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Surgical Infections Jul 2024The purpose of this study was to report a case of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) keratitis misdiagnosed as fungal keratitis due to its clinical presentation being...
The purpose of this study was to report a case of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) keratitis misdiagnosed as fungal keratitis due to its clinical presentation being similar to that of fungal keratitis, ultimately diagnosed by NGS. A 59-year-old male presented with reduced vision in the right eye, combined with a history of trauma with vegetative matter. The corneal ulcer was accompanied with feathery infiltration, satellite lesion, and endothelial plaques. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) showed hyper-reflective linear, thin, and branching interlocking structures. Fungal keratitis was diagnosed. Voriconazole 100 mg orally daily, topical tobramycin and 1% voriconazole were initiated empirically right away. The condition was aggravated and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) demonstrated the presence of plaques with a clear boundary between plaques and endothelium, resembling the AS-OCT images observed in cases of viral keratitis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) further detected HSV-1 deoxyribonucleic acid, and no fungal component was found. Antifungal agents were discontinued and antiviral treatments were added. We successfully treated a patient with HSV-1 keratitis who was misdiagnosed due to clinical features and IVCM findings similar to fungal keratitis. The patient's infection was controlled. At 2 years after surgery, the cornea recovered well. HSV-1 keratitis with atypical clinical presentation can be easily misdiagnosed. This case report emphasizes the importance of NGS in diagnosing the pathogens of keratitis.
PubMed: 38957959
DOI: 10.1089/sur.2024.001 -
Conservation Physiology 2024The Chinese pangolin () is a critically endangered species. However, there is a paucity of research on the male reproductive gamete biology of this species. The present...
The Chinese pangolin () is a critically endangered species. However, there is a paucity of research on the male reproductive gamete biology of this species. The present study was the first to systematically analyse the sperm characterization of the Chinese pangolin, including semen collection, sperm morphometry and ultrastructure. The semen of five male Chinese pangolins was successfully collected using the electroejaculation method. CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis) was used to assess semen quality and take images for sperm morphometric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for sperm ultrastructure observation. The results showed that the semen of the Chinese pangolin was yellow to pale yellow in colour, viscous, with a fishy odour, and a slightly alkaline pH of between 7.7 and 7.9. The head defects were the main sperm defects; there were 13 kinds of head defects counted in this study. The total sperm length, head length, head width and tail length were 67.62 ± 0.21 μm, 10.47 ± 0.06 μm, 1.33 ± 0.006 μm and 57.16 ± 0.20 μm, respectively. SEM observed that the spermatozoa had a rod-shaped head with a distinct apical ridge, which was different from most mammals and similar to that in avians and reptiles. Interestingly, TEM found that the acrosome membrane of the Chinese pangolin had a double membrane structure rather than a multiple bi-lamellar membrane structure as reported by the previous study. Collectively, this study contributes to the development of artificial breeding efforts and assisted reproductive techniques for the Chinese pangolin, as well as providing technical support for research on germplasm conservation of this species.
PubMed: 38957843
DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae010 -
Clinical Nephrology. Case Studies 2024We investigated the pathogenesis of a perihilar variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis detected by kidney biopsy in a 16-year-old male. The disease was refractory...
Renal and cardiac biopsy findings in an adolescent patient with the 3243A>G mitochondrial DNA mutation: Favorable renal prognosis post renal transplantation from the mother.
We investigated the pathogenesis of a perihilar variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis detected by kidney biopsy in a 16-year-old male. The disease was refractory to steroid therapy, and at the second kidney biopsy, abnormal mitochondrial proliferation was newly observed in the podocytes. The patient also developed late-onset hearing loss and had a family history of diabetes, and genetic testing confirmed the mitochondrial DNA mutation 3243A>G (48%). Eight months after hemodialysis was started, encephalopathy occurred presumably due to rapid dehydration. After changing dialysis into continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, encephalopathy was resolved, but the patient developed myocardial hypertrophy, probably because of the myocardial overreaction to congestion. A myocardial biopsy showed mitochondrial proliferation in the myocardium. After renal transplantation from his mother with a heteroplasmy of 4%, the cardiomyopathy improved, and the renal function has remained stable for 4 years. We speculated that the abnormal mitochondrial morphology in the kidney and heart may be characteristic of mitochondrial genetic disease, and renal transplantation from the mother with a low heteroplasmy was considered desirable for mitochondrial nephropathy with poor prognosis.
PubMed: 38957708
DOI: 10.5414/CNCS111422 -
International Journal of Dentistry 2024To evaluate the solubility and the volumetric and morphological alterations of bioceramic filling material (Bio-CP) for primary teeth.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the solubility and the volumetric and morphological alterations of bioceramic filling material (Bio-CP) for primary teeth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bio-CP, Calen thickened with zinc oxide (Calen-ZO), and with zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) were placed in 1- or 2-mm-diameter polyethylene tubes and immersed in water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 30 days. The solubility (mass loss) was assessed using methodology modified from ISO 6876. Filling capacity, volumetric changes, and presence of voids were assessed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). The surface distribution of the chemical elements and the crystalline phases was evaluated by energy scattering X-ray scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to detect hydroxyapatite precipitate and components. The Shapiro-Wilk, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn's or two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test were used ( = 0.05).
