloidal silver should be labeled with a clear warning to prevent argyria, especially in alternative health practices.

Method for efficient storage and transportation of sputum specimens for molecular testing of tuberculosis.

PubMed

Guio, H; Okayama, H; Ashino, Y; Saitoh, H; Xiao, P; Miki, M; Yoshihara, N; Nakanowatari, S; Hattori, T

2006-08-01

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a highly sensitive method for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is available in most countries, though to a lesser extent in rural areas. To amplify M. tuberculosis DNA sequences of sputum spotted on FTA cards and compare them with the results of microscopic examination among culture-positive samples. A total of 102 sputum specimens of TB patients in treatment were spotted on FTA cards and stored at room temperature until DNA analysis. We assessed the IS6110 region of M. tuberculosis. The efficacy of the PCR assay for the direct detection of M. tuberculosis was evaluated and compared with the results of cultures (Middlebrook 7H9 broth) and smears of fresh sputum specimens. We were able to detect 10 fg/microl of mycobacterial DNA even after 6 months in storage. The PCR sensitivity and specificity using the FTA card system were 82% and 96%, while microscopic examination showed 41% and 95%, respectively. The FTA card system for the storage of bacterial DNA from sputum samples should be considered for the molecular diagnosis of tuberculosis. Samples can easily be obtained from geographically isolated populations and shipped by mail for accurate molecular diagnosis.

A Food Debris-Like Component in the Urine Sediment From a Urostomy Pouch.

PubMed

Yamashita, Michiko; Hotta, Masaki; Yoshino, Kiyoshi; Hidaka, Yoh; Kimura, Tadashi

2017-05-01

Microscopic examination of urine sediment is a basic, common method of detecting diseases of the urinary tract. We experienced a case involving a patient who had developed a fever after undergoing a urinary-diversion operation. Results of the microscopic examination of the urine collected from the urostomy pouch of the patient showed a food debris-like component. Based on this finding, we suspected a fistula between the urinary and intestinal tracts. However, after performing an experiment to verify the results, we determined that no fistula was present. Instead, we discovered that the food debris-like component originated from the urostomy skin barrier. To our knowledge, ours is the first report in the literature to demonstrate that the urostomy skin barrier can dissolve and mimic food debris in urine sediment, leading to incorrect assumptions regarding the presence of fistulas. We believe that it is important to derive a correct diagnosis when an unfamiliar component is observed in urinary sediment. We further believe that the findings from this case are valuable to professionals who administer clinical treatment and perform laboratory testing. © American Society for Clinical Pathology, 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Inferior vena cava tumor thrombus after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.

PubMed

Akatsuka, Jun; Suzuki, Yasutomo; Hamasaki, Tsutomu; Shindo, Takao; Yanagi, Masato; Kimura, Go; Yamamoto, Yoichiro; Kondo, Yukihiro

2014-03-29

Partial nephrectomy is now the gold standard treatment for small renal tumors. Local recurrence is a major problem after partial nephrectomy, and local recurrence in the remnant kidney after partial nephrectomy is common. A 77-year-old man underwent right partial nephrectomy for a T1 right renal cell carcinoma. Microscopic examination revealed a clear cell renal carcinoma, grade 2, stage pT3a. Although the surgical margin was negative, the carcinoma invaded the perirenal fat, and vascular involvement was strongly positive. Thirty months after partial nephrectomy, an enhanced computed tomographic scan showed local recurrence of the renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava without renal mass. Hence, we performed right radical nephrectomy and intracaval thrombectomy. Microscopic examination revealed a clear cell carcinoma grade 2, stage pT3a + b. The patient is still alive with no evidence of recurrence 10 months post-procedure. To our knowledge, local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava after partial nephrectomy has not been reported in the literature. Our case report emphasizes the importance of strict surveillance of patients after partial nephrectomy, especially for those with renal cell carcinoma positive for microvessel involvement.

A 52-week safety study in cynomolgus macaques for genetically modified rice expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein.

PubMed

Mao, Jie; Sun, Xing; Cheng, Jian-Hua; Shi, Yong-Jie; Wang, Xin-Zheng; Qin, Jun-Jie; Sang, Zhi-Hong; He, Kun; Xia, Qing

2016-09-01

A 52-week feeding study in cynomolgus macaques was carried out to evaluate the safety of Bt rice Huahui 1 (HH1), a transgenic rice line expressing Cry1Ab/1Ac protein. Monkeys were fed a diet with 20% or 60% HH1 rice, 20% or 60% parental rice (Minghui 63, MH63), normal diet, normal diet spiked with purified recombinant Cry1Ab/1Ac fusion protein or bovine serum albumin (BSA) respectively. During the feeding trail, clinical observations were conducted daily, and multiple parameters, including body weight, body temperature, electrocardiogram, hematology, blood biochemistry, serum metabolome and gut microbiome were examined at regular intervals. Upon sacrifice, the organs were weighted, and the macroscopic, microscopic and electron microscopic examinations were performed. The results show no adverse or toxic effects of Bt rice HH1 or Cry1Ab/1Ac fusion protein on monkeys. Therefore, the present 52-week primate feeding study suggests that the transgenic rice containing Cry 1Ab/1Ac is equivalent to its parental rice line MH63. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Remote Slit Lamp Microscope Consultation System Based on Web].

PubMed

Chen, Junfa; Zhuo, Yong; Liu, Zuguo; Chen, Yanping

2015-11-01

To realize the remote operation of the slit lamp microscope for department of ophthalmology consultation, and visual display the real-time status of remote slit lamp microscope, a remote slit lamp microscope consultation system based on B/S structure is designed and implemented. Through framing the slit lamp microscope on the website system, the realtime acquisition and transmission of remote control and image data is realized. The three dimensional model of the slit lamp microscope is established and rendered on the web by using WebGL technology. The practical application results can well show the real-time interactive of the remote consultation system.

Investigation of T-2 Mycotoxin-Induced Cytotoxicity in vitro and Protective Effects of Flavonoid Compounds

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

Quercetin , a flavonoid compound was able to decrease the effect of T-2 toxin when the drug was added within an hour of mixing the T-2 toxin with the...were examined microscopically using a Neubauer hemocytometer and viability of at least 200 cells was deter- mined. Quercetin or other flavonold... quercetin and additional OMSO had a cytotoxic effect on the thymocytes. RESULTS Figure 1 shows the results of 8 separate experiments performed at 2 week

Evaluation of cell count and classification capabilities in body fluids using a fully automated Sysmex XN equipped with high-sensitive Analysis (hsA) mode and DI-60 hematology analyzer system.

PubMed

Takemura, Hiroyuki; Ai, Tomohiko; Kimura, Konobu; Nagasaka, Kaori; Takahashi, Toshihiro; Tsuchiya, Koji; Yang, Haeun; Konishi, Aya; Uchihashi, Kinya; Horii, Takashi; Tabe, Yoko; Ohsaka, Akimichi

2018-01-01

The XN series automated hematology analyzer has been equipped with a body fluid (BF) mode to count and differentiate leukocytes in BF samples including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, its diagnostic accuracy is not reliable for CSF samples with low cell concentration at the border between normal and pathologic level. To overcome this limitation, a new flow cytometry-based technology, termed "high sensitive analysis (hsA) mode," has been developed. In addition, the XN series analyzer has been equipped with the automated digital cell imaging analyzer DI-60 to classify cell morphology including normal leukocytes differential and abnormal malignant cells detection. Using various BF samples, we evaluated the performance of the XN-hsA mode and DI-60 compared to manual microscopic examination. The reproducibility of the XN-hsA mode showed good results in samples with low cell densities (coefficient of variation; % CV: 7.8% for 6 cells/μL). The linearity of the XN-hsA mode was established up to 938 cells/μL. The cell number obtained using the XN-hsA mode correlated highly with the corresponding microscopic examination. Good correlation was also observed between the DI-60 analyses and manual microscopic classification for all leukocyte types, except monocytes. In conclusion, the combined use of cell counting with the XN-hsA mode and automated morphological analyses using the DI-60 mode is potentially useful for the automated analysis of BF cells.

Morphoscopic analysis of experimentally produced bony wounds from low-velocity ballistic impact.

PubMed

Kieser, Jules A; Tahere, Joy; Agnew, Caitlin; Kieser, David C; Duncan, Warwick; Swain, Michael V; Reeves, Matthew T

2011-12-01

Understanding how bone behaves when subjected to ballistic impact is of critical importance for forensic questions, such as the reconstruction of shooting events. Yet the literature addressing microscopic anatomical features of gunshot wounds to different types of bone is sparse. Moreover, a biomechanical framework for describing how the complex architecture of bone affects its failure during such impact is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the morphological features associated with experimental gunshot wounds in slaughtered pig ribs. We shot the 4th rib of 12 adult pigs with .22 mm subsonic bullets at close range (5 cm) and examined resultant wounds under the light microscope, scanning electron microscope SEM and micro tomograph μCT. In all cases there was a narrow shot channel followed by spall region, with evidence of plastic deformation with burnishing of the surface bone in the former, and brittle fracture around and through individual Haversian systems in the latter. In all but one case, the entrance wounds were characterized by superficially fractured cortical bone in the form of a well-defined collar, while the exit wounds showed delamination of the periosteum. Inorganic residue was evident in all cases, with electron energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS confirming the presence of carbon, phosphate, lead and calcium. This material appeared to be especially concentrated within the fractured bony collar at the entrance. We conclude that gunshot wounds in flat bones may be morphologically divided into a thin burnished zone at the entry site, and a fracture zone at the exit.

Scanning electron microscopy analysis of a sputnik-like intraocular lens 28 years after implantation.

PubMed

Ferrer, Consuelo; Abu-Mustafa, Sabat K; Alió, Jorge L

2009-09-01

To report a pupil-supported, iris-clip intraocular lens (IOL) that was explanted more than 28 years after implantation. A pupil-supported, iris-clip, Sputnik-like IOL was implanted in the left eye of a 33-year-old man to correct aphakia after extracapsular cataract extraction due to trauma. Twenty-eight years after implantation, the patient was referred to our center with loss of vision. Clinical examination showed dislocation of the IOL, which was subsequently explanted. Scanning electron microscopic examination showed a transparent, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), pupil-supported, iris-clip IOL with melanosomes and cell deposits (foreign-body reaction) on its surface. This case demonstrates the inertness of PMMA material and reports that a foreign body reaction can be induced following IOL dislocation 28 years after implantation. Copyright 2009, SLACK Incorporated.

Particle nonuniformity effects on particle cloud flames in low gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berlad, A. L.; Tangirala, V.; Seshadri, K.; Facca, L. T.; Ogrin, J.; Ross, H.

1991-01-01

Experimental and analytical studies of particle cloud combustion at reduced gravity reveal the substantial roles that particle cloud nonuniformities may play in particle cloud combustion. Macroscopically uniform, quiescent particle cloud systems (at very low gravitational levels and above) sustain processes which can render them nonuniform on both macroscopic and microscopic scales. It is found that a given macroscopically uniform, quiescent particle cloud flame system can display a range of microscopically nonuniform features which lead to a range of combustion features. Microscopically nonuniform particle cloud distributions are difficult experimentally to detect and characterize. A uniformly distributed lycopodium cloud of particle-enriched microscopic nonuniformities in reduced gravity displays a range of burning velocities for any given overall stoichiometry. The range of observed and calculated burning velocities corresponds to the range of particle enriched concentrations within a characteristic microscopic nonuniformity. Sedimentation effects (even in reduced gravity) are also examined.

Lagrangian description of warm plasmas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, H.

1970-01-01

Efforts are described to extend the averaged Lagrangian method of describing small signal wave propagation and nonlinear wave interaction, developed by earlier workers for cold plasmas, to the more general conditions of warm collisionless plasmas, and to demonstrate particularly the effectiveness of the method in analyzing wave-wave interactions. The theory is developed for both the microscopic description and the hydrodynamic approximation to plasma behavior. First, a microscopic Lagrangian is formulated rigorously, and expanded in terms of perturbations about equilibrium. Two methods are then described for deriving a hydrodynamic Lagrangian. In the first of these, the Lagrangian is obtained by velocity integration of the exact microscopic Lagrangian. In the second, the expanded hydrodynamic Lagrangian is obtained directly from the expanded microscopic Lagrangian. As applications of the microscopic Lagrangian, the small-signal dispersion relations and the coupled mode equations are derived for all possible waves in a warm infinite, weakly inhomogeneous magnetoplasma, and their interactions are examined.

Coring: a potential problem in eye surgery.

PubMed

Stein, H A; Vu, B L

1994-03-01

Any needle passing through a rubber stopper can aspirate a core of rubber. This rubber may then be injected into the eye or into the retrobulbar or peribulbar space. Aspirates from a number of syringes were spun down in a centrifuge and examined for microscopic particles. All specimens contained microscopic particles even from half-used bottles of Xylocaine.

A Different Approach for Usage of the Implant Materials: The Composite Graft Prefabrication.

PubMed

Deniz, Lutfi Murat; Ataman, Murat Görkem; Borman, Huseyin; Erinanç, Hilal

2016-10-01

With all implanted materials, a certain sequence of biological events occurs following the implantation. This process is destructive to the implant and peri-implant tissues. The aforementioned sequence of biological events may be responsible for the complications. In this study, the natural biologic process following implantation was completed in an area other than the final implantation area. The aim was to keep the peri-implant tissues in the final implantation area away from the process. In the control group, the porous polyethylene discs were implanted to subcutaneous area on the frontal bone of the rats. A month after the implantation, macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed. In the study group, the discs were implanted primarily above the rectus abdominis muscle of the rats. It was named as "the composite graft prefabrication." Twenty-one days after the first implantation, the discs were removed from the rectus muscle and implanted to subcutaneous area on the frontal bone of the rats. A month after the final implantation, macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed. In macroscopic examination, all possible complications were evaluated. In microscopic examination, apoptosis, fibrosis, inflammation, and fibrovascular in-growing were evaluated. In the control group, implant exposure was observed in 3 of the rats. In the study group, no complications were observed. Although there was no statistical difference between 2 groups in the microscopic findings, at first glance, the inflammation seemed to be the factor responsible for the complication in the control group. According to the macroscopic results, the composite graft prefabrication seemed to be effective in preventing complications.

Prevalence of intestinal parasites and bacteria among food handlers in a tertiary care hospital

PubMed Central

Zaglool, D. A.; Khodari, Y. A.; Othman, R. A. M.; Farooq, M. U.

2011-01-01

Objectives: The aim of this work is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and bacteria among the food handlers. Materials and Methods: Two hundred food-handlers were subjected to a cross-sectional study working in the kitchen of a tertiary care hospital, i.e., Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia from February 2 to 27, 2009. The stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites following direct microscopic examination, formol ether concentration (Ritchie), and staining with modified acid fast staining techniques. For enteropathogenic bacteria samples were inoculated onto MacConkey's agar, deoxycholate citrate agar, xylose lysine deoxycholate agar as per the World Health Organization protocol. Fingernail materials were examined microscopically for enteropathogenic bacteria and parasites. Results: The majority (80%) of the food-handlers were young adults aged from 22 to 42 years. No intestinal parasites were detected from fingernail contents. Forty six (23%) stool specimens were positive for intestinal para¬sites. Giardia lamblia 18 (9%) was most frequent among the 10 different types of detected intestinal parasites followed by Entamoeba histolytica 9 (4.5%). No pathogenic bacteria were detected in all stool samples, whereas finger nails showed isolation of microorganisms as coagulase-negative staphylococci 79 (39.5%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 35 (17.5%). Conclusion: The findings emphasized the importance of food handlers as potential sources of infections and suggested health institutions for appropriate hygienic and sanitary control measures. PMID:22529512

Lyotropic liquid crystal preconcentrates for the treatment of periodontal disease.

PubMed

Fehér, A; Urbán, E; Eros, I; Szabó-Révész, P; Csányi, E

2008-06-24

The aim of our study was to develop water-free lyotropic liquid crystalline preconcentrates, which consist of oils and surfactants with good physiological tolerance and spontaneously form lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in aqueous environment. In this way these preconcentrates having low viscosity can be injected into the periodontal pocket, where they are transformed into highly viscous liquid crystalline phase, so that the preparation is prevented from flowing out of the pocket due to its great viscosity, while drug release is controlled by the liquid crystalline texture. In order to follow the structure alteration upon water absorption polarization microscopical and rheological examinations were performed. The water absorption mechanism of the samples was examined by the Enslin-method. Metronidazole-benzoate was used as active agent the release of which was characterized via in vitro investigations performed by means of modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. On the grounds of the results it can be stated that the 4:1 mixture of the investigated surfactants (Cremophor EL, Cremophor RH40) and oil (Miglyol 810) formed lyotopic liquid crystalline phases upon water addition. Polarization microscopic examinations showed that samples with 10-40% water content possessed anisotropic properties. On the basis of water absorption, rheological and drug release studies it can be concluded that the amount of absorbed water and stiffness of lyotropic structure influenced by the chemical entity of the surfactant exerted major effect on the drug release.

Scanning electron microscope observation of dislocations in semiconductor and metal materials.

PubMed

Kuwano, Noriyuki; Itakura, Masaru; Nagatomo, Yoshiyuki; Tachibana, Shigeaki

2010-08-01

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image contrasts have been investigated for dislocations in semiconductor and metal materials. It is revealed that single dislocations can be observed in a high contrast in SEM images formed by backscattered electrons (BSE) under the condition of a normal configuration of SEM. The BSE images of dislocations were compared with those of the transmission electron microscope and scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) and the dependence of BSE image contrast on the tilting of specimen was examined to discuss the origin of image contrast. From the experimental results, it is concluded that the BSE images of single dislocations are attributed to the diffraction effect and related with high-angle dark-field images of STEM.

The use of multi representative learning materials: definitive, macroscopic, microscopic, symbolic, and practice in analyzing students’ concept understanding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susilaningsih, E.; Wulandari, C.; Supartono; Kasmui; Alighiri, D.

2018-03-01

This research aims to compose learning material which contains definitive macroscopic, microscopic and symbolic to analyze students’ conceptual understanding in acid-base learning materials. This research was conducted in eleven grade, natural science class, senior high school 1 (SMAN 1) Karangtengah, Demak province, Indonesia as the low level of students’ conceptual understanding and the high level of students’ misconception. The data collecting technique is by test to assess the cognitive aspect, questionnaire to assess students’ responses to multi representative learning materials (definitive, macroscopic, microscopic, symbolic), and observation to assess students’ macroscopic aspects. Three validators validate the multi-representative learning materials (definitive, macroscopic, microscopic, symbolic). The results of the research show that the multi-representative learning materials (definitive, macroscopic, microscopes, symbolic) being used is valid in the average score 62 of 75. The data is analyzed using the descriptive qualitative method. The results of the research show that 72.934 % students understand, 7.977 % less understand, 8.831 % do not understand, and 10.256 % misconception. In comparison, the second experiment class shows 54.970 % students understand, 5.263% less understand, 11.988 % do not understand, 27.777 % misconception. In conclusion, the application of multi representative learning materials (definitive, macroscopic, microscopic, symbolic) can be used to analyze the students’ understanding of acid-base materials.

Scanning electron microscopy of hepatic ultrastructure: secondary, backscattered, and transmitted electron imaging.

PubMed

Miyai, K; Abraham, J L; Linthicum, D S; Wagner, R M

1976-10-01

Several methods of tissue preparation and different modes of operation of the scanning electron microscope were used to study the ultrastructure of rat liver. Rat livers were perfusion fixed with buffered 2 per cent paraformaldehyde or a mixture of 1.5 per cent paraformaldehyde and 1 per cent glutaraldehyde and processed as follows. Tissue blocks were postfixed in buffered 2 per cent osmium tetroxide followed sequentially by the ligand-mediated osmium binding technique, dehydration and cryofracture in ethanol, and critical point drying. They were then examined without metal coating in the scanning electron microscope operating in the secondary electron and backscattered electron modes. Fifty-micrometer sections were cut with a tissue sectioner, stained with lead citrate, postfixed with osmium, dehydrated, critical point dried, and examined in the secondary electron and back-scattered electron modes. Frozen sections (0.25 to 0.75 mum. thick) were cut by the method of Tokuyasu (Toluyasu KT: J Cell Biol 57:551, 1973) and their scanning transmission electron microscope images were examined either with a scanning transmission electron microscope detector or with a conversion stub using the secondary electron detector. Secondary electron images of the liver prepared by ligand-mediated osmium binding and subsequent cryofracture revealed such intracellular structures as cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, mitochondria, lipid droplets, nucleolus and nuclear chromatin, as well as the usual surface morphology, Lipocytes in the perisinusoidal space were readily identified. Backscattered electron images. Unembedded frozen sections had little drying artifact and were virtually free of freezing damage. The scanning transmission electron microscope image revealed those organelles visualized by the secondary electron mode in the ligand-mediated osmium binding-treated tissue.

Pathology of spontaneous tumour lesions in pullets and adult chickens in commercial farms - Short communication.

PubMed

Ikezawa, Mitsutaka; Sasaki, Jun; Goryo, Masanobu

2012-09-01

Twenty pullets and adult chickens, aged 100 to 403 days, from several commercial chicken farms were examined by gross and histopathology. Grossly, all chickens had white-greyish masses in the visceral organs with or without enlargement of the peripheral nerves. Histopathological examination revealed Marek's disease (MD) lymphoma, lymphoid leukosis (LL) and myeloid leukosis (ML) in 14/20, 5/20 and 1/20 of the chickens, respectively. Lesions of the sciatic nerves in chickens diagnosed as having MD lymphoma were various. No neoplastic and/or inflammatory cells were noted in the peripheral nerves of chickens diagnosed as having LL and ML. These results indicated that MD lymphoma could also develop in older chickens; thus, microscopic examination is needed to identify MD in older chickens showing lymphocyte-derived tumours.

Amyloplast displacement is necessary for gravisensing in Arabidopsis shoots as revealed by a centrifuge microscope.

PubMed

Toyota, Masatsugu; Ikeda, Norifumi; Sawai-Toyota, Satoe; Kato, Takehide; Gilroy, Simon; Tasaka, Masao; Morita, Miyo Terao

2013-11-01

The starch-statolith hypothesis proposes that starch-filled amyloplasts act as statoliths in plant gravisensing, moving in response to the gravity vector and signaling its direction. However, recent studies suggest that amyloplasts show continuous, complex movements in Arabidopsis shoots, contradicting the idea of a so-called 'static' or 'settled' statolith. Here, we show that amyloplast movement underlies shoot gravisensing by using a custom-designed centrifuge microscope in combination with analysis of gravitropic mutants. The centrifuge microscope revealed that sedimentary movements of amyloplasts under hypergravity conditions are linearly correlated with gravitropic curvature in wild-type stems. We next analyzed the hypergravity response in the shoot gravitropism 2 (sgr2) mutant, which exhibits neither a shoot gravitropic response nor amyloplast sedimentation at 1 g. sgr2 mutants were able to sense and respond to gravity under 30 g conditions, during which the amyloplasts sedimented. These findings are consistent with amyloplast redistribution resulting from gravity-driven movements triggering shoot gravisensing. To further support this idea, we examined two additional gravitropic mutants, phosphoglucomutase (pgm) and sgr9, which show abnormal amyloplast distribution and reduced gravitropism at 1 g. We found that the correlation between hypergravity-induced amyloplast sedimentation and gravitropic curvature of these mutants was identical to that of wild-type plants. These observations suggest that Arabidopsis shoots have a gravisensing mechanism that linearly converts the number of amyloplasts that settle to the 'bottom' of the cell into gravitropic signals. Further, the restoration of the gravitropic response by hypergravity in the gravitropic mutants that we tested indicates that these lines probably have a functional gravisensing mechanism that is not triggered at 1 g. © 2013 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Spine micromorphology of normal and hyperhydric Mammillaria gracilis Pfeiff. (Cactaceae) shoots.

PubMed

Peharec, P; Posilović, H; Balen, B; Krsnik-Rasol, M

2010-07-01

Artificial conditions of tissue culture affect growth and physiology of crassulacean acid metabolism plants which often results in formation of hyperhydric shoots. In in vitro conditions Mammillaria gracilis Pfeiff. (Cactaceae) growth switches from organized to unorganized way, producing a habituated organogenic callus which simultaneously regenerates morphologically normal as well as altered hyperhydric shoots. In this study, influence of tissue culture conditions on morphology of cactus spines of normal and hyperhydric shoots was investigated. Spines of pot-grown Mammillaria plants and of in vitro regenerated shoots were examined with stereo microscope and scanning electron microscope. The pot-grown plants had 16-17 spines per areole. In vitro grown normal shoots, even though they kept typical shoot morphology, had lower number of spines (11-12) and altered spine morphology. This difference was even more pronounced in spine number (six to seven) and morphology of the hyperhydric shoots. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed remarkable differences in micromorphology of spine surface between pot-grown and in vitro grown shoots. Spines of in vitro grown normal shoots showed numerous long trichomes, which were more elongated on spines of the hyperhydric shoots; the corresponding structures on spine surface of pot-grown plants were noticed only as small protrusions. Scanning electron microscopy morphometric studies showed that the spines of pot-grown plants were significantly longer compared to the spines of shoots grown in tissue culture. Moreover, transverse section shape varies from elliptical in pot-grown plants to circular in normal and hyperhydric shoots grown in vitro. Cluster and correspondence analyses performed on the scanning electron microscope obtained results suggest great variability among spines of pot-grown plants. Spines of in vitro grown normal and hyperhydric shoots showed low level of morphological variation among themselves despite the significant difference in shoot morphology.

Microscopic or occult hematuria, when reflex testing is not good laboratory practice.

PubMed

Froom, Paul; Barak, Mira

2010-01-01

Consensus opinion suggests that hematuria found by dipstick and not confirmed on microscopic examination (<2 erythrocytes per high power field) signifies a false-positive reagent strip test result. Standard practice is to repeat the dipstick test several days later and if still positive to confirm by microscopic examination. If discordant results are obtained, experts recommend reflex testing for urinary myoglobin and hemoglobin concentrations. The question is whether or not this approach represents good laboratory practice. These recommendations are not evidence based. We conclude that the reference range for red blood cells on the reagent strip should be increased to 25x10(6) cells/L for young men, and 50x10(6) cells/L for the rest of the adult population, ranges consistent with flow cytometry reports. Confirmation reflex testing using tests that have inferior sensitivity, precision and probably accuracy is not recommended.

A novel method for preparing histology slides to integrate the teaching of gross and microscopic anatomy.

PubMed

Provo-Klimek, Judy A; Troyer, Deryl L

2002-01-01

The authors have previously reported the development of a novel technique for sampling and preparing tissue slides for routine microscopic examination, without the use of a microtome. Termed "RAMP" (Rapid Adhesive Mediated Procedure), this simple, albeit somewhat crude, technique holds promise as a method that can be used in the field by veterinary practitioners for rapid microscopic evaluations to obtain early preliminary estimates of the nature of a mass or lesion. We incorporated the use of this method into a gross anatomy course in an attempt to gauge its utility for novices in tissue sampling and histology slide preparation. By having each group of students take a tissue sample from their cadaver, the activity simulated an actual necropsy situation in which practitioners in the field might use the technique. Because students were able to follow their specimen from sampling to microscopic examination, the activity provided a valuable integration of their learning of gross and microscopic anatomy. We conducted an evaluation of the process and the resulting slides with two successive classes of students. We conclude that the RAMP method is reasonably successful in the hands of individuals not trained in tissue preparation; was well received by the students as a valuable learning tool; and could potentially yield useful histological information for practicing veterinarians. Limitations of the method are also discussed.

Prospective Evaluation of Intrahepatic Microscopic Occult Tumor Foci in Patients with Numerous Colorectal Liver Metastases.

PubMed

Vigano, Luca; Di Tommaso, Luca; Mimmo, Antonio; Sollai, Mauro; Cimino, Matteo; Donadon, Matteo; Roncalli, Massimo; Torzilli, Guido

2018-06-07

Patients with numerous colorectal liver metastases (CLM) have high risk of early recurrence after liver resection (LR). The presence of intrahepatic occult microscopic metastases missed by imaging has been hypothesized, but it has never been assessed by pathology analyses. All patients with > 10 CLM who underwent LR between September 2015 and September 2016 were considered. A large sample of liver without evidence of disease ("healthy liver") was taken from the resected specimen and sent to the pathologist. One mm-thick sections were analyzed. Any metastasis, undetected by preoperative and intraoperative imaging, but identified by the pathologist was classified as occult microscopic metastasis. Ten patients were prospectively enrolled (median number of CLM n = 15). In a per-lesion analysis, the sensitivity of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was 91 and 98% respectively. The pathology examination confirmed all the CLM. All patients had an adequate sample of "healthy liver" (median number of examined blocks per sample n = 14 [5-33]). No occult microscopic metastases were detected. After a median follow-up of 15 months, 5 patients were disease-free. Recurrence was hepatic and bilobar in all patients. Clinically relevant occult microscopic disease in patients with numerous CLM is excluded. These results support the indication to resection in such patients and exclude the need for de principe major hepatectomy to increase the completeness of surgery. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Tinea nigra showing a parallel ridge pattern on dermoscopy.

PubMed

Noguchi, Hiromitsu; Hiruma, Masataro; Inoue, Yuji; Miyata, Keishi; Tanaka, Masaru; Ihn, Hironobu

2015-05-01

An 18-year-old healthy female student noticed a brown macule measuring 21 mm in diameter on the left palm and visited our clinic concerned about a cancerous mole. Dermoscopic examination revealed a brown, fine-dotted and granule-like structure overlapping an amorphous light brown macule. However, unlike previous cases, analysis of the high dynamic range-converted image revealed the parallel ridge pattern frequently observed in malignant melanomas. Brown mycelia were detected on direct microscopic examination; black colonies were isolated on fungal culture and the fungus was identified as Hortaea werneckii. The lesion was treated with topical ketoconazole cream, and it diminished 1 month later. © 2015 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Characterization of amyloid in equine recurrent uveitis as AA amyloid.

PubMed

Ostevik, L; de Souza, G A; Wien, T N; Gunnes, G; Sørby, R

2014-01-01

Two horses with chronic uveitis and histological lesions consistent with equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) were examined. Microscopical findings in the ciliary body included deposits of amyloid lining the non-pigmented epithelium, intracytoplasmic, rod-shaped, eosinophilic inclusions and intraepithelial infiltration of T lymphocytes. Ultrastructural examination of the ciliary body of one horse confirmed the presence of abundant extracellular deposits of non-branching fibrils (9-11 nm in diameter) consistent with amyloid. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong positive labelling for AA amyloid and mass spectrometry showed the amyloid to consist primarily of serum amyloid A1 in both cases. The findings suggest that localized, intraocular AA amyloidosis may occur in horses with ERU. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How Do Health Care Providers Diagnose Menstrual Irregularities?

MedlinePlus

... the following: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 Medical history Physical examination Blood tests Ultrasound examination Endometrial biopsy—a small sample of the uterus's endometrial lining is taken to be examined under a microscope Hysteroscopy—a diagnostic scope that allows a health ...

Cerebellar abnormalities typical of methylmercury poisoning in a fledged saltmarsh sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus.

PubMed

Scoville, Sheila A; Lane, Oksana P

2013-05-01

A fledged, 12-15 day-old saltmarsh sparrow, Ammodramus caudacutus, was collected from an accidental kill on Cinder Island, Long Island, NY, USA. The sparrow was assessed for feather mercury levels and the brain analyzed for cerebellar abnormalities by microscopic examination. In humans, fetal Minamata disease is caused by maternal ingestion of mercury. It is characterized by disrupted and disordered cerebellar neuronal migration in the fetus or infant. Results from this sparrow show cerebellar abnormalities typical of Minamata disease. It is the first known avian or mammalian specimen taken from the wild to show the abnormalities typical of the human fetal syndrome.

The durability of phosphoric acid promoted bioglass-dentin interaction layer.

PubMed

Bakry, A S; Takahashi, H; Otsuki, M; Tagami, J

2013-04-01

Phosphoric acid-Bioglass 45S5 paste can create an interaction layer formed of calcium-phosphate crystals on the dentin surface. In this study, the efficiency of decreasing the dentin permeability exerted by the interaction layer formed between bioglass and dentin was compared to a resin-containing oxalate desensitizing agent (MS Coat One) and a resin-free oxalate desensitizing agent (Super Seal). Dentin permeability was measured before/after a brushing abrasion challenge, followed by examining the top and the fractured dentin surfaces with a field emission scanning electron microscope. Moreover, the chemical nature of the compounds formed on top of the dentin surface was examined using the field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), and the crystalline structures of the dentinal surfaces were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that application of 45S5 bioglass paste to dentin was able to occlude patent dentinal tubule orifices with a layer of calcium-phosphate crystals, while the oxalate containing agents were able to form small crystals which were found in dentinal tubule orifices and scattered along the superficial parts of the dentinal tubule lumen. The brushing-abrasion challenge significantly increased the permeability of dentin treated by Super Seal and MS Coat One, while these challenges had no significant effect on the dentin permeability of specimens treated with 45S5 bioglass paste. The new technique provided better durability than two products available on the market. Moreover, our previous research showed the biocompatibility of using this technique on dental pulp cells, suggesting that this technique can aid in treating dentin hypersensitivity cases. Copyright © 2012 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Live Imaging of Shoot Meristems on an Inverted Confocal Microscope Using an Objective Lens Inverter Attachment

PubMed Central

Nimchuk, Zachary L.; Perdue, Tony D.

2017-01-01

Live imaging of above ground meristems can lead to new insights in plant development not possible from static imaging of fixed tissue. The use of an upright confocal microscope offers several technical and biological advantages for live imaging floral or shoot meristems. However, many departments and core facilities possess only inverted confocal microscopes and lack the funding for an additional upright confocal microscope. Here we show that imaging of living apical meristems can be performed on existing inverted confocal microscopes with the use of an affordable and detachable InverterScope accessory. PMID:28579995

Live Imaging of Shoot Meristems on an Inverted Confocal Microscope Using an Objective Lens Inverter Attachment.

PubMed

Nimchuk, Zachary L; Perdue, Tony D

2017-01-01

Live imaging of above ground meristems can lead to new insights in plant development not possible from static imaging of fixed tissue. The use of an upright confocal microscope offers several technical and biological advantages for live imaging floral or shoot meristems. However, many departments and core facilities possess only inverted confocal microscopes and lack the funding for an additional upright confocal microscope. Here we show that imaging of living apical meristems can be performed on existing inverted confocal microscopes with the use of an affordable and detachable InverterScope accessory.

Study and evaluation of Wondfo rapid diagnostic kit based on nano-gold immunochromatography assay for diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum.

PubMed

Peng, Yunping; Wu, Junlin; Wang, Jihua; Li, Wenmei; Yu, Shujuan

2012-04-01

Malaria has been recognized as a human disease for thousands of years and remains one of the most common diseases affecting humans worldwide. Therefore, a method for rapidly detecting Plasmodium falciparum is necessary and useful. We have developed Wondfo rapid diagnostic kit based on nano-gold immunochromatography assay for the detection of P. falciparum in patient specimen. In the present study, we demonstrated the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid diagnostic kit in which nano-gold labeling techniques and the monoclonal antibodies against histidine-rich protein-2 of P. falciparum were used to establish two-antibody sandwich immunochromatographic assay for detecting P. falciparum. By using microscopic examination of blood smears as control, the sensitivity, specificity, and feasibility of Wondfo rapid diagnostic kit was determined in the prompt and accurate diagnosis of malaria. In this study, 1,558 blood samples were collected from outpatient clinics in China and detected by both Wondfo kit and microscopic examination. The Wondfo kit did not show cross-reaction with microfilaria, Toxoplasma gondii, and other parasites in the blood. The patient samples positive for rheumatoid factor, HIV, tuberculosis, and syphilis did not show false positivity when testing with Wondfo kit. The detection sensitivity and specificity of Wondfo rapid diagnostic kit were 95.49% and 99.53%, respectively. These results indicate that our rapid diagnostic assay may be useful for detecting P. falciparum in patient specimen.

Characterization of blood dendritic and regulatory T cells in asymptomatic adults with sub-microscopic Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax infection.

