Grape pomace and pecan shell fortified bread: The effect of dietary fiber-phenolic compounds interaction on the in vitro accessibility of phenolic compounds and in vitro glycemic index.

Grape pomace (GP) and pecan shell (PS) are two by-products rich in phenolic compounds (PC), and dietary fiber (DF) that may be considered for the development of functional baked foods. In this study, four formulations with different GP:PS ratios (F1(8%:5%), F2(5%:5%), F3(5%:2%), F4(0%:5%), and control bread (CB)) were elaborated and characterized (physiochemical and phytochemical content). Also, their inner structure (SEM), changes in their FTIR functional group's vibrations, and the bioaccessibility of PC and sugars, including an in vitro glycemic index, were analyzed. Results showed that all GP:PS formulations had higher mineral, protein, DF (total, soluble, and insoluble), and PC content than CB. Additionally, PC and non-starch polysaccharides affected gluten and starch absorbance and pores distribution. In vitro digestion model showed a reduction in the glycemic index for all formulations, compared to CB. These findings highlight the possible health benefits of by-products and their interactions in baked goods.

Intercellular Communication Through Microtubular Highways.

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are open-ended, membrane-encased extensions that connect neighboring cells. They have diameters up to 1 µm but are able to expand to convey large cargos. Lengths vary depending on the distance of the cells but have been reported to be capable of extending beyond 300 µm. They have actin cytoskeletons that are essential for their formation, and may or may not have microtubule networks. It is thought that thin TNTs lack microtubules, while thicker TNTs have microtubular highways that use motor proteins to convey materials, including proteins, mitochondria, and nanoparticles between cells. Specifically, the presence of dynein and myosin support trafficking of cargo in both directions. The purpose of these connections is to enable cells to work as a unit or to extend cell life by diluting cytotoxic agents or acquiring biological material needed to survive.

Micromorphological and Phytochemical Evaluation of Heliotropium rariflorum Stocks From Karak, Pakistan.

Micromorphological and phytochemical studies play a major role in quality control and standardization of traditional or herbal medications. In the present research, micromorphological assessment of Heliotropium rarifloum stocks was performed through light and scanning electron microscopies (LM & SEM). The anatomy of leaves, stem and root showed salient histological features. Both surfaces of the leaves had setose glandular trichomes measuring 20-38 × 6-15 µm. The lower epidermis had comparatively a maximum anomocytic stomata (16-35) and stomatal index (12-33). The mature pollen grains were small (74 µm) and spheroidal shaped, with psilate exine (2 µm) sculpturing. Vein termination and vein islet number of the upper epidermis were 5-20 and 5-15, respectively. The palisade ratio of the leaf lamina for the upper and lower epidermis was 2-10 and 2-8. LM and SEM of the powdered samples displayed crystals, phloem fibers, xylem, vessels, sieve tube elements, companion cells, and tracheids. Extractive values determination, fluorescence, and phytochemical analysis were employed for quality control according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Phytochemical screening revealed various secondary metabolites. It is suggested that H. rariflorum might be a reliable source of nutrients and secondary metabolites and might be more medically effective. The current findings confirm its standardization and validation.

Hair Shaft Fracture in a Young Athlete: A Rare Case Report of Acquired Trichorrhexis Nodosa.

Trichorrhexis nodosa (TN) is a hair shaft anomaly characterized by abnormal fragility and weak points (nodes) in the hair shaft. It can be congenital or acquired, with the acquired form being more common. Patients typically present with lusterless and fragile hair, an inability to grow hair to a normal length, fraying at the distal free end, and white knots and fractures along the hair shaft. This condition is often linked to daily hair care routines and exposure to chemicals or environmental factors that cause trauma to the hair. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through dermoscopy or microscopy, which reveal characteristic paintbrush-like hair fractures. Hair anomalies in sports have been rarely documented. Here, we report a unique case of acquired distal TN in a 19-year-old male professional volleyball player and a recreational swimmer with exposure to multiple environmental factors such as years of chlorine water exposure and training that may have contributed to this condition. The patient presented with a three-month history of abnormal hair fragility and glistening white areas along the hair shafts. Trichoscopy revealed multiple white nodes along the hair shafts, while light microscopy displayed nodular swellings with disruption of the cuticle and splaying out of cortical fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further demonstrated the classical "two brooms stuck in opposite direction" or "paintbrush fracture" appearance. Based on the clinical presentation and microscopic findings, a diagnosis of diffuse distal acquired TN was made. The patient was advised to tonsure his head and use gentle, sulfate-free shampoo for regrown hair. Follow-up at six months showed no recurrence of lesions, highlighting the importance of identifying and addressing potential causative factors in managing this condition.

