-
Parasitology Oct 2020Parasitic castration of bivalves by trematodes is common, and may significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of ecologically important species. Understanding the...
Parasitic castration of bivalves by trematodes is common, and may significantly reduce the reproductive capacity of ecologically important species. Understanding the intensity of infection is desirable, as it can indicate the time that has passed since infection, and influence the host's physiological and reproductive response. In addition, it is useful to know the developmental stage of the trematode, to understand trematode population trends and reproductive success. However, most existing methods (e.g. visually estimating the degree of infection) to assess intensity are approximate only and not reproducible. Here, we present a method to accurately quantify the percentage of bivalve gonad filled with digenean trematode tissue, based on small squashes of gonad tissue rapidly photographed under light microscopy. A maximum of 15 photographs is required to determine the percentage of the whole gonad occupied by trematodes with a minimum of 90% confidence, with smaller mussels requiring fewer. In addition, the stage of trematode infection can be assessed because full sporocysts, spent sporocysts and free cercariae are clearly distinguishable. Although variation exists in the distribution of trematodes in gonad tissue, and thus in the estimate of percentage of the gonad filled with trematodes, this method represents a marked improvement on current coarse assessments of infection which typically focus on binary presence/absence measures. This technique can be used to facilitate a more sophisticated understanding of host-parasite interactions in bivalves, and can inform the conservation and reproductive biology of environmentally crucial species.
Topics: Animals; Bivalvia; Castration; Cercaria; Gonads; Life Cycle Stages; Photomicrography; Trematoda; Trematode Infections
PubMed: 32729439
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182020001213 -
ACS Omega Mar 2022The present work describes the development and characterization of liquid crystalline nanoparticles of hispolon (HP-LCNPs) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma....
Hispolon-Loaded Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles: Development, Stability, In Vitro Delivery Profile, and Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
The present work describes the development and characterization of liquid crystalline nanoparticles of hispolon (HP-LCNPs) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma. HP-LCNPs were prepared by a top-down method utilizing GMO as the lipid and Pluronic F-127 as the polymeric stabilizer. The prepared formulations (HP1-HP8) were tested for long-term stability, where HP5 showed good stability with a particle size of 172.5 ± 0.3 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.38 ± 0.31 nm, a zeta potential of -10.12 mV ± 0.05, an entrapment efficiency of 86.81 ± 2.5%, and a drug loading capacity of 12.51 ± 1.12%. Optical photomicrography and transmission electron microscopy images demonstrated a consistent, low degree of aggregation and a spherical shape of LCNPs. The effect of temperature and pH on the optimized formulation (HP5) indicated good stability at 45 °C and at pH between 2 and 5. In vitro gastrointestinal stability indicated no significant change in the particle size, PDI, and entrapment efficiency of the drug. The drug release study exhibited a biphasic pattern in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) for 2 h and simulated intestinal fluid (pH 7.4) for up to 24 h, while the best fitting of the profile was observed with the Higuchi model, indicating the Fickian diffusion mechanism. The in vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated nearly 4.8-fold higher bioavailability from HP5 (AUC: 1774.3 ± 0.41 μg* h/mL) than from the HP suspension (AUC: 369.11 ± 0.11 μg* h/mL). The anticancer activity evaluation revealed a significant improvement in antioxidant parameters and serum hepatic biomarkers (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total bilirubin, and GGT) in the diethyl nitrosamine-treated group of rats with the optimized LCNP formulation (HP5) vis-à-vis HP suspension.
PubMed: 35350323
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06796 -
Experimental Parasitology Jan 2020Here, we report enhanced the in vitro effect of potassium usnate on coupled adult Schistosoma mansoni worms at different time intervals and concentrations. The evaluated...