PubMed

Kho, Steven; Marfurt, Jutta; Handayuni, Irene; Pava, Zuleima; Noviyanti, Rintis; Kusuma, Andreas; Piera, Kim A; Burdam, Faustina H; Kenangalem, Enny; Lampah, Daniel A; Engwerda, Christian R; Poespoprodjo, Jeanne R; Price, Ric N; Anstey, Nicholas M; Minigo, Gabriela; Woodberry, Tonia

2016-06-21

Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections compromise dendritic cell (DC) function and expand regulatory T (Treg) cells in both clinical disease (malaria) and experimental human sub-microscopic infection. Conversely, in asymptomatic microscopy-positive (patent) P. falciparum or P. vivax infection in endemic areas, blood DC increase or retain HLA-DR expression and Treg cells exhibit reduced activation, suggesting that DC and Treg cells contribute to the control of patent asymptomatic infection. The effect of sub-microscopic (sub-patent) asymptomatic Plasmodium infection on DC and Treg cells in malaria-endemic area residents remains unclear. In a cross-sectional household survey conducted in Papua, Indonesia, 162 asymptomatic adults were prospectively evaluated for DC and Treg cells using field-based flow cytometry. Of these, 161 individuals (99 %) were assessed retrospectively by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 19 of whom had sub-microscopic infection with P. falciparum and 15 with sub-microscopic P. vivax infection. Flow cytometric data were re-analysed after re-grouping asymptomatic individuals according to PCR results into negative controls, sub-microscopic and microscopic parasitaemia to examine DC and Treg cell phenotype in sub-microscopic infection. Asymptomatic adults with sub-microscopic P. falciparum or P. vivax infection had DC HLA-DR expression and Treg cell activation comparable to PCR-negative controls. Sub-microscopic P. falciparum infection was associated with lower peripheral CD4(+) T cells and lymphocytes, however sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection had no apparent effect on DC sub-set number or Treg cell frequency. In contrast to the impairment of DC maturation/function and the activation of Treg cells seen with sub-microscopic parasitaemia in primary experimental human Plasmodium infection, no phenotypic evidence of dysregulation of DC and Treg cells was observed in asymptomatic sub-microscopic Plasmodium infection in Indonesian adults. This is consistent with DC and Treg cells retaining their functional capacity in sub-microscopic asymptomatic infection with P. falciparum or P. vivax in malaria-endemic areas.

Historical microbiology, is it relevant in the 21st century?

PubMed

Robertson, Lesley A

2015-05-01

Facsimile microscopes have been used to examine the possibilities of van Leeuwenhoek microscopes with a range of magnifications, particularly to confirm that bacteria can be seen if the microscope is strong enough. The relevance of historical microbiology in education is also illustrated by adapting versions of van Leeuwenhoek's pepper water experiment and Beijerinck's use of bioluminescent bacteria as oxygen probes. These experiments can demonstrate fundamentals such as enrichment and isolation cultures, physiology and experimental planning as well as critical reading of published material. © FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Kaolinite flocculation induced by smectite addition - a transmission X-ray microscopic study.

PubMed

Zbik, Marek S; Song, Yen-Fang; Frost, Ray L

2010-09-01

The influence of smectite addition on kaolinite suspensions in water was investigated by transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Sedimentation test screening was also conducted. Micrographs were processed by the STatistic IMage Analysing (STIMAN) program and structural parameters were calculated. From the results of the sedimentation tests important influences of small smectite additions to about 3wt.% on kaolinite suspension flocculation has been found. In order to determine the reason for this smectite impact on kaolinite suspension, macroscopic behaviour micro-structural examination using Transmission X-ray Microscope (TXM) and SEM has been undertaken. TXM & SEM micrographs of freeze-dried kaolinite-smectite suspensions with up to 20% smectite showed a high degree of orientation of the fabric made of highly oriented particles and greatest density when 3wt.% of smectite was added to the 10wt.% dense kaolinite suspension. In contrast, suspensions containing pure kaolinite do not show such platelet mutual orientation but homogenous network of randomly oriented kaolinite platelets. This suggests that in kaolinite-smectite suspensions, smectite forms highly oriented basic framework into which kaolinite platelets may bond in face to face preferential contacts strengthening structure and allowing them to show plastic behaviour which is cause of platelets orientation. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

U-10Mo Sample Preparation and Examination using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Joshi, Vineet V.; Rhodes, Mark A.

2016-10-01

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to prepare specimens of uranium alloyed with 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) for optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy. This document also provides instructions to set up an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to analyze U-10Mo specimens and to obtain the required information.

U-10Mo Sample Preparation and Examination using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad; Joshi, Vineet V.; Rhodes, Mark A.

2016-03-30

The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines to prepare specimens of uranium alloyed with 10 weight percent molybdenum (U-10Mo) for optical metallography and scanning electron microscopy. This document also provides instructions to set up an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope to analyze U-10Mo specimens and to obtain the required information.

Analysis of three microscopic characters for separating the wood of Pinus contorta and P. ponderosa

Treesearch

Alex C. Wiedenhoeft; Regis B. Miller; Terra J. Theim

2003-01-01

Three microscopic characters were evaluated for the identification of Pinus contorta and Pinus ponderosa. The tangential diameter of the resin canals, including the epithelium, was compared to the tangential diameter of the entire resin canal complex. The latter measurement was shown to give diagnostic results for these species. Data from the examination of ray...

Smaller than We Normally See: The Fascination of Microscopy Is Not Restricted to Biology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evennett, Peter

2011-01-01

Microscopes are especially useful for observing fine detail in biological specimens. However, there are many other small items that may be examined with microscopes, and it is important to introduce children to low-magnification images of items they can recognise before moving on to such large magnification that what they observe has no obvious…

Quantitative and qualitative changes in teaching histology by means of virtual microscopy in an introductory course in human anatomy.

PubMed

Husmann, Polly R; O'Loughlin, Valerie Dean; Braun, Mark W

2009-10-01

This study compares overall laboratory averages and individual test scores along with a student survey to determine the effects of using virtual microscopy in place of optical microscopes in a large undergraduate human anatomy course. T-tests revealed that the first two laboratory examinations (of four) and the overall laboratory averages were significantly increased compared with the previous year. We hypothesize that this is due to students' ability to use and understand the technology quickly as opposed to learning how to maneuver an optical microscope. Students also responded positively in a survey about the virtual microscope, indicating that increased accessibility, ease of use, and the ability to understand the material were important components of the virtual microscope. In addition, an increase in student collaboration was noted because multiple students were able to view the image at a time. This level of acceptance of virtual microscopy has been reported in previous studies, though this level of increased examination scores is rare. We attribute this to differences between the medical students, with whom this technology has been researched in the past, and undergraduate introductory students.

[Fatigue damage analysis of porcelain in all-ceramic crowns].

PubMed

Liu, Yi-hong; Feng, Hai-lan; Liu, Guang-hua; Shen, Zhi-jian

2010-02-18

To investigate the fatigue damage mechanism of porcelain, and its relation with the microscopic defects in clinically failed all-ceramic crowns. Collecting the bilayered all-ceramic crowns failed in vivo. The fractured surfaces and occlusial surfaces of failed crowns were examined by an optical microscope followed by detailed fractography investigations using a field emission scanning electron microscope. When chemical impurities were of concern, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was performed to examine chemical composition. A standard practice for fractography failure analysis of advanced ceramics is applied to disclose the fracture mode, and damage character. Three types of fracture features are defined as breakdown of the entire crown, and porcelain chipping-off/delamination. Alumina crowns were usually characterized by breakdown of the entire crown, while zirconia crowns by porcelain chipping-off and delamination. The fatigue damage of porcelain was classified into surface wear, cone crack, and porcelain delamination. The observed microscopic defects in this study included air bubbles and impurity particles. The multi-point occlusial contacts were recommended in all-ceramic restorations clinically. The thickness of porcelain is important for the anti-fatigue ability of porcelain. Cautions have to be taken to avoid contaminations during the veneering processes.

Slit-lamp exam (image)

MedlinePlus

A slit-lamp, which is a specialized magnifying microscope, is used to examine the structures of the eye (including the cornea, iris, vitreous, and retina). The slit-lamp is used to examine, treat (with a laser), ...

Profile of Kidney Histopathology in Cases of Burns - Particular Emphasis on Acridine Orange Fluorescence Study and to Explore its Forensic Utility

PubMed Central

Desai, Nandini J.; Gupta, B.D.; Patel, Pratik N.

2016-01-01

Introduction The major cause of death in the burn patients includes multiple organ failure and infection but, sometimes the exact cause of death in many fatally burned patients is difficult to detect. Many times in medico-legal post-mortem examinations in cases of burns, histopathological examination of organs is requested. Aim The aim was to study various histopathological changes in kidneys in the post-mortem cases of burns, by using routine Haematoxylin and Eosin stain (H&E stain), special Periodic and Schiff’s Stain (PAS) stain, to study the role of acridine orange fluorescence study, to explore the forensic utility of this microscopic study and to find out the relationship between duration of survival and histopathological changes observed. Materials and Methods An experimental longitudinal prospective study from October 2010 to September 2012. Total 32 cases of death due to burns were autopsied at mortuary, the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in our hospital. Bilateral kidneys were removed and preserved in 10% formalin solution. These were forwarded to Department of Pathology for histopathological examination. Routine microscopic examination by H&E stain as well as PAS stain and fluorescence study by acridine orange stain were done in all cases. Results It was observed that in 21 (65.63%) cases gross findings in kidneys were normal, in 06 (18.75%) were grossly pale and in 05 (15.62%) heavy & congested. Sections taken from kidneys and studied by H&E stain showed overlapping histopathological changes in all cases. In 26 (81.25%) cases, changes of Acute Tubular Necrosis (ATN) while in remaining 06 (18.75%), changes of cloudy swelling were observed. The sections stained by acridine orange and observed under fluorescent microscope were lightly positive in 15 (46.88%), brightly positive in 08 (25.00%) whereas, negative in 09 (28.12%). Conclusion Microscopy by various methods helps in getting specific lesions in kidney due to burns. However, it does not add any new tool to resolve any forensic issues of burns. Therefore, microscopy (including florescent), if done would be redundant. PMID:27190809

Ethnic Distribution of Microscopic Colitis in the United States.

PubMed

Turner, Kevin; Genta, Robert M; Sonnenberg, Amnon

2015-11-01

A large electronic database of histopathology reports was used to study the ethnic distribution of microscopic colitis in the United States. Miraca Life Sciences is a nation-wide pathology laboratory that receives biopsy specimens submitted by 1500 gastroenterologists distributed throughout the United States. In a case-control study, the prevalence of microscopic colitis in 4 ethnic groups (East Asians, Indians, Hispanics, and Jews) was compared with that of all other ethnic groups (composed of American Caucasians and African Americans), serving as reference group. A total of 11,706 patients with microscopic colitis were included in the analysis. In all ethnic groups alike, microscopic colitis was more common in women than men (78% versus 22%, odds ratio = 3.40, 95% confidence interval = 3.26-3.55). In all ethnic groups, the prevalence of microscopic colitis showed a continuous age-dependent rise. Hispanic patients with microscopic colitis were on average younger than the reference group (59.4 ± 16.2 years versus 64.2 ± 13.8 years, P < 0.001). Jewish patients with microscopic colitis were slightly older than the reference group (65.6 ± 13.4 years, P = 0.015). Compared with the reference group (prevalence = 1.20%), microscopic colitis was significantly less common among patients of Indian (prevalence = 0.28%, odds ratio = 0.32, 95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.65), East Asian (0.22%, 0.19, 0.14-0.26), or Hispanic decent (0.48%, 0.40, 0.36-0.45) and significantly more common among Jewish patients (1.30%, 1.10, 1.01-1.21). Microscopic colitis shows striking variations of its occurrence among different ethnic groups. Such variations could point at differences in the exposure to environmental risk factors.

[Revealing the structure of the nervous tissue III: From Jan Evangelista Purkyne (1787-1869) to Ludwig Mauthner (1840-1894)].

PubMed

Chvátal, A

2015-01-01

The works of Jan Evangelista Purkyne, Gabriel Valentin and Robert Remak showed that the nervous system contains not only nerve fibers, but also cellular elements. The use of microscopes and new fixation techniques have enabled the retrieval of accurate data on the structure of nervous tissue and in many European universities microscopes began to be widely used for histological and morphological studies. The present review summarizes the discoveries of the structure of predominantly vertebrate nerve tissue during the period from 1838 to 1865, made by prominent scholars who described the structure of fibers and cells of the nervous system and demonstrated that some nerve fibers are enwrapped by a sheath. In addition, the first attempts were made to make a cytoarchitectonic description of the spinal cord and brain. During the same time the concept of a neuroglial tissue was introduced, first as a tissue for "gluing" nerve fibers, cells and blood capillaries into one unit, but later some glial cells were described for the first time. Microscopic techniques started to be used for examination of physiological as well as pathological nerve tissues. The overall state of knowledge was just a step away from the emergence of the concept of neurons and glial cells.

Effect of Yttrium Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cu-Rich Nano-phase Strengthened Ferritic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongyu; He, Jibai; Luan, Guoqing; Ke, Mingpeng; Fang, Haoyan; Lu, Jianduo

2018-03-01

Due to the brittle problem of Cu-rich nano-phase strengthened ferritic steel (CNSFS) after air aging, the effect of Y addition in CNSFS was systemically investigated in the present work. The microstructure, tensile fracture morphology and oxide layer of the steels were surveyed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Transmission electron microscope with the combination of energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction was used to analyze the morphology, size, number density, chemical compositions and crystal structure for nano-crystalline precipitates. Microstructural examinations of the nano-crystalline precipitates show that Cu-rich precipitates and Y compounds in the range of 2-10 and 50-100 nm, respectively, form in the Y-containing steel; meanwhile, the average size of nano-crystalline precipitates in Y-containing steel is larger, but the number density is lower, and the ferritic grains are refined. Furthermore, the tensile strength and ductility of Y-containing steel after air aging are improved, whereas the tensile strength is enhanced and the ductility decreased after vacuum aging. The drag effect of Y makes the oxide layer thinner and be compacted. Tensile properties of CNSFS after air aging are improved due to the refined grains, antioxidation and purification by the addition of Y.

Stability of DNA Origami Nanoarrays in Cell Lysate

PubMed Central

Mei, Qian; Wei, Xixi; Su, Fengyu; Liu, Yan; Youngbull, Cody; Johnson, Roger; Lindsay, Stuart; Yan, Hao; Meldrum, Deirdre

2012-01-01

Scaffolded DNA origami, a method to create self-assembled nanostructures with spatially addressable features, has recently been used to develop water-soluble molecular chips for label-free RNA detection, platforms for deterministic protein positioning, and single molecule reaction observatories. These applications highlight the possibility of exploiting the unique properties and biocompatibility of DNA nanostructures in live, cellular systems. Herein, we assembled several DNA origami nanostructures of differing shape, size and probes, and investigated their interaction with lysate obtained from various normal and cancerous cell lines. We separated and analyzed the origami–lysate mixtures using agarose gel electrophoresis and recovered the DNA structures for functional assay and subsequent microscopic examination. Our results demonstrate that DNA origami nanostructures are stable in cell lysate and can be easily separated from lysate mixtures, in contrast to natural, single- and double-stranded DNA. Atomic force microscope (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images show that the DNA origami structures are fully intact after separation from cell lysates and hybridize to their targets, verifying the superior structural integrity and functionality of self-assembled DNA origami nanostructures relative to conventional oligonucleotides. The stability and functionality of DNA origami structures in cell lysate validate their use for biological applications, for example, as programmable molecular rafts or disease detection platforms. PMID:21366226

Gross and microscopic observations on the lingual structure of the Florida Manatee Trichechus manatus latirostris.

PubMed

Levin, M J; Pfeiffer, C J

2002-10-01

The tongue of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) was studied macroscopically, light and electron microscopically. The tongue was slender, muscular and firmly fixed in the oral cavity; only the cranial tip was free and mobile. Numerous filiform papillae were distributed over the dorsal surface of the rostral tongue. Multiple raised, round fungiform-like papillae were distributed over most of the dorsum. Typical fungiform papillae were restricted to the lateral margins of the tongue. Foliate papillae, presenting as multi-fossulate openings, were noted on the caudolateral margins. Open pits were located on the dorsocaudal surface and lateral walls. Microscopic examination showed that most of the lingual dorsum was covered with a thick stratified squamous epithelium. Open pits led to well-developed mucous salivary glands. Glands within the foliate papillae were mostly mucous, although some seromucous glands were present. Taste buds were restricted to the epithelium of the foliate papillae. Throughout the tongue, striated muscle was abundant below the epithelium. Blood vessels, lymph channels and nerve fibres were freely distributed throughout the intermuscular stroma. Nerve fibres reacted positively with neurone specific enolase (NSE) antibody throughout the tongue, including nerve bundles, glands and taste buds. Clear to translucent vacuoles were found juxtaposed to nuclei in the stratum spinosum in the foliate papillae epithelium.

Scientists View Battery Under Microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2015-04-10

PNNL researchers use a special microscope setup that shows the inside of a battery as it charges and discharges. This battery-watching microscope is located at EMSL, DOE's Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory that resides at PNNL. Researchers the world over can visit EMSL and use special instruments like this, many of which are the only one of their kind available to scientists.

Scientists View Battery Under Microscope

ScienceCinema

None

2018-01-16

PNNL researchers use a special microscope setup that shows the inside of a battery as it charges and discharges. This battery-watching microscope is located at EMSL, DOE's Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory that resides at PNNL. Researchers the world over can visit EMSL and use special instruments like this, many of which are the only one of their kind available to scientists.

Experimental intraperitoneal infusion of OK-432 in rats: evaluation of peritoneal complications and pathology.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Wook; Kim, Hak Jin; Lee, Jun Woo

2010-06-01

OK-432 is known to be a potent sclerosant of cystic lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both its safety and pathologic effects after the infusion of OK-432 into the peritoneal cavity of rats. Twenty male rats were used in this study. Twelve rats were infused intraperitoneally with 0.2 Klinishe Einheit of OK-432 melted in 2 mL of normal saline (group 1: the treated group); four rats each were infused intraperitoneally with 0.5 mL of 99% ethanol (group 2) and normal saline (group 3), and served as the control groups. An abdominal ultrasonographic examination was performed both before and after the infusions in all rats. Three rats in group 1 and one rat in each of groups 2 and 3 were sacrificed each week following the infusion. Gross and microscopic evaluations of the peritoneum and abdominal cavity were performed on each rat. In group 1, the abdomen was clear on gross inspection and the peritoneum was unremarkable on microscopic examination. In group 2, mild-to-moderate peritoneal adhesions were revealed grossly, and inflammation and fibrosis of the peritoneum were demonstrated microscopically. In group 3, no specific abnormalities were noted on gross or microscopic examinations. Leakage or abnormal infusion of OK-432 solution into the peritoneal cavity during sclerotherapy of intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal cystic lesions does not result in any significant complications. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a recently developed noncontact specular microscope in comparison with conventional pachymetry devices.

PubMed

Módis, László; Szalai, Eszter; Németh, Gábor; Berta, András

2010-01-01

The study was conducted to assess the central corneal thickness (CCT) of the healthy cornea with a recently developed noncontact specular microscope (EM-3000; Tomey) and compare the results with those measured with a contact specular microscope and an ultrasound pachymeter. Agreement between measurements taken by 2 investigators was also studied. The right eyes of 41 healthy individuals who had negative history of contact lens wear, ophthalmic disease, or ocular surgery were examined. The CCT was determined sequentially with a noncontact specular microscope, a contact specular microscope (EM-1000; Tomey), and an ultrasound pachymeter (AL-2000; Tomey). Each evaluation with the specular microscopes was performed by 2 independent operators. A significant difference was detected in pachymetry measurements among the 3 instruments (p=0.01; analysis of variance). The mean CCT values were lower measured with the ultrasound pachymeter (537+/-30 microm) than the contact endothelial microscope (543+/-37 microm, p=0.17, Student t-test) and the noncontact microscope (549+/-33 microm, p<0.0001) (operator 1). There was no statistically significant difference in CCT measurements between the 2 endothelial microscopes (p=0.19). We found significant correlations (p<0.0001) in thickness measurements between each pair of instruments (r=0.91, noncontact microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry; r=0.74, noncontact and contact microscopy; r=0.72, contact microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry; Spearman rank correlation). The strong correlations among the 3 pachymetry devices suggest that the tested instruments provide reliable measurements; however, they cannot be used interchangeably.

Rotavirus infection in wild marsupials (Didelphis marsupialis) of the Amazon region.

PubMed

Linhares, A C; Pereira, J D; Nakauth, C M; Gabbay, Y B

1986-01-01

Rotavirus was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in faecal specimens collected from two (1.35%) of 148 marsupials trapped in the Amazon jungle environment. The positive samples were both from the "common opossum", Didelphis marsupialis. No infections were found in the stools of 198 animals belonging to other mammalian species: the latter included small rodents, chiropterans and primates. Electron microscopic examination of one (MA 5928) rotavirus-positive specimen showed a large number of empty particles. However, both rotavirus strains grew when inoculated in MA 104 cells (foetal Rhesus monkey kidney cells) producing clear cytopathogenic effect; indirect immunofluorescence technique of these cells showed a typical granular cytoplasmic fluorescence. The electrophoretic profile of strain MA 5928 showed a high grade of homology with that of SA 11, but also showed minor differences.

A fatal gastric perforation secondary to ulcerated metastasis in undiagnosed breast cancer: pathological aspects and review of literature.

PubMed

Barranco, R; Orcioni, G F; Ventura, F

2017-08-01

The authors describe a fatal case of gastric perforation secondary to an ulcerated metastasis in a woman with undiagnosed breast cancer. The 48-year-old woman, with no significant medical history, presented with weight loss, persistent dyspepsia and pain in the epigastric and mesogastric region. She was treated by her primary care physician with proton-pump inhibitors and antispasmodics. The following day she was found dead at her home. External examination showed a tumefaction in the lateral region of her left breast, near the axilla. Autopsy revealed 1000 ml of turbid, light-brown peritoneal fluid in the abdominal cavity and a perforated gastric wall. Histological examination of the breast mass showed an infiltrating, poorly-differentiated breast carcinoma. Microscopical analysis of the stomach wall revealed a perforated metastatic gastric ulcer. Immunohistochemistry was required to confirm the neoplastic involvement of the stomach due to metastatic breast cancer.

Preparation and characterization of porous Mg-Zn-Ca alloy by space holder technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Annur, D.; Lestari, Franciska P.; Erryani, A.; Sijabat, Fernando A.; G. P. Astawa, I. N.; Kartika, I.

2018-04-01

Magnesium had been recently researched as a future biodegradable implant material. In the recent study, porous Mg-Zn-Ca alloys were developed using space holder technique in powder metallurgy process. Carbamide (10-20%wt) was added into Mg-6Zn-1Ca (in wt%) alloy system as a space holder to create porous structure material. Sintering process was done in a tube furnace under Argon atmosphere in 610 °C for 5 hours. Porous structure of the resulted alloy was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), while the phase formation was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Further, mechanical properties of porous Mg-Zn-Ca alloy was examined through compression testing. Microstructure characterization showed higher content of Carbamide in the alloy would give different type of pores. However, compression test showed that mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy would decrease significantly when higher content of carbamide was added.

Effect of different doses of monosodium glutamate on the thyroid follicular cells of adult male albino rats: a histological study

PubMed Central

Khalaf, Hanaa A; Arafat, Eetmad A

2015-01-01

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a major flavor enhancer used as a food additive. The present study investigates the effects of different doses of MSG on the morphometric and histological changes of the thyroid gland. 28 male albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: group I control, group II, III and IV treated with MSG (0.25 g/kg, 3 g/kg, 6 g/kg daily for one month) respectively. The thyroid glands were dissected out and prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Light microscopic examination of thyroid gland of group II revealed increase in follicular epithelial height. Groups III & IV showed decrease in the follicular diameter and irregularity in the shape of some follicles with discontinuity of basement membrane. Follicular hyperplasia was detected in some follicles with appearance of multiple pyknotic nuclei in follicular and interfollicular cells and multiple exfoliated cells in the colloid. In addition, areas of loss of follicular pattern were appeared in group IV. Immunohistochemical examination of BCL2 immunoexpression of the thyroid glands of groups III & IV reveals weak positive reaction in the follicular cells cytoplasm. Ultrathin sections examination of groups III & IV revealed follicular cells with irregular hyperchromatic nuclei, marked dilatation of rER and increased lysosomes with areas of short or lost apical microvilli. In addition, vacuolation of mitochondria was detected in group IV. The results displayed that MSG even at low doses is capable of producing alterations in the body weights and thyroid tissue function and histology. PMID:26884820

Investigation on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of ATIG welded alloy C-276 with Fe2O3 flux

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surve, Angad; Bhosage, Sharnappa; Mehta, Akshay; Srikanth, A.; Arivarasu, M.; Manikandan, M.; Gokulkumar, K.; Rajan, Deva. N.

2018-02-01

Alloy C-276 susceptible to hot cracking. The microsegregation occurs during solidification is the largely responsible for the hot cracking in the alloy. The present study investigates the microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy C-276 weld joint fabricated by ATIG welding technique. The macro examination was carried out assess the defects in the weld joints. Optical and scanning electron microscope examination was carried out to see the structural changes in the fusion zone. The tensile test was performed to evaluate the strength of the weld joints. The results show the defect free welding was achieved in the established process parameters. The macrograph shows the full depth of penetration was obtained in the single pass by the effect of Marangoni convection. Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis illustrates the absence of microsegregation in the interdendritic zone. The tensile test shows the improved mechanical properties compared to the base metal.

A surface science compatible epifluorescence microscope for inspection of samples under ultra high vacuum and cryogenic conditions.

PubMed

Marquardt, Christian; Paulheim, Alexander; Rohbohm, Nils; Merkel, Rudolf; Sokolowski, Moritz

2017-08-01

We modified an epi-illumination light microscope and mounted it on an ultra high vacuum chamber for investigating samples used in a surface science experiment. For easy access and bake out, all optical components are placed outside the vacuum and the sample is imaged through a glass window. The microscope can be operated in reflection brightfield or epifluorescence mode to image the sample surface or fluorescent dye molecules adsorbed on it. The homemade sample mounting was made compatible for the use under the microscope; sample temperatures as low as 6 K can be achieved. The performance of the microscope is demonstrated on two model samples: Brightfield-images of a well-prepared Ag(100) surface show a macroscopic corrugation of the surface, although low energy electron diffraction data indicate a highly ordered crystalline surface. The surface shows macroscopic protrusions with flat regions, about 20-200 μm in diameter, in between. Fluorescence images of diluted 3,4,9,10-perylene tetracarboxylicacid dianhydride (PTCDA) molecules adsorbed on an ultrathin epitaxial KCl film on the Ag(100) surface show a shading effect at surface protrusions due to an inclined angle of incidence of the PTCDA beam during deposition. For some preparations, the distribution of the fluorescence intensity is inhomogeneous and shows a dense network of bright patches about 5 μm in diameter related to the macroscopic corrugation of the surface. We propose that such a light microscope can aid many surface science experiments, especially those dealing with epitaxial growth or fluorescent materials.

Investigation of Structure and Property of Indian Cocos nucifera L. Fibre

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Gautam; Mishra, Leena; Samanta, Ashis Kumar

2017-12-01

Structure and physico-mechanical properties of Cocos nucifera L. fibre from a specific agro-climatic region of India, was thoroughly studied. Fine structure of the fibre was examined by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), component analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and optical microscope. SEM shows prominent longitudinal cracks and micro-pores on the surface. XRD shows a low degree of crystallinity (45%), bigger crystallite size, and even the presence of appreciable amount of non-cellulose matter. FTIR reveals presence of large quantities of hydroxyl, phenolic and aldehyde groups. Component and thermal analyses indicates presence of cellulose and lignin as major components. Physical parameters reveal that, fibres are highly variable in length (range 44-305 mm), and diameter (range 100-795 µm). Mechanical properties of the fibre viz. breaking tenacity, breaking extensibility, specific work of rupture, and coefficient of friction were measured. Microbial decomposition test under soil reveals excellent durability of coconut fibre which makes it appropriate for the application in geotextiles. Mass specific electrical resistance of 4 Ω-kg/m2 indicates its enhanced insulation as compared to the jute.

Pityriasis Rosea

MedlinePlus

... Rosea Is Diagnosed Physical examination and thorough medical history, plus KOH prep, in which a tiny sample of tissue from one of the spots is scraped off and examined under a microscope to rule out fungal infection. How Pityriasis Rosea ...

Innovative Strategies for Clinical Microscopy Instruction: Virtual Versus Light Microscopy.

PubMed

McDaniel, M Jane; Russell, Gregory B; Crandall, Sonia J

2018-06-01

The purpose of the study was to compare virtual microscopy with light microscopy to determine differences in learning outcomes and learner attitudes in teaching clinical microscopy to physician assistant (PA) students. A prospective, randomized, crossover design study was conducted with a convenience sample of 67 first-year PA students randomized to 2 groups. One group used light microscopes to find microscopic structures, whereas the other group used instructor-directed video streaming of microscopic elements. At the midpoint of the study, the groups switched instructional strategies. Learning outcomes were assessed via posttest after each section of the study, with comparison of final practical examination results to previous cohorts. Attitudes about the 2 educational strategies were assessed through a postcourse questionnaire with a Likert scale. Analysis of the first posttest demonstrated that students in the video-streamed group had significantly better learning outcomes than those in the light microscopy group (P = .004; Cohen's d = 0.74). Analysis of the posttest after crossover showed no differences between the 2 groups (P = .48). Between the 2 posttests, students first assigned to the light microscopy group scored a 6.6 mean point increase (±10.4 SD; p = .0011), whereas students first assigned to the virtual microscopy group scored a 1.3 mean point increase (±7.1 SD; p = .29). The light microscopy group improved more than the virtual microscopy group (P = .019). Analysis of practical examination data revealed higher scores for the study group compared with 5 previous cohorts of first-year students (P < .0001; Cohen's d = 0.66). Students preferred virtual microscopy to traditional light microscopy. Virtual microscopy is an effective educational strategy, and students prefer this method when learning to interpret images of clinical specimens.

Replacing a failed mini-implant with a miniplate to prevent interruption during orthodontic treatment.

PubMed

Lee, Jin-Hwa; Choo, Hyeran; Kim, Seong-Hun; Chung, Kyu-Rhim; Giannuzzi, Lucille A; Ngan, Peter

2011-06-01

When mini-implants fail during orthodontic treatment, there is a need to have a backup plan to either replace the failed implant in the adjacent interradicular area or wait for the bone to heal before replacing the mini-implant. We propose a novel way to overcome this problem by replacement with a miniplate so as not to interrupt treatment or prolong treatment time. The indications, advantages, efficacy, and procedures for switching from a mini-implant to a miniplate are discussed. Two patients who required replacement of failed mini-implants are presented. In the first patient, because of the proximity of the buccal vestibule to the mini-implant, it was decided to replace the failed mini-implant by an I-shaped C-tube miniplate. In the second patient, radiolucencies were found around the failed mini-implants, making the adjacent alveolar bone unavailable for immediate placement of another mini-implant. In addition, the maxillary sinus pneumatization was expanded deeply into the interradicular spaces; this further mandated an alternative placement site. One failed mini-implant was examined under a scanning electron microscope for bone attachment. Treatment was completed in both patients after replacement with miniplates without interrupting the treatment mechanics or prolonging the treatments. Examination under the scanning electron microscope showed partial bone growth into the coating pores and titanium substrate interface even after thorough cleaning and sterilization. Replacement with a miniplate is a viable solution for failed mini-implants during orthodontic treatment. The results from microscopic evaluation of the failed mini-implant suggest that stringent guidelines are needed for recycling used mini-implants. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

[Microscopic extensions of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: impact for clinical target volume definition].

PubMed

Fleury, B; Thariat, J; Barnoud, R; Buiret, G; Lebreton, F; Bancel, B; Poupart, M; Devouassoux-Shisheboran, M

2014-11-01

To assess microscopic extensions of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas aiming at a proposal for target volumes of radiation therapy. Surgical specimens were prospectively analysed macroscopically and microscopically. Tumour borders were identified per macroscopic visual examination and inked on stained slides. Then microscopic implants (perineural or lymphatic involvement, or in situ carcinomas) were looked for with an optic microscope in the macroscopic healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. The maximal length from tumour border was correlated with the maximal length of macroscopically healthy tissues assessable. Twenty-one specimens were analysed and 12 were locally advanced tumours. Mean and median maximal microscopic extensions were 2.9 and 1.0mm (0-15mm), respectively. The 90th and 95th percentiles were 5 and 11mm, respectively. The ratio between healthy tissue length and maximal microscopic tumour extension was 10%. No correlation was found with tumour grade or volume. The presence of microscopic tumour was unlikely after 5mm from macroscopic tumour (≤5% of patients in this series) but should be assessed along with other histoclinical factors and particularities of tumour behaviour by anatomic site. A rigorous terminology should authorize a relevant appreciation of local risk of recurrence, particularly in adjuvant setting or for clinical target volume definition. Larger and more homogenous confirmatory series are needed. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of a new implant design supporting immediately loaded full arch rehabilitation

PubMed Central

Tetè, Stefano; Zizzari, Vincenzo; De Carlo, Alessandro; Sinjari, Bruna; Gherlone, Enrico

2012-01-01

Summary The purpose of this study is to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic appearance of a new implant design, with particular emphasis given to the type of prosthesis connection. Two dental implants of the same type (Torque Type®, WinSix®, BioSAFin. S.r.l. - Ancona, Italy), with sandblasted and acid etched surfaces (Micro Rough Surface®), but differing from each other for the prosthesis connection system, were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis at different magnifications: TTI implant, with a hexagonal internal connection, and TTX implant, with a hexagonal external connection. SEM analysis showed that the Torque Type® implant is characterized by a truncated cone shape with tapered tips. The implant body showed a double loop thread and double pitch with blunt tips. For both types of connection, the implant neck was 0.7 mm in height with a 3% taper. This implant design may be able to guarantee osteotomic properties at the time of insertion in a surgical site suitably prepared, a facilitated screwing, thanks to the thread pitch and to the broad and deep draining grooves, thereby ensuring a good primary stability. The different connection design appears defined and precise, in order to ensure a good interface between the fixture and the prosthetic components. Therefore, this design appears to be particularly suitable in cases where a good primary stability is necessary and a precise coupling between endosseous and prosthetic components, as it allows an easy insertion of the fixture even in conditions of reduced bone availability, and in cases of immediately loaded full-arch rehabilitations. PMID:23087785

Application of microscopy technique and high-performance liquid chromatography for quality assessment of the flower bud of Tussilago farfara L. (Kuandonghua)

PubMed Central

Li, Da; Liang, Li; Zhang, Jing; Kang, Tingguo

2015-01-01

Background: Quality control is one of the bottleneck problems limiting the application and development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In recent years, microscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques have been frequently applied in the quality control of TCM. However, studies combining conventional microscopy and HPLC techniques for the quality control of the flower bud of Tussilago farfara L. (Kuandonghua) have not been reported. Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the quality of the flower bud of T. farfara L. and to establish the relationships between the quantity of pollen grains and four main bioactive constituents: tussilagone, chlorogenic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin. Materials and Methods: In this study, microscopic examination was used to quantify microscopic characteristics of the flower bud of T. farfara L., and the chemical components were determined by HPLC. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics software. Results: The results of the analysis showed that tussilagone, chlorogenic acid, rutin and isoquercitrin were significantly correlated with the quantity of pollen grains in the flower bud of T. farfara L. There is a positive correlation between them. From these results, it can be deduced that the flower bud of T. farfara L. with a greater quantity of pollen grains should be of better quality. Conclusion: The study showed that the established method can be helpful for evaluating the quality of the flower bud of T. farfara L. based on microscopic characteristic constants and chemical quantitation. PMID:26246737

Macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of a new implant design supporting immediately loaded full arch rehabilitation.

PubMed

Tetè, Stefano; Zizzari, Vincenzo; De Carlo, Alessandro; Sinjari, Bruna; Gherlone, Enrico

2012-04-01

The purpose of this study is to evaluate macroscopic and microscopic appearance of a new implant design, with particular emphasis given to the type of prosthesis connection. Two dental implants of the same type (Torque Type(®), WinSix(®), BioSAFin. S.r.l. - Ancona, Italy), with sandblasted and acid etched surfaces (Micro Rough Surface(®)), but differing from each other for the prosthesis connection system, were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis at different magnifications: TTI implant, with a hexagonal internal connection, and TTX implant, with a hexagonal external connection. SEM analysis showed that the Torque Type(®) implant is characterized by a truncated cone shape with tapered tips. The implant body showed a double loop thread and double pitch with blunt tips. For both types of connection, the implant neck was 0.7 mm in height with a 3% taper. This implant design may be able to guarantee osteotomic properties at the time of insertion in a surgical site suitably prepared, a facilitated screwing, thanks to the thread pitch and to the broad and deep draining grooves, thereby ensuring a good primary stability. The different connection design appears defined and precise, in order to ensure a good interface between the fixture and the prosthetic components. Therefore, this design appears to be particularly suitable in cases where a good primary stability is necessary and a precise coupling between endosseous and prosthetic components, as it allows an easy insertion of the fixture even in conditions of reduced bone availability, and in cases of immediately loaded full-arch rehabilitations.