A comparative analysis of dendrometric, macromorphological, and micromorphological characteristics of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus in the middle Atlas region of Morocco.

The genus Pistacia, with its species having notable ecological, economic, and medicinal implications, demonstrates remarkable environmental adaptability. The central objective of the study is to analyze interspecific variations between Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica and Pistacia terebinthus across three distinct bioclimatic zones in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The methodology includes collecting dendrometric measurements and conducting macromorphological examinations on these two taxa, with a detailed analysis of 27 qualitative and quantitative variables. A micro-morphological analysis of leaves, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), is employed to explore specific features such as size and stomatal density, as well as qualitative aspects like epidermal cell shape and trichomes. Dendrometric measurements have revealed that the canopy surface and the number of trunks per tree can serve as distinctive features between the two species. Regarding the sex ratio of Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica, 59% of the examined trees are males, primarily associated with the jujube tree in arid zones and the dwarf palm in humid areas. In contrast, female Pistacia terebinthus exhibit a similar percentage, predominantly associated with oak groves and cade juniper in their distribution areas. Principal component analysis of biometric measurements emphasized a significant disparity between the two species, representing 60.25% of the total variance. The use of SEM unveiled new features facilitating the identification of the two species. By leveraging the macromorphological and micromorphological variability of pistachio trees, we can qualify those best suited to diverse bioclimates. In this regard, we suggest incorporating them into reforestation and rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring our declining ecosystems.

Magnification calibration of X-ray 3D microscopy using micro-line structures.

X-ray microscopy using computed tomography (CT) is an excellent three-dimensional imaging instrument. Three-dimensional X-ray microscopy (3DXRM) is a nondestructive imaging technique used to inspect internal and external structures in units of submicrometers or less. The 3DXRM, although attractive, is mostly used as an observation instrument and is limited as a measurement system in quantitative evaluation and quality control. Calibration is required for use in measurement systems such as coordinate measurement systems, and specific standard samples and evaluation procedures are needed. The certified values of the standard samples must ideally be traceable to the International System of Units (SI). In the 3DXRM measurement system, line structures (LSs) are fabricated as prototype standard samples to conduct magnification calibration. In this study, we evaluated the LS intervals using calibrated cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A comparison of the evaluation results between SEM and 3DXRM for the LS intervals provided the magnification calibration factor for 3DXRM and validated the LSs, whereby the interval methods and feasibility of constructing an SI traceability system were evaluated using the calibrated SEM. Consequently, a magnification calibration factor of 1.01 was obtained for 3DXRM based on the intervals of the LSs evaluated by SEM. A possible route for realizing SI-traceable magnification calibration of 3DXRM has been presented.

Surface sensitivity of atomic resolution secondary electron imaging.

The surface sensitivity of high-resolution secondary electron (SE) imaging is examined using twisted bilayers of MoS2 stacked at an angle of 30-degree. High-resolution SE images of the twisted bilayer MoS2 show a honeycomb structure composed of Mo and S atoms, elucidating the monolayer structure of MoS2. Simultaneously captured annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscope images from the same region show the projected structure of the two layers. That is, the SE images from the bilayer MoS2 selectively visualize the surface monolayer. It is noted that SE yields from the surface monolayer are approximately 3 times higher than those from the second monolayer, likely attributable to attenuation when SEs emitted from the second layer traverse the surface layer. Mini abstract: The surface sensitivity of atomic resolution secondary electron imaging is examined using MoS2 bilayers, the thinnest system composed of a surface layer and substrate. This study reveals that the secondary electrons visualize the atomic arrangement of the surface monolayer three times more intensely than that of the second layer.

Biomedical Composites of Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite for Bioplotting: Comprehensive Interpretation of the Reinforcement Course.

Robust materials in medical applications are sought after and researched, especially for 3D printing in bone tissue engineering. Poly[ε-caprolactone] (PCL) is a commonly used polymer for scaffolding and other medical uses. Its strength is a drawback compared to other polymers. Herein, PCL was mixed with hydroxyapatite (HAp). Composites were developed at various concentrations (0.0-8.0 wt. %, 2.0 step), aiming to enhance the strength of PCL with a biocompatible additive in bioplotting. Initially, pellets were derived from the shredding of filaments extruded after mixing PCL and HAp at predetermined quantities for each composite. Specimens were then manufactured by bioplotting 3D printing. The samples were tested for their thermal and rheological properties and were also mechanically, morphologically, and chemically examined. The mechanical properties included tensile and flexural investigations, while morphological and chemical examinations were carried out employing scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The structure of the manufactured specimens was analyzed using micro-computed tomography with regard to both their dimensional deviations and voids. PCL/HAp 6.0 wt. % was the composite that showed the most enhanced mechanical (14.6% strength improvement) and structural properties, proving the efficiency of HAp as a reinforcement filler in medical applications.

