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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 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2023Oil-based emulsion solution is a common pesticide formulation in agricultural spraying, and its spray characteristics are different from that of water spraying. The well...
INTRODUCTION
Oil-based emulsion solution is a common pesticide formulation in agricultural spraying, and its spray characteristics are different from that of water spraying. The well understanding of its spray characteristics is the theoretical basis to improve the pesticide spraying technology. The objective of the present study is to deepen the understanding of the spray characteristics of oil-based emulsion.
METHOD
In this paper, the spatial distribution characteristics of spray droplets of oil-based emulsion were captured visually using the high-speed photomicrography. On the basis of image processing method, the droplet size and distribution density of spray droplets at different spatial locations were analyzed quantitatively. The effects of nozzle configuration and emulsion concentration on spray structures and droplet spatial distribution were discussed.
RESULTS
Oil-based emulsion produced a special perforation atomization mechanism compared with water spray, which led to the increase of spray droplet size and distribution density. Nozzle configuration had a significant effect on oil-based emulsion spray, with the nozzle changed from ST110-01 to ST110-03 and ST110-05; the sheet lengths increased to 18 and 28 mm, respectively, whereas the volumetric median diameters increased to 51.19% and 76.00%, respectively. With emulsion concentration increased from 0.02% to 0.1% and 0.5%, the volumetric median diameters increased to 5.17% and 14.56%, respectively.
DISCUSSION
The spray droplet size of oil-based emulsion spray can be scaled by the equivalent diameter of discharge orifice of nozzles. The products of volumetric median diameters and corresponding surface tensions were nearly constant for the oil-based emulsion spray of different emulsion concentrations. It is expected that this research could provide theoretical support for improving the spraying technology of oil-based emulsion and increasing the utilization of pesticide.
PubMed: 37360725
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1183387 -
Journal of the American Association For... May 2023Hypodermic needles are sometimes reused in animal research settings to preserve the viability of and to conserve limited quantities of injected material. However, the...
Hypodermic needles are sometimes reused in animal research settings to preserve the viability of and to conserve limited quantities of injected material. However, the reuse of needles is strongly discouraged in human medicine to prevent inju- ries and the spread of infectious disease. No official guidelines prohibit needle reuse in veterinary medicine, although the practice may be discouraged. We hypothesized that reused needles would be significantly more blunt than unused needles and that reuse for additional injections would cause more animal stress. To test these ideas, we evaluated mice that were injected subcutaneously in the flank or mammary fat pad to generate cell line xenograft and mouse allograft models. Needles were reused up to 20 times, based on an IACUC-approved protocol. A subset of reused needles was digitally imaged to determine needle dullness based on the area of deformation from the secondary bevel angle; this parameter was not different between new needles and needles that had been reused 20 times. In addition, the number of times a needle was reused was not significantly related to audible mouse vocalization during injection. Finally, nest building scores for mice that were injected with a needle used 0 through 5 times were similar to those of mice injected with a needle had been used 16 through 20 times. Among the 37 reused needles that were tested, 4 were positive for bacterial growth; the only organisms cultured were spp. Contrary to our hypothesis, reusing needles for subcutaneous injections did not increase animal stress based on analysis of vocalization or nest building.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Mice; Needles; Vocalization, Animal; Photomicrography; Injections, Subcutaneous
PubMed: 36990673
DOI: 10.30802/AALAS-JAALAS-22-000094 -
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 -
Zoological Studies 2022(Dufour, 1849) is the most widespread species of the planthopper subfamily Orgeriinae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae) in Europe, found from the Iberian...
(Dufour, 1849) is the most widespread species of the planthopper subfamily Orgeriinae (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae) in Europe, found from the Iberian Peninsula to the Western Balkans. However, its diagnostically important genitalia and biology have been insufficiently described. We employ state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray microtomography and photomicrography to re-describe , and to study the morphology of both its sexes in unprecedented detail. By examining specimens from across the distribution of , we find that they probably belong to a single, broadly distributed morphospecies. Our morphological examination allowed us to make inferences on its jumping mechanism and capacity for vibrational communication. We also record for the first time from Greece, further extending the range of this elusive species. Detailed information on the habitat of is also provided.
PubMed: 36568820
DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2022.61-51 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2022Accurate identification of insect species is an indispensable and challenging requirement for every entomologist, particularly if the species is involved in disease...