Automated Microscopy: Macro Language Controlling a Confocal Microscope and its External Illumination: Adaptation for Photosynthetic Organisms.

PubMed

Steinbach, Gábor; Kaňa, Radek

2016-04-01

Photosynthesis research employs several biophysical methods, including the detection of fluorescence. Even though fluorescence is a key method to detect photosynthetic efficiency, it has not been applied/adapted to single-cell confocal microscopy measurements to examine photosynthetic microorganisms. Experiments with photosynthetic cells may require automation to perform a large number of measurements with different parameters, especially concerning light conditions. However, commercial microscopes support custom protocols (through Time Controller offered by Olympus or Experiment Designer offered by Zeiss) that are often unable to provide special set-ups and connection to external devices (e.g., for irradiation). Our new system combining an Arduino microcontroller with the Cell⊕Finder software was developed for controlling Olympus FV1000 and FV1200 confocal microscopes and the attached hardware modules. Our software/hardware solution offers (1) a text file-based macro language to control the imaging functions of the microscope; (2) programmable control of several external hardware devices (light sources, thermal controllers, actuators) during imaging via the Arduino microcontroller; (3) the Cell⊕Finder software with ergonomic user environment, a fast selection method for the biologically important cells and precise positioning feature that reduces unwanted bleaching of the cells by the scanning laser. Cell⊕Finder can be downloaded from http://www.alga.cz/cellfinder. The system was applied to study changes in fluorescence intensity in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 cells under long-term illumination. Thus, we were able to describe the kinetics of phycobilisome decoupling. Microscopy data showed that phycobilisome decoupling appears slowly after long-term (>1 h) exposure to high light.

Overt Skeletal Metastases in a Patient of Occult (Microscopic) Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma: a Rare Case.

PubMed

Jha, Chandan Kumar; Agrawal, Vinita; Mishra, Anjali; Pradhan, P K

2018-03-01

Occult follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) presenting as distant metastases is a rare occurrence. However, despite being occult in majority of these cases, primary tumor can be detected on thyroid imaging or during surgery. Here, we present an extremely rare case of an occult FTC with overt skeletal metastases in which primary tumor was discernible only on microscopic examination.

Histopathology slide projector: a simple improvisation.

PubMed

Agarwal, Akhilesh K R; Bhattacharya, Nirjhar

2008-07-01

The ability to examine histopathology and other hematological slides under microscope is a necessary and important service which should be available in every health facility. The slides need to be projected on to a screen. We describe an inexpensive and easily constructed technique for projecting magnified images of slides using a simple microscope. It is effective both for making observations and for use as a teaching aid.

First Atomic Force Microscope Image from Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

This calibration image presents three-dimensional data from the atomic force microscope on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander, showing surface details of a substrate on the microscope station's sample wheel. It will be used as an aid for interpreting later images that will show shapes of minuscule Martian soil particles.

The area imaged by the microscope is 40 microns by 40 microns, small enough to fit on an eyelash. The grooves in this substrate are 14 microns (0.00055 inch) apart, from center to center. The vertical dimension is exaggerated in the image to make surface details more visible. The grooves are 300 nanometers (0.00001 inch) deep.

This is the first atomic force microscope image recorded on another planet. It was taken on July 9, 2008, during the 44th Martian day, or sol, of the Phoenix mission since landing.

Phoenix's Swiss-made atomic force microscope builds an image of the surface shape of a particle by sensing it with a sharp tip at the end of a spring, all microfabricated out of a silicon wafer. A strain gauge records how far the spring flexes to follow the contour of the surface. It can provide details of soil-particle shapes smaller than one-hundredth the width of a human hair. This is about 20 times smaller than what can be resolved with Phoenix's optical microscope, which has provided much higher-magnification imaging than anything seen on Mars previously. Both microscopes are part of Phoenix's Microscopy, Electrochemistry and Conductivity Analyzer.

Inclusion body disease in snakes: a review and description of three cases in boa constrictors in Belgium.

PubMed

Vancraeynest, D; Pasmans, F; Martel, A; Chiers, K; Meulemans, G; Mast, J; Zwart, P; Ducatelle, R

2006-06-03

Inclusion body disease, a fatal disorder in Boidae, is reviewed, and three cases in boa constrictors, the first reported cases in Belgium, are described. The snakes showed nervous signs, and numerous eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions, which are considered to be characteristic of the disease, were found in the liver and pancreas. The disease is suspected to be caused by a retrovirus, but transmission electron microscopic examinations of several tissues from one of the snakes did not reveal particles with a typical retroviral morphology.

Herpes simplex infection in a juvenile orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus).

PubMed

Kik, Maria J L; Bos, Jan H; Groen, Jan; Dorrestein, Gerry M

2005-03-01

A juvenile orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) died after 8 days of diarrhea and vomiting. Necropsy showed petechial hemorrhages in the skin, the myocardium, and the peritoneal membranes. The lungs were hyperemic and edematous, and the liver and spleen were enlarged. Histologic changes consisted of interstitial pneumonia, hepatitis, and splenic hyperplasia. Numerous eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were visible in pulmonary epithelial cells, hepatocytes, and splenic endothelial cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed herpesvirus in hepatocyte nuclei. Polymerase chain reaction of liver tissue demonstrated the presence of a herpes simplex virus-1.

Benefits of Objective Collapse Models for Cosmology and Quantum Gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okon, Elias; Sudarsky, Daniel

2014-02-01

We display a number of advantages of objective collapse theories for the resolution of long-standing problems in cosmology and quantum gravity. In particular, we examine applications of objective reduction models to three important issues: the origin of the seeds of cosmic structure, the problem of time in quantum gravity and the information loss paradox; we show how reduction models contain the necessary tools to provide solutions for these issues. We wrap up with an adventurous proposal, which relates the spontaneous collapse events of objective collapse models to microscopic virtual black holes.

Field and laboratory guide to freshwater cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms for Native American and Alaska Native communities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosen, Barry H.; St. Amand, Ann

2015-09-14

Cyanobacteria can produce toxins and form harmful algal blooms. The Native American and Alaska Native communities that are dependent on subsistence fishing have an increased risk of exposure to these cyanotoxins. It is important to recognize the presence of an algal bloom in a waterbody and to distinguish a potentially toxic harmful algal bloom from a non-toxic bloom. This guide provides field images that show cyanobacteria blooms, some of which can be toxin producers, as well as other non-toxic algae blooms and floating plants that might be confused with algae. After recognition of a potential toxin-producing cyanobacterial bloom in the field, the type(s) of cyanobacteria present needs to be identified. Species identification, which requires microscopic examination, may help distinguish a toxin-producer from a non-toxin producer. This guide also provides microscopic images of the common cyanobacteria that are known to produce toxins, as well as images of algae that form blooms but do not produce toxins.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the breast as a clinical diagnostic challenge

PubMed Central

Jakubowska, Katarzyna; Kańczuga-Koda, Luiza; Kisielewski, Wojciech; Koda, Mariusz; Famulski, Waldemar

2018-01-01

Squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) of the breast should be differentiated between the primary skin keratinizing squamous carcinoma and squamous metaplastic cancer. In the current study, the cases of two patients who were diagnosed with SqCC originated from skin and the breast were discussed. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy confirmed the presence of atypical squamous cells. In both cases, the microscopic examination of the surgical specimen revealed a malignant neoplasm differentiated into SqCC characterized by keratinizing cancer cells with abundant eosiphilic cytoplasm with large, hyperchromatic vesicular nuclei. Immunohistochemical studies showed negative for progesterone and estrogen receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Moreover, negative expression of cytokeratin 7 and 20 was confirmed. The diagnosis of the both tumors was established based on the detailed analysis of clinical, macroscopical and microscopical information. SqCC localized in the breast is a great diagnostic challenge in pathomorphology and more attention should be paid for analysis of such lesions in daily practice. PMID:29556390

Case Report: Molecular Confirmation of Lobomycosis in an Italian Traveler Acquired in the Amazon Region of Venezuela.

PubMed

Beltrame, Anna; Danesi, Patrizia; Farina, Claudio; Orza, Pierantonio; Perandin, Francesca; Zanardello, Claudia; Rodari, Paola; Staffolani, Silvia; Bisoffi, Zeno

2017-12-01

Lobomycosis is a chronic skin mycosis endemic in Amazon regions characterized by chronic nodular or keloidal lesions caused by Lacazia loboi , an uncultivable fungus. Imported cases in nonendemic countries are rare and diagnosed after years. We describe a case of lobomycosis in a healthy 55-year-old Italian traveler who had acquired the infection during 5-day-honeymoon in the Amazon region of Venezuela in 1999. Several weeks after return, he recalled pruritus and papular skin lesions on the left lower limb, subsequently evolving to a plaque-like lesion. Blastomycosis and cryptococcosis were hypothesized based on microscopic morphology of yeast-like bodies found in three consecutive biopsies, although fungal cultures were always negative. In 2016, exfoliative cytology and a biopsy specimen examination showed round yeast-like organisms (6-12 μm), isolated or in a chain, connected by short tubular projections fulfilling the morphologic diagnostic criteria of Lacazia spp. The microscopic diagnosis was confirmed by molecular identification.

ELectron microscopic abnormality and therapeutic efficacy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with anti-neurofascin155 immunoglobulin G4 antibody.

PubMed

Kuwahara, Motoi; Suzuki, Hidekazu; Oka, Nobuyuki; Ogata, Hidenori; Yanagimoto, Satoshi; Sadakane, Shuji; Fukumoto, Yuta; Yamana, Masaki; Yuhara, Yoshiko; Yoshikawa, Keisuke; Morikawa, Miyuki; Kawai, Shigeru; Okazaki, Masahiro; Tsujimoto, Toru; Kira, Jun-Ichi; Kusunoki, Susumu

2018-03-01

Neurofascin155 (NF155) is a target antigen for autoantibodies in a subset of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). We report the cases of 4 patients with anti-NF155 immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibody-positive CIDP who underwent sural nerve biopsies. All patients were relatively young at onset. Three patients experienced tremors, and 2 patients had severe ataxia. Although the response to intravenous immunoglobulin was poor in all patients, plasma exchange and corticosteroids were at least partially effective. Immunoadsorption plasmapheresis was performed in 1 patient but was ineffective. Electron microscopic examination of sural nerve biopsies revealed loss of paranodal transverse bands in all patients. Anti-NF155 IgG4 antibody-positive CIDP shows distinctive clinicopathological features, indicating that the IgG4 antibody is directly associated with the pathogenic mechanisms of anti-NF155 IgG4 antibody-positive CIDP. Muscle Nerve 57: 498-502, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) thin films by microscopic and spectroscopic method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skonieczny, R.; Makowiecki, J.; Bursa, B.; Krzykowski, A.; Szybowicz, M.

2018-02-01

The titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) thin film deposited on glass, silicon and gold substrate have been studied using Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), absorption and profilometry measurements. The TiOPc thin layers have been deposited at room temperature by the quasi-molecular beam evaporation technique. The Raman spectra have been recorded using micro Raman system equipped with a confocal microscope. Using surface Raman mapping techni que with polarized Raman spectra the polymorphic forms of the TiOPc thin films distribution have been obtained. The AFM height and phase image were examined in order to find surface features and morphology of the thin films. Additionally to compare experimental results, structure optimization and vibrational spectra calculation of single TiOPc molecule were performed using DFT calculations. The received results showed that the parameters like polymorphic form, grain size, roughness of the surface in TiOPc thin films can well characterize the obtained organic thin films structures in terms of their use in optoelectronics and photovoltaics devices.

Iridovirus infections in farm-reared tropical ornamental fish.

PubMed

Paperna, I; Vilenkin, M; de Matos, A P

2001-12-20

A systemic viral infection in both gourami Trichogaster spp. and swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii and an outbreak of lymphocystis in scalare Pterophyllum scalarae and gourami are reported to have occurred in fish reared in ornamental fish farms in Israel. The systemic infection developed in endothelial cells that became hypertrophic and their contents were modified. The presence of such cells in light-microscopically examined stained smears and sections provides an initial indication for this systemic viral infection. Infection in gourami caused hemorrhagic dropsy. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) images of iridovirus-like particles recovered from gouramies showed them to be 138 to 201 nm from vertex to vertex (v-v); those from swordtails were 170 to 188 nm v-v. TEM images of lymphocystis virions from scalare were 312 to 342 nm v-v and from gourami 292 to 341 nm v-v. Lymphocystis cells from the gourami were joined by a solid hyaline plate, which was lacking in the infection in scalare where the intercellular spaces between the lymphocystis cells consisted of loose connective tissue.

Mars Under the Microscope (stretched)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This magnified look at the martian soil near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's landing site, Meridiani Planum, shows coarse grains sprinkled over a fine layer of sand. The image was captured on the 10th day, or sol, of the rover's mission by its microscopic imager, located on the instrument deployment device, or 'arm.' Scientists are intrigued by the spherical rocks, which can be formed by a variety of geologic processes, including cooling of molten lava droplets and accretion of concentric layers of material around a particle or 'seed.'

The examined patch of soil is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. The circular grain in the lower left corner is approximately 3 millimeters (.12 inches) across, or about the size of a sunflower seed.

This stretched color composite was obtained by merging images acquired with the orange-tinted dust cover open and closed. The varying hints of orange suggest differences in mineral composition. The blue tint at the lower right corner is a tag used by scientists to indicate that the dust cover is closed.

Mars Under the Microscope (color)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This magnified look at the martian soil near the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity's landing site, Meridiani Planum, shows coarse grains sprinkled over a fine layer of sand. The image was captured by the rover's microscopic imager on the 10th day, or sol, of its mission and roughly approximates the color a human eye would see. Scientists are intrigued by the spherical rocks, which can be formed by a variety of geologic processes, including cooling of molten lava droplets and accretion of concentric layers of material around a particle or 'seed.'

The examined patch of soil is 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) across. The circular grain in the lower left corner is approximately 3 millimeters (.12 inches) across, or about the size of a sunflower seed.

This color composite was obtained by merging images acquired with the orange-tinted dust cover in both its open and closed positions. The blue tint at the lower right corner is a tag used by scientists to indicate that the dust cover is closed.

Microscopic Pattern of Bone Fractures as an Indicator of Blast Trauma: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Pechníková, Marketa; Mazzarelli, Debora; Poppa, Pasquale; Gibelli, Daniele; Scossa Baggi, Emilio; Cattaneo, Cristina

2015-09-01

The assessment of fractures is a key issue in forensic anthropology; however, very few studies deal with the features of fractures due to explosion in comparison with other traumatic injuries. This study focuses on fractures resulting from blast trauma and two types of blunt force trauma (manual compression and running over), applied to corpses of pigs; 163 osteons were examined within forty fractures by the transmission light microscopy. Blast lesions showed a higher percentage of fracture lines through the Haversian canal, whereas in other types of trauma, the fractures went across the inner lamellae. Significant differences between samples hit by blast energy and those runover or manually compressed were observed (p<0.05). The frequency of pattern A is significantly higher in exploded bones than in runover and compressed. Microscopic analysis of the fracture line may provide information about the type of trauma, especially for what concerns blast trauma. © 2015 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

WC/Co composite surface structure and nano graphite precipitate induced by high current pulsed electron beam irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, S. Z.; Zhang, Y.; Xu, Y.; Gey, N.; Grosdidier, T.; Dong, C.

2013-11-01

High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) irradiation was conducted on a WC-6% Co hard alloy with accelerating voltage of 27 kV and pulse duration of 2.5 μs. The surface phase structure was examined by using glancing-angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) methods. The surface tribological properties were measured. It was found that after 20 pulses of HCPEB irradiation, the surface structure of WC/Co hard alloy was modified dramatically and composed of a mixture of nano-grained WC1-x, Co3W9C4, Co3W3C phases and graphite precipitate domains ˜50 nm. The friction coefficient of modified surface decreased to ˜0.38 from 0.6 of the initial state, and the wear rate reduced from 8.4 × 10-5 mm3/min to 6.3 × 10-6 mm3/min, showing a significant self-lubricating effect.

A Case of Bilateral Descemet's Membrane and Subepithelial Opacity: In vivo Laser Confocal Microscopic Study.

PubMed

Hatta, Yukiko; Yokogawa, Hideaki; Kobayashi, Akira; Torisaki, Makoto; Sugiyama, Kazuhisa

2013-01-01

To report the in vivo laser confocal microscopy findings from a patient with Descemet's membrane and subepithelial opacity OU. A healthy 41-year-old male with Descemet's membrane and subepithelial opacity OU was studied. Routine ophthalmic examination, standard slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and in vivo laser confocal microscopic analysis of the entire corneal layer were performed. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed subepithelial opacity in the mid-peripheral to peripheral cornea and numerous opacities located at the level of Descemet's membrane. It was difficult to distinguish the precise histological location of the opacity. In vivo laser confocal microscopy showed numerous hyperreflective particles in the subepithelium to superficial stroma and hyperreflectivity of Descemet's membrane. No abnormalities could be detected in the epithelial cell layer, midstromal layer, deep stromal layer, or endothelial cell layer. Although the origin of the corneal opacities was unclear, in vivo laser confocal microscopy was useful for observing microstructural abnormalities in a case of Descemet's membrane and subepithelial opacity.

A Case of Bilateral Descemet's Membrane and Subepithelial Opacity: In vivo Laser Confocal Microscopic Study

PubMed Central

Hatta, Yukiko; Yokogawa, Hideaki; Kobayashi, Akira; Torisaki, Makoto; Sugiyama, Kazuhisa

2013-01-01

Purpose To report the in vivo laser confocal microscopy findings from a patient with Descemet's membrane and subepithelial opacity OU. Case Report A healthy 41-year-old male with Descemet's membrane and subepithelial opacity OU was studied. Routine ophthalmic examination, standard slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and in vivo laser confocal microscopic analysis of the entire corneal layer were performed. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed subepithelial opacity in the mid-peripheral to peripheral cornea and numerous opacities located at the level of Descemet's membrane. It was difficult to distinguish the precise histological location of the opacity. In vivo laser confocal microscopy showed numerous hyperreflective particles in the subepithelium to superficial stroma and hyperreflectivity of Descemet's membrane. No abnormalities could be detected in the epithelial cell layer, midstromal layer, deep stromal layer, or endothelial cell layer. Conclusion Although the origin of the corneal opacities was unclear, in vivo laser confocal microscopy was useful for observing microstructural abnormalities in a case of Descemet's membrane and subepithelial opacity. PMID:23626574

Thermodynamic curvature for a two-parameter spin model with frustration.

PubMed

Ruppeiner, George; Bellucci, Stefano

2015-01-01

Microscopic models of realistic thermodynamic systems usually involve a number of parameters, not all of equal macroscopic relevance. We examine a decorated (1+3) Ising spin chain containing two microscopic parameters: a stiff parameter K mediating the long-range interactions, and a sloppy J operating within local spin groups. We show that K dominates the macroscopic behavior, with varying J having only a weak effect, except in regions where J brings about transitions between phases through its conditioning of the local spin groups with which K interacts. We calculate the heat capacity C(H), the magnetic susceptibility χ(T), and the thermodynamic curvature R. For large |J/K|, we identify four magnetic phases: ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and two ferrimagnetic, according to the signs of K and J. We argue that for characterizing these phases, the strongest picture is offered by the thermodynamic geometric invariant R, proportional to the correlation length ξ. This picture has correspondences to other cases, such as fluids.

Digital holographic microscopy for detection of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites in fresh blood mounts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero, G. G.; Monaldi, A. C.; Alanís, E. E.

2012-03-01

An off-axis holographic microscope, in a transmission mode, calibrated to automatically detect the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi in blood is developed as an alternative diagnosis tool for Chagas disease. Movements of the microorganisms are detected by measuring the phase shift they produce on the transmitted wave front. A thin layer of blood infected by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites is examined in the holographic microscope, the images of the visual field being registered with a CCD camera. Two consecutive holograms of the same visual field are subtracted point by point and a phase contrast image of the resulting hologram is reconstructed by means of the angular spectrum propagation algorithm. This method enables the measurement of phase distributions corresponding to temporal differences between digital holograms in order to detect whether parasites are present or not. Experimental results obtained using this technique show that it is an efficient alternative that can be incorporated successfully as a part of a fully automatic system for detection and counting of this type of microorganisms.

Microscope and spectacle: on the complexities of using new visual technologies to communicate about wildlife conservation.

PubMed

Verma, Audrey; van der Wal, René; Fischer, Anke

2015-11-01

Wildlife conservation-related organisations increasingly employ new visual technologies in their science communication and public engagement efforts. Here, we examine the use of such technologies for wildlife conservation campaigns. We obtained empirical data from four UK-based organisations through semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Visual technologies were used to provide the knowledge and generate the emotional responses perceived by organisations as being necessary for motivating a sense of caring about wildlife. We term these two aspects 'microscope' and 'spectacle', metaphorical concepts denoting the duality through which these technologies speak to both the cognitive and the emotional. As conservation relies on public support, organisations have to be seen to deliver information that is not only sufficiently detailed and scientifically credible but also spectacular enough to capture public interest. Our investigation showed that balancing science and entertainment is a difficult undertaking for wildlife-related organisations as there are perceived risks of contriving experiences of nature and obscuring conservation aims.

AN ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDY OF NERVES INFECTED WITH HUMAN POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS

PubMed Central

De Robertis, E.; Schmitt, F. O

1949-01-01

Sciatic nerves of rhesus monkeys infected with CAM and Wis. '45 strains of human poliomyelitis virus were fixed in formalin, sectioned, fragmented, and examined in the electron microscope. Most of the neurotubules of nerves infected with the CAM strain have normal appearance but a very small number show the presence of dense particles irregularly aligned within the edges of the neurotubules. The diameters of the particles range between 160 and 500 Å, the mean being 330 Å. The particles were found in regions along the nerve which varied with the time after infection, indicating a central movement of the morphological alteration of the order of 2 mm. per hour. Relatively abundant dense particulate material was found in nerves infected with Wis. '45 strain virus and the particles were chiefly attached to the edges of the neurotubules and in the adjacent areas of the field. The dense particles appear to be associated with the virus infection but no further characterization is possible at this time. PMID:18140661

Microscopic colitis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth--diagnosis behind the irritable bowel syndrome?

PubMed

Stoicescu, Adriana; Andrei, M; Becheanu, G; Stoicescu, M; Nicolaie, T; Diculescu, M

2012-01-01

Some patients previously diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may develop microscopic colitis or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). To estimate the prevalence of microscopic colitis and SIBO in patients with IBS, to evaluate the symptoms and the efficacy of treatment. We examined patients with IBS admitted in our clinic during a three-year period. We identified patients with microscopic colitis by performing total colonoscopy with multiple biopsies from normal intestinal mucosa and those with SIBO by performing a H2-breath test with glucose. We compared the symptoms and the effectiveness of the treatment. Out of the 132 patients initially diagnosed with IBS 3% (n=4) had microscopic colitis and 43.9% (n=58) had SIBO. Diarrhea was the main symptom in patients with microscopic colitis and SIBO (p=0.041), while abdominal pain, abdominal bloating and flatulence were prominent in IBS patients (p=0.042; p=0.039; p=0.048). Specific treatment with rifaximin in SIBO patients negativated H2-breath test in 70.9% cases. Patients suspected to have irritable bowel syndrome should be evaluated for microscopic colitis and SIBO. The proper diagnosis and the specific treatment may cure some difficult cases of the so called "irritable bowel syndrome".

CO{sub 2} Digital Subtraction Splenoportography with the 'Skinny' Needle: Experimental Study in a Swine Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cho, Kyung J.; Cho, David R.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of CO{sub 2} splenoportography with the 'skinny' needle. Methods: A flexible, 22 gauge needle ('skinny' needle) was introduced into the exteriorized spleens of five pigs. After checking the intrasplenic positioning withCO{sub 2} injection, increasing doses of CO{sub 2} (10-60cm{sup 3}) were injected using a dedicated CO{sub 2}injector with digital imaging. The puncture sites were observed during and after CO{sub 2} injections, and after removal of the needle.The spleens were then removed for gross and microscopic examination. Results: In all animals digital subtractionCO{sub 2} splenoportograms showed the splenic, extra- and intrahepatic portal veins,more » and the most distal portion of the superiormesenteric vein. No CO{sub 2} extravasation occurred in the spleen. There was no significant bleeding from the puncture site after removal of the needle. Gross and microscopic examination revealed no evidence of splenic rupture or intrasplenic hematoma. Conclusion: CO{sub 2} splenoportography with the 'skinny' needle is a safe and simple method of visualizing the portal vein and its branches. Careful appraisals of the clinical usefulness of the method will be needed in various clinical settings.« less

Effect of calcination temperature on microstructure and magnetic properties of Ni{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.25}Cu{sub 0.25} Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles synthesized by sol-gel method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pransisco, Prengki, E-mail: prengkipransisco@gmail.com, E-mail: afza@petronas.com.my; Shafie, Afza, E-mail: prengkipransisco@gmail.com, E-mail: afza@petronas.com.my; Guan, Beh Hoe, E-mail: beh.hoeguan@petronas.com.my

2014-10-24

This paper examines the effect of calcination process on the structural and magnetic properties material nanostructure composite of Ni{sub 0Ð}œ‡{sub 5}Zn{sub 0Ð}œ‡{sub 25}Cu{sub 0.25} Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ferrites. The samples were successfully prepared by sol-gel method at different calcination temperature, which are 600°C, 700°C, 800°C and 900°C. Morphological investigation, average crystallite size and microstructure of the material were examined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The effects of calcination temperature on the magnetic properties were calculated by using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD resultmore » shows single-phase cubic spinel structure with interval average size 5.9-38 nm, and grain size microstructure of the material was increasing with temperature increases. The highest magnetization saturation was reached at a temperature 800°C with value 53.89 emu/g, and the value coercive force (Hc) was inversely with the grain size.« less

Electron microscopic examination of the myelinated axons of corpus callosum in perfused young and old rats.

PubMed

Sargon, Mustafa F; Denk, C Cem; Celik, H Hamdi; Surucu, H Selcuk; Aldur, M Mustafa

2007-07-01

In this study, the myelinated axons of parts of the corpus callosums of young and old rats were examined under the electron microscope and a grading system was performed for quantitating the ultrastructural pathological changes of these axons. Except the old splenium group, the only ultrastructural pathological change, observed in the myelinated axons was the separation in myelin configuration. In addition to this finding, in the old splenium group, in some of the myelinated axons, an interruption was observed in the myelin configuration. Additionally, these ultrastructural pathological findings were present in the larger sized myelinated axons of the corpus callosum.

ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION OF SUBCELLULAR FRACTIONS

PubMed Central

Baudhuin, Pierre; Evrard, Philippe; Berthet, Jacques

1967-01-01

A method is described for preparing, by filtration on Millipore filters, very thin (about 10 µ) pellicles of packed particles. These pellicles can be embedded in Epon for electron microscopic examination. They are also suitable for cytochemical assays. The method was used with various particulate fractions from rat liver. Its main advantages over the usual centrifugal packing techniques are that it produces heterogeneity solely in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the pellicle and that sections covering the whole depth of the pellicle can be photographed in a single field. It thus answers the essential criterion of random sampling and can be used for accurate quantitative evaluations. PMID:10976209

Ex vivo confocal microscopy: an emerging technique in dermatology

PubMed Central

Perrot, Jean Luc; Labeille, Bruno; Cambazard, Frédéric; Rubegni, Pietro

2018-01-01

This review aims to give an overview of the current available applications of ex vivo confocal microscopy (EVCM) in dermatology. EVCM is a relatively new imaging technique that allows microscopic examination of freshly excised unfixed tissue. It enables a rapid examination of the skin sample directly in the surgery room and thus represents an alternative to the intraoperative micrographic control of the surgical margins of cutaneous tumors by standard microscopic examination on cryopreserved sections during Mohs surgery. Although this technique has mainly been developed for the margin’s control of basal cell carcinoma, many other skin tumors have been studied, including melanoma. Use of EVCM is continuing to evolve, and many possible applications are under investigation, such as the study of nails and hair diseases and the diagnosis of skin infections. PMID:29785327

Pulmonary infection caused by Talaromyces purpurogenus in a patient with multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Atalay, Altay; Koc, Ayse Nedret; Akyol, Gulsah; Cakir, Nuri; Kaynar, Leylagul; Ulu-Kilic, Aysegul

2016-06-01

A 66-year-old female patient with multiple myeloma (MM) was admitted to the emergency service on 29.09.2014 with an inability to walk, and urinary and faecal incontinence. She had previously undergone autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) twice. The patient was hospitalized at the Department of Haematology. Further investigations showed findings suggestive of a spinal mass at the T5-T6-T7 level, and a mass lesion in the iliac fossa. The mass lesion was resected and needle biopsy was performed during a colonoscopy. Examination of the specimens revealed plasmacytoma. The patient also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was suffering from respiratory distress. After consultation with an infectious diseases specialist the patient was placed on an intravenous antibiotherapy with piperacillin/tazobactam (4.5g x 3) on 17.10.2014. During piperacillin/tazobactam treatment, the patient suffered from drowsiness, her general condition deteriorated, and she had rales on auscultation of the lungs. The patient underwent thoracic computerized tomography (CT) which showed areas of focal consolidation in the lower lobes of the two lungs (more prominent on the left), and increased medullary density. The radiology report suggested that fungal infection could not be ruled out based on the CT images. The sputum sample was sent to the mycology laboratory and direct microscopic examination performed with Gram and Giemsa staining showed the presence of septate hyphae; therefore voriconazole was added to the treatment. Slow growing (at day 10), grey-greenish colonies and red pigment formation were observed in all culture media except cycloheximide-containing Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium. The isolate was initially considered to be Talaromyces marneffei. However, it was subsequently identified by DNA sequencing analysis as Talaromyces purpurogenus. The patient was discharged at her own wish, as she was willing to continue treatment in her hometown. Unfortunately, the patient died on December 8, 2014. In conclusion, apart from T. marneffei, less common strains such as T. purpurogenus should be considered when clinical samples obtained from patients with haematologic/oncologic disorders show fungal colonies that form red pigments on the culture media and when microscopic examination suggests a morphological appearance similar to Penicillium species.

Mild thrombocytopenia as presenting symptom of type 1 Gauchers's disease.

PubMed

Müzes, G; Pitlik, E; Somogyi, A; Tulassay, Z

2001-06-01

A young woman was examined for a mild thrombocytopenia which was present for some months. No signs of bleeding had so far occurred. Physical examination was normal except for a moderately enlarged spleen. Laboratory investigations showed a low platelet count. There was no evidence of an autoimmune or hematologic disease. Bone narrow aspirate indicated Gaucher's-like cells raising the suspicion of Gaucher's disease. This was further supported by electron microscopic demonstration of Gaucher's bodies in crista biopsy specimens. However, the definitive diagnosis was obtained by verifying deficient lysosomal glucosylceramide-beta-D-glucosidase activity in peripheral blood leukocytes. Upon the absence of neurologic involvement the patient was typical for the adult-onset or type 1 form of Gaucher's disease.

Microscopic Image of Martian Surface Material on a Silicone Substrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Click on image for larger version of Figure 1

This image taken by the Optical Microscope on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander shows soil sprinkled from the lander's Robot Arm scoop onto a silicone substrate. The substrate was then rotated in front of the microscope. This is the first sample collected and delivered for instrumental analysis onboard a planetary lander since NASA's Viking Mars missions of the 1970s. It is also the highest resolution image yet seen of Martian soil.

The image is dominated by fine particles close to the resolution of the microscope. These particles have formed clumps, which may be a smaller scale version of what has been observed by Phoenix during digging of the surface material.

The microscope took this image during Phoenix's Sol 17 (June 11), or the 17th Martian day after landing. The scale bar is 1 millimeter (0.04 inch).

Zooming in on the Martian Soil

In figure 1, three zoomed-in portions are shown with an image of Martian soil particles taken by the Optical Microscope on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander.

The left zoom box shows a composite particle. The top of the particle has a green tinge, possibly indicating olivine. The bottom of the particle has been reimaged at a different focus position in black and white (middle zoom box), showing that this is a clump of finer particles.

The right zoom box shows a rounded, glassy particle, similar to those which have also been seen in an earlier sample of airfall dust collected on a surface exposed during landing.

The shadows at the bottom of image are of the beams of the Atomic Force Microscope.

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

Contrary effects of octopamine receptor ligands on behavioral and neuronal changes in locomotion of lymnaea.

PubMed

Miyamae, Yurie; Komuro, Mami; Murata, Aya; Aono, Kanako; Nishikata, Kaori; Kanazawa, Akira; Fujito, Yutaka; Komatsu, Takumi; Ito, Daisuke; Abe, Takashi; Nagayama, Masafumi; Uchida, Tsutomu; Gohara, Kazutoshi; Murakami, Jun; Kawai, Ryo; Hatakeyama, Dai; Lukowiak, Ken; Ito, Etsuro

2010-02-01

The pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis moves along the sides and bottom of an aquarium, but it can also glide upside down on its back below the water's surface. We have termed these two forms of locomotion "standard locomotion" and "upside-down gliding," respectively. Previous studies showed that standard locomotion is produced by both cilia activity on the foot and peristaltic contraction of the foot muscles, whereas upside-down gliding is mainly caused by cilia activity. The pedal A neurons are thought to receive excitatory octopaminergic input, which ultimately results in increased cilia beating. However, the relationship between locomotory speed and the responses of these neurons to octopamine is not known. We thus examined the effects of both an agonist and an antagonist of octopamine receptors on locomotory speed and the firing rate of the pedal A neurons. We also examined, at the electron and light-microscopic levels, whether structural changes occur in cilia following the application of either an agonist or an antagonist of octopamine receptors to the central nervous system (CNS). We found that the application of an octopamine antagonist to the CNS increased the speed of both forms of locomotion, whereas application of octopamine increased only the firing rate of the pedal A neurons. Microscopic examination of the cilia proved that there were no changes in their morphology after application of octopamine ligands. These data suggest that there is an unidentified octopaminergic neuronal network in the CNS whose activation reduces cilia movement and thus locomotory speed.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Egg-shaped Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

This electron microscope image shows egg-shaped structures, some of which may be possible microscopic fossils of Martian origin as discussed by NASA research published in the Aug. 16, 1996, issue of the journal Science. A two-year investigation found organic molecules, mineral features characteristic of biological activity and possible microscopic fossils such as these inside of an ancient Martian rock that fell to Earth as a meteorite. The largest possible fossils are less than 1/100th the diameter of a human hair in size while most are ten times smaller.

Two-Stage Urethroplasty with Buccal Mucosa for Penoscrotal Hypospadias Reconstruction in a Male with a 46,XX Karyotype.

PubMed

D'hulst, Pieter; Darras, Jochen; Joniau, Steven; Mattelaer, Pieter; Winne, Linsey; Ponette, Diederik

2017-09-01

We present a case regarding a 32-year old African male with penoscrotal hypospadias, left cryptorchidism and a left inguinal hernia. There were moderate masculinization characteristics. He underwent a Lichtenstein hernia repair with perioperative biopsies of the left inguinal testis and epididymis. Microscopic examination showed a Sertoli-only left testis with Leydig-cell hyperplasia and the left epididymis consisted of ovarian tissue with corpora albicantia and maturing follicles. Endocrinological evaluation showed a sex-determining region Y (SRY) negative 46,XX karyotype. We successfully performed a two-stage urethroplasty with buccal mucosa graft to reconstruct his penoscrotal hypospadias.

Russell body apical periodontitis: an unusual case report.

PubMed

Dos Santos, Jean Nunes; Ramos, Eduardo Antônio Gonçalves; Gurgel, Clarissa Araújo Silva; Barros, Adna Conceição; de Freitas, André Carlos; Crusoé-Rebello, Iêda Maria

2008-12-01

Russell bodies (RBs) changes in chronic apical lesions have rarely been reported in the literature. We describe a case of a periapical lesion abundantly and extensively composed of RB. Microscopic examination showed accumulation of plasma cells containing globular, spherical, polygonal, and eosinophilic structures against fibrous connective tissue. Initial diagnostic considerations based on a smaller magnification included hypersecretory plasmocytoma, although there was no evidence of infiltrative growth, mitotic activity, nuclear atypia, or cellular pleomorphism. Then, a panel of immunohistochemical markers was applied and the cells showed positivity with both kappa and lambda chains demonstrating their polyclonal origin. The extensive accumulation of RBs involving the periapical region represents an unreported and significant histologic change, as it was mimicking a malignant neoplasm.

Pathology of tissue loss (white syndrome) in Acropora sp. corals from the Central Pacific.