Auto-Combustion of Corn Straw: Production and Characterization of Corn Straw Ash (CSA) for Its Use in Portland Cement Mortars.

Agricultural waste availability implies the possibility of recovering energy as biomass. The collateral effect is the production of ashes that, in some cases, have the potential to be reused in the manufacture of cement, mortar, and concrete. This article presents the study of the auto-combustion (unlike all previous studies) of corn (maize) straw (stems and leaves). The auto-combustion temperature was monitored, and the obtained corn straw ash (CSA) was characterized by means of X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the behavior of ground CSA was analyzed in both the fresh state by measurement of workability on the spreading table and the hardened state by compressive strength measurement on mortars in which 10% of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with CSA. These values were compared to both a control mortar (OPC) and a mortar in which OPC was partially replaced with 10% limestone filler. Ashes showed adequate pozzolanic reactivity because, at 90 curing days, the compressive strength of the mortars with 10% replacement of OPC with CSA was practically equal (98% of the strength) to the control mortar without pozzolan replacement. The auto-combustion of biomass is a process that can be easily available, and the results on pozzolanic reactivity of CSA are satisfactory. The auto-combustion could be used by low-income communities to reduce Portland cement clinker use and to recover waste.

In Situ Investigation of Tensile Response for Inconel 718 Micro-Architected Materials Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting.

Topology optimization enables the design of advanced architected materials with tailored mechanical properties and optimal material distribution. This method can result in the production of parts with uniform mechanical properties, reducing anisotropy effects and addressing a critical challenge in metal additive manufacturing (AM). The current study aims to examine the micro-tensile response of Inconel 718 architected materials utilizing the Selective Laser Melting Technique. In this context, three novel architected materials, i.e., Octet, Schwarz Diamond (SD), and hybrid Schwarz Diamond and Face Centered Cubic (FCC), were tested in three different relative densities. The specimens were then subjected to uniaxial quasi-static tensile tests to determine their key mechanical properties, including elastic modulus, yield strength, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), as well as the scaling laws describing the tensile response of each architected material. In situ Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has been performed to observe the structure and grain morphology of the 3D printed specimens along with the phase transitions (elastic, plastic), the crack propagation, and the overall failure mechanisms. The results highlight the effect of the lattice type and the relative density on the mechanical properties of architected materials. Topologically optimized structures presented a 70-80% reduction in overall strength, while the SD and SD&FCC structures presented higher stretching dominated behavior, which was also verified by the n-value range (1-2) extracted from the identification of the scaling laws.

Comparative study of the stridulatory groove in species of Triatoma (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) from Mexico.

The stridulation in the subfamily Triatominae has been identified as a means of communication between species, produced by the friction of the proboscis on the prosternal stridulatory groove. Despite its biological significance, this phenomenon remains understudied, with the signal's production seemingly contingent upon the morphology of the stridulatory groove. In this study, we examined the morphology of stridulatory grooves in females and males of five species and two subspecies of Mexican triatomines using morphometric and scanning electron microscopical analysis. Our findings reveal that all analyzed species exhibit triangular-shaped stridulatory grooves with parallel ridges covering the entire groove, bordered on each side, and covered with setae. Surprisingly, we observed noticeable differences in the number of ridges and inter-ridge distance between the species Triatoma lecticularia and Triatoma rubida (p < 0.001 and p < 0.009, respectively), indicating sexual dimorphism in this aspect, a phenomenon not previously reported in the morphology of this structure. Our findings shed light on the intricate morphology of the stridulatory groove in Mexican triatomines, suggesting potential implications for their behavior and intra-specific communication.

Molecular and ultrastructural characterization of a novel cryptic species of the Mesomycetozoea clade isolated from Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, on the west coast of Korea.