Here, we report enhanced the in vitro effect of potassium usnate on coupled adult Schistosoma mansoni worms at different time intervals and concentrations. The evaluated schistosomicidal parameters were the following: motility, mortality, fecundity and integumentary changes, as viewed in photomicrographs. Potassium usnate was able to cause 100 and 50% mortality at 100 and 50 μM concentrations, respectively, after 24 h of exposure, while 25 and 12.5 μM concentrations caused changes in motility at 48 and 72 h, and lethality at 96 and 120 h respectively. Eggs were not detected at any of the concentrations analyzed. Photomicrographs revealed morphological tegument alterations within all periods of observation, such as swelling, blisters, dorsoventral contraction, short and curved worms. In conclusion, our results indicate that potassium usnate represents a possible candidate for a new drug in the control of schistosomiasis.
Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Anthelmintics; Benzofurans; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Fertility; Male; Mice; Movement; Photomicrography; Schistosoma mansoni; Schistosomiasis mansoni; Time Factors
PubMed: 31634474
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107779 -
Journal of Dental Sciences Jan 2024Integration of arts and humanities into dental education is important for developing holistically oriented dental professionals. This study aimed to survey dental...
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Integration of arts and humanities into dental education is important for developing holistically oriented dental professionals. This study aimed to survey dental students' perception of integrating arts and sciences into dental education with an innovative pedagogical approach through a photomicrograph competition.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Students used digital imaging tools and creative approaches to capture photomicrographs that revealed hidden beauty in oral tissue sections. The photomicrograph works were posted online for scoring. The scoring activity, questionnaire survey, and complimentary comments of the participants were conducted online using a Google form.
RESULTS
The photomicrograph competition garnered a 24% participation rate from the 490 undergraduate dental students. Of the 116 participants, 65% agreed that the photomicrograph competition increased their interest in learning microscopic lessons, 87% very strongly or strongly supported to hold the photomicrograph competition every year, and 72% believed that the photomicrograph competition could be adopted to the dental students in all dental schools in Taiwan. The overall satisfaction rate of the photomicrograph competition was 91%. The free comments from all participants were generally positive towards this photomicrograph competition.
CONCLUSION
The photomicrograph competition shows the transformative potential of integrating arts and humanities into dental education. Through the lens of photomicrography, the hidden wonders in oral tissue sections have been unveiled. This photomicrograph competition, a pioneering endeavor with no precedent in English literature, has proven to be a resounding success that unites the realms of scientific inquiry and artistic expression, and may be a transformative agent in nurturing holistic dental professionals.
PubMed: 38303888
DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.09.003 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2022Benthic cyanobacterial assemblages from ponds distributed along inland-coastal gradients in the McMurdo Sound region were studied during the 2011/12 Antarctic summer...
Benthic cyanobacterial assemblages from ponds distributed along inland-coastal gradients in the McMurdo Sound region were studied during the 2011/12 Antarctic summer season. Twenty-five ponds were sampled in four distinct geographic locations, including the Lower and Upper Wright Valleys, Ross Island and the McMurdo Ice Shelf. For morphological identification, benthic mat samples were thawed and a subsample was directly observed by light microscopy. Remaining sample material was stored in 50 ml sterile polycarbonate bottles containing the mineral nutrient medium MLA for future studies, maintained at a temperature of 21°C. Ten morphological criteria were used to describe the morphotypes (trichome shape, number of trichomes in sheath, presence or absence of terminal attenuation of trichome, calyptra on mature apical cell, shape of apical cell, presence or absence of constrictions at transverse walls, granules, branching, range in width of trichomes and range of cell length) with reference to available identification literature. All morphospecies were documented using photomicrography. In total, 29 morphospecies were described, four assigned to the order Chroococcales, three to Nostocales and 22 to Oscillatoriales. The four geographic locations had similar taxonomic richness, sharing many morphospecies. However, each also contained distinct floristic elements that were rare or absent from the others.
Topics: Antarctic Regions; Cyanobacteria; Ponds
PubMed: 35442301
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210814 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2020Trypanosoma rangeli is a non-pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects mammals, including humans, in Chagas disease-endemic areas of South and Central America. The...