PubMed

Work, Thierry M; Aeby, Greta S

2011-06-01

We performed histological examination of 69 samples of Acropora sp. manifesting different types of tissue loss (Acropora White Syndrome-AWS) from Hawaii, Johnston Atoll and American Samoa between 2002 and 2006. Gross lesions of tissue loss were observed and classified as diffuse acute, diffuse subacute, and focal to multifocal acute to subacute. Corals with acute tissue loss manifested microscopic evidence of necrosis sometimes associated with ciliates, helminths, fungi, algae, sponges, or cyanobacteria whereas those with subacute tissue loss manifested mainly wound repair. Gross lesions of AWS have multiple different changes at the microscopic level some of which involve various microorganisms and metazoa. Elucidating this disease will require, among other things, monitoring lesions over time to determine the pathogenesis of AWS and the potential role of tissue-associated microorganisms in the genesis of tissue loss. Attempts to experimentally induce AWS should include microscopic examination of tissues to ensure that potentially causative microorganisms associated with gross lesion are not overlooked. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Pathology of tissue loss (white syndrome) in Acropora sp. corals from the Central Pacific

USGS Publications Warehouse

Work, Thierry M.; Aeby, Greta S.

2011-01-01

We performed histological examination of 69 samples of Acropora sp. manifesting different types of tissue loss (Acropora White Syndrome-AWS) from Hawaii, Johnston Atoll and American Samoa between 2002 and 2006. Gross lesions of tissue loss were observed and classified as diffuse acute, diffuse subacute, and focal to multifocal acute to subacute. Corals with acute tissue loss manifested microscopic evidence of necrosis sometimes associated with ciliates, helminths, fungi, algae, sponges, or cyanobacteria whereas those with subacute tissue loss manifested mainly wound repair. Gross lesions of AWS have multiple different changes at the microscopic level some of which involve various microorganisms and metazoa. Elucidating this disease will require, among other things, monitoring lesions over time to determine the pathogenesis of AWS and the potential role of tissue-associated microorganisms in the genesis of tissue loss. Attempts to experimentally induce AWS should include microscopic examination of tissues to ensure that potentially causative microorganisms associated with gross lesion are not overlooked.

Adirondack Under the Microscope-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This overhead look at the martian rock dubbed Adirondack was captured by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit's panoramic camera. It shows the approximate region where the rover's microscopic imager began its first close-up inspection.

Electro-microscopic observations of liver lesions after intravenous inoculation of mouldy hay extracts.

PubMed

Shadmi, A; Griffel, B

1985-01-01

With the aid of the electron microscope, a number of histopathological changes in the liver of mice caused by mycotoxins from mouldy hay were examined and studied. These changes were observed in the mitochondria, the cell nucleus, and the cell membranes, and included fatty and parenchymal degeneration, plasma granulation, vacuolisation and vesiculation, glycogen secretion, incorporation into RNA, karyolysis and karyolaxis, and space of Disse constriction.

Distribution and pathogenicity of Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from peridomestic populations of Triatoma infestans and Triatoma guasayana from rural western Argentina

PubMed Central

Lauricella, Marta A; Stariolo, Raúl L; Riarte, Adelina R; Segura, Elsa L; Gürtler, Ricardo E

2011-01-01

We assessed the distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in peridomestic triatomines collected manually at a district-wide scale in rural villages around Olta, western Argentina, and typed the isolated strains according to their pathogenicity to laboratory mice. Of 1623 triatomines examined, only 14 (0.9%) were infected with T. cruzi based on microscopical examination of feces. The prevalence of T. cruzi infection was 0.8% in Triatoma infestans, 2.3% in T. guasayana, and nil in T. garciabesi, T. platensis, and T. eratyrusiformis. Local transmission occurred in kitchens, store-rooms and goat corrals or nearby, though at very low levels. T. cruzi was detected by at least one parasitological method in 11 (79%) of 14 microscope-positive bugs. Hemoculture was the most sensitive method (67%) followed by culture of organ homogenates, histopathology or xenodiagnosis of inoculated suckling mice (55-58%), and culture of microscope-positive bug feces (46%). The evidence suggests that most of the isolated T. cruzi strains would be myotropic type III. Our study establishes for the first time that peridomestic, microscope-positive T. guasayana nymphs were actually infected with T. cruzi, and may be implicated as a putative secondary vector of T. cruzi in domestic or peridomestic sites. PMID:16021298

Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Ear Framework Reconstruction.

PubMed

Karimi, Hamid; Emami, Seyed-Abolhassan; Olad-Gubad, Mohammad-Kazem

2016-11-01

Repair of total human ear loss or congenital lack of ears is one of the challenging issues in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The aim of the present study was 3D reconstruction of the human ear with cadaveric ear cartilages seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells. We used cadaveric ear cartilages with preserved perichondrium. The samples were divided into 2 groups: group A (cartilage alone) and group B (cartilage seeded with a mixture of fibrin powder and mesenchymal stem cell [1,000,000 cells/cm] used and implanted in back of 10 athymic rats). After 12 weeks, the cartilages were removed and shape, size, weight, flexibility, and chondrocyte viability were evaluated. P value <0.05 was considered significant. In group A, size and weight of cartilages clearly reduced (P < 0.05) and then shape and flexibility (torsion of cartilages in clockwise and counterclockwise directions) were evaluated, which were found to be significantly reduced (P > 0.05). After staining with hematoxylin and eosin and performing microscopic examination, very few live chondrocytes were found in group A. In group B, size and weight of samples were not changed (P < 0.05); the shape and flexibility of samples were well maintained (P < 0.05) and on performing microscopic examination of cartilage samples, many live chondrocytes were found in cartilage (15-20 chondrocytes in each microscopic field). In samples with human stem cell, all variables (size, shape, weight, and flexibility) were significantly maintained and abundant live chondrocytes were found on performing microscopic examination. This method may be used for reconstruction of full defect of auricles in humans.

Comparison between point-of-care dermatophyte test medium and mycology laboratory culture for diagnosis of dermatophytosis in dogs and cats.

PubMed

Kaufmann, Ronnie; Blum, Shlomo E; Elad, Daniel; Zur, Gila

2016-08-01

Point-of-care Dermatophyte Test Medium (PoC-DTM) is a diagnostic procedure to rule in/rule out dermatophytosis in veterinary clinics. To evaluate the performance of PoC-DTM in the clinic compared to DTM plate culture in a mycology laboratory and to compare results obtained by general practitioners and referral clinicians. Hair samples were collected from 47 cats and 54 dogs with suspected dermatophytosis and from nine healthy controls (seven cats and two dogs). This was a multicentre blinded study. In one group (65 suspected cases, 9 healthy controls), PoC-DTM results were evaluated by clinicians in a referral clinic (SP group) who examined the colony morphology macroscopically and microscopically. In the other group (36 suspected cases) PoC-DTM results were evaluated by clinicians from general practice for colour change only, with no macroscopic or microscopic examination (GP group). All hair samples were also cultured on DTM plates in a mycology laboratory. Laboratory culture was considered the gold standard for comparison. Agreements between tests were 97% (two false positive; κ = 0.839) and 80.6% (five false positives and two false negatives; κ = 0.466) in the SP and GP groups, respectively. This difference between groups was significant (P = 0.024). When applying macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the colony, PoC-DTM is accurate for diagnosing dermatophytes with only a 3% chance of error. However, when macroscopic and microscopic examination is not included there is significant (19.4%) chance for an incorrect diagnosis. © 2016 ESVD and ACVD.

[Authentication of Trace Material Evidence in Forensic Science Field with Infrared Microscopic Technique].

PubMed

Jiang, Zhi-quan; Hu, Ke-liang

2016-03-01

In the field of forensic science, conventional infrared spectral analysis technique is usually unable to meet the detection requirements, because only very a few trace material evidence with diverse shapes and complex compositions, can be extracted from the crime scene. Infrared microscopic technique is developed based on a combination of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic technique and microscopic technique. Infrared microscopic technique has a lot of advantages over conventional infrared spectroscopic technique, such as high detection sensitivity, micro-area analysisand nondestructive examination. It has effectively solved the problem of authentication of trace material evidence in the field of forensic science. Additionally, almost no external interference is introduced during measurements by infrared microscopic technique. It can satisfy the special need that the trace material evidence must be reserved for witness in court. It is illustrated in detail through real case analysis in this experimental center that, infrared microscopic technique has advantages in authentication of trace material evidence in forensic science field. In this paper, the vibration features in infrared spectra of material evidences, including paints, plastics, rubbers, fibers, drugs and toxicants, can be comparatively analyzed by means of infrared microscopic technique, in an attempt to provide powerful spectroscopic evidence for qualitative diagnosis of various criminal and traffic accident cases. The experimental results clearly suggest that infrared microscopic technique has an incomparable advantage and it has become an effective method for authentication of trace material evidence in the field of forensic science.

Chronic Intraocular Inflammation as a Risk Factor for XEN Gel Stent Occlusion: A Case of Microscopic Examination of a Fibrin-obstructed XEN Stent.

PubMed

Gillmann, Kevin; Mansouri, Kaweh; Bravetti, Giorgio Enrico; Mermoud, André

2018-06-05

In recent years microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has risen in popularity. Amongst MIGS options is the XEN gel stent (Allergan Plc, Dublin, Ireland), a 45▒μm wide ab-interno microstent. It has proven effective in lowering IOP with low complication rates. However, XEN gel stents can become obstructed and cause postoperative rise in IOP. The causes and predicting factors for such obstructions still requires further research. We describe the case of a 69-year old male patient, with traumatic glaucoma and chronic intraocular inflammation demonstrated by laser flare photometry, following childhood trauma and anterior segment surgery. Uncontrollable IOP despite maximal antiglaucomatous therapy was managed with XEN-augmented Baerveldt surgery. Despite good initial filtration and IOP control, the XEN stent became obstructed and was surgically replaced. After a month, the new stent became obstructed and was replaced by a thicker-lumened Baerveldt tube. This restored good filtration, and adequate IOP was maintained post-operatively. Microscopic examination of the obstructed XEN stent showed a dense fibrin plug. This case report shows that fibrin formation could be an important factor in XEN gel stent obstruction, even in initially successfully filtering stents. The association of fibrinogenesis and intraocular inflammation could add a note of caution to the use of XEN gel stents in complicated cataract surgery, or advocate for aggressive anti-inflammatory treatments post-operatively. This could lead to a refinement in success predictors and better patient selection for XEN surgery. Finally, this could open the way to new management options for persistent obstructions, including pharmaceutical fibrinolysis.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This electron microscope image shows tubular structures of likely Martian origin. These structures are very similar in size and shape to extremely tiny microfossils found in some Earth rocks. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00287

Current Approach to the Evaluation and Management of Microscopic Colitis.

PubMed

Cotter, Thomas G; Pardi, Darrell S

2017-02-01

Microscopic colitis is a common cause of chronic watery diarrhea, particularly in the elderly. The accompanying symptoms, which include abdominal pain and fatigue, can markedly impair patients' quality of life. Diagnosis is based upon characteristic histologic findings of the colonic mucosa. This review focuses on the current approach to evaluation and management of patients with microscopic colitis. Although the incidence of microscopic colitis has been increasing over time, recent epidemiological studies show stabilization at 21.0-24.7 cases per 100,000 person-years. Recent research has further expanded our knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology and emphasized the entity of drug-induced microscopic colitis and the association with celiac disease. Two recent randomized studies have confirmed the effectiveness of oral budesonide for both induction and maintenance treatment of microscopic colitis and is now endorsed by the American Gastroenterological Association as first-line treatment. The incidence of microscopic colitis has stabilized at just over 20 cases per 100,000 person-years. Celiac disease and drug-induced microscopic colitis should be considered in all patients diagnosed with microscopic colitis. There are a number of treatments available for patients with microscopic colitis; however, budesonide is the only option well studied in controlled trials and is effective for both induction and maintenance treatment.

Effects of naringin on the expression of miR-19b and cell apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma

PubMed Central

Xie, Dafei; Yuan, Peiwen; Wang, Dong; Jin, Hua; Chen, Hui

2017-01-01

The effects of naringin on the expression of miR-19b and cell apoptosis were investigated in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. HepG2 cells were treated with varied concentrations of naringin. The effects of naringin on the proliferation of HepG2 cells were observed by an MTT assay, morphological changes of cells were observed by an inverted microscope, cell apoptosis was detected by DAPI staining, miR-19b mRNA levels were determined with RT-PCR, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins was examined by western blot assay. MTT results showed that naringin significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Apoptotic HepG2 cells showed obvious changes in morphology under inverted microscope. DAPI staining suggested that naringin could induce cell shrinkage and nuclear chromatin condensation. RT-PCR results showed that naringin could upregulate the expression of miR-19b mRNA. Finally, western blot suggested that naringin upregulated the expression of Bax protein, but downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein. In conclusion, naringin can upregulate the expression of miR-19b mRNA and induce HepG2 cell apoptosis. In addition, it can also upregulate the expression of Bax protein and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein during the process of apoptosis. PMID:28789364

Thulium-170-labeled microparticles for local radiotherapy: preliminary studies.

PubMed

Polyak, Andras; Das, Tapas; Chakraborty, Sudipta; Kiraly, Reka; Dabasi, Gabriella; Joba, Robert Peter; Jakab, Csaba; Thuroczy, Julianna; Postenyi, Zita; Haasz, Veronika; Janoki, Gergely; Janoki, Gyozo A; Pillai, Maroor R A; Balogh, Lajos

2014-10-01

The present article describes the preparation, characterization, and biological evaluation of Thulium-170 ((170)Tm) [T1/2 = 128.4 days; Eβmax = 968 keV; Eγ = 84 keV (3.26%)] labeled tin oxide microparticles for its possible use in radiation synovectomy (RSV) of medium-sized joints. (170)Tm was produced by irradiation of natural thulium oxide target. 170Tm-labeled microparticles were synthesized with high yield and radionuclidic purity (> 99%) along with excellent in vitro stability by following a simple process. Particle sizes and morphology of the radiolabeled particles were examined by light microscope, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscope and found to be of stable spherical morphology within the range of 1.4-3.2 μm. The preparation was injected into the knee joints of healthy Beagle dogs intraarticularly for biological studies. Serial whole-body and regional images were taken by single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) and SPECT-CT cameras up to 9 months postadministration, which showed very low leakage (< 8% of I.D.) of the instilled particles. The majority of leaked radiocolloid particles were found in inguinal lymph nodes during the 9 months of follow-up. All the animals tolerated the treatment well; the compound did not show any possible radiotoxicological effect. These preliminary studies showed that 170Tm-labeled microparticles could be a promising nontoxic and effective radiopharmaceutical for RSV applications or later local antitumor therapy.

Effects of naringin on the expression of miR-19b and cell apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma.

PubMed

Xie, Dafei; Yuan, Peiwen; Wang, Dong; Jin, Hua; Chen, Hui

2017-08-01

The effects of naringin on the expression of miR-19b and cell apoptosis were investigated in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. HepG2 cells were treated with varied concentrations of naringin. The effects of naringin on the proliferation of HepG2 cells were observed by an MTT assay, morphological changes of cells were observed by an inverted microscope, cell apoptosis was detected by DAPI staining, miR-19b mRNA levels were determined with RT-PCR, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins was examined by western blot assay. MTT results showed that naringin significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Apoptotic HepG2 cells showed obvious changes in morphology under inverted microscope. DAPI staining suggested that naringin could induce cell shrinkage and nuclear chromatin condensation. RT-PCR results showed that naringin could upregulate the expression of miR-19b mRNA. Finally, western blot suggested that naringin upregulated the expression of Bax protein, but downregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein. In conclusion, naringin can upregulate the expression of miR-19b mRNA and induce HepG2 cell apoptosis. In addition, it can also upregulate the expression of Bax protein and downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein during the process of apoptosis.

Pressure wave injuries to the nervous system caused by high-energy missile extremity impact: Part I. Local and distant effects on the peripheral nervous system--a light and electron microscopic study on pigs.

PubMed

Suneson, A; Hansson, H A; Seeman, T

1990-03-01

Pigs were used for studies of effects on the peripheral nervous tissue of pressure waves induced by impact and passage through the left thigh of high-energy missiles. The short-lasting pressure waves were demonstrated to move close to the speed of sound and to have a spectrum of high frequencies and large amplitudes. The sciatic nerve in the contralateral leg showed no hemorrhage or major deformation. Both immediately after the missile impact and after 48 hr the myelin sheaths in the contralateral sciatic nerve showed deformation. Myelin was bulging into the axon, dislocating the axoplasm. The nodes of Ranvier could be exposed to an increased extent. Electron microscopic examination revealed decreased number of microtubules immediately after the trauma, persisting even after 48 hr in the largest axon. Schwann cells showed, especially after 48 hr, signs of damage and swelling. Similar changes, although less extensive, were noticed in the phrenic nerves as well as in unmyelinated axons in both sciatic and phrenic nerves. It is concluded that a high-energy missile hit in the thigh of a pig, caused structurally demonstrable dislocations of myelin sheaths, and disarrangement of cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum in axons as well as other signs of damage. The changes may interfere with the normal functions of peripheral and autonomic nerves.

Evaluation of breast tissue with confocal strip-mosaicking microscopy: a test approach emulating pathology-like examination

PubMed Central

Abeytunge, Sanjee; Larson, Bjorg; Peterson, Gary; Morrow, Monica; Rajadhyaksha, Milind

2017-01-01

Abstract. Confocal microscopy is an emerging technology for rapid imaging of freshly excised tissue without the need for frozen- or fixed-section processing. Initial studies have described imaging of breast tissue using fluorescence confocal microscopy with small regions of interest, typically 750×750  μm2. We present exploration with a microscope, termed confocal strip-mosaicking microscope (CSM microscope), which images an area of 2×2  cm2 of tissue with cellular-level resolution in 10 min of excision. Using the CSM microscope, we imaged 34 fresh, human, large breast tissue specimens from 18 patients, blindly analyzed by a board-certified pathologist and subsequently correlated with the corresponding standard fixed histopathology. Invasive tumors and benign tissue were clearly identified in CSM strip-mosaic images. Thirty specimens were concordant for image-to-histopathology correlation while four were discordant. PMID:28327961

Magnification concepts: The use of video-probe microscopy to stimulate excitement and hands-on discovery in the science classroom K-12

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Henk, C.; Garner, J.; Wandersee, J.H.

1994-12-31

We acquired and loaned several durable, easy-to use, though expensive video-probe microscopes. This hand-held, automatically focusing instrument can be used by a five year old and provides instant, excellent, in-focus images up to 200X on a video screen visible to all students simultaneously. The teacher is thus freed from the technical and logistic considerations involved in conventional classroom microscopy. K-12 teachers preview our videotape on probe utilization. They assemble and demonstrate the unit in the presence of our personnel, then check out the probe for use in their own classrooms. Extremely enthusiastic students examine samples ranging from their own fingerprintsmore » and clothing (on TV!) to pond water, prepared microscope slides, and microscope polarizing light phenomena. Teachers report heightened interest in conventional microscope use once the {open_quotes}microscopy connection{close_quotes} has been made.« less

Novel instrumentation for multifield time-lapse cinemicrography.

PubMed

Kallman, R F; Blevins, N; Coyne, M A; Prionas, S D

1990-04-01

The most significant feature of the system that is described is its ability to image essentially simultaneously the growth of up to 99 single cells into macroscopic colonies, each in its own microscope field. Operationally, fields are first defined and programmed by a trained observer. All subsequent steps are automatic and under computer control. Salient features of the hardware are stepper motor-controlled movement of the stage and fine adjustment of an inverted microscope, a high-quality 16-mm cine camera with light meter and controls, and a miniature incubator in which cells may be grown under defined conditions directly on the microscope stage. This system, termed MUTLAS, necessitates reordering of the primary images by rephotographing them on fresh film. Software developed for the analysis of cell and colony growth requires frame-by-frame examination of the secondary film and the use of a mouse-driven cursor to trace microscopically visible (4X objective magnification) events.

Micropaleontological studies of lunar and terrestrial precambrian materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schope, J. W.

1974-01-01

Optical microscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies of rock chips and dust returned by Apollo 14, 15, 16, and 17 are analyzed along with optical microscopic studies of petrographic thin sections of breccias and basalts returned by Apollo 14, 15, and 16. Results show no evidence of modern or fossil lunar organisms. The lunar surface is now, and apparently has been throughout the geologic past, inimical to known biologic systems.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tubular Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

This electron microscope image shows extremely tiny tubular structures that are possible microscopic fossils of bacteria-like organisms that may have lived on Mars more than 3.6 billion years ago. A two-year investigation by a NASA research team found organic molecules, mineral features characteristic of biological activity and possible microscopic fossils such as these inside of an ancient Martian rock that fell to Earth as a meteorite. The largest possible fossils are less than 1/100th the diameter of a human hair in size while most are ten times smaller. The fossil-like structures were found in carbonate minerals formed along pre-existing fractures in the meteorite in a fashion similar to the way fossils occur in limestone on Earth, although on a microscopic scale.

Spectral confocal reflection microscopy using a white light source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Booth, M.; Juškaitis, R.; Wilson, T.

2008-08-01

We present a reflection confocal microscope incorporating a white light supercontinuum source and spectral detection. The microscope provides images resolved spatially in three-dimensions, in addition to spectral resolution covering the wavelength range 450-650nm. Images and reflection spectra of artificial and natural specimens are presented, showing features that are not normally revealed in conventional microscopes or confocal microscopes using discrete line lasers. The specimens include thin film structures on semiconductor chips, iridescent structures in Papilio blumei butterfly scales, nacre from abalone shells and opal gemstones. Quantitative size and refractive index measurements of transparent beads are derived from spectral interference bands.

Optical analysis of suspended particles in the cerebrospinal fluid obtained by puncture from patients diagnosed with the disorders of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staroń, Waldemar; Herbowski, Leszek; Gurgul, Henryk

2007-04-01

The goal of the work was to determine the values of cumulative parameters of the cerebrospinal fluid. Values of the parameters characterise statistical cerebrospinal fluid obtained by puncture from the patients diagnosed due to suspicion of normotensive hydrocephalus. The cerebrospinal fluid taken by puncture for the routine examinations carried out at the patients suspected of normotensive hydrocephalus was analysed. In the paper there are presented results of examinations of several dozens of puncture samples of the cerebrospinal fluid coming from various patients. Each sample was examined under the microscope and photographed in 20 randomly chosen places. On the basis of analysis of the pictures showing the area of 100 x 100μm, the selected cumulative parameters such as count, numerical density, field area and field perimeter were determined for each sample. Then the average value of the parameters was determined as well.

Focal depth measurement of scanning helium ion microscope

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Hongxuan, E-mail: Guo.hongxuan@nims.go.jp; Itoh, Hiroshi; Wang, Chunmei

2014-07-14

When facing the challenges of critical dimension measurement of complicated nanostructures, such as of the three dimension integrated circuit, characterization of the focal depth of microscopes is important. In this Letter, we developed a method for characterizing the focal depth of a scanning helium ion microscope (HIM) by using an atomic force microscope tip characterizer (ATC). The ATC was tilted in a sample chamber at an angle to the scanning plan. Secondary electron images (SEIs) were obtained at different positions of the ATC. The edge resolution of the SEIs shows the nominal diameters of the helium ion beam at differentmore » focal levels. With this method, the nominal shapes of the helium ion beams were obtained with different apertures. Our results show that a small aperture is necessary to get a high spatial resolution and high depth of field images with HIM. This work provides a method for characterizing and improving the performance of HIM.« less

Focal depth measurement of scanning helium ion microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hongxuan; Itoh, Hiroshi; Wang, Chunmei; Zhang, Han; Fujita, Daisuke

2014-07-01

When facing the challenges of critical dimension measurement of complicated nanostructures, such as of the three dimension integrated circuit, characterization of the focal depth of microscopes is important. In this Letter, we developed a method for characterizing the focal depth of a scanning helium ion microscope (HIM) by using an atomic force microscope tip characterizer (ATC). The ATC was tilted in a sample chamber at an angle to the scanning plan. Secondary electron images (SEIs) were obtained at different positions of the ATC. The edge resolution of the SEIs shows the nominal diameters of the helium ion beam at different focal levels. With this method, the nominal shapes of the helium ion beams were obtained with different apertures. Our results show that a small aperture is necessary to get a high spatial resolution and high depth of field images with HIM. This work provides a method for characterizing and improving the performance of HIM.

Microscopic suspension feeders near boundaries: Effects of external water flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pepper, Rachel; Koehl, M. A. R.

2015-11-01

Microscopic sessile suspension feeders are an important part of aquatic ecosystems and form a vital link in the transfer of carbon in aquatic food webs. These suspension feeders live attached to boundaries, consume bacteria and small detritus, and are in turn eaten by larger organisms. Many create a feeding current that draws fluid towards them, and from which they filter their food. In still water, the feeding current consists of recirculating eddies which form as a result of fluid forcing near a boundary. These recirculating eddies can be depleted of food and significantly decrease nutrient uptake; a variety of strategies have been proposed for how attached feeders increase their access to undepleted water. We investigate the interaction of the flow produced by a microscopic suspension feeder with external environmental flow, such as the current in a stream or ocean. We show through calculations that even very slow flow (on the order of microns per second) is sufficient to provide a constant supply of undepleted water to suspension feeders when the feeders are modeled with perfect nutrient capture efficiency and in the absence of diffusion. We also discuss which natural flow environments exceed the threshold to supply undepleted water and which do not, and we examine how characteristics of the suspension feeders themselves, such as stalk length and feeding disk size, influence feeding currents and their interactions with external flows.

Amphibian ocular malformation associated with frog virus 3.

PubMed

Burton, Elizabeth C; Miller, Debra L; Styer, Eloise L; Gray, Matthew J

2008-09-01

During an on-going amphibian ecology study, a free-ranging American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) metamorph was captured in a pitfall trap adjacent to a constructed farm pond at the Plateau Research and Education Center (PREC) on the Cumberland Plateau near Crossville, Tennessee, USA. Grossly, the right eye was approximately 50% the size of the left. Stereo and light microscopic examination revealed two granulomas within the orbit. Electron microscopic examination revealed virus particles scattered throughout one structure but mostly aggregated toward the center. Subsequent PCR and sequencing (GenBank accession Number EF175670) confirmed frog virus 3 (FV3). This represents the first report of a malformation in an anuran associated with FV3.

Foreign Bodies in Dried Mushrooms Marketed in Italy.

PubMed

Schiavo, Maria Rita; Manno, Claudia; Zimmardi, Antonina; Vodret, Bruna; Tilocca, Maria Giovanna; Altissimi, Serena; Haouet, Naceur M

2015-11-02

The presence of foreign bodies in mushrooms affects their marketability and may result in health risks to consumers. The inspection of fresh or dried mushrooms today is very important in view of the increased consumption of this kind of food. Ten samples of dried mushrooms collected in supermarkets were examined for evidence of entomological contamination by macro and microscopic analytical methods, the so-called filth-test . A total of 49 46 determinations, comprising 15 g of the vegetable matrix, were made. The microscopic filth test consistently detected an irregular distribution of physical contaminants following repeated determinations of the same sample. Visual examination, on the other hand, was not sufficient to ensure a product free of contaminants.

Microscopic Examination of the Corroded Hagan Container Used to Store Molten Salt Extraction Residue XBPS333

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Narlesky, Joshua Edward; Wilson, Kennard Virden Jr.; Kelly, Elizabeth J.

A microscopic examination was performed on a Hagan container after corrosion and a white powder were found on the outside surface of the lid and filter cover while in storage in the vault. The inside surfaces of the container were covered by a wipeable brown coating. The coating was removed and portions of the container were sectioned and imaged with optical microscopy. General corrosion was found throughout the inside of the container, and pitting corrosion was observed in several locations on the lid and sidewall. This report describes the type and extent of the corrosion observed and its impact onmore » the storage lifetime of the container.« less

Hysterectomy for placenta accreta; methods for gross and microscopic pathology examination.

PubMed

Dannheim, Katelyn; Shainker, Scott A; Hecht, Jonathan L

2016-05-01

Placenta accreta is an abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall. As the incidence of placenta accreta continues to rise, it has been useful to develop standard protocols for the diagnosis and management of affected patients. Pathologists have the opportunity to take an active role in evaluating these resource intensive protocols. We describe methods of gross dissection, microscopic examination and reporting of hysterectomy specimens containing placenta accreta. This protocol facilitates retrospective correlation with surgical and radiographic findings as well as standardized tissue sampling for potential research. Through regular review of such quality measures pathologists can give feedback on the quality of surgical planning and use of imaging.

Spoilage of chicken skin at 2 degrees C: electron microscopic study.

PubMed Central

Thomas, C J; McMeekin, T A

1981-01-01

Microscopic techniques were used in conjunction with normal microbiological procedures to examine the development of the spoilage microflora on the skin of chicken carcasses held at 2 degrees C. Pigmented and nonpigmented psychrotrophic pseudomonads were the major spoilage bacteria isolated at all stages of storage examined. The spoilage microflora grow within a liquid film covering the skin surface, as well as in feather follicle shafts. Penetration and disruption of skin tissue were not observed even after onset of organoleptic spoilage. Bacteria were not attached to the skin by extracellular bridging substances. These data suggest a nonspecific histological-microbiological relationship between he spoilage association and the skin substrate. Images PMID:7195190

SLAM examination of solar cells and solar cell welds. [Scanning Laser Acoustic Microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stella, P. M.; Vorres, C. L.; Yuhas, D. E.

1981-01-01

The scanning laser acoustic microscope (SLAM) has been evaluated for non-destructive examination of solar cells and interconnector bonds. Using this technique, it is possible to view through materials in order to reveal regions of discontinuity such as microcracks and voids. Of particular interest is the ability to evaluate, in a unique manner, the bonds produced by parallel gap welding. It is possible to not only determine the area and geometry of the bond between the tab and cell, but also to reveal any microcracks incurred during the welding. By correlating the SLAM results with conventional techniques of weld evaluation a more confident weld parameter optimization can be obtained.

Interactions of Small-Scale Physical Mixing Processes with the Structure, Morphology and Bloom Dynamics and Optics of Non-Spheroid Phytoplankton

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-09-30

microscopic imaging techniques, and microscopic video- cinematography protocols for both phytoplankton and zooplankton for use in current laboratory...phytoplankton, zooplankton and bioluminescence papers, and examined data/figures for layered structures. Imaging and Cinematography : Off-the-shelf...to preview it as a work-in-progress, email me (jrines@gso.uri.edu), and I will provide you with a temporary URL. Imaging and Cinematography

Development of Scanning Ultrafast Electron Microscope Capability.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Collins, Kimberlee Chiyoko; Talin, Albert Alec; Chandler, David W.

Modern semiconductor devices rely on the transport of minority charge carriers. Direct examination of minority carrier lifetimes in real devices with nanometer-scale features requires a measurement method with simultaneously high spatial and temporal resolutions. Achieving nanometer spatial resolutions at sub-nanosecond temporal resolution is possible with pump-probe methods that utilize electrons as probes. Recently, a stroboscopic scanning electron microscope was developed at Caltech, and used to study carrier transport across a Si p-n junction [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] . In this report, we detail our development of a prototype scanning ultrafast electron microscope system at Sandia National Laboratoriesmore » based on the original Caltech design. This effort represents Sandia's first exploration into ultrafast electron microscopy.« less

Applying glass ionomer cement to MTA flow™ and biodentine™ and its effects on the interface layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savitri, D.; Suprastiwi, E.; Margono, A.

2017-08-01

This study compared the interface layer formation between Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) with Biodentine™ and between GIC with MTA Flow™. There were 10 samples in each group. Biodentine™ and MTA Flow™ were filled with GIC in plastic molds then incubated at a temperature of 37 °C with 100% humidity for 24 hours. Samples were sectioned vertically with diamond discs and examined using a scanning electron microscope. The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney Test. In group 1, 80% of the samples showed a score of 1 and 20% of the samples showed a score of 2. In group 2, 30% of the samples showed a score of 2 and 70% of the samples showed a score of 3. This clinical trial showed that the formation of interface layers in Biodentine™ and MTA Flow™ were significantly different.

Using machine-learning to optimize phase contrast in a low-cost cellphone microscope

PubMed Central

Wartmann, Rolf; Schadwinkel, Harald; Heintzmann, Rainer

2018-01-01

Cellphones equipped with high-quality cameras and powerful CPUs as well as GPUs are widespread. This opens new prospects to use such existing computational and imaging resources to perform medical diagnosis in developing countries at a very low cost. Many relevant samples, like biological cells or waterborn parasites, are almost fully transparent. As they do not exhibit absorption, but alter the light’s phase only, they are almost invisible in brightfield microscopy. Expensive equipment and procedures for microscopic contrasting or sample staining often are not available. Dedicated illumination approaches, tailored to the sample under investigation help to boost the contrast. This is achieved by a programmable illumination source, which also allows to measure the phase gradient using the differential phase contrast (DPC) [1, 2] or even the quantitative phase using the derived qDPC approach [3]. By applying machine-learning techniques, such as a convolutional neural network (CNN), it is possible to learn a relationship between samples to be examined and its optimal light source shapes, in order to increase e.g. phase contrast, from a given dataset to enable real-time applications. For the experimental setup, we developed a 3D-printed smartphone microscope for less than 100 $ using off-the-shelf components only such as a low-cost video projector. The fully automated system assures true Koehler illumination with an LCD as the condenser aperture and a reversed smartphone lens as the microscope objective. We show that the effect of a varied light source shape, using the pre-trained CNN, does not only improve the phase contrast, but also the impression of an improvement in optical resolution without adding any special optics, as demonstrated by measurements. PMID:29494620

Wear at the titanium-titanium and the titanium-zirconia implant-abutment interface: a comparative in vitro study.

PubMed

Stimmelmayr, Michael; Edelhoff, Daniel; Güth, Jan-Frederik; Erdelt, Kurt; Happe, Arndt; Beuer, Florian

2012-12-01

The purpose of this study was to determine and measure the wear of the interface between titanium implants and one-piece zirconia abutments in comparison to titanium abutments. 6 implants were secured into epoxy resin blocks. The implant interface of these implants and 6 corresponding abutments (group Zr: three one-piece zirconia abutments; group Ti: three titanium abutments) were examined by a microscope and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Also the implants and the abutments were scanned by 3D-Micro Computer Tomography (CT). The abutments were connected to the implants and cyclically loaded with 1,200,000 cycles at 100N in a two-axis fatigue testing machine. Afterwards, all specimens were unscrewed and the implants and abutments again were scanned by microscope, SEM and CT. The microscope and SEM images were compared, the CT data were superimposed and the wear was calculated by inspection software. The statistical analysis was carried out with an unpaired t-test. Abutment fracture or screw loosening was not observed during cyclical loading. Comparing the microscope and SEM images more wear was observed on the implants connected to zirconia abutments. The maximum wear on the implant shoulder calculated by the inspection software was 10.2μm for group Zr, and 0.7μm for group Ti. The influence of the abutment material on the measured wear was statistically significant (p≤0.001; Levene-test). Titanium implants showed higher wear at the implant interface following cyclic loading when connected to one-piece zirconia implant abutments compared to titanium abutments. The clinical relevance is not clear; hence damage of the internal implant connection could result in prosthetic failures up to the need of implant removal. Copyright © 2012 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effectiveness of rotary or manual techniques for removing a 6-year-old filling material.

PubMed

Duarte, Marco Antônio Hungaro; Só, Marcus Vinícius Reis; Cimadon, Vanessa Buffon; Zucatto, Cristiane; Vier-Pelisser, Fabiana Vieira; Kuga, Milton Carlos

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of manual and rotary instrumentation techniques for removing root fillings after different storage times. Twenty-four canals from palatal roots of human maxillary molars were instrumented and filled with gutta-percha and zinc-oxide eugenol-based sealer (Endofill) , and were stored in saline for 6 years. Non-aged control specimens were treated in the same manner and stored for 1 week. All canals were retreated using hand files or ProTaper Universal NiTi rotary system. Radiographs were taken to determine the amount of remaining material in the canals. The roots were vertically split, the halves were examined with a clinical microscope and the obtained images were digitized. The images were evaluated with AutoCAD software and the percentage of residual material was calculated. Data were analyzed with two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. There was no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the manual and rotary techniques for filling material removal regardless the ageing effect on endodontic sealers. When only the age of the filling material was analyzed microscopically, non-aged fillings that remained on the middle third of the canals presented a higher percentage of material remaining (p<0.05) compared to the aged sealers and to the other thirds of the roots. The apical third showed a higher percentage of residual filling material in both radiographic and microscopic analysis when compared to the other root thirds. In conclusion, all canals presented residual filling material after endodontic retreatment procedures. Microscopic analysis was more effective than radiographs for detection of residual filling material.

Enhancing the performance of the light field microscope using wavefront coding.