RESULTS
The solubility was ZOE > Calen-ZO = Bio-CP. Calen-ZO and Bio-CP were more soluble in water than in PBS. All the materials showed greater solubility in 2-mm tube diameter in both PBS and distilled water, except for Bio-CP in distilled water, which showed no difference between both tube diameters (1 and 2 mm). Only Calen-ZO and ZOE were analyzed by micro-CT, because Bio-CP separated into two phases during scanning. Calen-ZO had greater volumetric loss and presence of voids than ZOE in water, but there was no difference in PBS. The hydroxyapatite precipitate on the surface of Bio-CP and Calen-ZO was detected after immersion in PBS.
CONCLUSION
Although Bio-CP had acceptable solubility and filling capacity, its composition did not allow a proper volumetric and void assessment. From a clinical perspective, Bio-CP has the potential to become a suitable material for root canal filling in primary teeth. Nonetheless, its composition must first be revised to achieve better chemical stability prior to its recommendation.
PubMed: 38957372
DOI: 10.1155/2024/5945033 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences Jan 2024Globally, there were 241 million cases of malaria in 2020, with an estimated 627,000 deaths with Nigeria accounting for 27% of the global malaria cases. In sub-Saharan...
BACKGROUND
Globally, there were 241 million cases of malaria in 2020, with an estimated 627,000 deaths with Nigeria accounting for 27% of the global malaria cases. In sub-Saharan Africa, testing is low with only 28% of children with a fever receiving medical advice or a rapid diagnostic test in 2021. In Nigeria, there are documented reports of over-diagnosis and over-treatment of malaria in children. Therefore, this study examined the diagnosis of malaria at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
METHODS
A 5-year (2018-2022) retrospective study was carried out at the Emergency Pediatric Unit (EPU). Records of all children presenting to the EPU with an assessment of malaria were retrieved and reviewed. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.
RESULTS
Out of 206 children reviewed, 128 (62.1%) were tested using either malaria RDT or microscopy while 78(37.9%) were not tested. Out of the number tested, 59(46.1%) were negative while 69(53.9%) tested positive, of which 14(20.3%) had uncomplicated malaria while 55(79.7%) had severe malaria. However, while 97.1% (n=67) of the positive cases were treated with IV artesunate, 69.5% (n=41) of those who tested negative and 88.5% (69) of those who were not tested also received IV artesunate. Moreover, while 85.5% (n=59) of those who tested positive received oral artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), 72.9% (n=43) of those who tested negative and 67.9% (53) of those who were not tested also received oral ACT.
CONCLUSION
There was over-diagnosis of malaria, and subsequently, over-treatment. Hence continued emphasis on parasitological confirmation of malaria before treatment is recommended.
Topics: Humans; Nigeria; Retrospective Studies; Child, Preschool; Hospitals, Teaching; Female; Male; Child; Antimalarials; Emergency Service, Hospital; Malaria; Infant; Artemisinins; Adolescent
PubMed: 38957335
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v34i1.5 -
Open Research Europe 2024This article introduces an innovative classification methodology to identify nanowires within scanning electron microscope images.
BACKGROUND
This article introduces an innovative classification methodology to identify nanowires within scanning electron microscope images.
METHODS
Our approach employs advanced image manipulation techniques in conjunction with machine learning-based recognition algorithms. The effectiveness of our proposed method is demonstrated through its application to the categorization of scanning electron microscopy images depicting nanowires arrays.
RESULTS
The method's capability to isolate and distinguish individual nanowires within an array is the primary factor in the observed accuracy. The foundational data set for model training comprises scanning electron microscopy images featuring 240 III-V nanowire arrays grown with metal organic chemical vapor deposition on silicon substrates. Each of these arrays consists of 66 nanowires. The results underscore the model's proficiency in discerning distinct wire configurations and detecting parasitic crystals. Our approach yields an average F1 score of 0.91, indicating high precision and recall.
CONCLUSIONS
Such a high level of performance and accuracy of ML methods demonstrate the viability of our technique not only for academic but also for practical commercial implementation and usage.
PubMed: 38957297
DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.16696.2 -
Surface treatment, liquid, and aging effects on color and surface properties of monolithic ceramics.The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surface treatments, liquids, and aging on color, translucency, and surface properties of monolithic ceramics.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surface treatments, liquids, and aging on color, translucency, and surface properties of monolithic ceramics.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Lithium disilicate (LDS) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramics (n = 135 each) were cut and divided into three groups [crystallization+glaze (single stage), crystallization-glaze (two stages), and crystallization-polish (two stages)]. One sample from each group was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Remaining samples were divided into four subgroups (distilled water, coffee, grape juice, and smoothie) (n = 11 each), stored for 12 d in the respective liquids, and thermally aged. One sample from each subgroup was analyzed using SEM. The color, gloss, and roughness values of the samples were analyzed after surface treatment (initial) and storage under different liquids+aging conditions. The initial data and both the aged data and data change values were analyzed using robust two- and three-way analyses of variance.