Trypanosoma rangeli is a non-pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects mammals, including humans, in Chagas disease-endemic areas of South and Central America. The parasite is transmitted to a mammalian host when an infected triatomine injects metacyclic trypomastigotes into the host's skin during a bloodmeal. Infected mammals behave as parasite reservoirs for several months and despite intensive research, some major aspects of T. rangeli-vertebrate interactions are still poorly understood. In particular, many questions still remain unanswered, e.g. parasite survival and development inside vertebrates, as no parasite multiplication sites have yet been identified. The present study used an insect bite transmission strategy to investigate whether the vector inoculation spot in the skin behave as a parasite-replication site. Histological data from the skin identified extracellular parasites in the dermis and hypodermis of infected mice in the first 24 hours post-infection, as well as the presence of inflammatory infiltrates in a period of up to 7 days. However, qPCR analyses demonstrated that T. rangeli is eliminated from the skin after 7 days of infection despite being still consistently found on circulating blood and secondary lymphoid tissues for up to 30 days post-infection. Interestingly, significant numbers of parasites were found in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of infected mice during different periods of infection and steady basal numbers of flagellates are maintained in the host's bloodstream, which might behave as a transmission source to insect vectors. The presence of parasites in the spleen was confirmed by fluorescent photomicrography of free and cell-associated T. rangeli forms. Altogether our results suggest that this organ could possibly behave as a T. rangeli maintenance hotspot in vertebrates.
Topics: Animals; Central America; Chagas Disease; Disease Models, Animal; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Insect Bites and Stings; Insect Vectors; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Rhodnius; Sepsis; Skin; South America; Spleen; Trypanosoma rangeli
PubMed: 33370305
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009015 -
PloS One 2020Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke but it remains unclear how to identify... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke but it remains unclear how to identify microvascular changes in this population.
OBJECTIVES
We hypothesized that simple non-mydriatic retinal photography is feasible and can be used to assess microvascular damage in COPD.
METHODS
Novel Vascular Manifestations of COPD was a prospective study comparing smokers with and without COPD, matched for age. Non-mydriatic, retinal fundus photographs were assessed using semi-automated software.
RESULTS
Retinal images from 24 COPD and 22 control participants were compared. Cases were of similar age to controls (65.2 vs. 63.1 years, p = 0.38), had significantly lower Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) (53.4 vs 100.1% predicted; p < 0.001) and smoked more than controls (41.7 vs. 29.6 pack years; p = 0.04). COPD participants had wider mean arteriolar (155.6 ±15 uM vs. controls [142.2 ± 12 uM]; p = 0.002) and venular diameters (216.8 ±20.7 uM vs. [201.3± 19.1 uM]; p = 0.012). Differences in retinal vessel caliber were independent of confounders, odds ratios (OR) = 1.08 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.02, 1.13; p = 0.007) and OR = 1.05 (CI = 1.01, 1.09; p = 0.011) per uM increase in arteriolar and venular diameter respectively. FEV1 remained significantly associated with retinal vessel dilatation r = -0.39 (p = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS
Non-mydriatic retinal imaging is easily facilitated. We found significant arteriole and venous dilation in COPD compared to age-matched smokers without COPD associated with lung function independent of standard cardiovascular risk factors. Retinal microvascular changes are known to be strongly associated with future vascular events and retinal photography offers potential to identify this risk.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
clinicaltrials.gov NCT02060292.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Feasibility Studies; Female; Fundus Oculi; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Male; Microvessels; Middle Aged; Photomicrography; Prospective Studies; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Retinal Diseases; Retinal Vessels; Smokers; Smoking
PubMed: 31923188
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227175 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Feb 2021Loranthaceae family includes hemiparasitic members which are seen invading a wide range of commercial crops. (Desv.) Danser is very common on mango trees. Though...