PubMed

Cohen, Noy; Yang, Samuel; Andalman, Aaron; Broxton, Michael; Grosenick, Logan; Deisseroth, Karl; Horowitz, Mark; Levoy, Marc

2014-10-06

Light field microscopy has been proposed as a new high-speed volumetric computational imaging method that enables reconstruction of 3-D volumes from captured projections of the 4-D light field. Recently, a detailed physical optics model of the light field microscope has been derived, which led to the development of a deconvolution algorithm that reconstructs 3-D volumes with high spatial resolution. However, the spatial resolution of the reconstructions has been shown to be non-uniform across depth, with some z planes showing high resolution and others, particularly at the center of the imaged volume, showing very low resolution. In this paper, we enhance the performance of the light field microscope using wavefront coding techniques. By including phase masks in the optical path of the microscope we are able to address this non-uniform resolution limitation. We have also found that superior control over the performance of the light field microscope can be achieved by using two phase masks rather than one, placed at the objective's back focal plane and at the microscope's native image plane. We present an extended optical model for our wavefront coded light field microscope and develop a performance metric based on Fisher information, which we use to choose adequate phase masks parameters. We validate our approach using both simulated data and experimental resolution measurements of a USAF 1951 resolution target; and demonstrate the utility for biological applications with in vivo volumetric calcium imaging of larval zebrafish brain.

Evaluation of the antioxidant effects of melatonin on the larynx mucosa of rats exposed to environmental tobacco smoke.

PubMed

Donmez, Z; Yigit, Ö; Bilici, S; Dursun, N; Gul, M; Dastan, S D; Uzun, H

2016-06-01

This study's aim was to investigate the effect of melatonin in terms of mitigating the effects of smoking on the laryngeal mucosa of rats exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Rats were divided into four groups: Melatonin + Smoking group exposed to smoke with melatonin; Smoking group exposed to smoke without melatonin; Saline group not exposed to smoke without melatonin; Melatonin group not exposed to smoke with melatonin. CuZn-superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were evaluated in plasma and tissues. Tissues were also examined the changes of squamous hyperplasia, keratosis, parakeratosis and epithelial hyperplasia by light microscope and the ultrastructural changes by electron microscope. Tissue SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly higher in Saline and Melatonin groups than Melatonin + Smoking and Smoking groups. Plasma CuZn-SOD and CAT activities were significantly higher in Saline and Melatonin groups than Smoking group. Plasma GSH-Px showed no significant difference. The rate of epithelial hyperplasia was significantly higher in Smoking group than the other groups. The rate of parakeratosis was significantly higher in Smoking group than the other groups. The epithelial cells in Melatonin + Smoking group displayed, normal cell structure similar to those in Saline group under electron microscope. The study shows that smoking induces substantial pathological changes in the laryngeal mucosa and melatonin may have some beneficial effects in partially reversing smoking-induced laryngeal injury by inducing the expression of antioxidants; biochemical and histological outcomes also support these findings due to preventing tissue damage in laryngeal mucosa exposed to smoke. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Real-time PCR assay in differentiating Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infections in Orang Asli settlements in Malaysia.

PubMed

Lau, Yee Ling; Anthony, Claudia; Fakhrurrazi, Siti Aminah; Ibrahim, Jamaiah; Ithoi, Init; Mahmud, Rohela

2013-08-28

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This pathogenic amoeba is morphologically indistinguishable from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, the non-pathogenic species. Polymerase chain reaction is the current method of choice approved by World Health Organization. Real-time PCR is another attractive molecular method for diagnosis of infectious diseases as post-PCR analyses are eliminated and turnaround times are shorter. The present work aimed to compare the results of Entamoeba species identification using the real-time assay against the established nested PCR method. In this study, a total of 334 human faecal samples were collected from different Orang Asli settlements. Faecal samples were processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration methods followed by iodine staining and was microscopically examined for Entamoeba species and other intestinal parasites. Microscopically positive samples were then subject to nested PCR and real-time PCR. The overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 19.5% (65/334). SK Posh Piah recorded highest Entamoeba prevalence (63.3%) while Kampung Kemensah had the lowest prevalence (3.7%) of Entamoeba. Microscopically positive samples were then tested by real-time PCR and nested PCR for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infection. Real-time PCR showed higher Entamoeba detection (86.2%) compared to nested PCR (80%), although the McNemar test value showed no significant difference between the two methods (p = 0.221). This study is the first in Malaysia to report the use of real-time PCR in identifying and differentiating the three Entamoeba infections. It is also proven to be more effective compared to the conventional nested PCR molecular method.

Real-time PCR assay in differentiating Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infections in Orang Asli settlements in Malaysia

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is the third leading cause of death worldwide. This pathogenic amoeba is morphologically indistinguishable from E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, the non-pathogenic species. Polymerase chain reaction is the current method of choice approved by World Health Organization. Real-time PCR is another attractive molecular method for diagnosis of infectious diseases as post-PCR analyses are eliminated and turnaround times are shorter. The present work aimed to compare the results of Entamoeba species identification using the real-time assay against the established nested PCR method. Methods In this study, a total of 334 human faecal samples were collected from different Orang Asli settlements. Faecal samples were processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration methods followed by iodine staining and was microscopically examined for Entamoeba species and other intestinal parasites. Microscopically positive samples were then subject to nested PCR and real-time PCR. Results The overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 19.5% (65/334). SK Posh Piah recorded highest Entamoeba prevalence (63.3%) while Kampung Kemensah had the lowest prevalence (3.7%) of Entamoeba. Microscopically positive samples were then tested by real-time PCR and nested PCR for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, and Entamoeba moshkovskii infection. Real-time PCR showed higher Entamoeba detection (86.2%) compared to nested PCR (80%), although the McNemar test value showed no significant difference between the two methods (p = 0.221). Conclusions This study is the first in Malaysia to report the use of real-time PCR in identifying and differentiating the three Entamoeba infections. It is also proven to be more effective compared to the conventional nested PCR molecular method. PMID:23985047

Simultaneous dual-color fluorescence microscope: a characterization study.

PubMed

Li, Zheng; Chen, Xiaodong; Ren, Liqiang; Song, Jie; Li, Yuhua; Zheng, Bin; Liu, Hong

2013-01-01

High spatial resolution and geometric accuracy is crucial for chromosomal analysis of clinical cytogenetic applications. High resolution and rapid simultaneous acquisition of multiple fluorescent wavelengths can be achieved by utilizing concurrent imaging with multiple detectors. However, such class of microscopic systems functions differently from traditional fluorescence microscopes. To develop a practical characterization framework to assess and optimize the performance of a high resolution and dual-color fluorescence microscope designed for clinical chromosomal analysis. A dual-band microscopic imaging system utilizes a dichroic mirror, two sets of specially selected optical filters, and two detectors to simultaneously acquire two fluorescent wavelengths. The system's geometric distortion, linearity, the modulation transfer function, and the dual detectors' alignment were characterized. Experiment results show that the geometric distortion at lens periphery is less than 1%. Both fluorescent channels show linear signal responses, but there exists discrepancy between the two due to the detectors' non-uniform response ratio to different wavelengths. In terms of the spatial resolution, the two contrast transfer function curves trend agreeably with the spatial frequency. The alignment measurement allows quantitatively assessing the cameras' alignment. A result image of adjusted alignment is demonstrated to show the reduced discrepancy by using the alignment measurement method. In this paper, we present a system characterization study and its methods for a specially designed imaging system for clinical cytogenetic applications. The presented characterization methods are not only unique to this dual-color imaging system but also applicable to evaluation and optimization of other similar multi-color microscopic image systems for improving their clinical utilities for future cytogenetic applications.

Tomographic imaging of transparent biological samples using the pyramid phase microscope

PubMed Central

Iglesias, Ignacio

2016-01-01

We show how a pyramid phase microscope can be used to obtain tomographic information of the spatial variation of refractive index in biological samples using the Radon transform. A method that uses the information provided by the phase microscope for axial and lateral repositioning of the sample when it rotates is also described. Its application to the reconstruction of mouse embryos in the blastocyst stage is demonstrated. PMID:27570696

Comparison of data from the rostock cornea module of the heidelberg retina tomograph, the oculus pentacam, and the endothelial cell microscope.

PubMed

Rieth, Sven; Engel, Felix; Bühner, Eva; Uhlmann, Susann; Wiedemann, Peter; Foja, Christian

2010-03-01

The aim of this study was to validate data arising from the Rostock Cornea Module (RCM) of the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph. Morphological parameters of the cornea were analyzed according to their dependency on patient's age. RCM measurements of 60 healthy eyes within 2 different age groups (group 1 <35 years, group 2 >50 years) were compared with the corneal thickness determined by the Oculus Pentacam and the endothelial cell density measured by the Tomey endothelial microscope, EM-2000. The mean corneal thickness measured with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph/RCM was 517 +/- 31 microm and 542 +/- 30 microm with the Oculus Pentacam (correlation coefficient, R = 0.78). Group 1 showed a corneal thickness of 509 +/- 24 microm with the RCM and 531 +/- 27 microm with the Pentacam. In group 2, the corneal thickness was 525 +/- 34 microm and 553 +/- 29 microm, respectively. A significant increase in corneal thickness for older patients could be shown. The differences between the methods and the age groups were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The average endothelial cell density measured with the RCM was 2779 +/- 472 cells per square millimeter. Between the age groups and the methods (RCM and endothelial microscope), no statistically significant differences could be found. Cell densities for the epithelial cell layers and keratocytes showed no significant correlation with age and sex of the patients. The RCM provides a reliable procedure for the evaluation of all corneal layers including morphological parameters. Endothelial cell densities either determined with the RCM or the EM-2000 are generally comparable to each other and showed no significant differences. It is suggested that lower corneal thickness measurements of the RCM can be caused by pressure during examination. An increased corneal thickness in the older group could be determined with the RCM and the Oculus Pentacam.

Cutaneous fibroma in a captive common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina).

PubMed

Gonzales-Viera, O; Bauer, G; Bauer, A; Aguiar, L S; Brito, L T; Catão-Dias, J L

2012-11-01

An adult female common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) had a mass on the plantar surface of the right forelimb that was removed surgically. Microscopical examination revealed many spindle cells with mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and a surrounding collagenous stroma. There were no mitoses. Immunohistochemistry showed that the spindle cells expressed vimentin, but not desmin. A diagnosis of cutaneous fibroma was made. Tumours are reported uncommonly in chelonian species. Cutaneous fibroma has been diagnosed in an alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii), but not previously in a common snapping turtle. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of calcium carbonate deposition on stainless steel using olive leaf extract as a green inhibitor.

PubMed

Aidoud, Roumaissa; Kahoul, Abdelkrim; Naamoune, Farid

2017-01-01

The antiscale properties of the aqueous extract of olive (Olea europaea L.) leaves as a natural scale inhibitor for stainless steel surface in Hammam raw water were investigated using chronoamperometry (CA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques in conjunction with a microscopic examination. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the scale deposited over the pipe walls consists of pure CaCO 3 calcite. The CA, in accordance with electrochemical impedance spectra and scanning electron microscopy, shows that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing extract concentration. This efficiency is considerably reduced as the temperature is increased.

Achondrite Binda; Ordinary Eucrite or the Only Crystalline Howardite?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanai, K.

1996-03-01

Binda meteorite, originally classified as howardite (Hey, 1966), was reclassified as eucrite of monomict breccia (Duke and Silver, 1967). Binda was recognized as the most Mg-rich eucrite (or most Fe-rich diogenite) with crystalline-unbrecciated texture for long time. Therefore Binda is believed to have genetic significance in relation to eucrites and diogenites, because in howardite group Binda is the only specimen with unbrecciated or monomict and crystalline texture. Re-examination of Binda was carried out by EPMA, microscope analysis and wet chemical analysis. Binda is the most common (ordinary) encrite showing crystalline texture with slightly brecciated.

Pure Small Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Trabelsi, Amel; Abdelkrim, Soumaya Ben; Tebra, Samah; Gharbi, Olfa; Jaidane, Lilia; Bouaouina, Noureddine; Abbassi, Dajla Bakir; Mokni, Moncef

2010-01-01

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is an uncommon tumor that has been described in case reports or small series. We report a new case in a 67-year-old male who presented with gross hematuria and irritative symptoms. Cystoscopy revealed an extensive mass of the bladder and computed tomography scan showed an important thickening of the bladder wall. Diagnosis of small cell carcinoma was established after radical cystectomy and microscopic examination. The patient received pelvic hemostatic radiotherapy and platinium-based chemotherapy. Three months after the diagnosis, he developed bone, renal and adrenal metastases. PMID:29147197

Pure Small Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: A Case Report.

PubMed

Trabelsi, Amel; Abdelkrim, Soumaya Ben; Tebra, Samah; Gharbi, Olfa; Jaidane, Lilia; Bouaouina, Noureddine; Abbassi, Dajla Bakir; Mokni, Moncef

2010-06-01

Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is an uncommon tumor that has been described in case reports or small series. We report a new case in a 67-year-old male who presented with gross hematuria and irritative symptoms. Cystoscopy revealed an extensive mass of the bladder and computed tomography scan showed an important thickening of the bladder wall. Diagnosis of small cell carcinoma was established after radical cystectomy and microscopic examination. The patient received pelvic hemostatic radiotherapy and platinium-based chemotherapy. Three months after the diagnosis, he developed bone, renal and adrenal metastases.

First Case Report of Sinusitis with Lophomonas blattarum from Iran

PubMed Central

Berenji, Fariba; Parian, Mahmoud; Fata, Abdolmajid; Bakhshaee, Mahdi; Fattahi, Fereshte

2016-01-01

Introduction. Lophomonas blattarum is a rare cause of bronchopulmonary and sinus infection. This paper presents a rare case of Lophomonas sinusitis. Case Presentation. The patient was a 31-year-old woman who was admitted because of a history of upper respiratory infection and sinusitis. Direct microscopic examination of the sputum and nasal discharge showed large numbers of living Lophomonas blattarum with irregular movement of flagella. The patient was successfully treated by Metronidazole 750 mg t.i.d. for 30 days. Conclusions. This is the first case report of Lophomonas blattarum sinusitis from Iran. PMID:26966601

First Case Report of Sinusitis with Lophomonas blattarum from Iran.

PubMed

Berenji, Fariba; Parian, Mahmoud; Fata, Abdolmajid; Bakhshaee, Mahdi; Fattahi, Fereshte

2016-01-01

Introduction. Lophomonas blattarum is a rare cause of bronchopulmonary and sinus infection. This paper presents a rare case of Lophomonas sinusitis. Case Presentation. The patient was a 31-year-old woman who was admitted because of a history of upper respiratory infection and sinusitis. Direct microscopic examination of the sputum and nasal discharge showed large numbers of living Lophomonas blattarum with irregular movement of flagella. The patient was successfully treated by Metronidazole 750 mg t.i.d. for 30 days. Conclusions. This is the first case report of Lophomonas blattarum sinusitis from Iran.

In situ microscopy for on-line determination of biomass.

PubMed

Bittner, C; Wehnert, G; Scheper, T

1998-10-05

A sensor is presented, which allows on-line microscopic observation of microorganisms during fermentations in bioreactors. This sensor, an In Situ Microscope (ISM) consists of a direct-light microscope with a measuring chamber, integrated in a 25 mm stainless steel tube, two CCD-cameras, and two frame-grabbers. The data obtained are processed by an automatic image analysis system. The ISM is connected with the bioreactor via a standard port, and it is immersed directly in the culture liquid-in our case Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a synthetic medium. The microscopic examination of the liquid is performed in the measuring chamber, which is situated near the front end of the sensor head. The measuring chamber is opened and closed periodically. In the open state, the liquid in the bioreactor flows unrestricted through the chamber. In closing, a defined volume of 2,2. 10(-8) mL of the liquid becomes enclosed. After a few seconds, when the movement of the cells in the enclosed culture has stopped, they are examined with the microscope. The microscopic images of the cells are registered with the CCD-cameras and are visualized on a monitor, allowing a direct view of the cell population. After detection, the measuring chamber reopens, and the enclosed liquid is released. The images obtained are evaluated as to cell concentration, cell size, cell volume, biomass, and other relevant parameters simultaneously by automatic image analysis. With a PC (486/33 MHz), image processing takes about 15 s per image. The detection range tested when measuring cells of S. cerevisiae is about 10(6) to 10(9) cells/mL (equivalent to a biomass of 0.01 g/L to 12 g/L). The calculated biomass values correlate very well with those obtained using dry weight analysis. Furthermore, histograms can be calculated, which are comparable to those obtained by flow cytometry. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Highly Sophisticated Virtual Laboratory Instruments in Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaskins, T.

2006-12-01

Many areas of Science have advanced or stalled according to the ability to see what can not normally be seen. Visual understanding has been key to many of the world's greatest breakthroughs, such as discovery of DNAs double helix. Scientists use sophisticated instruments to see what the human eye can not. Light microscopes, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), spectrometers and atomic force microscopes are employed to examine and learn the details of the extremely minute. It's rare that students prior to university have access to such instruments, or are granted full ability to probe and magnify as desired. Virtual Lab, by providing highly authentic software instruments and comprehensive imagery of real specimens, provides them this opportunity. Virtual Lab's instruments let explorers operate virtual devices on a personal computer to examine real specimens. Exhaustive sets of images systematically and robotically photographed at thousands of positions and multiple magnifications and focal points allow students to zoom in and focus on the most minute detail of each specimen. Controls on each Virtual Lab device interactively and smoothly move the viewer through these images to display the specimen as the instrument saw it. Users control position, magnification, focal length, filters and other parameters. Energy dispersion spectrometry is combined with SEM imagery to enable exploration of chemical composition at minute scale and arbitrary location. Annotation capabilities allow scientists, teachers and students to indicate important features or areas. Virtual Lab is a joint project of NASA and the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. Four instruments currently compose the Virtual Lab suite: A scanning electron microscope and companion energy dispersion spectrometer, a high-power light microscope, and a scanning probe microscope that captures surface properties to the level of atoms. Descriptions of instrument operating principles and uses are also part of Virtual Lab. The Virtual Lab software and its increasingly rich collection of specimens are free to anyone. This presentation describes Virtual Lab and its uses in formal and informal education.

Examination of a high resolution laser optical plankton counter and FlowCAM for measuring plankton concentration and size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kydd, Jocelyn; Rajakaruna, Harshana; Briski, Elizabeta; Bailey, Sarah

2018-03-01

Many commercial ships will soon begin to use treatment systems to manage their ballast water and reduce the global transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in accordance with upcoming International Maritime Organization regulations. As a result, rapid and accurate automated methods will be needed to monitoring compliance of ships' ballast water. We examined two automated particle counters for monitoring organisms ≥ 50 μm in minimum dimension: a High Resolution Laser Optical Plankton Counter (HR-LOPC), and a Flow Cytometer with digital imaging Microscope (FlowCAM), in comparison to traditional (manual) microscopy considering plankton concentration, size frequency distributions and particle size measurements. The automated tools tended to underestimate particle concentration compared to standard microscopy, but gave similar results in terms of relative abundance of individual taxa. For most taxa, particle size measurements generated by FlowCAM ABD (Area Based Diameter) were more similar to microscope measurements than were those by FlowCAM ESD (Equivalent Spherical Diameter), though there was a mismatch in size estimates for some organisms between the FlowCAM ABD and microscope due to orientation and complex morphology. When a single problematic taxon is very abundant, the resulting size frequency distribution curves can become skewed, as was observed with Asterionella in this study. In particular, special consideration is needed when utilizing automated tools to analyse samples containing colonial species. Re-analysis of the size frequency distributions with the removal of Asterionella from FlowCAM and microscope data resulted in more similar curves across methods with FlowCAM ABD having the best fit compared to the microscope, although microscope concentration estimates were still significantly higher than estimates from the other methods. The results of our study indicate that both automated tools can generate frequency distributions of particles that might be particularly useful if correction factors can be developed for known differences in well-studied aquatic ecosystems.

[An experimental study of mesenchymal stem cells in tissue engineering scaffolds implanted in rabbit corneal lamellae to increase keratoprosthesis biointegration].

PubMed

Bai, H; Wang, L L; Huang, Y F; Huang, J X

2016-03-01

To complete a preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of implanting the complex of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and a tissue engineering scaffold into rabbit corneal lamellae, based on which a solution may be proposed to consolidate the keratoprosthesis and the recipient surface, and to reduce the risk of complications. This experimental study was composed of two parts. (1) In vitro: some mouse BMSC were marked with red fluorescent proteins (RFP) and integrated with a decellularized pig articular cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. The cell survival was observed under a fluorescence microscope at 4 and 8 weeks. The cell distribution was examined by toluidine blue staining. The pore structure and the cell adhesion were observed under a scanning electron microscope. (2) in vivo: the complex of mouse BMSC and a decellularized scaffold was implanted into the lamellar cornea of 8 rabbit eyes with the fellow eyes as the controls. The eyes were sampled for observation using HE staining under a light microscope at 2, 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. The cell survival was examined under a fluorescence microscope, and the intracorneal cell survival at 8 weeks was observed using in vivo imaging. The conditions of ocular anterior segment of all the experimental animals were recorded. (1) Under the scanning electron microscope, the ECM scaffolds showed satisfactory porosity required for the adhesion and growth of cells and tissues, and the cell distribution over the cell-scaffold complex can be observed by toluidine blue staining. (2) Under the immunofluorescence microscope, cell proliferation was observed in vitro and in the interlamellar space (the maximum observation time was 8 weeks) after the RFP-marked mouse BMSC were integrated in vitro with ECM scaffolds. (3) Under the light microscope (HE staining), the stromal cells were detected to increase at each timepoint. A small number of monocytes and some mouse BMSC were observed in the superficial layer of corneal stroma, with sparsely and orderly arranged collagenous fibers and no neovascularization. All the epithelial cells appeared as mononuclear, columnar and undamaged, and the shape of ECM scaffolds, which were fused with the collagens, became unclear. (4) By in vivo imaging, it was found that the mouse BMSC survived for 8 weeks after being integrated with scaffolds and implanted into the interlamellar space of rabbit cornea. (5) After the implantation of cell-scaffold complex, severe postoperative inflammatory reactions, obvious conjunctival congestion and neovascularization were not observed. The corneal tissues surrounding the recipient area were transparent. One week later, mild inflammatory reactions were barely observed, and the cornea was transparent enough to observe the scaffold in the stromal layers. Four weeks later, the scaffolds became thinner. Eight weeks later, the scaffolds became extremely thin with normal vascular system in the corneal limbus. The ECM scaffold is a solid and biocompatible carrier for the growth and proliferation of BMSC. The mouse BMSC can grow and proliferate in the microenvironment of the interlamellar space of cornea.

A Novel Hyperspectral Microscopic Imaging System for Evaluating Fresh Degree of Pork.

PubMed

Xu, Yi; Chen, Quansheng; Liu, Yan; Sun, Xin; Huang, Qiping; Ouyang, Qin; Zhao, Jiewen

2018-04-01

This study proposed a rapid microscopic examination method for pork freshness evaluation by using the self-assembled hyperspectral microscopic imaging (HMI) system with the help of feature extraction algorithm and pattern recognition methods. Pork samples were stored for different days ranging from 0 to 5 days and the freshness of samples was divided into three levels which were determined by total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content. Meanwhile, hyperspectral microscopic images of samples were acquired by HMI system and processed by the following steps for the further analysis. Firstly, characteristic hyperspectral microscopic images were extracted by using principal component analysis (PCA) and then texture features were selected based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Next, features data were reduced dimensionality by fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) for further building classification model. Finally, compared with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model and support vector machine (SVM) model, good back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model obtained the best freshness classification with a 100 % accuracy rating based on the extracted data. The results confirm that the fabricated HMI system combined with multivariate algorithms has ability to evaluate the fresh degree of pork accurately in the microscopic level, which plays an important role in animal food quality control.

A Novel Hyperspectral Microscopic Imaging System for Evaluating Fresh Degree of Pork

PubMed Central

Xu, Yi; Chen, Quansheng; Liu, Yan; Sun, Xin; Huang, Qiping; Ouyang, Qin; Zhao, Jiewen

2018-01-01

Abstract This study proposed a rapid microscopic examination method for pork freshness evaluation by using the self-assembled hyperspectral microscopic imaging (HMI) system with the help of feature extraction algorithm and pattern recognition methods. Pork samples were stored for different days ranging from 0 to 5 days and the freshness of samples was divided into three levels which were determined by total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content. Meanwhile, hyperspectral microscopic images of samples were acquired by HMI system and processed by the following steps for the further analysis. Firstly, characteristic hyperspectral microscopic images were extracted by using principal component analysis (PCA) and then texture features were selected based on the gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Next, features data were reduced dimensionality by fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) for further building classification model. Finally, compared with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model and support vector machine (SVM) model, good back propagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model obtained the best freshness classification with a 100 % accuracy rating based on the extracted data. The results confirm that the fabricated HMI system combined with multivariate algorithms has ability to evaluate the fresh degree of pork accurately in the microscopic level, which plays an important role in animal food quality control. PMID:29805285

Formation and morphology of Zn(2)Ti(3)O(8) powders using hydrothermal process without dispersant agent or mineralizer.

PubMed

Wang, Cheng-Li; Hwang, Weng-Sing; Chang, Kuo-Ming; Ko, Horng-Huey; Hsi, Chi-Shiung; Huang, Hong-Hsin; Wang, Moo-Chin

2011-01-28

Synthesis of Zn(2)Ti(3)O(8) powders for attenuating UVA using TiCl(4), Zn(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O and NH(4)OH as precursor materials by hydrothermal process has been investigated. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results show the phases of ZnO, anatase TiO(2) and Zn(2)Ti(3)O(8) coexisted when the zinc titanate powders were calcined at 600 °C for 1 h. When calcined at 900 °C for 1 h, the XRD results reveal the existence of ZnO, Zn(2)TiO(4), rutile TiO(2) and ZnTiO(3). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show extensive large agglomeration in the samples. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED) examination results indicate that ZnTiO(3) crystallites formed with a size of about 5 nm on the matrix of plate-like ZnO when calcined at 700 °C for 1 h. The calcination samples have acceptable absorbance at a wavelength of 400 nm, indicating that the zinc titanate precursor powders calcined at 700 °C for 1 h can be used as an UVA-attenuating agent.

Formation and Morphology of Zn2Ti3O8 Powders Using Hydrothermal Process without Dispersant Agent or Mineralizer

PubMed Central

Wang, Cheng-Li; Hwang, Weng-Sing; Chang, Kuo-Ming; Ko, Horng-Huey; Hsi, Chi-Shiung; Huang, Hong-Hsin; Wang, Moo-Chin

2011-01-01

Synthesis of Zn2Ti3O8 powders for attenuating UVA using TiCl4, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and NH4OH as precursor materials by hydrothermal process has been investigated. The X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results show the phases of ZnO, anatase TiO2 and Zn2Ti3O8 coexisted when the zinc titanate powders were calcined at 600 °C for 1 h. When calcined at 900 °C for 1 h, the XRD results reveal the existence of ZnO, Zn2TiO4, rutile TiO2 and ZnTiO3. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show extensive large agglomeration in the samples. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electron diffraction (ED) examination results indicate that ZnTiO3 crystallites formed with a size of about 5 nm on the matrix of plate-like ZnO when calcined at 700 °C for 1 h. The calcination samples have acceptable absorbance at a wavelength of 400 nm, indicating that the zinc titanate precursor powders calcined at 700 °C for 1 h can be used as an UVA-attenuating agent. PMID:21541035

The incidence of leukotrichia in segmental vitiligo: implication of poor response to medical treatment.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Youn; Kim, Cho-Rok; Park, Ji-Hye; Lee, Joo-Heung

2011-08-01

  In vitiligo, the melanocyte of the hair follicle is one of the major sources for repigmentation. Segmental vitiligo seems to be often associated with white hairs. However, in the case of small vellus hairs, it is often difficult or impossible to detect hair color. Thus, the real incidence of leukotrichia in segmental vitiligo has not been known.   In this study, we investigated the existence of white hairs in the lesional skin of 82 patients with segmental vitiligo. When it was difficult to detect hair color with the naked eye or a magnifier, a digital microscope with 30× magnification was used.   Interestingly, all 82 patients showed leukotrichia in segmental vitiligo independent of age and disease duration. Some patients had more than 90% white hairs in the lesional skin, and they showed poor response to medical treatment.   Based on our results, a very high percentage of patients with segmental vitiligo may be associated with leukotrichia. Many white hairs in segmental vitiligo may contribute to the lack of response with medical treatment. The examination of hair color with a digital microscope may be very useful for the prediction of treatment outcome and decision of treatment modalities. © 2011 The International Society of Dermatology.

Effects of hydrogen peroxide on the light reflectance and morphology of bovine enamel.

PubMed

Kwon, Y H; Huo, M S; Kim, K H; Kim, S K; Kim, Y J

2002-05-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a bleaching agent (30% hydrogen peroxide) on the surface of bovine enamel using a scanning electron microscope and a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer. Five non-carious bovine incisors were bleached for 0, 1, 2 and 3 days using 30% hydrogen peroxide. The light reflectance spectrum was measured using a spectrophotometer with diffuse reflectance mode. Colour values and colour differences in the teeth were evaluated from the reflectance measurements with the CIE L*a*b* colour coordinate system. Surface alterations in the bleached and unbleached teeth were studied using a scanning electron microscope. The change of reflectance in the teeth was related to the change of colour. Most reflectance change occurred within a 1-day bleaching, and this result was confirmed by a CIE L*a*b* colour coordinate system. The colour differences in the bleached teeth were significant enough to be perceived by the observer's eye. The comparison of bleached to unbleached bovine enamel revealed that the bleached surface showed non-uniform slight morphological alterations, and it developed varying degrees of surface porosity. This study indicates that the bleached bovine teeth showed apparent colour differences as well as slight morphological alterations after bleaching.

The effect of EDTA, cations, and various buffers on the morphology of erythrocyte membranes: an electron-microscopic study.

PubMed

Pinteric, L; Manery, J F; Chaudry, I H; Madapallimattam, G

1975-05-01

Membranes of human erythrocytes were prepared by stepwise osmotic hemolysis in Ca2+-free solutions. Examination with the electron microscope after negative staining showed some short, conelike protuberances on the surface of about 20 percent of the ghosts, while 80 percent were round, intact spheres. After Ca2+ treatment, all membranes were round and intact. After exposure to ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (1.0 mM, pH 7.4), the entire ghost surface was covered with long, thin extrusions called stromalytic forms (about 460 per cell). Their sizes, shapes, and fine structure are described. Exposure to ionic calcium (1.4 times 10-minus 4M) abolished the EDTA-induced stromalytic forms. A second exposure to EDTA reversed this Ca2+ effect. ATP, like EDTA, produced stromalytic forms. EDTA-induced stromalytic forms were also abolished by Zn2+, La3+, and Nd3+ at concentrations of 1-5 times 10-minus 4 M. Mg2+ at 10-minus 2 M was ineffective. Ghosts were prepared by graded lysis in various buffers. Those prepared in phosphate were the most stable and provided consistent EDTA effects and Ca2+ reversal. Ghosts in Tris-HCl showed breakdown unless salt was added. Moderately satisfactory ghosts were also obtained in Hepes-NaOH buffer and salt.

Onychomycosis Caused by Chaetomium globosum

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong Min; Lee, Myung Hoon; Ha, Gyoung Yim; Kim, Heesoo; Choi, Jong Soo

2013-01-01

Onychomycosis is usually caused by dermatophytes, but some nondermatophytic molds and yeasts are also associated with invasion of nails. The genus Chaetomium is a dematiaceous nondermatophytic mold found in soil and plant debris as a saprophytic fungus. We report the first Korean case of onychomycosis caused by Chaetomium globosum in a 35-year-old male. The patient showed brownish-yellow discoloration and subungual hyperkeratosis on the right toenails (1st and 5th) and left toenails (1st and 4th). Direct microscopic examination of scraping on the potassium hydroxide preparation revealed septate hyphae and repeated cultures on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) without cycloheximide slants showed the same fast-growing colonies, which were initially velvety white then turned to dark gray to brown. However, there was no growth of colony on SDA with cycloheximide slants. Brown-colored septated hyphae, perithecia and ascospores were shown in the slide culture. The DNA sequence of internal transcribed spacer region of the clinical sample was a 100% match to that of C. globosum strain ATCC 6205 (GenBank accession number EF524036.1). We confirmed C. globosum by KOH mount, colony, and light microscopic morphology and DNA sequence analysis. The patient was treated with 250 mg oral terbinafine daily and topical amorolfine 5% nail lacquer for 3 months. PMID:23717019

Applications of virtual reality technology in pathology.

PubMed

Grimes, G J; McClellan, S A; Goldman, J; Vaughn, G L; Conner, D A; Kujawski, E; McDonald, J; Winokur, T; Fleming, W

1997-01-01

TelePath(SM) a telerobotic system utilizing virtual microscope concepts based on high quality still digital imaging and aimed at real-time support for surgery by remote diagnosis of frozen sections. Many hospitals and clinics have an application for the remote practice of pathology, particularly in the area of reading frozen sections in support of surgery, commonly called anatomic pathology. The goal is to project the expertise of the pathologist into the remote setting by giving the pathologist access to the microscope slides with an image quality and human interface comparable to what the pathologist would experience at a real rather than a virtual microscope. A working prototype of a virtual microscope has been defined and constructed which has the needed performance in both the image quality and human interface areas for a pathologist to work remotely. This is accomplished through the use of telerobotics and an image quality which provides the virtual microscope the same diagnostic capabilities as a real microscope. The examination of frozen sections is performed a two-dimensional world. The remote pathologist is in a virtual world with the same capabilities as a "real" microscope, but response times may be slower depending on the specific computing and telecommunication environments. The TelePath system has capabilities far beyond a normal biological microscope, such as the ability to create a low power image of the entire sample using multiple images digitally matched together; the ability to digitally retrace a viewing trajectory; and the ability to archive images using CD ROM and other mass storage devices.

The fascinating story of urine examination: From uroscopy to the era of microscopy and beyond.

PubMed

Magiorkinis, Emmanouil; Diamantis, Aristidis

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to present the evolution of ideas on the examination of urine from antiquity till our days. A thorough study of texts, medical books from antiquity till twentieth century along with a thorough review of the available literature in PubMed was conducted. The first observation on urine examination can be traced back to the Babylonian and Sumerian texts. Almost all physicians in antiquity including Hippocrates referred to the value of urine examination in the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases. The construction of first compound microscope lead to the examination of urine sediment and the development of Urine Cytology which was revolutionized during the twentieth century with the studies of important cytologists such as George Papanicolaou, Geoffrey Krabbe, and Leopold Koss. The introduction of molecular tests in the diagnosis of urothelial cancer inaugurated a new era in the study of urine cytology. The history of urine examination spans a period of 6,000 years. The application of microscope in the examination of urine sediment during the nineteenth century established urine analysis as an important diagnostic tool in clinical practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical characterization of selected LDEF polymeric materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Philip R.; Slemp, Wayne S.

1991-01-01

Chemical characterization of selected polymeric materials which received exposure on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is reported. The specimens examined include silvered fluorinated ethylene propylene Teflon thermal blanket material, polysulfone, epoxy, polyimide matrix resin/graphite fiber reinforced composites, and several high performance polymer films. These specimens came from numerous LDEF locations, and thus received different environmental exposures. The results to date show no significant change at the molecular level in the polymer that survived exposure. Scanning electron and scanning tunneling microscopes show resin loss and a texturing of some specimens which resulted in a change in optical properties. The potential effect of a silicon-containing molecular contamination on these materials is addressed. The possibility of continued post-exposure degradation of some polymeric films is also proposed.

Stress analysis of ZrO2/SiO2 multilayers deposited on different substrates with different thickness periods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Shuying; Shao, Jianda; He, Hongbo; Fan, Zhengxiu

2005-08-01

The effects of repeating thickness periods on stress are studied in ZrO2/SiO2 multilayers deposited by electron-beam evaporation on BK7 glass and fused-silica substrates. The results show that the residual stress is compressive and decreases with an increase of the periods of repeating thickness in the ZrO2/SiO2 multilayers. At the same time, the residual stress in multilayers deposited on BK7 glass is less than that of samples deposited on fused silica. The variation of the microstructure examined by x-ray diffraction shows that microscopic deformation does not correspond to macroscopic stress, which may be due to variation of the interface stress.

Free and open-source automated 3-D microscope.