RESULTS
The glazed groups exhibited smoother surfaces. Ceramic type and ceramic-surface treatment interactions affected the initial translucency parameter (TP) ( < .001) and the initial and aged roughness values ( ≤ .001). Surface treatment type affected the color change ( < .001), and ceramic type affected the aged TP values ( < .001). Type of ceramic, surface treatment, and their interactions affected both the initial and aged gloss ( ≤ .001) and TP change values ( ≤ .015). Surface treatment type and ceramic-surface treatment interactions affected the gloss change values ( ≤ .001).
CONCLUSION
Although both ceramics and all surface treatments are clinically applicable, crystallization-glaze is recommended. When gloss and smoothness are important or when translucency is important, ZLS or LDS may be preferred, respectively.
PubMed: 38957290
DOI: 10.4047/jap.2024.16.3.174 -
APL Bioengineering Sep 2024Cell migration is the major driver of invasion and metastasis during cancer progression. For cells to migrate, they utilize the actin-myosin cytoskeleton and adhesion...
Cell migration is the major driver of invasion and metastasis during cancer progression. For cells to migrate, they utilize the actin-myosin cytoskeleton and adhesion molecules, such as integrins and CD44, to generate traction forces in their environment. CD44 primarily binds to hyaluronic acid (HA) and integrins primarily bind to extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen. However, the role of CD44 under integrin-mediated conditions and vice versa is not well known. Here, we performed traction force microscopy (TFM) on U251 cells seeded on collagen I-coated polyacrylamide gels to assess the functional mechanical relationship between integrins and CD44. Performing TFM on integrin-mediated adhesion conditions, i.e., collagen, we found that CD44KO U251 cells exerted more traction force than wild-type (WT) U251 cells. Furthermore, untreated WT and CD44-blocked WT exhibited comparable results. Conversely, in CD44-mediated adhesive conditions, integrin-blocked WT cells exerted a higher traction force than untreated WT cells. Our data suggest that CD44 and integrins have a mutually antagonistic relationship where one receptor represses the other's ability to generate traction force on its cognate substrate.
PubMed: 38957223
DOI: 10.1063/5.0203028 -
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Jul 2024Ru is a metal of interest in catalysis. Monodisperse Ru clusters as catalytic sites are relevant for the development of catalysts because clusters use significantly...
Ru is a metal of interest in catalysis. Monodisperse Ru clusters as catalytic sites are relevant for the development of catalysts because clusters use significantly lower amounts of precious materials for forming active sites due to the small size of the cluster. However, retaining the mono-dispersity of the cluster size after deposition is a challenge because surface energy could drive both agglomeration and encapsulation of the clusters. In the present work Ru clusters are deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Ru(CO) and cluster source depositions of bare Ru onto radio frequency sputter-deposited TiO (RF-TiO) substrates, TiO(100), and SiO. When supported on RF-TiO, bare Ru is encapsulated by a layer of titania substrate material during deposition with a cluster source. Ligated Ru(CO) is also encapsulated by a layer of titania when deposited onto sputter-treated RF-TiO, but only through heat treatment which is required to remove most of the ligands. The titania overlayer thickness was determined to be 1-2 monolayers for Ru(CO) clusters on RF-TiO, which is thin enough for catalytic or photocatalytic reactions to potentially occur even without clusters being part of the very outermost layer. The implication for catalysis of the encapsulation of Ru into the RF-TiO is discussed. Temperature-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), angle-resolved XPS, and temperature-dependent low energy ion scattering (TD-LEIS) are used to probe how the cluster-surface interaction changes due to heat treatment and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to image the depth of the surface from side-on.
PubMed: 38957118
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00263f -
Journal of Food Science Jul 2024Extraction of starch from waste is also an effective way to recover resources and provide new sources of starch. In this study, starch was isolated from white kidney... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Extraction of starch from waste is also an effective way to recover resources and provide new sources of starch. In this study, starch was isolated from white kidney bean residue, chickpea residue, and tiger nut meal after protein or oil extraction, and the morphology of starch particles was observed to determine their physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility. All these isolated starches had unique properties, among which white kidney bean starch (KBS) had a high amylose content (43.48%), and its structure was better ordered. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct granular morphologies for the three starches. KBS and chickpea starch (CHS) were medium-granular starches, whereas tiger nut starch was a small granular starch. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in functional groups and chemical bonds among the three starch molecules. In vitro digestibility studies showed that CHS is more resistant to enzymatic degradation. Overall, these results will facilitate the development of products based on the separation of nonconventional starches from waste.
Topics: Starch; Digestion; Cicer; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Amylose; Phaseolus; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
PubMed: 38957110
DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.17171