Invasive fungal infections including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) generally have a poor prognosis, because the fungi spread throughout various organs. Therefore, it is important to accurately identify the fungal species for treatment. In this article, we present the results of pathological and molecular morphological analyses that were performed to elucidate the cause of respiratory failure in a patient who died despite suspicion of IPA and treatment with micafungin (MCFG). Pathological analysis revealed the existence of cystic and linear fungi in lung tissue. The fungi were identified as Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) by partial sequencing of genomic DNA. Correlative light microscopy and electron microscopy (CLEM) analysis confirmed that fungi observed with light microscopy can also be observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections. SEM revealed an atypical ultrastructure of the fungi including inhomogeneous widths, rough surfaces, and numerous cyst-like structures of various sizes. The fungi showed several morphological changes of cultured A. fumigatus treated with MCFG that were previously reported. Our results indicate that integrated analysis of ultrastructural observation by SEM and DNA sequencing may be an effective tool for analyzing fungi that are difficult to identify by conventional pathological analysis.

In this article, the sol-gel method was used as a synthesis method, which shows the physicochemical nature of the synthesis of a new complex material, ferrite Li0.5MnFe1.5O4. The structure and composition of the synthesized ferrite were determined by X-ray phase analysis. According to analysis indicators, it was found that our compound is a single-phase, spinel-structured, and syngony-cubic type of compound. The microstructure of the compound and the quantitative composition of the elements contained within it were analyzed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Under a scanning electron microscope, microsystems were taken from different parts of Li0.5MnFe1.5O4-type crystallite; the elemental composition of crystals was analyzed; and the general type of surface layer of complex ferrite was shown. As a result, given the fact that the compound consists of a single phase, the clarity of its construction was determined by the topography and chemical composition of the compound. As a result, it was found that the newly synthesized complex ferrites correspond to the formula Li0.5MnFe1.5O4. The particles of the formed compounds have a large size (between 50.0 μm or 20.0 μm and 10.0 μm). Electrophysical measurements were carried out on an LCR-800 unit at intervals of 293-483 K and at frequencies of 1.5 and 10 kHz. An increase in frequency to 10 kHz led to a decrease in the value ε in the range of the studied temperature (293-483 K).

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare and assess the compression strength, microhardness, and surface texture of two sets of materials: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) PlusTM and bacterial cellulose nanocrystal (BCNC)-reinforced MTA PlusTM.
METHODS: According to the ASTM E384 standard, the cylindrical molds made of plexiglass with an internal diameter of 6 mm and a height of 4 mm were fabricated using computer numerical control laser cutting. A total of 20 samples (n=10) in each group were considered in this experimental study: Group I (control group) MTA PlusTM (Prevest DenPro Limited, India) and Group II (experimental group) BCNC (Vedayukt India Private Limited, India)-reinforced MTA PlusTM. After preparation, the molds were incubated at 37°C in a fully saturated condition for about 24 hours, and then the compression strength, microhardness, and scanning electron microscopy analyses were performed at different magnifications. The obtained data were then statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: Quantitative analysis revealed that there is a statistically significant difference between MTA PlusTM and BCNC-reinforced MTA PlusTM  (p<0.002). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U-test revealed that BCNC-reinforced MTA PlusTM  showed significantly higher compression strength (33.80±3.83 MPa, p=0.00) and surface microhardness (642.85±24.00 μm, p=0.00) than the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant difference between both study groups. Thus, incorporating BCNC into the MTA PlusTM  significantly increased the compression strength and surface microhardness of the MTA PlusTM cement.
CONCLUSIONS: Numerous dental applications have been investigated for bacterial cellulose. Many benefits of bacterial cellulose are available, which include its effects on moldability, low cost, high water retention capacity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Furthermore, the addition of BCNC to MTA PlusTM  accelerates the material\'s hardening process and decreases its setting time, which in turn shortens clinical chairside procedural timing and thereby improves patient satisfaction.

The community structure and ecological function of marine ecosystems are critically dependent on phytoplankton. However, our understanding of phytoplankton is limited due to the lack of detailed information on their morphology. To address this gap, we developed a framework that combines scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with photogrammetry to create realistic 3D (three-dimensional) models of phytoplankton. The workflow of this framework is demonstrated using two marine algal species, one dinoflagellate Prorocentrum micans and one diatom Halamphora sp. The resulting 3D models are made openly available and allow users to interact with phytoplankton and their complex structures virtually (digitally) and tangibly (3D printing). They also allow for surface area and biovolume calculations of phytoplankton, as well as the exploration of their light scattering properties, which are both important for ecosystem modeling. Additionally, by presenting these models to the public, it bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and education, promoting broader awareness on the importance of phytoplankton.