PubMed

Wijnen, Bas; Petersen, Emily E; Hunt, Emily J; Pearce, Joshua M

2016-11-01

Open-source technology not only has facilitated the expansion of the greater research community, but by lowering costs it has encouraged innovation and customizable design. The field of automated microscopy has continued to be a challenge in accessibility due the expense and inflexible, noninterchangeable stages. This paper presents a low-cost, open-source microscope 3-D stage. A RepRap 3-D printer was converted to an optical microscope equipped with a customized, 3-D printed holder for a USB microscope. Precision measurements were determined to have an average error of 10 μm at the maximum speed and 27 μm at the minimum recorded speed. Accuracy tests yielded an error of 0.15%. The machine is a true 3-D stage and thus able to operate with USB microscopes or conventional desktop microscopes. It is larger than all commercial alternatives, and is thus capable of high-depth images over unprecedented areas and complex geometries. The repeatability is below 2-D microscope stages, but testing shows that it is adequate for the majority of scientific applications. The open-source microscope stage costs less than 3-9% of the closest proprietary commercial stages. This extreme affordability vastly improves accessibility for 3-D microscopy throughout the world. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Evaluation and adaptation of the Dobrolubov and Romer method of microscopic examination of hardened concrete : interim report : methods and equipment used in preparing and examining fluorescent ultrathin sections.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1978-01-01

This report explains the methods and equipment used to produce fluorescent, impregnated, polished, ultrathin sections of portland cement concrete. These sections are used in the study of the microstructure of concrete and are examined with a microsco...

Atomic force microscope observations of otoconia in the newt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallworth, R.; Wiederhold, M. L.; Campbell, J. B.; Steyger, P. S.

1995-01-01

Calcitic and aragonitic otoconia from the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, were examined using an atomic force microscope. The surface structure of both otoconial polymorphs consisted of arrays of elements approximately 50 nm in diameter. Elements were generally round and were separated by shallow depressions of no more than 20 nm. The elements are suggested to be single crystals of calcium carbonate. The relationship of these observations to theories of otoconial genesis is discussed.

Simulation model calibration and validation : phase II : development of implementation handbook and short course.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

A previous study developed a procedure for microscopic simulation model calibration and validation and evaluated the procedure via two relatively simple case studies using three microscopic simulation models. Results showed that default parameters we...

A novel in situ device based on a bionic piezoelectric actuator to study tensile and fatigue properties of bulk materials.

PubMed

Wang, Shupeng; Zhang, Zhihui; Ren, Luquan; Zhao, Hongwei; Liang, Yunhong; Zhu, Bing

2014-06-01

In this work, a miniaturized device based on a bionic piezoelectric actuator was developed to investigate the static tensile and dynamic fatigue properties of bulk materials. The device mainly consists of a bionic stepping piezoelectric actuator based on wedge block clamping, a pair of grippers, and a set of precise signal test system. Tensile and fatigue examinations share a set of driving system and a set of signal test system. In situ tensile and fatigue examinations under scanning electron microscope or metallographic microscope could be carried out due to the miniaturized dimensions of the device. The structure and working principle of the device were discussed and the effects of output difference between two piezoelectric stacks on the device were theoretically analyzed. The tensile and fatigue examinations on ordinary copper were carried out using this device and its feasibility was verified through the comparison tests with a commercial tensile examination instrument.

A novel in situ device based on a bionic piezoelectric actuator to study tensile and fatigue properties of bulk materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Shupeng; Zhang, Zhihui, E-mail: zhzh@jlu.edu.cn; Ren, Luquan

2014-06-15

In this work, a miniaturized device based on a bionic piezoelectric actuator was developed to investigate the static tensile and dynamic fatigue properties of bulk materials. The device mainly consists of a bionic stepping piezoelectric actuator based on wedge block clamping, a pair of grippers, and a set of precise signal test system. Tensile and fatigue examinations share a set of driving system and a set of signal test system. In situ tensile and fatigue examinations under scanning electron microscope or metallographic microscope could be carried out due to the miniaturized dimensions of the device. The structure and working principlemore » of the device were discussed and the effects of output difference between two piezoelectric stacks on the device were theoretically analyzed. The tensile and fatigue examinations on ordinary copper were carried out using this device and its feasibility was verified through the comparison tests with a commercial tensile examination instrument.« less

Compact Microscope Imaging System Developed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDowell, Mark

2001-01-01

The Compact Microscope Imaging System (CMIS) is a diagnostic tool with intelligent controls for use in space, industrial, medical, and security applications. The CMIS can be used in situ with a minimum amount of user intervention. This system, which was developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center, can scan, find areas of interest, focus, and acquire images automatically. Large numbers of multiple cell experiments require microscopy for in situ observations; this is only feasible with compact microscope systems. CMIS is a miniature machine vision system that combines intelligent image processing with remote control capabilities. The software also has a user-friendly interface that can be used independently of the hardware for post-experiment analysis. CMIS has potential commercial uses in the automated online inspection of precision parts, medical imaging, security industry (examination of currency in automated teller machines and fingerprint identification in secure entry locks), environmental industry (automated examination of soil/water samples), biomedical field (automated blood/cell analysis), and microscopy community. CMIS will improve research in several ways: It will expand the capabilities of MSD experiments utilizing microscope technology. It may be used in lunar and Martian experiments (Rover Robot). Because of its reduced size, it will enable experiments that were not feasible previously. It may be incorporated into existing shuttle orbiter and space station experiments, including glove-box-sized experiments as well as ground-based experiments.

Scanning electron microscope analysis of gunshot defects to bone: an underutilized source of information on ballistic trauma.

PubMed

Rickman, John M; Smith, Martin J

2014-11-01

Recent years have seen increasing involvement by forensic anthropologists in the interpretation of skeletal trauma. With regard to ballistic injuries, there is now a large literature detailing gross features of such trauma; however, less attention has been given to microscopic characteristics. This article presents analysis of experimentally induced gunshot trauma in animal bone (Bos taurus scapulae) using full metal jacket (FMJ), soft point (SP), and captive bolt projectiles. The results were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additional analysis was conducted on a purported parietal gunshot lesion in a human cranial specimen. A range of features was observed in these samples suggesting that fibrolamellar bone response to projectile impact is analogous to that observed in synthetic composite laminates. The results indicate that direction of bullet travel can be discerned microscopically even when it is ambiguous on gross examination. It was also possible to distinguish SP from FMJ lesions. SEM analysis is therefore recommended as a previously underexploited tool in the analysis of ballistic trauma. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Human and animal cognition: Continuity and discontinuity

PubMed Central

Premack, David

2007-01-01

Microscopic study of the human brain has revealed neural structures, enhanced wiring, and forms of connectivity among nerve cells not found in any animal, challenging the view that the human brain is simply an enlarged chimpanzee brain. On the other hand, cognitive studies have found animals to have abilities once thought unique to the human. This suggests a disparity between brain and mind. The suggestion is misleading. Cognitive research has not kept pace with neural research. Neural findings are based on microscopic study of the brain and are primarily cellular. Because cognition cannot be studied microscopically, we need to refine the study of cognition by using a different approach. In examining claims of similarity between animals and humans, one must ask: What are the dissimilarities? This approach prevents confusing similarity with equivalence. We follow this approach in examining eight cognitive cases—teaching, short-term memory, causal reasoning, planning, deception, transitive inference, theory of mind, and language—and find, in all cases, that similarities between animal and human abilities are small, dissimilarities large. There is no disparity between brain and mind. PMID:17717081

An estimate of biofilm properties using an acoustic microscope.

PubMed

Good, Morris S; Wend, Christopher F; Bond, Leonard J; Mclean, Jeffrey S; Panetta, Paul D; Ahmed, Salahuddin; Crawford, Susan L; Daly, Don S

2006-09-01

Noninvasive measurements over a biofilm, a three-dimensional (3-D) community of microorganisms immobilized at a substratum, were made using an acoustic microscope operating at frequencies up to 70 MHz. The microscope scanned a 2.5-mm by 2.5-mm region of a living biofilm having a nominal thickness of 100 microm. Spatial variation of surface heterogeneity, thickness, interior structure, and biomass were estimated. Thickness was estimated as the product of the speed of sound of the medium and the interim between the highest signal peak and that of the substratum plane without biofilm. The thickest portions of biofilm were 145 microm; however, slender structures attributed as streamers extended above, with one obtaining a 274-microm height above the substratum. Three-dimensional iso-contours of amplitude were used to estimate the internal structure of the biofilm. Backscatter amplitude was examined at five zones of increasing height from the substratum to examine biomass distribution. Ultrasound-based estimates of thickness were corroborated with optical microscopy. The experimental acoustic and optical systems, methods used to estimate biofilm properties, and potential applications for the resulting data are discussed.

Autopsy case of the C12orf65 mutation in a patient with signs of mitochondrial dysfunction

PubMed Central

Nishihara, Hideaki; Omoto, Masatoshi; Takao, Masaki; Higuchi, Yujiro; Koga, Michiaki; Kawai, Motoharu; Kawano, Hiroo; Ikeda, Eiji; Takashima, Hiroshi

2017-01-01

Objective: To describe the autopsy case of a patient with a homozygous 2-base deletion, c171_172delGA (p.N58fs), in the C12orf65 gene. Methods: We described the clinical history, neuroimaging data, neuropathology, and genetic analysis of the patients with C12orf65 mutations. Results: The patient was a Japanese woman with a history of delayed psychomotor development, primary amenorrhea, and gait disturbance in her 20s. She was hospitalized because of respiratory failure at the age of 60. Pectus excavatum, long fingers and toes, and pes cavus were revealed by physical examination. Her IQ score was 44. Neurologic examination revealed ophthalmoplegia, optic atrophy, dysphagia, distal dominant muscle weakness and atrophy, hyperreflexia at patellar tendon reflex, hyporeflexia at Achilles tendon reflex, and extensor plantar reflexes. At age 60, she died of pneumonia. Lactate levels were elevated in the patient's serum and CSF. T2-weighted brain MRI showed symmetrical hyperintense brainstem lesions. At autopsy, axial sections exposed symmetrical cyst formation with brownish lesions in the upper spinal cord, ventral medulla, pons, dorsal midbrain, and medial hypothalamus. Microscopic analysis of these areas demonstrated mild gliosis with rarefaction. Cell bodies in the choroid plexuses were eosinophilic and swollen. Electron microscopic examination revealed that these cells contained numerous abnormal mitochondria. Whole-exome sequencing revealed the 2-base deletion in C12orf65. Conclusions: We report an autopsy case of the C12orf65 mutation, and findings suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may underlie the unique clinical presentations. PMID:28804760

Identification of Fragile Microscopic Structures during Mineral Transformations in Wet Supercritical CO2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arey, Bruce W.; Kovarik, Libor; Qafoku, Odeta

2013-04-01

In this study we examine the nature of highly fragile reaction products that form in low water content super critical carbon dioxide (scCO2) using a combination of scanning electron microscopy/focus ion beam (SEM/FIB), confocal Raman spectroscopy, helium ion microscopy (HeIM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HeIM images show these precipitates to be fragile rosettes that can readily decompose even under slight heating from an electron beam. Using the TEM revealed details on the interfacial structure between the newly formed surface precipitates and the underlying initial solid phases. The detailed microscopic analysis revealed that the growth of the precipitates either followedmore » a tip growth mechanism with precipitates forming directly on the forsterite surface if the initial solid was non-porous (natural forsterite) or growth from the surface of the precipitates where fluid was conducted through the porous (nanoforsterite) agglomerates to the growth center. The mechanism of formation of the hydrated/hydroxylated magnesium carbonate compound (HHMC) phases offers insight into the possible mechanisms of carbonate mineral formation from scCO2 solutions which has recently received a great deal of attention as the result of the potential for CO2 to act as an atmospheric greenhouse gas and impact overall global warming. The techniques used here to examine these fragile structures an also be used to examine a wide range of fragile material surfaces. SEM and FIB technologies have now been brought together in a single instrument, which represents a powerful combination for the studies in biological, geological and materials science.« less

Amyloid associated with elastin-staining laminar aggregates in the lungs of patients diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome

PubMed Central

Fan, Kang; Nagle, William A

2002-01-01

Background The heterogeneity of conditions underlying respiratory distress, whether classified clinically as acute lung injury (ALI) or the more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), has hampered efforts to identify and more successfully treat these patients. Examination of postmortem lungs among cases clinically diagnosed as ARDS identified a cohort that showed a consistent morphology at the light and electron microscope levels, and featured pathognomonic structures which we termed elastin-staining laminar structures (ELS). Methods Postmortem tissues were stained using the Verhoeff-Van Gieson procedure for elastic fibers, and with Congo red for examination under a polarizing microscope. Similar samples were examined by transmission EM. Results The pathognomonic ELS presented as ordered molecular aggregates when stained using the Verhoeff-van Gieson technique for elastic fibers. In several postmortem lungs, the ELS also displayed apple-green birefringence after staining with Congo red, suggesting the presence of amyloid. Remarkably, most of the postmortem lungs with ELS exhibited no significant acute inflammatory cellular response such as neutrophilic reaction, and little evidence of widespread edema except for focal intra-alveolar hemorrhage. Conclusions Postmortem lungs that exhibit the ELS constitute a morphologically-identifiable subgroup of ARDS cases. The ordered nature of the ELS, as indicated by both elastin and amyloid stains, together with little morphological evidence of inflammation or edema, suggests that this cohort of ARDS may represent another form of conformational disease. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it will require a new approach in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who exhibit this form of acute lung injury. PMID:12377106

Kinetic Roughening and Energetics of Tetragonal Lysozyme Crystal Growth: A Preliminary Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorti, Sridhar; Forsythe, Elizabeth L.; Pusey, Marc L.

2004-01-01

We examined particulars of crystal growth from measurements obtained at both microscopic and molecular levels. The crystal growth measurements performed at the microscopic level are well characterized by a model that balances the flux of macromolecules towards the crystal surface with the flux of the crystal surface. Numerical evaluation of model with measurements of crystal growth, in time, provided accurate estimates for the average growth velocities. Growth velocities thus obtained were also interpreted using well-established phenomenological theories. Moreover, we find that microscopic measurements of growth velocity measurements obtained as a function of temperature best characterizes changes in crystal growth modes, when present. We also examined the possibility of detecting a change in crystal growth modes at the molecular level using atomic force microscopy, AFM. From preliminary AFM measurements performed at various supersaturations, we find that magnitude of surface height fluctuations, h(x), increases with supersaturation. Further examination of surface height fluctuations using methods established for fluctuation spectroscopy also enabled the discovery of the existence of a characteristic length, c, which may possibly determine the mode of crystal growth. Although the results are preliminary, we establish the non- critical divergence of 5 and the root-mean-square (rms) magnitude of height-height fluctuations as the kinetic roughening transition temperatures are approached. Moreover, we also examine approximate models for interpreting the non-critical behavior of both 6 and rms magnitude of height-height fluctuations, as the solution supersaturation is increased towards the kinetic roughening supersaturation.

Microtensile bond strength of etch and rinse versus self-etch adhesive systems.

PubMed

Hamouda, Ibrahim M; Samra, Nagia R; Badawi, Manal F

2011-04-01

The aim of this study was to compare the microtensile bond strength of the etch and rinse adhesive versus one-component or two-component self-etch adhesives. Twelve intact human molar teeth were cleaned and the occlusal enamel of the teeth was removed. The exposed dentin surfaces were polished and rinsed, and the adhesives were applied. A microhybride composite resin was applied to form specimens of 4 mm height and 6 mm diameter. The specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the adhesive interface to produce dentin-resin composite sticks, with an adhesive area of approximately 1.4 mm(2). The sticks were subjected to tensile loading until failure occurred. The debonded areas were examined with a scanning electron microscope to determine the site of failure. The results showed that the microtensile bond strength of the etch and rinse adhesive was higher than that of one-component or two-component self-etch adhesives. The scanning electron microscope examination of the dentin surfaces revealed adhesive and mixed modes of failure. The adhesive mode of failure occurred at the adhesive/dentin interface, while the mixed mode of failure occurred partially in the composite and partially at the adhesive/dentin interface. It was concluded that the etch and rinse adhesive had higher microtensile bond strength when compared to that of the self-etch adhesives. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of leaf anatomy on some Nepenthes spp. (Nepenthaceae) from highland and lowland habitat in Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arimy, N. Q.; Nisyawati, Metusala, D.

2017-07-01

Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae) is one of the unique plants with pitcher to absorb nutritional needs. This dicotyledonous plant is able to live in the lowland and highland. The difference of their habitat may influence its anatomical structures, such in leaves. This study aimed to compare the anatomy of lowland and highland Nepenthes leaves. We examined Nepenthes rafflesiana and N. mirabilis from the group of lowland Nepenthes. We also examined Nepenthes aristolochioides and N. singalana from the group of highland Nepenthes. Each species was represented by three adult leaves from 1-3 individual plants. Each leaf was made transverse section by using a hand mini microtome and the paradermal section was made by leaf screaping technique. Paradermal and the transverse section were dehydrated by using graded series of alcohol. Transverse section was stained with safranin 1 % and fastgreen 1 %, while the paradermal section with safranin 1 %. Microscopic observations were performed at Bioimaging Laboratory, Universitas Indonesia, Depok using a light microscope. The results showed there are differences in the anatomy structure between these two habitats. Highland Nepenthes has thicker and larger hypodermis than lowland Nepenthes. Cuticle layer in the highland Nepenthes was thicker than the lowland Nepenthes. Nectary gland on the highland Nepenthes was thicker and larger than the lowland Nepenthes. In addition, highland Nepenthes has bigger and fewer stomata density than the lowland Nepenthes.

Microscope-Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in the Operating Room in Young Children With Retinal Vascular Disease.

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Viehland, Christian; Carrasco-Zevallos, Oscar M; Keller, Brenton; Vajzovic, Lejla; Izatt, Joseph A; Toth, Cynthia A

2017-05-01

Intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) has gained traction as an important adjunct for clinical decision making during vitreoretinal surgery, and OCT angiography (OCTA) has provided novel insights in clinical evaluation of retinal diseases. To date, these two technologies have not been applied in combination to evaluate retinal vascular disease in the operating suite. To conduct microscope-integrated, swept-source OCTA (MIOCTA) in children with retinal vascular disease. In this case report analysis, OCT imaging in pediatric patients, MIOCTA images were obtained during examination under anesthesia from a young boy with a history of idiopathic vitreous hemorrhage and a female infant with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. Side-by-side comparison of research MIOCT angiograms and clinically indicated fluorescein angiograms. In 2 young children with retinal vascular disease, the MIOCTA images showed more detailed vascular patterns than were visible on the fluorescein angiograms although within a more posterior field of view. The MIOCTA system allowed visualization of small pathological retinal vessels in the retinal periphery that were obscured in the fluorescein angiograms by fluorescein staining from underlying, preexisting laser scars. This is the first report to date of the use of MIOCTA in the operating room for young children with retinal vascular disease. Further optimization of this system may allow noninvasive detailed evaluation of retinal vasculature during surgical procedures and in patients who could not cooperate with in-office examinations.

In vivo laser confocal microscopy findings of a cornea with osteogenesis imperfecta.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Akira; Higashide, Tomomi; Yokogawa, Hideaki; Yamazaki, Natsuko; Masaki, Toshinori; Sugiyama, Kazuhisa

2014-01-01

To report the in vivo laser confocal microscopy findings of a cornea with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) with special attention to the abnormality of Bowman's layer and sub-Bowman's fibrous structures (K-structures). Two patients (67-year-old male and his 26-year-old son) with OI type I were included in this study. Slit lamp biomicroscopic and in vivo laser confocal microscopic examinations were performed for both patients. Central corneal thickness and central endothelial cell density were also measured. Although the corneas looked clear with normal endothelial density for both eyes in both patients, they were quite thin (386 μm oculus dexter (OD) (the right eye) and 384 μm oculus sinister (OS) (the left eye) in the father and 430 μm OD and 425 μm OS in the son). In both patients, slit lamp biomicroscopic and in vivo laser confocal microscopic examination showed similar results. Anterior corneal mosaics produced by rubbing the eyelid under fluorescein were completely absent in both eyes. In vivo laser confocal microscopy revealed an absent or atrophic Bowman's layer; a trace of a presumed Bowman's layer and/or basement membrane was barely visible with high intensity. Additionally, K-structures were completely absent in both eyes. The absence of K-structures and fluorescein anterior corneal mosaics strongly suggested an abnormality of Bowman's layer in these OI patients.

The natural compound Guttiferone F sensitizes prostate cancer to starvation induced apoptosis via calcium and JNK elevation.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Lao, Yuanzhi; Zhang, Hong; Wang, Xiaoyu; Tan, Hongsheng; Lin, Zhixiu; Xu, Hongxi

2015-04-11

In a cytotoxicity screen in serum-free medium, Guttiferone F showed strong growth inhibitory effect against prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancer cells LNCaP and PC3 were treated with Guttiferone F in serum depleted medium. Sub-G1 phase distributions were estimated with flow cytometry. Mitochondrial disruption was observed under confocal microscope using Mitotracker Red staining. Gene and protein expression changes were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. Ca(2+) elevation was examined by Fluo-4 staining under fluorescence microscope. PC3 xenografts in mice were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Guttiferone F had strong growth inhibitory effect against prostate cancer cell lines under serum starvation. It induced a significant increase in sub-G1 fraction and DNA fragmentation. In serum-free medium, Guttiferone F triggered mitochondria dependent apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2 family proteins. In addition, Guttiferone F attenuated the androgen receptor expression and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, while activating the phosphorylation of JNK and Ca(2+) flux. Combination of caloric restriction with Guttiferone F in vivo could increase the antitumor effect without causing toxicity. Guttiferone F induced prostate cancer cell apoptosis under serum starvation via Ca(2+) elevation and JNK activation. Combined with caloric restriction, Guttiferone F exerted significant growth inhibition of PC3 cells xenograft in vivo. Guttiferone F is therefore a potential anti-cancer compound.

Microscopic effects of predator digestion on the surfaces of bones and teeth.

PubMed

Rensberger, J M; Krentz, H B

1988-09-01

Concentrations of small fossil mammals are frequently encountered in Cenozoic deposits, but the causes for such accumulations have seldom been determined. In many cases the tooth, jaw, and limb fragments appear to be well-preserved under light microscopy, and it is difficult to differentiate damage due to predator digestion from breakage and abrasion due to physical agents. In order to find more specific evidence of predator digestion, we used a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine the surface microstructure of bones and teeth consumed by Bubo virginianus (great horned owl) and Canis latrans (coyote), which prey upon similar species. Effects of digestion were found on all the digested bones and teeth examined. The effects on bone include distinctive sets of pits and fissures, dissolution, and physical polishing. The pits and fissures are apparently caused by solution that commences in canals beneath the surface of the bone. The most conspicuous effects on teeth are island-like pillars of dentin surrounded by deep solution fissures. The effects of digestion by coyote and owl are fundamentally the same but differ in degree of development. Bone digested by the owl shows a greater degree of polishing and rounding of edges but has less extensive fissuring. Wide variation in the degree of surface damage occurs in bones digested by the coyote, even within a single fecal pellet.

Gross and microscopic characteristics of stomach cancer with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and/or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

PubMed

Morimatsu, M; Shirouzu, K; Irie, K; Tokunaga, O; Sasaguri, Y

1985-07-01

We described gross and microscopic characteristics of 11 autopsied cases of stomach cancer with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and/or disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. They were divided into two groups grossly. One was superficial carcinoma and the other diffuse infiltrating and fungating carcinoma. Superficial carcinoma arose multicentrically and showed figures of signet ring cell carcinoma. This condition was accompanied by marked pulmonary tumor emboli and bone marrow dissemination in the initial stage of cancer evolution. Diffuse infiltrating and fungating carcinoma arose in the corpus and showed variable histological features. Dissemination of tumor cells to the bone marrow was seen in the terminal stage. Stomach cancer in this series consisted of two different groups on gross, microscopic and metastatic features. Signet ring cell of superficial carcinoma showed characteristic biological features with respect to local extension and metastasis.

[Contribution of nested PCR in the diagnosis of imported malaria in southern Algeria].

PubMed

Bouiba, L; Gassen, B; Gasmi, M; Hammadi, D; Harrat, Z

2016-12-01

The nested PCR was used to estimate its inputs in malaria diagnosis and in the performance of the microscope operators involved in the surveillance of malaria in remote areas of South Algeria. For the period 2010 to 2015, 112 patients (93 febrile and 19 asymptomatic) coming from sub-Saharan Africa were tested for malaria in the hospital of Tamanrasset. One part of the blood taken from fingertip was used for blood smears and the second part was absorbed in filter paper for molecular diagnosis. Overall, the infection was detected by nested PCR in 63 samples versus 53 by direct examination. In addition, 11 mixed infections and 6 positive asymptomatic cases not detected by microscopy were diagnosed by PCR. Moreover, two negative samples in nested PCR were tested positive by direct examination. The molecular tool is more sensitive than the direct examination in detecting infra-microscopic parasitaemia and mixed infections...

Morphological changes in textile fibres exposed to environmental stresses: atomic force microscopic examination.

PubMed

Canetta, Elisabetta; Montiel, Kimberley; Adya, Ashok K

2009-10-30

The ability of the atomic force microscope (AFM) to investigate the nanoscopic morphological changes in the surfaces of fabrics was examined for the first time. This study focussed on two natural (cotton and wool), and a regenerated cellulose (viscose) textile fibres exposed to various environmental stresses for different lengths of times. Analyses of the AFM images allowed us to measure quantitatively the surface texture parameters of the environmentally stressed fabrics as a function of the exposure time. It was also possible to visualise at the nanoscale the finest details of the surfaces of three weathered fabrics and clearly distinguish between the detrimental effects of the imposed environmental conditions. This study confirmed that the AFM could become a very powerful tool in forensic examination of textile fibres to provide significant fibre evidence due to its capability of distinguishing between different environmental exposures or forced damages to fibres.

Microscopic Examination of Chitosan Polyphosphate Beads with Entrapped Spores of the Biocontrol Agent, Streptomyces melanosporofaciens EF-76

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jobin, Guy; Grondin, Gilles; Couture, Geneviève; Beaulieu, Carole

2005-04-01

Spores of the biocontrol agent, Streptomyces melanosporofaciens EF-76, were entrapped by complex coacervation in beads composed of a macromolecular complex (MC) of chitosan and polyphosphate. A proportion of spores entrapped in beads survived the entrapment procedure as shown by treating spores from chitosan beads with a dye allowing the differentiation of live and dead cells. The spore-loaded chitosan beads could be digested by a chitosanase, suggesting that, once introduced in soil, the beads would be degraded to release the biocontrol agent. Spore-loaded beads were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy because the release of the biological agent depends on the spore distribution in the chitosan beads. The microscopic examination revealed that the beads had a porous surface and contained a network of inner microfibrils. Spores were entrapped in both the chitosan microfibrils and the bead lacuna.

Metallurgical characterization of the fracture of several high strength aluminum alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhandarkar, M. D.; Lisagor, W. B.

1977-01-01

The fracture behavior for structural aluminum alloys (2024, 6061, 7075, and 7178) was examined in selected heat treatments. The investigation included tensile, shear, and precracked notch-bend specimens fractured at ambient temperature under monotonic loading. Specimens were obtained from thin sheets and thick plates and were tested in longitudinal and transverse orientations at different strain rates. Microstructures of alloys were examined using the optical microscope and the scanning electron microscope with associated energy dispersive X ray chemical analysis. Several different types of second phase particles, some not reported by other investigators, were identified in the alloys. Fracture morphology was related to microstructural variables, test variables, and type of commercial product. Specimen orientation examined in the present investigation had little effect on fracture morphology. Test strain rate changes resulted in some change in shear fracture morphology, but not in fracture morphology of tensile specimens.

Telangiectatic osteosarcoma--a case report.

PubMed Central

Suh, Y. L.; Chi, J. G.

1989-01-01

Telangiectatic osteosarcoma is a rare and special variant of osteogenic sarcoma with distinct radiologic, gross and microscopic features. This tumor is predominantly lytic, destructive tumor without sclerosis on roentgenogram, and is soft and cystic on gross examination. Histologically aneurysmally dilated spaces lined or traversed by stromal cells producing osteoid are noted. This report concerns a case of telangiectatic osteosarcoma occurring in a 7 years old boy. He presented with pathologic fracture of the right distal tibia, followed by a purely lytic lesion on X-ray examination. This lesion recurred five times during a span of one year. Microscopic features of the biopsy specimen was difficult to differentiate from aneurysmal bone cyst because of prominant blood-filled cyst formation. It was finally identified as osteosarcoma from the below-knee amputation specimen through the close examination for anaplastic osteoid-producing stromal cells in the septa that separate the blood cysts. PMID:2597366

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor of the descending colon mimicking a gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report.

PubMed

Iwamoto, Ryuta; Kataoka, Tatsuki R; Furuhata, Ayako; Ono, Kazuo; Hirota, Seiichi; Kawada, Kenji; Sakai, Yoshiharu; Haga, Hironori

2016-11-14

We present a case of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa), which clinically and histologically mimics a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). A 42-year-old woman was found to have a mass in the left flank during her annual medical checkup. Computed tomography examination revealed a submucosal tumor of the descending colon. Surgeons and radiologists suspected that the lesion was a GIST, and left hemicolectomy was performed without biopsy. Microscopic examination showed that the lesion was composed of spindle and epithelioid cells, which were immunohistochemically negative for c-kit and positive for platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) α. Initial diagnosis of PDGFRα-positive GIST was made. However, gene analysis did not reveal mutations in PDGFRα. Additional immunohistochemistry showed that tumor cells were positive for human melanin black 45 (HMB45), melanA, and the myogenic marker calponin. A final diagnosis of PEComa was made. PEComa should be included in the differential diagnosis of PDGFRα-positive spindle cell tumors in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.

[Henoch-Schönlein Purpura with lung abscess].

PubMed

Nakazawa, Junji; Watanabe, Atsushi; Nakajima, Tomohiro; Mishina, Taijiro; Miyajima, Masahiro; Higami, Tetsuya

2013-09-01

A 72-year-old man had underwent left lower lobectomy for squamous cell carcinoma in our hospital in 2008. Postoperative stage was I A (T1N0M0). In 2010, follow-up chest computed tomography (CT) images showed similar cavitary nodules in segments 2 and 8 of the right lung with positive uptake on fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) images. Physical examination, blood tests, and levels of serum tumor markers showed no abnormality. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed the absence of malignant cells. Segment 8 of the right lower lobe with the nodule was partially resected, and pathological examination demonstrated lung abscess. He was discharged but was hospitalized in another hospital for purpuric rash, fever, and arthralgia. Microscopic albuminuria was noted, and renal biopsy revealed nephritis with immunoglobulin A( IgA)deposition. He was made a diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. Oral steroid therapy( prednisolone 60 mg/d) was initiated, resulting in the improvement of symptoms and disapearance of the cavitary nodule in the right lung segment 2.

Utilization of steel slag for Portland cement clinker production.

PubMed

Tsakiridis, P E; Papadimitriou, G D; Tsivilis, S; Koroneos, C

2008-04-01

The aim of the present research work is to investigate the possibility of adding steel slag, a by-product of the conversion of iron to steel process, in the raw meal for the production of Portland cement clinker. Two samples of raw meals were prepared, one with ordinary raw materials, as a reference sample ((PC)(Ref)), and another with 10.5% steel slag ((PC)(S/S)). Both raw meals were sintered at 1450 degrees C. The results of chemical and mineralogical analyses as well as the microscopic examination showed that the use of the steel slag did not affect the mineralogical characteristics of the so produced Portland cement clinker. Furthermore, both clinkers were tested by determining the grindability, setting times, compressive strengths and soundness. The hydration products were examined by XRD analysis at 2, 7, 28 and 90 days. The results of the physico-mechanical tests showed that the addition of the steel slag did not negatively affect the quality of the produced cement.

Refining Students' Explanations of an Unfamiliar Physical Phenomenon-Microscopic Friction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corpuz, Edgar De Guzman; Rebello, N. Sanjay

2017-08-01

The first phase of this multiphase study involves modeling of college students' thinking of friction at the microscopic level. Diagnostic interviews were conducted with 11 students with different levels of physics backgrounds. A phenomenographic approach of data analysis was used to generate categories of responses which subsequently were used to generate a model of explanation. Most of the students interviewed consistently used mechanical interactions in explaining microscopic friction. According to these students, friction is due to the interlocking or rubbing of atoms. Our data suggest that students' explanations of microscopic friction are predominantly influenced by their macroscopic experiences. In the second phase of the research, teaching experiment was conducted with 18 college students to investigate how students' explanations of microscopic friction can be refined by a series of model-building activities. Data were analyzed using Redish's two-level transfer framework. Our results show that through sequences of hands-on and minds-on activities, including cognitive dissonance and resolution, it is possible to facilitate the refinement of students' explanations of microscopic friction. The activities seemed to be productive in helping students activate associations that refine their ideas about microscopic friction.

Enhancement of the Microscopy Facilities at the NSLS X1A Beamline

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jacobson, Chris

1999-08-31

As originally proposed, the authors constructed a new Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscope, STXM IV. The design and construction was led by Chris Jacobsen, and involved graduate students Michael Feser, Mary Carlucci-Dayton and Tobias Beetz. This microscope has the following new features: It has a new and improved high resolution scanning stage that should make it possible to perform higher resolution imaging without distortions. Preliminary results indicate that the stage performs as designed. It has an enclosure that can be evacuated and backfilled with helium. This makes it possible to perform imaging in the neighborhood of the nitrogen and oxygen edgesmore » without interference from residual air. It has a motorized detector stage for easy interchange of detectors and alignment microscope. We expect to use this to align the new segmented detector which makes it possible to perform brightfield and dark field microscopy simultaneously, and to record images in differential phase contrast as well. The microscope is located upstream of cryoSTXM, the instrument we use to examine specimens in a frozen hydrated state. The design of STXM IV is such that it makes it quick and easy to switch between STXM IV and cryo-STXM operations and vice versa. IEEE488 based control electronics provides multiple channels of data collection. The microscope is run from a LINUX PC with all new software, developed in-house. The stages for the zone plate and the order sorting aperture (OSA) have kinematic mounts. This way different sets of zone plates (optimized for different wavelengths and working distances) can be exchanged without the need for complete realignment of the instrument. The enclosure can be used as a glove-box, making it possible to examine specimens which require anaerobic handling.« less

The effect of microscopic friction and size distributions on conditional probability distributions in soft particle packings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitoh, Kuniyasu; Magnanimo, Vanessa; Luding, Stefan

2017-10-01

Employing two-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of soft particles, we study their non-affine responses to quasi-static isotropic compression where the effects of microscopic friction between the particles in contact and particle size distributions are examined. To quantify complicated restructuring of force-chain networks under isotropic compression, we introduce the conditional probability distributions (CPDs) of particle overlaps such that a master equation for distribution of overlaps in the soft particle packings can be constructed. From our MD simulations, we observe that the CPDs are well described by q-Gaussian distributions, where we find that the correlation for the evolution of particle overlaps is suppressed by microscopic friction, while it significantly increases with the increase of poly-dispersity.

Fatal acute babesiosis in a juvenile wild dog (Lycaon pictus).

PubMed

Colly, L P; Nesbit, J W

1992-03-01

Clinical examination of a 75-day-old captive juvenile wild dog suffering from lassitude revealed pale mucous membranes, icterus, laboured respiration, a "water-hammer" pulse and splenomegaly. A peripheral blood smear containing numerous Babesia-infected erythrocytes confirmed the diagnosis of babesiosis. Treatment was unsuccessful and the animal died shortly after receiving a blood transfusion. The findings at necropsy were typical for acute babesiosis and included anaemia, icterus, splenomegaly and haemoglobinuria. In addition, marked atrophy of the thymus and lymph nodes was evident. Microscopic and electron microscopic examination of selected tissues disclosed high parasitaemia with vascular stasis and injury to both endothelial and parenchymal components. It is speculated that vaccination-induced immune incompetence predisposed to development of clinical babesiosis.

Chondroblastic osteosarcoma mimicking periapical abscess.

PubMed

Yamamoto-Silva, Fernanda Paula; Silva, Brunno Santos de Freitas; Batista, Aline Carvalho; Mendonça, Elismauro Francisco de; Pinto-Júnior, Décio Dos Santos; Estrela, Carlos

2017-01-01

The present report describes a case of chondroblastic osteosarcoma in the periapical region of teeth #29, #30, and #31 of an 18-year-old male. Clinical history showed self-reported discomfort in the right posterior gingiva for over a month. Physical examination showed a small expansion and redness of the right mandibular buccal and lingual cortical plates, but no signs of pain or inflammation were observed. All the teeth responded positively to pulp sensibility. Periapical and panoramic radiographs showed slight periapical radiolucency in the roots of teeth #29 and #30, clear periodontal ligament space widening, and evident loss of lamina dura. Incisional biopsy was performed, and based on microscopic findings the diagnosis of chondroblastic osteosarcoma was confirmed. Non-endodontic diseases associated with tooth root apex, such as chondroblastic osteosarcoma, should be included in differential diagnosis of jaw lesions that resemble periapical abscess.

Dry Socket Etiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Treatment Techniques.

