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Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences Feb 2024Seahorses, part of the small marine teleost fish family , are increasingly under threat due to habitat degradation and overfishing. Notably used in traditional Chinese...
Seahorses, part of the small marine teleost fish family , are increasingly under threat due to habitat degradation and overfishing. Notably used in traditional Chinese medicine, these fish have demonstrated significant pharmacological and cosmetic properties. In Morocco, however, seahorses are minimally exploited. This study aims to explore the biodiversity of Moroccan seahorses, focusing on identifying species from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts both morphologically and molecularly, and evaluating their antioxidant activity. The research involved collecting 62 dried seahorses from local fishermen. These specimens were subjected to detailed morphological and molecular identification through the DNA barcoding method, concentrating on the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene. Following DNA extraction and amplification, the sequences were analyzed for species identification and phylogenetic relationships. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of the seahorses were quantified using assays such as ABTS, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, and β-carotene-linoleic acid. The combined morphological and molecular analyses consistently identified all specimens as , and phylogenetic trees suggested a close relation with European and Turkish counterparts. Furthermore, the antioxidant assays revealed significant activity, with the ABTS assay showing an IC50 of 14.571 mg/mL ± 0.334, and the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay showing an IC50 of 1.273 mg/mL ± 0.166. The reducing power and phosphomolybdenum assays recorded EC50 values of 1.868 mg/mL ± 0.033 and 1.156 mg/mL ± 0.112, respectively. These results confirm the high antioxidant potential of Moroccan seahorses, suggesting their therapeutic value and necessitating measures for their biodiversity preservation at a national level.
PubMed: 38188538
DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103898 -
BMC Research Notes Jan 2024The quality of dried blood spot (DBS) specimens impacts newborn screening (NBS) results, hence proper training is crucial for DBS specimen collection. To address this, a...
OBJECTIVE
The quality of dried blood spot (DBS) specimens impacts newborn screening (NBS) results, hence proper training is crucial for DBS specimen collection. To address this, a training module for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and nurses was created on Moodle, a virtual learning environment (VLE). The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this module.
METHODOLOGY
Participants were trained on-site (March to December 2019), through online training sessions (January to June 2020), and the two training strategies were compared. Data analysis included the total number of participants, cost-effectiveness, trainer engagement, and the number of unacceptable samples collected by nurses/AHPs trained by the two strategies.
RESULTS
A total of 55 nurses/AHPs were trained on-site, while 79 nurses/AHPs completed the online module and received certificates through online VLE-based training. The trainer engagement and cost were more for onsite training. After online training, the specimen rejection rate was reduced from 0.84% (44 rejected out of 5220 total specimens collected) to 0.38% (15/3920).
CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that using VLE-based DBS specimen collection training is feasible and effective for training nurses and AHPs.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Education, Distance; Specimen Handling; Blood Specimen Collection
PubMed: 38178164
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06584-9 -
The International Journal of... Jan 2024Tooth extractions can result in alveolar bone dimensional changes, necessitating additional bone grafting for implant placement. Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) aims...
INTRODUCTION
Tooth extractions can result in alveolar bone dimensional changes, necessitating additional bone grafting for implant placement. Alveolar Ridge Preservation (ARP) aims to counteract post-extraction changes. This study evaluates the bone regenerative properties of a freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) and the clinical outcomes of implants in grafted extraction sites.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This case series enrolled 33 patients undergoing single/multiple tooth extractions followed by ARP. Biopsies were harvested during implant placement for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. Clinical outcomes included marginal bone loss and Pink Esthetic Score (PES).
RESULTS
25 patients completed the study. FDBA augmented sockets exhibited new bone formation adjacent to graft particles. Implants (n=25) showed 100% survival and success rates at 1 and 2 years. PES improved significantly over time (p<.001), while marginal bone loss did not significantly differ at 1 and 2 years (p=.096). Specimens showed trabecular bone, residual FDBA particles, and marrow spaces. High magnification revealed immature bone and woven bone bridges around graft particles. No inflammatory cells were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
The case series provides valuable insights into ARP performed with FDBA; implants were placed after 3 months of healing without any additional bone augmentation, the histologic outcomes were favorable, and implants were successful after a 2-year period of follow-up.