Accurate identification of insect species is an indispensable and challenging requirement for every entomologist, particularly if the species is involved in disease outbreaks. The European MediLabSecure project designed an identification (ID) exercise available to any willing participant with the aim of assessing and improving knowledge in mosquito taxonomy. The exercise was based on high-definition photomicrographs of mosquitoes (26 adult females and 12 larvae) collected from the western Palaearctic. Sixty-five responses from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East were usable. The study demonstrated that the responders were better at identifying females (82% correct responses) than larvae (63%). When the responders reported that they were sure of the accuracy of their ID, the success rate of ID increased (92% for females and 88% for larvae). The top three tools used for ID were MosKeyTool (72% of responders), the ID key following Becker et al. [2010. Mosquitoes and their control, 2nd edn. Berlin: Springer] (38%), and the CD-ROM of Schaffner et al. [2001. Les moustiques d'Europe: logiciel d'identification et d'enseignement - The mosquitoes of Europe: an identification and training programme. Montpellier: IRD; EID] (32%), while other tools were used by less than 10% of responders. Responders reporting the identification of mosquitoes using the MosKeyTool were significantly better (80% correct responses) than non-MosKeyTool users (69%). Most responders (63%) used more than one ID tool. The feedback from responders in this study was positive, with the exercise being perceived as halfway between educational training and a fun quiz. It raised the importance of further expanding training in mosquito ID for better preparedness of mosquito surveillance and control programmes.
Topics: Africa, Northern; Animals; Culicidae; Disease Outbreaks; Europe; Female; Humans; Larva; Mosquito Vectors
PubMed: 36200781
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2022045 -
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 -
Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure 2022Smartphones can be used to capture images from the microscope. There are commercial and homemade adapters that can be used to overcome the difficulty of focusing on a...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Smartphones can be used to capture images from the microscope. There are commercial and homemade adapters that can be used to overcome the difficulty of focusing on a smartphone camera. We conducted this study to test if the usage of a homemade adapter reduces the time and effort of the operator in comparison to the free-hand technique in smartphone photomicrography.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We made a simple smartphone adapter for digital photomicrography. Thirty-two operators first captured the image on the smartphone with the free-hand technique and then with the adapter thrice from a microscope. The time for focusing was compared statistically by paired -test. A survey was conducted to know operators's opinions on adapter-assisted photomicrography.
RESULT
All the participants were able to capture images from the microscopes. The average time for focusing with adapter was (11.89 ± 4.19 seconds) significantly ( = 0.0001) lower than the free-hand technique (25.56±11.81 seconds). However, the images yielded from both techniques were of equal quality. The majority of the participant found the method to be easy and reduce their effort in focusing and capturing an image.
CONCLUSION
Low-cost homemade smartphone adapter helps in reducing the time required for capturing an image from the microscope. It decreases the effort of the operator in comparison to the free-hand technique. Hence, it may be a good choice for those who need to capture images from the microscopes frequently for either telemedicine or research purpose in resource-limited settings.
PubMed: 35433256
DOI: 10.4103/JMAU.JMAU_45_20 -
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 -
NeuroImage Mar 2022Abnormal tau inclusions are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and predictors of clinical decline. Several tau PET tracers are available for neurodegenerative disease...
Abnormal tau inclusions are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease and predictors of clinical decline. Several tau PET tracers are available for neurodegenerative disease research, opening avenues for molecular diagnosis in vivo. However, few have been approved for clinical use. Understanding the neurobiological basis of PET signal validation remains problematic because it requires a large-scale, voxel-to-voxel correlation between PET and (immuno) histological signals. Large dimensionality of whole human brains, tissue deformation impacting co-registration, and computing requirements to process terabytes of information preclude proper validation. We developed a computational pipeline to identify and segment particles of interest in billion-pixel digital pathology images to generate quantitative, 3D density maps. The proposed convolutional neural network for immunohistochemistry samples, IHCNet, is at the pipeline's core. We have successfully processed and immunostained over 500 slides from two whole human brains with three phospho-tau antibodies (AT100, AT8, and MC1), spanning several terabytes of images. Our artificial neural network estimated tau inclusion from brain images, which performs with ROC AUC of 0.87, 0.85, and 0.91 for AT100, AT8, and MC1, respectively. Introspection studies further assessed the ability of our trained model to learn tau-related features. We present an end-to-end pipeline to create terabytes-large 3D tau inclusion density maps co-registered to MRI as a means to facilitate validation of PET tracers.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alzheimer Disease; Biomarkers; Datasets as Topic; Deep Learning; Equipment Design; Female; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neuroimaging; Photomicrography; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; tau Proteins
PubMed: 34933123
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118790