RESUMO
High resolution fluorescence microscopy requires optimization of the protocols for biological sample preparation. The optical and chemical characteristics of mounting media are among the things that could be modified to achieve optimal image formation. In our search for chemical substances that could perform as mounting media, 3,3'-thiodipropanol (TDP) emerged as a sulfide with potentially interesting characteristics. In this work, several tests of its performance as a mounting medium for fluorescence microscopy of biological samples were performed, including the labeling of filamentous actin with fluorescent phalloidins. The refractive index dispersion curve of pH-adjusted TDP was experimentally obtained in the visible range and compared to the dispersion curves of commercial and lab-made mounting media. The effects on the fluorescence of commonly used dyes were tested by using TDP as a solvent and measuring the relative fluorescence quantum yield of the dyes. By being able to mix TDP in any concentration with water and 2,2'-thiodiethanol (TDE), it was possible not only to fine-tune the refractive index of the resulting solution, but also to preserve the compatibility of TDP with the most popular and efficient fluorescent actin staining used in biological microscopy.
RESUMO
A noninvasive, quick, reliable, and relatively cheap procedure for the diagnosis of onychomycosis is put forward. It is known that a nail may show an abnormal appearance, although only 50% of all the nails having such an appearance may owe it to the presence of onychomycosis; hence, adequate diagnosis of nail disease is needed for appropriate prescription of medication and treatment of the nail. In order to contribute to the process of improvement in the diagnosis, a procedure based on the analysis of medium-range infrared images is presented in which it is possible to observe energy changes mostly due to the changes in emissivity of the nail. As a nail is more affected by onychomycosis, such changes become more intense. Also, it was found that a nail without onychomycosis has a lower temperature than toe skin, but has a higher emission of energy. Fifty percent of the ailments that may a cause a fingernail or toenail to have an abnormal appearance are not considered in the present work.