PubMed

Mamoun, John

2018-04-01

Dry socket, also termed fibrinolytic osteitis or alveolar osteitis, is a complication of tooth exodontia. A dry socket lesion is a post-extraction socket that exhibits exposed bone that is not covered by a blood clot or healing epithelium and exists inside or around the perimeter of the socket or alveolus for days after the extraction procedure. This article describes dry socket lesions; reviews the basic clinical techniques of treating different manifestations of dry socket lesions; and shows how microscope level loupe magnification of 6× to 8× or greater, combined with co-axial illumination or a dental operating microscope, facilitate more precise treatment of dry socket lesions. The author examines the scientific validity of the proposed causes of dry socket lesions (such as bacteria, inflammation, fibrinolysis, or traumatic extractions) and the scientific validity of different terminologies used to describe dry socket lesions. This article also presents an alternative model of what causes dry socket lesions, based on evidence from dental literature. Although the clinical techniques for treating dry socket lesions seem empirically correct, more evidence is required to determine the causes of dry socket lesions.

Dry Socket Etiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Treatment Techniques

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Dry socket, also termed fibrinolytic osteitis or alveolar osteitis, is a complication of tooth exodontia. A dry socket lesion is a post-extraction socket that exhibits exposed bone that is not covered by a blood clot or healing epithelium and exists inside or around the perimeter of the socket or alveolus for days after the extraction procedure. This article describes dry socket lesions; reviews the basic clinical techniques of treating different manifestations of dry socket lesions; and shows how microscope level loupe magnification of 6× to 8× or greater, combined with co-axial illumination or a dental operating microscope, facilitate more precise treatment of dry socket lesions. The author examines the scientific validity of the proposed causes of dry socket lesions (such as bacteria, inflammation, fibrinolysis, or traumatic extractions) and the scientific validity of different terminologies used to describe dry socket lesions. This article also presents an alternative model of what causes dry socket lesions, based on evidence from dental literature. Although the clinical techniques for treating dry socket lesions seem empirically correct, more evidence is required to determine the causes of dry socket lesions. PMID:29732309

Treatment of metastatic melanoma B16F10 by the flavonoids tangeretin, rutin, and diosmin.

PubMed

Martínez Conesa, Cristina; Vicente Ortega, Vicente; Yáñez Gascón, M Josefa; Alcaraz Baños, Miguel; Canteras Jordana, Manuel; Benavente-García, Obdulio; Castillo, Julián

2005-08-24

Melanoma is one of the most frequently metastasizing malignant neoplasias. This study examines an experimental model of pulmonary metastasis and the B16F10 cell subline, highly metastatic in the lung. Antimetastatic effects of the flavonoids tangeretin, rutin, and diosmin were analyzed, and at the same time an analysis of the metastatic activity of ethanol was performed, considered to be necessary because it is used as a vehicle for administering the flavonoids. Lentini's model, which complements the macroscopic evaluation of nodule numbers by using a stereoscopic microscope and image analysis at the microscopic level, was used. The greatest reduction in the number of metastatic nodules (52%) was obtained with diosmin; similarly, the percentages of implantation, growth index, and invasion index (79.40, 67.44, and 45.23%, respectively), were all compared with those of the ethanol group, considered to be an effective control group. Rutin- and tangeretin-treated groups also showed reductions of the same index compared with the ethanol group. It would seem that structural factors would better explain these results and the antimetastatic activity of each flavonoid and the respective metabolites.

Laser versus traditional techniques in cerebral and brain stem gliomas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombard, Gian F.

1996-01-01

In medical literature no significant studies have been published on the effectiveness of laser compared with traditional procedures in two series of cerebral gliomas; for this reason we have studied 220 tumors (200 supratentorial -- 20 brain stem gliomas), 110 operated upon with laser, 100 with conventional techniques. Four surgical protocols have been carried out: (1) traditional techniques; (2) carbon dioxide laser free hand; (3) carbon dioxide laser plus microscope; (4) multiple laser sources plus microscope plus neurosector plus CUSA. Two laser sources have been used alone or in combination (carbon dioxide -- Nd:YAG 1.06 or 1.32). Patients have been monitored for Karnofsky scale before and after operation, 12 - 24 and 36 months later; and for survival rate. Tumors were classified by histological examination, dimensions, vascularization, topography (critical or non critical areas). Results for supratentorial gliomas: survival time is the same in both series (laser and traditional). Post- op morbidity is significantly improved in the laser group (high grade sub-group); long term follow-up shows an improvement of quality of life until 36 months in the low grade sub-group.

Faunal composition and organic surface encrustations at hydrothermal vents on the southern Juan De Fuca Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tunnicliffe, Verena; Fontaine, A. R.

1987-10-01

Examination of a small collection of macroinvertebrates from three vents of the southern Juan de Fuca vent field reveals differences between the vents with respect to species composition, species habits, and microbial and metallic deposits on their surfaces. TWo apparently new vestimentiferan species were found, and for the first time the Juan de Fuca palm worm was observed to dwell on smokers. High acidity values recorded in this system may interfere with the process of shell calcification in an archaeogastropod snail. The surfaces of vestimentifer an tubes at two vents are heavily encrusted with microbial and metallic accumulations. Scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy dispersive X ray microanalysis observations show that iron-based crusts on orange tubes are built from accumulations of an Fe-rich particle of distinctive size and shape. Morphological evidence is presented for the microbial origin of Fe-rich particles. Zn-rich particles found on black tubes are not of microbial origin. We suggest that iron deposition on surfaces in the vent environment is initially biocatalytic but subsequent deposits may build by simple inorganic reactions.

Evaluations of imidazolium ionic liquids as novel skin permeation enhancers for drug transdermal delivery.

PubMed

Zhang, Ding; Wang, Huai-Ji; Cui, Xiu-Ming; Wang, Cheng-Xiao

2017-06-01

In this work, imidazolium ionic liquids (imidazolium ILs) were employed as the novel chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) and their performances and mechanisms of action were deeply investigated. Testosterone was used as a model drug to investigate the transdermal delivery enhancement of twenty imdidazolium ILs. The results suggested that the promotion activity connected to the structure and composition of the ILs. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model revealed a good linearity between the electronic properties of ILs and their enhancements. Furthermore, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and scanning laser confocal microscope (CLSM) examinations showed the strong improvement of ILs on skin barrier permeability, which were well correlated with the drug penetration profiles. The total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and atomic force microscope (AFM) evaluations of skins indicated that the ILs can disrupt the regular and compact arrangements of the corneocytes, change the surface properties of stratum corneum, and make the skin structure more permeable. Our work demonstrated the significant skin permeation promotion profiles of the imidazolium ILs, which are of great potential in transdermal drug delivery systems.

Interplanetary dust in the transmission electron microscope - Diverse materials from the early solar system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fraundorf, P.

1981-01-01

An analytical electron microscope study of dispersed interplanetary dust aggregates collected in the earth's stratosphere shows that, in spite of their similarities, the aggregates exhibit significant differences in composition, internal morphology, and mineralogy. Of 11 chondritic particles examined, two consist mostly of a noncrystalline chondritic material with an atomic S/Fe ratio equal to or greater than 2 in places, one consists of submicron metal and reduced silicate 'microchondrules' and sulfide grains embedded in a carbonaceous matrix, and another consists of submicron magnetic-decorated unequilibrated silicate and sulfide grains with thick low-Z coatings. Although the particles are unmetamorphosed by criteria commonly applied for chondritic meteorites, the presence of reduced chemistries and the ubiquity of mafic, instead of hydrated, silicates confirm that they are not simply C1 or C2 chondrite matrix material. The observations indicate that portions of some particles have not been significantly altered by thermal or radiation processes since their assembly, and that the particles probably contain fine debris from diverse processes in the early solar system.

Fractal propagation method enables realistic optical microscopy simulations in biological tissues

PubMed Central

Glaser, Adam K.; Chen, Ye; Liu, Jonathan T.C.

2017-01-01

Current simulation methods for light transport in biological media have limited efficiency and realism when applied to three-dimensional microscopic light transport in biological tissues with refractive heterogeneities. We describe here a technique which combines a beam propagation method valid for modeling light transport in media with weak variations in refractive index, with a fractal model of refractive index turbulence. In contrast to standard simulation methods, this fractal propagation method (FPM) is able to accurately and efficiently simulate the diffraction effects of focused beams, as well as the microscopic heterogeneities present in tissue that result in scattering, refractive beam steering, and the aberration of beam foci. We validate the technique and the relationship between the FPM model parameters and conventional optical parameters used to describe tissues, and also demonstrate the method’s flexibility and robustness by examining the steering and distortion of Gaussian and Bessel beams in tissue with comparison to experimental data. We show that the FPM has utility for the accurate investigation and optimization of optical microscopy methods such as light-sheet, confocal, and nonlinear microscopy. PMID:28983499

Monolayer phase coarsening using oscillatory flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, J.; Lopez, J. M.; Vogel, M. J.

2005-11-01

The co-existing phase domains of monolayers commonly observed via microscope are examined on flowing systems. Recent evidence shows that co-existing phase domains have profound effects on monolayer response to bulk flow. The present flow geometry consists of an open-top rectangular cavity in which the flow is driven by the periodic oscillation of the floor in its own plane. The oscillation of the floor dilates and compresses any film at the gas/liquid interface while still maintaining an essentially flat interface. A range of flow conditions (oscillation frequency and amplitude) is chosen so that the flow remains essentially two-dimensional. Measurements at the interface, initially covered by an insoluble monolayer (vitamin K1 or stearic acid), are made using a Brewster angle microscope system with a pulsed laser. Various phenomena such as fragmentation (breaking up of co-existing domains into finer ones) had previously been observed in sheared monolayer flows. In this new flow regime, we have seen dramatic coarsening of the domains. Interesting relaxation behavior at short and long time scales will also be discussed.

[Trichomycosis (trichobacteriosis) capitis in an infant: Microbiological, dermoscopic and ultrastructural features].

PubMed

Bonifaz, Alexandro; Ramírez-Ricarte, Ixchel; Rodríguez-Leviz, Alejandra; Hernández, Marco A; Mena, Carlos; Valencia, Adriana

2017-04-01

Trichomycosis is a superficial infection caused by Corynebacterium flavescens, which regularly affects axillary, and to a a lesser extent, pubic, scrotal and intergluteal, and exceptionally, head hairs or trichomycosis capitis (TC). This condition is characterised by the formation of bacterial nodules. Clinically, it can be confused with white piedra or pediculosis. The diagnosis is made by microscopic and dermoscopic observation and confirmed by culture. To present a case of TC in an infant and illustrate the microscopic, dermoscopic, and ultrastructural characteristics. A 6 month-old boy, otherwise healthy, with multiple yellowish concretions on the hairs of the head. TC was confirmed by yellow fluorescence with Wood’s light; white-yellowish beads, like “rosaries of crystalline stones’’ were observed on dermoscopy, direct examination showed bacterial masses, and Corynebacterium flavescens was identified by culture. A superficial infection, without perforation of the hairs, was confirmed by electron microscopy. Treatment with fusidic acid for 3 weeks achieved a clinical and microbiological cure. TC is a rare condition that affects children, and tends to be mistaken for other diseases of the hair, such as pediculosis and mycotic infections.

Microscopic structural change in a liquid Fe-C alloy of ~5 GPa

DOE PAGES

Shibazaki, Yuki; Kono, Yoshio; Fei, Yingwei

2015-07-04

The structure of a liquid Fe-3.5 wt% C alloy is examined for up to 7.2 GPa via multiangle energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction using a Paris-Edinburgh type large-volume press. X-ray diffraction data show clear changes in the pressure-dependent peak positions of structure factor and reduced pair distribution function at 5GPa. These results suggest that the liquid Fe-3.5wt%C alloys change structurally at approximately 5GPa. This finding serves as a microscopic explanation for the alloy’s previously observed density change at the same pressure. The pressure dependencies of the nearest and second neighbor distances of the liquid Fe-3.5 wt% C alloy are similar to thosemore » of liquid Fe which exhibits a structural change near the bcc-fcc-liquid triple point (5.2GPa and 1991 K). Here, similarities between Fe-3.5wt% C and Fe suggest that a density change also occurs in liquid Fe and that this structural change extends to other Fe-light element alloys.« less

Recent Results from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Squyres, S. W.

2005-05-01

Since arriving at the Columbia Hills, the Spirit rover's primary area of geologic investigation has been the West Spur of Husband Hill. Pancam images of West Spur rocks show morphology ranging from massive to finely layered. Microscopic Imager images show the rocks to be clastic in nature, with a substantial range in grain sizes. Grains vary from rounded to angular. Mini-TES data show little variability from one rock to the next, and the best fit to the IR spectral signature of the rocks is dominated by basaltic glass. The chemistry revealed by the APXS is broadly basaltic in nature, but substantially enhanced in P, S, Cl, and Br relative to plains rocks. Moessbauer data show that olivine is absent in West Spur rocks, and pyroxene signatures are weak. Fe oxides and oxyhydroxides are present. We interpret the rocks of the West Spur to be aqueously altered basaltic materials of volcaniclastic or impact origin. Since leaving the West Spur, Spirit has explored toward the northeast, higher onto Husband Hill. Loose rocks ("float") on the north flank of the hill are dominated by another poorly sorted clastic lithology that contains olivine and that has strikingly high abundances of Ti and P. Only a few bedrock outcrops have been identified on the main body of Husband Hill. All of these examined to date consist of a coarse-grained clastic rock dominated by basaltic chemistry and cemented by sulfate salts. Grain sizes range up to several mm, and sub-cm layering is present. Moessbauer data show pyroxene, olivine, and a high abundance of magnetite in the basaltic component. APXS data are consistent with the rock being up to 20 percent magnesium sulfate salts by mass, and microscopic images show a high degree of cementation by these salts.

Differentiating Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in rural communities in Malaysia

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background In this study, a total of 426 human faecal samples were examined for the presence of Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba moshkovskii infection via a combination of microscopic examination and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting 16S ribosomal RNA of Entamoeba species. Methods Faecal sample were collected from 426 participants in five rural villages in Peninsular Malaysia. The faecal samples were processed by direct wet smear and formalin ethyl acetate concentration technique followed by iodine staining and examined via microscopy for the presence of Entamoeba species and other intestinal parasites. Microscopically positive samples for Entamoeba species cysts were further characterized using a Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (Nested-PCR) targeting 16S-like ribosomal RNA gene. The data entry and analysis was carried out using the SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) program for Windows version 17 (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Results Based on single faecal examination, overall prevalence of Entamoeba infection was 17.6% (75/426). Females (19.1%) were more commonly infected compared to males (15.9%). Comparison by age groups showed that adults (23.9%) had higher infection rates than children (15.3%). The PCR results showed that 52 out of 75 microscopy positive samples successfully generated species-specific amplicons. The infection with E. histolytica (75.0%; 39/52) was the most common, followed by E. dispar (30.8%; 18/52) and E. moshkovskii (5.8%; 3/52). Of these, 33 (63.5%) were shown to contain only E. histolytica, 10 (19.2%) contained E. dispar and 3 (5.8%) contained only E. moshkovskii. Mixed infection with E. histolytica and E. dispar was found in 6 (11.5%) samples. Conclusions The present study essentially emphasized the benefit of molecular techniques in discriminating the pathogenic Entamoeba species from the non-pathogenic for accurate diagnosis and better management of amoebiasis. The presence of E. moshkovskii is of great public health concern as it was the first time it has been reported in Malaysia. PMID:22947430

Electron microscopic examination of the anterior lens capsule in a case of Alport's syndrome.

PubMed

Citirik, Mehmet; Batman, Cosar; Men, Gamze; Tuncel, Murvet; Zilelioglu, Orhan

2007-09-01

To report a case of Alport's syndrome and to present electronmicroscopic examination findings of the anterior lens capsule of this patient. A 21-year-old man was referred for low visual acuity and retinal pigment epithelial changes in the left eye. The patient and his relatives underwent detailed ophthalmological examination, including electrophysiological testing. The patient also underwent electronmicroscopic examination of the anterior lens capsule. His visual acuity was 6/18 OD and 6/15 OS. Anterior lenticonus and subcapsular opacities were observed in the left eye. Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed for his poor visual performance. During the capsulorhexis, the remarkably thin and fragile anterior capsule was noted and removed. Ultrastructural analysis of the anterior lens capsule showed a thinner central zone compared with the periphery. The course of Alport's syndrome can be ameliorated by early diagnosis. Therefore, the ophthalmological examination of a patient with anterior lenticonus must be combined with a detailed medical evaluation. Ultrastructural analysis of the lens capsule can support the diagnosis of Alport's syndrome.

The Effect of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate Compound Injections to the Localized Adipose Tissue: An Experimental Study with a Murine Model

PubMed Central

Noh, Yongjoon

2012-01-01

Background Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and deoxycholate (DCA) compound has been recently used for the purpose of partial lipolysis and is valued for its efficacy and lower invasiveness compared to liposuction and dermolipectomy used previously. In this article, the authors discuss the efficacy of the PPC dissolved in DCA via an experimental rat study model, along with suggesting a useful animal experimental model for the study of adipose tissue and lipolysis. Methods Bilateral inguinal fat pads of an experimental rat were elevated with the deep inferior epigastric vessel as the sole vascular pedicle. Normal saline was injected on one side as a control group and a PPC and DCA compound was injected on the other side. After 4 days, the rats were euthanized for microscopic tissue examination. The pathology was scored by a semiquantitative system in 4 categories: normal fat amount, fat necrosis, inflammatory activity, and stage of fibrosis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test powered by SPSS packet program was used for statistical analysis and to determine significance. Results Microscopic examination was performed on the obtained samples, and the experimental data of all four categories showed significant histologic differences compared to the control group. All of the data also showed statistical significance by the Wilcoxon signedrank test (P<0.01). Conclusions In the inguinal fat pad rat model, the control group and the experimental group had a differed significantly in the amount of normal fat tissue, inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis. We recommend the rat inguinal fat pad model used in this study, as it is likely to be useful in related research. PMID:23094238

Effect of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus on the ovarian functionality and in vitro reproductive performance of persistently infected heifers.

PubMed

González Altamiranda, E A; Kaiser, G G; Mucci, N C; Verna, A E; Campero, C M; Odeón, A C

2013-08-30

The aim of this study was to study the effect of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus on the reproductive female tract by means of analyzing the ovarian follicular population of persistently infected (PI) heifers, and evaluating the performance of oocytes procured form those heifers in in vitro fertilization procedures. Seven BVDV PI Aberdeen Angus and British crossbred heifers ranging from 18 to 36 months of age were spayed and their ovaries used for viral isolation, microscopic examination, and in vitro fertilization procedures. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus was detected from the follicular fluid and sera of all PI heifers. Microscopic examination of the ovaries from PI heifers showed a significant drop in the number of follicles cortical regions, compared with controls. A comparative analysis of the stages of follicular development showed a significant decrease in the number of primordial and tertiary follicles in the cortical regions of ovaries from PI heifers. Viral antigen was detected by immunohistochemistry, and was widely distributed throughout the ovarian tissues. There were differences in the rate of cleavage and embryo development between oocytes obtained from the ovaries of control animals and PI heifers. Furthermore, two developed embryos obtained from oocytes from one of the PI heifers were positive to BVDV, as well as two media from in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. The results of this study demonstrate that BVDV PI heifers exhibit alterations in follicular population through of the early interaction between the virus and germ cell line affecting directly the mechanisms involved in the ontogenesis of the ovary. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Torsional Preloading on the Torsional Resistance of Nickel-titanium Instruments.

PubMed

Oh, Seung-Hei; Ha, Jung-Hong; Kwak, Sang Won; Ahn, Shin Wook; Lee, WooCheol; Kim, Hyeon-Cheol

2017-01-01

This study evaluated the effect of torsional preloading on the torsional resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments. WaveOne Primary (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and ProTaper Universal F2 (Dentsply Maillefer) files were used. The ultimate torsional strength until fracture was determined for each instrument. In the phase 1 experiment, the ProTaper and WaveOne files were loaded to have a maximum load from 2.0 up to 2.7 or 2.8 Ncm, respectively. In the phase 2 experiment, the number of repetitions of preloading for each file was increased from 50 to 200, whereas the preloading torque was fixed at 2.4 Ncm. Using torsionally preloaded specimens from phase 1 and 2, the torsional resistances were calculated to determine the ultimate strength, distortion angle, and toughness. The results were analyzed using 1-way analysis of variance and Duncan post hoc comparison. The fracture surfaces and longitudinal aspect of 5 specimens per group were examined under a scanning electron microscope. All preloaded groups showed significantly higher ultimate strength than the unpreloaded groups (P < .05). There was no significant difference among all groups for distortion angle and toughness. Although WaveOne had no significant difference between the repetition groups for ultimate strength, fracture angle, and toughness, ProTaper had a higher distortion angle and toughness in the 50-repetition group compared with the other repetition groups (P < .05). Scanning electron microscopic examinations of the fractured surface showed typical features of torsional fracture. Torsional preloading within the ultimate values could enhance the torsional strength of NiTi instruments. The total energy until fracture was maintained constantly, regardless of the alloy type. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ochronosis in a murine model of alkaptonuria is synonymous to that in the human condition

PubMed Central

Taylor, A.M.; Preston, A.J.; Paulk, N.K.; Sutherland, H.; Keenan, C.M.; Wilson, P.J.M.; Wlodarski, B.; Grompe, M.; Ranganath, L.R.; Gallagher, J.A.; Jarvis, J.C.

2012-01-01

Objective Alkaptonuria (AKU) is a rare genetic disease which results in severe early onset osteoarthropathy. It has recently been shown that the subchondral interface is of key significance in disease pathogenesis. Human surgical tissues are often beyond this initial stage and there is no published murine model of pathogenesis, to study the natural history of the disease. The murine genotype exists but it has been reported not to demonstrate ochronotic osteoarthropathy consistent with the human disease. Recent anecdotal evidence of macroscopic renal ochronosis in a mouse model of tyrosinaemia led us to perform histological analysis of tissues of these mice that are known to be affected in human AKU. Design The homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase Hgd+/−Fah−/− mouse can model either hereditary tyrosinaemia type I (HT1) or AKU depending on selection conditions. Mice having undergone Hgd reversion were sacrificed at various time points, and their tissues taken for histological analysis. Sections were stained with haematoxylin eosin (H&E) and Schmorl’s reagent. Results Early time point observations at 8 months showed no sign of macroscopic ochronosis of tissues. Macroscopic examination at 13 months revealed ochronosis of the kidneys. Microscopic analysis of the kidneys revealed large pigmented nodules displaying distinct ochre colouration. Close microscopic examination of the distal femur and proximal fibula at the subchondral junctions revealed the presence of numerous pigmented chondrocytes. Conclusions Here we present the first data showing ochronosis of tissues in a murine model of AKU. These preliminary histological observations provide a stimulus for further studies into the natural history of the disease to provide a greater understanding of this class of arthropathy. PMID:22542924

A Novel Self-Expandable, Radioactive Airway Stent Loaded with 125I Seeds: A Feasibility and Safety Study in Healthy Beagle Dog.

PubMed

Wang, Yong; Guo, Jin-He; Zhu, Guang-Yu; Zhu, Hai-Dong; Chen, Li; Lu, Jian; Wang, Chao; Teng, Gao-Jun

2017-07-01

Airway stent placement is an effective treatment for the immediate palliation of malignant airway obstruction. However, restenosis caused by tumor ingrowth and/or overgrowth after stenting is common. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of a novel self-expandable stent loaded with 125 I seeds in healthy beagle dog. Under fluoroscopic guidance, forty-eight self-expandable airway stents loaded with 125 I seeds were perorally placed in the main trachea of 48 healthy beagle dogs, who were randomly divided into four groups (Group A: 0.3 mCi; Group B: 0.6 mCi; Group C: 0.9 mCi; Control group: 0 mCi). The estimated radiation dose was calculated using the isotropic point source approximation. Radiological follow-up examinations and histopathological examinations of stented tracheal segments and their adjacent organs and tissues were performed at 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks following the stenting. All stents were successfully deployed in the targeted tracheal segment in the beagle dogs without procedure-related complications. Tracheal stenosis became severe gradually in all the four groups, which was not associated with the radioactivity of 125 I seeds (p > 0.05). The tracheal injury scores increased along with the higher dose of radioactive seeds which reached peak at 8 weeks and then turned back slightly at 16 weeks. The adjacent tissue did not show pathohistological changes under microscope, while mild and reversible ultrastructure changes were showed under electronic microscope. This study demonstrates that it is feasible and safe to insert this novel self-expandable airway stent loaded with 125 I seeds in healthy beagle dog.

Comparative Study of the Effects of Fluconazole and Voriconazole on Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and Candida rugosa Biofilms.

PubMed

Madhavan, Priya; Jamal, Farida; Pei, Chong Pei; Othman, Fauziah; Karunanidhi, Arunkumar; Ng, Kee Peng

2018-06-01

Infections by non-albicans Candida species are a life-threatening condition, and formation of biofilms can lead to treatment failure in a clinical setting. This study was aimed to demonstrate the in vitro antibiofilm activity of fluconazole (FLU) and voriconazole (VOR) against C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. rugosa with diverse antifungal susceptibilities to FLU and VOR. The antibiofilm activities of FLU and VOR in the form of suspension as well as pre-coatings were assessed by XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] reduction assay. Morphological and intracellular changes exerted by the antifungal drugs on Candida cells were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results of the antibiofilm activities showed that FLU drug suspension was capable of killing C. parapsilosis and C. rugosa at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4× MIC FLU and 256× MIC FLU, respectively. While VOR MICs ranging from 2× to 32× were capable of killing the biofilms of all Candida spp tested. The antibiofilm activities of pre-coated FLU were able to kill the biofilms at ¼× MIC FLU and ½× MIC FLU for C. parapsilosis and C. rugosa strains, respectively. While pre-coated VOR was able to kill the biofilms, all three Candida sp at ½× MIC VOR. SEM and TEM examinations showed that FLU and VOR treatments exerted significant impact on Candida cell with various degrees of morphological changes. In conclusion, a fourfold reduction in MIC 50 of FLU and VOR towards ATCC strains of C. glabrata, C. rugosa and C. rugosa clinical strain was observed in this study.

Adirondack Under the Microscope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This image was taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit front hazard-identification camera after the rover's first post-egress drive on Mars Sunday, Jan. 15, 2004. Engineers drove the rover approximately 3 meters (10 feet) from the Columbia Memorial Station toward the first rock target, seen in the foreground. The football-sized rock was dubbed Adirondack because of its mountain-shaped appearance. Scientists have begun using the microscopic imager instrument at the end of the rover's robotic arm to examine the rock and understand how it formed.

LYMPHOBLASTOMAS IN CHILDHOOD—Cutaneous Manifestations

PubMed Central

Nelson, Lawrence M.

1953-01-01

The lymphoblastomas occurring in childhood are divided for purposes of discussion into lymphocytoma cutis, mycosis fungoides, lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin's disease, and leukemia. The cutaneous lesions may be either specific (as a result of the infiltration of the skin with specific cells of the conditions) or toxic (non-specific). With the possible exception of mycosis fungoides, the cutaneous manifestations are not diagnostic. The final diagnosis depends upon microscopic examination of the specific tissue involved and the coordination of the clinical and microscopic findings. PMID:13032796

Pancam and Microscopic Imager observations of dust on the Spirit Rover: Cleaning events, spectral properties, and aggregates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vaughan, Alicia F.; Johnson, Jeffrey R.; Herkenhoff, Kenneth E.; Sullivan, Robert; Landis, Geoffrey A.; Goetz, Walter; Madsen, Morten B.

2010-01-01

This work describes dust deposits on the Spirit Rover over 2000 sols through examination of Pancam and Microscopic Imager observations of specific locations on the rover body, including portions of the solar array, Pancam and Mini-TES calibration targets, and the magnets. This data set reveals the three "cleaning events" experienced by Spirit to date, the spectral properties of dust, and the tendency of dust particles to form aggregates 100 um and larger.

Analytical electron microscopic studies and positron lifetime measurements in Al-doped MgO crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedrosa, M. A.; Pareja, R.; González, R.; Abraham, M. M.

1987-07-01

MgO crystals intentionally doped with Al were characterized by analytical electron microscopic examinations and positron lifetime measurements. Large spinel (MgO Al2O3) precipitates were observed in samples with high contents of Al. A well-defined crystallographic relationship between the precipitates and the matrix was found. The characteristics of positron lifetime spectra appear to depend on the valence state of the different impurities in the MgO lattice suggesting that positrons are trapped by vacancy impurity complexes.

Microscope on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

This image taken at Meridiani Planum, Mars by the panoramic camera on the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity shows the rover's microscopic imager (circular device in center), located on its instrument deployment device, or 'arm.' The image was acquired on the ninth martian day or sol of the rover's mission.

Acoustical nanometre-scale vibrations of live cells detected by a near-field optical setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piga, Rosaria; Micheletto, Ruggero; Kawakami, Yoichi

2007-04-01

The Scanning Near-field Optical Microscope (SNOM) is able to detect tiny vertical movement on the cell membrane in the range of only 1 nanometer or less, about 3 orders of magnitude better than conventional optical microscopes. Here we show intriguing data of cell membrane nanometer-scale dynamics associated to different phenomena of the cell’s The Scanning Near-field Optical Microscope (SNOM) is able to detect tiny vertical movement on the cell membrane in the range of only 1 nanometer or less, about 3 orders of magnitude better than conventional optical microscopes. Here we show intriguing data of cell membrane nanometer-scale dynamics associated to different phenomena of the cell’s life, such as cell cycle and cell death, on rat pheochromocytoma line PC12. Working in culture medium with alive and unperturbed samples, we could detect nanometer-sized movements; Fourier components revealed a clear distinct behavior associated to regulation of neurite outgrowth and changes on morphology after necrotic stimulus.

Analysis of biological time-lapse microscopic experiment from the point of view of the information theory.

PubMed

Štys, Dalibor; Urban, Jan; Vaněk, Jan; Císař, Petr

2011-06-01

We report objective analysis of information in the microscopic image of the cell monolayer. The process of transfer of information about the cell by the microscope is analyzed in terms of the classical Shannon information transfer scheme. The information source is the biological object, the information transfer channel is the whole microscope including the camera chip. The destination is the model of biological system. The information contribution is analyzed as information carried by a point to overall information in the image. Subsequently we obtain information reflection of the biological object. This is transformed in the biological model which, in information terminology, is the destination. This, we propose, should be constructed as state transitions in individual cells modulated by information bonds between the cells. We show examples of detected cell states in multidimensional state space. This space is reflected as colour channel intensity phenomenological state space. We have also observed information bonds and show examples of them.

Analysis of biological time-lapse microscopic experiment from the point of view of the information theory.

PubMed

Stys, Dalibor; Urban, Jan; Vanek, Jan; Císar, Petr

2010-07-01

We report objective analysis of information in the microscopic image of the cell monolayer. The process of transfer of information about the cell by the microscope is analyzed in terms of the classical Shannon information transfer scheme. The information source is the biological object, the information transfer channel is the whole microscope including the camera chip. The destination is the model of biological system. The information contribution is analyzed as information carried by a point to overall information in the image. Subsequently we obtain information reflection of the biological object. This is transformed in the biological model which, in information terminology, is the destination. This, we propose, should be constructed as state transitions in individual cells modulated by information bonds between the cells. We show examples of detected cell states in multidimensional state space reflected in space an colour channel intensity phenomenological state space. We have also observed information bonds and show examples of them. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Microscopic investigation of vessel wall after endovascular catheter atherectomy].

PubMed

Tsygankov, V N; Khovalkin, R G; Chekmareva, I A; Kalinin, D V; Filippova, E M

2014-01-01

Endovascular target catheter atherectomy (ETCA) - method of artery patency allowing to obtain occlusion substrate. Given the high destructive effect of atherectome's elements on tissue the objective was determination possibility of histological and electron microscopic investigation of this substrate after atherectomy. The research included 8 patients who underwent ETCA of legs arteries. It was observed substrate removal from broken stent in 1 case. 2 of 8 patients had diabetes. Obtained substrate was available for histological and electron microscopic investigation. Atherosclerosis was confirmed in all cases. It was not observed substrate significant morphological changes in patients with presence or absence of diabetes. Microscopic investigation of substrate from broken stent shows pronounced development of granulation tissue that was regarded as special form of reparative regeneration. Finding internal elastic membrane during microscopic investigation in some cases proves radical intervention. The authors consider that microscopic investigation of substrate after ETCA may be used for diagnosis verification, thorough analysis of morphological changes in lesion area and radicalism of atherectomy.

[Pathological features and clinical manifestations in 313 children with nephropathy under 6].

PubMed

Dang, Xi-qiang; Cao, Yan; Yi, Zhu-wen; Xu, Zi-chuan; He, Xiao-jie; Huang, Dan-lin

2008-03-01

To explore the relationship between pathological features and clinical manifestations in children with nephropathy under 6 years old. Renal biopsy by rapid percutaneous puncturation was performed on 313 children under 6 who were all diagnosed clinically as kidney diseases of 14 different kinds. The specimens were divided into 3 parts for microscope, electron microscope and immuno fluorescence examination respectively and processed by HE, PAS, PASM, and Masson staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the deposition of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, C4, C1q, and Fb in the renal tissues. Additional examinations were done to detect HBs-Ag, HBeAg and HBcAg deposition in some cases with positive serum HBs-Ag. Altogether 290 of the specimens (290/313, 92.65%) were examined by electron microscope. All the renal biopsy performances were successful. The clinical manifestations comprised of persistent haematuria (32.92%, 103/313), idiopathic nephritic syndrome (26.1%, 82/313), acute nephritic syndrome (20.14%, 63/313), Henoch Schonlein purpura nephritis (8.32%, 26/313), HBV-nephritis (4.79%, 15/313), and isolated proteinuria (2.56%, 8/313). The main pathological patterns of glomerular disease were identified as mesangial proliferation (51.75%, 162/313), IgM nephropathy (8.31%,26/313), minor and minimal change (7.99%, 25/313), IgA nephropathy (7.35%, 23/313), endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (5.11%, 16/313), focus segmental glomerulosclerosis (4.47%, 14/313), thin basement membrane nephropathy (4.47%, 14/313), and membrane nephropathy (4.47%, 14/313). Alport syndrome, congenital nephrotic syndrome, and thin basement membrane nephropathy can be diagnosed by electron microscope, white IgA nephropathy, IgM nephropathy and C1q nephropathy by immunopathology. Similar clinical manifestations may differ in the pathology and the clinical features of one pathological diagnosis may vary greatly. Renal biopsy is of great help to the diagnosis, treatment and the prognosis evaluation for children with nephropathy under 6. Electron microscopes also play an important role in the diagnosis of nephropathy.

Effect of silica nanoparticle filler on microscopic polymer α-relaxation dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Makina; Mashita, Ryo; Kishimoto, Hiroyuki; Masuda, Ryo; Yoda, Yoshitaka; Seto, Makoto

2017-11-01

Tyre rubber has been continuously developed to improve its performance, but the microscopic mechanisms behind these improvements, e.g. by adding nanoparticles to the rubber, are still not fully understood. We study the microscopic polymer dynamics of a rubber nanocomposite system consisting of polymer polybutadiene with 20 volume% of silica nanoparticles with diameters of 100 nm via quasi-elastic scattering experiments using gamma-ray time-domain interferometry. The result shows that the presence of silica nanoparticles caused the inter-chain α-relaxation dynamics to slow down in a shallowly supercooled state suggesting that the presence of the nanoparticles that came in contact with the polymer controlled the timescale of the polymer's α-relaxation dynamics. Conversely, the presence of nanoparticles less affects the dynamics in a lower temperature region near T g. It is consistent with the result of the differential scanning calorimetry study showing negligible T g difference among the pure polymer and the nanocomposite system. It also shows that the quasi-elastic scattering experiment can be used to reveal the polymer dynamics in nanocomposites and is appropriate for characterising their microscopic dynamics for the purpose of improving tyre performance.

In vivo observation of age-related structural changes of dermal collagen in human facial skin using collagen-sensitive second harmonic generation microscope equipped with 1250-nm mode-locked Cr:Forsterite laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasui, Takeshi; Yonetsu, Makoto; Tanaka, Ryosuke; Tanaka, Yuji; Fukushima, Shu-ichiro; Yamashita, Toyonobu; Ogura, Yuki; Hirao, Tetsuji; Murota, Hiroyuki; Araki, Tsutomu

2013-03-01

In vivo visualization of human skin aging is demonstrated using a Cr:Forsterite (Cr:F) laser-based, collagen-sensitive second harmonic generation (SHG) microscope. The deep penetration into human skin, as well as the specific sensitivity to collagen molecules, achieved by this microscope enables us to clearly visualize age-related structural changes of collagen fiber in the reticular dermis. Here we investigated intrinsic aging and/or photoaging in the male facial skin. Young subjects show dense distributions of thin collagen fibers, whereas elderly subjects show coarse distributions of thick collagen fibers. Furthermore, a comparison of SHG images between young and elderly subjects with and without a recent life history of excessive sun exposure show that a combination of photoaging with intrinsic aging significantly accelerates skin aging. We also perform image analysis based on two-dimensional Fourier transformation of the SHG images and extracted an aging parameter for human skin. The in vivo collagen-sensitive SHG microscope will be a powerful tool in fields such as cosmeceutical sciences and anti-aging dermatology.