PubMed: 38175917
DOI: 10.11607/prd.6953 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023Future lunar exploration will be based on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) techniques. The most abundant raw material on the Moon is lunar regolith, which, however,...
Future lunar exploration will be based on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) techniques. The most abundant raw material on the Moon is lunar regolith, which, however, is very scarce on Earth, making the study of simulants a necessity. The objective of this study is to characterize and investigate the sintering behavior of EAC-1A lunar regolith simulant. The characterization of the simulant included the determination of the phase assemblage, characteristic temperatures determination and water content analysis. The results are discussed in the context of sintering experiments of EAC-1A simulant, which showed that the material can be sintered to a relative density close to 90%, but only within a very narrow range of temperatures (20-30 °C). Sintering experiments were performed for sieved and unsieved, as well as for dried and non-dried specimens of EAC-1A. In addition, an analysis of the densification and mechanical properties of the sintered specimens was done. The sintering experiments at different temperatures showed that the finest fraction of sieved simulant can reach a higher maximum sintering temperature, and consequently a higher densification and biaxial strength. The non-dried powder exhibited higher densification and biaxial strength after sintering compared to the dried specimen. This difference was explained with a higher green density of the non-dried powder during pressing, rather than due to an actual influence on the sintering mechanism. Nevertheless, drying the powder prior to sintering is important to avoid the overestimation of the strength of specimens to be fabricated on the Moon.
PubMed: 38155314
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50391-y -
The American Journal of Tropical... Feb 2024Acute febrile diseases transmitted by mosquitos are a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians working in sub-Saharan Africa. Misclassification due to the lack of rapid,...
Acute febrile diseases transmitted by mosquitos are a diagnostic challenge for pediatricians working in sub-Saharan Africa. Misclassification due to the lack of rapid, reliable diagnostic tests leads to the overuse of antibiotics and antimalarials. Children presenting with acute fever and suspected of having malaria were examined at health care facilities in the Mwanza Region of Tanzania. The sensitivity and specificity of blood smear microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests that targeted histidine-rich protein 2 and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase were compared with a multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ELISA. Six hundred ninety-eight children presented with acute fever and met the criteria for inclusion; 23% received antibiotics and 23% received antimalarials prior to admission. Subsequently, 20% were confirmed by PCR to have Plasmodium falciparum infection. Blood smear microscopy exhibited 33% sensitivity and 93% specificity. The malaria rapid test provided 87% sensitivity and 98% specificity in detecting acute malaria infections. Only 7% of malaria-negative children received antimalarials at Sengerema Designated District Hospital when treatment was guided by the results of rapid testing. In contrast, 75% of malaria-negative patients were treated with antimalarial drugs at health facilities that used blood smears as the standard diagnostic test. Misclassification and premedication of nonmalarial, febrile illnesses contribute to the emergence of antimalarial and antimicrobial resistance. The incorporation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests into the clinical routine translated into improved treatment and a significant reduction in antimalarial drug prescriptions.
Topics: Humans; Child; Animals; Antimalarials; Tanzania; Lakes; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Sensitivity and Specificity; Fever; Health Facilities; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delivery of Health Care; Diagnostic Tests, Routine
PubMed: 38150741
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0254 -
PeerJ 2023The foramen spinosum (FS) is a pivotal passage for neurovascular structures within the skull base. We performed a detailed morphometric and morphological analysis of the...
BACKGROUND
The foramen spinosum (FS) is a pivotal passage for neurovascular structures within the skull base. We performed a detailed morphometric and morphological analysis of the FS to emphasize its clinical relevance.
MATERIALS & METHODS
The study was performed on dried skull specimens obtained from the anatomical collections of the Institute of Anatomy and Institute of Forensic Medicine of the University of Ljubljana. The morphometric and morphologic features of FS in 126 whole human skulls and 15 skull halves were analyzed, including dimensions, shape, and other anatomical variations, as well as relationships to surrounding structures. Measurements were done with a digital sliding caliper.