Cotesia gregalis Yang et Wei (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a gregarious koinobiont endoparasitic wasp attacking the larvae of fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, an important invasive insect pest in China. To better understand the parasitic wasps\' mating and parasitic behaviors, we examined the morphology of the antennae of adult C. gregalis, as well as the type, number, and distribution of antennal sensilla, via scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of female and male C. gregalis are filiform and comprise a scape, pedicel, and 16 flagellomeres. The female antennae are significantly shorter than those of male. A total of nine morphological types of antennal sensilla (mechanoreceptor and chemoreceptor) are presented in both sexes, including four mechanoreceptors (sensilla chaetica [two subtypes], sensilla trichodea and Böhm bristles); five chemoreceptors (sensilla basiconica [two subtypes], sensilla placodea, sensilla styloconica, and sensilla coelocapitula). There is no difference in the type and distribution of antennal sensilla between males and females, but the number and length of some antennal sensilla show sexual dimorphism. The functional morphology of the sensilla of C. gregalis is discussed by comparison with other parasitic wasps. These findings provide foundation for further research on the chemical communication and host localization mechanisms of C. gregalis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The first report of morphology and distribution pattern of the antennal sensilla in C. gregalis is discussed. A total of seven main types and nine antennal sensilla subtypes are observed in male and female C. gregalis. The type and distribution of antennal sensilla in males and females are identical; however, the number and length of certain antennal sensilla show sexual dimorphism.

UNASSIGNED: Different methods for removing dental carious lesions exist, including conventional rotary caries removal and new advanced technology like polymer-based burs, chemomechanical agents, air abrasion, and laser.
UNASSIGNED: This study shows the differences in features of dentin (smear layer, patency of dentinal tubules, surface irregularities, intertubular micro porosities, and exposed dentinal tubules) among different types of caries removal techniques.
UNASSIGNED: An in vitro study was done on 60 primary molars with occlusal class I active caries. Teeth were divided into three groups according to a method of caries removal (G1: chemomechanical, G2: mechanical with a smart bur, and G3: air-abrasion). After complete caries excavation, the teeth were examined under a scanning electronic microscope (SEM) with the power of magnification 4,000x and 8,000x to show the morphological dentinal features with SEM microphotographs. Data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS program where Fisher exact, Kruskal-Wallis and multiple Wilcoxon sum rank tests were used. The level of significance is when the p-value is less than 0.05.
UNASSIGNED: Generally, SEM showed the highest ratio of score 1 of smear layer presence, surface irregularities, and microporosity in all groups in both magnifications. The patency of tubules showed the highest ratio of score 1 in G1, scores 2 in both G2 and G3 in magnification 4,000x, while 8,000x there was the highest ratio of its score 1 in G1 and G2 while the G3 has score 2 as the highest score. The exposed dentinal tubules showed the highest ratio in G1 in score 3, in G2 in score 2, and in G3 in score 1 in magnification 4,000x, while 8,000x there was the highest ratio of its score 2 in both G1 and G3 while the G3 has highest score 1. The study with magnification 4,000x showed a significant difference (S) among three groups in exposed dentinal tubules with a p-value (0.012), and there was S between chemomechanical and smart, chemomechanical and air-abrasions groups with a p-value (0.041, 0.001 subsequentially). Other dentin features showed non-significant differences (NS) among or between groups in both magnifications (4,000x, 8,000x).
UNASSIGNED: All groups were effective in removing caries and can successfully treat young, scared or stressed patients. All methods of caries removal produce clinically parametric changes in the residual dentin.

Efficient separation of actinide elements from molten salts employed in pyroprocessing can significantly diminish the radiological hazards and oversight duration associated with spent nuclear fuel storage. The lanthanum content of waste salts is very high compared to actinides, leading to the co-electrodeposition of both groups of elements for conventional electrochemical techniques. Due to the difficulty in separating the two groups of elements, the feasibility of the density-based separation using liquid bismuth and intermetallics was explored. Hafnium was used as a stand-in for actinide elements with physical properties mirroring those of actinide-laden Bi-Hf intermetallics. Conversely, cerium was chosen to represent lanthanides. This study delved into the formation and spatial distribution of bismuth intermetallics under varying concentration ratios and cooling durations. Comprehensive characterization was achieved using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectrometry. The analysis showed that Bi-Ce particles were formed and distributed in the upper layer of the Bi ingot, and Bi-(Ce, Hf) particles containing both Ce and Hf in the lower layer. The findings underscore the viability of density-based separation while highlighting the intricacies related to intermetallic coprecipitation. Continued investigations are essential to fully harness the potential of density-based separation.