Fabrication of large area plasmonic nanoparticle grating structure on silver halide based transmission electron microscope film and its application as a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sudheer,, E-mail: sudheer@rrcat.gov.in; Tiwari, P.; Singh, M. N.

The plasmonic responses of silver nanoparticle grating structures of different periods made on silver halide based electron microscope film are investigated. Raster scan of the conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to carry out electron beam lithography for fabricating the plasmonic nanoparticle grating (PNG) structures. Morphological characterization of the PNG structures, carried out by the SEM and the atomic force microscope, indicates that the depth of the groove decreases with a decrease in the grating period. Elemental characterization performed by the energy dispersive spectroscopy and the x-ray diffraction shows the presence of nanoparticles of silver in the PNG grating.more » The optical characterization of the gratings shows that the localized surface plasmon resonance peak shifts from 366 to 378 nm and broadens with a decrease in grating period from 10 to 2.5 μm. The surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of the Rhodamine-6G dye coated PNG structure shows the maximum enhancement by two orders of magnitude in comparison to the randomly distributed silver nanoparticles having similar size and shape as the PNG structure.« less

Microscopic Materials on a Magnet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

These images show a comparison of the weak magnet OM7 from the Optical Microscope on NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander before (left) and after (right) soil deposition.

The microscope took the left image during Phoenix's Sol 15 (June 10, 2008) and the right image during Sol 21 (Jun 16, 2008).

The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver.

Study of formation of deep trapping mechanism by UV, beta and gamma irradiated Eu(3+) activated SrY2O4 and Y4Al2O9 phosphors.

PubMed

Dubey, Vikas; Kaur, Jagjeet; Parganiha, Yogita; Suryanarayana, N S; Murthy, K V R

2016-04-01

This paper reports the thermoluminescence properties of Eu(3+) doped different host matrix phosphors (SrY2O4 and Y4Al2O9). The phosphor is prepared by high temperature solid state reaction method. The method is suitable for large scale production and fixed concentration of boric acid using as a flux. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction technique and the crystallite size calculated by Scherer's formula. The prepared phosphor characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), thermoluminescence (TL) and Transmission Electron Microscopic (TEM) techniques. The prepared phosphors for different concentration of Eu(3+) ions were examined by TL glow curve for UV, beta and gamma irradiation. The UV 254nm source used for UV irradiation, Sr(90) source was used for beta irradiation and Co(60) source used for gamma irradiation. SrY2O4:Eu(3+)and Y4Al2O9:Eu(3+) phosphors which shows both higher temperature peaks and lower temperature peaks for UV, beta and gamma irradiation. Here UV irradiated sample shows the formation of shallow trap (surface trapping) and the gamma irradiated sample shows the formation of deep trapping. The estimation of trap formation was evaluated by knowledge of trapping parameters. The trapping parameters such as activation energy, order of kinetics and frequency factor were calculated by peak shape method. Here most of the peak shows second order of kinetics. The effect of gamma, beta and UV exposure on TL studies was also examined and it shows linear response with dose which indicate that the samples may be useful for TL dosimetry. Formation of deep trapping mechanism by UV, beta and gamma irradiated Eu(3+) activated SrY2O4 and Y4Al2O9 phosphors is discussed in this paper. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Scanning electron microscopic appearance of rat otocyst of the twelfth postcoital day: elaboration of a method.

PubMed

Marovitz, W F; Khan, K M

1977-01-01

A method for removal, fixation, microdissection, and drying of early rat otocyst for examination by the scanning electron microscope is elaborated. Tissues were dissected, fixed as for conventional transmission electron microscopy and dried by critical point evaporation using amylacetate as the transitional fluid and carbon dioxide as the pressure head. Otocysts were either dissected at the time of initial fixation, or subsequent to drying. The otocyst of the 12th postcoital day was used as a model system in this preliminary report. Critical point drying retained the overall configuration and the fine ultrastructural detail of the otocyst. The interior otocystic surface was visualized and cilia bearing cells of the luminal surface were identified. Most if not all of these cells had a comspicuous, but short kinocillum which terminated in an ovoid bulb. The scanning electron microscopic appearance was correlated to the transmission electron microscopic image seen in the second paper in this Supplement.

In vivo imaging of oral neoplasia using a miniaturized fiber optic confocal reflectance microscope.

PubMed

Maitland, Kristen C; Gillenwater, Ann M; Williams, Michelle D; El-Naggar, Adel K; Descour, Michael R; Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R

2008-11-01

The purpose of this study was to determine whether in vivo images of oral mucosa obtained with a fiber optic confocal reflectance microscope could be used to differentiate normal and neoplastic tissues. We imaged 20 oral sites in eight patients undergoing surgery for squamous cell carcinoma. Normal and abnormal areas within the oral cavity were identified clinically, and real-time videos of each site were obtained in vivo using a fiber optic confocal reflectance microscope. Following imaging, each site was biopsied and submitted for histopathologic examination. We identified distinct features, such as nuclear irregularity and spacing, which can be used to qualitatively differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue. Representative confocal images of normal, pre-neoplastic, and neoplastic oral tissue are presented. Previous work using much larger microscopes has demonstrated the ability of confocal reflectance microscopy to image cellular and tissue architecture in situ. New advances in technology have enabled miniaturization of imaging systems for in vivo use.

Accessible microscopy workstation for students and scientists with mobility impairments.

PubMed

Duerstock, Bradley S

2006-01-01

An integrated accessible microscopy workstation was designed and developed to allow persons with mobility impairments to control all aspects of light microscopy with minimal human assistance. This system, named AccessScope, is capable of performing brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and tissue morphometry requisite for undergraduate science courses to graduate-level research. An accessible microscope is necessary for students and scientists with mobility impairments to be able to use a microscope independently to better understand microscopical imaging concepts and cell biology. This knowledge is not always apparent by simply viewing a catalog of histological images. The ability to operate a microscope independently eliminates the need to hire an assistant or rely on a classmate and permits one to take practical laboratory examinations by oneself. Independent microscope handling is also crucial for graduate students and scientists with disabilities to perform scientific research. By making a personal computer as the user interface for controlling AccessScope functions, different upper limb mobility impairments could be accommodated by using various computer input devices and assistive technology software. Participants with a range of upper limb mobility impairments evaluated the prototype microscopy workstation. They were able to control all microscopy functions including loading different slides without assistance.

Graduate students Chris Hill and Ryan Anderson examine a cross section of the prototype rocket engine igniter.

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-08

Majid Babai along with Dr. Judy Schneider, and graduate students Chris Hill and Ryan Anderson examine a cross section of the prototype rocket engine igniter created by an innovative bi-metallic 3-D printing advanced manufacturing process under a microscope.

Leaf Histology--Two Modern Methods.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Freeman, H. E.

1984-01-01

Two methods for examining leaf structure are presented; both methods involve use of "superglue." The first method uses the glue to form a thin, permanent, direct replica of a leaf surface on a microscope slide. The second method uses the glue to examine the three-dimensional structure of spongy mesophyll. (JN)

Histopathologic Findings of Cholecystectomy Specimens in Patients Who Underwent Donor Hepatectomy for Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

PubMed

Akbulut, S; Karagul, S; Ertugrul, I; Aydin, C; Yilmaz, M; Yilmaz, S

2015-06-01

The aim of this study was to discuss the macroscopic and microscopic properties of gallbladder specimens obtained from living liver donors. The study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and histopathological data of 1088 donors who underwent living donor hepatectomy between March 2005 and September 2014 at Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Liver Transplantation Center. Age, sex, macroscopic, and microscopic properties of the gallbladder (bladder length, diameter, content, and histopathological properties) were recorded by 2 researchers. A total of 1009 donors aged 17 to 66 years (31.1 ± 9.5) met the inclusion criteria, whereas 79 donors were excluded due to missing data. In total, 587 donors were male (30.5 ± 9.1 years [16-63 years]) and 422 were female (31.8 ± 9.8 years [18-66 years]). Preoperative tests revealed Gilbert syndrome in 3 subjects, whereas other donors' biochemical tests were within normal ranges. The macroscopic examination of gallbladders revealed mean gallbladder wall thickness, length, and width of 1.82 ± 0.8 mm (1-10 mm), 72 ± 11.4 mm (40-120 mm), and 52.5 ± 14 mm (15-90 mm), respectively. The microscopic gallbladder examination showed that 740 donors had a normal gallbladder, 193 had chronic cholecystitis (1 donor had antral metaplasia and 1 had intestinal metaplasia), 40 had cholesterolosis (1 donor had both tubular adenoma and intestinal metaplasia), 15 had minimal chronic cholecystitis (1 donor had pyloric metaplasia), 14 had cholelithiasis, 2 had adenomyosis, 2 had muscular hypertrophy, 1 had papillary hyperplasia, 1 had microdiverticulitis, and 1 had mucosal lymphatic ectasia. The results of this study reflect the actual gallbladder pathologies that can be detected in healthy people. Clearer conclusions can be reached about the epidemiological data on gallbladder as the number of living liver donors increases in the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Evaluation of the Interface between a Nanostructured Calcium-Incorporated Dental Implant Surface and the Human Bone.

PubMed

Mangano, Francesco; Raspanti, Mario; Maghaireh, Hassan; Mangano, Carlo

2017-12-17

Purpose . The aim of this scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was to investigate the interface between the bone and a novel nanostructured calcium-incorporated dental implant surface in humans. Methods . A dental implant (Anyridge ® , Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea) with a nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface (Xpeed ® , Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea), which had been placed a month earlier in a fully healed site of the posterior maxilla (#14) of a 48-year-old female patient, and which had been subjected to immediate functional loading, was removed after a traumatic injury. Despite the violent trauma that caused mobilization of the fixture, its surface appeared to be covered by a firmly attached, intact tissue; therefore, it was subjected to SEM examination. The implant surface of an unused nanostructured calcium-incorporated implant was also observed under SEM, as control. Results . The surface of the unused implant showed a highly-structured texture, carved by irregular, multi-scale hollows reminiscent of a fractal structure. It appeared perfectly clean and devoid of any contamination. The human specimen showed trabecular bone firmly anchored to the implant surface, bridging the screw threads and filling the spaces among them. Conclusions . Within the limits of this human histological report, the sample analyzed showed that the nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface was covered by new bone, one month after placement in the posterior maxilla, under an immediate functional loading protocol.

The Tunneling Microscope: A New Look at the Atomic World.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Golovchenko, J. A.

1986-01-01

A new instrument called the tunneling microscope has recently been developed that is capable of generating real-space images of surfaces showing atomic structure. Discusses current capabilities, limitations, and the physics involved in the technique. Includes results from a study of silicon crystal surfaces. (JN)

Confocal examination of subsurface cracking in ceramic materials.

PubMed

Etman, Maged K

2009-10-01

The original ceramic surface finish and its microstructure may have an effect on crack propagation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between crack propagation and ceramic microstructure following cyclic fatigue loading, and to qualitatively evaluate and quantitatively measure the surface and subsurface crack depths of three types of ceramic restorations with different microstructures using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Twenty (8 x 4 x 2 mm(3)) blocks of AllCeram (AC), experimental ceramic (EC, IPS e.max Press), and Sensation SL (SSL) were prepared, ten glazed and ten polished of each material. Sixty antagonist enamel specimens were made from the labial surfaces of permanent incisors. The ceramic abraders were attached to a wear machine, so that each enamel specimen presented at 45 degrees to the vertical movement of the abraders, and immersed in artificial saliva. Wear was induced for 80K cycles at 60 cycles/min with a load of 40 N and 2-mm horizontal deflection. The specimens were examined for cracks at baseline, 5K, 10K, 20K, 40K, and 80K cycles. Twenty- to 30-microm deep subsurface cracking appeared in SSL, with 8 to 10 microm in AC, and 7 microm close to the margin of the wear facets in glazed EC after 5K cycles. The EC showed no cracks with increasing wear cycles. Seventy-microm deep subsurface cracks were detected in SSL and 45 microm in AC after 80K cycles. Statistically, there was significant difference among the three materials (p < 0.05). Bonferroni multiple comparison of means test confirmed the ANOVA test and showed that there was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in crack depth within the same ceramic material with different surface finishes. The ceramic materials with different microstructures showed different patterns of subsurface cracking.

[In vitro comparison of epidural bacteria filters permeability and screening scanning electron microscopy].

PubMed

Sener, Aysin; Erkin, Yuksel; Sener, Alper; Tasdogen, Aydin; Dokumaci, Esra; Elar, Zahide

2015-01-01

Epidural catheter bacteria filters are barriers in the patient-controlled analgesia/anaesthesia for preventing contamination at the epidural insertion site. The efficiency of these filters varies according to pore sizes and materials. The bacterial adhesion capability of the two filters was measured in vitro experiment. Adhesion capacities for standard Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) strains of the two different filters (Portex and Rusch) which have the same pore size were examined. Bacterial suspension of 0.5 Mc Farland was placed in the patient-controlled analgesia pump, was filtered at a speed of 5mL/h. in continuous infusion for 48h and accumulated in bottle. The two filters were compared with colony counts of bacteria in the filters and bottles. At the same time, the filters and adhered bacteria were monitored by scanning electron microscope. Electron microscopic examination of filters showed that the Portex filter had a granular and the Rusch filter fibrillary structure. Colony counting from the catheter and bottle showed that both of the filters have significant bacterial adhesion capability (p<0.001). After the bacteria suspension infusion, colony countings showed that the Portex filter was more efficient (p<0.001). There was not any difference between S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria adhesion. In the SEM monitoring after the infusion, it was physically shown that the bacteria were adhered efficiently by both of the filters. The granular structured filter was found statistically and significantly more successful than the fibrial. Although the pore sizes of the filters were same - of which structural differences shown by SEM were the same - it would not be right to attribute the changes in the efficiencies to only structural differences. Using microbiological and physical proofs with regard to efficiency at the same time has been another important aspect of this experiment. Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

In vitro comparison of epidural bacteria filters permeability and screening scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Sener, Aysin; Erkin, Yuksel; Sener, Alper; Tasdogen, Aydin; Dokumaci, Esra; Elar, Zahide

2015-01-01

Epidural catheter bacteria filters are barriers in the patient-controlled analgesia/anaesthesia for preventing contamination at the epidural insertion site. The efficiency of these filters varies according to pore sizes and materials. The bacterial adhesion capability of the two filters was measured in vitro experiment. Adhesion capacities for standard Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) strains of the two different filters (Portex and Rusch) which have the same pore size were examined. Bacterial suspension of 0.5 Mc Farland was placed in the patient-controlled analgesia pump, was filtered at a speed of 5 mL/h. in continuous infusion for 48 h and accumulated in bottle. The two filters were compared with colony counts of bacteria in the filters and bottles. At the same time, the filters and adhered bacteria were monitored by scanning electron microscope. Electron microscopic examination of filters showed that the Portex filter had a granular and the Rusch filter fibrillary structure. Colony counting from the catheter and bottle showed that both of the filters have significant bacterial adhesion capability (p<0.001). After the bacteria suspension infusion, colony countings showed that the Portex filter was more efficient (p<0.001). There was not any difference between S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria adhesion. In the SEM monitoring after the infusion, it was physically shown that the bacteria were adhered efficiently by both of the filters. The granular structured filter was found statistically and significantly more successful than the fibrial. Although the pore sizes of the filters were same - of which structural differences shown by SEM were the same - it would not be right to attribute the changes in the efficiencies to only structural differences. Using microbiological and physical proofs with regard to efficiency at the same time has been another important aspect of this experiment. Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Colloidal Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of CuFeSe2 Nanocrystals

PubMed Central

Zhang, Bing-Qian; Zuo, Yong; Chen, Jing-Shuai; Niu, He-Lin; Mao, Chang-Jie

2017-01-01

Copper-based chalcogenides that contain abundant, low-cost and environmentally-friendly elements, are excellent materials for numerous energy conversion applications, such as photocatalysis, photovoltaics, photoelectricity and thermoelectrics (TE). Here, we present a high-yield and upscalable colloidal synthesis route for the production of monodisperse ternary I-III-VI2 chalcogenides nanocrystals (NCs), particularly stannite CuFeSe2, with uniform shape and narrow size distributions by using selenium powder as the anion precursor and CuCl2·2H2O and FeCl3 as the cationic precursors. The composition, the state of valence, size and morphology of the CuFeSe2 materials were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), respectively. Furthermore, the TE properties characterization of these dense nanomaterials compacted from monodisperse CuFeSe2 NCs by hot press at 623 K were preliminarily studied after ligand removal by means of hydrazine and hexane solution. The TE performances of the sintered CuFeSe2 pellets were characterized in the temperature range from room temperature to 653 K. Finally, the dimensionless TE figure of merit (ZT) of this Earth-abundant and intrinsic p-type CuFeSe2 NCs is significantly increased to 0.22 at 653 K in this work, which is demonstrated to show a promising TE materialand makes it a possible p-type candidate for medium-temperature TE applications. PMID:29278381

A numerical analysis of the Born approximation for image formation modeling of differential interference contrast microscopy for human embryos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trattner, Sigal; Feigin, Micha; Greenspan, Hayit; Sochen, Nir

2008-03-01

The differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope is commonly used for the visualization of live biological specimens. It enables the view of the transparent specimens while preserving their viability, being a non-invasive modality. Fertility clinics often use the DIC microscope for evaluation of human embryos quality. Towards quantification and reconstruction of the visualized specimens, an image formation model for DIC imaging is sought and the interaction of light waves with biological matter is examined. In many image formation models the light-matter interaction is expressed via the first Born approximation. The validity region of this approximation is defined in a theoretical bound which limits its use to very small specimens with low dielectric contrast. In this work the Born approximation is investigated via the Helmholtz equation, which describes the interaction between the specimen and light. A solution on the lens field is derived using the Gaussian Legendre quadrature formulation. This numerical scheme is considered both accurate and efficient and has shortened significantly the computation time as compared to integration methods that required a great amount of sampling for satisfying the Whittaker - Shannon sampling theorem. By comparing the numerical results with the theoretical values it is shown that the theoretical bound is not directly relevant to microscopic imaging and is far too limiting. The numerical exhaustive experiments show that the Born approximation is inappropriate for modeling the visualization of thick human embryos.

Detection of species and molecular typing of Leishmania in suspected patients by targeting cytochrome b gene in Zahedan, southeast of Iran.

PubMed

Mirahmadi, Hadi; Rezaee, Nasrin; Mehravaran, Ahmad; Heydarian, Peyman; Raeghi, Saber

2018-05-01

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important health problems that are capable of involving both tropical and subtropical areas, especially in Iran. This cross-sectional study aimed to differentiate the species that are able to cause CL in Zahedan city by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. It was conducted on 145 suspected CL patients in Zahedan city between 2014 and 2016. The smears were initially prepared, air-dried, fixed with absolute methanol, and stained with 10% Giemsa. Then, we examined the stained samples by a light microscope under 1000× magnifications. PCR assay targeted cytochrome b (cyt b ) gene using LCBF1 and LCBR2 primers and the products digested by Ssp1 enzymes. From 145 suspected CL patients, 76 (52.4%) were positive in microscopic examination. In addition, we detected gene of interest (cyt b ) in 98 (67.5%). The results of PCR-RFLP indicated that 53/98 (54%) cases were Leishmania major and 45/98 (46%) were Leishmania tropica , and the main species in these areas was L. major . We concluded that the microscopic examination is not sensitive enough and is not able to distinguish between different Leishmania species. Instead, molecular methods like PCR-RFLP can be appropriately used with promising results.

Biaxial Fatigue Cracking from Notch

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-04

2 Fractography ........................................................................................................................... 3...8 Fractography for Fatigue Crack Growth... FRACTOGRAPHY The fatigue crack surface morphology was examined with a JEOL JSM-6460LV scanning electron microscope, operated at an accelerating

Microplastics in the benthic invertebrates from the coastal waters of Kochi, Southeastern Arabian Sea.

PubMed

Naidu, S A; Ranga Rao, V; Ramu, K

2018-01-05

This study examined microplastic particles present in the benthic invertebrates Sternaspis scutata, Magelona cinta (deposit feeders) and Tellina sp. (suspension feeder) from the surface sediments of off-Kochi, southwest coast of India. The microplastic particles and thread-like fibres detected in these organisms were identified to be polystyrene by using DXR Raman microscope. Examination of the microplastic particle in Sternaspis scutata by epifluorescent microscopy showed fragmentation marks on the surface suggesting that the microplastic particle was degraded/weathered in nature. The study provides preliminary evidence of the presence of microplastics in benthic fauna from the coastal waters of India. However, further studies are required to understand the sources, distribution, fate and toxicity of the different types of microplastics in benthic invertebrates in order to identify any potential threats to higher trophic level organisms.

Evaluation of Two Ionic Liquid-Based Epoxies from the MISSE-8 (Materials International Space Station Experiment-8) Sample Carrier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rabenberg, Ellen; Kaukler, William; Grugel, Richard

2015-01-01

Two sets of epoxy mixtures, both containing the same ionic liquid (IL) based resin but utilizing two different curing agents, were evaluated after spending more than two years of continual space exposure outside of the International Space Station on the MISSE-8 sample rack. During this period the samples, positioned on nadir side, also experienced some 12,500 thermal cycles between approximately -40?C and +40 C. Initial examination showed some color change, a miniscule weight variance, and no cracks or de-bonding from the sample substrate. Microscopic examination of the surface reveled some slight deformities and pitting. These observations, and others, are discussed in view of the ground-based control samples. Finally, the impetus of this study in terms of space applications is presented.

Microscopic Simulation and Macroscopic Modeling for Thermal and Chemical Non-Equilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, Yen; Panesi, Marco; Vinokur, Marcel; Clarke, Peter

2013-01-01

This paper deals with the accurate microscopic simulation and macroscopic modeling of extreme non-equilibrium phenomena, such as encountered during hypersonic entry into a planetary atmosphere. The state-to-state microscopic equations involving internal excitation, de-excitation, dissociation, and recombination of nitrogen molecules due to collisions with nitrogen atoms are solved time-accurately. Strategies to increase the numerical efficiency are discussed. The problem is then modeled using a few macroscopic variables. The model is based on reconstructions of the state distribution function using the maximum entropy principle. The internal energy space is subdivided into multiple groups in order to better describe the non-equilibrium gases. The method of weighted residuals is applied to the microscopic equations to obtain macroscopic moment equations and rate coefficients. The modeling is completely physics-based, and its accuracy depends only on the assumed expression of the state distribution function and the number of groups used. The model makes no assumption at the microscopic level, and all possible collisional and radiative processes are allowed. The model is applicable to both atoms and molecules and their ions. Several limiting cases are presented to show that the model recovers the classical twotemperature models if all states are in one group and the model reduces to the microscopic equations if each group contains only one state. Numerical examples and model validations are carried out for both the uniform and linear distributions. Results show that the original over nine thousand microscopic equations can be reduced to 2 macroscopic equations using 1 to 5 groups with excellent agreement. The computer time is decreased from 18 hours to less than 1 second.

Enhancing the performance of the light field microscope using wavefront coding

PubMed Central

Cohen, Noy; Yang, Samuel; Andalman, Aaron; Broxton, Michael; Grosenick, Logan; Deisseroth, Karl; Horowitz, Mark; Levoy, Marc

2014-01-01

Light field microscopy has been proposed as a new high-speed volumetric computational imaging method that enables reconstruction of 3-D volumes from captured projections of the 4-D light field. Recently, a detailed physical optics model of the light field microscope has been derived, which led to the development of a deconvolution algorithm that reconstructs 3-D volumes with high spatial resolution. However, the spatial resolution of the reconstructions has been shown to be non-uniform across depth, with some z planes showing high resolution and others, particularly at the center of the imaged volume, showing very low resolution. In this paper, we enhance the performance of the light field microscope using wavefront coding techniques. By including phase masks in the optical path of the microscope we are able to address this non-uniform resolution limitation. We have also found that superior control over the performance of the light field microscope can be achieved by using two phase masks rather than one, placed at the objective’s back focal plane and at the microscope’s native image plane. We present an extended optical model for our wavefront coded light field microscope and develop a performance metric based on Fisher information, which we use to choose adequate phase masks parameters. We validate our approach using both simulated data and experimental resolution measurements of a USAF 1951 resolution target; and demonstrate the utility for biological applications with in vivo volumetric calcium imaging of larval zebrafish brain. PMID:25322056

Identification of powdered Chinese herbal medicines by fluorescence microscopy, Part 1: Fluorescent characteristics of mechanical tissues, conducting tissues, and ergastic substances.

PubMed

Wang, Ya-Qiong; Liang, Zhi-Tao; Li, Qin; Yang, Hua; Chen, Hu-Biao; Zhao, Zhong-Zhen; Li, Ping

2011-03-01

The light microscope has been successfully used in identification of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) for more than a century. However, positive identification is not always possible. Given the popularity of fluorescence microscopy in bioanalysis, researchers dedicated to finding new ways to identify CHMs more effectively are now turning to fluorescence microscopy for authentication purposes. Some studies on distinguishing confused species from the same genus and on exploring distributions of chemicals in tissues of CHMs by fluorescence microscopy have been reported; however, no systematic investigations on fluorescent characteristics of powdered CHMs have been reported. Here, 46 samples of 16 CHMs were investigated. Specifically, the mechanical tissues including stone cells and fibers, the conducting tissues including three types of vessels, and ergastic substances including crystals of calcium oxalate and secretions, in various powdered CHMs were investigated by both light microscope and fluorescence microscope. The results showed many microscopic features emit fluorescence that makes them easily observed, even against complex backgrounds. Under the fluorescence microscope, different microscopic features from the same powdered CHM or some same features from different powdered CHMs emitted the different fluorescence, making this information very helpful for the authentication of CHMs in powder form. Moreover, secretions with unique chemical profiles from different powdered CHMs showed different fluorescent characteristics. Hence, fluorescence microscopy could be a useful additional method for the authentication of powdered CHMs if the fluorescent characteristics of specific CHMs are known. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Urinalysis: case presentations for the primary care physician.

PubMed

Sharp, Victoria J; Lee, Daniel K; Askeland, Eric J

2014-10-15

Urinalysis is useful in diagnosing systemic and genitourinary conditions. In patients with suspected microscopic hematuria, urine dipstick testing may suggest the presence of blood, but results should be confirmed with a microscopic examination. In the absence of obvious causes, the evaluation of microscopic hematuria should include renal function testing, urinary tract imaging, and cystoscopy. In a patient with a ureteral stent, urinalysis alone cannot establish the diagnosis of urinary tract infection. Plain radiography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder can identify a stent and is preferred over computed tomography. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the isolation of bacteria in an appropriately collected urine specimen obtained from a person without symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria is not recommended in nonpregnant adults, including those with prolonged urinary catheter use.

Ultrastructural evaluation of multiple pass low energy versus single pass high energy radio-frequency treatment.

PubMed

Kist, David; Burns, A Jay; Sanner, Roth; Counters, Jeff; Zelickson, Brian

2006-02-01

The radio-frequency (RF) device is a system capable of volumetric heating of the mid to deep dermis and selective heating of the fibrous septa strands and fascia layer. Clinically, these effects promote dermal collagen production, and tightening of these deep subcutaneous structures. A new technique of using multiple low energy passes has been described which results in lower patient discomfort and fewer side effects. This technique has also been anecdotally described as giving more reproducible and reliable clinical results of tissue tightening and contouring. This study will compare ultrastructural changes in collagen between a single pass high energy versus up to five passes of a multiple pass lower energy treatment. Three subjects were consented and treated in the preauricular region with the RF device using single or multiple passes (three or five) in the same 1.5 cm(2) treatment area with a slight delay between passes to allow tissue cooling. Biopsies from each treatment region and a control biopsy were taken immediately, 24 hours or 6 months post treatment for electron microscopic examination of the 0-1 mm and 1-2 mm levels. Sections of tissue 1 mm x 1 mm x 80 nm were examined with an RCA EMU-4 Transmission Electron Microscope. Twenty sections from 6 blocks from each 1 mm depth were examined by 2 blinded observers. The morphology and degree of collagen change in relation to area examined was compared to the control tissue, and estimated using a quantitative scale. Ultrastructural examination of tissue showed that an increased amount of collagen fibril changes with increasing passes at energies of 97 J (three passes) and 122 J (five passes), respectively. The changes seen after five multiple passes were similar to those detected after much more painful single pass high-energy treatments. This ultrastructural study shows changes in collagen fibril morphology with an increased effect demonstrated at greater depths of the skin with multiple low-fluence passes and at lesser depths with single pass higher fluence settings. Findings suggest that similar collagen fibril alteration can occur with multiple pass low-energy treatments and single pulse high-energy treatments. The lower fluence multiple pass approach is associated with less patient discomfort, less side effects, and more consistent clinical results. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

In vivo evaluation of toxicity and antiviral activity of polyrhodanine nanoparticles by using the chicken embryo model.

PubMed

Nazaktabar, Ahmad; Lashkenari, Mohammad Soleimani; Araghi, Atefeh; Ghorbani, Mohsen; Golshahi, Hannaneh

2017-10-01

Evaluation of the potential cytotoxicity of polyrhodanine nanoparticles is an important factor for its biological applications. In current study, for the first time histopathological and biochemical analysis of polyrhodanine besides of its antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were examined on chicken embryo model. Polyrhodanine was synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Different doses of polyrhodanine nanoparticles were injected into the albumen in 4-day-old embryonic eggs for groups: (0.1ppm, 1ppm, 10ppm and 100ppm), while the Control group received only normal saline. The gross examination of chicks revealed no abnormality. No pathological changes were detected in microscopical examination of the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, bursa of Fabricius and central nervous system tissues. Blood serum biochemical indices showed no significant differences between control and treatment groups. Interestingly, polyrhodanine nanoparticles showed strong antiviral activity against NDV in ovo. These preliminary findings suggest that polyrhodanine nanoparticles without any toxicity effect could be utilized in controlling Newcastle disease in chickens. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mars Life? - Microscopic Tube-like Structures

NASA Image and Video Library

1996-08-09

This high-resolution scanning electron microscope image shows an unusual tube-like structural form that is less than 1/100th the width of a human hair in size found in meteorite ALH84001, a meteorite believed to be of Martian origin. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA00288

DNA translocation measurements in solid-state nanopores fabricated using helium-ion microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liping; Miao, Wang; Huynh, Chuong; Liu, Quanjun; Ling, Xinsheng

2012-02-01

We report high-quality DNA translocation measurements in solid-state nanopores drilled in free-standing SiN membranes by using a helium-ion beam in a Zeiss helium-ion microscope (HIM). We show that the HIM nanopores have similar performance as the TEM-drilled pores.

Methyl green and nitrotetrazolium blue chloride co-expression in colon tissue: A hyperspectral microscopic imaging analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qingli; Liu, Hongying; Wang, Yiting; Sun, Zhen; Guo, Fangmin; Zhu, Jianzhong

2014-12-01

Histological observation of dual-stained colon sections is usually performed by visual observation under a light microscope, or by viewing on a computer screen with the assistance of image processing software in both research and clinical settings. These traditional methods are usually not sufficient to reliably differentiate spatially overlapping chromogens generated by different dyes. Hyperspectral microscopic imaging technology offers a solution for these constraints as the hyperspectral microscopic images contain information that allows differentiation between spatially co-located chromogens with similar but different spectra. In this paper, a hyperspectral microscopic imaging (HMI) system is used to identify methyl green and nitrotetrazolium blue chloride in dual-stained colon sections. Hyperspectral microscopic images are captured and the normalized score algorithm is proposed to identify the stains and generate the co-expression results. Experimental results show that the proposed normalized score algorithm can generate more accurate co-localization results than the spectral angle mapper algorithm. The hyperspectral microscopic imaging technology can enhance the visualization of dual-stained colon sections, improve the contrast and legibility of each stain using their spectral signatures, which is helpful for pathologist performing histological analyses.

SIL-STED microscopy technique enhancing super-resolution of fluorescence microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, No-Cheol; Lim, Geon; Lee, Won-sup; Moon, Hyungbae; Choi, Guk-Jong; Park, Young-Pil

2017-08-01

We have characterized a new type STED microscope which combines a high numerical aperture (NA) optical head with a solid immersion lens (SIL), and we call it as SIL-STED microscope. The advantage of a SIL-STED microscope is that its high NA of the SIL makes it superior to a general STED microscope in lateral resolution, thus overcoming the optical diffraction limit at the macromolecular level and enabling advanced super-resolution imaging of cell surface or cell membrane structure and function Do. This study presents the first implementation of higher NA illumination in a STED microscope limiting the fluorescence lateral resolution to about 40 nm. The refractive index of the SIL which is made of material KTaO3 is about 2.23 and 2.20 at a wavelength of 633 nm and 780 nm which are used for excitation and depletion in STED imaging, respectively. Based on the vector diffraction theory, the electric field focused by the SILSTED microscope is numerically calculated so that the numerical results of the point dispersion function of the microscope and the expected resolution could be analyzed. For further investigation, fluorescence imaging of nano size fluorescent beads is fulfilled to show improved performance of the technique.

Hybrid Microscopic-Endoscopic Surgery for Craniopharyngioma in Neurosurgical Suite: Technical Notes.

PubMed

Ichikawa, Tomotsugu; Otani, Yoshihiro; Ishida, Joji; Fujii, Kentaro; Kurozumi, Kazuhiko; Ono, Shigeki; Date, Isao

2016-01-01

The best chance of curing craniopharyngioma is achieved by microsurgical total resection; however, its location adjacent to critical structures hinders complete resection without neurologic deterioration. Unrecognized residual tumor within microscopic blind spots might result in tumor recurrences. To improve outcomes, new techniques are necessary to visualize tissue within these blind spots. We examined the success of hybrid microscopic-endoscopic neurosurgery for craniopharyngioma in a neurosurgical suite. Four children with craniopharyngiomas underwent microscopic resection. When the neurosurgeon was confident that most of the visible tumor was removed but was suspicious of residual tumor within the blind spot, he or she used an integrated endoscope-holder system to inspect and remove any residual tumor. Two ceiling monitors were mounted side by side in front of the surgeon to display both microscopic and endoscopic views and to view both monitors simultaneously. Surgery was performed in all patients via the frontobasal interhemispheric approach. Residual tumors were observed in the sella (2 patients), on the ventral surface of the chiasm and optic nerve (1 patient), and in the third ventricle (1 patient) and were resected to achieve total resection. Postoperatively, visual function was improved in 2 patients and none exhibited deterioration related to the surgery. Simultaneous microscopic and endoscopic observation with the use of dual monitors in a neurosurgical suite was ergonomically optimal for the surgeon to perform microsurgical procedures and to avoid traumatizing surrounding vessels or neural tissues. Hybrid microscopic-endoscopic neurosurgery may contribute to safe, less-invasive, and maximal resection to achieve better prognosis in children with craniopharyngioma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of automatic image analysis for morphometric studies of peroxisomes stained cytochemically for catalase. II. Light-microscopic application.

PubMed

Beier, K; Fahimi, H D

1987-01-01

The feasibility of the application of a television-based image analyzer, the Texture Analysis System (TAS, Leitz Wetzlar, FRG) in conjunction with a light microscope for morphometric studies of hepatic peroxisomes has been investigated. Rat liver peroxisomes were stained with the alkaline-DAB method for localization of catalase and semithin (0.25 and 1 micron) sections of plastic-embedded material were examined under an oil immersion objective. The TAS detected the peroxisomal profiles selectively and determined their morphometric parameters automatically. The same parameters were obtained also by morphometric analysis of electron micrographs from the same material. The volume density of peroxisomes determined by TAS in semithin sections of normal liver, after correction for section thickness, is quite close to the corresponding value obtained by morphometry of electron micrographs. The difference is approximately 20%. In animals treated with the hypolipidemic drug bezafibrate, which causes proliferation of peroxisomes, TAS detected readily the increase in volume density of peroxisomes in semithin sections. In comparison with electron microscopy, however, the light-microscopic approach seems to underestimate the proliferation. The lower resolution of the light microscope and overlapping of neighbouring particles in relatively thick sections used for light-microscopic analysis may account for the differences. The present study has demonstrated the usefulness of automatic image analysis in conjunction with selective cytochemical staining of peroxisomes for morphometry of this organelle in rat liver. The light-microscopic approach is not only faster but is also extremely economical by obviating the use of an electron microscope.