RESULTS
The mean length and width of the FS were 2.45 ± 0.65 mm and 2.03 ± 0.53 mm on the right side and 2.49 ± 0.61 mm and 2.08 ± 0.48 mm on the left side. The most frequently observed shape was round (56.7%), followed by oval (28.2%), irregular (8.7%) and drop shaped (6.3%). Several anatomical variations were also noted, including FS duplication, confluences with other foramina, and FS obstruction due to marginal bony outgrowths.
CONCLUSION
The FS exhibits notable interindividual differences in anatomical characteristics which should be considered during neurosurgical procedures and radiological interventions in the skull base.
Topics: Humans; Sphenoid Bone; Skull Base; Neurosurgical Procedures
PubMed: 38144180
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16559 -
Cureus Nov 2023Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered to be a very significant and intriguing type within the category of metallic nanoparticles, particularly in the context of...
AIM
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are considered to be a very significant and intriguing type within the category of metallic nanoparticles, particularly in the context of their involvement in biological applications. The objective of this research is to use the green synthesis method in order to synthesize AgNPs by using the leaf extract of . Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these nanoparticles.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fresh and healthy specimens of were gathered from Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu, India, and afterward subjected to a thorough washing process using tap water. The cleaned materials were air-dried and then fragmented into small bits and finely ground. The ethanolic extract of seagrass was then combined with a solution containing 1 millimolar (mM) silver nitrate (AgNo). The decrease of silver ions in the solution was frequently measured using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Synthesized AgNPs were investigated for antioxidants by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay and anti-inflammatory activity was measured by protein-denaturation assay.
RESULTS
The use of leaf extract in the green synthesis of AgNPs, in the presence of 1 mM AgNO, led to a noticeable alteration in the colour of the mixture, transitioning from a pale hue to a brown shade. This change in colour serves as evidence of the reduction of AgNo ions to silver ions, thereby facilitating the creation of AgNPs. The duration of the bio-reduction process of silver ions in the reaction mixture was observed to be two hours. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity showed promising activity for AgNPs.
CONCLUSION
This study concluded that had antioxidant capabilities, and AgNPs derived from have potential use in pharmaceuticals and medication administration.
PubMed: 38143665
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49316 -
Journal of Neuroscience Methods Mar 2024In insect brains, mushroom bodies are associated with memory and learning behavior. It has been demonstrated that the volume of the mushroom bodies in the brain of a...
BACKGROUND
In insect brains, mushroom bodies are associated with memory and learning behavior. It has been demonstrated that the volume of the mushroom bodies in the brain of a worker honey bee changes during the adult stage. Changes in mushroom body volume imply high neuroplasticity in the brains and may be related to the age polyethism of honey bees. A suitable volume measurement method is needed to understand the correlation between behavioral changes and mushroom body volume changes in honey bees.
NEW METHOD
We developed a new protocol for insect micro-computed tomography by modifying a previously reported method. Permount™ mounting medium was used as the embedding medium for micro-computed tomography scanning.
RESULTS
This protocol can generate images with high contrast inside the brain and reduce the marked shape changes during specimen processing. From the resulting high-contrast images, we used freeware to generate a three-dimensional model and calculate the volumes of the mushroom bodies in honey bees. The measured volumes of the mushroom bodies were larger than the values reported in most previous studies. There was no significant difference between the left and right mushroom body volumes, but the volumes of honey bee mushroom bodies significantly increased with age.
COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS
Previous protocols for micro-computed tomography using dried samples would cause brain shrinkage; protocols using ethanol-preserved or resin-embedded samples generated images with lower contrast.
CONCLUSIONS
The embedding protocol for micro-computed tomography is suitable for calculating volume of the mushroom bodies in honey bee brains.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Mushroom Bodies; X-Ray Microtomography; Brain; Behavior, Animal; Neuronal Plasticity
PubMed: 38135123
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2023.110040 -
Current Protocols Dec 2023Plant sample preparation for analyses is a fundamental step in high-throughput omics strategies. Especially for plant metabolomics, quenching of hydrolytic enzymes able...