Lately, children\'s daily consumption of some products, such as cereals and candies, has been rising, which provides a compelling rationale for determining any metallic substances that may be present. Monitoring the concentration of certain metals, like nickel, in these products is necessary due to medical issues in humans when consumed regularly. So, in this work, a novel and highly selective carbon paste as a Ni(II) ion-selective sensor was prepared and investigated using ceramic magnesium aluminum spinel nanoparticles as the ionophore and tritolyl phosphate (TOCP) as a plasticizer. A modified co-precipitation method was used to synthesize the spinel nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope with EDAX, transmission electron microscope, and BET surface area were used to determine the phase composition, microstructure, pores size, particle size, and surface area of the synthesized nanoparticles. The spinel nanoparticle was found to have a nano crystallite size with a cubic crystal system, a particle size ranging from 17.2 to 51.52 nm, mesoporous nature (average pore size = 8.72 nm), and a large surface area (61.75 m2/g). The composition ratio of graphite carbon as a base: TOCP as binder: spinal as ionophore was 67.3:30.0:2.7 (wt%) based on potentiometric detections over concentrations from 5.0 × 10-8 to 1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 with LOD of 5.0 × 10-8 mol L-1. A measurement of 29.22 ± 0.12 mV decade-1 over pH 2.0-7.0 was made for the Nernstian slope. This sensor demonstrated good repeatability over nine weeks and a rapid response of 8 s. A good selectivity was shown for Ni(II) ions across many interferents, tri-, di-, and monovalent cations. The Ni(II) content in spiked real samples, including cocaine, sweets, coca, chocolate, carbonated drinks, cereals, and packages, were measured. The results obtained indicated no significant difference between the proposed potentiometric method and the officially reported ICP method according to the F- and t-test data. In addition to utilizing ANOVA statistical analysis, validation procedures have been implemented, and the results exceed the ICP-MS methodology.

This study investigates the distribution, morphology, and potential functions of antennal sensilla in various wasp species, including Dolichovespula flora, D. intermedia, Vespula structor, Vl. vulgaris, Provespa barthelemyi, Vespa bicolor, V. ducalis, V. mocsaryana, and V. velutina var. nigothorax. The study thoroughly analyzes the antennal structure of these species, representing all four genera of the yellow-jacket and hornet subfamily Vespinae. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the study identifies a total of nineteen types of sensilla, including sensilla trichodea (ST-I, ST-II, ST-III), sensilla campaniform (SCF-I, SCF-II, SCF-III), pit organs (SCO-I, SCO-II, and SA), sensilla placodea (SP-I, SP-II), sensilla chaetica (SCH-I, SCH-II), sensilla basiconica (SB-I, SB-II), sensilla agmon (SAG-I, SAG-II), and sensilla coelocapitular (SCA). Additionally, tyloids were observed in the males of seven species, except for Vl. structor and Vl. vulgaris. The study provides insights into these sensilla types\' morphology, abundance, and distribution. It discusses the variations in sensilla morphology among different species and the presence of gender-specific sensilla. This study provides new data about the morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla and tyloid.

Syzgium cumini (L.) Skeels powder (S. cumini powder), also known as Jamun, is well-known for its various medical and health benefits. It is especially recognized for its antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Thus, S. cumini powder is used in various industries, such as the food and cosmetic industries. In this work, the fruit of S. cumini was utilized; its seeds were extracted, dried, and ground into powder. The ground powders were subjected to various techniques such as physicochemical tests, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and antioxidant analysis. From the physicochemical tests, it was revealed that the jamun seed filler contained cellulose (43.28%), hemicellulose (19.88%), lignin (23.28%), pectin (12.58%), and wax (0.98%). The FTIR analysis supported these results. For instance, a peak at 2889 cm-1 was observed and associated with CH stretching, typically found in methyl and methylene groups, characteristic of cellulose and hemicellulose structures. The XRD results demonstrated that the crystallinity index of the jamun seed filler was 42.63%. The particle analysis indicated that the mean (average) particle size was 25.34 μm. This observation was ensured with SEM results. The EDX spectrum results showed the elemental composition of the fillers. Regarding thermal degradation, the jamun seed filler had the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 316.5 °C. Furthermore, endothermic and exothermic peaks were observed at 305 °C and 400 °C, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant property of the powder displayed a peak scavenging activity of 91.4%. This comprehensive study not only underscores the viability of S. cumini powder as a sustainable and effective particulate filler in polymer composites but also demonstrates its potential to enhance the mechanical properties of composites, thereby offering significant implications for the development of eco-friendly materials in various industrial applications.