In the present study, a cryptic species (IchX) was isolated from the hemolymph of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, collected from the west coast region of South Korea. Following comprehensive molecular analysis, a partial sequence resembling the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene was obtained, indicating that this species belonged to the class Mesomycetozoea, also known as Ichthyosporea. Detailed phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA sequences placed IchX in a distinct clade within the order Dermocystida, class Mesomycetozoea, and showed that IchX is closely related to Ichthyosporea sp. Microscopic examination of in vitro cultured IchX cells revealed life-cycle stages of different sizes, from the endospore to sporangium through vegetative stages. An ameboid-like structure was observed in the early endospore stages as the characteristic feature of zoospores. Ultrastructural analyses using scanning electron microscopy revealed that all endospores and vegetative cell stages are spherical. Transmission electron microscopy revealed characteristic features, including a spindle pole body and membrane-decorated hyaline vesicles, consistent with those previously described in Mesomycetozoea. In addition, a prominent fibrillar structure was observed. Notably, the cell wall of mature IchX sporangia was digested with 2 M NaOH, while that of the endospores was resistant. This is the first report of a novel Mesomycetozoean from the Manila clams. Further taxonomic study of this organism and elucidation of its pathological characteristics are necessary.

Early prediction of the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect of imipenem and doxycycline using tabletop scanning electron microscopy.

Introduction: Our work aims at establishing a proof-of-concept for a method that allows the early prediction of the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of antibiotics on bacteria using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as compared to traditional culture-based methods. Methods: We tested these effects using Imipenem (bactericidal) and Doxycycline (bacteriostatic) with several strains of sensitive and resistant Escherichia coli. We developed a SEM-based predictive score based on three main criteria: Bacterial Density, Morphology/Ultrastructure, and Viability. We determined the results for each of these criteria using SEM micrographs taken with the TM4000Plus II-Tabletop-SEM (Hitachi, Japan) following an optimized, rapid, and automated acquisition and analysis protocol. We compared our method with the traditional culture colony counting gold standard method and classic definitions of the two effects. Results: Our method revealed total agreement with the CFU method and classic definition by visualizing the effect of the antibiotic at 60 minutes and 120 minutes using SEM. Discussion: This early prediction allows a rapid and early identification of the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects as compared to culture that would take a minimum of 18 hours. This has several future applications in the development of SEM-automated assays coupled to machine learning models that identify the antibiotic effect and facilitate determination of bacterial susceptibility.

An anatomical atlas of Drosophila melanogaster-the wild-type.

Scanning electron microscopy is the method of choice to visualize the surface structures of animals, fungi, plants, or inorganic objects at the highest resolution and often with impressive appeal. Numerous scanning electron microscope (SEM) images exist of Drosophila melanogaster, one of the most important model organisms in genetics and developmental biology, which have been taken partly for esthetics and often to solve scientific questions. Our work presents a collection of images comprising many prominent anatomical details of D. melanogaster in excellent quality to create a research and teaching resource for all Drosophilists.

Microanatomy of incremental growth lines in dental tissues in reindeer Rangifer tarandus.

Counting growth layers in dentine and/or secondary cementum is widely used for age determination in wild mammals but the underlying seasonal changes in the structure and degree of mineralisation of dental tissue have not been well characterised. We embedded first (m1) and second (m2) mandibular permanent molar teeth from a 12-year-old female Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) in PolyMethylMethAcrylate (PMMA), prepared cut and polished surfaces coated with evaporated carbon and used 20 kV back-scattered electron imaging in a scanning electron microscope (BSE-SEM) to study aspects of dental tissue structure which depend on the degree of mineralisation at the micron and sub-micron scale. BSE-SEM revealed differences between the mineral content of growth layers (annulations) in the secondary cementum and the primary and secondary dentine, the latter, incidentally, still forming at death in m1. Wide bands of less well mineralised tissue formed in the cementum during active appositional phases. Thin, denser bands formed by maturation-mineralisation of existing tissue when growth slowed in winter. This maturation mimics the processes seen in lamellar bone and articular cartilage. Counter to previous suggestions, there was evidence of substantial resorption and repair of the secondary cementum and of formation of dentine throughout life. Secondary dentine is layered by mineral content like cementum. In the crown, this was mainly tubular dentine with well-marked interglobular dentine layers. In the lower pulp chamber and root, it was largely without tubules. Substantial non-mineralised spaces found at the cement-dentine junction in the root apical regions in m2 represent inclusions of the Hertwig's Epithelial Root Sheath (HERS) or the Epithelial Rests of Malassez (ERM) between the two tissues, a phenomenon which has previously only been identified in Muridae. The anatomical changes which result in the formation of the incremental lines (annulations) in dental tissues of reindeer, identified here for the first time at the micrometre level, are likely to be common across most if not all long-lived species of mammals living in seasonal environments.

Methodology Approach for Microplastics Isolation from Samples Containing Sucrose.