Plant sample preparation for analyses is a fundamental step in high-throughput omics strategies. Especially for plant metabolomics, quenching of hydrolytic enzymes able to affect metabolite concentrations is crucial for the accuracy of results. Given that DNA is usually less labile than metabolites, most sampling and shipment procedures able to preserve the metabolome are also suitable for preventing the degradation of plant DNA or of DNA of pathogens in the plant tissue. In this article, we describe all the steps of sample collection, shipment (including the phytosanitary issues of moving plant samples), and processing for combined genomics and metabolomics from a single sample, as well as the protocols used in our laboratories for downstream approaches for crop plants, allowing collection of multi-omic datasets in large experimental setups. The protocols have been adjusted to apply to both freeze-dried and fresh-frozen material to allow the processing of crop plant samples that will require long-distance transport. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of freeze-dried leaf disks for multiplexed PCR or DArT-Seq genotyping Basic Protocol 2: Medium-throughput preparation of pathogen-free nucleic acids for most genotyping-resequencing applications or pathogen detection Alternate Protocol: Low-throughput extraction of high-quality DNA for resequencing using commercial kits Support Protocol: DNA quality control Basic Protocol 3: Preparation of freeze-dried plant material for metabolomics Basic Protocol 4: Preparation of fresh-frozen plant material for metabolomics Basic Protocol 5: Preparation and shipment of metabolite extracts for metabolomic analyses Basic Protocol 6: Sample shipping and long-term storage.
Topics: Multiomics; Metabolomics; Metabolome; Specimen Handling; DNA, Plant; Plants
PubMed: 38131272
DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.952 -
Dental Materials : Official Publication... Mar 2024To evaluate properties of fiber-reinforced-composites (FRC) containing Bis-EMA/UDMA monomers but identical dispersed phase (60% wt BaSi glass power +10% wt E-glass...
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate properties of fiber-reinforced-composites (FRC) containing Bis-EMA/UDMA monomers but identical dispersed phase (60% wt BaSi glass power +10% wt E-glass fibre).
METHODS
A control (Group A), monomer mixture comprising 60% Bis-GMA, 30% TEGDMA, and 10% PMMA (typical FRC monomers) was used. The following monomer mass fractions were mixed: 50% bis-GMA plus 50% of different ratios of Bis-EMA+UDMA to produce consistent formulations (Groups B-E) of workable viscosities was also studied. Flexural strength (FS), fracture toughness (K), water sorption (SP), solubility (SL) and hygroscopic expansion (HE) were measured. FS and K specimens were stored for 1, 7 d, and 30 d in water at 37 °C. SP/SL specimens were water-immersed for 168d, weighed at intervals, then dried for 84 d at 37 °C. To analyze differences in FS, and K, a two-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests (α = 0.05) were conducted. For SP/SL, and HE, one-way ANOVA with subsequent Tukey post-hoc tests (α = 0.05) were utilized.
RESULTS
FS and K for groups A, D, E decreased progressively after 1 d. Groups B and C (highest amounts of Bis-EMA) did not decrease significantly. The modified matrix composites performed significantly better than the control group for SP and HE. The control group outperformed the experimental composites only for SL with up to 250% higher SL for group E (6.9 μg/mm) but still below the maximum permissible threshold of 7.5 μg/mm.
SIGNIFICANCE
EXPERIMENTAL: composites with highest amounts of Bis-EMA showed improved hydrolytic stability and overall enhancement in several clinically-relevant properties. This makes them potential candidates for alternative matrices to a semi-interpenetrating network in fiber-reinforced composites.
Topics: Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; Composite Resins; Materials Testing; Polyurethanes; Methacrylates; Polymethacrylic Acids; Polyethylene Glycols; Water; Glass
PubMed: 38129191
DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2023.12.002