Loranthaceae family includes hemiparasitic members which are seen invading a wide range of commercial crops. (Desv.) Danser is very common on mango trees. Though parasitic in nature, this mistletoe is also medicinally important as fetoprotective, against vesicular calculi and kidney infections. This study is an attempt to document macro-microscopical features of parasitic root, fruit and host-mistletoe tissue interaction in the haustorium of growing on mango stems. Collection, preservation, sectioning, staining and photomicrography of the root, fruit and host-mistletoe union were done as per standard methodologies of anatomical studies. Though there is resemblance to the normal roots in morphology as well as anatomy, the microscopic finding of large number of branched stone cells in the roots is interesting. The morpho-anatomical features recorded would help in understanding the infection biology of this mistletoe. The eradication during the earlier stages of its establishment from seed or from the root creeping over the surface of the host can help in controlling this parasite infection on commercially important host plants.
PubMed: 33613053
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.11.080 -
Heliyon Dec 2022The formulation of niosomes is influenced by a number of variables, and these variables may eventually affect the formulation's outcome. One of the elements that can...
The formulation of niosomes is influenced by a number of variables, and these variables may eventually affect the formulation's outcome. One of the elements that can influence the physico-chemical properties of niosomes is the method used in preparation of the formulation. In this study, we established if various methods of preparation have any impact on the prepared vesicles when loaded with 5-fluorouracil. Thereafter, a real-time cell assay (an in vitro cytotoxicity test) against HCT-116 colon cancer cell lines was done on an optimised batch. 5-fluorouracil loaded niosomes were prepared with either Tween 60 or Span 60 by four different methods - namely thin film hydration (TFH), reverse phase evaporation (RPE), evaporation/sonication (EVP/SON), and the ethanol injection method (EIM). In vitro evaluations were done on the formulations, and these included particle size analysis, entrapment efficiency, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photomicrography, drug release, polydispersity index, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effects of the preparation method and type of non-ionic surfactants on encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and in vitro drug release of the niosomes at pH 7.4 were evaluated. An cytotoxicity test (real time cell assay (RTCA)) against HCT-116 cells was carried out using the optimised formulation. Results showed physically stable formulations. The TFH method produced the smallest particle sizes (187 nm and 482 nm), while the EVP/SON method produced the largest particle sizes (4476 nm and 9111 nm). The Tween-based niosomes prepared by TFH or RPE had higher drug entrapment. The FTIR studies of niosomal formulations showed broad peaks at wavenumbers above 3000 cm, indicating strong hydrogen bonds. The RTCA showed 5-fluorouracil-loaded niosomes caused more sustained cell death compared to the pure drug and blank niosomes. The methods of preparation affected the particle size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, and the physical stability of the vesicles. The thin film hydration method was more robust in the entrapped 5-fluorouracil and showed lower particle sizes when compared to all the other methods. RTCA showed sustained cell death in real time.
PubMed: 36582708
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12369 -
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Jan 2020The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in and procured from the polluted...
The aim of this study was to determine the level of contamination and genotoxic impact through micronucleus assay and histopathology in and procured from the polluted site of the River Chenab at industrial and sewage waste disposal. The water sample was found viciously contaminated with heavy metals i.e. Ni, Cr, Mn, Co, Pb, Hg, Zn, Sn, Cu while all other physio-chemical variables crossed the suggested limits of WHO. The heavy metals load induced histopathological alterations were correlated to environmental degradation and the productivity of this biological system. and harvested from contaminated sites of the river indicated higher intensity of DNA damage through micronucleus induction and nuclear abnormalities with 5.46 ± 0.17, 1.23 ± 0.08 and 4.2 ± 0.11, 0.4 ± 0.04‰ respectively. Muscle sections of and harvested from the polluted section of river demonstrated the necrosis, degeneration of muscle fibers, intra-fibular edema and release of the blood into the tissues due to the bursting of blocked of the blood vessels. Dermal layers showed degeneration of the collagen bundles those were found loose or collapsed in some regions. Photomicrography also revealed vacuolar degeneration in muscle tissues and atrophy of muscle bundles. Intra fibular edema and splitting of muscle fibers were also seen along with bioaccumulation of toxicants. showed maximum incidence of alterations with highest histopathological alteration index related to environmental degradation. Control fish samples showed normal muscle tissues with normal equally spaced muscle bundles and myotomes.
PubMed: 31889845
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.09.003