The growing production and use of plastics significantly contribute to microplastics (MPs) contamination in the environment. Humans are exposed to MPs primarily through the gastrointestinal route, as these particles are present in beverages and food, e.g., sugar. Effective isolation and identification of MPs from food is essential for their elimination. This study aimed to evaluate factors influencing the isolation of MPs from sucrose solutions to determine optimal conditions for the process. Polyethylene particles were used to test separation methods involving chemical digestion with acids and filtration through membrane filters made of nylon, mixed cellulose ester, and cellulose acetate with pore sizes of 0.8 and 10 µm. The effects of temperature and acid type and its concentration on plastic particles were examined using scanning electron microscopy and µ-Raman spectroscopy. The results indicate that increased temperature reduces solution viscosity and sucrose adherence to MPs' particles, while higher acid concentrations accelerate sucrose hydrolysis. The optimal conditions for MPs' isolation were found to be 5% HCl at 70 °C for 5 min, followed by filtration using an efficient membrane system. These conditions ensure a high recovery and fast filtration without altering MPs' surface properties, providing a reliable basis for further analysis of MPs in food.

A review on SEM imaging of graphene layers.

Atomic-thick graphene has stimulated great interests for exploring fundamental science and technological applications due to its promising electronic, mechanical and thermal properties. It is important to gain a deeper understanding of geometrical/structural characteristics of graphene and its properties/performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is indispensable for characterizing graphene layers. This review details SEM imaging of graphene layer, including the SEM image contrast mechanism of graphene layers, imaging parameter-dependent contrast of graphene layers and the influence of polycrystalline substrates on image contrast. Furthermore, a summary of SEM applications in imaging graphene layers is also provided, including layer-number determinations, study of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-growth mechanism, and reveal of anti-corrosive failure mechanism of graphene layers. This review will provide a systematic and comprehensive understanding on SEM imaging of graphene layers for graphene community.

Taxonomic Additions to the Neotropical Subgenus Camponotus (Myrmobrachys) Forel 1912 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with Emphasis on the dimorphus-Group.

We provide updated diagnoses for the senex-, burtoni- and dimorphus-groups of Camponotus (Myrmobrachys). Dichotomous keys for the C. (Myrmobrachys) groups and species of the dimorphus-group, based on type-specimens are provided. Two new species of the dimorphus-group are described, Camponotus cameloides sp. nov. and Camponotus hyalus sp. nov. We classified C. dolabratus and C. lancifer as members of the dimorphus-group and C. crassicornis, C. subcircularis, and C. championi as members of the senex-group. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to describe the branched pilosity of C. cameloides and this is the first description of it for adult workers of Camponotini tribe.

Occurrence and identification of lungworms in Iranian wild boars.

This study represents the first investigation into the occurrence and identification of Metastrongylus spp. in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Iran, utilizing both molecular and morphological methods. Thirteen wild boars from Kerman Province were examined, with 92.3% found to be infected with at least one species of Metastrongylus. Mixed infections were observed in 38.46% of the animals. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the presence of M. pudendotectus and M. salmi, with prevalence rates of 76.9% and 53.9%, respectively. Histopathological examination revealed transverse and longitudinal sections of Metastrongylus parasites within the airways, causing partial to complete obstruction, interstitial pneumonia, and inflammatory responses. The study also highlights the public health significance of these parasites. The higher prevalence observed compared to earlier studies suggests changes in environmental conditions, host dynamics, or agricultural practices as possible factors, warranting further investigation. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive surveillance and control measures to mitigate the risk of zoonotic transmission, particularly in regions with significant wild and domestic swine populations. This study contributes to the understanding of Metastrongylus spp. distribution and their pathological impact, emphasizing the ecological importance of wild boars and the necessity for continued monitoring and research to prevent and control infections in both animal and human populations.

Robust methodology for the EBSD local misorientation analysis of surface cold work.

The amount of cold work induced by a surface hardening technique and the depth to which it is produced within a metallic material are both important parameters within the field of surface engineering. In this paper a methodology of establishing reliable estimates of the depth and magnitude of cold work in surface hardened nickel-based superalloy single crystals from a dataset (map) of electron backscattered diffraction images through the analysis of local misorientations is described in detail. The impact of varying a number of acquisition parameters within the scanning electron microscope and the impact of the various post-acquisition analysis parameters on the outcome of the analysis are both described and discussed in detail. The Python script used to perform this analysis is published in full. The principles and processes underlying this methodology, as well as the published script, can be readily adapted for the analysis of datasets of electron backscattered diffraction images from other surface hardening techniques and other surface-hardened materials.